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 The authentic Italian marketplace |
1843 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702 United States +1 510 559 6860 http://www.agferrari.com |
Whether you are looking for a quick pannini sandwich or the fixings for a gourmet Italian meal, this place fits the bill. Stocked full of gastronomic delights from all over Italy, you will find bronze-died pastas from Naples, tomato sauces from Tuscany, rare olive oils from Vinci, the finest vinegars from Moderna, prosciutto di Parma, and all manner of other imports. At the counter, order from a selection of prepared foods like fresh tagliarini and divine desserts. Made-to-order pannini sandwiches are available. And the vast cheese and wine selections cannot be beat. It also caters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Baked delights |
1400 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 644 1601 |
From early morning till early evening, this place bakes up breads, pizzas and rolls, and makes great salads, sandwiches and breakfast goods. There are several small tables perfect for one or two, but many get items to go. It offers several sandwiches like Turkey Avocado, Roasted Eggplant and Chicken Breast Tarragon. Try one of the small pizzas like its Four Cheese, Margherita and Pugliese, perfect for a hungry one, or a light meal for two. Also find omelets served all day, salads that range from Caesar to Mediterranean, as well as fresh fruit smoothies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Young and modern |
886 Colusa Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 United States +1 510 559 6999 |
A red hair handbag, hot pink hip-huggers, picture-glass bracelet, with merchandise like that on offer, you know that this store knows what a girl likes. The clothing here is festive and modern. Depending on the current trend, you might find ethnic prints, snakeskin and leather, pony prints, florals, pastels and neons. Designers offered include French Connection, Bisou-Bisou, XOXO, Susan Monaco, Laundry, Earl Jones and Betsy Johnson. The periodic sales offer great bargains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 More history than the books |
1491 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 486 0698 http://www.blackoakbooks.com/ |
This purveyor of both new and used books has gained a reputation around the Bay Area as a prime spot to search the shelves, relax in a corner and hear authors from all walks of life (from minor poets to national literary figures). It hosts readings and carries smaller journals, zines, magazines, chapbooks and the best of the small presses. It publishes small chapbooks and does broadsides for local poets that are available for purchase. The space is bright and open, so there is plenty of room to move. It features a very well stocked art and rare book section. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jacek S. |
 Photo: anonymous |
 Antiques, refinishing, repair |
2109 Virginia Street Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 548 2267 |
If you have got an old chair, table, hutch, lamp, mirror, or just about anything antique or with antique potential that needs repair, restoration, or just a little love, bring it here. This tiny store is filled with cleaned and refurbished pieces. It also sells many pieces that the buyers come across, from quilts to lamps, china to old children's dolls and toys. Both the showroom and the sidewalk brim with delightful goods from the early 20th century and beyond. You can even see the restorers hard at work in the back. And if they cannot do a specific job, they will refer you to someone who can. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Couture Berkeley-style |
2100 Vine Street Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 845 4564 |
If you are looking for casual or upscale, but in a small store atmosphere, Earthly Goods is the place to hit. Just off Shattuck, this little boutique offers a combination of 5th Avenue designers as well as smaller local labels; you will find everything from cotton basics to sundresses, casual chic to after eight. The shoe selection is particularly noteworthy and includes designers like Kenneth Cole, Paul Green, Camper, and 9 West. The service is non-hurried and non-pretentious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Half price, full time |
1849 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 United States +1 510 526 6080 http://www.halfpricebooks.com/ |
Walk beneath the CASH FOR BOOKS signs and find yourself in a world of dog-eared tomes whose subjects range from Russian classics to classic cookbooks to the Anarchist's Cookbook. A little bit of everything can be found here, and rifling through the shelves and piles will be a pleasure for those detective types, though perhaps the bane of others. Nevertheless, it is worth your time if you are looking for cheap paperbacks or that rare Existential treatise, a great many students sell their textbooks here, making for interesting finds indeed. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nghiem Thai |
 Photo: ns.ae |
 Modern-day apothecary |
1527 Shattuck Avenue (Between Vine and Cedar Streets) Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 649 9442 http://www.herringboneshop.com/ |
