How close is Berkeley to approving the sale of home-cooked meals?
The city has yet to finalize the application and permitting process that would allow microenterprise home kitchen operations, or MEHKOs. We found out why.
Cirrus Wood
Cirrus Wood is a freelance writer and photographer living in downtown Berkeley. There are few things he enjoys as much as playing around with the alphabet.
Articles by Cirrus Wood
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This West Oakland grocery store is in danger of closing after less than 2 years in business
Sales at Community Foods Market have declined by 35% since December 2020. The store has launched a booster campaign as a last-ditch effort to stay open.
Oaklandia Cafe is a dream business come true — if it can outlast COVID-19
Latorra Monk worked in kitchens for years before opening Oaklandia in June 2020. She hoped to make a community hangout, but now she’s just barely hanging on.
Le Bateau Ivre is currently closed but aims to sail another day
The owner of this nearly 49-year-old ‘Old World’ Berkeley restaurant says she wants to stay in business to see its 50th year. She plans to reopen Le Bateau Ivre in a few weeks.
Ghost Town Brewing to open second location at former 4505 Burgers & BBQ
The West Oakland-based brewery aims to open the Laurel District taproom for takeout sales in February.
Food delivery apps are a lifeline for restaurants during the pandemic, but at a high cost
Third-party apps like DoorDash expand restaurants’ geographic reach and customer base, but service fees cut too deeply into their bottom line, say some East Bay businesses.
The Black Food Collective has its eyes on the prize — a strong Black economy
Started by ‘Chopped’ winner Rashad Armstead, the collective provides kitchen space, networking opportunities, business management skills and capital.
Unhealthy air quality, damaged crops, flames: How recent wildfires have affected Berkeley farmers market vendors
The LNU and CZU Lightning complex fires have caused hazardous working conditions, endangered structures and prevented harvesting on farms that sell at Berkeley’s three weekly markets.
Corner stores step up: Franklin Bros. Market
To keep staff and customers safe, this small, well-stocked West Berkeley neighborhood market has created an online ordering and curbside pickup system.
The Lede goes nomadic but remains true to its seasonal approach and community ethos
Cal Peternell has passed the torch to Carlo Espinas, who runs the bi-weekly pop-up at Cafe Encina in North Oakland.
‘There is no roadmap’: Berkeley restaurant owners are blindsided by abrupt outdoor dining ban
Local restaurant, cafe and winery owners feel there is a lack of clear and consistent messaging from the city, county and state during the pandemic.
East Oakland Grocery Cooperative will be a homegrown market for and by Black and brown people
The project arose from the community’s desires for access to healthy foods, career opportunities and economic growth by way of a worker-owned grocery store.
Organizers of Oakland Juneteenth event aren’t waiting — celebrating Blackness is needed now, more than ever
An Unapologetic Juneteenth takes place Saturday at Mosswood Park.
What local chefs, restaurateurs are cooking and eating during quarantine
Ever wonder what chefs are eating at home while they shelter in place? Wonder no more.
Quarantine cuisine: You told us what comfort foods you’re eating during the lockdown
Many have turned to food for consolation during the pandemic. From custom chili to giant cinnamon rolls, readers shared what they’re enjoying making and eating while they shelter in place.
Who is feeding People’s Park residents during the pandemic?
With UC Berkeley closed and Telegraph Avenue mostly shuttered, the 35-40 people who call the park home depend on donated meals from East Bay Food Not Bombs and other charitable groups.
