Remember when I told you about my solo dinner at Cosecha Cafe? I went back to Swan’s Market with some friends and we had a really nice group dinner. While I’ve been several times alone, this was my first visit in a group and it was a really great experience. Here’s how you can do your own version:
Go with 3-5 people
You should go with a group that’s big enough so everyone can try different dishes, but not to big that it gets confusing.
photo: East Bay Dish
Start with cocktails
We started at Periscope Cellars with cocktails. I ordered the super-refreshing Golden Spike (Bright citrus layered with house-made Ginger-Mint Syrup and a sizeable kick of booze, $9), which was basically hard lemonade Oakland-style. You can also get cocktails at Cosecha.
Discuss what you don’t eat
I eat almost everything, but some people don’t so it’s helpful to have a quick conversation before ordering. For example, a couple folks in the group didn’t eat pork so I made sure not to order anything with bacon. But I wasn’t mad when this Fig & Pig Pizza appeared at the table.
photo: Christina Mitchell
Split up and buy whatever looks good
After that conversation, everyone went to a different vendor: Hen House, B-Dama and I went to The Cook and Her Farmer.
It was my first visit, so I asked the cashier for a recommendation and he immediately suggested the Oyster Po’ Boy.
photo: Christina Mitchell
Don’t forget the knives
The pizza from Hen House was already sliced, but we had to go back and get knives to divide the sandwich.
Two people forgot to mention that they didn’t eat oysters, so I wasn’t sure what they would think about the Oyster Po’ Boy. Luckily, they both liked the crispy oysters with the crunchy slaw and pickles. It’s pretty much a fact that Everything Is Good Fried.
Have you ever been to Swan’s Market? Do you have any tips to add?
Christina Mitchell
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