Bright Young Things

Commis Set to Take Over the East Bay

Photo: Courtesy Commis

Despite Michael Bauer’s ambivalence toward Commis, James Syhabout obviously has a hit on his hands. The new Oakland spot nabbed a Michelin star its first four months in existence, and today the New York Times’ Eric Asimov fairly gushes over the chef and his new venture. Turns out Syhabout, an Oakland native opened the restaurant on Piedmont Avenue not because it’s in his hometown or the rent is cheap, but because there’s great access to fresh produce. “There’s pretty much a farmers’ market four days out of the week,” he told the Times. But really, Asimov? Piedmont Avenue is “gritty?” Well, that Bay Wolf does attract a tough crowd late at night.

A New Restaurant Gets Noticed in Oakland
[New York Times]

Commis Set to Take Over the East Bay