Chez Panisse

How good is it really? Would I be wasting my time to go there for lunch?

Chez Panisse

I just read the reviews so I think I get the picture. Shoulda done that first! Sounds pretty expensive for very simple food simply prepared. I guess if you value ';organic'; more than anything else, it%26#39;s your place.

Chez Panisse

Lunch is served only at the upstairs cafe. If you decide to go you should still make a reservation. IMHO the cafe upstairs in good but not not knock your socks off fantastic, Will you be staying in or going to Berkeley anyway or will you making a special trip? If your time is limited and you are staying in San Francisco without a car, it is possible to go there via public transportation but it will eat up quite a bit of time. The downstairs dinner is a whole experience. The cafe is always fresh, interesting and good but there are comparable options in San Francisco.

I%26#39;m staying in Berkeley for 4 days. I%26#39;ve known about Chez Panisse from the beginning but never ate there. Loads of flavor and well-prepared are what counts for me. Also I%26#39;m not into petite portions.

If you are going to be in Berkeley anyway, hey you may as well go for lunch. The portions are a fine size. You can have a glass of wine and ';graze'; a few things from the menu at the very least. Desserts are good too. Fantastic is a relative concept but as long as you don%26#39;t expect to ';have the best lunch you%26#39;ve ever had '; you will leave there happy. If you want recommendations for not so famous but fun and more ';ethnic'; just post again.

Ethnic is great. I like the big flavors. I caught your El Cerrito dim sum posting. Thanks again for that one!