The Melt and Chipotle Add New Locations

Chipotle's future home on Market. [Photo: Flickr/City-Data.com]
EXPANSIONWIRE — Since Home shuttered last August, there's been a prime restaurant space sitting empty on Market Street until now. Chipotle (2100 Market) isn't expected to open there until 2013, but it will serve beer and margaritas and signals the company's desire to "move into more urban neighborhoods." [Grub Street]

MORE EXPANSIONWIRE — After venturing to the Peninsula, a cheesy empire now crosses the bridge to open in the East Bay for the first time. A Berkeley location of The Melt (2400 Telegraph Ave.) debuts near the Cal campus on August 6. [EaterWire]

POP-UPS — Here's the situation: Guido takes place Wednesdays through Sundays from 6-9:30 p.m. at Just For You Cafe (732 22nd St.). Expect handmade pasta, chicken parmesan and other homemade Italian dishes from Derek Burke and Stephanie Magalhaes. [7X7]

WINE COUNTRY — The Napa restaurant and bar formerly known as Fagiani's and now dubbed the Thomas is opening on August 8. The menu features such luxuries as a $125 seafood tower and the first floor bar will be called Fagiani's at the Thomas. [ISSF]

TRAVELWIRE — Current Chez Panisse (1517 Shattuck) staffers such as downstairs chef Jerome Waag and alumni such as Charlie Hallowell (Pizzaiolo) will travel to Cuba to study the culture of food. The trip, which takes place December 4-12, is open to the public and costs $6000. [Berkeleyside]