I’ve only been hearing tasty reports, so I’m excited to make my way over to Sarah Kirnon’s new restaurant, HIBISCUS in Oakland. Some may remember her as the executive chef of The Front Porch in the Mission (and her wonderful hot sauce). Kirnon, a native of Barbados, is offering a menu of innovative Caribbean-Creole dishes. You can take a peek at a PDF of the menu here, which is full of dishes like Congo-style soup, salt fish and ackee (heard it’s deeeelicious), and mains like pepperpot stew and her famed Miss Ollie’s fried chicken. Everything is made with sustainable ingredients, and the price is right (nice). The 70-seat space is clean and modern-cozy, with local art and hand-blown glass fixtures made from recycled glass. There’s also a 25-seat lounge with a full bar; they are making their own syrups and featuring rum cocktails. Omar White, who was at Chez Panisse for 15 years and Pizzaiolo, is handling the front of house. For folks heading over to see Dave Chappelle this week at The New Parish, this should be your spot for dinner. Open for dinner Sun and Wed-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm. 1745 San Pablo Ave. at Clay, Oakland, 510-444-2626.
Photo from Hibiscus Facebook page.
