January 14, 2014 - This week's tablehopper: back in action.

This week's tablehopper: back in action.                    

Una montaña de amor: the Dungeness crab tostada at Sabrosa. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

I am beginning to feel like I moved back to LA with all this sunny weather, and no, I am not complaining for one single second. Although I will say I am damn pleased I am finally over this lame cold from hell so I can go outside and enjoy the weather. Sunday was my first day out, which included checking out the new brunch at Sabrosa while sitting at a sunny table outside (heaven), catching an afternoon show of American Hustle, and nabbing a bowl of spicy tan-tan ramen at Waraku after the flick. It’s good to be back with the living.

Wanted to let you know the pictures from the Top It Off soirée I hosted with Louis Roederer Champagne at Marianne’s are now up and ready for viewing! Y’all looked so gorgeous and glam! I am getting very thirsty and hungry all over again looking at those images—thanks to Aubrie Pick for capturing the very special evening.

Whatcha doing this week? I’m looking forward to the Good Food Awards on Thursday (tickets are still available) and I’m also going to head to Fort Mason this weekend to FOG Design+Art—gotta see the new pasta line the Tusks are launching, and everything else going on there!

Okay, before I bounce, please take a moment to read this important post by Michael Ruhlman that is in response to the utterly misguided new California law requiring anyone preparing food in California to wear gloves (or use special utensils) when handling food. The mind, it reels.

See you Friday! Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Update on Kusakabe (Coming to the FiDi)

Now that Mitsunori “Nori” Kusakabe (previously at Sushi Ran) has taken possession of the former Machka in the Financial District, I was able to get some more details about his plans for the location, called KUSAKABE. GM Daisuke Miyake let me know they are targeting early March for the opening. The menu will be based on a kaiseki format, which will include sushi and other dishes. The prix-fixe menu will range somewhere in the $85-$100 range, and there is also discussion of offering an omakase sushi menu as well.

The space is small: it will have 30 seats, with 15 at the sushi bar, which will be the focus of the space. I spoke with Shaum Mehra of ArcHive, who is behind the interior and building; his design partner is Sepideh Majidi, and they are collaborating with the architect, Fumio Suda. Mehra mentioned the space is going to be elegant and have some drama, and will blend the ancient and the modern. When you walk in, it will feel like you are walking through an alley in Kyoto, with dark reclaimed woods, while the sushi bar and small seating area will contrast with lighter woods. Mehra said they want to create some mystery in the tight space, while keeping things clean and simple, and there will be lots of wood details.

I’ll have another update for you as the opening gets closer. 584 Washington St. at Columbus.

Openings: CDXX, Mazza Luna, New Chefs at Broken Record, Oasis Cafe Now Serving Ethiopian Dishes

In Bayview, there’s a new restaurant to check out called CDXX from owners Fletcher Starkey and Roshani Patel, who previously ran catering company Elevate Cuisine. Starkey informed us they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a meaty menu that includes steak frites, baby back ribs, a grass-fed burger, and a chile verde platter. Vegetarians can find plenty to love, too, with a vegan burger patty option, a curry bowl, and lots of seasonal salads. At breakfast, check out the breakfast burrito or one of their pastries, including a croughnut covered in cinnamon and sugar. There’s also a more extensive brunch menu available on Sunday (hi, bacon and blueberry pancakes) with bottomless mimosas; take a look at all the menus here. Hours are Tue-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 11:30am-9pm, and Sun 9am-3pm. Closed Mon. 5800 3rd St. at Carroll, 415-652-5450.

Eater reports that Adam Chamsine, the owner of Hayes Valley’s Mazzat has opened a new Lebanese restaurant called MAZZA LUNA. The new spot aims for a more upscale environment that Mazzat, with a lounge vibe and small plates, wine, and beer. The dinner menu offers a variety of small plates, ranging from falafel and hummus to heartier choices like kibbeh meatballs. There is also a selection of pita pizzas and salads. They’re open for lunch, too, with sandwiches, soup, and salads; here’s the menu. Hours are daily 11am-2:30pm for lunch, Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, and Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. 810 Van Ness Ave. at Eddy, 415-829-2730.

