When we moved to Oakland in 2000, we were dismayed to realize that there was nowhere to drink a bloody Mary while looking at Lake Merritt. That’s been true up until right now, but the cruel deprivation will finally end next week when Lake Chalet opens to the public at 1520 Lakeside Drive. The 425-seat restaurant may be the biggest in Oakland, with four bars, three dining rooms and a boat-in outdoor patio, plus a private banquet room. Owner Gar Trupelli — of Park and Beach Chalet fame — told us on our last visit that the draw for him was the 100-year-old Boat House building itself. “It’s great to be able to take something like that and really make it the way it’s supposed to be, a place where people can go,” he said. The place is in soft opening mode this week and is due to open officially August 17. Chef Jarad Gallagher’s menu (Check pdfs here) ranges from burgers and beers to poached Alaskan halibut, and includes a raw bar and a Grub Street favorite: A brunch buffet on weekends that will definitely include bloody Marys.
Previously:
Peek Inside Oakland’s Lake Chalet [Grub Street SF]
