Hah, so I was right. Melissa hasn't updated in forever. We had this discussion yesterday as we finished up our meal at Sahn Maru, a new Korean restaurant down Telegraph. She argued that she had recently updated, but as evidenced- she has not. So here's a long one for those of you who wait patiently.

Sahn Maru

Melissa and I have made a pact only to eat at places neither of us have tried before, in attempt to expand our palates in the time we have left in Berkeley. We decided to venture down Telegraph, almost stopping at a Taco Bell in our hungry daze. However, we spotted a colorful sign at 43rd street and stopped to investigate. Turns out, our choice was good. A relatively new Korean restaurant, Sahn Maru features unique furnishings and a very hospitable staff (which spoke little English-another sign this was a good pick). We were served a sweet rice tea when we sat down, in very nice stoneware. I'm a sucker for decor, and the restaurant's natural tables and cushioned chairs were a refreshing change from your usual vinyl covered chairs and tables. As some of you may know, Korean restaurants serve a variety of kimchee and other little appetizers with your meal. Sahn actually serves a little more than other places I've been, which is another plus. We ordered the dol sot bi bim bab ($10.95) as well as the combination tofu soup ($9.95) and had quite a bit left over afterwards. The manager came over and mixed up our dish for us, and was very attentive to getting us what we needed. The bi bim bab was one of the best I've had, very freshly made with just enough rice sticking to the bowl. The tofu stew was good- a little mild- but chock full of seafood goodies. With prices ranging from 10-20 dollars, this isn't your fast food Korean restuarant- it's a real sit-down kind of joint. But for very warm hospitality and very good Korean food, it's very worth the splurge.

Cesar

Located next door to the venerable Chez Panisse, Cesar is a tapas bar/restaurant on Shattuck and...I want to say Vine. It's a pretty small establishment, so seating for your party of 14 might be difficult, as we found out. But the atmosphere is lively- academic and romantic. The experience starts with some olives to whet your appetite. Drinks go for around 6-8 dollars, while the tapas (Spanish appetizers) cost around 5-10 dollars. These dishes aren't meant to fill you up, mind you. The idea is to share a few with friends, so everyone gets a little taste of each. I tried the glorified potato dish, fried with a mustard sauce. I also had the Venetian Martini on Jen's recommendation, which was decent. Others shared the Sour Apple, which was very tasty. Cesar is on the pricey side- especially if you are hungry going in. Think of it more as a cafe, where food is for tasting and not for satiating your ravenous appetite. Or as somewhere to take your impressionable freshman date.

Ikea

You guys know you've all wondered at one time or another whether that cafeteria at Ikea was any good. Well, lucky for you, Jen and I were brave enough to venture into that scary world of Swedish cafeteria food. Famished on a recent trip to Ikea, we decided to give the place a try after being taken by the low advertised prices. I ordered the pesto with crayfish and Jen ordered a quiche. We split an order of their "famous" Swedish meatballs. From what I can remember, both meals were less than 4 dollars. On this summer afternoon, there were no shortage of families in this Ikea-furnished cafeteria (it was a little trippy eating on Ikea tables with Ikea plates and silverware, with Ikea lamps over us). It is a good place to go to feed your non-discriminating, hungry children. However, I'd rate the quality of food as DC level. There are some ppl who really enjoy DC food, and some who can't stomach it. I found my pasta to be decent, and the meatballs to actually be enjoyable. While I wouldn't send anyone to Ikea for the food, I'd say the cafeteria is suitable for killing those hunger pains before you venture to the bottom floor.

Parkway Theater

Located on Park Avenue in Oakland, the Parkway theater is an unique moviegoing experience. Showing films on two levels, each theater features sofas and big tables in the front for guests to sprawl out on while watching second-run films that have recently stopped playing at your big name theaters. The sofas are worn, but comfy. The Parkway also serves as a restaurant, which serves appetizers, pizza, pasta and drinks. Be warned, the theater is 21+ becauese the beer and wine is freeflowing. My roomates and I went to see Garden State, and we shared some popcorn of the generic variety, and had their pear cider which was delicious at $4.50/glass. Tickets to the movie are an affordable $5, which appetizers run from $5-$8. Slices of pizza go for under $4 and salads are about $6-$8. All beer is $4.50 a glass and $12 for a pitcher and they have a wide wine selection. The theater has a homey feel, which is what its owners hoped to create. They show the same movies for a week or so, then change depending on what movies they can get. It's an affordable moviegoing experience, with the added luxury of food brought to your seat. It's a fun place to bring a group of friends, or even a date. Make sure to get there a little early, as the sofas fill up fast. To get there, take 580 East to the Park Ave. exit. Exit and turn right and travel down for about 5 minutes and you'll see the big theater sign on your left. While my law abiding apartment decided not to break the law, feel free to park in the Kragen lot next door, as we saw many other people doing so.