$80 toward food and beverage at Sidebar Restaurant on Grand in Oakland.

Founded by three pals who just so happen to be chefs, Sidebar is their dream come true: a cozy, neighborhood bar that serves fresh, seasonal food at affordable prices.

Executive Chef Barbara Mulas and Executive Pastry Chef Mark Drazek have owned and operated their own restaurant for the past 15 years: the former ZAX in San Francisco and ZAX Tavern in Berkeley. The husband-and-wife team met in 1987 when they were both students at the California Culinary Academy. General Manager Anne Marie Adrain is a certified pastry chef and musician who finally mustered the courage to abandon her long career in digital imaging.

Classic Mediterranean bistro fare and traditional comfort foods with creative twists.