Bay Area Breakfasts

     It's hard to find time to enjoy a nice sit-down breakfast in the Bay Area, especially when the commute eats away hours from your day.  But when the opportunity arrives, you want to do it right. That's why I strongly recommend the Buttercup Grill at Jack London Square in Oakland and Ole's Waffle Shop on Park Street in Alameda.
     I go to Buttercup Grill solely for the eggs benedict.  These babies are always cooked to perfection here.  The hollandaise sauce is always the right texture and has the right buttery richness.  I've never seen more consistency and quality of service on such a difficult dish.  You can get all your other favorite breakfast items here as well, and the staff is very friendly.  If you, like me, are an eggs benedict fan and live in the Bay Area, you know that most restaurants only offer this dish on certain days and at certain times.  But at Buttercup Grill, you can get this heavenly creation daily. And Buttercup is open from 6 am to 11 pm, so you can squeeze them into your tight schedule.  Check out their website for menus and tantalizing photos, but don't do it hungry: http://buttercupgrillandbar.com/.
     If you're more of a sweet breakfast fan, then you can't find a better place than Ole's.  Ole's makes the best waffles in the whole Bay Area.  I know it's cliché, but these suckers literally melt in your mouth.  They're buttery and hearty and will leave you full and satisfied.  I usually get the pecan waffle.  The combination of nuts, maple syrup, and waffle create a level of rich perfection that borders on celestial.  You can also get fresh-squeezed orange juice and giant, juicy slabs of bacon.  Ole's is THE place to have breakfast in Alameda, so get there as early as you can, and be prepared to wait in line outside to get a table.  But trust me, this is but a small price to pay for the bliss you'll experience.  Ole's opens at 5:30 am Monday through Friday and 6 am on Saturday and Sunday, so they also accommodate a busy schedule. Just remember that you'll probably have a longer wait time.
     If you choose to enjoy either of these restaurants, don't forget to show your appreciation for your perfect breakfast by leaving a big tip for the waiter/waitress.  It's always important to pass on positive tummy vibes, for as you give, so shall you receive.

Just take it in.

Tummy-Rumbling Bay Area Sandwich Shops

     One of my favorite things for lunch is a big, veggie-packed deli sandwich.  I’m a sucker for homemade bread, a liberal use of sauces and dressings, and meat that’s cooked in house.  Fortunately, the Bay Area offers many eateries that have mastered the art of the deli sandwich.  My three personal favorites, in order of yum, are 1) The Sandwich Board in Alameda, 2) Levy’s Bagel & Co. in Alameda, and 3) Gallery Café in San Francisco.

     The Sandwich Board has won a “Best of Alameda” designation, but I’m going to boldly declare that this is the best sandwich shop in the entire Bay Area, and I do so based on one simple sandwich: the roasted turkey.  You know those beautiful sandwiches you make with turkey leftovers after Thanksgiving?  Well this is better, and you can have it year round.  Turkeys are cooked in the shop daily, so when you order, you aren’t getting cold, thin slices of processed turkey.  No.  You can choose between white or dark meat, and you get great, juicy slabs of it.  You can choose among a huge variety of bread, including the Bay Area favorite Dutch Crunch.  I usually get the sourdough roll.  And then you can have it piled with your favorite, fresh veggies and the perfect ratio of mayo and mustard.  Top the meal off with a can of soda, and you’re living it large, my friend.

     The Sandwich Board is located on Webb, just off Park.  It’s a tiny shop with a real Mom-and-Pop spirit.  You order at a counter that occupies most of the interior, and while you’re waiting, you can peruse the community event flyers covering the front of this counter.  There are a couple tables just outside, but why not find a bench on Park and people-watch while you eat?  The shop is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.  See the pictures below if you still haven’t decided to give this amazing place a try.

     In comparison to the Sandwich Board, Levy’s Bagel & Co. is passable, but in comparison to other sandwich shops, it’s nom-nom-nom.  You can choose from an excellent variety of New York style sandwich creations, and you can choose either bread or bagel to hold those lovely fillings.  These sandwiches are juicy, well balanced, and fresh.  The meat, alas, is nowhere near the quality of Sandwich Board’s meat, but everything is super fresh and oh-so-good.  Levy’s also has a wonderland of sweet treats to top off your meal.  They even have muffin tops (you know it’s the best part of the muffin).  Plus, Levy’s is right next to the slowest Starbucks in the Bay Area, but at least you can get a coffee to go with your sandwich if you don’t want a soda.  The advantage Levy’s has over my beloved Sandwich Board is its hours.  Levy’s is on Webster in Alameda and is open 6 am to 6pm Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 6:30 am to 4 pm on Sunday.  So, yes, make it a breakfast sandwich if you'd like.

