Here's the latest news from Oakland's food scene. In this edition: a popular San Francisco brunch spot is expanding to Rockridge, a Japanese fried chicken spot is opening in Downtown, and a Lakeside dinner series tells the story of one chef's journey to Oakland.

Opening

Rockridge

Kitchen Story (5422 College Ave.)

Hoodline veteran tipster Al M. alerted us that the former space of Duchess in Rockridge, which closed at the beginning of last year, will soon reopen as  Kitchen Story, following their popular brunch spot in the Castro in San Francisco. No more details have been announced yet, but co-owner Steven Choi told Nosh that he is aiming for an opening date later this fall, maybe in November. An on-sale general eating place liquor license application is currently pending, while a temporary permit has been issued.

If the menu resembles the Castro location, diners can expect egg plates, omelets, scrambles, french toast, burgers, sandwiches, and a queue for brunch on the weekend.

Downtown

Aburaya (380 15th St.)

Al M. tells us that Aburaya's 15th Street location is "finished, and they already have their kitchen all set up ready to go." An Instagram post confirms the news, although no exact opening date for the spot across the street from Oakland's Bissap Baobab has been announced yet.

As the Chronicle reported, the former salad serving spot Aburaya founder Adachi Hiroyuki once took over in the evenings will now be dedicated to Aburaya, and is expected to be open for customers during lunch hours.

According to Aburaya's website, the restaurant is punk-rock-influenced and specializes in Japanese fried chicken and seasonal izakaya plates. Everything is freshly made in house, including marinades and sauces. 

Special Event

Lakeside

A Chef’s Journey to Oakland

Terrace Room's executive chef Eddie Blyden (previously of Magnolia Pub, 21st Amendment, and The Alembic) is hosting a community dinner series, featuring menus that tell stories about his two decades of experience.

The second dinner in the series is next month, featuring a menu of German and Swiss cuisine paired with beers timely for Oktoberfest. The menu is inspired by the time Blyden spent in Munich, Germany working for Hans Haas at the gourmet temple Tantris. Finally, in November Blyden's influences from abroad will be reflected in a modern take on Bay Area and California cuisine.

Thanks to our veteran tipster Al M.! Have you noticed a new addition to (or subtraction from) Oakland's food landscape? Text a tip and a horizontal photo to 510-757-9959, and we'll look into it.