Finding Quiet and Posh Places to Eat During the Pandemic
Dining out has always been one of my favorite things to do. You can imagine how sad I felt at the beginning of the pandemic when not only did most restaurants close, but many favorite places that are local to the East Bay went out of business. As 2020 became 2021 and some of the restrictions around indoor dining relaxed, I once again found myself following the food scene and even allowed myself to get out and about ant find some new alternatives to the restaurants that had closed during the pandemic. Here is a list of this summer’s treats :-).
Alley and Vine
Nestled in an alley way off Alameda’s historic Park St. district, Alley and Vine brings a contemporary and top of the line menu to Alameda. As a rare restaurant that opened on January 6th of 2021, the team at Alley & Vine—consisting of Francisco Bazo, Casey Hunt, and Jason Ryczek—marries the skills of the bar at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco, with the expertise and delicacies that are found in San Francisco’s Waterbar.
What is truly fascinating about this restaurant is the change of pace from many of the other established businesses. Not only does the restaurant feature a fantastic menu frequented by fabulous local produce, but also has a well curated wine list and a phenomenal bar. For those looking to escape into a fine dining experience without having to leave their neighborhood island, Alley & Vine provides a getaway and culinary experience that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Alley & Vine
1332 Park St STE D, Alameda, CA 94501
Trabocco
Saying that love is the secret ingredient in a dish can be so cliché as to be tacky in most restaurants. However, chef and owner of Trabocco, Giuseppe Naccarelli gives new meaning of passion and love as ingredients for his cuisine.
As a native from Abruzzo, Chef Naccarelli is a devotee of Italian cooking and offers a truly masterful menu worthy of a visit. Attention to detail is given to all aspects of the menu—especially the pastas and breads, which are all fresh made daily—and daily specials allow for surprise dishes to be enjoyed on any day of the week. Chef Naccarelli’s wine list is also one of the most complete that I have seen in Alameda and I always enjoy the ability of his servers to pair wines perfectly with the food I order. Special attention should also be given to the pastry chef, who turns out beautiful and delectable creations.
Reservations can be made on Trabocco’s website and are highly recommended for dinners wanting to visit on Thursday - Sunday
Trabocco, Alameda, CA
2213 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501
Commis, Oakland, CA
Commis is a recent discovery of mine and even though I’m late to the party boy am I glad that I made it! Having opened over a decade ago in 2009, I always walked by this quaint and unassuming restaurant thinking that it was a very upscale wine bar. It wasn’t until the 2 Michelin Star rated restaurant had to reinvent itself for the pandemic era that I became aware of its existence as I surfed and explored upscale delivery and pick up restaurant options.
Hailing from Oakland, Chef James Syhabout wanted to give back to the city that raised him a proper gastronomic experience and he delivered; the tasting menu at Commis—along with the cocktails and wine list—is to die for. My favorite meal so far has been their tomato, watermelon, and fresh Thai basil salad, which was not only fresh, but also easy to replicate and enjoy at home. Commis is the restaurant where one wants to take a date and impress him/her or if one wants to celebrate one of life’s great accomplishments. Given its Michelin status, reservations are a must and well planned out in advanced. However, one will not regret the gastronomic adventure experienced at Commis
Commis
3859 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