     The Gallery Café, while having sandwiches on par with both Sandwich Board and Levy’s, has something the other two lack: location, location, location.  It’s located right across the street from the San Francisco Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in The City.  This is the perfect date destination.  You can ride the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car to the museum, which is free and open every day of the year except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.  After your sandwich, you can wander the neighborhood and enjoy the awesome views.

     Gallery Café also has unique sandwich choices for the adventurous or developed pallet.  I’ve only had the tuna melt and the veggie sandwich, but they were blissful.  Gallery Café is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and 7:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday, and they have a larger drink selection, including espresso, tea, beer, and wine.  The interior of the café is homey, spacious, and has an art studio feel to it.  There are great window seats as well as large tables for bigger gatherings.  You can’t beat the friendly, San Francisco vibe of this café.  But bring cash!

     Tourists come to the Bay Area for fresh seafood, but don’t miss out on the fresh, delicious deli sandwiches Bay Area natives love.  These are just my top three choices, but there are many more to choose from, including Domenico’s Italian Deli in Alameda.  These shops let you put wholesome, ingredient-rich food back into your life while shopping local.  Everyone wins.

 

I present, for your viewing pleasure, the Roasted Turkey on Dutch Crunch.

How about a close up?

Cue inspirational music...

 

 

 

The San Fran

The Sam's on a Cheddar Bagel

Neptune Beach Community Celebration

     If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll notice I give a lot of space to Alameda.  As an Alameda resident, I may be biased.  But anyone who’s been to “The Island” will agree that Alameda is special.  Quiet, laid back, family and pet friendly, filled with trees and lush parks, right next to the Bay with views of San Francisco on clear days…Alameda is a gem and a close getaway for frazzled city dwellers.  It’s also a city rich in history, and the Neptune Beach Community Celebration is an event that means to honor and cherish that history.

     This is the second year for the celebration, and it takes place on one of Alameda’s most popular streets, Webster.  This is where the Alameda Farmer’s Market operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays (just off Webster on Haight), where you can find the wonderful Alameda Sports Cards and Comics shop, where you can get a delicious sandwich from Domenicos Italian Deli, and where you can get a classy meal from Café Jolie or Croll’s.

     In the early 1900’s, the area at the end of Webster was also home to an amusement park called Neptune Beach.  Before the Bay Bridge was finished, visitors could get to this amusement park via rail and enjoy its swimming pools, carousel, and Ferris wheel.  Vacationers could also rent one of Neptune Beach’s bath cottages.  People came to Neptune Beach to picnic, barbecue, dance, and forget about city life.  The park closed in 1939, and the area became known as Crab Cove and Crown Memorial State Beach.  Today, residents and visitors can still enjoy large, green parks and beautiful beaches.

     The Neptune Beach Celebration is a way for residents and visitors to show appreciation for the natural gifts Alameda provides but also the history and current community that makes this city a great place to live.  I attended this event on Saturday, and there were a lot of things to do and see.  A large bandstand set up where Webster meets Central hosted many bands and a variety of music throughout the day.  I hummed along to songs like "Home" while browsing booths selling jewelry, wall hangings, garden decorations, clothing, and more. 

     For the adventurous spirit, there was a rock climbing wall.  For families, there were many different bounce houses, a Ferris wheel, a giant slide, and even real pony rides.  This is definitely an event that makes you wish you were a kid again.  And the Crab Cove Visitor’s Center had a booth where children (and curious adults) could learn about and explore the plants and animals found along Alameda’s shoreline.

     If you missed the event on Saturday, September 7^th, you can still make it on Sunday, September 8^th, from 10 am to 5pm.  Don’t miss out on the history walk with local historians Eric Kos and Dennis Evanosky from 11 am to noon.  They’re sure to give you tidbits you can impress friends with over drinks or dinner.

     I must warn you that in comparison to other festivals in the Bay Area, the Neptune Beach Community Celebration is pretty small.  To make the most of this event, I suggest riding your bike to it via one of the many scenic pathways along the Bay.  You can park your bike in a supervised bike lot set up at US Bank on Webster.  This is also an event that families with children might appreciate the most.  There are a lot of activities for children, and the area is safe and quiet.  Be prepared to talk to residents and other visitors because this is definitely a friendly, talkative place.

