East Coast Italian Ice Favorite Opens in Alameda

Let there be Ice

Rita’s, an East Coast-based purveyor of fine Italian ices, is now scooping near SF. An Alameda location of Rita’s has opened at 417 South Shore Center, with another on the way to 1807 Pruneridge Avenue in Santa Clara. Head in for frozen custards and signature Italian ices, which the real fans call by the provincial nickname “water ice.” Store hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Berkeley Bowl responds to neighbor’s lawsuit

Metalco, a neighbor and, as of recently (and maybe not for long) tenant of Berkeley Bowl, is suing the popular East Bay grocer for alleged breach of contract in declining to renew Metalco’s lease (reportedly so that Berkeley Bowl can expand into Metalco’s space). But in an update, Berkeley Bowl representatives refute the characterization that they’re pushing out a 70-year old family business, as Metalco was recently purchased by a new owner who has brought the suit. The legal arguments will likely come down to whether Metalco was given a real chance to renew its lease: Metalco says it wasn’t, Berkeley Bowl insists it was.

SF Brewery bottles LeBron’s Tears in new IPA

Tragic! As Bernal Heights brewery Barebottle writes, begging for a cease and desist order: “We took the tears from Sir James’ Game 1 loss and distilled them into a hazy IPA, just for you. We also decided that Tears pair well with Mosaic hops. Sad!” Brutal.

Goodbye, Zand’s:

Albany’s destination for traditional Persian and Mediterranean dishes, Zand’s, is getting ready to close after 30 years, According to a sign on their door, they’ll leave on the 30th, and begin serving some food through catering services and offering cooking classes.

Aina does bento boxes

Dogpatch Hawaiian restaurant Aina is getting in on the Caviar delivery action with some bento box versions of favorite dishes from the restaurant. The rollout was yesterday, and options include BBQ Kalbi ribs, Huli Huli BBQ Chicken, and spam musubi.