Oliveto redux: It’s always news when a restaurant changes executive chef. But when the toque in question belongs to Oliveto’s Paul Canales, that’s really big news. Canales has been associated with the iconic restaurant for the last 15 years. He started there as an intern during his studies at the Culinary Institute of America, then moved to New York to work at Andre Soltner’s famed Lutece, before returning to Oakland and Oliveto. Now he’s moving on. Jonah Rhodehamel — who hails from San Francisco’s La Folie, Americano and Quince — will carry on in his stead.
Rhodehamel is “truly passionate about the food we love,” says Oliveto co-owner Bob Klein, and diners can expect to enjoy the same traditional Italian regional cuisine they’ve come to know and love, including savory antipasti, house-made pastas and fire-roasted meats. Details: 5655 College Ave., Oakland; 510-547-5356; www.oliveto.com.
Enoteca opens: If you’re in the mood for more Italian — inspired small plates, bar snacks and plenty of vino — Oakland’s Enoteca Molinari opened a week ago. The wine bar menu is designed by Steve Jaramillo, former exec chef at Lalime’s, and opening night treats included golden chickpea fries, ragu (“like Nonna used to make,” says owner Joe Madison) and Italian sweets. Open 5-10 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Details: 5474 College Ave., Oakland; 510-428-4078; www.enoteca-molinari.com.
Antioch muscle: New Jersey’s Muscle Maker Grill chain is moving west, with the first of five planned Bay Area restaurants opening in Antioch in February. Co-owners Tony Shoman and Sam Shaer of Brentwood and Zee Dames of Oakland are promising a relaxed and casual restaurant with an emphasis on healthful dining — and plenty of TVs. The place may look like a diner, but the menu is all about lean protein-rich dishes, wraps, salads and protein shakes. Details: Muscle Maker Grill, 4621 Golf Course Rd., Antioch; http://musclemakergrill.com.
Send your Bay Area restaurant tips to food editor Jackie Burrell, jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com.
