A look at Berkeley's new Five - plus twittering chefs' tweets du jour

 

Some killer “tweets du jour” today, plus an unusual Bastille Day option and a luxury event for you high-rollers.

 

But first, I’ve got to say, the House of Prime Rib was packed last night. Some friends wanted to dine old-school, and the place was so full that we had to wait, even with a reservation. Is it because you get salad, bread, meat, veggies, Yorkshire pudding and potatoes – with an option for seconds – for under $40? Do people crave classics when the economy is down? Or maybe it’s the complimentary, eco-friendly carafes of filtered still or sparkling water, which are anything but old-school.

 

 

My scouting report from the official opening of Five in Berkeley is this: beautiful space, though unfortunately they were serving only teaser tastes of Chef Scott Howard’s (that's him below) food.

 

 

To get to Five, you tread over a glam black and white marble peace sign at the entrance to the newly renovated Hotel Shattuck Plaza, where the restaurant is located. It seems more hipster chic than hippie chic – but consider that peace symbols were a primo fashion accessory back in the day. Earrings, medallions, all things groovy.

 

 

The bar and dining area are Austin Powers-meets-Queen Victoria – in a good way. High ceilings, crown molding, huge arched windows, with black-and-white wallpaper and blue-green mosaic patterns embedded in the floor. A chandelier that’s original to the 99-year old building is updated with splashes of red. Natural light floods in, so it would be a glorious spot for breakfast.

 

Bite-sized versions of some menu items were passed at the opening party, and from what I tasted, you can expect comfort foods with an upscale twist. Roasted oysters with spinach and Monterey jack, orzo “mac & cheese” with braised foraged mushrooms and short rib pot roast were all rich dishes with complex flavors. Deviled eggs made with lemon-spiked crab were the essence of summertime. (See the slide show at the end of the story for lots more photos.)

 

I’ll head back to have a full meal soon and report more thoroughly on the food. In the meantime, here are the lunch and dinner menus.

 

 

 

I also took a peek at some of the completely re-done hotel rooms, which are Zen-plush, though on the small side, as is often the case at older hotels. You’ll find mellow colors, duvets, padded headboards, flat-screen TVs, art photos of the UC campus – and views of San Francisco and the Berkeley hills from higher floors. The spacious hallways are a hoot, with lively carpet and each corridor sporting a different color of wallpaper. Right now, rates start at $169. (Hotel photos are also in the slide show at the end of the story.)

 

Chef Chris Cosentino, of Incanto, is headed for TV stardom in a new show on the Food Network, starting August 7. As the show description says, “In each episode of Chefs vs. City, Food Network chefs Aarón Sánchez and Chris Cosentino challenge two local foodies in an action-packed food adventure to locate that city's biggest, boldest, most unexpected food places.” Yes, it’s Top Chef Masters meets The Amazing Race. 

 

 

One more unusual option to add to your Bastille Day dining list this July 14: the SubCulture Dining menu, “Viva La rEvolution” cooked at an undisclosed location by the Dissident Chef. Meals are eight to nine courses, and priced at $145, which includes libations. Online reservations and more info are available here.

Looking for a slightly less subversive dose of “liberte, egalite, fraternite?” Check out these French restos, which are all celebrating this Tuesday. 

 

 

Not able to jet off to the Carlyle in New York or to Santa Fe’s Inn of the Anasazi? Their chefs will be cooking at the 3rd Annual CordeValle Guest Chefs’ Culinary Weekend, July 31 – August 1. CordeValle is a Rosewood resort in the Santa Cruz foothills, complete with its own winery. The event includes two dinners, wine tastings, lodging and other events. More info here. 

 

 

Chefs’ tweets just seem to get better as the week goes on. Is it that adrenaline-fueled high they get, heading into Friday and Saturday? Here’s a bounty of entertaining tweets, collected over the past few days. (Be sure to check out Chris Cosentino’s photo link of his gigantic octopus. Amazing!)

 

offalchris Octopus weights about 60lbs I can barley hold it up. http://yfrog.com/5bikkoj [Incanto]

dcpatterson Can't use new oven b/c plumber noshowed. New restaurant opening delayed b/c landlord error (which they tried to blame on gc). feeling vexed. [Coi]

 

newton9 is there a term for those times when the plastic wrap sticks on one end and keeps messing up your clean up time? is there a remedy?? [Fish & Farm]

 

Missionstfood First time ever that guest chef got an ovation when if wandered into dining room. Must be doing something right.

 

JenBiesty Vodka tasting at COCO500, potato, wheat, or rye? It will be fun finding out! Or dangerous [Scala’s]

 

namusf just finished the best gravy ever... beef bones, dashi, garlic, soy, mirin, butter, love, extra love, goodness....

 

offalchris What do you say to guest who says your menu is gross? [Incanto]

 

cnewton9@offalchris umm, thank you? [Fish & Farm]

 

dcpatterson This week put me in mind of Jim Carroll's funny riff on Nietzsche:"That which doesn't kill me makes me sleep til 3 in the afternoon" [Coi]

 

cremebruleecart The creme brûlée cart will be back out kicking names and taking asses on Saturday. That's just how we do.

 

el_cuchillo I thought 73 tasting menus on 121 covers was rough on Friday. 113 tastings on 174 covers on Saturday. That one hurt. [Michael Mina SF]