Vital Vittles mills its own flour for its whole wheat “Real Bread,” but the pandemic has dried up its suppliers and vendors.

Amalya Dubrovsky
Freelancer Amalya Dubrovsky grew up in Berkeley and studies at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She is a lifelong fan of the East Bay food scene and loves to write about it for Nosh. Follow her on Twitter @amalyadubrovsky.
East Bay restaurant owners say the new stimulus package will help, but only if PPP loans are forgiven
Even if the new COVID-19 relief bill is signed into law, some restaurateurs say a new round of loans will only sustain them for a few more months.
COVID changed Chez Panisse, but Alice Waters is still taking care of local farmers
The iconic Berkeley restaurant’s new pandemic model works to preserve its suppliers and workers who make its farm-to-table philosophy possible.
Berkeley institution Rick & Ann’s is on ‘precarious financial ground,’ but says closing ‘isn’t really an option’
The 31-year-old restaurant is waging a steadfast and emotional fight to stay open for the sake of longtime employees and loyal customers.
This summer program served 375 Oakland families a free, four-meal international feast
Kitchens Around the World supports local businesses, introduces kids to different cultures through food and spares parents from another night of cooking.
Chef Tanya Holland is ready to become the next household name in food
We spoke to the Brown Sugar Kitchen chef about her new podcast and why she’s pivoting away from the kitchen to become a public figure in food.
COVID-19 has put sustainability in the food industry on hold, but advocates say it’s not a lost cause
Zero-waste supporters believe this time of tumultuous change can be an opportunity for growth.
As Berkeley finds comfort in pizza, wine and meat, these 3 businesses are thriving during lockdown
While most food businesses are struggling to survive, Emilia’s Pizzeria, The Local Butcher Shop and Vintage Berkeley are busier than ever.
‘COVID-19 made the decision for us’: 35-year-old Berkeley institution Lalime’s closes permanently
Owners Haig Krikorian and Cindy Lalime Krikorian say the indefinite moratorium on dine-in service as well as a desire to retire convinced them to close the Westbrae restaurant.
Saul’s Deli almost had a new owner, then the coronavirus crisis hit. Now what?
After two weeks of takeout service, the longtime owners have shut down the restaurant, but they hope to eventually reopen and find a way to “make Saul’s strong again.”
Restaurants can now sell beer, wine and cocktails to-go during shelter-in-place, but will that help keep them around?
Although some owners are hopeful that eased alcohol regulations will help their businesses stay afloat, so far sales remain slow.
Will Oakland Chinatown restaurants weather the storm of coronavirus?
As businesses in Oakland Chinatown are interconnected, a decline for restaurants has a ripple effect on the whole community.