Best of the East Bay
Sorry for the delay, OaklandGoods was vacationing on the other coast. But even a little itch here and there won’t keep me away from the best of the East Bay! Look for new goods soon…
The return of the sun means the return of warm weather, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with ice cream.
Where Mac Arthur begins curving into the Dimond, you’ll find the best combination of ice cream and ambiance in Oakland. At Loards, the candy-pink trim and rounded glass exterior speak volumes about a time when going for ice cream was an event. The classic heart-shaped chairs invite sweethearts to sip a malt with two straws.
Remember Fenton’s before the fire and remodel? That’s a little like what Loard’s feel like - a perfectly preserved piece of local history, still here for you to enjoy.
So stop in and enjoy a frozen treat, frozen in time. Here’s a list of flavors, so you can plan your sundae:
loard’s ice cream and candies
2825 mac arthur blvd.
510.482.2262
It’s like American Apparel for your baby, but cuter. Mariposa Baby’s adorable designs each come in a variety of colors with sweet, simple detailing that includes contrasting stiches and patterned ribbon. Made mostly in Oakland (okay, some assembly takes place in SF), each item comes wrapped in a lovely butterfly-stamped box for easy gifting or gorgeous storage.
Owner, designer, and Oaklander Elizabeth Falkner intended each item to be classic and durable enough for hand-me-downs. She says her best selling item is the aquamarine On The Spot sleepsack. Check out the full array of pj’s, cuddle blankets and more at www.mariposababy.com.
These sweet gifts are also available at:
babyalula, 3929 Piedmont Ave
Siobhan van Winkel, 6371 Telegraph Ave
Enrez! Open House, 1645 Telegraph Ave
This may be the busiest First Friday yet. All the regular gallery-hopping festivities will be underway thanks to the Art Murmur, but that’s just one third of the May 4 goodness. Feria Urbana is jumping The Bay, launching its inaugural event at the cafe of the Oakland Museum of California from 5-9 p.m. Pick up crafts, art, textiles, and other hand made goods for yourself of for mom (remember her? Her day is next weekend). Music, dancing, and other craziness will ensue.
And speaking of other madness, don’t forget the first Oakland Indie Awards by the ladies of Oakland Unwrapped. Come celebrate Oakland’s best independent businesses at Frank Ogawa Plaza from 5:30-8.