If you want to organize a spa in your own personal space at home, drop by at Herringbone to pick up facial and skin-care items. Makeup artist Shawn Burke, the proud owner of this modern apothecary, has stocked it up with a mind-blowing range of sought-after beauty products. Organic preparations from as far away as Japan and New Zealand are available. The shop itself has a laid-back relaxed look, adorned with floral wallpaper and an artificial fireplace. Waxing and facial treatments can be availed of, with prior appointments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nepal and Tibet at your fingertips |
1551 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 United States +1 510 528 8007 |
Follow the incense to Kathmadu, where you will find an amazing array of authentic imports from Nepal and Tibet. Most remarkable is the clothing: from long coats to soft wool sweaters and pullovers, from pants to shoes to hats to pashminas, most handmade, all distinct. If you are looking to add a touch of the Himalayas to your wardrobe, whether a subtle or bold one, this is the place. You will also find an extraordinary selection of jewelry, folk arts and crafts, some antiques, and traditional music recordings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The chicken on the corner |
1685 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 845 5932 |
Despite its French name, the offerings here are varied, from North Africa, Asia, Italy and the American South. This great little gourmet food store features a counter stocked with salads like Saffron Orzo and Burmese Noodles. Find polentas, grilled chicken and tofu, meatloaf, Creole sausage, jambalaya, roasted root vegetables, and all manner of sandwiches, served on baguettes, levain, sour roll, focaccia or aram, as well as pastries, cakes and daily specials. There are several tables in a comfortable, French country setting with crockery, pictures of poulet and fresh flowers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: femtolivier |
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The Albany strip |
Solano Avenue in Albany and Berkeley (from San Pablo Avenue to The Alameda) Berkeley, California 94706 / 94707 United States 510.527.5358 http://www.SolanoStroll.org/ |
Partly in the city of Berkeley and partly in Albany, this is a wonderful place to spend a day or even a few days shopping, eating and strolling. A quaint, upscale neighborhood, Solano caters to locals, and both the stroller and yuppie sets. Find everything from the familiar and commercial, like Starbucks, to the more local, like the famous Zachary's Chicago Pizza and the Oriental Rug Gallery. With the food, an abundance of handmade furniture and antiques and lots of small clothing stores featuring locally made items, this area is a shopper's and eater's delight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Angie Chang |
 Grab a cab or sin with zin |
1580 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 United States +1 510 525 0379 http://www.solanocellars.com/ |
A shop that is more than a shop, this is quaint wine merchant appeals to those who enjoy cool Deco posters on wooden walls, with something Dave Brubeck-esque on the speakers. The shop itself is a delightful melange of racks and bottles of primo vintages from California and beyond. The staff are experts who know their grapes and are eager to lend advice for a party or meal. There is a nice tasting bar on the second floor where glasses and samples await you, as well as a complimentary snack or two, like cheese and chocolate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: charlie wright |
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Body Beautiful |
1543 Hopkins Street Berkeley, CA 94606 United States +1 510 525 7068 |
The latest apothecary shop in Berkeley, Supple Integrative Skincare, is stuffed with things that pamper your body as well as your mind. It is a great place to find rare beauty products; Owned by Alison Evans, it was her idea to bring a dose of European skin care to California. So slide over to the groovy Orchid Pink treatment room for Dr. Hauschka's holistic treatment or an Astara facial. If you don't want to take the beauty plunge, you can always browse through all the delightful, funky products on display or take a look at some fun paintings by local artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Garden of Cheesy Delights |
1512 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 549 3055 http://cheeseboardcollective.c... |
This shop ranks among the great cheeseries in the United States. It is a fairly large space, but not a square inch of it is wasted in piling up the copious selection of sage Derbys, Gruyeres, Gjetosts, Cambozolas and Manchegos. The latest arrivals are noted up on a big blackboard, and the staff is knowledgeable to the point of didacticism. It offers many other specialty foods, too, and has its own bakery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ethan Stock |
 Photo: Sunny L. |
 Photo: C. Wess Daniels |
 Photo: sharcardinal |
 Photo: Brian Herbst |
 Photo: Anthony Kinik |
 Photo: Chris Martin  |
 Photo: Michelle Truong |
 Photo: Margot Neebe |
 Photo: Ed Fladung |
 Photo: Stephanie Sapienza |
 Photo: Sarah B. Nelson |
 Challenging, scenic golf |
At the corner of Grizzly Peak and Shasta roads (Tilden Regional Park) Berkeley, CA 94708 United States +1 510 848 7373 |
This is a par-70 course set inside the beautiful redwood trees in Berkeley's Tilden Regional Park. The scenic and challenging 18-hole course features a pro shop, driving range, putting green, bar and grill. If you are not too tired afterwards, explore other attractions Tilden Park has to offer like Roberts pool and playground, a Botanic Garden with plant life from all over California, and endless hiking trails and picnic facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: b-e-a |