Subscribe to RSSWe knew about a hip, trendy restaurant just off of Oakland’s Broadway Auto Row called Mua but had never had a chance to go. A recent tweet from @1skinnychef alerted us that experienced Executive Chef, Brandon Peacock, had recently joined them so we decided to see what this Oakland Hot Spot was all about. The décor is SoHo warehouse chic industrial with wood beam ceilings, skylights, cement walls and ceiling fans. Large wild edgy Art paintings by Kimlynh E. Chun www.kimlynswork.com and Hi-Suk add to the fun Artist’s Loft statement.
Mua from above
There is an active Bar area, Garden Patio seating, a spacious main Dining Room with high ceiling and an Upstairs Dining area with a Bar which overlooks the action below. Candelabras on the long tables for large parties and individual candles on all the smaller tables makes the setting quite atmospheric. Upbeat background music adds to the dining experience and great acoustics allows you to have a private conversation over dinner without having to talk too loud.
The Ahi Tuna Sashimi
Mua has an evolving menu featuring reasonably priced Modern American Cuisine with small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees using fresh and seasonal ingredients. There is a Full Bar and an International Wine List with over 20 wines by the glass. We suggest that you start with their Signature Cocktails. We loved both the Joe Smash made with Ciroc Vodka, Cointreau, mint, red grapes and lemon which tasted minty fresh and the Jus’ Margarita made with Don Julio Tequila, agave nectar, lemon, lime, orange juice and a float of Grand Marnier which tasted herbaceous.
The Beef Carpacci
We decided to begin with a few of their Smaller Plates. The Beef Carpaccio with manchego, arugula and pine nuts was super thin and absolutely wonderful. We love great Carpaccio and it can be difficult to find…so we were very happy. The Ahi Tuna Sashimi that was nori wrapped and tempura fried had a fabulous crust. The combination of delicate texture of the ahi with the light crunch of the tempura was perfect. You must have the Beef Bone Marrow with cornichon and toast as you rarely see it on a menu and it was a treat. The Daube Braised Lamb Cheeks with parsnip was also beautiful and it had a great sauce. Next, we had the Steamed Mussels in a truly spectacular roasted tomato broth served with fries and aioli. The Larger Plates were just as good as the Small Plates! The Grilled Ribeye Steak with fries and herb butter was perfectly prepared rare as ordered and had a lovely charcoal flavor. The Blackened Catfish with dirty rice and aioli tasted fresh, juicy and had a great Cajun seasoning which was very similar to our favorite from New Orleans “Slap Ya Mama”. We enjoyed a bottle of the 2008 Gamble Sauvignon Blanc which was lively with hints of citrus with our meal. This is one of our favorite Sauvignon Blancs and we rarely see it on a menu.
The Blackened Catfish
The Desserts that we tried were both were right sized portions, light and truly extraordinary. Definitely save room for the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake served with cocoanut gelato and the Bread Pudding served with crème anglaise and raspberry sauce.
Espresso and Frogs Leap, Late Harvest Riesling Dessert Wine were the perfect finish to our most enjoyable dinner.
MUA Desserts
Mua is a truly worthy dining destination that exceeded our expectations. The service was very personable and professional, the atmosphere and hip vibe made it festive and fun and the affordable cuisine was exceptional! Mua offers Lunch, Dinner, a Happy Hour and the Bar is open until 2:00 AM on weekends. We can’t wait to return with some of our foodie friends!
By Carol & Joe Davis
Mua Restaurant
2442 Webster Street (at Broadway & 24th St.)
Oakland, CA. 94612
510.238.1100
