Bites is Nosh’s round-up of restaurant and bar news in the East Bay. Got a tip or a scoop? Send it our way at nosh@berkeleyside.com. Christina Mitchell, founder of East Bay Dish, is the main voice behind Bites, with a little help from the staff at Berkeleyside.
Freshly Served…
TIMELESS COFFEE As the former roaster for Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, RJ Leimpeter seriously cut down his commute after opening Timeless Coffee in his neighborhood in December. He serves Sightglass Coffee with soy or almond milk — and no dairy alternatives. But don’t worry, my almond latte was creamy and completely satisfying. (Leimpeter also said he has plans to roast his own beans after he gets settled in.) All of the chocolate and baked goods are vegan too, but you would never know it if you didn’t ask. Violet Slocum has baking experience at Café Gratitude and Bittersweet and her brownie was thick, tender and flavorful, like no other vegan brownie I’ve ever experienced. Timeless Coffee, 4252 Piedmont Ave., Oakland.
THE NEW PARKWAY The Parkway closed almost four years ago, and after months of construction, J Moses Cesar opened The New Parkway last week. It’s in a new location, but from what it sounds like, the love seat movie theater experience is the same. The menu includes Saucy Fries ($5), Pizza of the Day ($3.50-4), All Beef Burger ($8.50), French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($7.50), popcorn ($3-5) and local beer and wine on tap. Along with Theme Nights, there’s also Brooklyn Reconstructed, a film series that will examine themes of “race & class in a city undergoing a startling transformation.” The New Parkway, 474 24th St., Oakland; 510-658-7900.
NIDO You might have heard that Cory and Sylvia McCollow opened Nido for breakfast and lunch about two months ago. Since then, they have added brunch and dinner and I’m happy to report their full liquor license came through last week. Starting with margaritas, the plan is to add new cocktails every week. Smoky, boozy, tart and sweet, the Ese Viejo is their version of an Old Fashioned (Alipus San Juan Mezcal, Bitters, Organic Agave and Orange, $10). NIDO, 444 Oak St., Oakland; 510-444-NIDO.
THE TRAPPIST The Trappist, based in Old Oakland, just celebrated its five year anniversary — and has now opened Trappist Provisions in Rockridge. Located on the same block as Southie and Wood Tavern, the grand opening happened last weekend. Trappist Provisions, 6309 College Ave., Oakland; 510-238-8900. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
KITCHEN 388 According to the East Bay Express, Kitchen 388 is open for continental breakfast and coffee, weekdays from 6 a .m. to noon. They’re serving pastries, frittatas and egg sandwiches with plans to start serving lunch soon. Kitchen 388, 388 Grand Ave., Oakland.
Coming soon…
RAMEN SHOP We first mentioned Ramen Shop a couple weeks ago. Former Chez Panisse maître d’ Sam White and two co-workers are getting ready to open officially in Rockridge, in the former location of Tachibana. (The Ramen Shop already appears to have had a “soft launch,” including a special New Year’s Eve menu earlier this week.) In addition to ramen, there will be salads, fish, appetizers made with local produce, organic protein, and house made noodles. Alameda’s St. George Spirits is working with the shop to set up a “killer” cocktail program. The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 4. Ramen Shop, 5812 College Ave, Oakland; 510-788-6370.
GRAZZY BURGERS Albany has a brand-new grass-fed, locally-sourced burger restaurant set to open on Jan. 15. Grazzy Burgers is moving into a San Pablo Avenue location that eventually, owners hope, will open onto a beer pub next door. Owners say all the restaurant’s produce and meats will come from Bay Area farms. Learn more on Grazzy’s Facebook page. Grazzy Burgers, 747 San Pablo Ave., Albany; 510-526-2999. Hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
ROSAMUNDE SAUSAGE GRILL San Francisco-based Rosamunde Sausage Grill is getting ready to open an East Bay location in Swan’s Marketplace. Taylor’s Sausage, which is conveniently next door, will be featured on the menu. There are also 18 beers on tap, but for the Grand Opening Party they’ll be pouring $1 beers from Linden Street Brewery and serving “tastes from the grill.” Rosamunde Sausage Grill, 911 Washington St., Oakland. Grand opening: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m.
LET ‘EM HANG Eater has news about Let ‘Em Hang Sushi, which has applied for a full liquor license. It’s the former site of another Japanese restaurant, Kotobuki. That’s all for now, but we’ll share more details as we get them. Let ‘Em Hang Sushi, 3920 Piedmont Ave., Oakland.
What else is going on…
LUNCH BEAT Lunch Beat is now a monthly event at ERA Art Bar and Lounge, which includes food and dancing. This month, Farley’s East will be serving up locally sourced chili with grated cheese, onions, sour cream and a choice of baguette of gluten-free rice crackers. DJ Alxndr will provide one hour of “eclectic, live-changing electronica” and this is Rule #1: If it’s your first time at Lunch Beat, you have to dance! ERA Art Bar and Lounge, 19 Grand Ave., Oakland. Wednesday, Jan. 9, noon to 1 p.m. Cost: $8-$15.
Bites is Nosh’s round-up of restaurant and bar openings and closings in the East Bay. Got a tip or scoop? Send it our way to nosh@berkeleyside.com.
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