Kosher Italian? In Berkeley?

Last evening we went to "Polk County," a Berkeley Rep blues musical theater performance with story by Zora Neale Hurston. We had dinner before the show at a restaurant which is becoming one of our favorites: Raphael's.

Yes, Raphael's serves kosher Italian seafood. A venture of Noah Alper, the steamed bagel king, the restaurant serves fish (no tref stuff) and is kosher because it avoids meat, and therefore can serve Ricotta, Parmesan, etc. Not that kosher matters to us, but good food, lively spirit, and affordability do, and Raphael's has all three.

Here is Barbara in the restaurant doing her impression of Rodin's The Thinker.—JDL