THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM? The University Avenue restaurant formerly known as Divino (and, before that, Fellini) closed in late summer after receiving mixed reviews from diners on Yelp. With no explanation via Twitter or Facebook, a reader told us, “they shut down and a sign popped up on the windows saying it would reopen in November as Pizza MODA with one of the original Fellini owners.” According to a job listing, posted in late September for a chef at the 75-seat pizza restaurant, Pizza MODA aims high: “think Dopo, Pizzaiolo, Gioia, Boot & Shoe and the café at Chez Panisse. The menu will be built from local, seasonal, fresh ingredients with a focus on uncomplicated and delicious.”
ARTFUL ADJUSTMENTS What better time than National Chiropractic Health Month to get a peek inside a new Berkeley clinic and art space with more than a decade of history in Oakland? Friday, Oct. 12, The Good Life Chiropractic and The Good Life Gallery will invite in the public from 4-9 p.m. for an open house. Owner Sue Mullen said she decided to relocate her Oakland practice to the neighborhood where she lives: “Now my neighbors can walk to my clinic for the adjustments and walk home.” Her specialties include spinal trauma and extremity rehabilitation. Mullen said she plans to rotate featured artists in the gallery space throughout the year.
DESSERT ALERT A popular Bay Area bakery with its roots in Taiwan has plans to open its 12th location later this year in Berkeley, reports the Daily Cal. Sheng Kee could open its doors on Telegraph Avenue in November or early December. The shop will offer French toast, cake and coffee as well as Asian pastries such as moon cakes. The business has been in operation for 40 years and, according to its website, was launched by the family matriarch, Mrs. Kao, to support her family; the name means “For a Living.” Her children later followed in her footsteps. If you’re looking for taro mochi egg yolk pastries, green tea sponge rolls or custard tarts, Sheng Kee may be just the spot you’ve been waiting for. The nearest locations on this side of the Bay, for those who just can’t wait, are in Richmond and Union City.
GET EARTHY Siamese Dream, home of hippie clothes, sundresses, Chinese slippers and more, has opened a new location in north Berkeley, at 1527 Shattuck Ave. Fairy tutus, embroidered wallets and handmade Nepalese hip belts are among the offerings. The shop also sells jewelry, scarves and hats, and a wide range of other accessories. Learn more on the Siamese Dream website. A reader on Facebook posting on the Siamese Dream page said she was happy with the new location: “I was at the North Berkeley store today for the first time. I bought a few really nice things. I love, love this store and will definitely be back!”
Shop Talk is Berkeleyside’s 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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