Best of Northside Food & Wine 2008
Best reasons to get out of town East Bay
By Bill Knutson


Camino
3917 Grand Avenue (at Crofton), Oakland, 510-547-5035, www.caminorestaurant.com
This new face on the restaurant scene in Oakland has truly embraced what most foodies have been talking about for the last several years: fresh, local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. So much so that the menu changes on a near-daily basis depending on what is available that day. Although the menu is rather small, (four to six appetizers and three to five entrees) the fresh ingredients made our dining experience feel very clean and healthful.

St. George Spirits
2601 Monarch Street (near W. Midway), Alameda, 510-769-1601, www.stgeorgespirits.com
Imagine sitting in a World War II-era airplane hangar, enjoying an unparalleled view of the San Francisco skyline, sipping on a chilled glass of Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka while a fresh batch distills behind you in large copper and steel vats. Wednesday through Sunday, you can enjoy tasting a variety of flavored vodkas, fruit brandies, liqueurs, and a single malt whiskey. The more adventurous in the group can also try the only Absinthe currently made in the U.S. Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The New Zealander
1400 Webster Street (at Central), Alameda, 510-769-8555, www.the-newzealander.com
The Croll Building was the original site of Croll’s Gardens and Hotel, where many world-class boxers trained in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Registered as California Historical Landmark #954, it now houses The New Zealander restaurant and pub. The menu features many specialties from New Zealand, including a vegemite sandwich and my favorite, the Ba Ba Burger made with New Zealand lamb. They are also well known for their selection of pub pies and the Aucklander 3 a.m. White Lady Special, a ½-pound burger topped with New Zealand cheddar, a ham slice, pineapple ring, a fried egg, pickled beets, tomatoes, grilled onions, and garlic.

À Côté
5478 College Avenue (at Taft), Oakland, 510-655-6469, www.acoterestaurant.com
This Rockridge neighborhood favorite serves up a delicious selection of small plate, family-style Mediteranian food. With a patio in the back, a community table and several intimate tables, they are able to satisfy everyone’s dining style. The wine list focuses mostly on Old World wines that pair quite nicely with the food. For you beer fans, À Côté also has one of the finest selections of Belgian ales I have found anywhere.

Le Cheval
1007 Clay Street (at 10th), Oakland, 510-763-8957 www.lecheval.com
When I step into Le Cheval, I feel like I have been transported back in time to a pre-Vietnam-era French Indochina plantation. The food is also reflective of this era – traditional Vietnamese cuisine that has been deeply infused with French influences. This is a great place to go with a large party and order family style because you will want to try it all. Some of my favorites include the salty calamari, hot and sour Saigon soup and orange-flavored chicken.

– B. Knutson