Sofrito - Oakland

SOFRITO IS NOW CLOSED, but for those of you who missed out, read 'em and weep, or just drive to San Rafael to "Sol Food" which offers delicious Puerto Rican food that is superior to anything Sofrito ever did. SOFRITO is located in the heart of Fruitvale and features authentic Puerto Rican food. Authentic is the key ingredient being served up by the friendly and efficient staff at this little gem of a restaurant. Blink and you might miss it's tiny storefront. Luckily, the owners have painted a huge Puerto Rican flag on the entire facade, just in case you were under the mistaken assumption that this was yet another of the numerous Mexican and Salvadorean restaurants that pepper the area. The owners are a pair of brothers who worked formerly at Whole Foods, and also did a catering business for a while at the Berkeley's Farmer's Market, before opening this restaurant location.

I have been here many times, and have enjoyed everything I've ordered. They have a refreshingly simple menu, featuring three specific specials per day. Among the classic dishes that would make abuelita proud are: Carne Guisada $7.95 - Stewed (to perfection!) beef in a thick brown gravy, with potatoes and carrots, Bacalao Guisado $8.95 - Stewed Salted Codfish in a red sauce with bell peppers, onions and potatoes, Pollo al Horno $8.95 - Whole Free-range Chicken, seasoned with Sofrito and baked until golden. I also love that they offer organic coffee, and coffee beans for purchase.

These and their other daily specials include your choice of Arroz Blanco con Habichuelas - white rice with deliciously seasoned pink beans or my personal favorite, Arroz con Gandules - Red Rice and Pigeon Peas. You also get a generous portion of either Platano Maduro - Sweet, fried Ripe Plantains or Tostones - Crispy, fried Green Plantains. I like to ask for a little of both, but you can substitute a fresh green salad instead.

All of the food tastes exactly like the Puerto Rican food I grew up eating in the Bronx a million years ago. What that means is that it is really really good, and tastes just like Grandma cooked it herself right on the island. The classic Sofrito seasoning is an aromatic mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, sweet red chili peppers, cilantro, and achiote (annato seeds), which imparts the bright yellow color to the islands rice, soups, and stews. It was a perfect name for the owners to pick for this restaurant, because you can smell it when you walk in, and you can taste it in just about everything you order. And it tastes very good!

VEGETARIAN & VEGAN FRIENDLY! Order the veggie plate, and enjoy a platter of rice (your choice of red or white) with those delicious red beans, plantains and a green salad. All that for only $6.95! This veggie platter does not have any animal products and vegans can order with confidence. They also have delicious fruit smoothies, and do a nice breakfast daily (served until noon).

LOCATION & HOURS: 3451 International Blvd, Oakland 510-533-3840. Tues. - Thurs. 10:30 am to 7 pm, Fri. - Sat. 11 am to 9 pm, Sun. 11 am to 6 pm, CLOSED MONDAYS. Cash/Credit accepted. Eat-in or Take-out.