Open-kitchen experiments with unique ingredients to craft inspired New American fixed-price dinners. Oakland continues to evolve and maintain its "destination" status thanks in large part to Commis and its hard-working troupe. This serene and sparse original from Chef/owner James Syhabout is still turning out a menu of measured, elegant and well-conceived dishes to a packed house every night. Tucked into colorful, boutique-strewn Piedmont Avenue, the dining space is long and minimalist, with a smattering of tables up front; intimate banquette seating in the back; and a lively counter overlooking the humming kitchen. Soft music and a vibrant service staff set the mood—cool and contemporary; relaxed but never casual. In the kitchen, Chef Syhabout pairs well-sourced, local ingredients with precise technique to create his sophisticated nightly tasting menu. Dinner might unveil a plate of silky scallops with tangy crème fraîche, poached asparagus, and charred lemon granité. Warm, roasted abalone with crispy fried artichoke may then be tailed by a chilled fava bean soup laced with green tomato gelée and smoked trout roe. Perfectly poached halibut with spring pea "porridge" and a fragrant ginger foam is another beautifully composed plate that reflects the kitchen's attention to detail.