05.23.08
The Aloha Spirit
image from Science of Drink
OaklandGoods will be taking a week off to sip mai tais on the beach. You can also get a good islandy feeling by heading to the following places:
*Jamaica - Tropix restaurant has Red Stripe, fried plantains with black bean dip, and the best cornbread in town. (Also, it is not a juice bar. I lived near it for about a year before I realized they serve food.) The back patio, covered in greenery, is one of my favorites on a hot night. 3814 Piedmont Ave. 510.653.2444.
*Thailand - Old Weang Ping Village is a hidden haven. Just east of Mills College, they’re only open for dinner, sometimes sporadically. The food is good - order the sticky rice - but it’s the atmosphere you’re after: a unique combination of lush and funky. If you’re not nearby, it’s worth calling in advance to make sure they’re open. 6217 MacArthur Blvd. 510.430.8771.
*Generic Islandy Atmosphere - The Kona Club, or as I like to call it, The King’s Kona, serves up big fruity drinks in bowls. And who can resist a full menu of tiki drinks? The real reason to come, though, is to see what’s under the hula skirt of the lifesize, hip swiveling doll. 4401 Piedmont Ave. 510.654.7100. For an alternate good Tiki time, try the Conga Lounge, which is supposed to be great, but I’m embarassed to say I’ve never been there.
*The Water - Pop down to Jack London Square and get your butt on a boat. The East Bay Ferry goes to Angel Island, San Francisco, and even to At&T Park on game nights. It’s fun and the fresh air on your face feels great.