Bay Leaf, Sparky’s, The Sacred Wheel, Little Mac, Star Chefs, Best Burrito

Just opened
Ox tails, photo by Paul L., Yelp

Ox tails, photo by Paul L., Yelp

The Bay Leaf Restaurant, specializing in Southern food, recently opened.  I couldn’t find a website, but from the sounds of things on Chowhound and Yelp, they’re serving dishes like ox tails,  fried chicken, catfish, shrimp po’ boy, okra and mac & cheese.

2000 Mac Arthur Boulevard, Oakland
510-336-2295

Opening soon

There was a great feature article in Diablo Magazine on the Oakland restaurant scene.  Along with some established restaurants, new places were also profiled. Sparky’s Giant Burgers, based in the Oakland Hills, is planning to open another location on Piedmont Avenue in June.  Chef Jena Davidson (formerly of Michael Mina) has summer plans to open The Sacred Wheel, a wine and cheese store in the Temescal.
4151 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
4120 Redwood Road, Oakland

East Bay blogger Allison Arevalo, her husband and partners, have found a location for their upcoming restaurant Little Mac – a mac & cheese restaurant. Instead of dealing with a crazy landlord, they decided to buy commercial space.  Originally planning to launch this summer, they are now aiming for the fall. 400 40th Street, Oakland


Closed

photo: Daily Cal

photo: Daily Cal

According to the Daily Cal, Sufficient Grounds was scheduled to close its doors on April 20.  Even though it earned the title of “Best Sandwich,” high rent and a drop in business was the beginning of the end.  Owner Anthony Tasoulinh, hopes to reopen in Berkeley or Southern California, but he plans to own the commercial space next time.

2431 Durant Ave, Suite A, Berkeley
In other news…

Starchefs.com recently honored rising stars in the Bay Area and three are from the East Bay: Josh Thomsen, Executive Chef at Meritage at the Claremont; Maximilian DiMare, Executive Chef at Wood Tavern and Sarah Valor, Sommelier at Commis.  Congratuations!

photo: Sunset Magazine

photo: Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine just published a round up of California’s must-eat burritos, and included one East Bay restaurant on the list.  Congratulations to La Calle Asadero, the “prettiest burrito place” writer Jan Newberry had ever been.  Her order: Burrito de La Calle, with refried beans.

1000 Broadway, Oakland
510-251-1290
Christina Mitchell

Christina Mitchell

Christina is the founder of East Bay Dish. Her writing has also been featured in East Bay Express, Berkeleyside, Oakland Magazine and Edible East Bay.
Christina Mitchell

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