Grandma Series: James Syhabout

One of our friends and Oakland's celebrated chefs is cooking his childhood favorites at Burdell on Sunday, August 9th!

ABOUT OUR GUEST CHEF: Born in Ubonratchathani, Thailand and raised in Oakland, California, James Syhabout is the Chef/Proprietor of Commis opened in 2009, which received its first Michelin star in 2 months. His experiences in fine dining include short and long stints at the most esteemed restaurants in the world like The Fat Duck, el Bulli, Coi, and spent most of his formative years at Manresa with his mentor David Kinch. He published his first cookbook, Hawker Fare: Stories & Recipes from a Refugee Chef’s Thai Isan & Lao Roots, was released in January 2018 under Anthony Bourdain’s Ecco imprint. At Commis, he garnered accolades which include the prestigious “Best New Chef” distinction in 2010 by Food & Wine magazine and multiple James Beard Award nominations. James has been recognized not only for his skill and dedication to the culinary arts, but for reviving the dining scene in his hometown of Oakland.

On the Menu (subject to change):

Snacks:

Marinated fresh oyster with raw shrimp, pineapple jaew & bittermelon

Taro root & corn fritter, shrimp paste & lime dip

Salad:

Cucumber & Rice vermicelli salad, dried shrimp, basil, catfish floss

Supplement:

Fried chicken, grilled water beetle & tamarind dip

Mains & Sides: 

BBQ “Sai Oua” pork sausage

“Aw lam”

Earthy & spicy beef brisket stew with cassia leaves, beef bile, dill & wood ear mushrooms

“Jaew mak len” tomato relish

“Som pak” rice fermented brassicas

“Khao niew”stick rice to eat with your hands

Dessert: 

Tapioca in salted coconut cream, fresh melon, 

ABOUT COMMIS: Commis is currently the only Two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Oakland. The cuisine of Commis showcases some of the best locally-sourced Northern California ingredients that are in season through modern and classic cooking techniques. The cuisine aims to bridge the flavors, textures and temperatures of the East and West.

Seats are limited! Wine pairing will be in collaboration with Christian Adams of German Wine Collection. There is a strict 90-minute turn time for all party sizes to be able to accommodate everyone. Please note per person price is inclusive of taxes and 20% service charge. See you!