There is seemingly no end to the restaurant boom in Oakland’s Uptown – and I for one am enjoying the energy, resurgence and abundant choice that is redefining this great neighborhood.
Plum, Daniel Patterson’s new outpost in the East Bay – kicks up the serious foodie vibe and makes the list as a neighborhood game-changer.
Akin to his menu at Coi, Patterson delights in local, seasonal ingredients but in a way that is uniquely his own and the dishes at Plum are less composed and a lot more casual. However, the layering of taste and texture is so complex and multi-faceted that it’s hard to explain in a single post but this offers a very detailed description that’s worth reading before you try Patterson’s creations.
Dishes like New Harvest Potatoes– with staffan’s lardo, fresh shallots, chanterelles and wild arugula or Pork Trotter Burger – with kohlrabi sauerkraut, apple mustard on a fresh Acme bun might not sound that complex, but one bite – along with a very appetizing description from the well-versed wait staff will convince you otherwise.
The space is small, chic and almost brooding with the deep Bordeaux colored walls, Edison bulbs and super-sized art installations by Catherine Wagner. The soundtrack is both compelling and loud and they're open for dinner until 1am so they have the late night, hip crowd thing covered – an all around multi-sensory experience for sure.
Now, we wait for Bracina.....