Berkeley-based restaurant offers delectable pizza
By Lauren Bonney
The aroma of fresh pizza snakes around the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Vine Street, and people with visibly watering mouths wait to get a taste of The Cheese Board's signature pizza.
The first bite alone will make any visitor to the city wish that they were native Berkeleyites, just so they could visit the small pizzeria during their lunch breaks - and potentially return once more for dinner.
The Cheese Board is crammed between two nondescript buildings along Shattuck Avenue and always seems to have a steady stream of people flowing in and out its doors. But do not be intimidated by the line: it always moves quickly - an assuring sign to all those in the queue that they will receive their precious pizza in record time.
When walking up to the counter, do not expect the usual made to order pie or pepperoni by the slice; The Cheese Board does not and will not offer it. This pizzeria is unique in offering only one set of pizza toppings per day and strives to use only organic, locally grown, vegetarian ingredients.
But, to all you meat lovers out there, do not be discouraged! Each pizza is delightfully delectable in its own way and you will not crave meat while eating your slice! Scout's honor!
The pizzeria certainly offers the usual toppings. Onions, crimini mushrooms and garlic are common. However, they sometimes offer a "topping of the day" that will create a simultaneous sense of intrigue and doubt in the customer. For example, you might stumble in the day that the pizzeria decides to serve a pizza with olive oil, mozzarella, Italian parsley, red onions, sweet yellow corn, pine nuts, bell peppers and key lime - an unusual combination, perhaps, but completely and utterly delightful to consume.
If the pizza itself does not draw you in, then the flood of music emanating from the restaurant will surely lure you in. Local bands that play a variety of genres, from jazz rock to reggae to blues, play daily during the lunch and dinner hours and help to create a fun and upbeat atmosphere while you wait.
You never know what you are going to get when you show up at The Cheese Board - just like the iconic pizza itself.
For more information on The Cheese Board's hours, menu, bakery and bands, go online and visit cheeseboardcollective.coop.
4.5/5 stars
1512 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 549-3183
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Berkeley, CA 94704
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If you are feeling slightly rebellious and opt for the spontaneous tattoo or piercing stop into Zebra Tattoo and Body Piercing on Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street. But if you are not quite interested in a new stud or ink, stop in to peruse regardless. Gawkers are welcome!
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(510) 649-8002
Store Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Contact Lauren Bonney at lbonney@scu.edu or (408) 554-4852.