Brown Sugar Kitchen chef-owner Tonya Holland recently opened B-Side BBQ, her second restaurant. Since they specialize in different types of BBQ, there’s a choice of sauce: hot vinegar, Carolina mustard or traditional sauce. I went with the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8) with the traditional sauce, which turned out to be a winner. The roll was literally overflowing with tender, juicy meat and the sauce was tangy, with just a hint of sweetness. With a side of pickled vegetables, it was enough for 2 meals.
3303 San Pablo Ave, Oakland
510-595-0227
photo: Christina Mitchell
I was excited when Oaktown Spice Shop opened in my neighborhood last month. This is the place to go for an extensive selection of fresh spices and spice mixes. And, if you’re feeling ambitious like I was, and bring in a recipe, the helpful owners will even assist you with getting everything you need to make your own spice mix. Hours are Tues – Fri, 12 – 7pm, Sat, 10am – 5pm, Sun, 12 – 4pm.
530 Grand Ave, Oakland
510-201-5400
photo: Christina Mitchell
A couple months ago, I had a friendly debate about the future of a storefront under construction. Coffee shop or furniture store? Turns out it was both. Monkey Forest Road is a gallery and furniture store (featuring items from Bali), with a coffee bar inside. They serve Verve Coffee and there’s a pastry chef on staff. I tasted the Date Bacon Scone with Grey Sea Salt, which was incredibly smoky with a tender crumb. But, it was the Flourless Chocolate Cake that stole my heart. Rich, delicate, bittersweet; this one is only for chocolate lovers.
3265 Grand Ave, Oakland
510-327-2400
photo: Christina Mitchell
Christina Mitchell
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