El Rio's New Look; French Laundry's Renovation Progress

MISSION—El Rio is sporting a new look and "making some changes around the club to clarify who we are," according to their Facebook page. The most obvious change? A new facade out front with a unique color scheme. Per El Rio staff: "We are fond of brown." [Mission Mission]

YOUNTVILLE—The French Laundry's long-awaited renovation is moving forward thanks to a recent Yountville Town Council meeting, where plans for the new kitchen, annex and entry court were approved. Still, there's no hard timeline in place and no telling when the new and improved restaurant will debut. [Inside Scoop]

MISSION—Catch chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns at Omnivore Books tonight and pick up his new book The Third Plate. Billed as "an extraordinary vision for a new future of American eating," the book serves as a manifesto of sorts for radical transformation in American cuisine. [EaterWire]

BERKELEY—There's a new dumpling house on the scene in Berkeley, where Dumpling Express has taken up residence at 2328 Bowditch St. (at Durant), takeout and cash only. [Tablehopper]