Berkeley’s longtime ‘hippie bread’ bakery is in peril of closing

Vital Vittles mills its own flour for its whole wheat "Real Bread," but the pandemic has dried up its suppliers and vendors.

Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla, a hidden gem in Oakland, moves to a bigger location

By Ricky RodasJan. 143 p.m.Jan. 14

Chef Jose “Cheo” Ortiz and his sons also hope to expand their business, while staying rooted in Oakland.
Ghost Town Brewing to open second location at former 4505 Burgers & BBQ

By Cirrus WoodJan. 1312:02 p.m.Jan. 13

The West Oakland-based brewery aims to open the Laurel District taproom for takeout sales in February.
New ownership at Public Market Emeryville; Berkeley’s new banh mi spot; Señor Sisig in Oakland

By Sarah HanJan. 123:15 p.m.Jan. 13

Plus: Tony’s Style brings baguette pizzas to Northside; a fundraiser for Pinky & Reds; and what’s cooking at Berkeley’s Hidden Cafe.

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Catch up on the latest East Bay food news and events.

Augie’s Montreal Deli takes over Brennan’s; Chez Panisse tries breakfast

By Sarah HanJan. 612 p.m.Jan. 11

Plus: Oakland Restaurant Week returns; Popoca aims for a brick-and-mortar; Square Pie Guys is coming to Oakland; more East Bay food news.
Alley & Vine, a new farm-to-table spot in Alameda; Monkey King comes to Oakland; Nick’s Pizza is back

By Sarah HanDec. 16202011:55 a.m.Dec. 17

Plus: June Taylor is closing her business at the end of the year; the Elmwood Theater offers popcorn takeout on Sundays and more East Bay food news.
A new restaurant at Tribune Tower; Shake Shack in Oakland is open

By Sarah HanDec. 820203:13 p.m.Dec. 9

Plus: Blues Chocolates is back with a new name; Bad Walter’s Hanukkah ice creams; brick-and-mortar spots for La Guerrera’s Kitchen, La Santa Torta and Malibu’s Burgers.

Recipe: Purple potato cupcakes with molasses cream cheese frosting

By Moriah VanVleetDec. 2220201 p.m.Dec. 22

Purple potatoes add an earthy flavor to these decadent spiced cupcakes with a rich, velvety frosting.
Recipe: Korean-style soba noodle salad

By Benjamin SetoAug. 20202010:48 a.m.Aug. 20

Nutty soba noodles, crisp romaine lettuce and refreshing cucumber strips are topped with a sweet-spicy vinaigrette for a light, satisfying meal.
Recipe: Chewy, crunchy Mochiko chicken

By Benjamin SetoJuly 22202011:31 a.m.July 22

While you may not be attending a lot of potlucks these days, this easy fried chicken dish travels well, so pack it up in a picnic basket for a socially distanced hike or outdoor meal.
Recipe: No-knead, can’t-fail bread anyone can bake

By Kristina SepetysMay 21202011:31 a.m.June 13

This simple, customizable bread recipe is a great place to start for new bakers. We got tips from recipe creator Mark Bittman along with other bakers to ensure the perfect loaf.

Looking for something sweet? Here’s where to get pan dulce

By Azucena RasillaJan. 512:30 p.m.Jan. 6

These Mexican and Central American bakeries offer favorites like conchas, cuellos, elotes, marranitos and — on Jan. 5-6 — roscas de reyes.
East Bay restaurant openings and closings in December

By Joanna Della PennaDec. 2320204 p.m.Dec. 31

Openings include La Guerrera’s Kitchen, Alley & Vine, Shake Shack; among closures are Jules Thin Crust, Cookiebar Alameda, El Gusano — and the 71-year-old Albany Bowl.
East Bay New Year’s Eve takeout guide

By Sarah HanDec. 2120202 p.m.Jan. 13

Restaurants, caterers and pop-ups offering celebratory meals, meal kits, celebration packages and virtual events to ring in 2021.