Restaurant Watch: Guest Chef Closing, Bourbon and Beef Coming

The Guest Chef, 5337 College Ave., with its rotating lineup of visiting chefs and varied cuisine, has closed, according to an article in the East Bay Express. The restaurant served its last "official" meal on Sunday, but according to its website, it will have two encore runs:

—Chefs Mike and Jackie, of Culinary Addicts, June 4-16.

—Chef Adam Zappa, of La Cadrega, July 5-7 and July 12-14.

You can read more about these chefs and make reservations for their dinners on The Guest Chef's "Back From the Dead" webpage.

Berkeley's Chez Panisse still expects to reopen next month — the Los Angeles Times reports that opening day will be June 21. The restaurant was damaged by a fire on March 8. You can follow its progress toward reopening on the Chez Panisse Faebook page.

Bourbon and Beef will be opening at 5634 College Ave., Oakland, former home of the Water Lounge. According to a report on Diablo Dish, the restaurant will have a Latin-inspired, family-style, meat-driven menu. 

Barkada Bakery & Cafe is now open at 4316 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, according to EaterSF. The new bakery-cafe's website says they are offering croissants, tarts, cakes and breads, along with a selection of pressed sandwiches and salads. Open 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, with regular hours beginning on Friday, May 24: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 8pm, S-S 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The San Jose Mercury News has a slideshow of photos from five of its reviewer's favorite Temescal restaurants. Check it out here.