03.30.07

Tip Top Bike Shop

Posted in OaklandGoods, The Temescal at 6:21 pm by OaklandGoods

Tip Top Bike Shop 

 

When Richard and Charlotte Oelerich decided to skip the pond from London to California, they weren’t sure of their ultimate destination, but a coastal road trip sealed the deal - Oakland would be their new home. In finding a location for their bike store, they were looking for foot and bike traffic, an area without a bike shop, and a strong community.

What better place to dismount than across the street from the Lanesplitter pub? 

The shop has only been open two weeks and already cyclists with squeaky brakes and flat tires are popping in to consult. In addition to fixing bikes, they sell a wide variety of cycles, locks, and helmets, as well as a selection of riding togs by Fox and Specialized.

The Grand Opening is scheduled for Friday, April 6, to coincide with the April First Friday art walk, and prizes and refreshments will be on offer. “My favorite things are combinations of four letter words,” Richard says, “free beer, free food, free hats…” Expect those things and more when you stop by Tip Top next week.

tip top bike shop 

4800 A telegraph ave.

510.444.4148

thursdays through mondays, with late hours on thursdays

03.22.07

GoodEats: Montclair Malt Shop

Posted in GoodEats, Montclair at 3:45 am by OaklandGoods

Montclair Malt Shop

Under new ownership and grandly re-opened, the new Montclair Malt Shop looks delicious on its sunny corner. The clutter, charming though it may have been, is gone, replaced by sleek countertops and wide windows. No more will orange-haired troll dolls watch you order your fro-yo.

Serving Bud’s Ice Cream and Ambrosia frozen yogurt, the shop has also added espresso drinks to its menu. And there are snacks for everyone, even dieters and the lactose intolerant - organic energy bars, fruit juice, and gourmet chocolate round out the menu.

What’s missing? The free pickles for pregnant women. But once you’re lost in your chocolate malt, you’ll never notice.

montclair malt shop

2066 mountain blvd

510.338.1886

Malt shop

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03.15.07

OaklandGoods: AC Clothing and Bags

Posted in OaklandGoods, The Temescal at 3:43 am by OaklandGoods

Amy Cools' purses

Amy Cools, one of Oakland’s hottest young designers, sells her gorgeous purses and clothes from her shop, Afterglow, on Telegraph Ave. Using classic shapes and vintage upholstery for her bags, her high-quality goods are sweatshop-free and high quality. She makes all her goods in the shop, where she displays other designers who share her values, too.
At OaklandGoods we push products we love and that better our community (and our style), and our Amy Cools bag feels good and indie, has garnered numerous compliments, and holds absolutely everything! It’s red and white, with a blue flower applique and a vintage button closure. Basically, it’s the perfect purse.
Check out AC Designs at Afterglow. And while you’re there, check out the other independent designers. The store’s full of clothing and jewelry that’s sourced from local artists, making it a collection of the best ideas in town.

AC Clothing and Bags at Afterglow

4233 telegraph avenue

510.654.7514

Cools at work

03.07.07

Happy Anniversary to Make My Day!

Posted in GoodLife, Piedmont Ave. at 5:12 am by OaklandGoods

Make My Day

Make My Day, Piedmont Ave’s best-smelling home decor shop, is celebrating its first anniversary! Celebrate by stocking up on soy-based candles, artisanal teas, designer note cards, and plush pillows. Vietnamese lamps and Japanese tea sets are sure to lend an international feeling to any room. Check out the house and garden books at the front for ideas, and then pick the pieces that’ll perk up your home. Go ahead - make your day.
make my day

3850 piedmont ave.

510.601.0608

Make My Day

03.01.07

Powderface

Posted in GoodEats, fruitvale at 6:37 am by OaklandGoods

Powderface beignets

It’s hard to imagine a better name for a beignet bakery than the Powderface Cafe. Big, rectangular, and completely delicious, Powderface’s fried treats are made fresh to order. True to the cafe’s name, the quarter inch thick powdered sugar gets everywhere when you bite down, so wear white to dine!

There’s a rumor that this place serves coffee and other standard cafe goods, but you’ll be up to your eyeballs in sugary goodness with the beignets, so why bother to look at a menu?
powderface cafe

3411 east 12th street ste. 134

510.536.3223

DoGooder: Habitat for Humanity

Posted in DoGooder at 6:07 am by OaklandGoods

An Oakland Habitat for Humanity site

Volunteer to build Oakland and to increase home ownership opportunities for low income families with Habitat for Humanity. There are many East Bay sites, and 26 homes are under construction in East Oakland.

Plan ahead to donate time: The organization is planning a green-building blitz for Earth Day in April, and registration is now open. Sign up to help build the city with Habitat for Humanity.

habitat for humanity east bay

510.251.6304