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, Edson, who previously worked at Gary Danko, said the lunch crowd there is primarily construction workers, small business owners and developers.
For the most part though, the chef-owner said the cafe has survived 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° views and all this landscaping—it’s like we’ve watched a little city being built,” Edson noted.
After a cafe brunch on the island, followed by a detour for shopping on 4th Street or a walk around the Berkeley Marina, diners will find Edson’s second restaurant, the newly opened Aracely Lounge in Danville. She describes the food they serve 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 explained. Opening the second restaurant in Danville has been a completely different experience than the Treasure Island location. A decade ago, she was part of a three-person skeleton crew. Now Edson has a full-time staff in place 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–3pm, Sun to Wed 5–9pm and Thu to Sat 5–10pm. 148 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. 925.392.5717. aracelylounge.com.