     I have to admit I wasn’t impressed by the food vendor selection.  There were three or four food booths, most boasting BBQ and deep fry.  If this doesn’t sound appealing, there are many delicious restaurants on Webster, and most were offering special deals in honor of the event.  There was an excellent shaved ice shack, Hula Hawaiian Shave Ice, where you can mix flavors, add ice cream, and even get a topping of condensed cream.  You can visit the event’s website to learn more about its features and watch historical videos: www.neptunebeachcc.com.

     My personal recommendation would be to have a picnic over in Washington Park in honor of Neptune Beach’s spirit.  There are also barbecue pits in this park, a playground and basketball court, tennis courts, and the best dog park in the whole Bay Area.  After your picnic, you could go enjoy the beach, where you can see views of San Francisco, watch windsurfers, and play beach volleyball.

     If shopping is your sole pleasure at festivals, the Neptune Beach Community Celebration might not fully satisfy you.  However, if you are the type who likes to enjoy the outdoors or if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, this is a perfect event for you.  This is a place where you can kick off your shoes, lay back, and just enjoy being a member of the Bay Area.

Sundays on Telegraph

     If you want a nice, laid-back atmosphere with nice, laid-back people, you have to visit Berkeley's Telegraph Avenue.  Especially when the crowds of Berkeley students have left for the summer. Telegraph is an area where you can find lots of shopping, delicious eateries, and Bay Area history and ambience.  I recommend visiting on Sundays because most of the parking is free, and you can check out street vendors and see local bands and entertainers gathered as part of "Sundays on Telegraph."
     Sundays on Telegraph started in June and runs every Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm through September 27th.  Telegraph is shut down to traffic during the event between Durant and Haste, so you can browse without having to worry about or wait for traffic.  Most of the vendors present when I went were selling jewelry, but there were also t-shirts, dream catchers, and knick knacks.  There were also jugglers performing individually and in groups, a band playing Hawaiian music and doing hula dancing, and Aztec dancers wowing the crowds with their impressive skills and outfits.
     The vendor turnout when I went was light (under twenty booths), but there's so much to do on Telegraph that it's still worth the trip.  You have to check out the historic Moe's Books, where you can wander multiple floors of books in every genre.  Moe's buys and trades books, so you can find new and used books. Moe's also has a collection of rare books, and a great selection of books about the Bay Area.  And Moe's has a restroom for customers, which is a rare thing in some parts of the Bay Area.  You just have to ask for a token.
     Another shop you have to visit is Cream.  Stop here.  Take a deep breath to prepare yourself.  Now, Cream sells ice cream sandwiches that have been divinely ordained.  As in, they take two warm cookies of your choice and put your choice of ice cream between them.  What this creates is a warm, melty, gooey chunk of pure bliss.  What is commonly referred to in Berkeley as Nirvana.  And they cost only $2!  Seriously.  Two bucks for the perfect cookie/ice cream sandwich.  Who can beat that?  They're also open way late to satisfy midnight munchies: until midnight Monday through Wednesday and until 2 am Thursday through Saturday.  Visit their website at www.creamnation.com to see their flavors, mouth watering pictures, and information about the shop.
     You can also get something simple and delicious from The Melt, Gordo's, or Noah's Bagels.  And you can get new and used DVDs, BluRays, and music from Rasputin's or Amoeba.  You are also in walking distance of Shattuck Avenue where you can go to Shattuck Cinemas, Pegasus Books, and the Berkeley Public Library.
     Shattuck Cinemas is a beautiful little theater that plays a great selection of new independent films.  It has a lounge that serves food and alcohol, and it offers showings in the evening that only admit adults 21 and over (yay!).  But the best part about Shattuck Cinemas is that the theaters have couches and bean bag chairs instead of theater seats.  The couches come in single, double, and triple seats, and the bean bag chairs are up front right before the screen.  These couches are big, very plush, and very comfortable.  I saw Blackfish here.  The documentary and the experience were awesome.
     Across the street and down a little way from Shattuck Cinemas is Pegasus Books, an adorable bookstore that offers new and used books in many genres.  The selection is not as big as Moe's, but the atmosphere is great, and Pegasus sells a collection of Zines from local authors.  It also has a bookstore cat that will tolerate light mauling.
     It may seem odd to promote a library as an entertainment destination, but the Berkeley Public Library is one you just have to check out.  As a connoisseur of libraries, I can tell you that Berkeley's is one of the biggest and best of the Bay Area.  The grandeur of the architecture reminds me of the Boston Public Library.  And if you're a California resident, you can get a library card for free.  You don't have to be a Berkeley native.  This library has five floors.  Five!  It also has tons of comfortable areas to sit, tons of study cubicles, a large amount of computer terminals, and almost any book, movie, or periodical you could ever want.  You can also browse a large section of books on local history and look at photos from Berkeley's past.
     If you live in the Bay Area and you haven't visited Berkeley's Telegraph area, you're missing out.  If you want to get in touch with the vibrant spirit of the Bay Area, there's no better place to do it. This is an area that helped shape our nation, and you can feel that rich history in the air.  You'll meet some colorful people and sometimes see some shady interactions, but you won't be bored.  You can drive or BART/bus.  Just make sure to have cash with you, and share a little with those you meet.  Because this is definitely a place where you should share the love.

