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| Angeline's Famous Jambalaya (Photograph taken from http://angelineskitchen.com/) |
Sasha Martin
Mmm mmm, when you walk into the restaurant, you can taste the Louisiana in the air. It's like stepping into a whole new world, hotter and humid, with old-fashioned music and homey artwork. Even the utensils and glass-wear is a part of the atmosphere, heavy and larger than usual. Though the restaurant is authentic, thankfully the only alligator present is in a bottle-cap piece of art on the wall.
This restaurant is perfect for an outing with the girls. It is not an intimate setting, so if you are looking for a romantic location to take a date, I would go elsewhere (try A Cote, 5478 College Avenue, Oakland, http://acoterestaurant.com/ -- absolutely perfect setting and aphrodisiac food choices for a romantic date with your lover). Although, for a fun and casual date, Angeline's could be perfect. Or, if you are simply going out with someone you've been dating for a while, Angeline's would present a nice change-up.
This restaurant is perfect for an outing with the girls. It is not an intimate setting, so if you are looking for a romantic location to take a date, I would go elsewhere (try A Cote, 5478 College Avenue, Oakland, http://acoterestaurant.com/ -- absolutely perfect setting and aphrodisiac food choices for a romantic date with your lover). Although, for a fun and casual date, Angeline's could be perfect. Or, if you are simply going out with someone you've been dating for a while, Angeline's would present a nice change-up.
Once you're seated at Angeline's, before you do anything, order the house sparkling lemonade. Trust me. It is perfectly tart-- not too sweet, not too sour. I got one glass and had at least two refills (which are on the house), one of which my friends insisted on drinking because it was just so good.
And, oh, the Louisiana food: intense flavors combined in each bite! Smokey flavors, full of spices and pleasantly thick on the tongue. The gumbo, a broth dish with rice and beans, is delicious; the broth is light and the contents meaty, a perfect balance (if you don't like spicy food, however, move on to a different dish, because WOW it is spicy). The jambalaya was my personal favorite, underlying spice biting you in the aftertaste in the best of ways and perfectly cooked meat additions. There is also a vegetarian jambalaya option which I adored, full of wild mushrooms, thick and fun to bite through. As for side dishes, I would recommend the Blue Lake Green Peas, crisp and mixed with bursting cherry tomatoes. I have heard from a lot of people that the hush puppies are really good as well-- be adventurous, try them! Yelp also suggests the buttermilk fried chicken, the sweet mashed potatoes, and the baby back ribs.
I couldn't fit dessert into my stomach, the dinner was too rich. This was fine by me; the dinner was better than any dessert I could have eaten! However, the waiter did suggest many times that "ladies, ladies, try the Beignets! They are perfect. And, there are four-- one for each of you! Trust me, you'll love them," and so on. So, in honor of this passionate waiter, why not end with an order of Beignets. If, however, your wallet and stomach only allow you to order so much? Definitely, without a doubt, get the jambalaya (vegetarian or with meat) and the lemonade.
The pricing is reasonable. Depending on how hungry or extravagant you are feeling, it could range from $14 to $30. Also, as for seating availability: get there early for dinner, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. We had no trouble getting seated during the day, though the restaurant was practically full. But, I have heard wait-in-line nightmares about weekend dinners. Also, because Angeline's became so popular, they are actually expanding their restaurant! Because of this, unfortunately, they will be closed from February 27, 2012 - March 4, 2012. So, ladies (and gentleman), write this down in the books and plan an outing to none other than... ANGELINE'S LOUISIANA KITCHEN!
Restaurant Information:
Address:
2261 Shattuck Avenue (near Bancroft), Berkeley
Contact:
(510) 548 6900
Open:
M, 5:30 pm - 9 pm
T - Th, 11:30 am - 9 pm
F - Sat, 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sun, 11:30 am - 9 pm
Menus:
Dinner--
http://angelineskitchen.com/sites/all/files/Menu_Dinner.pdf
Lunch--
http://angelineskitchen.com/sites/all/files/Menu_Lunch.pdf
The Revered Desserts (and beverages)--
http://angelineskitchen.com/sites/all/files/Beer_Wine_Dessert.pdf
Catering, for the big fiesta--
http://angelineskitchen.com/sites/all/files/full_page_catering_menu.pdf
The Woman Behind Unleashed and the Words
I am a Practice of Art Major and Creative Writing Minor at UC Berkeley. My passions are writing and the arts in general. I created Unleashed for the empowerment and enlightenment of women everywhere. I am the editor, designer and contributing writer. I truly hope this magazine speaks to each and every woman. Sasha Martin
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