"Grand Lake Kitchen is a reliable brunch place in Oakland’s Dimond District (there’s also another location by the lake, of course) when no one made a reservation and everywhere else is booked. It’s easy to walk in for their solid brunch standbys, like a pork belly hash and the slightly tangy french toast made with sourdough. Sink into a bright teal booth and debrief last night’s debauchery over an Irish coffee or a boozy slushie. " - julia chen 1, lani conway