Oakland’s food scene is as diverse as the city, filled with creative energy and cultural depth. In the heart of this evolving culinary landscape are three women chefs—Priscilla Przygocki, Michele McQueen, and Intu-on Kornnawong. Each of them bring a unique style and perspective to the kitchen. Through their cooking, these chefs contribute to a city increasingly recognized for its innovation and dynamic community of culinary talent.
What sets these women apart is their dedication and innovative styles. They infuse their journeys into their work, creating dishes that reflect their backgrounds, passions, and flair. While each has a different approach, they share a common thread: a commitment to their craft and the drive to be part of Oakland’s growing reputation as a hub for culinary creativity. Whether through a deep respect for tradition or a push to explore new techniques, Priscilla Przygocki, Michele McQueen, and Intu-on Kornnawong are shaping the local dining experience in their own way. Each contributes to the rich tapestry of Oakland’s food culture.
This past summer, I enjoyed dining at each of their restaurants, tasting their creations, and speaking with them briefly that evening. The experience offered a fascinating snapshot of their approach and creativity. This is just an introduction to these impressive women—one I hope sparks curiosity about their evolving journeys. Here are some of the highlights from my meals and our conversations.
Chef Priscilla Przygocki: Tradition Meets Innovation
At Mama Oakland, Chef Priscilla Przygocki blends her Italian heritage with modern culinary creativity. Classic comfort food is transformed into something extraordinary. Raised in an Italian American family, Priscilla grew up cherishing her father’s home-cooked meals, particularly his lasagna—a dish she still makes every Christmas. Her culinary journey began in San Francisco. It was there that she honed her skills in various kitchens, from hotels to Japanese fusion, shaping her innovative approach to food.
A self-taught chef, Priscilla draws inspiration from her heritage and team, creating a menu that offers something for everyone, whether vegan or meat-eater. Her rotating, seasonal menu includes vibrant dishes like Summer Squash Carpaccio and Roasted Red Pepper Soup. They highlight her commitment to bold flavors and inclusive dining.
One standout is her Ricotta Ravioli with Mama’s Sugo. The slow-braised pork and beef sauce that evokes the comfort of Italian family dinners. Mama Oakland’s roots trace back to Maria Germano Stacionis, the “Mama” behind the name, whose warmth and hospitality inspire Priscilla’s work today. The menu’s beloved Beef and Pork Meatballs honor this legacy, providing a taste of tradition with a modern twist.
Under Priscilla’s leadership, Mama Oakland earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation, a nod to the restaurant’s high quality and affordability balance. Priscilla’s creativity and dedication make Mama Oakland a culinary stand-out in the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Chef Michele McQueen: Navigating Entrepreneurship and Creativity
At Town Fare Café in the Oakland Museum, Chef/Owner Michelle McQueen’s path to the culinary world was as inspiring as unconventional. Initially, on a path to pursue a JD/MBA at Howard University in Washington, D.C., she discovered her true passion in the kitchen. She boldly decided to leave law to open a restaurant with her then-husband. “My mother wasn’t thrilled at first, but now she’s incredibly proud,” she reflects. This leap into the culinary arts set her on a new trajectory, blending business acumen with a deep-rooted love for cooking.
Michele is known for making soul food taste like it came straight from a grandmother’s kitchen, sharing time-honored traditions while embracing cultural fusions. Her connection to food began in her upbringing, where family meals—especially those prepared by her grandmother—left a lasting impression. “She made everything from scratch, and I learned so much just watching her,” Michele recalls.
Family Recipes Inspire the Menu
Today, those cherished family recipes inspire many dishes on her menu, including her famous Collard Green Salad and Wild Mushroom Jambalaya, which honor her heritage while showcasing her modern flair.
At Town Fare, Michele’s menu is a tasty tapestry of Soul Food, featuring beloved classics like Sweet Potato Waffles and Fried Chicken alongside inventive twists such as Gumbo Ramen and Ms. Pearl’s Banana Pudding. “I’ve experimented with everything, from Julia Child’s recipes to meal prepping for Apple,” she says, highlighting her commitment to culinary exploration and quality.
