In honor of its 30th birthday, we're pleased to award one more round of kudos to the best-known restaurant in Berkeley. Sure, the prices sometimes threaten to overshadow the pleasure, but the food and wine -- both upstairs and down -- are sublime. As much a cultural force as an eatery, Chez Panisse has launched hundreds of culinary talents and has helped make Berkeley a food-lover's Shangri-la. Long after other Stars have risen and fallen, Chez Panisse continues to shine, putting out fresh and exciting fare. Alice Waters, we salute you.
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