The coronavirus pandemic continues its grim culling of venues, visibly altering the city panorama and reworking previously energetic areas into blocks of boarded-up storefronts. East Bay eating places, cafes and bars which can be persevering (and even thriving) after seven months of COVID would possibly thank lease breaks and enterprise fashions that favor takeout, supply or outside eating. They will additionally credit score devoted employees, and prospects doing their finest to supply stewardship.
Indoor eating is that this month’s elephant in the room. Although newly allowed in Alameda County as of last week, diners and restaurateurs are hopeful however treading fastidiously, retaining one eye on coronavirus resurgences throughout the japanese components of the nation and Europe. Even at 25% capability, many East Bay venues are hesitant to reopen their doors; others are excited to invite customers inside.
By every little thing, new eateries proceed to open. The next highlights locations which can be model new, completely closed or are taking an indefinite break. Please tell us if we missed a spot at nosh@berkeleyside.com.
Berkeley
Open
BAKE SUM New to Berkeley is Bake Sum, founded earlier this year in San Francisco by the pastry-making workforce of Elaine Lau (Manresa, Cafe Atilla, Brassica) and Joyce Tang (La Chinoiserie). The duo creates lush, colourful, high-end pastries, cookies and different creations layered with candy and savory Asian flavors, offered by the field for takeout solely. Learn extra in regards to the girls’ spectacular trade credentials on their website, and place orders online for pick-up (from The Bread Undertaking facility). Bake Sum, 1615 College Ave. (at California Road), Berkeley
RED BAY COFFEE VAN (SHATTUCK) As of this month, Chez Panisse has not solely began serving ready meals, desserts and drinks for carry-out for lunch and dinner Wednesday by Saturday (on prime of its Sunday marketplace), however the inviting Red Bay Coffee Van now frequently parks out entrance of the restaurant in a win-win for the North Berkeley group. Comply with the Purple Bay van’s schedule for espresso, espresso drinks and pastries by way of Instagram (and if it’s on the menu, strive the candied yam latte). Red Bay Coffee Van exterior Chez Panisse, 1517 Shattuck Ave. (between Vine Road and Cedar Road), Berkeley
ZOONIE’S CANDY SHOP The previous Powell’s Candy Shoppe native mini-chain, rebranded as Zoonie’s in 2018, and below new proprietor David Harrison since 2019, has launched a small kiosk contained in the Epicurious Backyard. On the market are handmade goodies, Jelly Stomach merchandise, colourful lollipops and a rainbow-array of nostalgic sweet. Prospects pay on the adjoining Lush Gelato counter, additionally owned by Harrison as of early this yr. This new kiosk is slightly experiment, in accordance with Harrison, who’s rapidly changing into a form of Bay Space Willy Wonka. Seems like a Golden Ticket to us, because the group nonetheless misses the Powell’s/Zoonie’s sweet store within the Elmwood that closed last July. Zoonie’s Candy Shop on the Epicurious Backyard, 1511 Shattuck Ave. (at Vine Road), Berkeley
Closed
AU COQUELET For nearly 50 years, Au Coquelet was extra of a lounge than an eatery for downtown Berkeley, and its demise this month has left the group bereft. The closing was described as “another dying” brought on by COVID-19 in a letter posted in Au Coquelet’s window, and a narrative about the cafe’s mid-October shuttering from Nosh contributor Eden Teller impressed lots of of reactions on-line. Prospects described first dates, midnight-oil research periods and almost 5 many years of informal eating and occasional rituals on the homey cafe and restaurant. Its regulars cherished that you possibly can come as you have been and linger for so long as you favored, properly into the evening, with a plate of meals, espresso or a cocktail. “Who in Berkeley didn’t scratch out a paper there at one time or one other?” stated one fan to Nosh, and one other referred to as it, “my primary place to do lesson plans, right papers, meet pals and eat blueberry custard pie…this was the chosen place, the place we’d catch up and simply really feel nourished and glad once we parted.” Au Coquelet was at 2000 College Ave.
