Deidre's Fave's

What's up!  I have been MIA and I apologize.  You have been keeping me very busy and I am so blessed and grateful to have sold 2 dozen homes thus far in 2013, keep it coming!

Here are few local businesses that I want to pump!

Beauty's Bagel Shop 

3838 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

I am pretty addicted to the Classic closed face bagel with lox, capers, red onion, cream cheese on a salt and pepper bagel.  They are Montreal- Style Wood-Fired bagels that are hand rolled, boiled in honey water, and then roasted in a wood-burning oven. 

Doughnut Dolly 

482 B 49th Street at Telegraph on "Alley 49"

The Doughnut Dolly Naughty Cream Donuts are ridiculously good.  I have brought them to my office to give to the staff and I have heard comments such as, "that is the best thing that I have eaten".  This is the creation of a Chez Panisse alum's baby, Hannah. She wakes in the middle of the night to bake fresh donuts and then has several fillings available and fills them to order. 

Esqueleto 

482 49th Street , Suite A Oakland, CA 94609

Esqueleto is Jewelry Designer, Lauren Wolf's shop that features her designs as well as many other creative artists' work.  She has a mix of fine jewelry, chunky statement pieces, beautiful art, all in an uber dreamy store.  I walk in and want to buy armful's of stuff.

Maison d’Etre  

5640 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618

Maison d'Etre is a Rockridge staple and is always one of my faves to find both new and vintage treasures.  I keep hoping I'll walk in one day and find a vintage bronze or enamel letter J for my home.  Owners Patty and Fred curate a unique mix of coffee beans, candles, jewelry, pajamas - basically a really cool place to pick up a gift.

Jack London Kitchen & Bath

2500 Embarcadero St. Unit F - Oakland, CA 94606

I set out with a goal to renovate my bathroom without products made in China. Everyone said it would be impossible.  I was lucky enough to find Brianna Dukes at Jack London Kitchen & Bath.  I found a cool tub and vanity, toilet and linen cabinet all made responsibly in the US. I also found  faucets from Germany, a medicine cabinet made in Switzerland and received a good discount on my order.  Brianna was available to help me with measurements, suggestions and recommendations.

J. Sahadi Jewelers 

4206 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

My favorite Jeweler is J Sahadi on Piedmont Ave.  I have been going to Jeff for repairs for years.  I absolutely love Jeff and when you look at his hands, you will immediately recognize that he is a true artisan.  He creates handmade, exquisite pieces that are sure to be heirlooms.  I have a few of his treasures, but think this rare, peridot, deco inspired ring is the business.

Grand Lake Kitchen

576 Grand Ave

I am loving Grand Lake Kitchen, I have had 2 meals there and both were fresh and delicious.  Try the, Breakfast Sando - fried eggs, country ham, jack cheese, avocado on ciabatta or the Savory French Toast - rye bread, 2 poached eggs, wild mushrooms, parmesan, arugula and herb oil.

North West Oakland, Time to Visit

If you follow my blog, you know what a foodie I am.  I love exploring new taste treats in Oakland and Berkeley.  A coworker told me about the new storefront for James and the Giant Cupcake. Eurydice Manning opened her concept in 2008, but realized her dream of opening her own shop, when her North Oakland location opened for business, just last week.

My Daughter, Nia has already made a special request for these cupcakes in lieu of a birthday cake for her next special day. Here you can also order gluten free and vegan varieties.

A thriving retail corridor, the area along the Oakland Berkeley border at San Pablo has been growing and is part of the Walk Score Renaissance that Oakland has experienced. This week Walk Score announced that Oakland ranked number ten in the nation’s most walkable cities.  In the past ten years, walk-ability has become more important to Oakland families and is part of the reason that home prices have remained relatively stable in our neighborhoods. Click here to read the article.

While I was there, I happened along the Actual Café, which is, as the name states, (with tongue firmly in cheek,) an ACTUAL Café, not a cyber one.  The owners invite you to unplug, kick up your feet and stay a while. There is a wonderful bike rack, free WiFi and they sell seriously local coffee, McLaughlin Coffee that is roasted a few blocks away in Emeryville.

A Verb for Keeping Warm is one of those Etsy-esque artisan knitting shops whose purveyors have a penchant for doing things by hand.  I discovered knitting classes and yarn dyed by hand right on the premises.

I love exploring my City, and it’s always a great time to support local business.  Consider a stroll in your very walkable Oakland!

