Well Fed On the Town

Photo by David Corby, copyright 2006.

Lest you thought Oakland was merely San Francisco’s little step-sister, here’s a brief update on good eats across the bay.

Water

A new restaurant called Water Lounge + Raw Bar has replaced the recently closed Pearl Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Externally, nothing seems to have changed save for the name of the restaurant. The menu posted outside looks fairly similar to Pearl’s menu, focusing on the fruits of the sea. Only Pearl’s oyster selection is missing. I rather liked Pearl before it shut down, and was mystified by the negative reviews that preceded its demise. Will Water live up to its predecessor?

Water
5634 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 654-5426

OB’s Coffee Café
In my never-ending search for the perfect fried chicken, I checked out OB’s Coffee Café. The fried chicken is indeed very good, and very crisp. OB’s serves up breakfast and lunch. The menu includes classics such as grits, hash browns, smothered potatoes, sausages, bacon and eggs and good, strong coffee. The food is straight-forward and honestly prepared, and the whole place is a remarkable one-man operation with the tiniest professional kitchen you ever saw. Been here once, definitely plan to go back.

OB’s Coffee Café
729 Washington St
Oakland, CA 94620
(510) 268-9696

Green Papaya Deli
This little neighborhood eatery is a gem. Green Papaya specializes in regional Lao cuisine, and has recently expanded its menu to include classic Thai dishes. Every dish I’ve eaten here has been carefully executed of fresh ingredients, creating a true delight for the senses. My current favorites include Sai Oaw, a salty, spicy, earthy sausage served with cucumber slices or cabbage; the tangy, spicy, garlicky Lao chicken soup with cherry tomatoes and lemongrass; the cilantro-laden Larb Gai (chicken salad); Som Moo, a tasty pickled pork sausage which would likely go very well with beer; and the spicy, creamy heaven that is Kao Poont (Lao chicken curry with noodles). Dining companion extraordinaire, A., has stated unequivocally that Green Papaya’s Pad Thai is the best he’s ever eaten. The service at this family-run establishment is friendly and efficient. For unbeatable Lao food, Green Papaya is well worth a trip to the East Lake neighborhood.

Green Papaya Deli
207 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 836-5337