Eat in Oakland: Almond and Oak

Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam

Fried Chicken Sandwich served with mixed greens

I visited Almond and Oak — a popular brunch spot serving New American food on Grand near Elwood in Grand Lake — with a good friend at the end of March 2024. Although this was my first time here, I had previously visited the restaurant it was before, Penrose, years ago.

I ordered a fried chicken sandwich, while my friend had the Benedict. Although it's been a while, I remember being pleasantly surprised with the meal, as was my friend. The chicken was juicy and perfectly fried. We split a Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam, which was as buttery as desired. 

If I'm looking for brunch in the area, I would be sure to check out Almond and Oak, opting for a new dish like the Shrimp & Grits or the Quiche. Some of the salads on the dinner menu are also appealing.

Almond and Oak 

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3311 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Tuesday - Friday 5 - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm & 5 - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm

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Eat in Oakland: The Dough Joe at Tamarack

Tiramisu Donut

Calamansi Glazed Donut

Castelvetrano Olive Focaccia

In March of last year, I stopped by The Dough Joe pop-up at Tamarack — a cafe, library, and event space on Harrison and 15th in Oakland — with a couple of friends. This pop-up was created to support the local dojo, Suigetsukan, and served a variety of sweet and savory treats.

We tried a few things: the Tiramisu Donut (I believe it was this, but it's hard to confirm), Calamansi Glazed Donut, and Castelvetrano Olive Focaccia. Although I don't remember the specifics, I do remember liking the dynamic flavors and variety of goods offered. If I were still living in the area, I would have attended the pop-up that followed a couple of months later.

Although it's unclear if there will be more pop-ups in the future, I'm glad I got to experience such inventive flavors and support a local business when I had the chance. I would recommend following Tamarack on Instagram or peeping their event calendar to see what's coming up.

The Dough Joe

Instagram

Open: see Instagram for details

Tamarack 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1501 Harrison St., Oakland CA 94612

Open: Sunday 1 - 4pm, Tuesday 10am - 3pm

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Eat in Oakland: Dumpling Hours

Juicy Pan-fried Pork Buns


Pork Xiao Long Bao


Dan Dan Sesame Paste & Pork Dry Noodles

It's been a while since I wrote a restaurant review. (January 2024 to be exact.) Continuing where I left off, in mid-January of that year, I visited Dumpling Hours, an all-day dim sum restaurant located on Lakeshore and Trestle Glen in Oakland, with my dining companion.

We tried three dishes: the Juicy Pan-fried Pork Buns, Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Dan Dan Sesame Paste & Pork Dry Noodles. I remember enjoying the food, learning how to eat soup dumplings (this was my first time!), and being amazed at how busy, yet efficient the restaurant was. Next time, I'd try the Green Onion Pancakes, Ginger & Scallion Noodles, or Shrimp & Pork Siu Mai. 

If you're looking for dim sum and it's not exactly dim sum o'clock (a weekend morning), Dumpling Hours might be worth checking out. 

Dumpling Hours

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

3331 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 8:30pm

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Eat in Oakland: Huangcheng Noodle House

Seasoned Beef Shank


Left: Chongqing Street Noodle soup

Right: Cucumber with hot oil sauce


Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic


Chongqing Street Noodle soup

Vegetarian Fried Noodle

Last week, I stopped by Huangcheng Noodle House — a Chinese restaurant known for "knife-shaved" noodles in Swan's Market on Washington and 9th in Old Oakland — for the first time with friends. I previously visited their old location just across Broadway in Oakland Chinatown years ago, so I was excited to see what their new spot had in store.

We shared a few appetizers and entrees. Our meal started with the Seasoned Beef Shank, featuring flavorful, bite-sized pieces of meat and steamed baby bok choy. We then had the Cucumber with hot oil sauce, a wildcard option for me that turned out to be a must-try. The cucumber was cooling and complemented by the spicy sauce nicely. I was glad there was so much of it to share. As is required on any visit to a restaurant in Oakland Chinatown, we then had the Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, which were perfectly cooked. 

As for entrees, we tried one they're known for: the Chongqing Street Noodle soup, made with ground pork, their famous delicate noodles, baby bok choy, and peanuts in a flavorful broth. It's clear why this is so popular: all the flavors came together perfectly. We also tried the Vegetarian Fried Noodle, with various vegetables like carrots, onions, bok choy, and green onions accompanying the noodles.

