My friend Dave's birthday was Monday. Dave is the most outgoing and gregarious person I have ever met. In a popularity contest, he would win by an avalanche. So when you are Dave, a birth "day" turns into a birth "month" with so many people wanting to help him celebrate. Yesterday was my day to celebrate with Dave, and he wanted to be surprised. Our plans were for lunch, nothing fancy, just good food. Instead of choosing a place I had been to before, I decided to take a risk and pick a place neither of us had tried.
(photo above by Dave: DAVE AND ME at Southie)
Ever since Southie opened in 2011, I have wanted to eat there but it seemed like a lot of effort for a sandwich which is what they are renowned for. The parking in that part of Rockridge is a nightmare and they don't take reservations. And based on the rave reviews I was reading, I was afraid it was going to be a Bakesale Betty situation with hordes of people lined up down the block waiting for her famous fried chicken and coleslaw sandwich to be eaten at vintage ironing boards out on the sidewalk. Instead we discovered that Southie is an actual dining experience, not just a place to get a good sandwich.
(photo above by Me: THE MUSHROOM SOUP at Southie)
I have been to Southie’s parent restaurant next door, Wood Tavern, a few times and it is one of my favorite restaurants in Oakland. Compared to Wood Tavern with its larger space and elegant dining experience, Southie is smaller and more intimate and has a more casual feel. We were lucky to get two seats at the bar over-looking the open kitchen where their rave-worthy food is prepared. We watched as the line cooks feverishly assembled the “Steak and Dutch Gouda” sandwich, the “Seared Ahi Tuna” sandwich, and the “Fried Pork Belly” sandwich. All the while, the restaurant buzzed with energy as happy diners talked and ate what was probably their best meal of the day, and possibly even the week.
(photo above by Me: THE STEAK AND DUTCH GOUDA SANDWICH at Southie)
(photo above by Dave: THE SEARED AHI TUNA SANDWICH at Southie)
For someone like me, having a friend like Dave is such a blessing. I am not a shy person, but I definitely have introvert tendencies. Dave thrives on making new friends and connecting friends with other friends. And he is not afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone. One of the reasons Dave is so likable is that when he’s talking to you, he is full of questions. He is engaged and wants to learn all about you and he wants to know what you know. So in true form, Dave started chatting up our two bar-mates asking them with excited interest what their favorite thing on the menu is and if they have tried anything else. He even snapped photos of their food as it arrived.
(photo above by Me: THE POACHED EGG AND BACON SALAD at Southie)
(photo above by Me: THE POACHED EGG AND BACON SALAD at Southie)
(photo above by Me: WINE AND "THE BALLS" MEATBALL SANDWICHES at Southie)
(photo above by Dave: "THE BALLS" MEATBALL SANDWICH at Southie)
What we discovered from our neighbors is that the meatball sandwich, hilariously named “The Balls” is the best meatball sandwich on the planet and the “Fried Chicken Salad” is to die for. Dave and I opted for the same thing: a bowl of luscious “Mushroom Soup” topped with chives and grated parmesan cheese and the “Poached Egg and Bacon Salad”. The salad was easily one of the best salads I have ever had. We agreed next time we would have to try the meatball sandwich for sure!
Happy Birthday, Dave! So glad I know you!