When people are thinking of relocating to Oakland, I like to drive them through the different districts of Oakland, so they can get a sense of our community. One of Oakland's greatest assets is the diversity. While other cities have numerous nationalities living within the city limits, but sticking to their separate districts; Oaklanders tend to intertwine. A prime example is Lakeshore Avenue. Often you will see a dozen nationalities mingling on the front bench of Peet's coffee enjoying the sun. On Saturday mornings Lakeshore Avenue bustles as folks from all over Oakland attend the weekly Farmer's Market for food, music and culture. (On Lakeside between Lakeshore Avenue and Grand Avenue - Open All Year Long) Lakeshore Avenue is the retail district (within walking distance) from Crocker Highlands and the Lake Merritt area. When I was a teenager I worked a few summer jobs on Lakeshore Avenue and this is still one of my favorite stomping grounds. Stop by Maribel to consign your quality, chic clothing and accessories or spy and buy new and gently used jewelery, handbags, clothes and accessories. 3251 Lakeshore Avenue. (510) 419-0677, consignment hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Open Daily.
My favorite vegetarian pizza is baked fresh and all day long at Arizmendi. This worker owned cooperative bakery is the sister to the The Cheese Board Collective in the Gourmet Ghetto of Berkeley. Here you can buy all things bread made with the best ingredients, from baguettes to their wonderful cornmeal and dried cherry scones to the veggie pizza. Purchase pizza by the slice or whole pie. Click here for the daily pizza menu.
Lakeshore Avenue has Trader Joes, Peet's Coffee, Noah's Bagels, Flavors of India Restaurant, Mezze Restaurant, Urban Indigo and more. Additionally around the corner, (within walking distance) is the Grand Lake Movie Theatre, where you can still hear the Mighty Wulitzer Organ play briefly before select movies on Friday and Saturday nights. Lakeshore Avenue has a few vacant retail spaces, what would you like to see on this street? Please leave a comment.
