Chez Panisse reopening after fire

BERKELEY, Calif. – One of the Bay Area’s most famous restaurants is set to reopen June 21, nearly four months after a fire destroyed parts of the building.

Chez Panisse, the renowned eatery founded by Alice Waters, an icon of the California cuisine movement, will open its kitchen once again with a celebration on the day of summer solstice. The event will double as a fundraiser for new education programs at the Berkeley-based Edible Schoolyard Project, which teaches middle school students how to improve their food choices on a one-acre organic garden and kitchen classroom. Reservations cost $1,000 per person to eat in the second-floor cafe and $2,500 a head for the main dining room.

The restaurant reopened its reservation phone line Monday, and online reservations can be made at www.chezpanisse.com or through Open Table. For information and reservations, call (510) 843-3811.

The March 8 fire caused no injuries but damaged the exterior of the restaurant and destroyed much of the electrical and plumbing systems. The restaurant’s reopening comes just in time for its 42nd anniversary, celebrated on Aug. 28 with a special menu and champagne celebration.