More changes continue in the Daniel Patterson Group. The latest news is ~PLUM~ is closed and will be reopening tonight (yes, tonight) as UME. After having numerous chefs in the location, Patterson realized it was the concept that needed a do-over. The menu will be Japanese through a Northern California lens (think Ramen Shop), with small plates like cold soba noodles tossed with lime, black sesame, and alliums ($8); seared squid with basil, lemon, and chile ($10); and fried chicken and egg ramen ($17). They will be making many ingredients, from different tares to curing their own umeboshi, and of course seasonality will play a big part.
As for who is running the kitchen, Scoop reports the talented Kim Alter is downshifting for a bit (although she will be helping out the newly situated Charlie Parker over at Haven) and the plan is to help her open a project in SF. DPG has scooped up Brett Cooper once again (he previously worked for Patterson at Coi) since he was let go from Outerlands, and he will initially be overseeing Ume. The plan is for him to transition into opening a small neighborhood restaurant under the DPG umbrella—he’d be an equal partner, while receiving support from the group. He reportedly has his eye on a space already; we’ll have to see how it pans out. Oh, and Plum Bar will remain as is! 2214 Broadway at Franklin, Oakland, 510-444-7586.
The interior of Plum, now Ume. Photo by Scott Kester.
