Your guide to the tastiest foodie happenings going down this week. Bon appetit!
New Restaurant in Berkeley
A new restaurant and bar in Berkeley (at the old Caffe Venezia spot), Townie serves small plates of American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Dana Ryan (State Bird Provisions, GATHER, RN74). Debut offerings include Potato Croquettes with Serrano ham and Gruyère cheese, Tempura Green Beans, Grilled Caesar Salad, and Pork Belly Bahn Mi and Mussels with chorizo sausage. Pair it with one of their signature drinks like, The Ginger Thistle (Cynar, Citadelle gin, lemon juice, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, and a lemon twist) or the Barley Flower (Bols Genever, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain, orange bitters, and a cherry).
Open Tuesday-Sunday: 5 pm to 12 am, 1799 University Ave., Berkeley
Ice Cream Festival at Rosa Mexicano
Keep things cool with Rosa Mexicano's annual Ice Cream Festival, featuring Flavors of Mexico a la Mode—desserts inspired by classic savory dishes such as guacamole, tamales, and empanadas, paired with handmade ice creams infused with Mexican flavors ranging from sweet corn-caramel to chili-spiced chocolate. Sounds intriguing, right? Check out the Postre de Guacamole (pictured above)—avocado ice cream served in a frozen molcajete with raspberries, white chocolate shavings, coconut crunch and mint, and served with piloncillo-chocolate sauce, and cinnamon sugar buñuelos.
Thursday, July 31 – August 24: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 – 10:00 pm, 30 Mission St.
Prix Fixe Menu at FIVE
FIVE Restaurant’s Chef Stephane Tonnelier is offering a three-course, prix fixe “Bubble Up” for summer menu ($36 per person) with items like confit knoll figs with smoked duck breast salad and champagne vinaigrette, sockeye salmon with housemade pastas and cherry clafoutis with vanilla beach crème anglaise and chantilly cream. Plus, in honor of Chef’s French heritage, all guests who order the prix fixe menu will receive a complimentary Kir Royale paired with gruyère gougères. Cheers!
Everyday in July: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm, 2086 Allston Way #5, Berkeley
Curbside Creamery Grand Opening
Better late than never, Oakland’s newest little ice cream parlor, Curbside Creamery is hosting their Grand Opening during next month's art walk. They specialize in gourmet takes on classic flavors everyone loves, available in rotation as traditional dairy or cashew-based vegan. Grab a cone while you peruse the galleries.
Friday, August 1: 5-9 p.m., 482 49th Street, Oakland.
Food Craft Institute: Chocolate Intensive Course
Calling all aspiring chocolatiers and cacao aficionados! During the month of August, the Food Craft Institute will offer a hands-on curriculum for students interested in learning how to produce small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate. Designed specifically for entrepreneurs and budding artisan chocolate makers, the course is an exciting opportunity to gain real-life business acumen and professional culinary training at once. In addition, notable instructors from Bay Area-based chocolate producers, including TCHO Chocolates, Poco Dolce, Coco Delice, Barlovento, will co-teach the program.
August 2-30 (one course per week over a total of 5 weeks): $475 for 1-month Intensive, includes all materials and lunches. Food Craft Institute Classroom, Oakland. Register here.
