SF Chefs expands to the East Bay

As part of SF Chefs food and wine activities next week, select restaurants will offer prix fixe menus ranging from $35 to $50. While the main festivities occur in the city, a few East Bay eateries are participating in the weeklong fest beginning Monday and ending Sunday, Aug. 15.

In Berkeley, try the Meritage at the Claremont and Five in Hotel Shattuck. In Oakland, catch the special menus at Miss Pearl's Jam House and Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill. Of the four, Five looks the most promising with two options for each course at $35, or add the wine pairing for an extra $15. The smoked duck salad sounds delicious with goat cheese, candied kumquats, pistachios and melon. The "Five" spiced lamb loin seems traditional and hearty, while the blueberry dessert lassi with white corn ice cream has me curious.

The menus for all but the Meritage can be found at the SF Chefs website, and reservations can be made at Opentable or by calling the restaurant.

Photo: SFChefsfoodwine.com