Just Opened
I mentioned Slow before, but to recap, it’s chef/owner Kyle Anderson’s inexpensive, casual gourmet restaurant. Slow officially opened on 8/6 with seasonal lunches (around $6) and dinners (around $12) served in the 30 seat restaurant and 30 seat patio. Meals will also be available for grab-and-go service and curbside pickup, so there aren’t many excuses left for not eating sustainable, organic local food. It’s open Mon – Sat, 11am – 9pm.
1966 University Ave, Berkeley
510-647-SLOW (3663)
Sorrento Cooler at Locanda da Eva. Photo: Christina Mitchell
When Locanda da Eva officially opened a couple weeks ago, I went to the soft opening party/artist reception. I sampled a few of the pizzas and this is a picture of my refreshing Sorrento Cooler (Barbancourt 8 Year Rum, limoncello, amaretto, lemon, soda). Former SF Weekly food writer Robert Lauriston and chef-partner Huw Thornton (former SPQR and A16 sous chef) are behind the project and Jackie Patterson (Heaven’s Dog) created the cocktails. Expect pasta (small $8 – large $17), pizza ($13-14) and other Italian dishes on the daily changing menu, with influences from other parts of the Mediterranean. They open at 5pm Tues – Sun, and I’m looking forward to checking out their Late Night Menu, which is offered 10pm – midnight Tues – Sat. Hey, sometimes you just want a midnight snack.
2826 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley
510-665-9601
I’ve heard a lot about a new Izkaya (a Japanese pub) in Berkeley. Chef/owner Christian Geidemen (formerly of Ozumo) officially opened Ippuku a couple weeks ago and is serving grilled meat skewers and shochu (a Japanese liquor). I am very excited to check this place out. For now, take a peek at the pics of the space, which was designed by Zen Buddhist priest Paul Discoe, on Umami Mart.
2130 Center Street, Berkeley
Jason Sum’s family runs the Berkeley Thai House, but now he’s stepping out on his own. Sumo Grub opened in the former Top Dawg space, across the street from Berkeley High. Along with, burgers, salads and rice bowls, they also serve Asian and American fusion food, like curry dogs, and tempura dogs. The focus on all things fried is taken to the next level with mac & cheese, Oreos, and even deep fried pizza.
2235 Milvia Street, Berkeley
Hi-Suk Dong and his wife Sanju Dong (who is also the chef) closed Soizic last month and opened another restaurant next door to their popular Mua. The name of the new restaurant next door? Nex. They serve “neighborhood bistro food” like “wood-fired pizzas, slow cooked entrees, seasonal appetizers,” and I heard something about a funnel cake dessert. Dinner is served between 5 – 10ish, and lunch service will start this fall.
2442 Webster Street, Oakland
510-238-8224
There are three new restaurants on the same block of Oxford Street in Berkeley and only one serves meat:
Pulled Pork Sandwich at Ironwood BBQ, photo: Christina Mitchell
Ironwood BBQ is currently in soft-open mode. They started developing recipes in SF at the Golden Gate Golf Course. When non-golfers started coming in to eat, they decided it was time to open a legitimate shop. I always get weak in the knees when I see a pulled pork sandwich on the menu, and this one didn’t disappoint. Just be sure to pay the extra $1 to get it Memphis Style (extra sauce and slaw). Stay tuned for their official Grand Opening party…
2130 Oxford Street, Berkeley
510-981-8028
Cinnaholic, a vegan cinnamon roll shop also opened a couple weeks ago. With limitless options, it’s pretty overwhelming for the indecisive (like me). You start with a cinnamon roll and then choose a frosting and topping. It took me about 10 minutes and several samples to end up with the “deal of the day.” It was a Peach Pie Cinnamon roll with fresh fruit and oats sprinkled on top. By the way, it was my first time signing my name with my index finger on their Ipad cash register. Very cool.
2132 Oxford Street, Berkeley
Saturn Cafe recently opened, too. It’s the second location of the vegetarian Santa Cruz diner that serves comfort food. They’ll have the same menu, plus live music and plan to be open until 3 am, after the permits are approved.
2175 Allston Way, Berkeley
Opening Soon…
After 2 years of delays, I noticed some activity at Falanghina, in the space next door to Sea Salt, and SFoodie has more information. The new name is Paisan and the K2 Restaurant group expects to open the Italian restaurant in about a month.
2514-2516 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
Closed…and reopening
After opening in 1929, and struggling through tough times, Neldam’s Danish Bakery closed its doors a few weeks ago. But don’t worry too much, because Inside Scoop brought word that a group of ex-employees, along with the landlord, have grouped together to form a co-op. In the next few weeks, they plan to reopen in the same space as A Taste of Denmark. Using new recipes, they will serve similar Danish sweets and add some Korean items from the landlord’s heritage.
3401 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Chef Shuffle
Chef Jared Gallagher helped open Lake Chalet about a year ago, but he recently moved on, according to Inside Scoop. Instead of finding a replacement right away, owners Gar and Lara Truppelli have decided to hire chef Jared Doob to head all 3 of their restaurants (Park Chalet and Beach Chalet in SF, along with Lake Chalet). Apparently, Doob was the chef at Lulu before becoming the corporate chef of DSE Restaurants.
1520 Lakeside Drive
510-208-5253
In other news…
The fried chicken sandwiches put Bakesale Betty on the map. The brisket sandwiches introduced last year added to the loooong line around the block. Bakesale Betty just introduced their third sandwich on their Facebook page: a Sloppy Joe with Prather Ranch organic beef, house made tomato sauce, cayenne, onions, cilantro and pickled jalapeños on a soft bun. It’s available at both locations starting Tuesday 8/10.
5098 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510-985-1213
2228 Broadway, Oakland
510-251-2100
Hibiscus opened in January 2010 and has been serving Caribbean Creole inspired cuisine. But until recently, their Caribbean Creole inspired cuisine was only available at lunch. Starting a few weeks ago, they started lunch service. Cutter (pronounced Cuttah) is the word for sandwich in the Bajan dialect, and there are 3 on the lunch menu: corned beef, flying fish and ham & cheese. All are served with seasonal greens and waffle chips. Don’t worry, the fried chicken is also available at lunch. Wed – Fri, 11am – 2:30pm. The team is also unveiling a Happy Hour Wed – Fri, 4:30 – 6:30 with discounted cocktails.
1745 San Pablo Ave, Oakland
510-444-2626
Christina Mitchell
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