NOODLES ON SHATTUCK A new noodle shop, Toss Noodle Bar, is coming to 2272 Shattuck Ave. Pin Toh, a Vietnamese and Thai restaurant, appears to have closed. According to reviews on Yelp, the shop was closed as of late December 2012. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) received an application in December for an on-sale beer and wine license, which is pending. [Hat tip: Downtown Berkeley Association]
FREE GOOD VIBES VIBRATORS Coming up in February, Berkeley’s Good Vibrations location, which opened in 1994, will rejoice after a recent makeover. The party will feature free vibrators “and a celebration of 18 years of pleasure.” Said Berkeley store manager Laura Rafferty, in a prepared statement, “It’s been amazing to see our little block grow and change over the years. Many of our customers are regulars who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. We are so thankful for their support and patronage. It has been an incredible journey and I look forward to the next 18 years!” The event takes places Feb. 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and will include drinks, light snacks and free vibrators. The Good Vibes Berkeley location is at 2504 San Pablo Ave.
YOGA SHOP SHIFTS POSITIONS Later this year, lululemon in the Elmwood, at 2956 College Ave., will get a remodel, and the existing store will shift temporarily a few storefronts over on Ashby Avenue, according to a store employee. The renovations are scheduled for March, but the dates are not set in stone. The shop will return to its existing location once the work is done.
OGGI Cioccolata Di Vino in Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto is set to become Oggi this week. It will continue to be a café and wine bar. Read more on NOSH. Tuesday to Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday to Saturday, noon to 11 pm. Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. 1801 Shattuck Ave., Suite C, Berkeley.
CHEZ PANISSE CAFE Inside Scoop noticed that Chez Panisse Café has started offering a new, special late-night menu (along with the regular menu): “$25 for a grassfed steak, fried onion rings, watercress salad and glass of Zin.” Monday to Thursday, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Chez Panisse Café, 1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; 510-548-5049.
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.
Some of these items may first have appeared in Bites, Berkeleyside’s regular column in which we post updates on East Bay food news. Got a food tip or a scoop? Send it our way to nosh@berkeleyside.com.
