Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses

Genuto: nut-based gelato from Berkeley

NUTTY BUT NICE Genuto, the brainchild of vegan chef Barry Schenker and his physician wife, Diana Rebman, is a Berkeley-based start-up that makes nut-based probiotic vegan gelato. A world first, says Schenker, who scooped more than 300 servings at the recent Berkeley Coffee & Tea Festival.

“We developed Genuto to meet the needs of the approximately 25% of the American public who are to some degree, lactose intolerant,” Schenker says. “This number is probably higher in the Bay Area, since we have a larger number of Asian, African and Hispanic Americans living here.” The couple developed Genuto while hosting the popular Market Place dinners at the Hillside Club. There are six initial six flavors, which should be available at Whole Foods Markets soon. Berkeley Bowl next? Find information on the Genuto website.

Coming soon: The Collector

ART FOR ALL It didn’t take long for someone to snap up the lease at 2950 College Ave. in the Elmwood, which saw the closure last week of Lola’s home design store. The Collector promises to offer affordable art for all tastes and budgets.

Tease Me Boutique on University near McGee

LADY LINGERIE Tease Me Boutique (right) opened up at 1701 University Ave. in late September — and its blend of fun, frivolous undergarments and minimalist décor are certainly eye-catching.

ARRIVEDERCI  ITALIA The Milanese Caffé, at 2502 Telegraph Ave., is under new management. Out goes the Italian menu and in comes “Continental California cuisine,” including traditional American breakfasts. The café also serves lunch and dinner.

Ohmega: part of San Pablo Strut

STRUT NOT STROLL Saturday Oct. 15 sees the inaugural San Pablo Strut in which businesses on the stretch of San Pablo near Dwight Way will hold open houses, and there will be music, food and fun. As part of the event, DC Pianos will have piano 101 seminar and clinics, and Ohmega Salvage promises some “super saver” prices on its vintage architectural merchandise.

Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses — openings, closings, new directions, relaunches, relocations. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns here.

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  • Pixxer

    I learned about the “San Pablo Strut” from a banner hanging on the side of a building. They really do seem to be pretty much keeping it secret – I can’t find a website for it with participants or anything like that. Do you have any more information, or a website to get information? Thanks.

  • http://berkeleyside.com Tracey Taylor

    Hi Pixxer: There’s a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Pablo-Strut/196834143722128) and a Twitter account (@sanpablostrut) but neither are very active. 

  • Pixxer

    Ah yes, thanks. Google told me about those. For those of us who find “social media” .. well, antisocial and a waste of time… nothing? At least I won’t waste any more time trying to hunt down information on the web! Was trying to convince my husband we should go, but without more information I think it’s a lost cause. (PS: the factbook link gave me a “page not found!”)