Emeryville gets a Top Chef-led dessert shop; Anja’s and Missouri Lounge open this week

Anja’s

Anja’s, Anja Voth’s new restaurant on University Avenue, opened today, August 27. Voth and her husband, Kai Flache, ran Gaumenkitzel until it closed in March and have now taken over the former Garden Variety space. The kitchen has been updated to accommodate Voth’s German cooking and baking for breakfast and lunch—expect lighter fare than at Gaumenkitzel and more of a to-go vibe—with a handful of seats inside and plenty more in the beautiful Berkeley Public Rose Garden in the back. Nosh contributor Alix Wall got a first look. Anja’s, 1966 University Ave. (between Milvia Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way), Berkeley

Walnut Creek has a new upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant with a focus on Parisian-inspired food and drink, from the team behind charcuterie catering company Honey + Brie. The menu focuses on fine nibbles to pair with cocktails, Champagne and wine, such as caviar, oysters and crudos, charcuterie and cheese, and cured, European-inspired small plates. Chateau by Honey + Brie1376 Main Street, Walnut Creek

According to The E’ville Eye, national chain Jars will open its doors on Bay Street on August 30. It will offer stacked parfaits of cakes, custards, creams, puddings, soft serve and other delicacies, served in glasses (hence the name). The concept comes from the Italian-born chef, restaurant owner, cookbook author and Top chef Candidate Fabio Viviani. Glasses Sweets & Things by Fabio Viviani5649 Bay Street (between Ohlone Way and Brunswig Lane), Emeryville

The Monday morning update on Instagram was subtle but sincere: “Soft opening,” it said. “Thursday, August 29th. 5 p.m. DJs and hot dogs.” After four long years and five long months, Berkeley’s ’50s dive bar Missouri Lounge is back this week. Nosh has the scoop on the renovations, improvements, and reasons for the long wait to reopen. Missouri Lounge2600 San Pablo Ave. (on Parker Street), Berkeley