In this edition: A legendary barbecue joint returns to the East Bay as a pop-up series, Downtown gets a new juice bar, and two wine shop proprietors enter the restaurant game with a new Italian-American eatery.
Openings
Flint’s BBQ
After serving ribs in East Oakland for more than four decades, beloved local barbecue spot Flint’s BBQ called it quits nine years ago. Now, it's returning with a series of pop-up events, the East Bay Express reports.
The rebirth of Flint's will be led by Crystal Martin — the granddaughter of one of the original owners — who'll be serving dinner plates of ribs, chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, string beans, potato salad and more.
The first pop-up, set to take place in August in West Oakland, has already sold out. More events will be posted on Martin's Eventbrite site, so keep an eye out if you want to get a taste.
The East Bay Express reports that Martin is also considering opening her own food truck, or even a new brick-and-mortar location for Flint's.
Downtown
JuiceHolick (377 17th St.)
Veteran Hoodline tipster Al M. alerted us that "coming soon" signs have appeared on a downtown building, announcing that smoothie and juice bar JuiceHolick is getting ready to move in.
There's not a lot of information about JuiceHolick so far, but Al says the menu will include juices, smoothies, fresh fruit cups and açai bowls. So far, no opening date has been announced.
Updates
Lake Merritt
Mama (388 Grand Ave.)
Italian-American restaurant Mama will welcome diners starting next Monday, Eater SF reports. As we reported last month, it's owned by Stevie Stacionis and Josiah Baldivino, who also run neighboring wine shop Bay Grape. The restaurant is named for Stacionis' Italian grandmother.
The new restaurant will exclusively offer a $30 three-course prix-fixe dinner menu: a soup or salad, followed by a choice of two pastas — meat sugo, or vegetarian. To finish, customers can choose between gelato and biscotti or a seasonal dessert. Meatballs will be available for an extra $10, and of course, there will be a plentiful selection of wine.
Mama will take walk-ins only, with a wait list at the door. Those who'd like to give the new eatery a try in the first week should keep in mind it will be closed on July 3-4 for Independence Day.
Thanks to Pawel D. and our veteran tipster Al M.! If you've seen something new (or something newly closed) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.
