Next Saturday, the last roasted pork shoulder and arroz con gandules will be served at La Perla, a culinary treasure located in Oakland’s lower Dimond District on Fruitvale Avenue. According to the SF Chronicle, the neighborhood staple, which started out in the back of a liquor store, has amassed a loyal following over the years, drawing foodies from as far away as San Jose, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa.
The restaurant posted on social media that although they may be closing their Oakland location, their journey is far from done in an announcement that was flavored with thankfulness and hope. The crew thanked their Oakland family from the bottom of their hearts and hinted at their upcoming Castro Valley site, where Puerto Rican customs and cuisines will be embraced, according to a social media post from La Perla.
This move is more than just a change of scenery behind the scenes. Jose “Cheo” Ortiz, 65, the chef and owner, has been battling cancer and other personal health issues. Long hours and the commute had grown more taxing at the current Oakland location. SF Chronicle: “I’ll be able to walk to the restaurant,” Ortiz said. With perhaps minor menu changes, the new location will be tucked away in the Castro Valley Marketplace, a new location that promises to carry on the restaurant’s tradition.
La Perla’s beloved atmosphere will mostly be preserved, including its lively playlist that fills the room with songs from salsa greats. The essence of the recipes will endure even though the rising cost of green plantains makes it more costly to make their well-known mofongo. Instead of waiting in a parking lot like they did in Oakland, customers who are in line during a rush at the new location will enjoy the convenience of a separate lounge at the marketplace downstairs. Ortiz said the trip was long overdue and that he intends to visit his home Puerto Rico after the closure but before the grand reopening.
Along with other recent additions like Pho 510 and a Tony Gemignani Slice House restaurant, La Perla’s entrance in Castro Valley will enhance the area’s gastronomic diversity. The restaurant is ready to start a new chapter with its new location that can accommodate over 50 customers and a few outside seats.
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