There are a bunch of new East Bay openings, starting with COPPER SPOON, which is now open in the former Art’s Crab Shak in Oakland. Chef Andre Hall (previously Acme Chophouse, Bar Tartine, Fifth Floor, and Alexander’s Steakhouse)—who has teamed up with co-owners Vita Simone and Carmen Anderson (Sassafras Seagrass food truck)—has put together an opening menu that includes Sassy’s Original Hand Rolls with salmon, wasabi aioli, and daikon sprouts; Breads and Spreads with purple sweet potato, eggplant harissa, and tomato bacon; poached black bass with koji-cured vegetables, fried potatoes, and oyster broth; and a lamb merguez burger with spice rub, kraut, and tzatziki on a brioche bun.
Look for some quality cocktails at the spacious bar (Simone has been a bartender of note for more than 12 years), with some mezcal-based numbers. Happy hour is Mon-Fri 5:30pm-6:30pm; look for live music and occasional weekend DJs. Open daily 5:30pm-2am. 4031 Broadway, at 40th St., Oakland, 510-897-7061.
East Oakland has a new Vietnamese spot called THE TEMPLE CLUB, and East Bay Express reports chef-owner Geoffrey Deetz has cooked in Ho Chi Minh City the past 15 years. Look for some lesser-seen Vietnamese dishes, including goat curry served with warm bread, butter, pâté and a small salad. Lunch for now, dinner coming soon. 2307 International Blvd. at 23rd St.
James Syhabout’s chic new cocktail lounge is open, CDP. It’s a brandy- and sparkling wine-themed cocktail bar and lounge with a small and refined food menu that is connected to Commis next door. Eater reports the 24-seat space will have crowd control, so don’t worry about having to nudge your way to the bar, although you may need to put your name on the waiting list instead. 3859 Piedmont Ave. at Rio Vista, Oakland.
Fans of Brazilian food will want to check out PAULISTA BRAZILIAN KITCHEN AND TAPROOM in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood, serving classics like empanadas, coxinhas (chicken croquettes), and pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), plus açai bowls and smoothies in the morning (7am), and feijoada and moqueca (fish stew) for dinner (5pm). Nosh mentions there’s also a taproom that opens at 12pm (click for the extensive tap list). 4239 Park Ave. at Wellington, Oakland.
Folks near Montclair Village have a new meat and charcuterie shop, THE FIFTH QUARTER CHARCUTERIE. I mentioned this project back in 2016 from Scott Brennan, formerly from Cafe Rouge, who has been making charcuterie on his own for the past six years and selling at the farmers’ market in Berkeley on the weekends. His new retail storefront features a meat counter with his wide selection of sausages, pâtés, cuts of meat, and prepared foods made from animals sourced from local farms. He will also be offering sandwiches (such as pulled pork and meatball). Open Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 6464 Moraga Ave. at La Salle, Oakland.
Charles Phan and Michelle Mah have soft opened their new canteen on U.C. Berkeley’s campus inside Wurster Hall, RICE AND BONES. For now, you can come by Mon-Fri 12pm-5pm. Nosh has a detailed report, check it out for more.
The spacious bar at Copper Spoon. Photo courtesy of Copper Spoon.