It looks like there’s another pair of chefs at Excelsior dive bar BROKEN RECORD. As you may recall, James Moisey and Shane LaValley left in 2012 to open Rickybobby, and Mark Furr was brought on to run the kitchen. Well, now Eater reports that Furr has left and the space has been taken over by Margo Cristein and Annie Wood of The Vine in Fremont. The pair, who have long been fans of the bar, have brought back some of the menu’s classics, including the sweet potato tots. You’ll also find turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, and egg dishes at brunch. They’ve also renamed the kitchen HOOD GRUB, with a new sign arriving next week. Hours are Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm and Sunday 11am-11pm.

After closing for renovations, OASIS CAFE on Divisadero has reopened. I caught up with owner Taddesse Haile, who tells me he installed a large kitchen during construction, so there’s now a rather extensive menu of Ethiopian dishes on the menu, about 16 right now (many are vegetarian). You can still get standard breakfast items and sandwiches for lunch, but in case you feel like changing up your usual, you can. Haile also mentioned he wants to host a special Ethiopian coffee service and ritual on Sundays. 901 Divisadero St. at McAllister, 415-474-4900.

Culinary Hires: Alicia Jenish at Gitane, Kevin Clancy at Magnolia, Matthew Tinder Officially to Meadowood

Taking over the vacancy left by executive chef Patrick Kelly at GITANE is Alicia Jenish (previously at Grand Café), who was originally brought on a couple of months ago as the corporate chef for Franck LeClerc’s restaurant group/Claude Lane (she will continue to mentor other chefs at his restaurants). Her new menu is launching this Wednesday January 15th, as she envisions taking a more rustic approach. She plans to bring “Gitane back to its gypsy roots,” taking inspiration from the cuisines of Southern Spain, Northern Africa, and Southern France.

Some highlights on the new menu include pumpkin salad with Manchego, cress, and marjoram vinaigrette; blood sausage flatbread with leek butter, sunchokes, arugula, fried leeks, and sherry vinaigrette; local fish tagine; and a goat mixed grill with a cumin-scented chop, yogurt-marinated leg, crépinette, farro verde, pomegranate, and marinated feta. One thing to note is that Jenish will be integrating a whole animal program with Boer goat from The Long Ranch, lamb from McCormack Ranch, and whole pigs from Llano Seco Rancho Organic Farms.

There is also a new Spanish happy hour on the patio (Mon-Sat 5pm-close), which will include three complimentary snacks available from the kitchen or outdoor bar cart (some offerings could include fried smelt with lemon aioli, house-marinated and stuffed olives, and bacalao fritters), with the order of a cocktail, wine, beer, or housemade sangria. There are also new cocktails from lead barman Carlos Yturria that are meant to be light on their feet and pair well with food, like the Casa Blanca: gin infused with turmeric and pink peppercorn, Luxardo Maraschino, and lime.

Over at MAGNOLIA GASTROPUB & BREWERY on Haight, Dave McLean has hired Kevin Clancy as executive chef. Kevin was actually a line cook on the opening kitchen team at Magnolia in 1997 and later became sous chef, then head chef at Magnolia in 2004.  He’s been at several places since, and McLean is happy to have him back in the kitchen. McLean elaborates: “Kevin is already part of the Magnolia family and he brings a deep understanding of our kitchen, brewery, and our culinary goals and vision.”

After running the rumor that corporate pastry chef Matthew Tinder was leaving the Daniel Patterson Group to go to The Restaurant at Meadowood, we now have an official statement from Daniel Patterson confirming the news: “Professionally, it has been a pleasure to work with Matt for close to three years. Over that time I have watched his style grow and evolve into something really special. I wrote extensively about him in the Coi book, even though I knew that he would eventually be moving on, out of respect and gratitude for his contributions. On a personal level, Matt has become a great friend, and I will miss his presence. He left all of the restaurant dessert programs in great shape, especially Coi, where Nick Muncy, who worked with closely with Matt for several years, continues to run the program at a very high level. As a group, we wish Matt every success for the future.”

The team at THE RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD share that Tinder is the first pastry chef to hold the title in three years, since Boris Portnoy departed in 2011. Executive chef Christopher Kostow says: “My biggest concern has always been the creation of invisible walls within the kitchen. For this reason, all cooks have, and will continue to, work in pastry as part of their training process.” With the hiring of Tinder, Kostow’s kitchen will be taking on a stronger pastry presence, and continuing to push things into full-tilt excellence over there.

