Sister: Happy to Have You

Today happens to be International Women’s Day, so it’s the perfect opportunity to write about Sister, a young new restaurant located on Grand Avenue in Oakland.  Last year, the restaurant replaced Boot and Shoe Service, so there are no ties to the restauranteur (who will not be named) accused of sexual harassment.  

My girlfriends and I tried Sister this past Friday to celebrate a birthday. The set up is similar to Boot and Shoe where the right side of the building is the restaurant and the left back side is bar service.  After checking in, I made my way to the bar area as I awaited the rest of the party to arrive and our table to be ready.  I was happy to see that they still make their own delicious tonic, so I ordered a gin and tonic.  

Gin & Tonic

Our first appetizer was a plate of cara cara and naval oranges, carrots, and sesame.  I loved the simplicity and the infusion of yuzu in this dish.  It was both refreshing and juicy.

cara cara and naval oranges, carrots, and sesame

Our next dish was a salad of chicories, preserved lime, medjool dates, and pecorino.  It was another winning combination.  

chicories, preserved lime, medjool dates, and pecorino

The lamb ribs with herbs and XO came out next.  These fall off the bone ribs were tender and flavorful.  It’s not often you find lamb ribs on a menu so I felt very luck to be able to enjoy these.

lamb ribs with herbs and XO

The next dish that was served was the seaweed noodles with Dungeness crab and kimchi.  The tangy and spicy kimchi against the noodles and crab brought me to flavortown. 

seaweed noodles with Dungeness crab and kimchi

There were five pizza varieties so we agreed to get the one with fennel sausage, black pepper, and Fiscalini cheddar cheese, but topped with green garlic.  Their thin crust pizza remains top notch.

fennel sausage, black pepper, and Fiscalini cheddar cheese pizza

The unique ingredients and flavors in the food at Sister is a testament to the chefs ability and creativity.  I would say the same goes to the pastry chef.  We tried two desserts.  One was the date cake with creme fraiche caramel and ginger mousse.  

date cake with creme fraiche caramel and ginger mousse

The saffron ice cream was amazing as well.  

saffron ice cream

I was really impressed by Sister.  Honestly, I went in thinking the menu was pretty lackluster, but I left with a wonderment.  Although the restaurant space looks unchanged, it has reinvented itself for the better. The experience makes me feel fortunate and happy that I live in Oakland and this is my community. 

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