CHEESEQUAKES This San Francisco-based cheesecake outfit by no means actually took off contained in the Epicurious Backyard, and from its March 2019 launch, step by step morphed from a cheerfully staffed gross sales counter right into a small, stocked cooler. It has since closed to make method for a Zoonie’s Sweet Store (see open, above). Notice: Followers can nonetheless discover CheeseQuakes merchandise on the market on the Zoonie’s kiosk, online, and throughout the bay on the devoted CheeseQuakes Ferry Constructing stall. CheeseQuakes was contained in the Epicurious Backyard at 1511 Shattuck Ave.
LITTLE HUNAN This family-owned Chinese language eatery with the acquainted pink signal on Shattuck at Addison was a pleasant go-to for quick, budget-friendly eating in downtown Berkeley for a formidable 34 years. Sadly, the eatery’s quiet closure throughout pandemic lockdown has been labeled everlasting throughout the web, and makes an attempt to achieve the homeowners for extra element have been unsuccessful. Farewell, Little Hunan —thanks for feeding college students, employees and theater-goers with kindness for 3 many years. Little Hunan was at 125 Berkeley Sq.
PEDRO’S BRAZIL CAFE (UNIVERSITY) Nosh has confirmed that this dressier Berkeley location of Pedro’s Brazil Cafe, with its cozy, colorful interior and beautiful back garden patio, has sadly joined the “shack” in formally going out of enterprise. Lovers of Pedro’s tri-tip sandwich ought to convey that love ASAP to the one remaining Brazil Cafe, situated inside the favored Westbrae Biergarten. Pedro’s Brazil Cafe (Rose Backyard) was at 1960 College Ave.
SECRET SCOOP “I will miss Secret Scoop,” commented Berkeleyside co-founder Lance Knobel when Nosh broke the information of the Thai gelateria’s impending Oct. 18 closure. The remark echoed the emotions of many native followers, who’ve loved the candy spot’s eclectic flavors and treats since Bangkok native and Cal alum Funn Fisher opened Secret Scoop in 2017. (The information will not be all bitter for Berkeley, nevertheless: On deck for the small area is new Hawaiian dessert store Ono Bakehouse, from chef Desi Valencia of Ono Snax, coming quickly.) Secret Scoop was at 1922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Method.
Oakland
Open
AIN’T NORMAL CAFE Bites let us know that this Rockridge cafe and coffee catering firm within the former Bica area is now open for espresso drinks from a rotating array of specialty espresso makers, together with many native roasters, and breakfast pastries each day. Ain’t Normal Cafe, 5701 Faculty Ave. (at Miles Avenue), Oakland
BURMA BITES Touted across the media for counting DoorDash as an investor, is new takeout and supply eatery Burma Bites, opened Oct. 28 as a fast-casual Burma Celebrity. Anticipate quick-service takeout and supply of the San Francisco-based chain’s tea leaf and rainbow salads, famed noodles and curries. Burma Bites is simply down the road from Burma Celebrity on Telegraph Avenue, which is presently redirecting diners to this new outpost whereas it undergoes a rework. Burma Bites, 4911 Telegraph Ave. (close to 49th Road), Oakland
CHUAN YU Now sharing restaurant area with downtown Oakland’s Sakura Bistro is Chuan Yu, serving Szechuan and Hunan delicacies. The group previously operated San Francisco’s now-closed General Tso Kitchen. Chuan Yu, 388 Ninth St. (between Franklin and Webster streets), Oakland
DAUGHTER’S DINER This revolutionary new diner from husband-and-wife workforce Justyna Wilson and chef Keven Wilson — whose pedigree contains Restaurant Michael Mina, Perbacco and RN74 — melds nostalgic with up to date in each meals and imaginative and prescient. Learn extra on their opening story from Nosh contributor Lauren Bonney and intriguing menu highlights from Nosh editor Sarah Han, and we’ll see you within the take-out line for a retro-modern milkshake and Double D Homewrecker burger very, very quickly. Daughter’s Diner, 326 23rd St. (between Webster and Valdez streets), Oakland
