Here's the latest and greatest news from Oakland's food scene. In this week's edition: a popular San Francisco brunch spot expands to Oakland, a fast-casual Asian restaurant chain has a new downtown location, and a longstanding Rockridge bakeshop is no more.
Openings
Rockridge
Kitchen Story (5422 College Ave.)
Last year, popular San Francisco brunch spot Kitchen Story announced that it would be expanding into the former home of Duchess in Rockridge, which closed at the beginning of 2018.
Nosh reports that the restaurant opened on Jan. 2, serving brunch fare like Benedicts, scrambles, mascarpone-stuffed fried French toast and the popular "millionaire's bacon," which is candied with brown sugar and cayenne pepper.
Kitchen Story also serves lunch and dinner, with burgers and a number of Korean-inspired items. Fans of the recent film "Parasite" may enjoy sampling its take on jjapaguri, the stir-fried noodles featured in the movie.
In addition to Kitchen Story, owner Hoyul Steven Choi is also behind Asian-inspired dessert shop U: Dessert Story, which is set to expand to downtown Berkeley (1849 Shattuck Ave.) in February.
He also owns another breakfast spot, Sweet Maple, with locations in Lower Pac Heights in SF and Terminal 2 at SFO airport. It's expected to expand to Palo Alto (150 University Ave.) in August.
Downtown
Bamboo Asia (1221 Broadway)
Hoodline veteran tipster Al M. alerts us that Bamboo Asia is now open in the former City Center Grill space. The eatery already has three San Francisco locations — two in the FiDi, one in SoMa.
The "fine-casual eatery serving Far East flavors with West Coast vibes" allows customers to choose from a "street-style marketplace" with dishes from different countries, including Japan, Vietnam or India.
Closing
Rockridge
Katrina Rozelle Pastries and Desserts (5931 College Ave.)
Over in Rockridge, Al says that a longtime bakery is no more. According to a statement on her website, Katrina Rozelle is retiring from her namesake pastry shop after 33 years in business. Her Oakland shop, known for its wedding and birthday cakes and cookies, closed on Dec. 31.
"Though a bittersweet decision, it’s time to step back and slow down," the post reads, adding that Rozelle is deeply grateful for all of the community support that she has received over the past three decades.
Rozelle writes that she and her husband Ken are "also immensely thankful to the loyal and hardworking employees who have so tirelessly contributed to the success of the business over the years."
Event
Oakland Restaurant Week
Oakland Restaurant Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, with special menus from January 9 – 20 at a variety of restaurants around town.
Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe brunch, lunch and/or dinner menus at price points between $10 and $80, with many donating a portion of proceeds to the Alameda County Food Bank.
Grand Lake Kitchen, Nido, Magpie Oakland, MAMA Oakland, Nido's Backyard, Dosa by Dosa or Vegan Mob are among those participating. There will also be special events, such as food tours.
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.
