For a while now, I’ve been hearing about an upcoming Caribbean restaurant, and it’s now officially open for lunch. Caña’s website says it’s the only authentic Cuban restaurant in the Bay Area, but it’s more nuevo latino, in my opinion. I mean, there are definitely some classics on the menu, but there are also unique dishes like Mixed Greens with Guanábana Vinaigrette (Soursop vinaigrette, roasted maduro, manchego, cacao black beans) and something called a Tostón Cup (Fried plantain filled with black bean chimichurri puree and queso cotija). The Pollo con Café sandwich (espresso, sea salt, Caña rub-grilled chicken breast with a semi-soft murcia goat cheese, piquillo pepper on pan cubano) was definitely more than the sum of it’s parts. Don’t forget to try some sweets, if you go. The Tortica was light and crisp, while the Chocolate-Ancho Chili Cookie was crunchy outside with an almost fudgy texture inside. My only complaint was a lack of Ancho heat.
530 Lake Park Ave, Oakland
510-832-1515
photo: Christina Mitchell
Ikaros Greek Restaurant also opened a few weeks ago. Traditional dishes are on the menu (spanakopita, dolma, mousaka, gyros, lamb chops, baklava, etc), but if you ask me, the Ikaros fries sound pretty amazing. Fresh potatoes pan fried in olive oil, topped with Greek feta and fresh oregano? Yes, please.
3268 Grand Ave, Oakland
510-899-4400
La Mission Mexican Grill has all the dishes you’d expect at any taquería, but all of the meat is hormone free and the tortas are served on Acme bread. This taquería comes from the same ownership as Talavera, which also happens to have won East Bay Express’ Best Moles in Forty Years award in 2010. Wish I had known that before I ordered tacos, which were pretty good, but not memorable.
1255 University Ave, Berkeley
510-845-5898
photo: Christina Mitchell
I’m convinced the owner of Cream is a genius. It’s a new ice cream sandwich shop that is almost always packed with college students. You choose the cookie and ice cream flavor, and can even make double and triple layer sandwiches. And it stays open late, which makes it the perfect study break. Genius, I tell you.
2399 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley
510-649-1000
photo: Dmitriy S., Yelp
Opening soon
I first read about Hawker Fare in a Craigslist ad: “It’s the name given to open-air complexes in Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore selling inexpensive food plates, rice bowls and snacks.” Turns out Michelin starred chef James Syhabout, of Commis is opening a second, more casual restaurant, according to Grub Street. It will open, hopefully, in about a month in the same space where his mom’s restaurant was located. Hawker Fare will specialize in rice bowls, all under $10.
2300 Webster, Oakland
510-832-8896
I knew Umami Burger was planning a San Francisco location, but according to Eater SF, the LA-based mini chain is also working on an undisclosed location in Oakland. The goal is to open both branches this summer. If you’ve been to Umami Burger, you’ll probably agree with me: this is good news.
photo: Christina Mitchell
Christina Mitchell
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