HORN BARBECUE Months of build-up and allowing delays solely lent this very special opening and its dedicated owner added legendary standing. Younger Bay Space pitmaster Matt Horn’s Texas-style barbecue, tended for hours over white oak in his well-known customized smoker Lucille, is the stuff of native (and national) legend. After 5 years in cell enterprise, Horn’s first brick-and-mortar lastly opened inside the previous Brown Sugar Kitchen area on Oct. 24. “Amidst the chaos, we have now a secure haven,” writes one Yelp reviewer, and he’s not speaking in regards to the pandemic or the election or the fires, he’s speaking about brisket when it’s executed properly, slowly and with vigilance. A formidable line of patient individuals fashioned for 3 lengthy West Oakland blocks on opening day, centered solely, for one peaceable second, on that brisket (and ribs, and scorching hyperlinks). Order for takeout, or outside seating is on the market with a view onto Lucille. Horn Barbecue, 2534 Mandela Parkway (at 26th), Oakland
IZZA Reviews are universally positive up to now for this new Japanese izakaya, now open nightly for takeout, tented outside eating and restricted indoor eating on the former KangNam Pho area in Temescal. Izza, 4419 Telegraph Ave. (between 44th and 45th streets), Oakland
LAYALINA RESTAURANT This new Center Jap/Mediterranean halal restaurant opened about two weeks in the past on Telegraph Avenue on the border of Tablet Hill and KONO. Layalina provides quite a lot of kebab and shawarma plates and wraps, however there’s additionally pizza and a cheeseburger on the menu. Diners can select to order meals for takeout, indoor eating at 25% capability or to take pleasure in at two tables exterior. The restaurant has utilized to open a patio for added outside seating. Layalina Restaurant, 3109 Telegraph Ave. (at 31st Road), Oakland
MAGNOLIA STREET WINE LOUNGE & KITCHEN Nosh featured the complete scoop on chef Leilani Baugh’s new restaurant and wine lounge, livening up the San Pablo Avenue Hall in West Oakland with Cajun-Creole cooking with Asian inflections. Magnolia Road has been softly open since August, however at present marks the beginning of limited-capacity indoor eating for the restaurant, becoming a member of takeout service and an outside eating space. Magnolia Road provides festive weekend brunch, lunch and dinner to start out, and can increase hours to Wednesday by Sunday within the coming days. Magnolia Street Wine Lounge & Kitchen, 3443 San Pablo Ave. (close to 35th Road), Oakland
MR. DEWIE’S CASHEW CREAMERY Again in February, Nosh reported on the closure of the Oakland location of Lush Gelato, to make method for Berkeley-born, vegan, dairy-free creamery Mr. Dewie’s. Newly opened throughout the pandemic, Mr. Dewie’s standard new store on Piedmont Avenue joins one different devoted location on Solano Avenue in Albany. (Notice: A 3rd location, a kiosk contained in the Public Market Emeryville, is briefly closed.) Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery, 4184 Piedmont Ave. (at Linda Avenue), Oakland
MUJIRI NIGIRI A welcome addition to this stretch of San Pablo Avenue is Mujiri, from first-time restaurateur Jane Sun, serving nigiri, sashimi and maki picks in repurpose-able wood containers. Fish is seasonal and recent, and menus are posted each day on Instagram. Takeout solely. Mujiri Nigiri, 6501 San Pablo Ave. (close to 65th Road), Unit B, Oakland
PETIT CAFE Nosh has reported on this little vegetarian cafe before, however solely to say it opened for a scorching minute earlier than the pandemic shut it again down nearly instantly. This month, the brilliant, ethereal cafe within the Tablet Hill neighborhood fully reopened for takeout with tempting, simple cafe fare for weekday breakfast and lunch. Go get ‘em, Petit Cafe. Petit Cafe, 411 30th St. (at Summit Road), Oakland
SEABREEZE ON THE DOCK Hoodline was the first to report on this new Jack London Sq. waterfront restaurant within the previous Il Pescatore location, serving casual seafood with patio dining, together with seafood boils, sandwiches, salads, shrimp cocktail and oysters from the uncooked bar. Seabreeze on the Dock, 31 Webster St., Jack London Sq., Oakland
Closed
BINNEY PARK Sure East Coasters who contribute to Nosh have been excited to report on this opening last fall, however then… pandemic. Binney Park’s short-lived, New-York-style, egg-on-a-roll sandwiches, you’ll be missed. Binney Park was at 409 14th St.
