A quick roundup of new projects in the 510, starting with HOPSCOTCH, a new bar and restaurant opening this May in Oakland’s Uptown in the former Chef Edwards Bar-B-Que spot. Grub Street was the first to sniff out that owners Kyle Itani and Jenny Schwartz are behind the project (Itani worked at The Meatball Shop with Daniel Holzman in New York, and with Sho Kamio here at Yoshi’s). A press release reveals further details: “global bistro fare and American classics featuring hyper-local ingredients” with a Japanese sensibility and a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, plus craft beer, wine, and small-batch spirits, particularly Scotch. The menu includes asari frites: Kirin-steamed clams and house merguez with duck fat potato chips; veal breast porchetta: kombu-braised kale oshitashi; Sacramento striped bass: English peas and barley-miso butter sauce; and escargot and bone marrow gratin: sourdough toast and mizuna-caper salad. Desserts include a yuzu meringue pie and seasonal fresh fruit tarts.
You can learn more and peek at the space on their Kickstarter page. The 40-seat space has a mid-century American diner look, with a Carrara marble bar (with room for 10) and a cork checkerboard floor. It will be open for lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. 1915 San Pablo Ave. at William, Oakland.
More Uptown news: Diablo Dish mentions a Minneapolis import: LORING PASTA BAR is coming to Grand Avenue. Look for a full-service restaurant and bar, targeting a late summer opening.
Last week I mentioned MARZANO is expanding into the former hardware store next door, but it ends up it’s only half the space: Diablo Dish noticed via some ABC license activity the other half will be a restaurant called BURGER PARK. 4214 Park Blvd. at Glenfield, Oakland.
And East Bay Dish mentions “Actual Cafe is planning to open VICTORY BURGER in the space next door late this year.” On the menu: burgers made with sustainably raised meat and organic produce. 1099 Alcatraz Ave. at San Pablo, Oakland.
Yet another fast-casual Greek place is opening: Berkeleyside mentions SOUVLAKI GREEK TRADITIONAL FOOD at 2518B Durant Ave. at Telegraph, Berkeley.
The under-construction interior of Hopscotch; photo from Eater.
