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Food & Drink |
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Oakland Flourishes as a Culinary Destination
 People can't stop talking about Oakland's status as the top destination for the latest culinary trends and restaurants. Earlier this year, The New York Times listed Oakland in its top 5 places to visit for 2012, in large part due to the innovative restaurants and bars. VIA magazine's latest issue outlines Oakland's fine dining scene, enticing visitors to make a trip to the other city by the bay to get a taste of restaurants such as Pizzaiolo, Pican, and Plum. Oakland's craft beer scene has also garnered attention in Beer West Magazine, highlighting classic bars such as Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, as well as popular newcomers like Linden Street Brewery. The Boston Globe's interview with famed chef Daniel Patterson finds that Oakland's diversity, affordability, and authenticity are main reasons that the food and dining scene have been so successful. For more on Oakland's rising culinary status, visit www.visitoakland.org/news. |
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Plan Your Food To-Do List
 Instead of trying to conquer all of the new restaurants and bars in Oakland, divvy up your food tour by neighborhood. This month, head to Uptown, one of the top culinary hot spots in the city. Start your evening at Mua, an urban warehouse serving up light snacks and happy hour specials. If you're in the mood for some Southern eats, head to Pican, a delectable option for upscale dining. Looking for something more casual? Try Hawker Fare, James Syhabout's newest restaurant serving Asian rice bowls with flavorful ingredients. Get your dose of vitamin C with a fresh-squeezed Greyhound at Cafe Van Kleef, or feel refreshed with a Garden Gimlet from Make Westing, where you can also fit in a game of bocce ball to work up an appetite. For dessert, head over to Plum, serving inventive sweet treats such as Peanut Butter Mousse. The restaurant also has an excellent dinner menu. For more on Uptown's exciting restaurant options, visit www.visitoakland.org/foodanddrink.
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Dine out during the Oakland Running Festival
 As the Oakland Marathon kicks into gear this month, participants and fans should take note of the excellent culinary options in town. Celebrate after the race at one of the festival's sponsored restaurants. Head to Scott's Seafood in Jack London Square to enjoy dishes such as traditional clam chowder and Dungeness crab sandwiches. Show your proof of participation in the festival for 15% off your bill. Cool down with a brew from Pacific Coast Brewing Company in Old Oakland, serving twenty four beers on tap as well as lunch and dinner. At the newly renovated Miss Pearl's Jam House on the waterfront, enjoy a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees when you show your proof of participation. In Uptown, enjoy the libations at Luka's Taproom & Lounge, including 16 beers on tap, lunch, dinner and a late night menu. For more on the Oakland Running Festival restaurants, visit www.oaklandmarathon.com.
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Make Westing's Garden Gimlet
Looking for a twist on the typical green drink this St. Patrick's Day? Recreate the Garden Gimlet, an innovative concoction from Make Westing's Caroline Pagel.
In a Boston (essentially a pint glass) place the following:
- One inch of diced cucumber
- 4-5 basil leaves
- 2 cubes of ice
Muddle hard and place ice to top.
Add:
- Two ounces Gin
- ½ Lime
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
Shake hard until cold, strain into a cocktail glass and enjoy! |
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Calendar of Events
Check out the latest festivals, markets and culinary happenings at Visit Oakland's Calendar of Events.
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Neighborhood Maps
The
Visit Oakland interactive
Neighborhood Maps let you explore the streets, helping find cafes and restaurants near other businesses.
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Oakland Recipes
Find inspiration for dinner tonight at Visit Oakland's Recipes section. You'll find favorites from local restaurants, cafes and bars. |
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