FOB Kitchen
★★★★☆ 4.1 (634) • $$
"I've known about this place for a while as they've been featured on social media, newsprints, articles, word-of-mouth, TV shows, YouTube and etc... A few months ago (more like last summer), I took wifey here on a dinner date and didn't tell here where we were going. Funny thing was that as soon as I stepped inside, the bartender was already buttering me up...and it worked. So, I had to order some Red Horse (Philippine malt beer made by San Miguel) to get me started. The chef and owner, Janice Dulce, was busy working and greeting guests from behind and in front of the kitchen. The placed used to be a taqueria as she paid homage by keeping the original sign outside while adding her F.O.B. Kitchen logo. The exterior of the place is vibrant, full of colors and greeneries with vines crawling up the wall. The interior is warm, homey with touches of Philippine artwork. It feels comfortable, and the staff was surely very welcoming.We had the following: Starters/Pulutan - Sticky Wings ($15) coated with Patis (Fish Sauce) Caramel, pickles & cilantro. It was a delightful fried chicken that was well-balanced with tanginess and sweetness. The patis flavor wasn't too overpowering and pleasantly not too salty. It was crispy on the outside and tender inside. Lechon Kawali ($13) thriced cooked pork belly with pickled red onion, Thai chili, soy sauce & lemon. They were crispy but not greasy. The pickled red onion gave it a nice contrast, dipping it in the sauce gave it an umami punch. Of course, the Bartender reminded me to get the "Mang Tomas" sauce as it wouldn't be complete without it.Side Dish/Gulay-Tortang Talong ($13.00 - eggplant omelet, tomato, scallions, soy & banana ketchup dipping sauce (before the ban). Solid dish that was evenly coated with egg that provided a crispy exterior layer mixed with the soft eggplant to give it a nice contrast of texture and flavor.Entrees/Ulam - Sinigang Baboy ($25) tamarind & ginger soup, pork, daikon, bok choy, eggplant, green beans & Thai chili. If you like it sour, this was very sour....in a good way. The sourness comes the tamarind, which is very traditional and definitely did not come in a powder form. It was definitely a strong kick that would clear out your sinuses. The fresh veggies just sapped in all the flavors, and I couldn't stop eating them.Pork Adobo ($20) palm vinegar, soy, garlic, annatto, coconut milk & Thai chili. I have to give this a mix review since the pork was not consistent. There were parts that were dry and parts that were tender. However, their version of adobo was unique as I literally slurping the sauce. It was savory, but it also had sweet notes that reminded me of caramel. I just wished they made a Chicken Adobo version as well as chicken can be easily cooked evenly compared to pork. Dessert/Panghimagas -Turon with Ube Ice Cream (forgot the cost) a nice ending to the dish as the Turon was goldenly fried and the Ube was made with real Ube. It wasn't too sweet, and the ice cream had a great texture of real Ube mixed in. I don't know if they made it inhouse or from a vendor, but I appreciate a good and real Ube when I taste it. Not the fake, purple-colored desserts being appropriated by Trader Joe's. Cold Brew Pandan Coffee ($6). I know, it's not really a dessert, but this was addictively so good that I ordered another and another to go. Now, my only bone to pick with was the side of garlic rice that we ordered. The garlic was nice, but the rice was just way too clumpy. It could've been mixed together more evenly as opposed to getting clumps and chunks that it was almost a cop out. Just my opinion, but they could pay more attention on this one. Don't want to end on a negative note as we truly enjoyed our meal and time here. The service was friendly and professional, especially the Bartender. These were truly some of the best-tasting Filipino dishes we'd have to date, and I know there are other dishes that we wanted to try, but we only have two mouths. They also pay homage to its Oakland roots as evident from the names of the cocktails such as The Town, Blow the Whistle, Feelin' Myself, and Golden State of Mind. Oakland has been getting a bad rap, especially with what happened to their mayor, but it doesn't represent everything about The Town. It's very rich in the diversity in its people and culinary cuisines. There are good people here trying to make it better. Janice Dulce is one of those people. She's a proud Filipina American offering her culture and providing a safe space for people of color with different ethnicities, background and orientation. We must uphold them during these bleak times, and it is what America should be about."
"Vic's has been on my "To-try" list for a long time. Ever since they opened several years ago, I have heard nothing but praises from different people, including my friend and fellow Elite David A. For his birthday this year, our friend Sarah and I decided to treat him to dinner here on 07/03/2024.Sarah and I arrived simultaneously at 5:30pm. Since the temperature was 105F, we had zero interest in sitting outside. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the staff, and they seated us at a table near the entrance. The interior was cozy, and the vibe was a mix of coffee shop, old school tavern, and neighborhood bistro. Not sure if that's what they were going for, but it definitely worked. Once David arrived, our server came by to take our drink and appetizer order. For appetizer, we shared an order of Four Cheese Garlic Bread. If you like bread and cheese, make sure you get this. Half a dozen slices of perfectly toasted buttered ciabatta bread topped with several types of melted cheese. Very delicious. For entrée, I had the Chicken Parm Pasta, while Sarah and David had the Chopped Cobb and Pollo Provencal respectively. My dish was a good size piece of double battered chicken breast served on top of a bed of garlic pasta and spinach, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheeses. What I liked the most was when you take away the sauce, cheeses, and breading, I could really taste the chicken. I tried a piece of the Pollo Provencal and it was excellent as well.Service we received was exceptional. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and attentive. Our server checked on us several times during the meal and she took care of our requests with great efficiency.Based on this experience, their high rating is well justified in my opinion. The food, service, and atmosphere are top-notch for a small neighborhood restaurant. I know Martinez is a bit far for some, but it's definitely worth a visit when and if you are in the area. 5 stars.BONUS MATERIAL:- Small private parking lot on site.- Split check option available."
"I've been coming here for a while. I recently had a bad experience and Emily took care of it."
