According to Scoop, chef Edward Higgins—currently the chef at the Four Seasons Palo Alto, and previously from New York (formerly at Insieme, Hearth, and Craft)—is going to be opening BAIA in Oakland. “It’s going to be a small, intimate restaurant specializing in modern Italian cuisine” with a “big focus on fish cookery.” He plans to open the 25-seat space (which includes 13 at a counter) in October or so. 465 9th St. at Broadway, Oakland.
Also reported: Rich and Rebekah Wood, of Oakland’s WOOD TAVERN, have a sandwich shop called SOUTHIE that opens today. On the menu: “six or so sandwiches (pulled pork, crab roll, etc.), under $10; there will also be soups and salads, rotating daily and available for takeout.” Hours will be Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-4pm. 6311 College Ave. at 63rd, Oakland.
DISCO VOLANTE in Oakland is launching dinner service and live entertainment on Wednesday February 2nd. Executive chef Douglas Bernstein’s recent positions include executive chef at Bacar, Eccolo in Berkeley, and Farallon. Dinner specials (with a prix-fixe option) on the California cuisine-inspired menu will be available from 6pm-10pm. The restaurant opens at 11:30am during the week and 6pm on weekends, and will serve both food and drink until midnight during the week and until 1:30am weekend nights. 347 14th Street at Webster.
A tablehopper reader let me know that CHA-YA has completed its expansion in its Berkeley location. He writes, “A few seats disappeared from the old part, so in total the expansion added about two dozen new seats.” 1686 Shattuck Ave. at Lincoln, Berkeley, 510-981-1213.
The Disco Volante crew (photo from Facebook).
