There’s a Secret Room Filled With Rare Whiskies and Ramen in Oakland

Introducing a secret ramen room in Oakland

Since it opened in 2012, Ramen Shop has been packing in diners to its cozy space in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood. Now its offering an even more intimate dining option than the wood-walled dining room: A secret room that fits just eight people, with a hidden door disguised as a wall of lockers. Walk through the prep kitchen and enter a tiny room adorned with art and outfitted with its own stereo system. The experience includes the full menu served family-style (except for ramen, which is served individually for obvious reasons) for $75 per person. It also gives access to rare whiskies and sour beers hidden in the Ramen Shop cellar (those are not included in the price). The whole experience is snug, so make sure to invite only those with whom an hours long ramen debauchery can be be borne. Reservations only.

Postmates has made friends with robots

Robots are gaining in popularity, at least among delivery companies like Postmates. The company, known for its on-demand delivery of just about anything, is expected to receive SF’s first permit for sidewalk robotics operations. Read more about it here.

Fried chicken alert

Minnie Bell’s is moving into its new, larger space in the main corridor of Emeryville’s Public Market over the weekend. It’ll be closed August 9-11, reopening on Monday August 12 with fried chicken and new menu items, thanks to the larger space. Mama Lamees will take over Minnie Bell’s kiosk, which is a starter location for members of La Cocina, the SF non-profit food incubator. Read more about the switch here.

Doughp closes retail shops

The edible cookie dough company with locations at Pier 39 and Oracle Park is closing its storefronts to focus on wholesale, selling its safe-to-eat dough to retailers and via e-commerce. Before it closes, founder Kelsey Witherow is selling off all the remaining supplies for 40 percent off at Pier 39 (level two) until August 11.