When Sophina Uong took over the stove at Oakland’s most upscale Southern dining destination, Picán, the self-taught, Cambodian-born chef knew it wouldn’t be an easy undertaking.
In California, wine tasting was once a rural experience. Oenophiles would trek up to Napa or Sonoma, braving dusty roads in daylight to sample sips before 6 p.m. closings.
We identify our favorite restaurants in a variety of ways: by the chef, by the unique take on a particular cuisine, by the cocktails or the wine list, by the neighborhood feel.