CHOPSTICKS EXPRESS An Oaklandside tipster tell us that this speedy, reasonably priced Chinese language take-out spot within the Laurel District has closed. Chopsticks Specific was at 4104 MacArthur Blvd.
DOPO It was a Sicilian funeral for Italophiles throughout the Bay Space when Piedmont Avenue standout restaurant Dopo introduced it was to shut after exactly 17 years on Oct. three. Husband-and-wife homeowners Jon and Kayta Smulewitz didn’t shy from sharing their frustration and grief, lamenting the present wrestle for eating places in all places, even ones like theirs with such a devoted fan base. As Sarah Han reported in Bites, from Dopo’s inception in 2003, the Cal-Italian restaurant was a diner magnet, beloved for its informal sophistication, nice pizzas, housemade pasta, and Italian specialties; its second close by neighborhood restaurant, Adesso, open from 2009-2017, was equally standard for its charcuterie program and wine-friendly bites. It’s laborious for followers to think about Piedmont Avenue now with out both neighborhood vacation spot. Nosh is glad to report that the Smulewitz’s newest restaurant venture, Pollara, serving pizza al taglio on Fourth Road, stays open. Ci vediamo, Dopo. Dopo was at 4293 Piedmont Ave.
Past
Open
LUCIA’S CRAFT SANDWICH Opening at present in Crockett is a brand new sandwich store from husband-wife homeowners, Randy Valdez and Religion Harrison. Though each of its homeowners are veterans within the fine-dining trade, Lucia’s — named after the couple’s daughter — is their first go at proudly owning a meals enterprise. Valdez informed Nosh that he has needed to open a sandwich store ever since he left culinary college years in the past, and as soon as the pandemic hit, he determined it was “time for me to do my very own factor; no extra working in another person’s restaurant.” Effectively, it’s not fairly simply his personal factor; Harrison can also be operating the ship, and collectively, they’ve created an expansive — and reasonably priced — menu of engaging sandwiches, salads and focaccia, which incorporates vegan and gluten-free choices. Some standouts from the menu embrace a grilled cheese with Proscuitto and fig unfold, and one other with kimchi and bacon; a salad with octopus, potato, pink onion and Peruvian peppers; and smoked trout toast with leeks, potatoes and gremolata. Lucia’s Craft Sandwich, 611 Second Ave. (at 1oth Road), Crockett
RAMEN HIROSHI Relaxed little ramen store Ramen Hiroshi has opened a second location at Metropolis Middle Bishop Ranch. The restaurant has one other location in Walnut Creek. Ramen Hiroshi, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon
ROAM BUTCHER SHOP (LAFAYETTE & SAN RAMON) Roam Burgers has spun off a brand new string of high-quality, full-service butcher retailers, now open for takeout and supply. Choose meats a la carte or opt for a curated butcher’s box. A Roam consultant informed Nosh that the Roam Butcher Store in Lafayette will ship to residents in Rockridge, Montclair, Lamorinda and Walnut Creek. Roam Butcher Shop, 23 Lafayette Cir., Lafayette and 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon
Temp Closed
The pandemic has led to an unsettled state of stasis for an ever-growing listing of native venues. The next spotlights “briefly closed” spots which can be in a form of limbo, on hiatus for a prolonged or indefinite time.
CORSO Berkeley standout Corso has been dormant since June, when the restaurant introduced it was going into “hibernation” till further notice. Although its web site stays up, Corso’s telephone is disconnected, and makes an attempt to achieve administration have gone unanswered. The Italian restaurant has been a Berkeley touchstone for higher-end evenings out since 1994 — however it certain appears darkish behind that cup door. If reopening actually is within the playing cards, Nosh and Corso’s multitude of followers would like to know extra. Corso is at 1788 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.
