so long cookoo's nest

The loft we used to live in down in Jack London Square had a nice place to go for breakfast on the weekend if you weren't in a big hurry.  Their omelets and scrambles were delicious, even if the service was slow as molasses.  When we were in the process of leaving, we heard rumors that one of the residents of our building was looking to buy the place and turn it into a wine bar.  Then we heard the Cookoo's Nest had closed and was being remodeled, so I had assumed the resident had gotten her wish.  Turns out, no, another neighborhood resident - this time a couple who know the restaurant scene - had snatched it up. 

From the Oakland Tribune:

Spring-inspired offerings include Meyer lemon risotto with asparagus and garlic prawns, and pork tenderloin with butternut custard and apple and quince compote. At a recent lunch, guests were gushing about the seared ahi tuna sandwich with red onion, fennel and watercress.

The restaurant's modern black and white design is modeled after the owners' loft down the street. They've filled the dining room with smaller tables and one long communal table, envisioning Mono as the neighborhood's dining room.

After 21 years together, the couple is ready for a new challenge. Wilson left corporate America to attend the California Culinary Academy in his early 20s. He's served as chef de cuisine at AsiaSF and the Public. His MBA-educated wife serves as general manager, but still sunlights as an insurance broker. Wilson pulled her into the restaurant world 10 years ago when he was at Perry's on Union. Street. She has also paid her dues at Postrio, Myth and Cortez.

Mono's consulting pastry chef, Shuna Lydon, has a well-read blog (eggbeater.typepad.com) that details her travails in the Bay Area restaurant scene.

Lydon's resume is impressive, with stints at French Laundry, Bouchon, Citizen Cake and, most recently, Sens. With so much moving about, let's hope she and her spicy gingerbread stay connected with Mono.

It would feel weird to go back to eat at the restaurant, but if I start to hear good things about it, we may have to add it to the list.

And now, off to make other (less easy to write - or remember!) updates.