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A. K. Carroll
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Ceviche trio
The food scene in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood continues to develop as eating establishments of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions pop up and change over. Capitalizing on the current culture's fascination with small plates and curiosity in craft cocktails, Waleed Jueiwnat's Iron Pan (a restaurant that recently set up shop in the former home of
Aunt Mary's Cafe) has recently rebranded as
Urbano Latino and rebooted their offerings with a full liquor license, new menu items, and weeknight specials to boot.
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A.K. Carroll
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Urbano's full bar
A pan-Latin concept that is open for dinner on the weekdays, and brunch, lunch, and dinner on weekends, Urbano Latino has tightened its culinary focus and shifted its offerings toward small plates and entrees that pair well with the bar scene and the cocktail crowd. Curious newcomers might consider making their first visit on a quiet weekday evening, when Urbano features Monday-Friday happy hours from 4-6:30 p.m.and again after 9:30 p.m. Specials include $2 off beer, wells, wine, sangria and make-your-own margaritas, as well as half-off appetizers, such as a ceviche trio, house guacamole, marinated chicken wings, and mini street tacos.
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A.K. Carroll
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Spicy Cuban - a ginger rum mint digestif
There are also daily discounts, including Martini Monday, Tequila Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday.
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Here's a sampling of Urbano's specialties and selections:
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Starting off with a small plate or two is a good way to ease yourself into any new menu, and Urbano's is no different. In fact some of their best items are featured as trios and sample platters, which are great for a group, or fine to keep all to yourself. Salty crisp chips are served with the sweet roasted corn salsa, chunky guacamole, and tangy fresh ceviche. Choosing the trio allows you to sample a pungent poke sprinkled with black sesame, a mild tangy cod, and a refreshing shrimp and guac combo, as well as a pickled house salad of paper-thin radish, cucumber, and onion. Savory mini street tacos meld creamy cotija with slow-burning sauces, crisp shredded slaw and fresh bits of cilantro. It took most of my self restraint not to finish the whole plate in six swift bites.
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A. K. Carroll
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Seafood Steam
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If sharing isn't your thing, or if entrees are in order, you can proceed to step two. House recommended entrees include a homey approachable paella dotted with peas and spice small bits of delicious, a seafood steam of jumbo prawns and giant PEI mussels doused in what amounts to a spicy red pepper marinara sauce, and a generous meat board that features Angus beef ribeye topped with chimchurri, marinated Mary's chicken breast and a spicy Andouille sausage that was my favorite two bites by far. All of the aforementioned are essentially made for sharing, but to each his own. I realize that not everyone shares my affinity for tasting as many things as possible over the course of an evening. Even if you don't, you might still consider finishing off your meal with a the platanos fritos or simple shot of bourbon from the guys behind the bar.
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Dulce de Leche ice cream, fried plantains and Mexican chocolate
Urbano Latino:
4307 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