Sundays on Telegraph

 

Jugglers...juggling.

 

Aztec dancers preparing to amaze.

It looks small on the outside, but like a book, you just have to go inside.

Welcome to heaven.  We have cookies.

 

 

Just watching the world from my window seat at the library.

One of the many lounge areas of the Berkeley Public Library.

You're looking in on just one section of the Berkeley Public Library.  This place is huge!

A little note on Berkeley Public Library's history.

One of the best documentaries I've seen this year and ever.

Shattuck Cinemas...home of the cushy couch seating.

Faith Fancher Breast Cancer Challenge

     Almost everyone knows someone battling cancer, so you probably also know that those affected by cancer need a lot of support emotionally and financially.  Low income and/or uninsured cancer patients often face an even darker battle, a battle in which they may silently forego treatment and resign themselves to their condition because of the shame of not being able to afford any treatment and the difficulty of finding care in the first place.  That's why it's so important to get involved in fundraisers that benefit cancer research, patient support, and free preventative care.  Even if you can't afford to sponsor or donate, you can volunteer to help with such events.  And the Bay Area is one of the richest places for volunteer opportunities.
     This year my sister and I volunteered for the 9th Annual Faith Fancher Breast Cancer Challenge on behalf of Mills College.  Faith Fancher was a journalist and reporter for WBIR and KTVU.  After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Fancher made her battle with the disease public in a mini-series on KTVU titled "Faith's Story." Fancher succumbed to the disease in 2003, but her legacy continues in the annual 5k walk/run and other events held by Friends of Faith, Inc., in Faith's honor.  The walk/run takes place at Oakland's Lake Merritt, and the website (www.faithfancher5k.org) states that the event "is a fundraiser for uninsured and underinsured women undergoing treatment for breast cancer."
     This year, Mills College hosted the water booth at 18th Street.  As volunteers, we handed out the water, but we also cheered the runners and walkers on with our voices, plastic cowbell and hand clackers, pom poms, and an occasional hug.  A group of Mills employees and alumni also supported the event and their own cancer survivors by running or walking in it. 
     Hands down, this is one of the best experiences I've had in the Bay Area.  Everyone was just so happy.  The runners and walkers cheered with us as they came through, people were genuinely grateful for the water and the enthusiasm, and cars passing by honked their support.  Smiles were infections and inescapable.  My favorite part was seeing all the kids running through the water station.  One young boy was running flat out, arms akimbo, stride irregular...the type of running only children can achieve.  Many of these participants have stood on the frontline, have faced terrible suffering and loss, and yet they still embrace life, love, and joy. To hand someone a bottle of water and see that person light up from such a simple gesture, to see people with serious faces suddenly break into grins as they realize the cheering they hear is for them...these experiences are priceless.
     Besides getting a rejuvenation of optimism from participants, we volunteers got a big sunny smile from Mother Nature.  There was just enough overcast to prevent sunburn, and there was a cool breeze coming in off the water and fountain.  Our view was amazing.  From our location, we could look out across Lake Merritt and see Downtown Oakland and the string of pink shirts making its way back to the starting point.  We set up the booth at around 8 am, and the event lasted until around 11:30 am.  As we waited for the runners, we could watch cranes, herons, and loons fishing in the water.  We could also see crew teams practicing.
     And the fun didn't end after the run and walk was finished.  Back at the start line, the band Push entertained participants while they cooled down.  Former Giants player Jeffrey Leonard signed autographs at the Gazebo, and six runners and walkers received prizes for their performance.  Participants could also purchase raffle tickets starting at $5 to win a bunch of awesome prizes: a Pier 39 Fun Package, Raiders and Giants signed merchandise, Golden State Warriors signed merchandise, a resort vacation, and more.
     If you're interested in participating in this event in the future, it only costs $40 to run or walk.  Or you can volunteer.  Just go to www.faithfancher5k.org to learn more, and check back next year to sign up as a participant or volunteer.  I personally think it's best to drive to this event.  Parking beside Fairyland is plentiful, even when the event gets busy, and costs $5 for the whole day.  Just make sure you have a five dollar bill because it's cash only, and ATMs are not close enough for convenience.  They'll also give you a hard time about breaking a twenty dollar bill.  Eye roll.
     After you participate or volunteer, why not make a day of it?  Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area or grab a snack from Lake Merritt Bakery.  Rent a row boat, peddle boat, canoe, sailboat, or kayak from the Lake Merritt Boating Center at a very affordable price ($10-$25 an hour, depending on your choice of craft).  The Boating Center is also cash only.  If you have kids, go check out Fairyland, but be aware that you have to have a child with you to enter.  Also, a word to the wise. A lot of geese inhabit the Lake Merritt area, and most grass is covered in droppings.  So picnics might not be the best idea.
     Enjoy your community, your city, and your state.  But remember to give back if and when you can afford to do so.  Time is often as valuable to organizations as money.  A couple of hours a week can create a better place to live, brighten a person's day and life, and make you feel good.  Everybody wins in this scenario.

