Haven opened over three years ago, but went through a “re-concept” in January. They closed for a short time to update the interior and Chef Charlie Parker changed up the menu. I was invited to check out Haven 2.0 and brought my friend Ben of Focus, Snap, Eat along.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The dining room was smaller and more intimate and it was cool to eat under the laurel canopy and votives. The fresh flowers from Oakland Flower Mart were a nice touch too.
The bar served an a la carte menu, which includes a burger and pasta, while the dining room served a 3-course family-style menu ($45). By the way, they serve 4 courses on Fri and Sat for $60. We went during the week, so we had three courses of casual, but elegant food. I was really hungry that night, so I was more than ready to begin the meal.
photo: Christina Mitchell
We shared the first course, which was called “Breaking Bread.” It was beautifully plated and there were three types of bread, served with pickles, hummus, pate, everything made in-house. Every bite was different, but my favorite was the smooth Chicken Liver Mousse with Green Strawberry.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The Squid was served in this pretty bowl with kind of a red pepper tapenade, and it was so tender and flavorful. There were also crispy Brussels Sprouts, but I was so hungry I didn’t get a good picture.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The rest of the dinner was served individually and we could choose an entree. Ben decided on the Leg of Lamb (with pea pesto, spring onion and preserved lemon)…
photo: Christina Mitchell
…so I went with Roscoe’s Asparagus (with slow grits, shiitake mushroom and creme fraiche). It was tasty, but I was kept eyeing his perfectly-cooked meat.
The sides were supposed to come out with the entrees, but there was a mix-up, so we ended up eating them afterwards.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The Arugula Salad (aged jack, cucumber and pickled red onion) was fresher than fresh, with flavorful vinaigrette, but slightly overdressed.
Ben loves beets and the next dish did not disappoint. There were lots of textures in the Grilled Beets (snap peas and shoots and almond), which made every bite interesting.
photo: Christina Mitchell
For dessert, we had Chevre Panna Cotta (strawberry jam, lavender shortbread and rhubarb sorbet). The flavors were interesting and balanced and the custard was loose for a panna cotta, but I didn’t mind. I just could have called it something else.
It was a satisfying meal and we were served a lot of food for the price, so it really seemed like a good value.
44 Webster St, Oakland
510-663-4440
Christina Mitchell
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I would go back just for the breaking bread platter. What a great way to start a meal. Thanks again for letting me tag along! 🙂
I agree. The Breaking Bread course was pretty awesome. Thanks for joining me!