Smorgasbord

The Power of Two

    The chef duo at Digs Bistro comes with a joint pedigree that runs a lot longer than the single page of seasonal specialties offered on a menu that restaurant manager Jesse Kupers says will change every three weeks. Justin Sconce, a former sous chef at Berkeley’s Rivoli Restaurant, also has Oakland’s delightful Soizic Bistro among his credentials; co-chef Heidi DiPippo has done stints in the kitchens of San Francisco’s LuLu, Betelnut and Quince, and was an executive sous chef at Lark Creek Inn. Expect California and Mediterranean influences with plenty of locally sourced, sustainably produced and organic ingredients. Their opening menu featured oxtail ravioli ($19) and an intriguing macaroni and cheese ($16.50) with fontina and drunken goat cheese, sage-butter brussels sprouts and honey-glazed carrots. There is a short, interesting wine selection ($21 to $195 a bottle) and a small bar where you are not required to eat. Digs replaces the well-reviewed Olivia: same small space; same homey European bistro atmosphere. It, too, is likely to get good press.
    Digs Bistro, 1453 Dwight Way, Berkeley; open for dinner 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Sun.–Thu.; 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; (510) 548-2322; www.digsbistro.com.


    Amie Watson and Jennifer Finley, a mom-and-daughter duo, are responsible for the large selection of creatively packaged yummies that make Too Good Gourmet look like a big gift basket. The two oversee the baking, decorating and packaging of their creative confections, cookies and other tea goodies at a large facility in San Lorenzo. They’ve been in business 11 years and do a lot of shipping. Their first city store, in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood, near Arizmendi, opened in October 2007. Check them out for Valentine treats.
    Too Good Gourmet, Inc., 3217 Lakeshore Blvd.; open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 12 p.m.–5 p.m Sun.; (510) 444-9430, www.toogoodgourmet.com.