Volunteers Preparing to Cheer and Hydrate

 

Gathering More Water

The Mills College station with the sign ("Courage") my sister made for a friend and participant.

Our View

If you look really hard, you can see the string of pink shirts approaching the finish.

Modern Mouse Crafternoons

     Calling all crafters!  If you like to get together with friends and other fun people who like to do hands-on activities, then you'll love Modern Mouse Crafternoons.  Modern Mouse is an adorable little shop at the Alameda South Shore Center that sells products made by Bay Area artists.  You can find everything from necklaces to shirts, coffee cups to wall clocks, stationary to posters, and more at Modern Mouse.  Many of the items are handmade, most are locally designed and themed, and all come from artists and crafters who live nearby.
     But Modern Mouse isn't satisfied with just supporting local artists and crafters.  They want to get their customers involved in the creative process.  That's why they offer a craft workshop at least one Sunday a month, and you don't have to be an expert crafter to have a blast at this event.  Modern Mouse usually allows customers to vote on the craft for each event and sends out a notice of the upcoming crafternoon via Facebook.  To participate, all you have to do is RSVP on Facebook.  The cost is only $5, which covers all your crafting supplies as well as snacks and drinks.  Occasionally the crafternoon benefits a charity, and crafts made during the workshop are donated afterwards.
     The first crafternoon I attended focused on making bottle cap necklaces, magnets, and pins.  I was amazed by how many materials you get for the price you pay.  I was able to make five necklaces, three pins, and two magnets...for just $5! And it was so simple to do! I am not the crafter in my family.  My sister holds that title.  I am usually the person dropping the bottle of glitter, gluing her shirt to the table, or embedding a needle in her finger.  But the workshop instructor not only gives directions to guide you through the craft, but she also makes rounds to give personal advice and instruction just in case you're struggling.
     This time, we made tomato pincushions.  My sister and I decided to make pumpkin pincushions instead of tomatoes, so we could use them as fall decorations.  The instructor for this craft was Polly Conway, the same person who taught us how to make our fabulous bottle cap items.  Even though sewing is my personal crafting nemesis, I was able to create a fairly cute pincushion, and I only jabbed myself once with the needle!  And my ego was stoked a little by the compliments my frankencushion received from the instructor and other crafters.
     The atmosphere for these events is awesome.  Everyone is relaxed, happy, and ready to have a good time.  You will receive a warm welcome, and everyone wanders around the room while crafting to comment on each other's designs and to share advice and feedback on the craft.  You definitely feel like you're part of a big, happy family in this workshop, and you get to walk away from it with an item to brag about to all your lame, noncrafting friends.
     The crafts you'll learn to make at these events are also so easy and so cheap to make, and give you so many ideas for similar creations, that you'll definitely want to stop by a craft store and pick up supplies to continue the fun on your own.  Lucky for you, there's a wonderful craft store just across from Modern Mouse called Beverly's.  Anything you could ever need is in this craft store.  I was able to pick up more bottle caps, seals, and necklace chains there after the last event.  The prices are a bit steep at Beverly's, but the selection of supplies is worth it.
     Modern Mouse is also in Alameda's biggest shopping center.  This attractive area provides shops, benches, and eateries that will tempt you to hang out a while after your craft is complete.  You can get a coffee, pick up some groceries at Safeway or Trader Joe's, and have some lunch at Chipotle or Panera.  The beach and the bay are just across the street, so you can also go sit by the water and watch the kite surfers do their thing.
     If you want a quiet, relaxing Sunday where you can let your creative juices flow and chat with like-minded people, and you also don't want to break your budget, then you have to try Modern Mouse Crafternoons.  Make sure to bring a five dollar bill to drop in the fishbowl as you enter.  And make sure to like Modern Mouse's Facebook page to get notices of upcoming events, to RSVP, and to see fun pictures of people crafting from previous events.  You can also visit Modern Mouse's website to learn more about local artists, shop for gifts, and learn about the shop.  In the meantime, stay calm and craft on.

