Nido--Oakland (Mexican cuisine)

Nido is a fairly new Mexican restaurant located in Jack London Square in Oakland at 444 Oak Street. The decor is very quirky with a lot of industrial metal and concrete with some homey plants, curtains and used-looking wood in the mix. The utilitarian lightweight metal dishware might be more commonly seen at a campground rather than a kitchen. But it all works. Why? Because the food is really good.

I made a visit for lunch and immediately wanted to come back for dinner to try their more substantial offerings....and to drink. Their menu showcases their farm-to-table philosophy with organic and hormone/antibiotic -free everything as well as a nice list of craft spirits ranging from mezcal to tequila to whiskey. I was very happy with every ingredient in every item.

http://www.nidooakland.com/

Here were some of the foods I enjoyed.

Negro y Blanco. It was a brilliant idea to take organic horchata and top it with Highwire coffee. This wasn't too sweet and had just the right amount of coffee; which is perfect for me considering I'm a bit sensitive to caffeine. Very refreshing.

Chicken and beef tacos. The chicken was perfectly char grilled and was served with chamoy glaze and citrus salsa. The beef was braised until super tender and was served with roasted peppers. A very simple dish that was executed wonderfully.

Quesadillas Coloraditas. These were made with Chile California tortillas, Oaxacan cheese, queso cotija, onion, cilantro and casera salsa served in a very rustic, handmade little bowl. I added braised beef and was blown away at how delicious this simple dish was. Very satisfying.



 

 

No Recuerdo! A well-balanced mix of Tres Agaves Reposado, Alipus San Baltazar Mezcal, Luxardo and bitters. This drink makes me think of a Latin Sazerac. A very nice sipping drink.

 

The Southern Belle. For something a bit lighter on the alcohol side, this refreshing drink included Four Roses Bourbon, Napa Valley Grenadine, apple bitters, lemon and soda.

 

 

 

Empanada de Camaron. A deep-fried ancho chile corn turnover filled with shrimp, tomato and guajillo vein. On the bottom of the plate was fresh avocado and all was topped with queso cotija, crema fresca, frisee and served with cruda salsa. Delicious.

 

 

 

Tasajo Asado. This was a plate of grilled, thinly-sliced beef steak, served with housemade corn tortillas, guacamole, fried black beans, chile de agua, grilled green onion, queso fresco and chile cascabel salsa. The beef was tender and succulent and the grilled chile was grilled until soft and had a nice kick to go with everything.

 

Pescado del Dia. The fish special of the day was poached Cod with a brothy sauce made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic and capers. Sprinkled with fresh cilantro and served with a wedge of lime and housemade corn tortillas, this was a light and fresh dish.

Flan con Fruta. A very large portion of dense and creamy coconut flan was served with a caramel sauce and mango salsa. This was big enough to be a meal. Very delicious.

 

 

Nido also serves brunch on the weekends and they have happy hour from Tuesdays through Friday from 3pm to 6pm. An excellent choice in the Jack London Square area.