 Pican Restaurant Review: In Oakland's burgeoning Uptown, this stylish New Orleans-inspired restaurant matches the nearby Paramount Theatre's grand spirit and scale. Traditional (mint juleps, fried green tomatoes, smoked brisket, barbecued ribs) meets twenty-first century (korma-sauced salmon, Cajun-flavored caramel corn, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free selections) amidst an irresistibly friendly atmosphere that manages to be both intimate and metropolitan. Changing much of the menu when she took the helm, chef Sophie Uong brings a tender, witty artistry to sassy, satisfying fare such as red velvet waffles, hickory-smoked pork belly banh mi, Dungeness crab-topped deviled eggs, satiny-spicy sweet potato soup, jambalaya risotto, lamb shoulder with fresh figs and grits and lemon meringue pie. Comfort food transcends in crawfish mac ‘n’ cheese: golden-crunchy on top, eye-poppingly creamy inside, studded with hefty crawfish hunks. Other eat-it-with-a-spoon-so-you-can-savor-every-atom standouts include colcannon made with creamed collards, black kale and russet potatoes, and smoky pecan pie topped with buttermilk ice cream. Single-batch bourbons and bourbon-based cocktails keep the bar lively. Saturday brunch is popular, as is the private "Bourbon Room."
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