I would definitely stop by Huangcheng Noodle House again and order pretty much the same things. (Maybe I'll try their noodles in a different noodle soup.)

Huangcheng Noodle House 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

911 Washington St., Oakland, CA 94607

Open: Wednesday - Monday 10am - 9pm 

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Eat in Oakland: Poppy Bagels

Green Garden bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese, cucumber, green olives, microcelery, scallion, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper


Seasonal Veg bagel sandwich made with plain cream cheese, avocado, purple radish, micro cilantro, Kuali salsa macha, lemon, and salt flakes

Spicy & Sweet bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese and local honey

I visited Poppy Bagels, a bagel shop found on Telegraph and 51st in Temescal, for the first time with an old friend about a week ago. After making deliveries and working at farmers' markets for two years, Poppy's first brick & mortar store opened last February in the spot previously occupied by Doña Tomás. 

When we stopped by, I tried the Green Garden bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese, cucumber, green olives, microcelery, scallion, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It was divine. The bagel was chewy (read: not too dense) and the flavor combinations were impeccable. I also tried half of my friend's Spicy & Sweet bagel sandwich, which had jalapeño serrano cream cheese and local honey — quite a treat. 

Poppy Bagels has a sizable interior and access to the lovely back patio shared by adjoining businesses. I would definitely make my way back for a bagel brunch that I know will feature delicious food at good prices and friendly service.

Poppy Bagels 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

5004 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609

Open: Wednesday - Sunday 7:30am - 1:30pm 

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Work It, Oakland: Quyen Luong

Quyen's jacket is from Sundae School. You can follow Quyen on Instagram.

Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.

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Work It, Oakland: Demir

Demir's jacket was sewn by his friend Amelia. You can follow Demir on Instagram.

Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.

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Work It, Oakland: Misty Powell

You can follow Misty on Instagram.

Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.

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Eat in Oakland: Doña

Enchiladas made with shredded chicken, cheese, corn tortillas, and mole rojo

Calabaza y kale taco (left) made with roasted butternut squash, ancho chile oil, kale salad, pepitas, and crema. Pescado taco made with chipotle aioli, cabbage, and pickled fresno chiles

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed Doña — a casual Mexican restaurant located on Piedmont and W. MacArthur, right next to Pomella — yet. Doña opened in 2019, after owner Dona Savitsky closed her original restaurant Doña Tomás in Temescal earlier that year. (She also is behind Tacubaya on Fourth Street in West Berkeley. Basically, she knows how to open a restaurant serving delicious Mexican food.) I've been to Doña almost a dozen times since they opened, most recently in late November.

I usually order the fish and veggie tacos. The Pescado (fish) taco is made with chipotle aioli, cabbage, and pickled fresno chiles, while the Calabaza y kale (veggie) taco is made with roasted butternut squash, ancho chile oil, kale salad, pepitas, and crema. (Here's a better photo of the latter.) They use fresh ingredients and pair flavors in dynamic ways. I'm usually not one for chicken, pork, or beef tacos — that's where burritos come into play for me — but I'm impressed when fish or veggie tacos are done well. My dining companion really enjoyed his Enchiladas made with shredded chicken, cheese, corn tortillas, and mole rojo.

Beyond the consistently well-made food, I'm always impressed by the wonderful service and atmosphere. This space is huge with seating on two floors, inside and outside, making it perfect for both small and large groups year-round. Next time I stop by I will most likely order the fish and veggie tacos.

Doña 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

3770 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611

Open: Daily 11am - 9pm 

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Eat in Oakland: Panadería Matilija at Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Pan de Muerto


Olive Oil Cake made with verbena custard, lemon curd, figs, and berries


Flan de Muerto made with marigold and vanilla

In early November, my dining companion and I stopped by the Panadería Matilija pop-up at Xochi the Dog, Cafe, a cafe on E. 21st Street and 11th Avenue in East Oakland. A self-described "vagabond bakery by the bay," Panadería Matilija serves beautiful Mexican pastries, cakes, and other baked goods at pop-ups throughout the East Bay as well as takes cake commissions for weddings and other occasions. This was the first time I was able to visit the pop-up and, given the caliber of pop-ups that the cafe has hosted in the past, I knew this would be a treat.