Oakland is THE food haven of the East Bay

Yes, I said it!  Sure I realize that Chez Panise in Berkeley is the birth place for California Cuisine, (and Berkeley has great restaurants), but in recent years Oakland has moved the real food movement forward. There are many restaurants here that serve locally grown and delicious food.  This weekend was all about the food, as we had the Eat Real Festival in Jack London Square.  This festival is all about sustainable food, with the goal of making real food as accessible as fast food.  As an Oaklander, I was happy to see a stellar turn-out with tons of people outside enjoying the food, drink and music at Oakland's waterfront.   I will be honest, the lines were long, so I only selected a few spots to indulge.

sweet!

Friday night was majority a dessert night.  My son, daughter and I parked, walked through Jack London, stopped in the Decade With No Name exhibit, a celebration of the sculptors, painters, photographers and street artists who call Oakland, Berkeley and the greater East Bay home.   After walking the booths we all decided that we had to try,  Sweet, absurdly creamy crème brulée.  Rob of Sweet had various flavors, such as Grand Marnier, Coffee and Vanilla.  You walk up select a flavor and they burn the cream while you wait. Unbelievably good.  Next we stopped by Jack London's newest additions, Miette.  Miette is an incredibly irresistible bakery, featuring cupcakes, cakes, cookies,  ice cream sandwiches and rarely found candy bars such as Sky Bar and Flake.   The creme fraiche ice cream sandwiches are incredible.   Miette began at the Berkeley Farmer's Market and now has locations in the San Francisco Ferry Building in San Francisco and Jack London Square in Oakland.

miettesandwich

As the sunset, we headed over to Bocanova, for dinner.  (For a detailed review, check out my Yelp page, Deidre J.)  This place was hopping! With a full bar, handsome interior and gorgeous Oakland setting this place was the hang outfor Oaklanders.

Day Two of the Eat Real Fest brought out a more food carts and quite a crowd.  The best of show was Gerard's Paella.  Seen on Throw Down with Bobby Flay on the Food Network, Gerard takes freshly caught seafood and makes monster pans of paella.  His set-up is unreal!  Worth the wait in line, this was the best lunch that I have had in weeks.

paella

paella2

Coming soon to The Oakland Berkeley Journal, food trucks around the town.  Bon Appetite!

More Than Flowers

Why had I not visited Arjan Flowers before?  I have passed this Piedmont Avenue boutique many times over the last 11 months it has been open for business.  Somehow I missed it!  Better late than never.  Proprietor, Mina is gracious, knowledgeable and is the perfect hostess.  She answered tons of questions, potted a staghorn fern that I purchased, and after an enjoyable visit she left me wanting more.  Expect arrangements with branches, fruit and unusual findings.  In fact during my visit a customer presented Mina with blackberries on the vine from her garden for Mina to incorporate into her arrangements. Marvel at the photos below.

walnuts on the branch

walnuts

There is a nut in there

flowers!

Elmwood Glory

When I was thirteen, I took the bus to the Julia Morgan Center for my bi-weekly dance classes.  If I had the chance, I would stop by Sweet Dreams and spend a dollar of my allowance on super sour gummy candies.  The Elmwood was always an idyllic neighborhood to me.  Even at age 13 I loved the charm of the early 1900's homes.  The location couldn't and still can't be beat, close to everything!  UC Campus, Rockridge, BART, WholeFoods and the Claremont district of Oakland/Berkeley.

At one time the shops of the Elmwood were sparse, but within the last few years new life has created a rebirth.

Today, Labels had their grand opening, showcasing two stories of gently used and some new designer accessories, handbags, shoes and jewelery.

The Dailey Methodis another recent addition to the corner of Ashby and College,  offering  strength and stretching classes with a heavy emphasis on your core.

Ici is my favorite ice cream shop!  Yes, you might find me in that long line on College Avenue.

Summer Kitchen and Bakeshop, serves re-imagined take-away food.

The Elmwood Cafe, is the Ozzie's Soda Fountain reinvented.

Lola Home, was established in 2005 and brings inspiration to your to your walls, table and office.

What are homes selling for in this neighborhood?

Since January 1, 2010, a total of 10 - 3 (or more) bedroom, 2 (or more) bathroom homes have sold in the Elmwood.  With an average list price of $1,085,800 and an average sold price of $1,112,337, selling on average in 23 days.

