friday five

five area stories of note:

we were surprised to learn that three-year-old japanese curry shop champion's curry in berkeley has permanently closed... (yelp)

...and that campus burgers has already moved in and will host their grand opening today at 2506 channing way. (instagram)

over in oakland, watch as bombera's staff sweetly break out the bubbly to welcome their shiny new michelin bib gourmand plaque. (instagram)

also in oakland, major national media bliss this week for steve joo of joodooboo, named one of food & wine's best new chefs for 2025, and tiny sun moon studio, among the current 50 best restaurants in america, according to the new york times. (breaking: sun moon studio also among bon appetit's best new for 2025!) (food & wine; new york times; bon appetit)

meanwhile, snail bar's founding chef andres girarldo florez has announced he is moving to france. (sfgate; instagram)

september 12, 2025 (upcoming gatherings; spots that ease dining with kids.)