New East Bay Coffee Shop Rose Damask Brings Cardamom Rose Lattes and Mediterranean Food to Oakland | Eater SF

"More than just a coffee counter, this new Oakland shop is the family-run venture led by Batool Rawoas, who serves as barista, general manager, part-owner and founder after a few months of planning and a mid-April grand opening; she describes it as 'just getting started' and is grateful for community support. The shop pairs specialty coffee with Mediterranean food: the most popular drink is a rose latte (you can add cardamom syrup), and there’s also a rose lemonade and a cardamom cold brew; the space is decorated with colorful floral accents and eye-catching salmon-pink walls. Damask Rose currently brews Steeltown Roasters but hopes to roast its own beans and be recognized as a specialty coffee shop. The food is show-stopping—handmade Mediterranean flatbreads are go-to options, including a vegan muhammara (red peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, olive oil and spices), a vegan zaatar (thyme, sesame seeds and olive oil), and the lahm bi ajeen (lamb) which Rawoas says is the top pick for meat eaters; grab-and-go items include dolmas and birds’ nests baklava. Hours are weekdays 7 AM–6 PM and weekends 8:30 AM–6 PM." - Paolo Bicchieri