Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar at Jack London Square celebrated 50 years in September. The Oakland City Council's Oct. 6 agenda included a resolution honoring the restaurant on its anniversary and recognizing Raymond "Ray" Gallagher for his leadership and service to Oakland. Council President Jenkins, Councilmember Fife and the mayor's office sponsored it.
From the Marina to the waterfront
East Bay Nosh reported that Scott's started in 1976 in San Francisco's Marina District. It opened at Jack London Square in late 1984, replacing the Sea Wolf. The original San Francisco restaurant at Lombard and Scott streets closed in 1998. Nosh called the Oakland location the city's "unofficial boardroom" because so many deals are made there. Mayor Barbara Lee is a frequent diner, and the Port of Oakland offices are close by.
The kitchen
Managing partner Ramiro Carabez told Nosh that he came from Michoacán and asked Gallagher for a job nine times before he was hired as a dishwasher 34 years ago. Head chef Gregorio Lopez has been with Scott's for 37 years. He started as a dishwasher at the Walnut Creek location. Juan Martinez, who also started washing dishes, has 35 years there. Juan Robledo started as a prep cook on April 29, 1991. Today they run a kitchen staff of about 35, and the restaurant has nearly 100 employees.
The seafood sauté, made with Pacific prawns, scallops and Dungeness crab legs in lemon-butter garlic sauce and served over rice, is the most popular dish. Nosh reported that it accounts for 45% to 55% of daily dining-room sales. The Boston clam chowder and the calamari have been on the menu since 1976.