Openings, closings…
ÑORA SPANISH CUISINE TO BERKELEY A popular pop-up and catering operation featuring Spanish food looks like it’s aiming to open a new shop in Berkeley at San Pablo and University avenues. The folks behind Ñora Spanish Cuisine, which has previously popped up at La Peña Cultural Center for special events, are seeking an on-sale beer and wine license in the former Tomo’s Japanese location at 2026 San Pablo under the name of La Marcha. (Tomo’s closed earlier this year.) Sergio Monleon and Emily Sarlatte are listed as La Marcha’s officers, as per the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or ABC. Berkeleyside will find out more and report back. La Marcha is set to open at 2026 San Pablo Ave., in Berkeley. Connect with Ñora on Facebook and on its website.
IRON PAN TO OPEN IN TEMESCAL A new breakfast-through-dinner restaurant is opening up in the Temescal space formerly occupied by Aunt Mary’s (which has moved up the street to 4640 Telegraph Ave.). According to Inside Scoop, Iron Pan is owned by Waleed Jweainat, who also owns The Crêpe House, with two locations in San Francisco. The menu will include crêpes, natch, and sandwiches and salads — mostly in or under the $10 range. There’ll be wi-fi for the morning crowd, and a good selection of wine and beers for those who drop by in the evenings. Iron Pan will be at 4307 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.
THE BRANCH LINE COMING TO EMERYVILLE Jonas Bernstein, founder of the popular Rotten City Pizza, plans to open a new bar called The Branch Line in the old Taco Del Mar spot at 59th and Peladeau near the Amtrak Station in Emeryville. Bernstein told the E’Ville Eye that he envisions a “neighborhood and happy-hour-focused bar for Emeryville’s growing workforce population.” “The Branch Line is going to be a place where you can sit down, get a drink, have a private conversation, order a quick bite and enjoy the atmosphere,” he said. The name derives from the Berkeley Branch Line that was completed in 1876, and followed a route from Shellmound to downtown Berkeley that today includes Stanford Avenue, Adeline and Shattuck Avenue. Read more on the E’Ville Eye.
85°C BAKERY CAFE ON ITS WAY As reported on Shop Talk earlier this week, 85°C Bakery Café is to open in downtown Berkeley. The Taiwanese chain has a firm following for its affordable cakes, pastries and breads. It will open in the space formerly occupied by Viceroy Indian Restaurant and Copy Central at 21 Shattuck Square, once the building has been rehabbed. Read 85°C Bakery’s application to the city. Visit its website for more details.
LONGBRANCH SALOON NOW OPEN Also reported on Shop Talk, Longbranch is now open in the old Sea Salt location on San Pablo Avenue. Described as a “New American Restaurant/Gastro Pub,” the place serves a range of comfort-food-style dishes and has an extensive list of beers, whiskeys and cocktails. Longbranch Saloon is at 2512 San Pablo Ave. (at Dwight Way) in Berkeley. Connect with the business on Facebook.
What else is going on…
FIVE THANKSGIVING DINNER Many restaurants are putting on special menus around Thanksgiving. FIVE at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza is going family-style on the day itself, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The menu, priced at $58 per person ($25/children 6–12, free for children under 5), includes individual choice of an appetizer such as a warm smoked salmon tart with braised leeks, Treviso salad and balsamic vinaigrette; choice of a main for the table, such as turkey breast stuffed with chard, mushrooms, chestnuts and gravy; and a generous helping of sides including bacon and mushroom stuffing, mashed potatoes, and winter roasted root vegetables. The meal caps off with dessert for the table, with selections such as apple crisp à la mode, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. FIVE is at 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. Connect with FIVE restaurant on Facebook.
GATHER’S FIFTH BIRTHDAY Gather in downtown Berkeley is marking its fifth anniversary with a special dinner, that includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, on Monday, Dec. 15, from 5-10 p.m. The dinner will support the Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) and its work on behalf of female farmers. Executive Chef Charis Wahl will serve up small plates such as smoked bean ragout with crispy Brussels sprouts, pickled peppers and mint ($15); and Devil’s Gulch pork meatballs with green tomatoes, masa purée and spicy fermented cabbage($17); and large plates including a grilled pork chop with red flint polenta, braised greens, cipollini and dry fig agrodolce ($29). Gather is at 2200 Oxford St., Berkeley. Tel: 510-809 0400. Connect with Gather on Facebook.
NEW FROM STANDARD FARE Kelsie Kerr, owner of Standard Fare in West Berkeley, which offers ready-made meals in Jered Pottery dishes, has two new pick-up spots: Flowerland in Albany and Ordinaire Wine in Oakland. Folks can pick up at both places on Wednesdays, as well as drop off their pots. Standard Fare’s Thanksgiving menu includes whole gratins, crisps and persimmon puddings cooked in ceramic dishes along with sides and salads for folks holiday feasts. Standard Fare is at Berkeley Kitchens at 2701 Eighth St. Connect with Standard Fare on Facebook.
CLAREMONT HOLIDAY FAIR The Claremont Resort and Hotel is holding a Holiday Faire on Sunday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s for all the family and includes “merry sips and bites,” as well as festive music, the lighting of the Claremont’s holiday lights, and the chance to donate a set of new pajamas to St. Vincent’s Day Home. Details at the Claremont’s website.
Recent Nosh stories, in case you missed them:
The Charlie Cart: A cute little kitchen on wheels for every classroom
Thanksgiving recipe: Vegetarian farro, cranberry and kale casserole
Endorfin Chocolate promises quality and healthfulness in every bite
‘Occupy The Farm’ documentary chronicles Gill Tract occupation
Video: Hugh Groman’s 2-Minute Tips: home entertaining tool kit
Market Report: Winter squash offer beauty, variety
Are you getting the free NOSH Weekly email yet? If not you’re missing out!
