Last weekend I made a point of getting out and enjoying my community. Friday morning I headed to Brown Sugar restaurant, a cute soul food eatery on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland operated by chef proprietor, Tanya Holland. I had a "screaming", (that means unbelievable, over the top) piece of brown sugar peach coffee cake, a fantastic latte and I loved the corn waffles with brown sugar butter. (I suggest you upgrade to the real maple syrup.) I absolutely love the upscale diner decor with mounted photography of Oakland. Brown Sugar Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday - Sunday. Check out Brown Sugar Kitchen online, brownsugarkitchen.com.
Saturday, St. George Spirits in Alameda had their bi-annual open house. Here fans of fine spirits were able to learn how this boutique distillery handcrafts their small batches of the best Eau de Vie, Hangar One fruit infused vodka, absinthe, whiskey and more. With live music, snacks and bartenders everywhere mixing up fresh liquid concoctions, this was the best party along the Bay. Visit St. George Spirits online, St.GeorgeSpirits.com.
Folks hang out in front of St. George Spirits and enjoy the sun and the Bay view.
Sunday afternoon, I visited Linda Joseph's gorgeous Crocker Highland home for a casual art show featuring the work of Oakland artist Jess Wainer. Jess's medium is glass, clay and watercolors. I really love that Jess embraces vivid color! Splashes of color really make a wall pop. Jess's work ranges in price, but I was able to score a handle blown glass paper weight and a set of beetle notecards for $60. Check out Jess online at www.jesswainer.com.
