Are you looking for authentic Oaxacan Mexican cuisine and a mezcal-focused beverage program in the San Francisco Bay Area? We are very lucky to have Agave Uptown in Oakland which is celebrating their first anniversary with the full opening of a 32-seat sidewalk patio and the release, in a jar, of their acclaimed mole sauce made with 20 ingredients from a secret family recipe. Executive Chef and restaurant entrepreneur Octavio Diaz is a native of Santa Gertrudis, Mexico, near the city of Oaxaca, grew up in a large family for whom food was a focal point of their togetherness. At age 13, his parents sent him to live with his uncle in Rohnert Park, California and he subsequently received a scholarship to attend Santa Rosa Junior College where he graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Inspired by strong ties to Oaxaca and family, Diaz’s professional goal became to bring the flavors of his homeland to the Bay Area. Initially working at places such as the Sonoma Wine Country Hilton and Petaluma Sheraton, he then opened Agave Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar in Healdsburg in 2010 serving authentic Oaxacan style food and the venue quickly became an integral part of Sonoma County’s culinary community and inspired a second location, Agave Uptown, at the Kapor Center in Oakland. With a focus on sustainable ingredients, Diaz seeks to create a cultural experience for his diners in a family-friendly atmosphere. His mother frequently helps make the signature mole negro by hand with imported Oaxacan ingredients. We enjoyed a delightful, fresh and flavorful dinner where beautifully prepared foods made our tastebuds dance for JOY!! Here are the items we tried and highly recommend!! Pictures are below. Salud!! :) Cocktails . Amor Mixteca Mezcal, Prickly Pear Spirit, Lime, Egg Whites, Prickly Syrup, Aromatic Essence . Pasion Silvestre Luna Mezcal, Mandarin & Lavender Syrup, Passion Fruit, Lemon, Tonic Water Ensaladas . Agave Salad Petite Romaine Hearts, Avocado, Queso Fresco, Pumpkin Seeds, Heirloom Tomatoes, Grilled Peppers, Onions, Cilantro, Chipotle Vinaigrette . Oaxacan Salad Butter Lettuce, Avocado, Mango, Sliced Almonds, Radish, Amaranto Seeds, Vinaigreta de maracuya con mezcal Botanas . Salmon - not on the menu but ask for it! :) Beets, Avocado, Radish, Pomegranate Seeds, Tomato, Pomegranate Seeds, Cilantro, Habanero, pineapple . Ceviche Onion, Heirloom Tomatoes,, Lime, Cilantro, Avocado . Molotes (vegetarian) Masa, Epazote, Potato, Cabbage, Queso Fresco, Black Bean Paste Especialidades Mole negro de Oaxaca @chihuacle Chiles and 20 secret ingredients . Enmoladas (vegetarian) Mole, Queso Fresco, sliced onion, rice, black beans . Cod with vegetables . Mushroom Tacos Cabbage Queso Fresco, Mole, Avocado Dessert Menu . Flan de Cafe Traditional custard served with fresh berries . Lucuma Ice Cream . Rose petals ice cream Agave Uptown is located at 2135 Franklin Street, at Broadway, in Oakland, California. Comments are closed.
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