Michele’s ties to Oakland run deep. As a proud Howard alumna, like Vice President Kamala Harris, she has hosted fundraisers for Harris’s campaigns at her restaurant, feeling a personal pride in witnessing Harris’s ascent. Yet, as a female chef in Oakland, Michele has encountered her share of challenges. “There’s limited support, outdated perceptions, and struggles with visibility,” she admits. Nonetheless, her resilience and creativity have enabled her to carve out her own space in a predominantly male industry.
In addition to leading Town Fare, Michele’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her development and sale of spice mixes. This further reflects her innovative approach to food and business. Despite the obstacles, her determination to succeed has fueled her career. It has allowed her to build a brand that encapsulates her personal journey and professional evolution.
Chef Michele McQueen has firmly established her place in Oakland’s vibrant food scene, fusing her heritage with modern culinary techniques. Her passion for cooking, deeply influenced by family traditions, shapes her unique voice and honors her background and the diverse flavors of the city she calls home.
Chef Intu-on Kornnawong: Elevating Thai Cuisine Through Creativity
Jo’s Modern Thai
At Jo’s Modern Thai, Chef Intu-on Kornnawong masterfully blends the bold flavors of her Thai heritage with the fresh, local ingredients of California. This allows the creation og a menu that surprises and delights. “We do authentic Thai, but with a California twist,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to traditional Thai flavors while incorporating local ingredients and modern techniques.
Intu-on is a classically trained chef from southern Thailand. She stands apart from some other chefs in small restaurants with her formal culinary background. It was honed at Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco and Santa Monica.
After moving to the Bay Area, she launched a breakout pop-up in Berkeley called Intu-on. She gained local acclaim before teaming up with Oakland native Kao Saelee to start Jo’s Modern Thai.
Inventive Dishes Draw from Street Snacks and Family Dining
The menu doesn’t focus on one specific Thai region. Still, it draws from Thai street snacks and family-style dining, offering inventive dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced produce from some of Oakland’s favorite vendors.
We visited Jo’s that evening with our Oakland friends, Kent and Cyndi Porter. It was the perfect opportunity to share plates and explore a variety of dishes together, experiencing the full range of Chef Intu-On’s creative fusion.
The Lobster Pad Thai was a standout—succulent lobster paired with silky rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce. The sweetness of the lobster contrasted beautifully with the chili’s heat and the fresh bean sprouts’ crunch. Sharing plates made it easy for us to try a bit of everything, and the dishes felt like a perfect marriage of comfort and flavor.
Another favorite was the Brisket Pad Kee Mao. Wok-stir-fried ramen noodles met tender, smoky brisket from Oakland’s Smokin’ Woods BBQ. They were accented by Thai basil and jalapeños for a spicy kick. The Massaman Curry was rich and satisfying with fingerling potatoes, braised cabbage, and grilled squash.
At the same time, the Pork Belly Curry offered a sweet and sour red curry that transported us straight to Thailand. Chef Intu-on’s passion for her craft shows in every dish, and her dedication extends beyond the food.
She’s committed to nurturing her team and helping them develop their skills and grow in their roles. This sense of community and innovation earned Jo’s Modern Thai a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. This is a well-deserved recognition of the exceptional value and creativity of Oakland’s exciting food scene.
Taste the Passion of Oakland’s Culinary Scene
It was thrilling to meet these three inspiring women and experience their culinary creations. Each chef—Priscilla, Michele, and Intu-on—brings incredible food and the essence of their personal stories, traditions, and innovation to the table. Their restaurants are more than just places to eat. They are expressions of identity, resilience, and the tapestry of Oakland itself.
Whether the comfort of Mama Oakland’s Italian classics, the Southern-infused innovation at Town Fare, or the bold, vibrant Thai dishes at Jo’s Modern Thai, each restaurant offers a unique dining experience you won’t want to miss.
If you love exploring new flavors and appreciate the passion behind each dish, I encourage you to visit these chefs’ restaurants and taste the creativity and dedication they bring to Oakland’s food scene.
Visit Oakland hosted my trip.
Visit Sharon’s website at: SharonKKurtz.com
You may also enjoy reading:
