Centouno
101 Taverna Italiana
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
We
have enjoyed going to Jack London Square in Oakland for
many years and have seen dramatic changes which has brought growth
in both housing and businesses to this beautiful waterfront area.
The Historic Overland House building at the corner Broadway and
Embarcadero has seen most of the changes, as it was built in 1909.
Centouno 101 Taverna Italiana which serves Italian
Comfort Food is its newest tenant.
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The
restaurant's interior features rustic Old World Italian inspired
décor which is so charming and comfortable. We loved the
Italian atmosphere with its festive red checked tablecloths and
an Exhibition Kitchen where you can see your meal being created.
Reclaimed wood adds to the warmth as do the comfortable booths
and the large bar.
We
started our meal with their Torta Fritta Con Salumi Antipasti
which featured delicious Fried Dough, Cured Prosciutto Di Parma
and Salami.
This
is a great way to begin your meal! The prosciutto was so light
and the fried dough was yummy with it. We chose to eat each individually
but it is traditional to make a small sandwich. Next, we enjoyed
the Insalada Caesar with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing,
house made croutons and Parmesan Reggiano. The anchovy paste based
dressing truly made this a memorable salad and a "must have"
when we return. All of the Pasta is house made. We loved the homemade
Gnocchi Al Pesto which was a potato and beet gnocchi
with pesto Genovese and Parmigiano. This was a sizeable family
style serving.
Our
Entrees were both delicious as well. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina-
Grilled 2.2 pound T-Bone Steak for two was gorgeous, quite large
and was prepared rare as ordered. A better steak would be hard
to find... at this reasonable price. The Osso Buco Braised
Cross Cut Beef Shank entrée which cooks for 11 hours
melts in your mouth!
The
Wine List features both Italian and California wines. We opted
to drink all Italian wines. When in Rome... do as the Romans!
We enjoyed the Drusian Valdobbiadene Prosecco (Brut)
which paired perfectly with the Antipasti, the Castelcerino/Filippi
Soave dry white wine which paired well with pasta and the
Marcelle Clara Montepulciano bold and rich red wine which
paired perfectly with our entrees.
As
ever we saved room for Dolce Dessert. We loved the house made
Frittelle Di Mele which was Fried Apples. A glass of
Sori Del Re Moscato D'Asti dessert wine added a little sweetness
to the finish our meal.
Centouno
101 Taverna Italiana is open for dinner nightly, lunch
weekdays and brunch on the weekend. The Italian Comfort Food at
reasonable prices created by Restaurateur/ Chef Fabio
Dalla Vacche and his family was delicious. The service
was friendly and professional and we look forward to returning
again soon!
Centouno
101 Taverna Italiana
101 Broadway
Jack London Square
Oakland, CA. 94607
510-433-5030
www.Centouno101.com
*Taverna Room for Private Parties
