Bruce Paton, the “beer chef,” is the executive chef for Eve’s Waterfront, in the iconic, renovated site of the former Rusty Scupper in Oakland. (Courtesy of Eve’s Waterfront)

MONTCLARION: December 2, 2016

In a neighborhood known for its waterfront dining, a newcomer is making waves.Eve’s Waterfront Restaurant at 15 Embarcadero West has been steadily growing its fan base since its early fall opening. And let’s face it. What’s not to like about food prepared by a noted Bay Area chef in an iconic building perched over the estuary? (It was the Rusty Scupper for almost 30 years and then owned for a time by former Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett).

What I like about Eve’s Waterfront is the way the owners renovated the building to honor its character — keeping the vintage wood paneling and multilevel dining with the panoramic windows and outdoor decks.

Executive Chef Bruce Paton has created a fresh, seafood-centric menu that highlights his moniker as Bay Area “beer chef” — a distinction he told me he’s earned by hosting more than 100 “Dinner with the Brewmaster” events in his 25-plus years at the Clift Hotel, Hornblower and other venues.

I’m not a big beer drinker, so I had the Eve’s Sunset (pineapple-infused vodka, lime juice, pineapple juice and raspberry liqueur) which paired nicely with his yummy crab deviled eggs with mango chipotle. And Paton’s clam chowder with bacon and fresh clams was simply the best chowder I’ve had in years, maybe in my lifetime.

Rusty Scupper fans will remember how to get to Eve’s Waterfront, just south of Jack London Square near Oak Street. It’s tucked back from the street and just north of KTVU-TV. Hopefully, soon you’ll be able to get there by boat, tying up to the dock like the “old-timers” did. And remember the bands that played at the Scupper? The owners want to bring live entertainment back too, since the wood paneling is great for acoustics. You can find out more at http://www.eveswaterfront.com.

Email bag: Thanks to reader Jerry Jones for reminding me that 38 local artisans will be selling their wares at Oakland Cottage Industry’s fourth annual Holiday Show & Sale.

You can buy everything from candy and jams to handcrafted furniture and jewelry at Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4101 Park Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. You might also want to put this on your calendar: Berkeley’s North Shattuck Village will truck in real snow for a holiday craft and winter play day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Tree talk: Who knew that buying a Christmas tree could spread acts of kindness across the land? Reader Terry Lee tells me that every tree purchased at the Boy Scout Tree Lot in Piedmont at Moraga Avenue helps fund activities for boys and girls.

That includes the coed Venturers group, which offers everything from Sea Scouts to service projects and film production classes. Last year, the tree lot volunteers netted $68,000 in sales. They should all take a “bough” for their efforts.

Got news? You can reach Ginny Prior by email at ginnyprior@hotmail.com or on the web at http://www. ginnyprior.com.