January 19, 2017
Kaykay treated us to a dinner in a funky setting unlike the ordinary places we go to. She brought us to MUA, a bar / restaurant in a former industrial warehouse in Oakland owned by artist CP-37.
MUA is Korean “for you are here”. It’s owned by Hisuk Dong, an artist trained in architecture at US Berkeley. He and his wife Chef Sanju Dong also owns several other restaurants.
Since we are staying in a far away place, we allotted 1.5 hours travel time but it wasn’t enough. We were late by at least half hour. We should have left two hours prior.
Aileen and Kay were at MUA already.
Once we reached the reception area, that’s when we felt the expanse of the 6,500-square-foot sprawling loft. This was actually an old garage of Rim and Wheel building.
The place opens from 4:30 pm to 10 pm. There is a DJ that spins music from the mezzanine floor overlooking the main dining area.
It looks cozy and hip at night but I bet during day time, this old warehouse looks crappy.
There’s a long bar with oriental inspired lanterns.
There are creepy decors scattered around the area. Merong parang bruha nasa kanto.
Hallway to the toilet
The atmosphere is hip but classy. The crowd looks like they are gainfully employed.
Our table is in front of this U R beautiful sketch.
You cannot come to a place like this and not drink.
Kay must have googled their menu already. She knows the good stuff.
This is bone marrow. It must be good because this dish is one of their popular dishes. I didn’t taste it though.
I like slightly seared ahi tuna but this plate is tuna sashimi which I don’t particularly like. I didn’t taste this also.
I got a piece of this delicious brussel sprouts.
My God, ang konti lang namin pero Oyen and Kay ordered a lot, including this macaroni and cheese.
I got several pieces of friend calamari.
As we’re not yet full, Oyen made pahabol pa of burrata.
Did I order this? I must’ve.
Here comes the best part.
We wanted to taste every delicious dessert in the menu.
Kay stood up, I thought she was going to the restroom, yun pala she went to the cashier and paid for it although I mentioned beforehand that it would be my treat. She paid for our grand meal.
A couple offered to take our group photo.
Thank you Kay.
MUA Oakland
2442 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Hours:
Mon to Thu 4:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Fri 4:30 pm – 12:00 am
Sat 4:30 pm – 12:00 am
Sun 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
