Ristorante Raphael

Noah Alper, founder of Noah's Bagels, and Chef/Owner Domenico Testa of Caffè Delle Stelle in Walnut Creek, have teamed up to open Bar · Ristorante Raphael, a new restaurant in the Downtown Berkeley (California) Arts District. With its colorful frescos, sidewalk dining and classic menu, Raphael has all the trappings of a traditional Italian restaurant, and it's certified kosher. Chef Domenico, a veteran restaurateur who hails from Lazio in Southern Italy, has created a menu which showcases vegetarian and vegan cuisine, plus a selection of fresh fish.

The Italian Renaissance painter Raffaelo (1483-1520) was renowned for his frescos and was the most important portraitist in Rome during his lifetime. His art is emblematic of the complexity, magnificence, and serenity of Italy. Raffaelo's subject matter often celebrated the human capacity for learning and building on the ideals of the past. These elements are seen in "The School of Athens," reproduced on our walls by local Italian artist, Migele Teora, who helped restore frescos in the Sistine Chapel.

The angel Raphael is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as one of the four archangels, along with Michael, Gabriel and Uriel. Raphael, whose name means "God is my healer," oversees the domain of physical and emotional well-being. Appropriately, Raphael became associated with earth, one of the four elements--earth, water, air and fire. Among the colors of the rainbow, Raphael is represented as green.

Jews have lived in Italy since the 2nd century BCE, when they first arrived in Rome from ancient Israel. Ashkenazi Jews came from central Europe to Italy in the 14th century, and Sephardic Jews migrated from Spain and Portugal in the 15th century. Each group brought its own customs, foods, and recipes. The availability of new and different local foods led to the creation of cucina ebraica as traditional Italian recipes were adapted by Jews adhering to the dietary laws of kashrut. The Jews of Italy lived simply, often using fresh fruits and vegetables and locally caught seafood.

Following in their path, at Bar · Ristorante Raphael, we also cultivate innovation while honoring tradition. We use only the finest ingredients, including imported Italian flour from Napoli, organic salad vegetables, and fresh mozzarella made in Berkeley. No meat or poultry is served or used in any form whatsoever. Our restaurant is certified kosher by the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of San Francisco.

We look forward to serving you soon.
---www.ristoranteraphael.com