friday five

five area stories of note:

folks, the first day of hopscotch chicken's soft opening inside the epicurious garden is TODAY. (instagram)

big medicine for center street – nora haron's kopi bar opening this fall at BAMPFA. (the chronicle)

eater's take on the hottest and newest in the east bay (eater sf)

psa: the brown cap soft serve truck sometimes stops by mr. mopps'. watch for them at the berkeley toy and book shop next wednesday, august 27, starting at 3pm. (schedule here)

speaking of brown cap, the soft-serve truck will also join lucia's pizza, oakland united beerworks and other local food and drink vendors at tomorrow's bark (and meow) around the block pet adoption fair. the event benefits local animal shelters berkeley humane society, jelly's place and others, is free to attend, and runs from 10am to 4pm at 2700 ninth street in berkeley. (woof)

august 22, 2025 (other upcoming gatherings; monday night lights; berkeley happy hours.)