Bun Mee Opens a Second Location Downtown

As previously mentioned on tablehopper, Vietnamese sandwich slinger BUN MEE is opening a second location on Market Street downtown. The doors open today, Tuesday January 14th, with the same menu as the original location. Look for their inventive Vietnamese sandwiches (ahhh, the sloppy bun!), plus salads, rolls, and rice and noodle bowls. The 1,600-foot space will also allow them to expand their (already great) catering options, if you’re looking for a new office lunch option. Hours are daily 10:30am-9pm. 650 Market St. at New Montgomery, 415-362-8663.

New Brunches: St. Vincent, Hi Lo

Here are some new brunches for your weekend pleasure: ST. VINCENT is now serving brunch on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm. The menu includes a smørrebrød selection, a couple of egg dishes such as scrapple, and lavender bread pudding; take a peek right here. They’ll also be pouring coffee from Bicycle Coffee Co. and eventually may be adding a few lighter brunch cocktails. Of course, their exceptional beer and wine selection will also be available. Look for Sunday service to be added soon.

HI LO has started serving brunch on Sundays from 11am-2:30pm. Chef Robin Song’s menu includes hearty, Southern-inflected items like chicken fried steak and eggs (don’t forget your Lipitor) and shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, along with some lighter choices like house-smoked salmon and fruit with yogurt. Am curious about the bacon that is house-smoked, braised, and grilled. They’ve got a selection of brunch cocktails going, along with some “hair of the dog” shot specials for $7. Check out the whole shebang here.

Hi Lo            - 3416 19th St. San Francisco - 415-874-9211

Closures: Hog Island (Temporarily), Roxy's Cafe, Taste Tea Lounge

As reported previously, the HOG ISLAND OYSTER BAR in the Ferry Building is expanding. Their last day in their current space is Wednesday January 15th, and they’ll be closed until this spring. Once they reopen, the new space (by Cass Calder Smith) will offer 65 seats inside and an additional 60 outside, which should make getting your paws on their oysters and clam chowder that much easier. Doubling your ease, in fact. Other new features include an expanded menu and a full bar, with cocktails from Scott Beattie and Michael Jack Pazdon of St. Helena’s Goose and Gander.

In the meantime, you can still slurp oysters at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where Hog Island will have some oysters available on Saturdays (8am-2pm), Tuesdays (10am-2pm), and Thursdays (10am-2pm)—and grilled cheese. And of course, you can always head to the North Bay locations in Marshall and Napa.

A tablehopper reader was unhappy to discover their reservation at ROXY’S CAFE was no longer valid when the place closed last week, and diners weren’t notified. Ends up owner Manny Torres Gimenez is going to be focusing his attention full time on his other restaurant, The Palace. Stand by for news on who is moving into the space next. 2847 Mission St. at 24th St.

Speaking of new owners, this is a small tidbit, but I hear Francesco D’Ippolito, owner of Poesia and DANTE’S TABLE, has sold Dante’s to a new (and first-time) owner. 544 Castro St. at 19th St., 415-529-2797.

In Hayes Valley, it looks like TASTE TEA LOUNGE has also closed up shop. Hayeswire reports that the owner, Vincent Fung, had to shutter because he lost his lease. However, he is currently looking for a new space to reopen, so there’s a silver lining! 535 Octavia St. at Ivy.

Upcoming 510 Projects for Doug Washington and Kelsie Kerr

Our man Doug Washington (partner in Town Hall, Salt House, and Anchor & Hope) has caught the restaurant design bug and is launching a design and development company, Claro, with creative director Stellah De Ville. While they will be primarily be focused on redesigning/reconcepting existing restaurants, Scoop reports their first project will be a new one of their own: a marketplace in Oakland with the working title of GRAND MARKET. The location is just next door to Charlie Hallowell’s newly opened Penrose. Look for different counters with cheese, charcuterie, bread, and more, with many items made on site (Hallowell’s team will be behind the bread). Linea Caffe will also be offered, as well as beer and wine; a spacious outdoor area will also be a focal point of the project. Stand by for updates in the coming months. 3265 Grand Ave. at Lakewood, Oakland.

Just at our post time last week, we received word about a new project from Kelsie Kerr, a Chez Panisse, Café Rouge, and Zuni Cafe alum who is well known in our local culinary scene (she was also the co-author of The Art of Simple Food and II). She is going to be opening STANDARD FARE in West Berkeley, which will be primarily a place to pick up complete meals and à la carte selections—everything will be prepared fresh daily from locally sourced organic ingredients and presented in handcrafted ceramic dishes by Jered’s Pottery, all ready-set-go to take home.

