Camino to Open Kebab Shop in North Oakland

Camino, the Oakland restaurant from Chez Panisse alum Russell Moore and Allison Hopelain, has been quietly earning accolades for its hearth-style cooking since it opened in 2008. Now, Moore confirms that the duo is planning their first ever expansion: a kebab-focused spot called The Kebabery, in the former Salsipuedes space in Oakland.

While the menu at Camino has always been simple, Moore has used Monday nights as a way to expand his offerings and explore cuisines through set menus that focus on a particular dish. Kebabs have been a focus on several occasions; Boudin blanc, pozole, steak, Dungeness crab, paella (the current Monday night focus) have also been featured.

A past Kebab Monday menu could give an idea of what there is to look foward to:

Grilled artichokes and Belgian endive
with red lentil hummus and preserved lime

Grilled lamb leg kebab and lamb shoulder & belly kofte kebab
with fava beans, chiles, yogurt, lovage and grilled flatbread

Grilled fig leaf ice cream with wood oven-roasted rhubarb
and sesame candy

Though the upscale "backyard barbecue" fare at Salsipuedes didn't catch on in the neighborhood, kebabs might have a better chance of success in a residential area low on dining options.

Details on the restaurant are currently scarce, but stay tuned for more details as they become available.