NEW: HIMALAYAN TANDOORI AND CURRY HOUSE Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House had a grand opening buffet on Feb. 2 in the space that used to be Everest Café on Solano Avenue. Former patrons of Everest Café, and other friends in the community, were invited in for a free meal. Says manager Umesh Manandhar: “The restaurant serves authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine. We hope that our friendly environment will be a place in the community for neighbors to come for tea or a delicious meal. All the pumpkin that we serve here is from our farm in Sebastopol and we are trying to grow most of the vegetables from the same farm. We also serve some vegan meals. Our main objective is to serve healthy food with friendly service.” Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House is at 1645 Solano Ave., Berkeley. [By Nancy Rubin]
COMING SOON: BOUNCE BLOWDRY BAR Bounce Blowdry Bar will be making its Berkeley debut Feb. 13 at 1328 10 St. in the new Gilman District shopping complex. With an existing blowdry bar in Oakland, the new Berkeley Bounce will offer deep conditioning, scalp massages, make-up application and a “pampered man” service, in addition to blow dries for its customers. Bounce offers “beauty bundle” packages starting at $145. Bounce Blowdry Bar will be at 1328 10 St. (between Gilman and Camelia streets).
NEW: BOSS BURGER We told you about Boss Burger in October. The new burger spot is now up and running on Solano Avenue. It is dishing out classic American burgers with locally sourced beef and produce. Boss Burger also sells fried chicken sandwiches, chili and veggie burgers, and hot dogs. The joint currently has daily student specials and will have Groupon deals shortly, according to owner Jon Guhl. Boss Burger is at 1187 Solano Ave. (at Cornell Avenue).
NEW: OORI RICE TRIANGLES For those looking for a light meal at an affordable price, Oori Rice Triangles on Solano passes both tests in flying colors — and with a foreign twist. (We tipped you about Oori in our Bites column in September.) Akin to sandwiches in portability and simpleness, rice triangles are made with seasoned rice in a triangle shape filled with meat, seafood or vegetable fillings wrapped in seaweed. Since opening in September, Oori offers student specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays for rice triangles, and rice plates and a 15% Yelp check-in discount after 6 p.m. Oori Rice Triangles is at 1247 Solano Ave. (at Masonic Avenue).
HANNAH’S: NEW OWNER Celebrating 20 years in business this year, Hannah’s (above), the resale children’s clothing shop on Solano Avenue next to the Oaks Theatre, has a new owner. Angelina Grab, who also runs community activity group East Bay Moms and Dads, and organizes the East Bay Preschool Fair, has bought the business from Alison Mould Luce. Grab is not planning many big changes at Hannah’s — it will continue to sell gently used children’s clothing for boys and girls from 0 to 12 years with popular brands such as Mini Boden, Janie & Jack and L.L. Bean. Hannah’s buys the clothes at the outset, rather than on consignment. Grab, who describes herself as an entrepreneur, had her first job at a Noe Valley children’s clothing shop and later became foundations director at Victoria’s Secret and general manager for Puma, North America. Another store may follow if Hannah’s goes well. Hannah’s founder Johanna Hernandez continues to do the books.“I don’t think there is anything over $30 in the store,” said Grab. “With Hannah’s I can incorporate that community building feel that we have with East Bay Moms and Dads.” Hannah’s is at 1871 Solano Ave. (at Fresno Avenue). [By Gill South.]
COMING SOON: FIELDWORK BREWING CO. As reported on Bites last week, a new brewery is getting very close to opening in Berkeley. Fieldwork Brewing Company (which we also reported on in April and August last year), is putting the final touches on its beers. Fieldwork will be sharing some of its brews during SF Beer Week, and will hold a few private tastings in the coming weeks. Fieldwork Brewing Company will be at 1160 Sixth St. (at Harrison Street). Read more on Nosh.
Seung Y. Lee is a journalist who has previously worked at the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle and the Daily Californian.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. 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, and check out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.
