Temescal life

Last Sunday I spent a great day at the Temescal Street Fair.  The weather was gorgeous, (not too hot.)  My company, Red Oak had a booth and so we were right there in the middle of the action.  It was quite a cast of characters.  There was live wrestling, not something you see at many street fairs, and my favorite, Barlata Tapas Bar with their famous paella.

Besides meeting our neighbors, Red Oak was there to promote the launch of our new neighborhood video series.

Click here to view!

It’s so fun to see all my neighbors out and about.  If you are not familiar with this vibrant neighborhood of Oakland, it’s worth a special trip, even on a non-street-fair day!

Eating Through Oakland

I recently investigated a few more restaurants for you!  Bocanova has now been open for a month in Jack London Square.  I love the dinning room and outdoor seating.  The little gem salad was fantastic and my halibut sandwich with onions, peppers and avocado was very satisfying.  My friend ordered a few items that I was not a fan of, but I have to give it 5 stars for concept and atmosphere and about 3.5 stars for food.  I will definitely go back and next time I have to try the crab deviled egg  which  is mentioned many times on Yelp!

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Burma Superstar opened this spring in the Temescal district of Oakland and has been on my to-do list for months.  Be prepared for a wait, as this is a popular eatery.  My cousin was in town from NYC, so the seven of us had to wait an hour for a table.  Once we were seated, we had some the best service, ever!  I counted 4 different staff members helping us and the service was just flawless.  You have to try the green tea leaf salad, the spicy crispy chicken and the salt and pepper calamari.  Lucky you if you live in the Temescal and can walk over to this joint!

Aunt Mary's Cafe is the neighborhood spot that I wish was in my neighborhood.  Featuring sustainable foods with southern flavor.  Come for strong coffee, malted waffles and bubble and squeak, ( potatoes, greens, eggs with a house made biscuit and gravy.)  Aunt Mary's is also open for lunch and dinner and it has indoor and outdoor seating with a heat lamp!

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Coming soon to the Temescal is Remedy Coffee.  I can't wait to see this coffee house featuring Ritual Coffee that is roasted in San Francisco. (and has a cult following)  Constuction is underway and I love the telephone booth that will be stationed within the coffee house.  (Wow, when was the last time you used a phone booth?)  You can purchase beans and lattes at the outdoor espresso cart while construction is underway.

Free Tools!

So you are not a contractor, but you are a weekend warrior.  You decide that you can swing a bathroom remodel, but do not want to invest money into expensive tools, as you will only be using them once or twice.  Oakland has a tool lending library in the Temescal district!  To borrow tools you need to have a library card and have proof that you live in Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont , (a utility bill or property tax bill).  The tools are free and you can keep them for 3,5 or 7 days depending on the tool. 5205 Telegraph Avenue  - 510-597-5089, open Tuesday thru Saturday

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Deidre Joyner of The Oakland Berkeley Journal Gets National Attention!

Keith Pandolfi editor at This Old House contacted me a few months ago after he selected Oakland as one of the best cities to buy an old house in the United States. Keith wanted to know more about the various districts of Oakland, as he was looking for a great neighborhood for first time home buyers. I suggested Temescal, as many of my clients would love to live there. I am happy to say that the Temescal district of Oakland made it through to the July/August 2009 issue. ...and I am happy to say, I was sourced and thanked!

Temescal Outing, Oakland

A few weeks back I was invited to the Spring Serrahna fashion show that was being held at Tanjia's restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland.  I have to admit I had never heard of this Moroccan eatery, but I was down for something new.  From the humble exterior one would never know how grand the interior is.  As I entered into the shadowy candle-lit dining room, I was amazed by the tented room draped with rich fabrics.  It was as if I walked into a scene of a novel.  I was taken to a dining table about the height of my living room  coffee table and was seated on a leather pillow.  The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed and I was entertained by fantastic Moroccan music and models who were showcasing the clothes of Andrea Serrahn.  I had an scrumptious order of lamb brochette with spices that permeated through the meat.  Just when I thought my entertainment was over, I was charmed by belly dancing.  I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and the best part, was the 10 minute drive from Tanjia to my bed.  Serrahna is a Rockridge clothing boutique that features contemporary clothing made from India textiles and are made for REAL women.  (I love how Andrea had her clients showcase her designs!)  serrahna.com and tanjias.com

Independent Oakland Businesses in Temescal

The other day on the news I heard a bleak  forecast regarding small businesses in this economy.  The report said that 1 in 5 businesses will close.  I thought about all of the mom and pop shops that I patronize and how I like that they know me and my family.  I will be honest, I do shop at Target for my basic household supplies, but there is so much more variety in the boutiques around town.  Here are few shops within a one block radius of Telegraph Avenue in the Temescal District of Oakland.

