Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Encuentro



Encuentro
202 2nd Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510.832.9463
encuentrowinebar@gmail.com

This little vegetarian gem in the Jack London District of Oakland, is the product of Eric Tucker, chef at the vegan Millennium restaurant in San Francisco.  With a bar and just a few tables, so there is often a wait.  The menu changes regularly and, while there’s an occasional miss, there are also some amazing hits. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a night when the tempeh Reuben sandwich is on the menu, by all means order it.  I am not a fan of fake meat, but this is my rare exception. The sandwich is flavorful and hearty (and photographed below).

If you're familiar with Tucker's Millenium, you will be surprised by what's offered here as the concept is quite different.  The dishes are not as complex, which is sometimes a problem a Millennium, but focus more on a few ingredients and clean flavors from local, organic sources.  The concept is small plates that are meant to be shared.

Encuentro is casual, sometimes noisy and a comfortable place to relax with good vegetarian food and wine.