Now open in the former Blackwater Station is James Syhabout’s fast-casual khao mun gai spot, HAWKING BIRD. For $12.95, you get khao mun gai made with free-range, organic, vegetarian-fed chicken from small and local family farms. The poached chicken (cooked in a rich broth) is served with chicken fat rice, cucumber, cilantro, and a ginger and fermented soybean sauce on the side. There’s a fried chicken sandwich made with a thigh (and there’s a fried tofu version), or you can get it over chicken fat rice or salad. Plus, there are a bunch of side dishes, from fried tots to garlic noodles to an egg you can add to your KMG—and chicken broth, which here is being sold as an extra. Fortunately, nothing is more than $12. Tue-Sat 11:30am-3pm. According to the EBX, look for extended hours and beer and wine in the new year. 4901 Telegraph Ave. at 49th St., Oakland.
Dosa has expanded to Oakland, and on Friday December 15th, Anjan and Emily Mitra are opening DOSA BY DOSA, a fast-casual and all-day spot with cocktails, chai, and espresso drinks (they are using Mr. Espresso) in The Hive. Look for a menu of their signature dosas, tandoori kebabs, and salads (like a tandoori lamb kebab salad); they are serving breakfast (until 11am) to dinner daily. I’m also happy to see they are serving freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, a refreshing treat I fell in love with in Mumbai. Nora Furst (Uma Casa) is the bar manager and has created new cocktails for the location, including slushies.
The 3,600-square-foot space (with room for 112) has a marketplace feel, with high ceilings and a lot of light, plus vibrant murals and a view into the busy open kitchen. There are communal tables and outdoor seating. Look for upcoming events with local musicians, DJs, and more. Open daily 8am-10pm. 2301 Broadway at 23rd St., Oakland.
Also at The Hive: the folks at DRAKE’S DEALERSHIP are having fun with their new Wake + Drake weekend brunch service (served Sat-Sun 10am-12:30pm). The menu includes The Duck ‘n Syzurp ($16), a savory Belgian waffle topped with duck confit, candied orange, pistachio butter, and maple syrup (add a duck egg for an additional $2), and Pizzaquiles ($13), a breakfast pizza with braised short rib, enchilada sauce, cotija cheese, poached duck egg, and crispy tortillas. There’s Red Bay nitro cold-brew coffee on draft, plus bottomless beermosas (OJ plus beer), micheladas, and Brass Monkeys (made with Drake’s 510 malt liquor). 2325 Broadway at 23rd St., Oakland, 510-833-6649.
And lastly, you can help NYUM BAI with their brick-and-mortar plans; check out owner Nite Yun’s Kickstarter here, which has some nice Cambodian food rewards for you! Pledging just $30-plus, you’ll get lunch, which includes a bowl of her Phnom Penh noodle soup and a beverage! She plans to open in early 2018.
The interior of Hawking Bird. Yelp photo by Xica D..