Out and About in Oakland

TomorrowOakland Unwrapped will host, Full Moon Buy Night at Jack London square.  Support local business and artisans as they fill the square and sell their wares.  Oakland Unwrapped is an Online Marketplace where shoppers can find and buy directly from Oakland-owned independent businesses and artists. In 2008, Oakland Unwrapped became a program of OneCalifornia Foundation, a nonprofit economic development organization in downtown Oakland.  Click here for more about Full Moon Buy Night. Artist's such as Scott Courtnay-Smith who creates fine art as well as wearable art. (see his fedora above.)

Enjoy the Bay Area's hot Fall nights with the fourth annual Sunday in the Redwood's Concert Series.  There are two weekends left, for more information, click here.

October 4 - Amazing Jazz

October 11 - Neo Soul Experience with Ledisi

Berkeley Bowl West, Just What The Doctor Ordered!

Berkeley Bowl West - 920 Heinz Avenue in West Berkeley. Deidre Joyner

Berkeley Bowl West has arrived!  This is great news for foodies and folks who live in West Berkeley and North Oakland. (Berkeley Bowl West will also service the North Oakland community as it is a few blocks from the North-West Oakland and Emeryville areas.)  The 140,000 square foot warehouse style building is filled with the most comprehensive array of produce for the most intricate and exotic of recipes.  As I walked down every aisle, I felt like a kid in a toy store.   The quality and the prices are superior to Wholefoods and you have to love that Berkeley Bowl is locally owned!

Berkeley Bowl West has a huge cheese, deli, hot prepared food section, bakery, bulk organic foods, produce,  seafood - (including sashimi grade ahi and more.), grass-fed meat and aisles of national and local brand groceries. Berkeley Bowl West anchors the cool San Pablo West neighborhood of Berkeley and is walking distance to Sea Salt, Cafe Treiste, Scharffen Berger Chocolate and more.  Fresh and healthy,(locally produced food), just what the doctor ordered!

The Full East Bay Experience

My client Sue is in the process of relocating to Oakland from San Francisco.  As part of my service I planned a mini fieldtrip, a little house hunting and alittle East Bay culture.   On one of our outings we found ourselves trailing around Emeryville.  As we drove by Pixar and visited a townhouse near Powell Street, I made a detour to Charles Chocolates.  Chocolatier Chuck  Siegel  is nationally renown for his confections and has set up shop on Hollis and 65th Street in Emeryville. (Formerly Andronicos)  Recently Chuck started baking morning pastries and opened an espresso bar featuring Blue Bottle Coffee, making Charles Chocolate the perfect place for a decadent pick me up.  I had a chocolate scone that was baked in house that morning and a latte; both were wonderful.  (...and I am picky.)  The espresso bar opens at 8:00 a.m and is the perfect spot for the loft and condo residents and surrounding businesses to patronize.  Visit Charles Chocolates at 6529 Hollis Street in Emeryville or CharlesChocolates.com

Temescal Outing, Oakland

A few weeks back I was invited to the Spring Serrahna fashion show that was being held at Tanjia's restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland.  I have to admit I had never heard of this Moroccan eatery, but I was down for something new.  From the humble exterior one would never know how grand the interior is.  As I entered into the shadowy candle-lit dining room, I was amazed by the tented room draped with rich fabrics.  It was as if I walked into a scene of a novel.  I was taken to a dining table about the height of my living room  coffee table and was seated on a leather pillow.  The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed and I was entertained by fantastic Moroccan music and models who were showcasing the clothes of Andrea Serrahn.  I had an scrumptious order of lamb brochette with spices that permeated through the meat.  Just when I thought my entertainment was over, I was charmed by belly dancing.  I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and the best part, was the 10 minute drive from Tanjia to my bed.  Serrahna is a Rockridge clothing boutique that features contemporary clothing made from India textiles and are made for REAL women.  (I love how Andrea had her clients showcase her designs!)  serrahna.com and tanjias.com

Grand Opening of New Oakland Winery!

Stage Left Cellars Opening and Wine Tasting

This Saturday, April 4th,  from 11:00- 5:00 pm Owners Melinda and Rich Doty of Left Stage Cellars will be having their grand opening in their new space at 2102 Dennison St., in Oakland. (Click here for a map) Come see this new Oakland business and see 13 original works of art by Oakland artist, Scott Courtenay-Smith.  (Click here for Scott's website)  It's at the 23rd Avenue exit from 880 South, in a cool little industrial park.   Support Oaklanders who are making Oakland a great place to work, live and thrive!

Lakeshore Avenue - Crocker Highland's Retail District

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.

