To the residents who live here, Oakland is one of the best cities in Northern California. Its rich history showcases the talents of civil right leaders, musicians and athletes. Now add to that food, and you have a city that just about has it all.

I finally made the move to Oakland three years ago but always considered it my stomping ground for doing business or just hanging out. Since then, I have truly enjoyed watching the city's food scene just explode with great restaurants that offer everything for the casual diner to the diner looking for something more upscale without having to go to San Francisco.

Last year, the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau announced plans for the city's first Restaurant Week that was held last month from January 23 - 29. I spoke briefly with Elisa Williams, the marketing/communications director, about the decision. According to Williams, it wasn't a question of "if" but "when" given the restaurants that already existed as well as those that had opened over the last year. "When we approached the restaurants about participating, they were extremely enthusiastic."

The new energy around the food scene in Oakland also caught the attention of the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine and National Geographic Traveler. With all of this great coverage, Williams says "I think what is happening is the rest of the world is able to see Oakland as the locals see it. The food scene in Oakland has been going on for some time and it is just a great opportunity to see what is here."

So who are some of the restaurants creating noise and participating in Restaurant Week? Well, I had the pleasure of going to three of them and I am sure diners were just as happy as I was.

Bocanova
Jack London Square
55 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510.444.1233
http://bocanova.com/

When I first moved to California in 1998, this location used to be the Old Spaghetti Factory that left much to be desired when it came to the food served. But years later, redemption came in the form of a new spot called Bocanova. Serving Pan-American cuisine, Bocanova not only gave the location a brand new facelift but consciously designed the place to be friendly to the environment using recycled wood and reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing fresh local ingredients.

Their offer during restaurant week was a family-style four course lunch for $20 and dinner for $30.

I wanted to visit Bocanova during this special week because each time I have eaten here, I can't wait to go back. Just a great place and of course great food. This time I spoke with one of the owners and executive chef, Rick Hackett, and checked out a few items coming out the kitchen. Peruvian black olives, Mexican lobster and shrimp cocktail and Kobe style top sirloin with chimichurri were just some of the plates I got to witness going to tables. Stop by and see for yourself why it is a local favorite.

Chop Bar
247 4^th Street, #11
Oakland, CA 94607
510.834.2467
http://www.oaklandchopbar.com/

If you are looking for a local spot to just meet friends and take the day's stress away, I would highly recommend Chop Bar. It is great when there is that one place in the neighborhood where residents can grab something fresh and delicious to eat with a fellow neighbor or alone.

The place lends itself to creating good times while eating good food with its standard and communal seating. Owned by 3 chefs, the concept was born out of their desire to open a restaurant in Oakland that brought the community together. The name Chop Bar came from the West African term for local bars where the community gathers and they all felt it fit perfectly.

After talking to Christopher Pastena, one of the owners, I asked him about the most popular item on the menu. Answer? The burger and ribs. I asked him what made their burger so special and he confidently replied, "We just do it right." And I couldn't agree more after having one for myself. Topped with cheese, bacon that sizzled with this amazing flavor and avocado, one bite led to another and another. Served with a wonderful green salad and dill pickle on the side, I can truly see why Chop Bar has captured the attention of the neighborhood and beyond.

Pican
2295 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
http://www.picanrestaurant.com

Last up on my Restaurant Week stop was one of my favorite restaurants, Pican. I have been there many times and each experience and the food have been consistently great. One thing that Oakland does lack on the food scene is the number of Black-owned upscale restaurants that cater to diners looking for ambiance as well as food that meets their expectations. Owner Michael Le Blanc has done this and then some.

It was the talk of the town when Pican opened in the spring of 2009 and has since become "the place to be seen" for happy hour, corporate functions and of course lunch and dinner. The menu is routed in Le Blanc's southern roots and created by executive chef Dean Dupuis. Le Blanc interviewed over 50 chefs for the position but it was Chef Dean aka "Big Voodoo Daddy or White Chocolate" that captured the essence and authenticity of the cuisine he wanted to present to Oakland. Originally from Massachusetts, Chef Dean got his cooking roots in Atlanta and it was his ability to fuse California and Southern cuisine that won Le Blanc over.

Fried green tomatoes, smoked Berkshire pork belly, low country shrimp & grits as well as sorghum lacquered duck and barbequed Cypress Island salmon are just a few of the menu offerings. But ask anyone about their favorite and it very well may be the buttermilk southern fried chicken served with the option of truffled honey along with smoked Gouda "mac 'n cheese." I have enjoyed this on at least two of my visits and it does not disappoint. I also like to throw in the award winning smoked brisket braised collards. Outstanding.

On this day, I had a small sampling of the ribs and their marinated cucumbers. I ate everything with a smile.

The next time you hear the city Oakland, think "foodie destination" because just as the state of California has influenced the way the rest of country looks at food, Oakland is and will continue to do the same.

Coming to Oakland soon? Click here to visit the Oakland Convention & Visitors Bureau to learn more about our great town.