new city, new restaurants

You can't travel around the safer parts of Oakland without noticing the high concentration of skinny jeans, scruffy beards, fixed gear bicycles and in general, a deliberate intention to appear homeless. It's hard to get away from all of that - they are everywhere! Their story is not so different from ours - San Franciscans finding a like-culture across the bridge at a much friendlier cost of living. Well, that's the narrative that I've established in my head. 

Thinking of a positive to this realization...oh yes. There is at least one.  

I speak specifically of well-regarded eateries that are both already established and are springing up in the area. Restauranteurs are answering the call to offer delicious eats on the cheap. Two specifically that we have enjoyed include Hawker Fare (closer to Downtown/Lake Merrit) and Brown's Sugar Kitchen (right in the heart of West Oakland). Both of these restaurants have received national attention and accolade, so I don't plan to add anything new to the conversation. However, I'd just like to say a few words from the perspective of proud new residents.

Hawker Fare

We've already been here a handful of times - simple, but well-executed Asian rice plates. I think I can eat a rice bowl with protein and greens/pickled vegetables for any meal of the day, and these guys do it exceedingly well. It's a perfect go-to place to take guests; a location where you don't have to fret that the bill may be uncomfortably  high for guests. The hipster vibe is readily present here; I've mentioned to Emmelle that the place feels a little bit like Brooklyn. San Francisco East or Brooklyn West, oh fickle West Oakland.

Brown's Sugar Kitchen

I have no idea how long this place has been in West Oakland, but it brings east bayers out in droves during weekend breakfast and brunch hours. We've never driven by when there wasn't a glut of eager patrons littered around the main entrance. Yes, the food is delicious but I just want to comment quickly on the audacity of the owners to build their establishment surrounded by warehouses and abandoned industry. This is the kind of establishment that will help our community thrive. It's clear to see that it's a treasure in this area, and we'll be taking weekend guests for years to come. Dining for two will always be preferred, as you can patiently wait for seating at the counter, watching the cooks churn out tasty plates.

By the way, I've never had fried chicken and waffles that I really considered memorable. After brunching at Brown's over the weekend, I'm recanting that long-held belief.

Thanks for stopping by!

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