Put it on your radar - Oct 2 07
Believe the hype! Oakland is coming on strong. Don't believe me? Read below for the short story, and then read San Francisco magazine's October feature story>
EAST BAY...
Watch for the Shop Oakland Passport campaign, consisting of discount offers from retailers throughout the city. 100k copies will hit the streets in November.
Downtown: Franklin Square Wine Bar - coming to Broadway and West Grand. Following in the steps of Levende, Ozumo will soon open in the same area. Awaken Cafe, a coffee and tea house/art gallery may already be open. And here's a twist, it becomes a wine bar with music in the evening. Sankofa moved into new digs on Frank Ogawa Plaza in April.
Old Oakland: Trappist Cafe, a belgian ale house will soon join the scene in Old Oakland. Verse, a stylish athletic footwear shop on 9th has moved in. FiveTen Studios brings custom furniture and home accessories to the corner of Broadway and 9th. In case you missed it, Levende appears to be doing well after 3 months of operations.
Lake Merritt: Whole Foods just opened a beautiful store on September 26 near St. Paul's Church. I thought Trader Joe's was under construction at the old Lucky's site on Lakeshore, but the other day I saw a Walgreen's sign? Zza's Enoteca wine bar is now open on Grand, adjacent to Zza Tratoria of course. Looks like they're still plugging away at the old boat house site which is supposed to become the Beach Chalet (like the one in SF) on the lake near 14th street. But it's taking so long!
Rockridge: Wood Tavern has been getting much love since it opened its doors a couple of months ago. This may be Oakland's hottest ticket right now.
Piedmont: Watch for McMullen, coming in November to 4395 Piedmont Avenue. The word is that you'll see "chic and savvy women's clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories." Tell Sherri that Michael D sent ya!
AND ACROSS the Bay...
San Francisco: Barney's New York opened its doors last weeK. SF will never be the same. Blues in the Night is rocking the house at the Post Street Theatre. According to Dr. Vicki L. Hughes, "What a great evening! Walter and I met the cast afterwards and really enjoyed the whole show. Some folk in the theater really got into it. A few people were shouting like they were in church! They got the spirit!!" The Color Purple opens next week...as if you haven't heard!
San Mateo: Gator's Neo-Soul Cafe - Put this one high on your radar screen All reports are very good. According to one reader, "The chef is cool. The food is great. He has a good thing in the works."
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- Trader Joe's on Lakeshore will also have an adjacent Walgreen's. They are trying to run Long's out of biz at that site!
Posted by: anonymous | Monday, October 22, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Hey Michael D, where do you get all the inside info?
Posted by: Lynn | Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 01:19 AM