The other day I stumbled upon Ruby's Garden in the Temescal Plaza next to Genova Deli.  How could I have missed this store for the last year?  A clean and cool boutique with original art covering the walls and funky tee shirts for kids,  handmade capes made by local folks, colorful ugly dolls and more.  This is my type of shop.  Ruby's Garden features clothing for babies and children up to age 8  and is a full service florist with delivery service available.  Owners Mae and Mary are Temescalians , (Okay, I just made that word up - they work and live in Temescal and they are committed to the success of this district of Oakland.) Click here for Ruby's Garden online.

Stop by Ruby's Garden for gifts, inspirations and urban chic clothes for your kids.

The Shaver Shop is a local business that specializes in the sale and repair of knives, fine cutlery, scissors, barber and sewing equipment.  Purchase new knives or maintain your old.  510-655-8742 Click Here to visit Shaver Shop online.

Article Pract's owner Christina Stork was super friendly when I stepped into her shop.  She showed me the naturally dyed yarns made in Berkeley by, A Verb To Keeping Warm.  Her shop features as many locally made products as possible and offers an assortment of classes.  Click Here to Visit Article Pract online.

Proprietor Scott  of Scout Hardware brings home inspiration to all.  Showcasing uncommon goods from around the global including finds from French flea markets, no VOC paints by Mystic, window treatments, furnishings, lighting and more, Scout is an ever changing home and accessory store perfect for your Berkeley Bungalow, Rockridge Craftman, or any room that you want to add a little nostalgia. Click Here to Visit Scout Online.

Stylish and Immaculate Bungalow in Temescal, Oakland

672 57th Street is located on the Temescal/North Oakland border.  Close to Berkeley, the Ashby Bart, Children's Hospital and the cool shops of the Temescal District of Oakland.

I love how the landscape architect owner renovated his turn of the century bungalow.  This home has two cool claw foot bathtubs, rustic douglas fir floors and bold columns from the era in which it was built; yet it has modern additions such as skylights and tube lighting, newer energy saving windows and silky smooth walls with no cracks !  (I have a huge appreciation for the details in a home.)  The built-in cabinetry in the dining room have been clean, sanded and painted so the drawers work like they did in 1907 when this beauty was built.

This home is listed by Red Oak Realty and I will be holding it open for my colleagues Leif and Charity this Sunday, February 22nd  from 2-4.

Oakland's Best Tuna Sandwich

Sandwich extraordinaire Jeff, a Genova staple.

I have been patronizing Genova Deli for two decades. This deli with a cult following use to be located in a small hole in the wall location on Telegraph Avenue in what is now called the Temescal district of Oakland. Of course at that time there was no Temescal District with Pizzaiolo, Dona Thomas or Bakesale Betty and more. Folks would drive out of there way and stand in long lines to get a Genova sandwich. About 10 years or so ago, Genova moved to its present and large location just down the street,(from its former location) 5095 Telegraph Ave. (510-652-7401)

Every week I head over to Genova to get my beloved tuna sandwich complete with all of the trimmings. This is the best tuna sandwich in town! I love their tuna topped with the crunch of the sliced pickles and iceberg lettuce, (no micro greens!), the spice of the peppercinis and their signature vinaigrette. Come here when you are craving a great sandwich from a true Italian deli.

Bakesale Betty, One of Oakland's Treasures

The other week my father finally went to Bakesale Betty on the corner of Telegraph and 51st Street in the Temescal area of Oakland. I have been raving about their fried chicken sandwiches, just like half of Oakland. My dad called me up told me what a great experience he had, which I thought I would share with you. My dad said that he told the people behind the counter that it was his first time in their shop and that I had recommended he try their addicting fried chicken sandwich with jalepeno and cabbage slaw. The person who was helping him was super friendly and gave my dad several sweets to sample while he waited for his sandwich. My dad went on to say that they sure do things the right way. Simple, friendly service!

I told my dad they are smart, by giving him a free cookie, they know that he will be back. Their bake goods are addicting, once you try it, you will be craving them.

Here's to all of the great Oakland businesses, the people who support them and all of the great aspects of our city! With all of the negativity there are MANY, MANY more positive things happening.