Last November, the Berkeley community was devastated when a fire destroyed an apartment building and two of students’ favorite establishments, Raleigh’s and Café Intermezzo.  Hundreds of people lost their homes and belongings, and students mourned the loss of the place that would let you stand up on the bar and have a chugging race with the bartender on your birthday (Raleigh’s) and the café with delicious sandwiches and salads so big you could swim in them.

In January, it was confirmed that the establishments would be reopened first as temporary structures (i.e. tents), and eventually as permanent buildings.  The original projections had the temporary structures to be reopened in May, though as the month is quickly slipping by, the restaurants remain closed.  Building predictions are always difficult to make accurately, but as June approaches, the Berkeley community is waiting with bated breath for the return of two of the city’s most beloved establishments.