Exploring Oakland, California

The other day as I drove through Oakland on Broker's Tour, (A tour of the latest listings for Realtors) I decided to drive from Montclair to the Elmwood District of Oakland via Grizzly Peak. I drove up Shepherd Canyon to Skyline Blvd. and turned left. (Skyline turns into Grizzly Peak.)  Here I actually stopped my car to soak in the beautiful views you can only find from the Oakland-Berkeley area. I love the turquoise blue water and the outline of Lake Merritt. Grizzly Peak will then take you to Claremont Avenue, and on Claremont you will drive through lush foliage and trees to get to Domingo Street and the Claremont Hotel. Get lost in Oakland

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The lush trees on Claremont Avenue in Oakland, photo by Deidre

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!

Oakland Fraud Alert

Last evening a person called me and said they were calling on behalf of the Oakland Police Officer's Association and they asked me if I wanted to donate to the organization.  In light of the recent shootings and deaths of four Oakland Police Officers, you may want to contribute money to the families who just lost their loved ones, but be AWARE the OPOA does not solicit donations over the phone. This is a scam!  I called the President of the Oakland Police Officer's Association and he confirmed this.  Please pass this information on.

Glenview Bungalow That Caught My Fancy

4039 Linwood Avenue in the Glenview district of Oakland caught my fancy last week on Broker's Tour.  (This home is currently listed with Leslie Easterday of Pacific Union. Listed at $695,000)  When you are purchasing a home you either want one of two things: You want the purchase price to include finish work that suits your style and sensibility or you want the purchase price to reflect that it is in need a cosmetic face lift to suit your needs.

This house on Linwood was pristine, great light, warm hardwoods and original details such as the original hearth tile and built-in shelving.  The lot is a small, but the raised garden beds really appealed the gardener in me.  Additionally the Glenview district is a very walkable neighborhood with great restaurants.  A Cote, (The very popular Rockridge eatery) is in the process of opening a sister restaurant in the Glenview on Park Blvd.  This restaurant will feature Pan American food highlighting food from Argentina, Cuba and Mexico.

Mid Century Modern Home in Montclair Hills, Oakland - Yum!

  39 Kimberley Court in the Piedmont Pines area of Montclair was my favorite house from last Thursday's Broker's Tour.  I loved the living room with the stacked flagstone fireplace, walls of glass with the unobstructed views! This home is listed with Helen Nicholas of APR.  Thanks Helen! List price is $949,000

Hidden Trails to Montclair Village, (Oakland, CA)

The Montclair district of Oakland is a distinct area comprised of an eclectic array of architectural  within mountainous landscaping full of eucalyptus, oak, pine and redwood trees.  I love the hidden passages that lead to Montclair Village, the retail area of this community.

Dreamy 1941 Laurel Heights (Oakland) Traditional

4145 Eastlake Avenue is my favorite house from Monday's Broker's Tour.  (Broker's Tour is a scheduled tour of homes open to Realtors.)  Eastlake Avenue located on the border of Laurel Heights and Redwood Heights is one of my favorite streets. This street features views, a cul de sac and is a tucked away street off of the beaten path.  This house has random plank hardwood floors in the living room, views, rounded corners, (a feature seen in the 1930's and 1940's) an eat-in kitchen and a large downstairs which includes a living area, an extra bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.  The master bedroom upstairs has a small balcony, a great place to catch a few rays of sun and glimpse Downtown Oakland and the Bay. This property shows pride of ownership,  is super clean, appears to be well maintained and is move-in ready.  Homes are rarely for sale on this street making this a property to see. This house is currently listed with Vicky Faulk of Coldwell Banker for $725,000, Thanks Vicky!

Crocker Highlands House in Oakland In Need of New Owner

570 Santa Ray in the Crocker Highlands District of Oakland is new to the market and oozing with potential. This property is listed by my colleague, Julia Temple at Red Oak Realty and is a bank owned traditional listed at $599,900. This home has fantastic light, huge rooms, original details, loads of charm and handsome woodwork. This house looks in need of work, but there is no doubt this could be a masterpiece, with a superb location. Last Saturday I took some clients out to preview this home and I was asked what this property would be worth in today's market once all the work necessary was done. I just did a little research and looked at properties that have sold in Crocker Highlands with at least 1800 square feet since September 2008 until now. (Keep in mind there were a few properties that were fixers, as well as stunning gems.) The average listing price was $948,349 and the average selling price was $927,705. I can't wait to see what this home ultimately sells for and what the new buyers decide to do to this property!

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.

North Oakland Redo

This home at 5932 Whitney Street was for sale last year.  Many buyers like this neighborhood as it is super close to Berkeley, Ashby Bart and the Temescal shopping district of Oakland.  The problem was, last year this house was a fixer, and many buyers could not afford to purchase this home and pay for the renovations necessary.  Fortunately, this home was purchased by a licenced contractor who renovated this home, all with permits.  5932 Whitney is now beautiful, available and move-in ready!  This is my colleague's listing and I will be holding it open for her this Sunday, open 2-4 pm.  Come visit me this Sunday and don't forget to set your clocks forward tonight for daylight savings time!   Cheers!

