Six years ago, I began my journey as a Special Education teacher working in Oakland. It was at my first teaching placement where I met my boyfriend, my love, and my culinary partner in crime. For the sake of this Blog, we will call him Red. While working closely together, we became instant friends. Our immediate connection was not only because we shared the same passion for educational equity and empowering kids with learning disabilities through self-advocacy, nor was it because of our dying devotion for the city of Oakland, Ca (although finding two Oakland natives actually committing to teaching in Oakland is a rarity in this day and age). No, from our very first lunch date at the Drunken Fish sushi restaurant on Piedmont Ave. @ Broadway, it was our love and immense appreciation for culinary delights, and let’s just face it, all things edible, that truly solidified our love.
Because Red and I, new teachers, were both money conscious, I suggested we head to Drunken Fish to get their amazingly delicious and major deal, Power Lunch special. At the time, for $9.95 we enjoyed a large sashimi salad, served over rice, with ample chunks of assorted sashimi (raw fish), and a fabulous chili dressing, in addition to a large udon noodle soup. The power lunch offers a choice of 4-5 Japanese main dishes (we both chose the sashimi salad then, and continue to choose the same today) and either udon soup or soba noodles. Although we still enjoy Drunken Fish Power Lunches today, the price is now $10.95, and the portions are smaller (including the amount of fish). Don’t get me wrong, the Power Lunch still offers an exorbitant amount of food and I always leave feeling satisfied, and believe for a sushi lunch, the price is right! What I love most about Drunken Fish is that the Power Lunch is offered even on Saturday. For a teacher who doesn’t get to enjoy weekday lunches out and about for most of the year, it is nice, and quite rare, to get the same special on the weekend.
Anyway, the other day Red and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary….ok, ok, it took us an entire year to recognize our friendly admiration for what it actually was…but we finally figured it out and that is the most important part! What did we do to celebrate 5 fabulous years together? We dined, of course! We selected Picán a fun, hip restaurant whose chef serves up southern food with an elegant culinary twist. We decided to sit at the bar because I find that there is no better way to get to know the vibe and ambiance of a restaurant then to sit up at the bar and schmooze with the bar tender. Red enjoyed the beer selection on tap, while I opted for a great glass of Zin to complement our meal. As usual, even when splurging, we remained money conscious. We decided to order two small plates, and then to split an entree. Upon the recommendation of our friendly bar tender, we started with the Peach and Heirloom Tomato Panzanella (a bread salad, where crispy croutons soak up the light vinaigrette dressing), and ordered the Maple-Glazed Pork Belly served with collard greens and a poached egg. I had never had a Panzanella before, but the salad came more like a traditional salad, yet with the freshest peach slices and perfectly ripe tomatoes, combined with the dressing to deliver a light, deliciously satisfying dish. The true star of the night was the pork belly. It was served in a small cast-iron dish, and we were instructed to puncture the poached egg, to let the yolk ooze into the sauce the accompanied the greens. The maple crust of the pork was sweet and the meat practically melted in my mouth. The combination of all the flavors, the richness of the egg and butter sauce was out of this world. It probably wasn’t the healthiest of dishes, but the portion was just big enough to truly savor every last, indulgent bite, but not excessive (which we have been known to get gluttonous and go overboard). We left room for our final order of the night, the grilled salmon with wild mushrooms, onion puree, and a mustard bbq sauce. The salmon was fresh and cooked perfectly, and the sweet onion puree was a fabulous accent to each bite. I especially enjoyed the bbq sauce and felt that they drizzled over just enough so that it was light, and not overwhelming. Overall, the meal was delicious, the bar tender friendly, and the chatter of the folks at the bar gave off the feel of a true neighborhood establishment. We finished off the night heading to Luka’s Taproom & Lounge (just across the street from Picán) because I am absolutely obsessed with their chocolate fondant dessert.
Some money saving tips: Just because you are on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a great culinary adventure out… Here are some things I might do next time:
Some money saving tips: Just because you are on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a great culinary adventure out… Here are some things I might do next time:
1) Both Red and I agree we didn’t need to indulge and have the salmon. We would have been equally as satisfied with the two small plates, and maybe one other small plate or side (Cauliflower and Crab soup? Gouda Mac & Cheese) which are less expensive.
2) We could have brought our own bottle of wine: While corkage fees may run $15-20, my
two glasses of wine alone cost me $17. It may be worth it to just bring your own bottle (call first to ask about the corkage fee).
3) Choose Pican when you are looking for a lighter meal, because the portions are generous, and one or two of the small dishes could satisfy the hunger of two (less hungry) people.
4) If you don’t order drinks, you’ve practically cut your bill in half!
Restaurant Information
Drunken Fish:
Restaurant Information
Drunken Fish:
3314 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
Picán:
2295 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Luka Taproom & Lounge:
2221 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
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