As previously announced in tablehopper, a new project called NEXT DOOR RESTAURANT was opening in the former Addie’s Pizza Pie space in the Lorin neighborhood in Berkeley. The project (from San Francisco Housing Authority Director Henry August Alvarez III and his wife, Dionne Roberts, working with chef Sharon Lorraine Anderson) is now open. Check out the menu here. Open Tue-Thu and Sun 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. 3290 Adeline St. at Alcatraz, 510-982-1609.
Over on San Pablo, Berkeleyside Nosh announces the opening of TOMO’S JAPANESE CUISINE from Tomo Owada, previously at Yoshi’s San Francisco the past five years, and 20 years under his belt as a sushi chef. Lunch offers rice bowls and bento boxes, while dinner brings small plates and sushi; here’s the menu. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm. 2026 San Pablo Ave. at University, Berkeley, 510-981-8225 .
Also in Nosh: there’s a new Indian street food spot (serving Northern Indian dishes) called EAST BAY SPICE COMPANY that serves some tasty-sounding cocktails (put together by Adam Stemmler of Blind Tiger Cocktail Co. and Eric Quilty of Jupiter Olympus). Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am. 2134 Oxford St. at Center, Berkeley, 510-774-1657.
As previously announced in tablehopper: BARKADA BAKERY is now open in Temescal. The owners Christina Bondoc and Rick Yarussi are making traditional bakery items (croissants, tarts, cakes, breads, etc.), but are very dedicated to using heirloom/heritage wheat (they also have a gluten-free flour blend for a few gluten-free items). There is also a café menu with pressed sandwiches, salads, quiches, and more; it all sounds delicious. Coffee is from West Oakland’s Scarlet City. About the name: Barkada means “group of friends” in the Filipino language. They opened Saturday May 11th. 4316 Telegraph Ave. at 43rd St, 510-239-7314, Oakland.
License activity and Yelp posts show that SOUTHERN CAFÉ has reopened in its new location, and is serving its popular fried chicken once again. 2000 MacArthur Blvd. at Canon, Oakland, 510-336-2013.
Best wishes to chef Banks White, who is leaving FIVE RESTAURANT in Berkeley to relocate to Mintons, opening in Harlem this summer.
The bar at East Bay Spice Company. Photo from Facebook.
