Pop-in to Oakland’s Pop-up Scene

By Otown Eater

                  I love learning new things about the city I love, especially when it comes to food.   I was pleasantly surprised when I met a friend for drinks last Tuesday to have stumbled into one of the up-and-coming Oakland “Pop-Up” restaurants.  That’s right, every Tuesday at Room 389, located in the Lake Merritt/Grand Ave. area, A Taste of Africa serves up authentic West African fare for just $12 a heaping plate!

The gentleman running the Cameroon food frenzy offers a catering business throughout the year, but serves his delicious food with enthusiasm and an ear-to-ear smile to the patrons of 389 bar every Tuesday evening.  A plate of food consists of your choice of meet (Chicken, Fish, or Pork), rice, black-eyed peas, greens, plantains, and an assortment of vegetables, all made with unique African spices.  In addition, you can opt to top your meal off with a dollop of special hot sauce (sensitive taste buds beware).  The food was flavorful, interesting, and beyond satiating!  And to top it all off, I simultaneously enjoyed a beer while I watched the A’s game.

Following the “Pop-Up” theme, I also recommend checking out Guest Chef.  Located on College Ave. in the Rockridge neighborhood, the unique concept allows local chefs to test out there skills in a fully equipped restaurant space, and we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!  Every few weeks, a new chef shows off his/her culinary expertise, offering new menus, a variety of styles, and various price ranges with each “changing of the guard.”  Follow the chef line up online at www.theguestchef.net, to find out who and what’s “popping up” next.

I urge you to go out and support the local “Pop-Up” restaurant business and enjoy some fabulous fare while you’re at it!

Summary:

1)     A Taste of Africa (Tuesdays in Room 389)
389 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610

       Hours: Food Served Tuesdays from 6-10
       Average Entrée Price: One plate of food = $12
       Expected Wait: 0-15, the line can get long depending on the crowd.

2)     Guest Chef
5337 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-9:00; Friday-Sunday 5:30-10:00

Average Entrée Price: Price depends on the Guest Chef; check out the website for current menu.
Expected Wait: Wait depends on the popularity of the Guest Chef.  Call ahead and make reservations, or pop in one day when you are walking by!