Homeroom opens next week: Could mac & cheese revitalize 40th St.?
Article by Amy Gahran.
Last updated at Thu, 10 Feb at 8:32am.

Along Oakland's 40th St., a short walk from both MacArthur BART and trendy Piedmont Ave., lies an underutilized commercial district that two restaurant entrepreneurs believe holds big potential -- and on which they're betting everything they've got.

Valentine's Day marks the official opening of Homeroom (400 40th St.). This new Oakland restaurant aims to make fine art from the most comfortable of comfort foods: mac & cheese...

Read the whole story...

CommonWealth Cafe and Pub: Chill out, UK-style (Review)
Article by Amy Gahran.
Last updated at Wed, 2 Feb at 9:29am.

Where Oakland's Uptown neighborhood meets Pill Hill, you'll find a low-key, friendly hangout that's perfect for meeting friends, enjoying a reasonably priced casual meal or cup of coffee or savoring a pint of Strongbow or Guinness drawn in British style.

It's the CommonWealth Cafe and Public House, at 2882 Telegraph. Here's why it's one of my favorite places to chill out in Oakland.

Read the whole story...

Return of the Oasis: Popular downtown nightclub/restaurant is back in business in Oakland
Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Sat, 17 Jul at 5:22pm.

It’s midnight at the Oasis. Soulful singer Maria Muldaur is nowhere to be found, but if she were, she’d surely approve of the body-moving sounds of dancehall reggae coming out of the speakers, and the island-themed patio with an open-air ceiling.

Read the whole story...