We ordered three items when we stopped by for breakfast: the Pan de Muerto, the Olive Oil Cake, and the Flan de Muerto. The Pan de Muerto was decorated with a criss-cross pattern reminiscent of bones (we visited the same week as Halloween) and a healthy dusting of sugar. It was the freshest, lightest pan dulce I've had and was complemented by the latte I dipped it in well. The Olive Oil Cake was also delicious; made with verbena custard, lemon curd, figs, and berries, it had a brightness from the lemon and freshness from the fruit on top. While olive oil cakes can be too mellow in flavor, that was not an issue with this one. The Flan de Muerto was made with marigold petals and vanilla. Like the pan and cake, this was probably the best flan I've ever had — it was photogenic, decadent, and seeped in flavor.

I will be on the lookout for the next Panadería Matilija pop-up at Xochi the Dog, Cafe. I hope I can try the Peach Tres Leches cake during stone fruit season.

Panadería Matilija

Website | Instagram

Pop-ups: see Instagram for details

Xochi the Dog, Cafe

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1038 E. 21st St., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 1pm

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Eat in Oakland: Edith's Pie (Pt. 2)

Caramel Dutch Apple pie

Crème Brûlée pie

Grandma's Brisket hand pie

Although I previously reviewed Edith's Pie — a pie shop located on 22nd and Broadway in Uptown Oakland — in July, it is quite worth reviewing them again so soon. My dining companion and I stopped by on a Friday afternoon in mid-October for a couple slices as well as a hand pie.

Seeking a balance of the fruity and the custardy, we ordered a slice of the Caramel Dutch Apple and the Crème Brûlée pies. Like everything else we've had there, they were both delicious. The apple pie had layers of apple slices covered in crumbles on top and the flakiest crust. The Crème Brûlée pie had a silky texture and was a creative take on an already well-loved dessert. We also tried a hand pie for the first time: Grandma's Brisket served with a side of chimichurri in a beautiful glass ramekin. Although I don't remember the specifics, I know we enjoyed this too and would definitely try all three again.

Next time we stop by, I hope to see what winter pies they have on deck.

Edith's Pie

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

412 22nd St., Oakland, CA 94612

Open: Wednesday - Thursday 7:30am - 6pm, Friday - Saturday 7:30am - 10pm

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Eat in Oakland: Cellarmaker Oakland

Polenta cheese fries with house red sauce

Hot Pickled Okra

Classic Pepperoni Detroit style pizza made with a cheese blend, pepperoni, tomato, and oregano

Divorciado Detroit style pizza made with half red top and half pesto

Fall Bounty bar style pizza made with leeks, lemon chili ricotta, Castelvetrano olives, squash blossom, and house marinated fresh mozzarella

I tried Cellarmaker Oakland, a brewery serving delicious pizza on Webster and 3rd near Jack London Square, for the first time with friends in early October. My dining companion was eager to try this place, which is located in the old Blue Bottle Coffee spot, after hearing about it for a while. 

We tried a few appetizers: the Polenta Fries and the Hot Pickled Okra, both of which were very good. The Polenta Fries were made with cheese, served with a house red sauce, and perfect for dipping, while the okra had a bit of bite I like. Since they're known for their Detroit style pizzas, we ordered two of those: the Classic Pepperoni and Divorciado. The first was made with a cheese blend, pepperoni, tomato, and oregano, while the latter was half pesto and half red sauce. Both were excellent — filled with flavor, made with fresh ingredients, and featuring the perfectly crispy cheese crusts I seek in a Detroit style pizza. We also enjoyed the Fall Bounty, a bar style pizza made with leeks, lemon chili ricotta, Castelvetrano olives, squash blossom, and house marinated fresh mozzarella. It was made with seasonal ingredients that showed off their brilliant flavor pairing skills. We all had our own drinks — I believe mine was a cider — as well as a slice of chocolate cake made with a stout for dessert.

I would definitely return to Cellarmaker Oakland when I'm looking for an incredible meal and excellent service. I will probably order a Detroit style pizza and the seasonal bar style pizza too.

