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The Temescal neighborhood in Oakland continues to grow and thrive as a dining destination. Doukkala Restaurant recently opened on Telegraph Avenue serving Moroccan inspired California Cuisine. Talented Executive Chef Eric Lanvert uses French techniques and local and sustainable ingredients to create interesting and tasty dishes. Along with the main menu each night the Chef creates a four course Tasting Menu with wine pairings. The Décor at Doukkala exudes Moroccan old world charm with a Casablanca style seating and very comfortable banquettes. There is also outdoor dining weather permitting and the window tables are especially great for people watching.

Pacific North West Dayboat Scallops

Pacific North West Dayboat Scallops

We opted to have the Tasting Menu as well as order off of the main menu. It is sometimes difficult to order this way but both the chef and wait staff executed the timing so it was paced beautifully. The Tasting Menu started with a delicious cold Gazpacho soup which had a Moroccan flavor and paired with Louis Bouillot Sparkling Burgundy. Next up was the fabulous Pacific North West Dayboat Scallops which were sautéed with Jerusalem artichoke veloute, argan oil and paired perfectly with Elizabeth Spencer Pinot Blanc. The entrée that we enjoyed was Mendocino Quail Pastilla with Anjou pears, honey, spices and roasted marcona almonds. This was amazing and was perfectly paired with the Evening Land Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. We opted for tea with the light Moroccan Baklava dessert. The tasting menu was delicious and an extremely excellent value. We appreciated that it was only four courses as many Tasting Menus offer too many courses and one has to taste too many competing flavors.

Escargots

Escargots

We ordered four courses from the Main Menu as well. The Escargots were delicious braised snails in a mint and spice broth Marrakech style which had great flavors. Next we enjoyed the Suid a La Plancha which was excellent grilled and stuffed squid with chorizo, freekeh, and tomatoes then served over tomato coulis. The 2012 Mason Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc which was fruity, lively and complex paired perfectly. Our entrée was the Steak Frittes which was Grilled Grass Fed Marin County Bavette Steak served rare as ordered with charmoula butter and house fries with harissa aioli. Bavette has become one of our favorite steak cuts as the lovely aroma and savory flavor comes through. The Sangria made with 2007 French Chateau De Serema paired perfectly with the Steak Frittes. For dessert we had the Panacotta made with mango and green tea which was refreshing. A Strong Espresso was an excellent finish to our extremely satisfying meal.

Steak Frittes

Steak Frittes

Doukkala Restaurant has added an excellent dining option to the Oakland Dining Scene. It is a worthy destination from anywhere in the Bay Area or around the globe. The Cuisine was exceptional, the service was friendly and professional and the Décor was inviting. We will surely be back for dinner again soon.

By

Carol & Joe Davis

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Doukkala Restaurant

4905 Telegraph Avenue (at 51st)

Oakland, CA. 94609

510-653-8691

http://www.doukkalarestaurant.com/

Open for Dinner Only Tuesday-Sunday

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