Expect dishes that will reheat beautifully, like lamb shoulder braised in red wine with rosemary and carrots, with side dishes like quinoa pilaf and lacinato kale. There will also be gratins and tians, soups and pasta sauces, and plenty of vegetarian options. Customers will need to sign a deposit for those gorg cazuelas, obviously; whether you’re picking up a stew or some side dishes, there will also be some special bags to carry them home. It will be takeout only, starting with dinner first and catering lunches Tue-Fri, and then adding lunch later (hours will eventually be 11am-7pm). Kerr is aiming to open by the end of February. 2701 8th St. at Carleton, Berkeley.

More 510 News: Fist of Flour Doughjo, Caravaggio Gelateria, Lunch at Iyasare, More

The FIST OF FLOUR DOUGHJO is getting ready to open on Wednesday January 15th in Oakland. Back in October, East Bay Dish caught the news on the new spot from owner James Whitehead. This is the first brick-and-mortar location for Whitehead, a self-taught pizza fiend who built his own pizza oven and has been running a mobile pizza operation for three years. His “doughjo” in the Laurel District of Oakland will offer pizza slices in traditional cheese, mushroom, or pepperoni, and two rotating specials from their mobile menu.

During the first month, their Initial Pizza Offering (IPO) will be a limited menu—they will release the menu on social media (@fistofflour) and their website. Although we do hear the Classico, with pepperoni, mushroom, chopped garlic, house tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, will be on the menu for sure. This is what happens when you’re the pizza man’s favorite pie. There will also be whole pies available, in large (15-inch) and extra-large (20-inch) sizes. Two seasonal salads, breadsticks, and stromboli also make an appearance; sandwiches will be added later.

It will be a walk-in and takeaway spot only; they will have counters to stand at and eat a quick slice, and plan on having some waiting benches built. There will also be a limited number of barstools at the counters. Just to be clear, there are no tables and no public restrooms. The space is softly open as of this Wednesday January 15th at 5pm, with some ongoing construction and a beer and wine license in the works. Hours are Wed-Sun 5pm-9pm. 4166 MacArthur Blvd. at Maybelle, Oakland.

Want some dessert? Oh boy, this looks amazing, even if we are a little late in mentioning it. CARAVAGGIO GELATERIA ITALIANA opened in Berkeley back in November. Chowhound reports authentic, not-too-sweet gelato made in-house, with flavors like pistachio, fig, and hazelnut. Oh, and this is cool: all their milk is treated with lactase, rendering it lactose-free. 1797 Shattuck Ave. at University, Berkeley, 510-900-2401.

According to their Facebook page, Berkeley restaurant IYASARE is going to be open for lunch starting Wednesday January 15th. The menu includes some light small plates as appetizers, in addition to some heartier choices as well. They’ll be open Wed-Mon 11:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm. 1830 4th St. at Hearst, Berkeley, 510-845-8100.

Berkeleyside reports that San Francisco vegan restaurant SOURCE is opening a second location in Berkeley. The new location is called Source Mini and will offer a smaller version of the San Francisco menu, which will be available for takeout. They hope to open in two weeks. 1511 Shattuck Ave. at Vine, Berkeley.

The Gooey Dispatch: Cheesemonger Invitational, Petaluma's Artisan Cheese Festival

So you love cheese. Duh. Want to watch cheesemongers from all over the country compete on their cheese knowledge and cutting technique? (The desirable kind of cheese cutting, however—not the kind your kid brother does.) Then check out the 2014 CHEESEMONGER INVITATIONAL on Sunday January 19th from 5pm-8pm at Public Works in the Mission. You can watch cheesemongers compete at the Cheese Throwdown, plus sample tons of cheese including offerings from Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove, the Cellars at Jasper Hill, and a variety of imported cheeses from Switzerland, Germany, and France. Get there from 5pm-6pm for the cheese-pairing bites (there will be 3,500 bites in all)! You’ll also find cheesy popcorn, grilled cheese sandwiches from Grilled Cheez Guy, and fondue. Free raffles will offer lots of cheese-related prizes, like books and platters from Rainbow Grocery and Bi-Rite Market. Tickets are $60 per person, and include all the cheese you can eat and entry to the throwdown. A cash bar will keep you going too. 131 Erie St. at South Van Ness.

