Creekwood Bringing Cal-Italian Fare to South Berkeley | Eater SF

"After five years of renovations and anticipation, Creekwood is almost ready to open in South Berkeley at 3121 Sacramento Street. Originally planned as a catering business and daytime cafe by longtime friends Greg Poulios and Mark Louie, they switched to a restaurant after construction issues, permitting woes, and discovering the former bike shop they took over lacked a foundation—'the building is almost essentially brand new with the exception of the roof,' Poulios says. They’re envisioning a Cal-Italian restaurant that will spotlight Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pastas, seasonal salads, and appetizers like meatballs or octopus, but Louie emphasizes a balanced menu rather than a pizza-only concept. The 1,700-square-foot space will seat about 50 inside and 16 outside, is finished with reclaimed Douglas Fir, white tile, and warm 1920s-style Holophane lights, and plans are to open with dinner (in roughly four weeks), add weekend brunch, and eventually expand to weekday service with a more classic American menu. Poulios and Louie, who worked together at Zuppa, will share front-of-house duties and have hired former Zuppa chef Liam Bonner to lead the kitchen; Poulios also brings experience from Farallon, One Market, and Rick and Ann's." - Janelle Bitker