Gather Up Kids!

Pork Belly

Pizza

After months of getting cocktails at Gather, K.yo and I finally gave their food a try. Amazingly enough, this was also on Temescal Pilgrimage day. The past year has been pretty awesome for Gather's head chef, Sean Baker. He was named "Chef of the Year" by Esquire and was recently nominated for the James Beard's Rising Star Award. I was actually surprised that the Chronicle did not include him in their "Rising Star Chefs 2011" article, but I am going to assume that they considered him a rising chef last year. I was also surprised that Danny Bowien made the list, since Mission Chinese did not totally amaze Bauer. ANYWAYS, K.yo and I began with the Pork Belly starter, which was served with Tofu Skin, Soft Boiled Egg, Panelle, and Pardina Lentil Vinaigrette. Unique and delicious, it was one of the best starters I have ever head. The flavor of the various items complimented each other well. Baker definitely knows what he is doing. His pizza is equally amazing. He changes it up quite a bit, so the one we ordered is not on the current online menu. I cannot remember the entire description, but it contained a smoky cheese and potatoes. The smokiness gave the illusion of meat, which was perfect for K.yo and I. The crust is thin, crisp, and just right. Baker is incredibly innovative and definitely deserves the Beard award!

Gather
2200 Oxford Street (@ Allston)
Berkeley