The best of everything! Mid-Century Home on the Piedmont Side Of Montclair, Oakland

Yesterday as I compiled the homes to view that were open on broker's tour, I was urged by a colleague to put 45 Lane Court on my list. (This home is currently listed with Nancy Rothman of Pacific Union.)  My colleague had heard that this property was a piece of art, and boy the rumors were right!   Set back from the street, this house immediately grabbed my heart, as I spotted the copper garage door perfectly patina-ed.  This home has the vault ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that mid-century modern homes boast, but it has artistic and modern enhancements that are breath-taking.  The master bathroom has a stainless steel soaking tub and steam room,  the downstairs family-rumpus room has a custom kitchen for seamless entertaining and every aspect of this home looks as if it has been enhanced or over-hauled to pristine perfection.  (really!)  For enthusiast like myself I notice the details,  the silky smooth walls, the clean hinges and door hardware, the custom scones to showcase the stunning artwork,  the solid Douglas fir doors, and I could go on and on.   This was my favorite Oakland property of today's broker's tour.  (By the way, this property is blocks to Montclair Village, making it a great walking neighborhood in Oakland.) Here are a few photos to drool over.

1950's Style Lives On In Oakland

With World War II over, America was optimistic about a new beginning. When you view 1950's houses, (that have not been renovated) you will often see cheery colors such as pink bathrooms and yellow accents.

If you are looking to paint your rooms to mirror the 50's authentically, here is your inspiration. This aqua blue mid-century home in the Redwood Heights district of Oakland is now pending, (listed by Judith Cain of Grubb Co. there were two offers.)  I like how the owner embraced this home's mid-century roots and painted the exterior in a tasteful color shade of turquoise, a nod to classic mid-century Americana.

The sunny yellow kitchen below is a Montclair, (Oakland, CA.) mid-century home. (Currently listed with Glass-Sabine with Grubb Co.) Compare this current photo of a mid-century kitchen with the vintage photo at the bottom, and you can see all of the in-tact 50's details. Classic chrome cabinet pulls, Formica with aluminum edging countertops, vibrant colors and linoleum floors.

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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!

Oakland's Best Tuna Sandwich

Sandwich extraordinaire Jeff, a Genova staple.

I have been patronizing Genova Deli for two decades. This deli with a cult following use to be located in a small hole in the wall location on Telegraph Avenue in what is now called the Temescal district of Oakland. Of course at that time there was no Temescal District with Pizzaiolo, Dona Thomas or Bakesale Betty and more. Folks would drive out of there way and stand in long lines to get a Genova sandwich. About 10 years or so ago, Genova moved to its present and large location just down the street,(from its former location) 5095 Telegraph Ave. (510-652-7401)

Every week I head over to Genova to get my beloved tuna sandwich complete with all of the trimmings. This is the best tuna sandwich in town! I love their tuna topped with the crunch of the sliced pickles and iceberg lettuce, (no micro greens!), the spice of the peppercinis and their signature vinaigrette. Come here when you are craving a great sandwich from a true Italian deli.

Oakland Artist Worth a Look

Oakland Potter, Whitney Smith

As a child, I always knew that I like nice things. I didn't always know how to articulate my likes and dislikes, but I was always drawn to quality. When I was in my early twenties, I managed an Il Fornaio Panetteria in Marin and met local artist, Sylvia Verange. Very soon Sylvia and I were friends and the next thing I knew I was purchasing art from her on lay-away.

I think I was first drawn to art as an apartment dweller. I could beautify my apartment without investing money into a property that I didn't own. When it was time to move, I could pack up my beautiful objects!

Last December I stumbled upon Oakland potter, Whitney Smith. As I walked into Whitney's Oakland studio I was immediately taken with the fresh and unpretentious works of art. Influenced by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts and with a floral design background, Whitney has fresh designs anchored with an Old World feel. Whitney says she likes the look and feel of old things and antiques. She tries to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time.

Check out Whitney's website, www.whitneysmithpottery.com and add a piece of fine pottery to your art collection.

This pomegranate vase is beautiful, affordable and a great Valentine's gift. (You can order this on Whitney's website.)

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.

Get Walking! Montclair (Oakland, CA) Walking Trail

It is a new year! Now is the typical time that many people aim to get healthy and fit. Walking is a great way to start moving and reduce stress. Funny enough after living in Oakland for decades, I never explored the walking trail that lies behind Montclair Village. My neighbor Asha, who grew up in Detroit was the one who took me for my premier tour. Here is Asha and her son Jalen enjoying the sunny and crisp winter weather.

To get to the trail from Montclair Village, walk up LaSalle Avenue (above or east of Mountain Blvd). and where the street dead ends you will find stairs that lead up to the trail.

Mid-Century Modern in the Oakland Hills

My good friend Leka purchased a tiny mid-century home about a decade ago and completely renovated it to fit her family.  She has promised me a photo shoot so I can feature her home on my blog, but in the meanwhile here is a quick outdoor shot from this evening.

Notice the great floor to ceiling windows and comfortable patio for easy indoor-outdoor living. Inside you see the glow from the original George Nelson lights.