Editor’s note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.
Chez Maeju
A Korean restaurant focusing on jang (fermented soybean-based sauces), including doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang soft opened in North Oakland. Chez Maeju is now taking walk-ins for dinner service. The menu on the website includes appetizers, grilled meat and fish, rice dishes, noodles, and stews, and desserts, but the Instagram post notes that the menu will be limited during soft opening. The restaurant is in the former Oken and Momo Ramen space in Rockridge. Chez Maeju, 6200 Claremont Ave. (at College Avenue), Oakland
Hoagie’s World of Hoagies
A new hoagies spot, Hoagie’s World of Hoagies, opens today, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. in Berkeley. The menu includes an Italian, cheesesteak, roast pork, meatball, turkey, vegan, and a “world hoagie of the month. This month’s is a chicken tikka masala with paneer cheese and onions. Hoagies are $20 and under, including a mini (half hoagie) for $10. The hoagie joint is in the former location of Kuboba Spot, a Filipino-inspired empanada and boba shop, which closed in June. Hoagie’s World of Hoagies, 2618 Telegraph Ave. (at Carleton Street), Berkeley
Kash Cafe
A new cafe in Berkeley focusing on chai and matcha is opening soon. Kash Cafe, across from the UC Berkeley campus, announced a Wednesday, Sept. 23 soft opening pop-up. The cafe is “rooted in South Asian flavors, ritual hospitality, and community.” The pop-up is a one-day event starting at 11 a.m., and the drinks are a mango matcha, banana matcha, jaggery latte, masala chai, and avocado toast. The founder is a Cal grad. Kash Cafe, 2482 Bancroft Way (at Telegraph Avenue), Berkeley
La Penca Azul of Bay Farm
A Mexican restaurant in Alameda is reopening after issues with the building. La Penca Azul on Bay Farm Island announced the news on Instagram: “Thank you to our amazing community, friends, and loyal customers for supporting La Penca Azul Bay Farm throughout all these years. Through the good times and the challenging ones, you’ve continued to show us love and support — and it truly means more to us than we can say.” The restaurant also has a location on Park St. in Alameda. La Penca Azul of Bay Farm, 891-B Island Dr., Alameda
Nékter Juice Bar
A new juice bar opened in Pittsburg, according to the East Bay Times. The local chain serves juices, smoothies, bowls, and waffles. Additional locations include Fremont and Danville. Nékter Juice Bar, 2261 West Leland Road, Pittsburg
Nudi Blue
Nudi Blue, a Thai afternoon tea spot in Berkeley, has re-opened after a brief break. The restaurant serves a la carte tea sandwiches, pastries, and afternoon tea. Nudi Blue, 2049 San Pablo Ave. (at University Avenue), Berkeley
O2 Sushi
From the folks at O2 Eatery on Solano Avenue, comes a new Albany sushi joint celebrating its opening on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The menu includes udon, ramen, bento boxes, katsu plates, donburi, a long list of classic and speciality sushi rolls, and beer, sake and wine. O2 Sushi; 977 San Pablo Ave. (at Buchanan Street), Albany
Top Dog (Downtown Berkeley)
A new Top Dog comes to town (downtown Berkeley, that is). Last month, Nosh got the scoop that the 60-year institution was opening a location at The BreakRoom, a billiards hall and cocktail bar. Top Dog, 2021 Shattuck Ave. (at University Avenue), Berkeley
