Oakland hosts annual restaurant week

Since it’s creation five years ago, Oakland’s annual Restaurant Week has grown from 30 vendors to 81.  Over the next two weeks different restaurants in Oakland will serve specialty meals to participate in California’s annual Restaurant Month.

Oakland’s Restaurant Week begins Jan. 15 and goes through Jan. 25. Those who love food can enjoy a three to five course meal that costs between $20-$40.
Visit California, a tourism agency, designated the month of January as California’s official restaurant month as a promotional initiative to encourage post-holiday travel to the state.

Each year Restaurant Week has grown substantially. In 2013, 30 restaurants participated; in 2014, 50 restaurants participated and this year 81 restaurants are involved with the event.

Not only has the event grown, but Oakland’s restaurant and food industry has developed significantly. Foodies can enjoy a variety of restaurants, ranging from gourmet taco trucks, to fine dining, and even dessert delicacy shops.

Popular restaurants that are found around the Bay Area like A 16 Rockridge have opened their second location in Oakland because of the lower rent prices and the creative freedom found in the city.

Frances Wong, Visit Oakland Community Relations Manager, attributes Oakland’s up and coming food scene to a variety of reasons from the clientele, to the environment and the current economy.

“The food scene is experiencing a renaissance because of the creative environment Oakland provides. Chef’s come here because they can experiment with their food and the consumers here have an eclectic taste in where they want to dine,” said Wong.

Not only does Oakland provide a creative outlet for chefs and restaurant owners. It’s also a cheaper option than other popular cities in the Bay Area. According to Loopnet, a commercial real estate agency, to rent space in San Francisco it can cost anywhere from $6,500 and up, where in Oakland rent prices start as low as $2,500 a month.

“When I first moved here, I would venture out to San Francisco or to [Berkeley’s] Gourmet Ghetto, to dine with my wife,” said 22-year Oakland resident, Shawn Villegas. “Within the last six to seven years, things have changed. I can walk down the street and easily find five to six spots to satisfy my stomach,” said Villegas.

With 81 businesses part of restaurant week, it can be difficult to find out what places to eat at. This year Visit Oakland has revamped the Restaurant Week website.

The new website, www.oaklandrestaurantweek.org, features a search engine that breaks up the search from restaurant type, neighborhood, and meal type.
“The website is an easy way to navigate where you want to eat and when. It’s a one-stop-shop for the entire event.  When you’re on the website you can see all the menus and make reservations directly through the page,” said Wong.

Restaurants participating have a pre-fixe menu for a different cost. Each menu reflects a 25 percent discount on the original plate price.
“The last few years I have been able to go to restaurants I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise,” said Thien Vu, an Oakland resident who has participated in restaurant week for the last three years.

“It’s been great way for me to find new places to eat, that way when I have family visit I know exactly where we can grab some great dinner,” said Vu.
Although many restaurants do not require reservation, Visit Oakland recommends securing a table just in case due to an expectation of a high volume of consumers this year.