Open today (Tuesday September 18th) is BORGO ITALIA in the former B Restaurant space in Old Oakland; chef Franco Camboli and general manager Fabio Dalle Vacche (yes, they are Italian) are opening the restaurant with support from investor and entrepreneur Paul Ferrari (A.G. Ferrari). The press release mentions authentic regional Italian cuisine (especially from Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and Tuscany), with dishes like gnocchi alla Ligure (potato gnocchi with basil pesto), zuppa di pesce (clams, mussels, squid, shrimp, tomato, onion, garlic, and peperoncino), and spezzatino (veal stew with white wine and tomato). All fresh pasta is made in-house, and there are also Neapolitan pizzas from the wood-fired oven. Mornings bring Italian coffee and pastries, and lunch will also be served. The wine list is all-Italian, plus there’s a full bar serving cocktails, along with aperitivi and digestivi. The restaurant is in a historic structure (erected in 1876), so look for an old-world vibe inside. Open daily 7am-11pm. 499 9th St. at Washington, Oakland, 510-251-1008.
Over in Uptown Oakland, BAKESALE BETTY has closed its second location at 2228 Broadway. For more on the why, read this piece in Diablo Dish.
Happy ninth anniversary to DOPO, who will be celebrating Sunday September 30th from 2pm-6pm; they will be serving spit-roasted porchetta, ham, and grilled sausages, along with seasonal side salads. $30 per person (beverages not included). Purchase your tickets at adesso or dopo; they are also selling will-call tickets at dopo (call 510-652-3676). 4293 Piedmont Ave. at Rose, Oakland.
We just got word that the freshly formed restaurant group Les Bon Temps will be opening their first venture this winter at Jack London Square. The spot will be called FORGE and will feature pizzas with housemade toppings utilizing local ingredients. Jeffrey Amber (of XYZ and Chow) will serve as executive chef and Jeff Krupman (of Pizza Hacker fame) will be in charge of “pizza R and D.” They will be located at 66 Franklin St. at 1st St., Oakland.
The Top Shelf margherita pizza from Pizza Hacker. Yelp photo by Jeff K.
