There’s a new wine bar in downtown Oakland, just across from City Hall: DOWNTOWN WINE MERCHANTS. Berkeleyside Nosh reports that the project comes from owner Susanne Breen, who was born and raised in Germany, and chef Edwin Cabrilla. The menu offers wine bar staples like charcuterie and cheese, as well as some Continental-style dishes like coquelete, a roasted game hen with Alsatian slaw, and Käsespätzle, a Bavarian egg noodle dish with Gruyère and Emmental. The wine list boasts more than 130 wines by the bottle and 25 by the glass, including an extensive selection of European selections and some local ones, as well. Unfortunately, Eater reports their windows were smashed and Cabrilla sustained a cut during protests last week, but they are now back in business—though calling before heading over wouldn’t be a bad idea. 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza at Broadway, Oakland, 510-250-9110.
Need some mac and cheese on the fly? Well, now you can get your cheesy gooey noodles on in no time, with HOMEROOM TO GO. The takeout-only spot from the Homeroom team is now open, Berkeleyside Nosh reports, and they are not only serving their famous mac and cheese, but also selling beer, wine, housemade dressings and sauces, and desserts. Order online for maximum efficiency. Hours are Tue-Sun 11am-10pm, closed Monday. 4007 Webster St. at 40th St., Oakland, 510-597-0400.
SMOKE’S POUTINERIE, a Canadian poutine chain, has opened their very first outpost in the United States, right here in Berkeley. Berkeleyside Nosh caught the news of their arrival back in September, and Eater confirms that they are now open. The menu is highly customizable, with lots of meat options, combinations, and even a vegetarian choice. Hours are expansive, too: they’re open 11am-4am every day. (Note that the location is also near many of the current protests, so keep that in mind before heading over.) 2518 Durant St. at Telegraph, Berkeley, 510-540-7500.
Wine and warm woods at Downtown Wine Merchants. Photo from Facebook.
