Trained in the European apprentice style, he began cooking while still in high school with Paula La Duc Catering and the Wente Vineyards Restaurant. He went on to open the Steelhead Brewery and Café Zenon in Oregon before returning to California in 1994 to work with Craig Thomas at Citron.
Connoisseurs & Critics
"This tantalizing teaser is a miniature hint of what the kitchen at Oakland's Citron can do. In one quick bite, it tells us that chef Christopher Rossi takes French cooking seriously."
Diablo Magazine full review
"Citron is a charming neighborhood restaurant with a destination attitude."
SF Chronicle full review
"Is this Oakland?" demand disoriented diners visiting chef-owner Chris Rossi's "very French" spot where a "hearty", ever changing menu (emphasizing "housemade charcuterie"), "caring staff" and "comfy" (but "perhaps too simple") decor add up to the definition of a neighborhood bistro.
Zagat full review
Chef Rossi is cooking and greeting every Tuesday through Saturday at lunchtime, come by and say "hello"
Past and Future Special Events
From San Francisco:
After Bay Bridge, merge to the right onto Highway 580 East towards Highway 24. Merge onto Highway 24 East towards Walnut Creek. Take the first exit, Claremont Avenue. Turn left onto Claremont and go to your second light. Turn right onto Forest Avenue. Forest ends at College Avenue. We are across the street at 5484 College under the maroon awning.
From points east of the Caldecott Tunnel:
Take 24 West through the tunnel. Exit at College Avenue. Continue straight 1/3 mile on Miles Avenue to the traffic light at College Avenue. Turn left on College and continue 2 1/2 blocks to 5484 College.
From Hayward and points east on Highway 580:
Take Highway 580 West to Highway 24 East. Merge onto Highway 24 East towards Walnut Creek. Take the first exit, Claremont Avenue. Turn left onto Claremont and continue two blocks to Forest. Turn right on Forest. Forest dead-ends at College nearly across the street from Citron at 5484 College.
From the North (Marin, etc.):
Exit San Rafael Bridge. Take Highway 580 East to Highway 24 East. Merge onto Highway 24 East towards Walnut Creek. Take the first exit, Claremont Avenue. Turn left onto Claremont and continue two blocks to Forest. Turn right on Forest. Forest dead-ends at College nearly across the street from Citron at 5484 College.
