friday five
five area stories of note:
san mateo-based li's knife-cut noodle is now open on center street in berkeley. (daily californian)
an appreciation for the east bay's enduring, family-owned buttercup diner. (sfgate)
love the shape of this chestnut bread from danville's maison benoit. (instagram)
open air coffee in richmond (at anaviv's table) has closed. (instagram)
sweetgreen = beleaguered. (restaurant dive)
bonus, for the overwhelmed – five quick-yet-personal gift ideas:
- a beautiful, fun or nostalgic mug - try here, here or here - together with coffee or tea from a small local biz.
- local merch always wins.
- this very specific food fan art. (or a print of 40 coffee cups of oakland.)
- take them for hot cocoa – or a hot toddy.
- holiday goodies from the cheeseboard (fyi, taking an extra-long holiday break this year, with more news to come); spices or honeys from oaktown spice; or really any win-win gift cert to a favorite local eatery, food biz, festive spot or dessert shop.
december 19, 2025 (guide to local kid specials for the holiday break; check for special hours. tips welcome!)