Some of the bottle cap necklaces we made last time.

Here come the crafters!

Supplies and written instructions should you need them.

My little gem is the squashed one on left, my sister's expert pincushion is obviously on the right.

Laurel Street Fair

     I first went to the Laurel Street Fair a couple of years ago when I lived in Oakland, and I wasn't impressed.  There were hardly any vendors, the event didn't start at the advertised time, and the vendors who were open were not very friendly.  However, I decided to give Laurel another chance, and this year, it did not disappoint.
     The Laurel Street Fair takes place every year on MacArthur Blvd between 35th and 38th Avenue. It usually happens on one Saturday, so it's easy to miss, and this year ran from 11 am to 6 pm.  It is, as you might guess from the name, in the Laurel neighborhood of Oakland, which is right beside Fruitvale and the Dimond District.  The area is a little scruffy, but tough.  People in this neighborhood are wary, but friendly.  Life is lived to the fullest here, and the fair reflects that.  Families come to relax, have a good time, and chat with neighbors.  Many booths are geared towards community building and improvement.
     Of all the events I've written about so far, the Laurel Street Fair is the most family friendly.  This year, there was a small train and other rides for children.  Vendors sold affordable toys, firecrackers, and baubles.  There was a crafting station where kids could make paper mache flowers and other goodies.  A petting zoo offered children the opportunity to interact with animals you rarely see in a city setting, including two baby pigs that generously shared their cuteness with anyone extending a hand to them.  There were even two people dressed as cowboys riding horses from one end of the fair to the other, allowing people to take pictures.  The horses were so quiet and gentle, in fact, that I almost bumped right into one.  And right next to the rides, children could get cotton candy and ice cream, which is exactly what one little boy was dragging his dad towards.
     There were vendors like Oaklandish selling goods made, grown, or sold in Oakland.  There were also vendors supporting pride in Oakland and Oakland Pride.  But I was happiest to see booths by local schools, parks and recreation, community centers, and libraries.  Not only were they talking to fair goers about the services they offer but they were educating families about their importance and contribution to Oakland neighborhoods.  You could make a donation in exchange for pins or books or you could put your name on their mailing lists to get important community updates.
     And what is a fair without some delicious, local food and entertainment?  I chose a pork tamale with tortilla chips and salsa, but I had my choice of American, Asian, or Mexican cuisine.  And almost all booths had not only a vegetarian but a vegan option as well.  A bandstand occupied one side of the street at about the middle of the fair, and while I was there, the band was playing African music.  However, the listing also boasted funk, soul, reggae, and world music.
      Although this event is surrounded by bus lines, I find driving to be the best option.  This part of MacArthur is right off of 580 and is close to Highway 13.  You can pay ten dollars to park right next to the fair or you can park for free on one of the side streets above the fair.  Just make sure to check the street cleaning dates and restrictions.
     Overall, this street fair is one of the smaller ones in the Bay Area, but it also is one with the most character.  In between mingling and shopping the booths, make sure to check out the Laurel Bookstore and Farmer Joe's Marketplace up on 35th.  If you like events with a good family vibe, if you want to get a sense of the Oakland community spirit, or if you just want to enjoy some good food and music, then this is definitely a Bay Area miss-me-not.

Rides and Bounce Houses, Oh My!

 

Yeeeeha!

The Bandstand

The Train...and a Jurassic Jump House

Precious Little Piggies

The Petting Zoo