Back in January, we mentioned Kelsie Kerr’s unique upcoming Berkeley project STANDARD FARE. To recap, the Chez Panisse, Café Rouge, and Zuni Cafe alum is opening a place where you can pick up complete meals (and à la carte selections) that you reheat at home, presented in handcrafted ceramic dishes by Jered’s Pottery.
I’m on Standard Fare’s newsletter list, and while they are not officially open, they just soft-launched their beta this week. If you’d like to test out the service, you can survey the menu online, and order by 5pm on Wednesday for Friday pickup (between 4:30pm-7pm), or delivery! You’ll need a password to access the site (eultaw), and for 10 percent off your order, use code: standardfare10 (directions/tips about online ordering from the newsletter are here).
Be sure to read the fine print about when you need to return the pottery as you order that tasty-sounding brothy green garlic soup with kale and Dirty Girl cannellini beans, or savory bread pudding with goat cheese, nettles, and fava beans. Kerr is using top-notch ingredients—expect restaurant-quality sourcing and market freshness. Look for hours to be extended and a retail component to the business to come in time. 2701 8th St. at Carleton, Berkeley.
The owners of Amélie wine bar here in San Francisco (and New York!) have opened a new location in Oakland, called MICHEL BISTRO. The new spot is a wine bar and lounge, with a menu of Provençal-style dishes (including escargots, bone marrow, mussels and fries, and more). They are open for dinner Tue-Sun 5:30pm-10pm, and for brunch, you can enjoy some pain perdu and omelets Sat-Sun 11am-3pm (closed Mondays). 3343 Lakeshore Ave. at Trestle Glen, Oakland, 510-836-8737.
East Bay Express reports that East Oakland’s GENNY’S BBQ PIT has reopened after a fire last year. The menu hasn’t changed much, though there are a few new sandwiches. To celebrate the reopening, anyone who places an order during the month of April will receive a free pastry or soda. Hours are Wed-Sun 12pm-8pm. 6637 Bancroft Ave. at Havenscourt, Oakland, 510-777-9037.
Spring vegetable ragout with spicy chickpeas and couscous. Photo courtesy of Standard Fare.
