Have you ever had them? Arepas are like corn pancakes with pockets stuffed with savory fillings.
Steel Rail Public House says they are going Off the Rails with a gastronomic experience you will not want to miss next Fri. evening, Nov. 11, from 5-9pm on Water St. next to Scott’s in Jack London Square. They are showcasing the talents of two local culinary artisans CHICA and Miss Arepita.
CHICA brings her Chicana (Mexican-American) style faire to the table and Miss Arepita brings the cooking influence of her Venezuelan roots. Together they will create a cross cultural take on Arepas, this traditional Venezuelan dish.
Steel Rail offers these unique culinary Off the Rail Kitchen Takeovers every Fri. night in November and December just to infuse your evening with wonderful culinary creations by local chefs and artisans.
The best thing about Steel Rail, aside from the people, is the value. They have great coffee, craft beer, wine, small bites, soups, sandwiches and melts for reasonable prices in a warm, friendly atmosphere. And the price is right. Check out their menu. And you know you are in Jack London territory with the Pullman Grilled Cheese and the Call of the Wild roast beef, cheddar cheese and caramelized onion sandwich.
Located at 439 Water St. at the foot of Broadway, Steel Rail is at the end of the Continental Railway. Their belief 
is that steel rail workers helped shape the local community and they continue to celebrate the spirit of this local community of Oakland. Steel Rail honors Oakland’s storied past and celebrates the people here in Jack London Square by providing a warm and casual setting. “We created Steel Rail as a welcome place for the entire community to eat drink share and unwind,” according to the founders.
Co-founder Chef Effie Speigler grew up on the coast of South Florida and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in NY. He traveled and honed his skills in Northern Tuscany under the tutelage of famed chef Nino Mosca. Co-founder Steve Sparkes was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up on a street called Unity Lane. That street name says a lot about who he is. From Burgundy, France to Oakland’s Linden Brewery, he has over 30 years in the service industry and uniting community. Temoor Noor was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and comes from a vibrant family of designers, entrepreneurs and chefs. These three are close friends, sharing the same vision of farm fresh foods, excellent serivce, sports and building community in a joyful space in Jack London Square.
You can reach Steel Rail at 510-823-2345 or visit them at 439 Water St. in Jack London Square.
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