Sister Bread with savory butter
Marinated Olives
Shaved Artichoke and Fennel Salad made with fioro sardo, ember chili oil, and green olive tapenade
Asparagus pizza made with ricotta, pecorino, preserved lemon, caramelized shallot, pink pepper, and marash chili
Shishito Pepper pizza made with feta, lime, fermented chili, crème fraîche, and mint
I had been wanting to visit Sister, a hip pizza restaurant on Grand between Lake Park and Mandana in Grand Lake, back when they were under different ownership and still known as Boot & Shoe Service. Fortunately, my time had come in early June when I stopped by for dinner with friends.
We ordered a few drinks — I have forgotten the names, but do remember we enjoyed them — and appetizers to start: the Sister Bread with savory butter, Marinated Olives, and Shaved Artichoke and Fennel Salad made with fioro sardo, ember chili oil, and green olive tapenade. We then split two pizzas: the more "traditional" Asparagus pizza made with ricotta, pecorino, preserved lemon, caramelized shallot, pink pepper, and marash chili and the more "wild" Shishito Pepper pizza made with feta, lime, fermented chili, crème fraîche, and mint. Although it's been a few months since my visit, I remember thinking everything tasted even better than expected. Beyond being photogenic, their food has that deceitful simplicity that obscures the fact that everything is filled with flavor and expertly prepared. They're using fresh, seasonal ingredients and executing their dishes impeccably.
I knew Sister would serve delicious food, but I didn't think I would be so impressed by the service and how easy it was to get a table — I most likely made a reservation, which has become my go-to for popular restaurants. I imagined that since they're serving at such a high-quality and are a rather hip establishment we wouldn't be treated well. I'm glad I was wrong and I definitely want to return, perhaps for breakfast or lunch during cafe hours. I also heard they have a lovely patio out back as well as a good-sized parklet along the sidewalk, both of which would be great for happy hour.
Sister
3308 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610
Cafe: Tuesday - Friday 8am - 2pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday 5pm - 9pm
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