friday five

five area stories of note.

who's intrigued by the kitchen takeovers at mago? puerto rican-colombian pop-up temporal kicks things off, and next it's chef danny stoller's petit americain starting january 27 for five nights, with luxe french dips and fondue service. (mago/open table)

good news: belotti bottega now offers its own in-house delivery service. (link)

psa: catch batter at this sunday's kensington farmer's market, but the bakery is hitting pause on its weekly berkeley kitchens pop-up, to resume once cafe bolita moves into the now-closed standard fare space. (instagram)

'that restaurant you love will close one day. what to do?' (nytimes)

it's a great day for roaming bean coffee at the berkeley marina. (instagram)

bonus: berkeley's third recent south indian opening is from pochys, formerly at 1019 camelia street, now moved to the former khana peena space. the new spot, called bangalore blues south indian kitchen and bar, is at 1889 solano avenue in berkeley.

january 16, 2026 (tips always welcome)