Berkeley
Open
AUGIE’S MONTREAL DELI Reopened Jan. 13 in the former Brennan’s space is Augie’s Montreal Deli, purveyor of poutine, “smoke meat,” Fin du Monde and all good things French-Canadian just ask the grateful Quebecois in line. Fans of the nearly three-year-old deli may not be able to gather in the new dining room to watch ice hockey just yet, but the location, already a well-loved space in the Berkeley community, is a bit more foot-traffic-friendly for takeout than the old spot on Potter Street. Curbside service for online orders is available by driving up to the Stomper statue out front and calling the restaurant. (Pro tip: Parking on Sundays under the University Avenue overpass is free.) Bienvenue, Augie’s!
Mother-daughter team La Guerrera’s Kitchen is serving up Mexican eats, like tamales and chicken mole rojo, at a new brick-and-mortar restaurant that opened on Dec. 18 in Old Oakland. Photo: La Guerrera’s Kitchen
Usually at this time of year, coworkers, family and friends don their sparkliest outfits and gather to indulge in a holiday drink or festive meal at a local venue, often at a table or private event space booked weeks in advance.
Instead, December 2020’s widespread COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have led to a near-statewide stay-at-home order, as well as a provisional end to outdoor dining that has restaurants fighting to survive. Denied indoor service for most of the year, eateries across California poured funds into parklets, tenting, heat lamps, table guards and staff training for the safety and comfort of al fresco patrons, only to see outdoor dining officially struck down this month at least through early January 2021. And of course, the lockdown doesn’t ju
Alley & Vine opens in Alameda
The team behind fine dining bastions Waterbar and Farallon in San Francisco Francisco Bazo, Casey Hunt and chef Jason Ryczek has opened a new farm-to-table restaurant in Alameda called Alley & Vine, which debuts today for takeout and delivery. Alley & Vine’s California cuisine menu features dishes prepared with locally sourced produce, fresh seafood and sustainably raised meats. Some menu highlights include a duck confit salad sandwich ($13), housemade pappardelle with bolognese ($25), pan-roasted cod with Dungeness crab tortelloni, mussels and shellfish broth ($34) and a luxe appetizer featuring California sturgeon caviar served on smoked sturgeon quiche ($25). Along with several beers and an extensive wine list, Alley & Vine serves a selection of craft cocktails that will change with the season.