The cheesiness just won’t quit: get your tickets now for the 8TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA’S ARTISAN CHEESE FESTIVAL in Petaluma at the Sheraton Sonoma County from Friday March 21st-Sunday March 23rd. The festival includes a variety of events, including an opportunity to meet the participating cheesemakers, cooking demonstrations, and lots of tastings. Take a look at the full schedule of events right here. Ticket prices range from $35-$115, and you can snag them here. 745 Baywood Dr. at Marina, Petaluma.

North Bay News: Luna Blu, Changes at the Tyler Florence Store, Cooper's Public Market Coming to Novato

Some tidbits for you in the North Bay. First up, Eater mentions the opening of LUNA BLU in the former location of The Boathouse in Tiburon. The owners are Renzo and Crystal Azzarello, and while lunch and dinner will showcase Renzo’s Sicilian background (think lots of seafood), during the day, there will be an English tea in between lunch and dinner (wife Crystal is English). Cocktails, beer, and wine are all on offer, with 20 seats inside and 30 on the deck. Hours: Mon, Wed-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Fri 11am-10:30pm, Sat 9:30am-10:30pm, and Sun 9:30am-9:30pm. 35 Main St. at Tiburon, Tiburon, 415-789-5844.

A couple of residents in Milf Valley have been asking what’s going on at the TYLER FLORENCE SHOP, which has its windows papered over and a sign announcing it will become Tyler Florence Test Kitchen. A note back from team TyFlo confirms they are in fact doing a remodel of the demonstration kitchen in the shop so they can offer cooking classes and live demonstrations. Timing and permits are still being finalized, so stand by for an update on this soon! 59 Throckmorton Ave. at Corte Madera, Mill Valley.

Novato residents will be fired up with the upcoming opening of COOPER’S PUBLIC MARKET, which should be very soon. It will be a small, family-owned indoor market selling sustainably raised eggs, produce, dairy, meats, cheese, honey, and other staples produced within 30 miles by family-owned farms and businesses. Follow along on Facebook for updates. 1425 Grant Ave. at 4th, Novato.

the sponsor

This Round Is On Me... (hey, thanks!)

(Sponsored): Register Now for the Winter Fancy Food Show--and Save!

Whet your appetite. Some serious sampling will be going on January 19th-21st in San Francisco. With more than 12,000 registrants already signed up, the 2014 Winter Fancy Food Show is clearly slated for a huge turnout.

The 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show had the largest presence of both attendees and exhibits in its 38-year history. It had 18,900 buyers from top names in retailing and food service and sold out exhibition booth space with 1,300 exhibitors that offered more than 80,000 of the latest in specialty foods and beverages from the U.S. and 35 countries from around the world. You won’t want to miss it in 2014.

Register now! (Show is open to the trade only.)

the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Cafe Royale Reopens as The Royale, Hogan's Goat Tavern Gets New Owners

After landing a full liquor license and then closing for renovations, Cafe Royale has reopened, although it’s now known simply as THE ROYALE. The partners installed a new wood bar and backbar, repainted, and best of all, the upstairs mezzanine has some new lighting, booths, and tables, making it an ideal spot if you’re on a date. The Royale wants to continue its legacy as an easygoing neighborhood bar, and is offering some fun beer-and-a-shot combos for $9-$10, like the “Steam and a Beam” (shot of Jim Beam and a pint of Anchor Steam) and the “Fern-Berger” (shot of Fernet Branca and a mug of Radeberger).

The Royale will keep offering its fun programming, from the Drunken Spelling Bee to free jazz on the weekends to Monday Happy Hour Comedy on second Mondays—keep up with it all on Facebook. Another thing they are noted for is their monthly rotation of art—February’s art show will be featuring original pinup drawings from Alberto Vargas! Hawt. The grand reopening party will be Saturday February 1st, FYI. Hours are Sun-Wed 4pm-12am, Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. 800 Post. St. at Leavenworth, 415-441-4099.

It looks like Dogpatch is getting yet another newly refreshed watering hole, this time from Chris Lawrence and Brad LaMotte of Southern Pacific Brewing, who are taking over Hogan’s Goat Tavern. Eater reports that the project will offer a selection of beers on tap, traditional cocktails, and a low-key, neighbor-friendly atmosphere. They aren’t planning a lot of construction: apparently, they’d like to be back open by baseball season in the spring. 2289 3rd St. at 20th St.

