Homestead
- Fine Dining on Piedmont Avenue
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
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We
love to hear that hard working ultra-talented chefs after
honing their skills in great kitchens for many years finally get
their chance to open their own restaurants. Homestead
on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland was just opened by Co-Owners Elizabeth
Sassen and Executive Chef Fred Sassen
who both enhanced their culinary skills at fine restaurants including
Farallon in San Francisco and Camino in Oakland. They have created
a wonderful environment where you feel like you are surrounded
by the warmth of home.
Homestead
is located in a 1920's Julia Morgan building which has floor to
ceiling windows and a high ceiling. The rustic interior features
seating for 48, spot lighting, and an Exhibition Kitchen where
you can watch the prepping, cooking and plating which creates
a great show. There is also an Almond wood burning fire pit for
cooking, roasting and smoking which adds to the warm and welcoming
atmosphere. The upscale, farm to hearth to table, small focused
menu features elegant comfort cuisine created using seasonal,
locally sourced and mostly organic ingredients.
We
were seated near the window directly across from the fire pit
and ordered a large bottle of Hot Springs Arkansas Mountain Valley
Sparkling Water and received warm homemade bread which was just
perfect. We appreciated the lovely Vintage Silverware which was
a unique touch.
Our
Starters were unique just delicious! We loved both the Baked
Ricotta with Warren Pears, Cured Lomo Charcuterie and
Grilled Bread and the Squid Escabeche with Avocado, lime,
Corn and Cumin Cracker. Our second course was also fantastic.
The Shrimp Agnolotti with Cherry tomatoes and
Basil Pesto and the Grilled Quail with Roasted Brussels
Sprouts and apples were both just amazing! The flavors melded
beautifully and the presentation was very appealing. Our main
courses were equally fabulous! The Spiced Slow Roasted Pork
with creamed corn and cherry tomatoes and the Grilled Rib
Eye Steak with baby carrots, endive gratin and parsley were
both reasonably priced and truly delicious! We also enjoyed a
side of Marrow Roasted potatoes with parsley.
The
International Wine list is also small and focused. We enjoyed
the 2012 Matthiasson Linda Vista Vineyard Napa Chardonnay
and the 2011 Roditis, Tetramythos, Patras, Peloponnese Greece
with our starters and the 2011 Ransom, Jigsaw, Pinot Noir,
Willamette Valley which was bold and rich tasting and paired
perfectly with our entrees.
The
Desserts were delightful as well. We loved the Horchata Ice
Cream and Churros which came with a small Hot Cocoa and the
Cheddar Apple Pie which came topped with excellent Vanilla Ice
Cream. Espressos and an Amoroso, El Maestro
Sierra, 15 Anos Xeres, Spanish Sherry were the perfect
finish to our relaxed, perfectly paced fabulous dinner.
We
had a lovely dining experience at Homestead which
is welcoming, charming and serves savory and superb cuisine! Best
to make reservations as the word is out and the restaurant was
packed on the Thursday night we were there. We get to dine at
great restaurants and are so pleased that Homestead is in our
neighborhood and would not be surprised to see them receive Michelin
Stars in the near future.
Homestead
4029 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
510-420-6962
www.HomesteadOakland.com
Dinner Tuesday-Saturday