Amalya Dubrovsky, Author at Berkeleyside

Vital Vittles on San Pablo Avenue in West Berkeley. Photo: Amalya Dubrovsky

Berkeley’s longtime ‘hippie bread’ bakery is in peril of closing

by Amalya Dubrovsky January 19, 2021, 10:38 amAugust 4, 2022, 11:17 am

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

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East Bay restaurant owners say the new stimulus package will help, but only if PPP loans are forgiven

by Amalya Dubrovsky December 23, 2020, 1:00 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:19 am

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.

A pedestrian walks past the entrance of Chez Panisse on an early Sunday morning. October 25, 2020.

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COVID changed Chez Panisse, but Alice Waters is still taking care of local farmers

by Amalya Dubrovsky November 9, 2020, 9:30 amAugust 4, 2022, 11:25 am

The iconic Berkeley restaurant’s new pandemic model works to preserve its suppliers and workers who make its farm-to-table philosophy possible.

Rick & Ann's owner Ann Lauer stands in front of pantry items sold at the Berkeley restaurant since the pandemic started.

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Berkeley institution Rick & Ann’s is on ‘precarious financial ground,’ but says closing ‘isn’t really an option’

by Amalya Dubrovsky October 6, 2020, 12:17 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:29 am

The 31-year-old restaurant is waging a steadfast and emotional fight to stay open for the sake of longtime employees and loyal customers.

A Town Camp attendee at the Franklin Center holds a bag of meals from Kitchens Around the World to share with her family. Photo courtesy Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development

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This summer program served 375 Oakland families a free, four-meal international feast

by Amalya Dubrovsky August 10, 2020, 2:38 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:37 am

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 sits at a booth with a glass of wine at Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland. Photo: Smeeta Mahanti

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Chef Tanya Holland is ready to become the next household name in food

by Amalya Dubrovsky July 27, 2020, 3:00 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:38 am

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.

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COVID-19 has put sustainability in the food industry on hold, but advocates say it’s not a lost cause

by Amalya Dubrovsky June 1, 2020, 1:30 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:45 am

Zero-waste supporters believe this time of tumultuous change can be an opportunity for growth.

Wineshop Vintage Berkeley manager Dan Polsby holding a bottle of Vecchia Modena. Photo: Pete Rosos

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As Berkeley finds comfort in pizza, wine and meat, these 3 businesses are thriving during lockdown

by Amalya Dubrovsky April 29, 2020, 1:30 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:49 am

While most food businesses are struggling to survive, Emilia’s Pizzeria, The Local Butcher Shop and Vintage Berkeley are busier than ever.

Lalime's on Gilman Street in Berkeley. Photo: Sarah Han

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‘COVID-19 made the decision for us’: 35-year-old Berkeley institution Lalime’s closes permanently

by Amalya Dubrovsky April 27, 2020, 2:30 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:50 am

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.

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Saul’s Deli almost had a new owner, then the coronavirus crisis hit. Now what?

by Amalya Dubrovsky March 27, 2020, 3:00 pmAugust 4, 2022, 11:54 am

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.”