Marcia Gagliardi

Who better to learn from than the pros who do the food thing every day for a living? Some upcoming classes are offering just that, check it out. Rachel Saunders, founder of the Blue Chair Fruit Company and author of Blue Chair Jam Cookbook, will be talking about fruit preserving…

tablehopper reader Marc R. alerted me to the upcoming opening of ZAIKA in Berkeley, in the short-lived Meridian International Foods Cafe. This 120-seat Indian restaurant—a sister to India Garden in Pleasanton—is due to open by the end of this week or the beginning of next. Dishes will span…

What the Fork announces PAISAN has opened for daily breakfast service. Their website mentions a scrambled egg sandwich with Niman Ranch applewood-smoked ham, tomato, and Vermont cheddar, plus muffins, scones, and coffee from Blue Bottle. Oh, and if you join their email list (or drop off a business card), you…

Chef Faz Poursohi is back on the culinary scene, opening FAZ OAKLAND at 1111 Broadway in Oakland (the former Verbena space) on 11/11/11. The menu will feature “fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a twist” under the direction of head chef Saeid Mosaddad. Look for Persian dishes, a selection of…

Berkeleyside announced FIFTH QUARTER CHARCUTERIE from Scott Brennan (previously of Café Rouge) has started selling at Kensington’s farmers’ market on Sundays. You can get product updates on Twitter. Reader Marc R. also writes in to let me know ADESSO is now selling charcuterie at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market on…