After reopening about two years ago, it looks like Berkeley’s SKETCH ICE CREAM is closing again, this time forever. Chowhounders originally caught the news from Sketch’s Facebook page, saying their last day will be Sunday July 6th, with modified hours. It sounds like they are hoping to spend more time with their daughter, but we’ll definitely miss them! Best of luck to everyone. 2080 4th St. at Addison, Berkeley, 510-984-0294.
Berkeley has another sad closure, this time on Solano. According to Berkeleyside Nosh, LA FARINE’s Solano location closed unexpectedly this morning. Apparently, they’ve been involved in negotiations with their landlord about a sloping floor and mold issue, and were ultimately unable to reach a lease agreement. After 10 years in the neighborhood, owner Jeff Dodge says they hope to reopen nearby, and soon. In the meantime, both of La Farine’s Oakland locations remain open. 1820 Solano Ave. at Colusa, Berkeley.
As mentioned last year in tablehopper, the former AQUARIUS CAFÉ space was vacated after a rent increase from the landlord. Now, it looks like a new tenant has been found, according to E’ville Eye. It’s called BACANO BAKERY, and it’s a gluten-free bakery currently based in Oakland. They’ll be moving their operation to the Emeryville location, which will function as a bakery and café. Eventually, they plan to move the bakery side of the business off-site. In the meantime, you can try out their goodies at various farmers’ markets, including Grand Lake on Saturdays, Temescal on Sundays, and Clement Street in San Francisco on Sundays. 1298 65th St. at Hollis, Emeryville.
And speaking of trendy dietary restrictions, East Bay Express reports that Berkeley is getting a new paleo-centric café. The new spot, which aims to open in September, is called MISSION: HEIRLOOM GARDEN CAFÉ and comes from partners Yrmis Barroeta and Bobby Chang. The pair are currently operating a food delivery business with chef Christian Phernetton while they get the restaurant off the ground. While their offerings won’t be “strictly” paleo, or “preachy,” they will focus on foods that are gluten-free, without sugars, refined flours, grains, legumes, or chemicals. Everything will be organic and GMO-free, as well. Because the space doesn’t offer a full kitchen, most preparation will be done off-site at a commissary kitchen and then delivered. They’ll also offer Intelligentsia coffee and those crazy “bulletproof” butter lattes with butter in place of milk in coffee. 2085 Vine St. at Shattuck, Berkeley.
The exterior of the former Café Aquarius. Photo from Facebook.
