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Mar 13, 2012 1 min read

Berkeley Update: The Sad Closure of Café Fanny; Suya Opens

Berkeley Update: The Sad Closure of Café Fanny; Suya Opens
Farewell to Café Fanny’s poached eggs on Acme levain. Yelp photo by Taffany H.
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Seems a lot of people were surprised with the news of the sudden closure of CAFÉ FANNY after 28 years, including the staff (fortunately the employees are getting two weeks’ severance). Alice Waters’ partners in the venture were her sister, Laura Maser, and her brother-in-law, Jim Maser, who are reportedly divorcing so it sounds like things got complicated. A follow-up Berkeleyside piece mentions Waters saying another café may be coming to the location, with the involvement of Acme’s Steve Sullivan and Kermit Lynch (they are all neighbors in the complex). Long live the memory of the perfect breakfast there: a poached egg on levain from neighboring Acme Bread Company, and a creamy café au lait. 1603 San Pablo Ave. at Cedar.

And now, a little glimmer of good news: SUYA AFRICAN-CARIBBEAN GRILL has opened, a fast-casual place serving West African and Caribbean-inspired skewers of meat, fish, and vegetables ($4.95-$8.95) served with flatbread. There is also jerk chicken, sides like roasted plantain, and a fruit punch called Chapman (non-alcoholic). It’s primarily take-out, with only four barstools and outdoor seating. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. 2130 Oxford St. at Center, 510-981-8028.

It also looks like SUMMER KITCHEN BAKE SHOP collected enough signatures to become a quick-service restaurant with 33 seats instead of just a take-out spot, plus serve beer and wine, and to install a restroom. 2944 College Ave. at Ashby, 510-981-0538.

Farewell to Café Fanny’s poached eggs on Acme levain. Yelp photo by Taffany H.

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