Date night: CDP + The Wolf
Drinks at CDP, dinner at The Wolf
So you’ve maybe heard of Commis - its the east bay’s only 2 michelin star restaurant on Piedmont ave in Oakland. The much lauded fine dining spot offers a beautiful, modern, California tasting menu, but its one of those restaurants where the service is extraordinarily attentive, the portions are small and perfectly crafted, and the whole operation is very serious and without spontaneity. I love extra fine dining, but its the kind of thing you have to be in the mood for to really enjoy. So I’m not telling you to drop $300 on a meal there. Instead my suggestion is for you to start your date night at Commis’ sister spot, which right next door and called CDP.
CDP is slightly less formal than Commis, and is focused intently on their cocktail program. They have an imaginative and inviting list with ingredients you may not have heard of and variations on classic spirits with a novel twist - like CDP’s take on an old fashioned; made with Cognac, maple and bergamot. Or The Donald: a duck-fat washed rum with curry orgeat, turmeric and curacao.
While it’s not Commis, its still not cheap, but its a special way to start a night out in a relaxed atmosphere that will hopefully impress your date. If you really want to show off, you can even get caviar to kick off your evening - it comes with a beautiful tin of self-service accouterments and freshly made blinis.
After your drink at CDP, head on over to The Wolf next door for an inviting dining room with a california-style menu with incredible pasta, fresh seafood and the required local, seasonal ingredients. This is from the same team as Wood Tavern and Southie, so you can count on quality. The Wolf is unpretentious and offers a jovial, bustling atmosphere, a nice contrast to the slow, quiet of CDP.
And if you need things to talk about over dinner - read up on some local conversation fodder here.
Looking for other date ideas? Try a show at the Greek and dinner at Comal. Or better yet, hit up one of the east bay’s beloved tiki bars.