April 4, 2008

Monkey Business

Mono Opens

You’d go bananas if your sweetie made a neon sign with your pet name.

But lucky for Todd Wilson, his wife was elated when he broadcast Mono (that’s Spanish for “monkey”) above their new eatery and wine bar in Oakland’s Jack London Square.

The joint serves up globally inspired small plates composed of local, sustainable ingredients.

Pair selections from the wine list with raw bar fusions like ahi with jalapeno granita or hamachi with blood orange, Fresno pepper, and Maui onion. Big appetites can feast on pan-seared pork tenderloin, butternut custard, and apple and quince compote; or Meyer lemon risotto with asparagus and garlic prawns. For dessert, opt for American, French, and Spanish cheeses with organic honey, crostini, and dried fruit; or a simply sweet butterscotch pot de crème.

Dine inside, outside, or book the private indoor/outdoor patio for a party of eight.

Just try not to go ape shit.

Mono, 247 4th Street, at Alice Street, Oakland (510-834-0260 or monorestaurant.com).