Civic Thursday Meeting - Chris and Jana Pastena - How the Oakland Restaurant Industry is Responding to the Pandemic | 12-09-2021

Chris Pastena has worked in the restaurant industry for over 35 years. He is the owner/operator of the wildly successful Calavera and Chop Bar restaurants in Oakland, which have received national acclaim for their food, cocktails, wine on tap system, and décor. Previous restaurants have included Lungomare and Tribune Tavern.

Pastena holds a degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America.

He has cooked in some of the Bay Area’s favorite restaurants, learning the skill of cooking with wood fired grills and ovens at Roti, Mustard’s Grill, and Rose Pistola, among others.  He has also received many awards, honors, and favorable reviews, including a coveted James Beard Award.

Jana Pastena is a passionate Oakland local. She attended Mills College where she earned her degree in Ethnic Studies, and her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. She met her husband, Chris, in 2004, and since then, the two have used their culinary, restaurant, and social justice backgrounds to give back to Oakland. Jana is most proud of being able to offer good jobs to diverse Oakland residents, creating a place of community in their establishments, and helping to make Oakland a top culinary destination. She supports Oakland nonprofits that benefit children, the arts and Oakland’s unhoused population, and currently sits on the Boards of Children’s Fairyland, The Crucible, and Visit Oakland.