Cesar Berkeley

[Robert Lauriston]

Place was sold, the longtime chef left, and the most recent topic on the place is a few years old.

The Piedmont branch is no longer called Cesar Latino, but the menu's still pan-Latin rather than Cal-Spanish.

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Bar César
1515 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

[Robert Lauriston]

The Chron reports that the two Cesars are "independent from K2—and increasingly from each other." Apparently co-founder Richard Mazzera is running the Berkeley branch.

I went back recently and the paella was as good as in November.

[Rapini]

Agree that Berkeley is (still) good, but the Piedmont Avenue outlet is going downhill.

[bbulkow]

Piedmont Ave took a big ride downhill when they went pan-mexican away from Spanish. That was, what, 2 years ago.

[lmnopm]

When we stopped for a pre-CP glass of wine last night, I noticed on the outside posted menu that they now have paellas to go (pan and all), and you return the pan afterward. Have any Chow folks tried this?

[bbulkow]

That's the best idea ever.

[bbulkow]

When did the change happen? I was there 6 months ago and it was the same solid standard as ever.

[Robert Lauriston]

They formed some sort of partnership with K2 / Haig Krikorian around July of last year. Maggie Pond left in February.

[Robert Lauriston]

Had a really good paella last night, if I've had better in a restaurant my memory is failing me. Lots of flavor from lobster broth and diced chorizo, rice had a great texture and some crunchy socarrat, chicken, shrimp, clams, and mussels were tasty and not overcooked. $22.75, didn't look like a lot of food but it's rich and was plenty for two, next time maybe I wouldn't stir in all the aioli.

Also had some good brussels sprouts ($7.75) and chanterelles ($9.75) a la plancha and an order of jamon Iberico de bellota ($21.75), great flavor but sloppily cut and presented.

They were out of the only Rioja on the list and there's no tortilla on the menu, so if you're craving those, go to Barlata.

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Bar César
1515 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

[calalilly]

Do you know if they still have those skinny fried potatoes? They are the only reason I've gone to Cesar's in the year.

[Robert Lauriston]

I think so. There were both fried potatoes with herbs and patatas bravas on the menu.

[calalilly]

Thanks! Plan on stopping by in the next few weeks.

[lmnopm]

Thanks for the reminder. I haven't been in ages, and I haven't had a decent paella anywhere in so long, I usually don't even bother ordering it.