Cellarmaker Oakland

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300 Webster St., Oakland, CA 94607

Open: Monday - Thursday 5 - 9pm, Friday - Sunday 12 - 9pm

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Eat in Oakland: Bake Sum

Jasmine Milk Bun


Pineapple Milk Bun


Left: Pandan Milk Bun

Right: Yuzu Meringue Bun

Left: Strawberry-Kinako Bun

Right: A cross-section of the Halo Halo Bun

Lilikoi and Jasmine Tea Mochi Bites


Black Sesame Snickerdoodle


Aloo Matar Danish


Spiced Apple Danish


A cross-section of the Croissubi


Left: Croissubi

Right: Ginger Pull-Apart


Garlic Adobo Pull-Apart


Loco Moco Danish


Ari’s Sari Sari's fresh shaved Halo Halo

I've visited Bake Sum, an Asian American bakery on Grand between Santa Clara and Elwood in Grand Lake, at least a dozen times since November of last year. They're known for serving a variety of baked goods and pastries that "fuse French techniques with nostalgic Asian flavors," as succinctly put by Janelle Bitker of the San Francisco Chronicle. A big fan of theirs, I've integrated a Bake Sum visit into my Saturday farmers' market and grocery store stroll, so I can either have a treat on the way or to share with my dining companion later. 

Bake Sum's menu generally features the same types of treats — milk buns, morning buns, croissants, mochi bites, cookies, danishes, and pull-aparts — in flavors rotating monthly. They adapt based on the season, ingredient availability, and holidays, and even have had a pop-up or two. (For Filipino-American History Month this month, Ari’s Sari Sari pop-up featured a Halo Halo shaved ice and ice cream dessert outside the bakery.)

I believe I've liked almost everything I've tried at Bake Sum. I love how the milk buns (which I've had in Jasmine, Pineapple, and Pandan) are not only perfectly soft, they have the right amount of delicious cream filling. The morning buns are often the star of the show: they sit tall and pretty with a colorful, sugary outside, meringue hat on top, and a creamy filling inside. I've tried the Yuzu Meringue, Strawberry-Kinako, and Halo Halo Buns so far and I missed the Strawberry Matcha Bun, an especially photogenic one I will be on the look-out for in the future. I particularly remember the Halo Halo Bun being completely new and fascinating to me; the Filipino-inspired treat was a mix "...of ube, jackfruit, macapuno, mongo bean, and nata de coco to bring you this sweet, flaky pastry, topped with torched meringue and leche flan." The chewy mongo (mung) bean filling reminded me of the Chè Ba Màu I used to get at Vietnamese spots in college.

The mochi bites and cookies are perfect on-the-go treats. I love desserts made with mochi flour, so I'm already on board based on the texture. The mochi bites are sold in a variety of flavors, like Thai or Jasmine Tea, that are sometimes subtle, but oftentimes not. (I usually prefer the flavor to be the star in a dessert, as opposed to so subtle I don't even know it's there.) I've had a few of the cookies as well; the Black Sesame Snickerdoodle in particular is a favorite. It's mostly chewy, but also crunchy, and features the black sesame taste I love prominently. 

The Danishes, Croissants, and Pull-Aparts on the bottom half of the menu are where their imaginations run wild, as seen with a few of the flavors I've had: Aloo Matar Danish, Spiced Apple Danish, Croissubi, Ginger Pull-Apart, Garlic Adobo Pull-Apart, and Loco Moco Danish. The Aloo Matar Danish, borrowed from Indian cuisine, featured "aromatic tomato sauce, spiced green pea mornay, roasted potatoes, yogurt and a mint & cilantro chutney." What's not to love in a curried dessert? Similarly, I loved how they brought distinct Hawaiian flavors into the Croissubi, the cross between a croissant and spam musubi. It's not only a delight to look at — how did they get that spam in there?! — it has dynamic tastes created by the marinated spam and parmesan. The Pull-Aparts are fun to eat and packed with flavor. The Garlic Adobo one was made with whole garlic cloves; they're not playing. In the Spice Apple Danish, they bring it home with sweet, more traditional options — this one easing you into fall.

I'll be back next weekend and keep an eye on the new menus dropping on their Instagram. I can't wait to see what Joyce, Ari, and Vanessa have in store!

Bake Sum

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

3249 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Monday & Thursday 8am - 2pm, Friday - Sunday 8am - 3pm

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