Our city is chock-full of interesting people and wild personalities. Overwhelmed by the coolness? Every week we'll pick one standout local we'd love to be friends with to answer seven essential questions about their life in San Francisco.
Joshua Wilder Oakley is exactly the guy you want to see when you're having a cocktail-filled kind of night. Why? Oakley's spirits-inspired, flavor packed bar bites will pair excellently with your drinks of choice, and have you ready for another round or two.
Under the name Tango & Stache, Oakley has translated his classically-trained chef skills into a whimsical, creative style of cooking — think Negroni pork tacos topped with a runny duck egg, or a heart shaped tartine spread with beets. Following stints at Michael Mina, Bar Bambino, and Gary Danko, Oakley launched Tango & Stache in 2012 with appearances at cocktail destinations like Rye and Big. Since then, he's expanded to epic multi-course, cocktail paired dinners highlighting regional Mexican cuisine.
Now, he's holding court on Friday's at the Melange Market in the Mission, with a changing menu that practically begs to be made into a liquid lunch. Campari-braised "Bahn Mi" tacos and a michelada? Sounds like the perfect way to kick off the weekend to us.
Thanks Joshua Wilder Oakley for taking the time to answer our We Wanna Be Friend With Q&A!
What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?
I currently live in Potrero Hill, right above the Dogpatch. And I have loved every minute of it. Quiet and warm and close to everything, a true neighborhood. But, we have fallen victim to a greedy landlord, and are being kicked out so he can quadruple the rent. So we are moving to Bernal for the next chapter.
What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos!
What's your perfect night on the town?
Progressive eating and drinking across town. Recently we went to TBD for dinner, popped into AQ for a digestif, headed to Local Edition for a drink, followed by Hakkasan, then rounding the night out at Rye. A wee bit excessive, but I enjoy visiting friends at each stop.
When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?
Its’ all about Fort Funston. An afternoon with the dog on the beach, then a stop at Devil’s Teeth Baking for a breakfast sandwich (best one in SF).
What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?
Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay.
Quick-fire round (pick one):
Burrito or Burger?
Burger.
Presidio or Golden Gate Park?
Presidio.
BiRite or Mitchell's?
Mitchell’s, for sure... it’s all about Mitchell’s peach ice cream.
Bike or MUNI?
Walk.
Fort Mason or Dolores Park?
Dolores.
The Independent or the Fillmore?
Fillmore, I am a classicist.
Baker Beach or Ocean Beach?
Baker.
Three words that describe your life in SF?
Cooking And Eating
Want More Tango & Stache?
