THE CONCEPT - Simple, Honest Food
“Despite its
name, we want Maritime East to offer something for everyone -
including vegetarians and meat eaters – that measures up
to the standards that have made the Berkeley dining scene so vibrant.”
says proprietor Mark Mitcheltree, who started at San Jose’s
Eulipia before opening the popular Café Maritime in San
Francisco. “Every night, we want to leave the restaurant
feeling like we have made a positive impact on people's lives,”
explains co-owner Vadim Vozmitsel. "By keeping our emphasis
on wild, sustainable seafood and by supporting local producers
of other ingredients we can feel good about what we serve and
how we serve the community.”
THE CHEF- Creative & Uncompromising
“By
offering up simple flavors in an unexpected way, I hope to simultaneously
stimulate and delight my guests”, explained Cambodian born
chef Sophina Uong. Called “the muse for the new west Berkeley”
by the East Bay Express; Sophina has honed her self taught kitchen
chops at several highly regarded Bay Area spots including Left
Bank, Globe, Maritime’s predecessor Zax Tavern, and most
recently Sens. As the founding “menu maker” at Berkeley’s
eclectic 900 Grayson she developed an almost cult like following
for her out of the ordinary take on breakfast fare and lunch-
including a highly touted cheeseburger celebrated with a full
page spread in San Francisco Magazine. Featured in the San Francisco
Chronicle’s “Cooks Night Out” series, Sophina’s
approach at Maritime East is to meld seasonal comfort fare with
refined technique.
THE
SPACE - Hip, Eclectic, Fun
Designer
John Lum (who did the interiors for the groundbreaking AsiaSF,
Hayes & Vine Wine Bar, Luna Lounge and the original Café
Maritime) felt that the expanded Berkeley venue should “exude
excitement and fun”, whether dining alone at the bar or
with a large group in one of the main dining areas. With tin sheeting
shaped like fish scales, multi colored striping reminiscent of
a beach cabana, hand painted murals in the bar and a private “aquarium
room” sure to be booked in advance, Lum's unique aesthetic
makes a decided splash on the East Bay dining scene.
Maritime East is a proud partner in the
“Seafood Watch” campaign
Supporting sustainable fishing and aquaculture operations.
Click
here to read recent press.
