Deidre's Fave's

What's up!  I have been MIA and I apologize.  You have been keeping me very busy and I am so blessed and grateful to have sold 2 dozen homes thus far in 2013, keep it coming!
Here are few local businesses that I want to pump!

salt and pepper bagel filled with lox, capers, cream cheese and red onions

3838 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
I am pretty addicted to the Classic closed face bagel with lox, capers, red onion, cream cheese on a salt and pepper bagel.  They are Montreal- Style Wood-Fired bagels that are hand rolled, boiled in honey water, and then roasted in a wood-burning oven. 

Stop in at Doughnut Dolly and Esqueleto, they are neighbors

Doughnut Dolly 

482 B 49th Street at Telegraph on "Alley 49"

The Doughnut Dolly Naughty Cream Donuts are ridiculously good.  I have brought them to my office to give to the staff and I have heard comments such as, "that is the best thing that I have eaten".  This is the creation of a Chez Panisse alum's baby, Hannah. She wakes in the middle of the night to bake fresh donuts and then has several fillings available and fills them to order. 

Lauren Wolf inside her super cute boutique in Temescal Alley

482 49th Street , Suite A Oakland, CA 94609
Esqueleto is Jewelry Designer, Lauren Wolf's shop that features her designs as well as many other creative artists' work.  She has a mix of fine jewelry, chunky statement pieces, beautiful art, all in an uber dreamy store.  I walk in and want to buy armful's of stuff.

vintage numbers, why is there never a J

5640 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
Maison d'Etre is a Rockridge staple and is always one of my faves to find both new and vintage treasures.  I keep hoping I'll walk in one day and find a vintage bronze or enamel letter J for my home.  Owners Patty and Fred curate a unique mix of coffee beans, candles, jewelry, pajamas - basically a really cool place to pick up a gift.

Jack London Kitchen & Bath

2500 Embarcadero St. Unit F - Oakland, CA 94606
I set out with a goal to renovate my bathroom without products made in China. Everyone said it would be impossible.  I was lucky enough to find Brianna Dukes at Jack London Kitchen & Bath.  I found a cool tub and vanity, toilet and linen cabinet all made responsibly in the US. I also found  faucets from Germany, a medicine cabinet made in Switzerland and received a good discount on my order.  Brianna was available to help me with measurements, suggestions and recommendations.

Art Deco inspired rare peridot and diamond ring designed and crafted by Jeff Sahadi

4206 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
My favorite Jeweler is J Sahadi on Piedmont Ave.  I have been going to Jeff for repairs for years.  I absolutely love Jeff and when you look at his hands, you will immediately recognize that he is a true artisan.  He creates handmade, exquisite pieces that are sure to be heirlooms.  I have a few of his treasures, but think this rare, peridot, deco inspired ring is the business.

Saturday Brunch @ Grand Lake Kitchen

Grand Lake Kitchen

576 Grand Ave

I am loving Grand Lake Kitchen, I have had 2 meals there and both were fresh and delicious.  Try the, Breakfast Sando - fried eggs, country ham, jack cheese, avocado on ciabatta or the Savory French Toast - rye bread, 2 poached eggs, wild mushrooms, parmesan, arugula and herb oil.

Tomato Season

 

I am loving this year's tomato season.  The tomatoes this year are sweet and juicy and perfect for bruschetta.  The best part to making bruschetta is it takes only a few minutes and an oven is not necessary.  Simply dice tomatoes, and add salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil, finely sliced basil and minced garlic to taste.  Serve with sliced sourdough baguette that you can brush with olive oil and  toast on your barbecue grill.

 

 

lunch on the lake

When Lake Chalet first opened up almost two years ago, I was so excited about this multimillion dollar restaurant opening in my beloved Oakland on a transformed section of Lake Merritt.  I was disappointed the first few times that I dined, but I kept coming back, as I loved the space and lake view.  I recently had brunch at Lake Chalet, the service was great and I loved my Crab Louis salad! Lake Chalet

Lake Chalet
Lake Chalet
 Lake Chalet crab louie

 Lake Chalet crab louie

bites in Oakland and Berkeley

I am a total foodie! I was raised on brown rice, tofu and carob and tasteless healthy meals.  Back in the 1970's health food was not chic or delicious. My kids joke about me  because most of my childhood memories are of my dad taking me to eat regular food, burgers, pizza or a burrito.  In fact if I had a father daughter date, he would ask me what I wanted to do and I would reply, "eat something good".  At the age of 19 I enrolled at the California Culinary Academy and worked in restaurants for the following 14 years.  I was trained to makepâté and marzipan, but find my favorite foods to be simple clean food with full flavor.  I am so impressed with the Oakland restaurant renaissance.  Here are a few of my favorite picks in both Oakland and Berkeley.  Keep in mind some menus are seasonal and may not be available at all times.

Ceviche @ Rumba al Sur
Ceviche @ Rumba al Sur
chopped salad @ Hawker Fare

chopped salad @ Hawker Fare

Fritto platter @ Trattoria La Siciliana

Fritto platter @ Trattoria La Siciliana

Haven chicken
Haven chicken
poached egg and bacon salad @ Southie

poached egg and bacon salad @ Southie

Cafe 15

Cafe 15

Bar Gelato by Naia
Bar Gelato by Naia
Zut! in Berkeley
Zut! in Berkeley
frozen chocolate pot de creme @ Boot and Shoe

frozen chocolate pot de creme @ Boot and Shoe

pork and grits @ FIVE

pork and grits @ FIVE

mussels @ Hawker Fare

mussels @ Hawker Fare