02.28.08
Posted in GoodEats, Old Oakland at 9:27 pm by OaklandGoods
READER UPDATE: Look for Souley Vegan to open 3/10
One of the things I love about the Bay Area is that even carnivores eat veggie food. I took a little trip to the mountains last weekend with some friends, and everyone showed up prepared to make their dish vegetarian friendly.
Down on 13th Street, Souley Vegan chef Tamera Dyson is getting extra veg-friendly as the farmer’s market staple opens her restaurant. For the grand opening, expect festive music along with your meat- and dairy-free collard greens, potato salad, lentils, and barbecued tofu.
Souley Vegan opens Friday, February 29, at 11:00 a.m. The party continues until 9.
431 13th St. at Broadway
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02.27.08
Posted in DoGooder, OaklandGoods, Events, West Oakland at 3:46 pm by OaklandGoods
Rumor has it that the Oakland Museum of California’s White Elephant Sale is the largest in Northern California. They collect donations all year to fill a 96,000 square-foot warehouse, and then throw it open for two days as the public packs in to buy buy buy. Well known for their stash of Hawaiian shirts and other collectibles, this is way better than the average flea market — it’s thrice as classy, and the proceeds benefit museum programs.
Be forewarned: the sale is NOT at the museum. You think they have 96,000 spare square feet?
white elephant sale
white elephant sale warehouse
march 1 and 2, 2008
333 lancaster st.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
*To donate for next year’s sale, call 510.536.6800.*
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02.20.08
Posted in GoodEats, GoodLife, Uptown at 7:55 pm by OaklandGoods
I know Flora has been open for several months now, but I wanted to wait until I had eaten there before writing it up.
The restaurant is breathtaking. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so lovely or sophisticated inside, and I remember thinking that the existence of such a pretty place is definitely a good sign for the neighborhood.
The drink list is creative. A few of the bar’s signature concoctions have flowers floating in them and the selection of liquors is extensive. I had a Cajun cocktail which, with it’s combination of whiskey and absinthe, had me relaxed in a few mere sips. It was so good that I had one on my second visit, too.
The food was also very good, although my visits produced different results. The first time I dined, I ordered the vegetable pot pie, which was flaky and savory - fantastic feel-good food. My friend had the fish and chips, which was gorgeous! When I returned two weeks later, I ordered the fish and chips which, while very tasty, wasn’t plated as nicely and wasn’t as warm when it arrived at the table. My dinner companion for that meal ordered the burger and seemed pretty pleased.
For dessert, I tried the winter squash bread pudding, which was delightful. It was all I could do not to lick the caramel sauce off the plate. Also, my sweet tooth required that I try the homemade marshmallow (which comes on the hot chocolate) and it was heaven. If you can talk them into giving you one, do it.
Overall, my food was great, but it did seem a little more haphazard the second time around. Service was attentive throughout, and the coat check is a nice touch. I highly recommend Flora - it’s some of the best of what Oakland has to offer.
flora
1900 telegraph ave
510.286.0100
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02.14.08
Posted in GoodLife, Events at 7:50 pm by OaklandGoods
OaklandGoods hasn’t forgotten you. She moved and can’t find her camera!
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First things first: Everyone’s beloved Tina Tamale is having a birthday party at Air Lounge to raise funds for the Old Oakland Neighbors group. Tickets are required ($20) and include tastings from local restaurants, great music, a green goodie bag, and a great time. Check out Tina’s Tamale Girl Web site for more info.
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If you’re feeling a little scraggly, Old Oakland’s Nailphoria Day Spa is offering several great discounted treatments. I’m intrigued by the massage and chair massage services, but they also offer skincare for men and women (facials, waxing, manicures, all that good stuff).
This month enjoy $5 discounts on hour-long massages and spa manicures, $-off their signature pomegranate-citrus mani and pedi, and complementary eyebrow shaping with a 45-minute or longer facial.
Appointments are encouraged.
nailphoria day spa
1212 broadway, ste. 910
510.893.2181
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02.08.08
Posted in Events at 5:41 am by OaklandGoods
When this first dropped in my mailbox, I wasn’t sure I was going to do anything with it. The event is in SF, but it’s being sponsored by an Oakland company. And if that company wants to give my readers something for free, well, who am I to stand in their way?
Upon further investigation, I discovered that Cathedral Financial Group, the Oakland sponsor, is an socially and environmentally responsible financial advisory business. They’re very involved in the community and fundraising for organizations like Covenant House. They even have a radio show on Green 960 AM on Sunday mornings.
So, I decided to post the event: Mike Robbins (Ex-Kansas City Royals baseball player and motivational speaker) will speak about his new book, “Focus on the Good Stuff” and provide practical lessons on how to lead an even richer and fuller life.
Perhaps the best part: Food, wine, and chocolates are to follow.
The event takes place Saturday, February 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.at the Geary Theater, 415 Geary, SF.
Regular tickets are $90, but Cathedral has a number of tickets they’re giving out free to OaklandGoods readers! To claim yours, RSVP to 510.638.6331 or emailing rose@cathedralfinancial.com. Be sure to mention you saw this offer on OaklandGoods.
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02.05.08
Posted in Events at 11:46 am by OaklandGoods
Does this vote scanner pass muster with the folks at Grand Lake Theater?
See election returns and get information at the Alameda County registrar’s Web Site.
I am OaklandGoods, and I approve this message.
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02.01.08
Posted in Events at 5:25 am by OaklandGoods
Chelsea Clinton is speaking at Mills College Saturday, January 2, from 10-11 a.m. Come listen to her talk about the importance of the youth vote. I recommend parking off-campus.
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