friday five

five area stories of note.

reminder: the expanded new cheese board bakery and cheese shop at 1500 shattuck avenue in berkeley reopens today starting at 7:00am.

berkeley's love at first bite cupcake and bakery counter has moved from 2122 vine street to 1510 walnut street, suite g in berkeley, tucked back (with cozy outdoor seating) within walnut square.

juice appeal has closed its north berkeley location inside the epicurious garden food court; buzz berkeley ice creamery coming soon to the space (details to come).

this week's release of the chronicle's new top 100 restaurants in the bay area has predictably led to both celebration and debate across the industry. (it will be interesting to see what gets mentioned here.) congratulations to those on the ranked list, including berkeley's tanzie's, cultured pickle shop, vik's chaat, rose pizzeria and, new for 2026, ippuku. (the chronicle)

cultural comfort food: festus visits with chef michele mcqueen at oakland's town fare. (festus feasts)

bring amy home. amy hillyard has been missing since march 25. (update: more details in this chronicle exclusive.)

april 10, 2026 (final weekend for brw26; fan of berkeley eats? please feel free to share.)