Independent Oakland Businesses in Temescal

The other day on the news I heard a bleak  forecast regarding small businesses in this economy.  The report said that 1 in 5 businesses will close.  I thought about all of the mom and pop shops that I patronize and how I like that they know me and my family.  I will be honest, I do shop at Target for my basic household supplies, but there is so much more variety in the boutiques around town.  Here are few shops within a one block radius of Telegraph Avenue in the Temescal District of Oakland.

The other day I stumbled upon Ruby's Garden in the Temescal Plaza next to Genova Deli.  How could I have missed this store for the last year?  A clean and cool boutique with original art covering the walls and funky tee shirts for kids,  handmade capes made by local folks, colorful ugly dolls and more.  This is my type of shop.  Ruby's Garden features clothing for babies and children up to age 8  and is a full service florist with delivery service available.  Owners Mae and Mary are Temescalians , (Okay, I just made that word up - they work and live in Temescal and they are committed to the success of this district of Oakland.) Click here for Ruby's Garden online.

Stop by Ruby's Garden for gifts, inspirations and urban chic clothes for your kids.

The Shaver Shop is a local business that specializes in the sale and repair of knives, fine cutlery, scissors, barber and sewing equipment.  Purchase new knives or maintain your old.  510-655-8742 Click Here to visit Shaver Shop online.

Article Pract's owner Christina Stork was super friendly when I stepped into her shop.  She showed me the naturally dyed yarns made in Berkeley by, A Verb To Keeping Warm.  Her shop features as many locally made products as possible and offers an assortment of classes.  Click Here to Visit Article Pract online.

Proprietor Scott  of Scout Hardware brings home inspiration to all.  Showcasing uncommon goods from around the global including finds from French flea markets, no VOC paints by Mystic, window treatments, furnishings, lighting and more, Scout is an ever changing home and accessory store perfect for your Berkeley Bungalow, Rockridge Craftman, or any room that you want to add a little nostalgia. Click Here to Visit Scout Online.

Shop Oakland on a Budget - Issues Magazine Shop

Here is a snapshot that I took of the cool paintings by Olivia Allums on the wall of Issues last December.

Okay, I know I am urging you to get out and support your local businesses of Oakland and Berkeley and here is one more shop to put on your to-do list. Issues Magazine Shop at 20 Glen Avenue, off of Piedmont Avenue, in Oakland is an ultra cool magazine-media shop featuring magazines from all over the globe. Contact Issues at 510-652-5700

So if you need a pick me up without spending the entire contents of your wallet, stop by Issues for a French Vogue or Atomic Ranch Magazine.

Every time I stop by, proprietor Noella always has a smile on her face. Last December Issues had a special art exhibit featuring Olivia Allums. Issues commissioned Olivia to paint historic signs of Oakland businesses. I arrived at the gala about 45 minutes after it started and found that most of the 30 collection were already sold. Olivia has been requested to make a second edition of these works. I already have put my name on the waiting list for painting of Giant Burgers. (Back in the day, this burger joint had a cult following.)

Support Your Local Farmer's Markets!

This is one of my favorite vegetables, Broccolini sauted with garlic and olive oil.

Today, I did my usual Sunday morning drill, stop by the Montclair Village Peet's Coffee, pick up my soy latte and head to the Montclair Village Farmer's Market. (Open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm on La Salle between Mountain and Medau.) The market was a bit empty today, but the farmers were out with their freshly picked harvest. Today I left with a bag of broccolini, cilantro, sweet red peppers and garlic.

I just finished making a cilantro pesto:

1 bunch of fresh cilantro

3 cloves garlic

1 sweet red pepper

1/4 of a red onion

1/4 cup olive oil

salt to taste

blend in the blender until smooth

This potent mixture is a great addition to your freezer. Freeze this mixture in an ice cube tray and add sparingly to soups, rice, chili, or anything that you want to give a big boost of south of the border flavor.

You have to buy a big bag of broccollini while it is available. Simply wash and sauté with olive oil and a few cloves of crushed garlic. Cook until the broccolini turns bright green, (3-5 minutes only - look at the photo of the broccolini above) and add salt.

Enjoy!

