I love to eat. I love to eat good food. Guess that is why I adore the East Bay- so many amazing eats! Here is the scoop about what is coming around town:
El Cerrito will be adding to the chain line by opening up Chipotle, which features gourmet burritos and tacos, and some great guac. The newest line in the fresh burrito industry will be popping up where the old Payless Shoe Source was, kitty corner to the El Cerrito Plaza. The next closest location is next to REI in Berkeley.
While not a restaurant, the owners of the Natural Grocery Co. are creating a new cafe space next door to the El Cerrito location, where the old paint shop was located. The new cafe is looking great and will feature salads, sandwiches, pizza, baked goods, coffee and tea. Should be opening in January 2013.
Grazzy Burgers is coming soon to 747 San Pablo in Albany. This is a locally-owned restaurant serving grass-fed burgers, craft beers and healthy food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. I love to concept, but the location is not optimal, although if the hours are right then late-night folks leaving the Mallard will be happy. Look for the grand opening in January 2013.
Speaking of burgers, the good ol’ folks at Actual Cafe (love!) just opened up a spin off around the corner featuring…burgers. Like Grazzy, Victory Burger features locally and sustainably farmed meat burgers, with artisan buns and organic produce, along with other sandwiches, crispy fries, and shakes. They are currently open for limited hours, but should be fully up-and-running in the next couple of weeks.
Belli Osteria, located at 2016 Shattuck Ave. in downtown Berkeley, features fresh, beautifully crafted ravioli. This small restaurant opened a few weeks ago and is already seeing success. I ate lunch there a couple of weeks ago and would highly recommend the sweet potato ravioli with a nice glass of prosecco.
Also in Berkeley, A90, a new, high end Roman-style pizzeria, is expected to debut just down the street from Belli at 2286 Shattuck @ Bancroft.
Grazzy Burgers is coming to Albany