Oakland continues to be en fuego, starting with the much anticipated opening of ~DUENDE~ from Paul Canales (previously Oliveto) and business partner-GM Rocco Somazzi. The 4,000-square-foot space is really catching people’s eyes, starting with the gorgeous Art Deco facade of the historic Floral Depot Building (Flora and Xolo are just next door). The menu is primarily Spanish, featuring smaller tapas-like dishes, larger entrées, and family-style shared dishes, like paella and fideos. Canales is known for excellent sourcing, so look for quality ingredients. The wine list (assembled by Somazzi and wine director Gerard Maristany, formerly the wine buyer for the Spanish Table) will feature a selection of Spanish wines and sherries, and there’s also a full bar—look for some sherry-based cocktails from Troy Bayless.
It’s a spacious, multilevel spot. To recap, there are 84 seats, with a lounge, bar area, and adjoining bodega, which includes a wine shop, gallery space, and coffee bar that is open in the morning, serving Verve coffee. There are some commissioned art and murals, and there will music on the mezzanine (look for upcoming live performances, like forward-looking jazz)—the loft area will also be available for private parties. Arcsine Architecture is behind the design, which includes some raw elements (raw and polished woods, exposed ducts, and brickwork) and an artistic sensibility. You can check out a number of images at Eater and Grub Street. The restaurant is open Sun-Mon and Wed-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; the bodega is open Sun-Mon and Wed-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11pm.
Now open on Grand Avenue is the San Francisco location of THE LORING CAFE, which, as previously mentioned on tablehopper, is an import from Minneapolis. Look for a New American menu (that is also touted for being affordable), all-day hours, and a bohemian look that features exposed brick walls, a timbered ceiling, steel beams, unique brickwork, Corinthian columns, and tile. There are a number of unique and eclectic flea market finds, and live music will also be featured. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. 37 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland, 510-839-3700.
The latest business to join Miss Ollie’s in Swan’s Market is the Oakland location of ROSAMUNDE, with its trademark sausage and craft beer offerings. Open Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Sat 11am-11pm. 911 Washington St. at 9th St., Oakland, 510-338-3108.
According to Chowhound, EL GUSANO has opened in the former Tatuyo Tequila N Tapas Lounge. Eater has additional details: the owners (Erin Brooks and Michael Sopher) are behind Tropisueño in the city. During the day, look for a casual taqueria format, and at night it’s more of a restaurant vibe, with servers. There’s also a full bar (mezcal en la casa!). For now, hours are Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm. 1015 Clay St. at 11th St., Oakland, 510-444-9676 .
The Duende sign, fabricated by Jim Rizzo from Neon Works. Photo via Facebook.
