Chefs Fred and Liz Sassen opened Homestead a couple weeks ago and I was invited to check it out. First of all, the space is so beautiful, it took me awhile to take it all in and read the menu. There were flowers, cookbooks, and a gorgeous open kitchen. It almost felt like we were in the couple’s home instead of their restaurant. My friend joined me for dinner and he started with the simple and perfect Shaved Summer Squash Salad ($10). The raw zucchini was lightly dressed with lemon juice and adorned with basil, mint and goat cheese. He doesn’t really like zucchini but not only did he post a picture of that dish, right now it’s the cover of his Facebook page! I ordered the Housemade Ricotta, with Peaches, Spicy coppa and Grilled Bread ($12). It was a thoughtful dish with complementing flavors and each bite was new and exciting.
For the second course, he ordered the Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Corn, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Wild Nettles ($12). It was earthy, with added freshness from the corn. I chose the Grilled Shrimp, with Spicy Summer beans and Garlicky Cucumbers ($14). Confused, I had to ask about the Asian flavors I was tasting because they weren’t mentioned on the menu. It turns out a tasty black bean sauce was drizzled on the shrimp. I guess in California Cuisine, anything goes. Most of the main dishes on the menu seemed heavy (and I was in the mood for something light) so I ordered the Ratatouille with Poached Farm Egg, Chiles, Yogurt and Chickpea Fritter ($18). If you don’t eat meat, this dish would probably be really good but next to the Spiced Slow Roasted Pork with Creamed Corn and Cherry Tomatoes ($20), it didn’t hold up. Honestly, I was jealous and kept reaching over for more tender pork and sweet corn balanced by the fresh tomatoes. I should mention that throughout the meal, our friendly server recommended wines to pair with each dish. When it was time for dessert, we couldn’t decide so we ended up ordering all three: the fluffy Doughnuts with Strawberry Preserves and Hazelnut-Chocolate Sauce ($7), the fresh Plum Upside Down Corn Cake, with Creme Fraiche ($8), and my favorite, the intense Hot Fudge Brownie with Vanilla Semifreddo and Cashew Brittle ($8). It was so delicious, I asked for the recipe, but beware…that brownie is only for chocolate lovers. Homestead would be a good place for an anniversary dinner or just a Tuesday night with friends. And since the menu changes frequently, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
4029 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Tues – Sat, 5 – 10pm
Christina Mitchell
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Thanks for introducing the great new restaurant. I had the good fortune of dining there opening night, and it was delicious!
They are definitely a welcome addition to the neighborhood 🙂