Oakland Eats: 'Phoenix Chinese' Rises, Fire Station To Become New Eatery, More

Oakland Eats: 'Phoenix Chinese' Rises, Fire Station To Become New Eatery, MorePhoto: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline 
Nathan Falstreau
Published on August 16, 2017

In this edition of Oakland Eats: a shuttered Chinese restaurant rises from (the metaphorical) ashes, a Latin-fusion eatery opens a second location in an unexpected space, and other news from The Town's culinary scene.

Phoenix Chinese Restaurant: 328 14th St. 

In our last edition, we reported on the closing of Chinese fast-food eatery, Chopsticks Chinese. Now, Hoodline Tipster Al M. reports that new owners have taken over the helm with a relatively unchanged look calling the spot, Phoenix Chinese Restaurant.

However, a new waiting area has appeared "complete with a mahogany table and fruit-infused water," he writes. The restaurant is is open daily 11am – 9pm. 

Oakland City Fire Station No. 14. | Photo: Google Maps

Bombera Bar & Grill 3455-3459 Champion St. 

The East Bay Times reports the folks behind Cosecha Café at Swan's Market in Old Oakland are in the process of purchasing  former Oakland City Fire Station No. 14 in the Dimond district. The former fire station occupied the space until 2013. After the deal is finalized, plans are in the works to open a second restaurant featuring Latin-fusion cuisine. 

According to the article, the converted fire station will house a new 4,500-square-foot restaurant with an outdoor patio, serving beer and wine as well. No word yet as to when they'll break ground on the new spot.

Belotti Ristorante e Bottega: 4001 Piedmont Ave. 

Belotti Ristorante e Bottega, scheduled to reopen today after a mid-summer break, appears to be opening a second location in the recently shuttered Grégoire space, according to Berkeleyside and a message written in Italian and posted to the storefront window.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Belotti's are coming," reads part of the translated message. The Belotti's also posted a note to Instagram indicating that the restaurant will be closed for a bit, returning with some "exciting updates." 

Belotti Ristorante e Bottega's original location is at 5403 College Ave. in Rockridge. We'll keep you posted when we learn more. 

Recent Closings

Kitchen items for sale outside Frida's Cafe. | Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

Frida's Cafée: 2300 Broadway

Al M. also reports that Frida's Café is closing. He spoke to Frida and her husband who confirmed the closing and "they told me new lease went up in rent and they’re calling it quits," he writes.

The owners are also in the process of selling many of the items used in the kitchen including a "meat slicer, food processor, juicer, thermo coffee pump, and other heavy commercial machines." It's not clear if there are any takers for the soon-to-be vacant store front but "Another business to close really hurts," Al M. laments. 

Have you spotted a new (or closing) restaurant in Oakland? Text your tip and a horizontal photo to 510-757-9959; if we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit!