In the heart of Uptown Oakland, a culinary gem awaits those yearning for a taste of authentic Turkish doner kebabs, infused with Berlin-style charm. Black Forest Kitchen emerged at the beginning of April, delighting food enthusiasts from a vibrant shared space called Forage Kitchen, surrounded by contemporary art galleries. Their menu artfully blends traditional Berlin doner with Californian flair, featuring intriguing options such as the burrito-style wrap and vegan selections.
Chef Pierre Slack, the creative force behind Black Forest and a native of Frankfurt, Germany, has crafted a menu that boasts innovative offerings. Benefiting from the East Bay restaurant incubator, Oakland Bloom, Slack transitioned from pop-up events at venues like Two Pitchers Brewing Co. to a permanent location. His creations aim to capture the spirit of doner kebabs, a beloved street food in Berlin, which unfortunately remains a rarity in the Bay Area.
The star of the menu is the chef’s choice Don kebab, comprising succulent chicken, crisp red onions, vibrant red cabbage, creamy feta cheese, and an enticing duo of garlic and spicy sauces, priced at $15. A standout option is the Slim’Bo slice, a health-conscious take that swaps traditional bread for a refreshing salad, also at $15. For those seeking a heartier experience, the Doner’Rito wraps everything in a delectable burrito for $17, while the plant-based Super Doner’ish features oyster mushrooms and vegan feta for $16. There’s even a secret menu for adventurous diners, allowing them to mix fillings creatively with optional enhancements available for an extra charge.
Black Forest Kitchen has opened in Uptown Oakland, serving authentic Berlin-style doner kebabs with Californian twists. Chef Pierre Slack, who hails from Frankfurt, offers a variety of options including chicken, vegan selections, and burrito-style wraps. This unique eatery fills a gap in the Bay Area’s culinary offerings, having previously operated pop-ups at local venues.
In conclusion, Black Forest Kitchen offers a unique culinary experience by bringing Berlin-style doner kebabs to the Californian landscape. With diverse options catering to various dietary preferences, it successfully merges traditional flavours with contemporary twists. This delightful eatery, born from the imagination of a Frankfurt native, promises to captivate local palates and fill a much-desired niche in Oakland’s vibrant food scene.
Original Source: www.eastbaytimes.com
