Sneak Peak: Grand Tavern in Oakland

Check out the Grand Lake neighborhood's latest dining option.

Grand Tavern, Oakland's hip new restaurant, is what one might call a family affair. The menu has been crafted by owner Temoor Noor with the help of his mother Kay, and his two sisters serve up the food, with expertise on the menu that only comes from a true appreciation for the cuisine. "If it's not up to my mom's standards, we won't serve it," says Noor's sister Jasmin.

The menu at the Grand Tavern, which they describe as "international comfort food," is made with mostly fresh and organic local ingredients, and is fusion at its best—think Cornish Game topped with a tangy pineapple sauce over a bed of flavorful wild rice, or the Vegetarian Plate, a sampling of roasted eggplant, sweet squash, and creamy organic spinach, with a bowl of savory veggie chili on the side. Also offered are more traditional choices, like the 14 oz. Rib-Eye steak in a red wine sauce or the tender Onion Lamb Shank, served with a side of spiced yams.

The amount of effort put into the cuisine is paralleled by the drink list—Noor has tasted and hand-selected every beer and wine on the menu, and came up with an impressive selection, including brews like the Affligem Blonde and Lagunitas IPA. For cocktails, he's teamed up with well-known Bay Area bartender and founder of Small Hand Foods Jennifer Colliau, who trained the staff on how to mix drinks using her organic handcrafted syrups. Try the Absinthe Gimlet, with a fresh lime flavor, or the sweet and sparkling Old Cuban, made with Pampero Aniversario rum.

Built in a refurbished 1920's Victorian, the trendy eatery boasts two lounge rooms, a dining room, a heated outdoor patio and a bar, with funky-elegant decor made from recycled wood and furniture. Happy hour here lasts until 7 p.m. everyday, and on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the Tavern donates a dollar for every drink sold to a cause of their choice. And with its lengthy drink list and evolving menu, you'll never have to try the same thing twice.

The Grand Tavern is located at 3601 Grand Avenue in Oakland, and is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. everyday except Monday, and until midnight Thurs.–Sat. Call (510) 444-4644, or go to grandtavern.net for more info.

 

 

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