Openings

What to Eat at Haven, Opening Today in Oakland

Here’s the latest end-of-the-year opening! Haven (44 Webster Street), Daniel Patterson’s Jack London Square restaurant, opens to the public tonight. Executive Chef Kim Alter’s menu features new California cuisine and she plans to highlight special food techniques (like whole animal cooking) and seasonal ingredients. Patterson and Alter want the space to become a neighborhood spot where people will approach the food in a flexible manner — be it they’re stopping by for a snack, celebratory dinner, or dessert date. At a preview, Grub Street was astounded by the chicken, farro, and foie dish. Other items that whet our appetite are the clams with garlic toast in bacon and bourbon broth, bavette steak with chanterelles and quince, and the quail with quinoa and pickled mustard.

The desserts-for-two menu, by Pastry Chef Matt Tinder, focuses on bright clean flavors that compliment Alter’s savory dishes. Although star bartender Scott Beattie was originally supposed to create a gin-centric drink menu, since he and Daniel Patterson recently parted ways, none of Beattie’s drinks made the cut. Instead, Alter and her culinary team will work with the bar managers to craft seasonal cocktails.

To Start
Fennel Soup, lemon preserved, anise, pearl onions 10
Chicory Salad, shiso, apple, persimmon, pomegranite 12
Little Gem, gorgonzola, celery, crisp chicken skin 12
Heirloom Squash, barley, celery root, sage 13
Clams, turnip, garlic toast bacon & bourbon broth 14
Smoked Pasta, egg, bacon, pepper, chive 13
Bone Marrow, yuzu, radish, leek, toast, parsley 15

Entrees
Brassica, kohlrabi, kumquat 18
Day Boat Scallop, beets, black trumpet mushrooms, blood orange 27
Quail, quinoa, trumpet royal mushrooms, pickled mustard 23
Chicken, faro, root vegetables, foie, banyuls 24
Shepard’s Pie, pig, potato, winter spice 25
Bavette, chanterelle, sunchoke, quince 28
Braised Lamb, carrots, allium, firelit liquor 26

Sides
Brussel Sprouts, mint, lime, garlic 7
Cauliflower, soyoung’s cheddar, balsamic, orange 7
Sweet potato, maple marshmallow, crisp shallot 7

Desserts For 2
Baked California, citrus, avocado, fennel meringue 12
Profiteroles, popcorn, dulce de leche 12
Chocolate, coffee, rice ice cream

Earlier: First (Full) Look Inside Haven, Opening Next Weejk in Oakland

What to Eat at Haven, Opening Today in Oakland