ENSSARO In August, Bites reported the temporary closure of this long-loved Ethiopian restaurant close to Lake Merritt, precipitated by an April fireplace at next-door Kinja Sushi (see beneath). Current tried emails bounced, and telephone calls to Enssaro not appear to achieve the caring proprietor as they as soon as did. Crossing fingers the deceptive web site is up to date with extra information quickly, as hopeful diners proceed to journey to Enssaro solely to search out the restaurant very closed. Enssaro is at 357A Grand Ave. in Oakland.
ITABA It doesn’t look good for Itaba on Piedmont Avenue, because the quantity for this Japanese restaurant and sushi bar will not be in service, and Yelpers are calling it completely closed. The restaurant will not be boarded up, nor marked something however briefly closed on its door, however… it doesn’t look good. Itaba is at 3920 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland.
KINJA SUSHI OAKLAND A reminder that after a fireplace this spring, Kinja Sushi’s Oakland location stays boarded up and the telephone is disconnected, with no replace but. Followers can nonetheless discover Kinja Sushi in Concord. Kinja Sushi is at 357 Grand Ave. in Oakland.
MOD PIZZA EL CERRITO PLAZA El Cerrito MOD Pizza followers have needed to drive slightly farther afield than the Plaza for his or her repair, as though Alameda’s and Pinole’s MOD areas stay open and lively, the El Cerrito department has been closed since pandemic lockdown started. The closure is marked non permanent on the nationwide franchise’s web site, however no phrase but on reopening. MOD Pizza El Cerrito is at 5040 El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito.
NICK’S LOUNGE Common Berkeley karaoke bar Nick’s Lounge, briefly closed since March, is now on the market, however in accordance with Bites, owner Bryan Smith is optimistic about the bar’s survival. Nick’s Lounge is at 3218 Adeline St. in Berkeley.
NICK’S PIZZA As reported in Bites, North Oakland’s Nick’s Pizza is NOT CLOSED, it’s moving simply down the road! Search for it quickly (and its interesting new outside seating) at 6400 Shattuck Ave. at Alcatraz in Oakland. The previous Nick’s Pizza, closed on Oct. 13, was at 6211 Shattuck Ave. in Oakland.
NOAH’S BAGELS (BERKELEY WAY) The shiny new department of Noah’s that opened on Shattuck subsequent to Marugame in Berkeley final November has been closed since lockdown, however a consultant for Noah’s stated the closure is just non permanent — at the least for now. (Regardless of the future brings for this massive franchise that began long ago with a easy Berkeley store, it’s secure to say the East Bay is in any other case fortunately bagel rich in the intervening time.) Noah’s Bagels is at 2121 Berkeley Method in Berkeley.
ROAM BURGERS (UPTOWN OAKLAND) Roam Uptown is closed, however in accordance with the franchise, solely briefly for now. Roam Burgers Uptown Oakland is at 1951 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland.
SEASONS OF JAPAN The very small, laminated signal behind the sealed-up gate of this seven-year-old downtown Berkeley mainstay says, “…sadly we will likely be closed for some time.” We’d really feel extra hopeful if we knew a bit extra, however for now the restaurant is inactive, with no replace on the (nonetheless lively) web site. Seasons of Japan is at 2122 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.
STARLINE SOCIAL CLUB The Starline, dwelling to enjoyable, funky, improbable reveals and mecca for cutting-edge meals pop-ups and artisan cocktails, is on the market, as first reported on this detailed story by KQED. For Oaklanders and performers who treasure this place, there stays hope that a purchaser will save the venue, however for now it’s dormant. Keep tuned. The Starline is at 2236 Martin Luther King, Jr. Wy. in Oakland.
VEGGIE GRILL BERKELEY The downtown Berkeley department of this veg-centric franchise has been darkish these seven months, however the location stays on the central web site. A test in with an open department yielded no agency intel; we should always remind diners that areas in Walnut Creek and Corte Madera stay open and lively. Veggie Grill Berkeley is at 48 Shattuck Sq. in Berkeley.
Nosh editor Sarah Han contributed reporting.