Italian Winemaker Event at Tosca Café Wednesday, Copain at Spruce, Retro Happy Hour at Bergerac

This Wednesday January 15th, head to TOSCA CAFÉ for a chance to meet Italian winemaker Riccardo Campinoti from Le Ragnaie in Montalcino. He’ll be there, pouring tastes and glasses of his wines, which include three Brunellos, as well as a Rosso di Montalcino and a Chianti. Ceri Smith, one of Tosca’s wine directors, says that this is an excellent opportunity to meet a winemaker she considers one to watch. 242 Columbus Ave. at Broadway, 415-986-9651.

You love the wines of Copain? Mmmmhmmm. Well hop on over here to check out the winemaker dinner happening at SPRUCE on Monday February 3rd. $125, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Starting Tuesday January 28th, BERGERAC in SoMa will be offering a retro happy hour from 5pm-7pm every Tue-Sat. You’ll find $6 retro cocktails, draft beer for $4, house wine for $6 a glass, and $2 snacks like grilled cheese and tater tots. Oh, and if you get a group together, check out the “Boogie Nights Punch Bowl”, which serves five to seven people for $20. You can all put your keys in it when you’re done and start your next party. Heh. 316 11th St. at Folsom, 415-255-9440.

510 Beverage News: 2212 Wine Bar, Club Parliament Now Open

There’s a new wine bar in Uptown Oakland, in the former Punchdown space: 2212 WINE BAR, from owners Sam Patel and Paul Fitzpatrick. The wine list is focused on affordability (most glasses are less than $10) and allowing people to compare wines through flights. There is also a selection of local beers, including offerings from Sudwerk and North Coast Brewing Co.; take a look at the wine list and beer choices here. There is a French bistro-inspired menu of small plates, including a croque-monsieur, smoked salmon, and of course charcuterie and cheese; here’s the menu. Every evening, check out the “reverse happy hour” from 9:30pm-10pm, when select glasses of wine will be discounted. There will also be guest chefs, starting with David Vardy (previously chef-owner of O’Chame) on Thursday February 6th. Hours are Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm, with lunch hours coming soon. 2212 Broadway at West Grand, Oakland.

A reader wrote in to let us know that CLUB PARLIAMENT is now open in Old Oakland. The new club and bar is open late, and offers cocktails, late night hours on weekends, and themed nights. The space can also be used for events. Hours are Mon-Thu 4pm-8pm, Fri 4pm-1:45am, and Sat 9pm-1:45am. 811 Washington St. at 8th, 510-251-9911.

the socialite

Shindigs, Feasts, & Festivals (let's party)

Special Dining Opportunities Abound: San Francisco's Dine About Town, Berkeley and Oakland's Restaurant Weeks

 Event Info

Wednesday Jan 15, 2014 – Friday Jan 31, 2014 Varies by location

Starting Wednesday January 15th, you can score some dining deals with DINE ABOUT TOWN, which continues until Friday January 31st. You can get a prix-fixe lunch of two- or three-courses for $18.95, or a three-course dinner for $36.95. There are more than 100 restaurants participating, including lots of great downtown options for you FiDi power lunchers and some newcomers on the dining scene too. Participating restaurants include spots like The Cavalier, Butterfly, and Pesce, to name just a few. Each restaurant has different hours, and some are serving only lunch or only dinner, so be sure to check out the details here, where you can also snag reservations.

The second annual BERKELEY RESTAURANT WEEK kicks off Friday January 17th and runs until Friday January 31st. Check out special $20 or $30 prix-fixe dinner menus and $15 or $20 lunch menus at 25 Berkeley restaurants. Restaurants include Ajanta, Comal, Café Rouge, Freehouse, Bleecker Bistro, and more. Menus can be found here, and reservations are recommended and can be made here.

And of course we can’t forget OAKLAND RESTAURANT WEEK, which is coming Friday January 17th through Sunday January 26th. As you’ve likely noticed, Oakland is home to a ton of new, exciting restaurants, and this is a great chance to try some of them out. More than 50 restaurants, including the likes of Haven, Desco, Miss Ollie’s, Juhu Beach Club, A16 Rockridge and B-Side BBQ will be offering prix-fixe menus of $20, $30, or $40. The menus will be available at lunch and dinner, depending on the restaurant—check here for details, and be sure to contact the restaurants individually for reservations.