BETTER BOOKS Reader Carla Shapreau writes in to say she had the pleasure of visiting a new business in Berkeley where rare books are restored and the book arts are taught. “I have an old book in disrepair that needed some conservation, which is what led me to the Family Book Lab on MLK, which is also the workshop of book conservator Coriander Reisbord,” she says. Reisbord, who has been repairing and restoring books for more than 20 years, has just opened Family Book Lab which offers a program of workshops for both adults and kids (or both together, as the name implies). She teaches bookbinding, paper decoration and typesetting among other skills. Both that business and the book repair store are based at 1413 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, three doors down from Mr Mopp’s. Reisbord can be reached at coriander@corybooks.com
NEW LOOK Skates on the Bay, Berkeley’s restaurant that literally floats over the bay, is re-opening following an extensive interior redesign. Look out for the restaurant’s new menu, that includes oysters, sashimi, lobster and crab when in season, and an “extensive” raw bar. Skates is at 100 Seawall Drive Berkeley, CA 94710. Tel: 510-549-1900.
UNDER THREAT Vegi Food on Vine Street, a popular Chinese vegetarian spot that has been run by My and her husband Kim for over 28 years, is facing a relocation or possible closure after being given notice on their premises. Reader Naomi writes in to say she’s sure many Berkeleysiders will be sorry to see them go. “They’ve been an important part of this community for nearly three decades,” she says. Owner My says the hope is to find a new location, but so far they have had no luck. Vegi Food is at 2085 Vine Street (between Henry Street and Shattuck Avenue).
IMAGINE THAT Nas Kahn’s new Frin Graphics, at 1936 University Avenue combines photography with digital processing to create unique photos, like the one featured here of a little boy swimming under water. Kahn opened Frin Graphics last month and brings a background in fine arts, including 15 years as a creative director at an international ad agency, to the business. Kahn said he chose Berkeley for his new venture because it’s full of artistic people who like to be innovative. Customers can also get traditional photographs, such as graduation prints, made.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses — openings, closings, new directions, relaunches, relocations. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns here.
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