InBerkeley

We came for the tartare but stayed for the “suite” tour.

The newly renovated Shattuck Hotel held an open house this evening, during which tastes were offered from the revamped menu and viewings of the spruced-up rooms and suites.

The dining room is a welcome change from the previous incarnation of the space with classic white and bright walls and a much more open feel. The signature drink of the night, as described by the bartender, was a rhubarb-strawberry cocktail sprayed with berry coulis in the shape of a “5″ on top of egg white foam (pictured).

Restaurant Five is named for the senses and is headed up by Chef Scott Howard. Samples such as beef brisket with tomato jam, goat cheese and smoked jamon crostini, tuna tahini tartare and butterscotch candied-walnut parfait were served to a capacity crowd of uncharacteristically well-dressed Berkeleyans.

The hotel rooms displayed during the evening overlook Shattuck and are equipped with modern amenities including free wifi. Pictures of Berkeley adorn the walls.

Above all, it’s nicer to have a restaurant opening in Berkeley than one closing, and the Shattuck Hotel fills a much-needed niche in the heart of downtown.

Kristen Rasmussen Business, Downtown, Food, restaurants allston, bar, Downtown, Food, hotel, opening, restaurant, shattuck