Doukkala
Restaurant
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
The
Temescal neighborhood in Oakland continues to grow and thrive
as a dining destination. Doukkala Restaurant
recently opened on Telegraph Avenue serving Moroccan insipid California
Cuisine. Talented Executive Chef Eric Lanvert uses French techniques
and local and sustainable ingredients to create interesting and
tasty dishes. Along with the main menu each night the Chef creates
a four course Tasting Menu with wine pairings. The Décor
at Doukkala exudes Moroccan old world charm with a Casablanca
style seating and very comfortable banquettes.
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There
is also outdoor dining weather permitting and the window tables
are especially great for people watching.
We
opted to have the Tasting Menu as well as order off of the main
menu. It is sometimes difficult to order this way but both the
chef and wait staff executed the timing so it was paced beautifully.
The Tasting Menu started with a delicious cold Gazpacho soup which
had a Moroccan flavor and paired with Louis Bouillot Sparkling
Burgundy. Next up was the fabulous Pacific North West Dayboat
Scallops which were sautéed with Jerusalem artichoke
veloute, argan oil and paired perfectly with Elizabeth Spencer
Pinot Blanc.
The
entrée that we enjoyed was Mendocino Quail Pastilla
with Anjou pears, honey, spices and roasted marcona almonds. This
was amazing and was perfectly paired with the Evening Land
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
We
opted for tea with the light Moroccan Baklava dessert.
The tasting menu was delicious and an extremely excellent value.
We appreciated that it was only four courses as many Tasting Menus
offer too many courses and one has to taste too many competing
flavors.
We
ordered four courses from the Main Menu as well. The Escargots
were delicious braised snails in a mint and spice broth Marrakech
style which had great flavors. Next we enjoyed the Suid a La Plancha
which was excellent grilled and stuffed squid with chorizo, freekeh,
and tomatoes then served over tomato coulis. The 2012 Mason
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc which was fruity, lively and
complex paired perfectly.
Our
entrée was the Steak Frittes which was Grilled
Grass Fed Marin County Bavette Steak served rare as ordered with
charmoula butter and house fries with harissa aioli. Bavette has
become one of our favorite steak cuts as the lovely aroma and
savory flavor comes through. The Sangria made with 2007 French
Chateau De Serema paired perfectly with the Steak Frittes.
For dessert we had the Panacotta made with mango and green tea
which was refreshing. A Strong Espresso was an excellent finish
to our extremely satisfying meal.
Doukkala
Restaurant has added an excellent dining option to the
Oakland Dining Scene. It is a worthy destination from anywhere
in the Bay Area or around the globe. The Cuisine was exceptional,
the service was friendly and professional and the Décor
was inviting. We will surely be back for dinner again soon.
Doukkala
Restaurant
4905 Telegraph Avenue (at 51st)
Oakland, CA. 94609
510-653-8691
http://www.doukkalarestaurant.com/
Open
for Dinner Only Tuesday-Sunday
