Tovin Lapan

3 weeks ago | oaklandside.org | Tovin Lapan

The interior of Jaji, a new restaurant that opened in January in Uptown Oakland, is designed and decorated to evoke Afghanistan, the country owner Sophia Akbar’s family fled decades ago following the invasion of the Soviet Union.

3 weeks ago | oaklandside.org | Tovin Lapan

Point Richmond restaurant, bar and music venue the Baltic Kiss has permanently closed after a tumultuous start to 2025, including a public fundraising campaign, benefit concerts, and at least two employees filing complaints with the California Labor Commission regarding unpaid wages.

1 month ago | oaklandside.org | Tovin Lapan

Matt Horn, chef and owner of Horn Barbecue, will be adding to the menu and hours at his Old Oakland location as he looks to drive more traffic to the restaurant, but will not be opening the West Oakland retail shop that was previously announced. Prior to the March 15-16 weekend, a hand-written sign appeared on the Old Oakland Horn Barbecue location at 464 Eighth St., reading, in part, “Closed.

2 months ago | oaklandside.org | Tovin Lapan |Madeline Taub

The decor at Point Richmond’s Baltic Kiss can only be described as eclectic. Gold mermaid statues sit on either side of the front door, booths and chairs are upholstered with leopard print, and gold crinkly fabric. There are disco balls of various sizes, hanging lanterns, fairy lights, mannequins with mohawks, a painting of a naked woman gifted by former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, hand-painted swirling ceilings … the list could go on and on.

Feb 13, 2025 | oaklandside.org | Tovin Lapan

Restaurant’s, bars and markets inject vibrancy and flavor into our neighborhoods, and what are they rewarded with? Fickle Yelp reviewers who will drop a one-star review because they are having a bad day, delivery apps carving chunks out of their profits, and a bird flu outbreak jacking up the price of eggs. Without the corner cafes, bodegas down the street, and mom-and-pop restaurants serving dishes straight from the family recipe book, it would be a lot gloomier in the Bay.