The food scene in Oakland is awesome…from what I hear.

I can’t think of the last time I ventured out there….period.

A fully planned ‘foodie’ adventure across the bridge to Oakland was a welcome idea and probably the only way to get us out there. So, Garry and I ventured out to Oakland a couple of days ago with a group of food bloggers and hit Jack London Square’s, Jack’s Oyster Bar & Fish House and Bocanova.

Each dish we tried at both restaurants were killer and paired with the perfect cocktail.

Starting with

DRAKE’S BAY by the DOZEN at Jack’s

Not only were these oysters the perfect size and briny,

They are $1.50 ALL DAY on Wednesdays.

Both restaurants sit right on the water with tons of outdoor seating and sun.

Lobster roll bites on housemade pretzel buns at Jack’s (drenched in butter) and paired with the Alameda Brewing Company’s Hefeweizen.

(above)

This combo was by far my favorite. See me shoveling my second lobster roll into my mouth.

(below)

Once I cleaned all the butter off my face from the lobster roll’s at Jack’s (and charred octopus – not pictured but delicious), we walked a couple of feet over to Jack’s sister restaurant, Bocanova to finish off the night.

Swordfish Anticuchos (above), with aji amarillo, aji panca and garlic….aka the beautiful sauces smeared on the bottom of the plate.

I missed out on the warm chocolate bread pudding course due to my cinnamon allergy.

#NotBlessed

But I did snag the last drink pairing of a 10-year-old Madeira before hopping on the BART train back to San Francisco.

This was a welcome adventure and will not be the last time I jump on the BART and hit up all the Oakland eats!

Photos by Garry Alexander