Take time to smell the roses,(or lilies)

Found objects, dried masterpieces and fresh blooms, make Montclair Florsit a premier flower boutique. Husband and wife duo, Rosario and Siutta created a charming and calm flower shop that I really enjoy patronizing. Here I order the flowers that I want delivered within Oakland. I have been able to stop by in the morning and arrange for same day afternoon delivery. I tend to like floral arrangements that are simple, no baby's breath, no carnations, so it is great to walk into a shop,(or call) and order a flower arrangements exactly how I invision. You can view Rosario and Siutta's flower sculptures at the Claremont Resort and Spa. Montclair Florist is located at 2079 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611,(510) 339-9186.

Beautifully Delicious

As more and more shops shut their doors, it is important to honor businesses we want to boom. Over the holiday season, I really enjoyed picking up a few choice gifts at Someone's in the Kitchen on LaSalle in Montclair Village. I got fantastic service from Jennifer the proprietor and Christine. I purchased a wonderful couture apron by Kitchen Candy Company of Oakland for my cooking enthusiast friend, and I drooled over a few exquisite dish towels, napkins and pots. I love to pop into this shop see the new wares and grab a fresh baked cookie.

Stop by, drop off your knives for sharpening, soak up some culinary inspiration and tell Jennifer and Christine hello. 6128 La Salle Ave Oakland, CA 94611 (510) 339-3837

Shop Oakland and Give The Gift of Art

This weekend will be buzzing with fresh new art!

Creative Growth's Annual Holiday Sale opens Friday, it's also First Friday / Art Murmur in Oakland. Creative Growth Art Center serves adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression, Click Here for more information.

This Friday evening from 5-9 ISSUES on Glen Avenue off Piedmont Avenue will host a special opening for artist, Olivia Allums. This show will feature 30 small paintings that feature signs from Oakland businesses. Click Here for more information.

My friend and client, Leah Rivers will sell her handmade jewelery including white pearl double-wrap dewdrop necklaces; contemporary new all-silver pendants on chains; unusual antique glass bead bracelets; earrings with deep red garnets, cheery green peridot, tourmaline, and turquoise; and many other fantastic jewelry creations.

When: Sat & Sun, December 6th & 7th10 am - 5 pm

Where: Whitney Smith Pottery Studio

539 Athol Ave. Oakland, CA

If you are going to shop, shop Oakland!

Sad To See Businesses Go

I took this photo as the vertical sign from this vintage establishment was being removed.

This was the home of Walter Bennett Camera on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland. It is sad to see that after over 55 years in business this boutique camera store closed its doors. Understandably people were opting to purchase their cameras online or at larger electronic stores to save a few bucks. I admit, the last camera that I purchased was at a big electronic store in Emeryville as I wanted to purchase a camera at a cheaper price and with an extended warranty. The fact is we take these small businesses for granted; we walk pass them while they are in business and then we realize how much we miss them when they are gone.

Two years ago my family needed passport pictures and we got immediate service at Walter Bennett Camera. 

This holiday purchase unique gifts from smaller, independent stores.

Email me if you would like to receive my holiday newsletter with great discounts on Oakland and Berkeley businesses.

Tried and True, Montclair Sporting Goods, Oakland

Montclair Sporting Goods in Oakland, 510 -339-9313, 1970 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611 - Open 7 days a week!

The other week on a Sunday afternoon, my daughter informed me that her soccer cleats were hurting her feet. This was a problem as she had soccer camp the next morning. Fortunately, Montclair Sporting Goods is two exits away from my house, and it is open on Sundays. I called ahead and talked to the proprietor, Tom Revelli, and he told me that if I hurried he would wait for me.( It was 15 minutes until closing time.) Luckily, my daughter was able to have her foot measured and we were able to find a new comfy pair of soccer shoes for a week of intense drills. Sure you might find cleats slightly cheaper at chain sporting goods stores, but you will not get the hands on attention. In fact I think it is priceless to walk into a store, have someone greet you, and then sit down and have a professional fit you into the best shoe possible for your foot. The last time I was in that major chain store in Emeryville, I had a very hard time locating a sales associate.

Tom Revelli, has owned Montclair Sporting Goods since 1977! You can purchase anything from ski equipment and clothing, to Uggs and MBT walking shoes. (MBT shoes are shoes that claim to tone your legs and help your posture, you will see them featured all over Bliss Spa's catalogs. Tom's price on MBT's is the same as online sources and if he doesn't stock your size and style preference, he is able to special order them in record time.)

Just so you know, I visit many businesses in the community and unfortunately many don't make my cut. I am not affiliated with any of the businesses that I have featured, and I am not compensated for this blog. Obviously I can't guarantee the service you will receive, but it is my hope that you will be just as thrilled as I have been.

Cheers!