Camino royale

golden gate park botanical poolCamino – It did not used to be the case that one left San Francisco for Oakland to dine, except in search of non-Western European cuisines that had been priced out of SF. There were a few good options, nice for meeting folks who lived on the other side of the Bay and were tired of always having to make the westward journey, but SF remained the center of gravity. Now, however, the pace of change appears to be accelerating, which is fun for Bay Area diners but has to be really exciting – and perhaps somewhat of a relief – for Oakland residents. Camino is as talked-about as any of the city’s a-birthing establishments, and so it’s a pleasure to cross the water and give it a try.

Cocktails: excellent. Atmosphere: fun and warm, vibing not entirely unlike a Rockies ski lodge, a feel that suits the extensive use of fire in the kitchen. Wine list: I never see it, so I don’t know. Service: very friendly.

Food…well: much is good, some is tentative, some is just OK. The hype may slightly outpace the quality, or I’m here on an off night. On the other hand, there’s no obvious reason why the kitchen couldn’t turn out consistently excellent food…what flaws there are on my night (mostly of conception and balance rather than execution) don’t appear to be systemic. I’d come back, but I wouldn’t rush.

Belluard 2009 Vin de Savoie Terroir du Mont-Blanc “Grand Jousses” Cépage Altesse (Savoie) – Flat plains of minerality, broadened to the horizon. Yet despite the breadth there’s a nervousness to the wine, a tension. And on the gripping hand, shyly floral flashes. I’d say this needs time, even on the night, but it’s gone like summer lightning…which, by itself, says something. (11/11)

Saumon 2009 Montlouis-sur-Loire Le Clos de Chêne (Loire) – I struggle with this wine, which seems surly and imbalanced…not in conception, necessarily, but as if it’s throwing a kind of tantrum. Waxed minerals, pollen, white petals, tenderness, but not one of these elements is willing to play with, or even look at, the others. I’ll wait for a bottle that’s had its nap, or is at least free of colic, before saying more. (11/11)

Arnot-Roberts 2010 Trousseau Luchsinger (Clear Lake) – Zinging all over the place, with spike-driven fruit of surprising weight giving its piercing tartness, somewhat leaden structure, and a lot of confused thrashing for a finish. This tastes like an experiment. (11/11)

Edmunds St. John 2005 Syrah Bassetti (San Louis Obispo County) – Something I thought I might never taste: a mature Bassetti. Well, mature-ish. OK, not mature at all. There’s certainly no hurry. If there’s any benefit to Old World analogues, this is the Hermitage versus some of Steve’s less hyper-masculine syrahs, but it’s important to stress that it doesn’t actually taste anything like Hermitage; the only real commonality is the firmness of its structure, which is still quite evident. Otherwise, the dark fruit has roasted into soy-drizzled walnuts and dark herbs, porcini dust plays a role, and the lingering impression is one of persistent solidity. Very, very impressive. (11/11)

Disclaimer: the Belluard and Saumon are provided by a dining companion who imports the wines.

 

roast poultryHog Island Oyster Bar – The lavishness of my usual 4- or 5-dozen oyster orgy is mitigated by the presence of an unfamiliar face, and thus I’m forced to behave in matters bivalvual. But there’s just nothing to not love about this place. Terrific food, quite decent beer, wine, and sake, and the Ferry Building premium doesn’t seem all that punishing here.

Métaireau “Domaine du Grand Mouton” 2010 Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie “Petit Mouton” (Loire) – Muscadet-by-the-numbers. Abraded shells and slightly saline acidity, light-bodied, clean and soon absent. Frankly, I expect more from this producer. (11/11)


7 Comments

  • Larry

    February 9, 2012

    *1995* Bassetti? I thought ’01 was Steve’s first Syrah from that vineyard.

    Reply
    • thor iverson

      February 10, 2012

      Yeah, that’s a heck of a typo, isn’t it? ;-)

      Reply
      • Larry

        February 10, 2012

        Thanks for the note. I have several of those and figured I’d let others open bottles first and tell me when it’s ready. ;-)

        Reply
  • Mark Lipton

    February 12, 2012

    You don’t say what you had, but my one dinner there was notable for the boudin blanc they had on special. Sausages there do seem to be a bit of a specialty. BTW, very good, reasonably priced wine list. The details of dinner there are duly archived you-know-where.

    Reply
    • thor iverson

      February 12, 2012

      It was a good meal, but one worth the BART/taxi combo…not on my night. I’m sure I’ll have another opportunity.

      Reply
      • Mark Lipton

        February 14, 2012

        Since I’m East Bay based when in the Bay Area (I grew up in Richmond, where my mother still lives), Oakland ain’t quite the trek for me that it was for you. Still, in the pantheon of East Bay dining at the mo’ I’d place Camino quite high, up there with Lalime’s, Bay Wolf and Chez Panisse Cafe, a cut below Rivoli, Oliveto and Chez Panisse proper (though that latter is so dependent on the day, etc. that I probably shouldn’t even include it). Haven’t eaten at Commis yet, though.

        Reply
        • thor iverson

          February 14, 2012

          Cory’s got some more places he suggests I try on a future visit. Bay Wolf is an old favorite, and of course I’ve been to CP and CP Café.

          Reply

Leave a Reply