Tag: Berkeley

On the Town: Skates on the Bay Reopening

Article & Photos By Andi Berlin To celebrate an extensive, month-long revamp, Berkeley Marina institution Skates on the Bay staged an evening of old school decadence. “Raw” was the word of the night: although more comfortable furniture and updated carpeting had been put in, mouths were buzzing about the new raw bar offering fresh Miyagi oysters, Dungeness crab and nigiri… Read more →

Sushi East & West, From SF’s Noe Valley to Berkeley

Despite countless lauded sushi restaurants I’ve eaten at in NY and LA, I find San Francisco more than keeps up, whether with the staggering range of fish (and lovably surly attitude) Roger delivers at Zushi Puzzle (pencilfish or flying fish, anyone?), the sustainable efforts of Tataki and Sebo, or the pristine precision of Sausalito stalwart Sushi Ran, which tops overrated… Read more →

Drinking Destination: EAST BAY

It’s true: the East Bay cocktail scene is growing by leaps and bounds lately, with a slew of new bars (many opened by San Francisco bar stars) popping up from Albany to Alameda. Two comfortable, new hang-outs just debuted January 3rd serving cocktails for the geek and casual imbiber alike. Both claim noteworthy bartenders covering various shifts. I spent an… Read more →

Dining with Winemakers from Austria & Bordeaux

Intimate and focused, there’s nothing like hearing from and tasting with a winemaker directly. Last issue, I met with three Napa/Sonoma winemakers. This issue, it’s two European ones from the unparalleled regions of Bordeaux and Kamptal. Look (or ask) for these wines in local wine shops. LAURENZ V., Austria – Technically Laurenz, the 5th (but read as Laurenz Five), Laurenz… Read more →

Around the Bay: Previewing Berkeley’s German Newcomer, Gaumenkitzel

GAUMENKITZEL, meaning ‘delight for the taste buds’, opens later this week (if all goes as planned) in an open, sunny space on San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. Owner Anja Voth brings restaurant and patisserie experience from Hamburg and Berlin. Her husband Kai Flache constructed and designed the restaurant with his local firm. They operate as a gracious, complimentary team. A… Read more →

On the Town: “Deep South” Showdown at FIVE in Berkeley

With more than a little Iron Chef-themed influence, FIVE‘s elegant, spacious dining room was transformed into communal seating party for their second Seasonal Showdown Dinner on October 21 ($62 without beer pairings; $70 with beer pairings from Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro – appreciated the grapefruit brightness of the 1500 Pale Ale and malty bitter of their Amber Ale). Diners… Read more →