Great news: Josiah Baldivino and Stevie Stacionis of Bay Grape in Lake Merritt are opening a restaurant just four doors up from their popular wine shop: MAMA OAKLAND. It’s going to serve three-course, prix-fixe ($29), red sauce suppers that should make you feel like you’re having dinner at nonna’s (even the space will be outfitted with some Stacionis family furnishings).
Seasonal and market-fresh produce will be highlighted in a soup or salad option, plus there will be two pasta choices (gluten-free is possible—and one vegetarian option, with vegan possible), and one signature “Mama’s sugo” option, plus a seasonal dessert or gelato and biscotti. Mama’s sugo was the inspiration for the restaurant, based off Stacionis’ Abruzzese great-grandmother’s cooked-all-day red sauce with braised pork and beef. You can also order a supplement of Mama’s meatballs.
Of course, the global wine list will rock—Baldivino is going to make it approachable, affordable, and there will be a small reserve list for those who want some baller bottles (to go with the meatballs, perhaps?). They plan to open this summer. 388 Grand Ave. at Ellita, Oakland.
HUMPHRY SLOCOMBE is opening a shop in the former Ici in Elmwood—look for some Berkeley-exclusive flavors. Timing TBA. 2948 College Ave. at Ashby, Berkeley. [Via Nosh.]
In the meantime, you can enjoy some scoops at Prizefighter this Friday March 8th from 6pm-10pm, from the signature Secret Breakfast, along with SF Beer Week collaboration flavors from Bay Area breweries. And on Friday March 15th, Humphry Slocombe will be giving away free scoops, with pints available for purchase at both Berkeley Bowl locations. From 12pm-2pm, stop by the Main location (2020 Oregon St.) or visit the West location (920 Heinz Ave.) from 3pm-6pm. Flavors include Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, Matchadoodle, Blueberry Boy Bait, and more.
This Saturday March 9th, THE ALICE COLLECTIVE in Oakland is hosting a fun brunch event, B-Side Brunch. They’re bringing in DJ Chatoyance of B-Side Brujas to spin vinyl while they serve up a brunch menu alongside mixed specialty mimosas in carafes and cocktails. The menu includes a homemade biscuit bar with crispy fried chicken, smoked brisket hash, smothered tots, seasonal frittatas, and fresh-out-of-the-oven homemade pastries. The $5 ticket will include entry, dancing, and DJ set; food, speciality mimosa carafes, beer, cocktails, and coffee will be available for purchase. 11am-2:30pm. 272 14th St. at Harrison, Oakland.
Josiah Baldivino and Stevie Stacionis of Bay Grape. Photo: Becca Wyant.
