Oakland’s Encuentro Returns for Earth Day and More A.M. Intel

Encuentro’s Earth Day Celebration

Vegetarian café and wine bar Encuentro, which closed abruptly after 9 years in Jack London Square this past January, is returning for a two-night Earth Day pop-up Friday and Saturday. There are two seatings per night with a $45 prix-fix vegan and gluten-free menu. Email encuentrowinebar@gmail.com for reservations, or pop over to Berkeleyside for more details.

Trading hot dogs for poke

The local poke bar explosion continues apace in the Sunset, where Japanese hot dog spot Takuya has pivoted into Poke Origin after just two months. The new seafood incarnation soft opens at 716 Irving Street this weekend with the usual poke fixins starting at around $10 per bowl. Takuya, meanwhile, is now in the Stonestown Mall.

Fine casual Himalayan-Indian in the Sunset

The Inner Sunset is also getting a new Himalayan-Indian spot Gorkha Kitchen at 1386 9th Avenue. According to Hoodline, owner Laxman Adhikari, who owns another celebrated Indian spot in Millbrae, has hired staff from Taj Campton Place and hopes to offer “a little bit of casual fine dining at an affordable price." Prix fixe menus start at $35 for two courses or $45 for three courses.

Resolving to serve more food

Resolute wine bar in the Tenderloin is expanding its menu beyond meat and cheese plates. The new food program features Alsatian Pizzas (Tarte Flambée, if you prefer), panini and salads to accompany that beer or glass of wine.