Popular Dogpatch lunch spot, KITCHENETTE, closed back in May for a “restructuring.” While we have all been anxiously awaiting the return of the Dogpatch Millionaire sandwich to our lives, sadly, it won’t be happening anytime soon. Kitchenette was basically a roll-up lunch window off of LRE Catering’s kitchen, and the catering outfit has now moved into a bigger location. Which means Kitchenette (at least at its Dogpatch location) is no more—well, for now (its future is hazy).
Partner Douglas Monsalud has stepped away from LRE Catering to pursue a few other projects that he has percolating in his mind—in the meantime, he’s the chef in the kitchens at the Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville. I’ll just have to keep you posted on what Monsalud plans in the future. As he said in an email to me: “When I first rolled up the warehouse door in a weird industrial location on the edge of the city, I never really intended or expected the reaction that we got…I’m sure the concept could work in another incarnation. Right now I am contemplating another location…possible more ‘permanent’ and if I do open I will definitely make it a little more ‘realized’ concept with more offerings and a new personality.” So that’s that. Thanks for all the great sandwiches! 958 Illinois St. at 20th St.
I was very sorry to read shortly after last week’s column went out that O CHAMÉ in Berkeley was closing after 23 years of serving its delicious, heartfelt, and clean Japanese cuisine. Scoop reports chef-owner David Vardy is working on a new business, designing porcelain ovens that cook like a wood-fired oven. As for who is moving into the space, we’ll find out soon, but it’s reportedly someone Vardy respects, so that’s good. 1830 4th St. at Hearst, Berkeley.
A Kitchenette spin on a cheesesteak. Photo via Facebook.
