As previously mentioned on tablehopper, pop-up alumni Grant Gooding, Jess McCarter, and Jeron Thomson were opening EASY CREOLE in Berkeley, and now it’s open. The small space seats 22, and they’ve got rotating daily specials of the meaty and vegetarian variety. They’re open daily 11am-9pm, but apparently they’ve been experimenting with their hours, so be sure to keep up with the hours and menu on their Facebook page. 1761 Alcatraz at Ellis, Berkeley, 415-347-5640.
~CHEZ PANISSE~ is getting ready to re-open on Friday June 21st (that would be the solstice, when else?) after a fire a few months ago that destroyed the façade. They’re throwing their new doors open with a big soiree on the 21st to benefit the Edible Schoolyard; it’s $1,000 per person for the Café and $2,500 in the restaurant. More info and reservations here.
Over in Rockridge, we received the official word that TOAST has expanded into the space next door, nearly doubling their size. Previously, chef Rebecca Boice was working out of a galley kitchen sans gas, but now she’ll have access to a full kitchen. The menu has expanded accordingly, with new options like roasted chicken, pastas, and grilled meats, with sandwiches, salads, and soup at lunch. They’ve got 20 wines by the glass, 40 by the bottle, beer, and a full bar focused on small-batch producers; check out the beverage list here. And good news: they are now open for business. Hours are Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm and Sun 12pm-10pm. 5900 College Ave. at Chabot, Oakland, 510-658-5900.
A Temescal Blog mentions a new spot on Telegraph. It’s called KEREN CAFÉ AND MARKET, and though details are scarce, the author mentions Ethiopian food and coffee. 3932 Telegraph Ave. at 40th St.
Chicken and sausage gumbo from Easy Creole. Photo by Peter Bruce; photo via Facebook.
