Tuesday February 16.

I had a lunch with my friend Asami in North Berkeley.  It was our last lunch in the US before she goes back to Japan…She wanted to visit Chez Panisse, which is a well-known five-star restaurant in East Bay area.

Beautiful exterior.

Although its building is facing the main street (Shattuck), it made me feel like as if I walked on a narrow path in the woods for 20 minutes to get to this restaurant.

Busy, busy, busy.  A lot of people, dressed really nice for a Tuesday afternoon, enjoying their time in this organic and welcoming atmosphere.

I heard that their menu changes everyday.

I ordered a linguine pasta with sun-dried tomato, pesto and mozzarella cheese.  She ordered a fried oyster sandwich that comes with fresh green salad.  The appetizer of marinaded cod fish with greens was so awesome…

PEUGEOTのPepper & Salt Mill! I have been wanting to get one for my house..

A water bin with the name of the restaurant.  Such details make customers so happy…

We were so full that we couldn’t order any desserts… bummer!  Next time. ;-)

I will definitely come back here for a gorgeous dinner some day.  Maybe on my birthday? Hmm?

We promised to see each other again in Tokyo this summer.  I will miss you Asami!

It was nice and fresh lunch with her on a mellow Tuesday afternoon.

Chez Panisse Restaurant and Café
1517 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709-1516
http://www.chezpanisse.com/