Just opened
After 80 years, Neldam’s Danish Bakery closed in July. But now, thirteen former employees are co-owners of Taste of Denmark, which opened on September 9 in the same location. Oakland North reports that the new bakery will feature Neldam’s standard pastries, like croissants, turnovers, cakes and (of course) danishes. They also have plans for Asian pastries, tres leches cakes, sugar and gluten- free options. The hours are 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.
3401 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510-420-8889
PIQ Bakery opened a couple weeks ago in Downtown Berkeley. The initials stand for Pane Italiano Qualita’ or Quality Italian Bread, so that’s saying a lot. In addition to bread, they serve pastries, panini and pizza by the meter.
91 Shattuck Square, Berkeley
510-540-7700
photo: Christina Mitchell
Opening soon
This is probably the biggest news of the week: Plum will open on Wednesday, 9/29, according to Inside Scoop. Expect comfort food (with a twist), with most dishes less than $20. The 4-course meal will be a bargain at $45, if it’s anything like the preview dinner I went to. By the way, this is a salad with Early Girl tomatoes, lemon cucumber, horseradish, dill and whipped fomage blanc. Perfection. Reservations are available now, so get to it! Plum will be open 5pm – 1am daily.
2214 Broadway, Oakland
510-444-7586
photo: Christina Mitchell
Chefs Kelly Hatcher Mellon and Brian Beach have been busy testing yummy-sounding recipes (Fried Green Tomato BLT, Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafer Crust, etc.) and getting ready to open Table 24 in the next few weeks. They’ll also participate in the Orinda Restaurant Tour (see Social section for more info).
2 Theatre Square Suite 153, Orinda
925-254-0124
According to San Jose Mercury News, Patxis Chicago Pizza, which already has 2 San Francisco locations and one in Palo Alto, is expanding to the East Bay. They are moving into the former Douglah Designs showroom in Lafayette. After taking a peek at the menu, I’m going to learn more about their two (!) types of Chicago pizza: Patxis Pan Pizza (deep dish with a cornmeal crust and the Chicago Stuffed with a bottom and top crust.
3577 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Closed
Alameda landmark Boniere Bakery closed last week after the owners raised the rent to market standards. According to the Oakland Tribune, Brian Wood, pastry chef/owner of Baking & Pastry Solutions in San Francisco, is planning to take over the lease. Jamie Hansen plans to start making ice cream for the new business in mid-November. Until the deal goes through, the new name is top secret.
1417 Park Street, Alameda
Taste of Africa closed a few months ago, but you can still find chef/owner, Malong Pendar, at the Berkeley Flea Market (in the parking lot of the Ashby BART Station) on Saturdays and Sundays, starting around 11 am. He always sets up in the corner, serving his comforting and flavorful Cameroonian specialties like stewed chicken, peanut sauce and fried plantains. Just watch out for Malong’s homemade hot sauce. Trust me.
3015 Shattuck, Berkeley (closed)
photo: Christina Mitchell
Chef Shuffle
When Chef Chris Dettmer left Meadowood for Flora in April, the menu started leaning toward fine dining. Inside Scoop reports that the new chef, Rico Rivera (from Pizzaiolo) is turning out to be a better fit. He’s already overhauled the menu, bringing back classics like grilled New York steak. It’s an oldie but goodie, right?
1900 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510-286-0100
In other news…
Cha-Ya, Berkeley’s vegan Japanese restaurant is expanding next door into the Berkeley Florist space. There’s usually a wait, so I’m sure their regulars will be happy when the restaurant expands from 15 to 41 seats.
1686 Shattuck, Berkeley
510-981-1213
photo: Christina Koci Hernandez, Chronicle
Picán is also expanding into The Porch, on the sidewalk directly in front of the restaurant. According to Inside Scoop, there’s also a new lounge menu, featuring Patio Pitchers and dishes like Southern pimiento cheese and smoked gator nachos.
2295 Broadway, Oakland
510-834-1000
Christina Mitchell
Latest posts by Christina Mitchell (see all)
- La Casita: Food for the Soul - September 28, 2018
- How To Cook Vietnamese Sausage - September 7, 2018
- Let’s get it started… - September 6, 2018