Now The Inn On First, a romantic bed and breakfast inn in Napa, may be 60 miles from the Oakland airport, but that doesn't mean we don't get out there to try new and exciting cuisine that guests might be able to enjoy to or from the airport. High, high, high on my list is Duende, a spanish restaurant that specializes in tapas and paella. Located in Oakland, right off the freeway, the atmosphere is fun and exciting, casual and engaging. Specialty cocktails abound, but I always like to try some Spanish wine I haven't had before, this time a Temperanillo that was bold, smooth, and just perfect with the rabbit paella. Now this isn't just any paella. This is very traditional paella, the kind you have to wait 30 minutes for while you enjoy a salad or other tapas. The kind of paella whose rice is al dente, and that has those delicious brown bits on the bottom of the pan that you can't wait to scrape off and onto your plate. It is a paella you will not soon forget. Although they are only open for dinner (5:30 pm to 11 pm), I highly recommend it as your dining spot if your schedule allows.
