Theoretically, diners crossing the eastern span of the Bay Bridge have two opportunities to eat at Linda Edson’s Aracely restaurants. Aracely Cafe has been open for a decade on Treasure Island, where the clientele drops by for brunch from both sides of the Bay. During the week, said Edson, who previously worked at Gary Danko, the lunch crowd consists primarily of construction workers, small-business owners and developers.
For the most part though, the chef-owner said the cafe survives by hosting weddings and corporate events. Yerba Buena Island, she added, is continuing a sustained period of growth. “They just opened Panoramic Park, which has 360-degree views and all this landscaping—it’s like we’ve watched a little city being built,” Edson said.
After a cafe brunch on the island, followed by a detour for shopping on Fourth Street or a walk around the Berkeley Marina, diners will find Edson’s second restaurant, the newly opened Aracely Lounge in Danville. Edson describes the food served there as California cuisine. For Edson, that means using local, seasonal ingredients. The flavors that come out of the kitchen are often influenced by her childhood in Argentina.
“We have dishes like empanadas, steak with chimichurri, dulce de leche on French toast and a chicken milanesa sandwich, which is a traditional Argentinian dish,” she said. Opening the second restaurant in Danville was a completely different experience than opening the Treasure Island location. A decade ago, Edson was part of a three-person skeleton crew. Now she has a full-time staff to draw upon.
Opening a restaurant in Danville has been a kind of homecoming for Edson. She lived there when she was 17 years old. “I wasn’t actively trying to open a restaurant there, but I just love the small-town vibe,” she said. “A lot of people go out to eat—there’s definitely a foodie crowd.”
Aracely Lounge; open Mon to Sun, 8am to 3pm; Sun to Wed, 5–9pm; Thu to Sat, 5–10pm. 148 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. 925.392.5717. aracelylounge.com
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