al fresco

The weather has been so nice this summer that you see plenty of people enjoying a meal outside.  This is Picán, a southern-style restaurant on Broadway in the Uptown area.

Monday Mural: Taquería Vallarta

Walking around the Fruitvale District today, I spied several murals.  This one seems to match the recent warm weather we've had.  Can you feel the ocean breeze and taste the margaritas?

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the murals posted this week.  Once you start looking, it's amazing how many you can find.

Weekend Reflections: Lake Chalet

The Lake Chalet, a relatively new restaurant, sits in a beautiful spot on the shore of Lake Merritt.  On a morning walk around the lake, we popped into the bar just to have a look.  The silver balls immediately caught my eye et voilà.  Then I noticed all the other reflections at the bar!  I hear it's a lively spot during happy hour.  It would be a pleasure to sit on their dock at sunset as the Necklace of Lights begins to shine.

Monday Mural: Oakland Grill

This mural decorates the Oakland Grill which is located in the old warehouse produce district.  This work contains all the local references an Oaklander values.  In the far left is native son Jack London with the husky from Call of the Wild.  Behind him are the cranes at the Port of Oakland.  The next panel references our local pro sports teams, Lake Merritt, City Hall, and the Grand Lake Theater.  At the near table are Jerry Brown and Ron Dellums, previous mayors (Jerry is now our governor).  Having coffee with them is, I believe, Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.  I will be out of town for several days but will do my best to leave comments.

Weekend Reflection: restaurant lights

These yellow paper lanterns really spoke to me.  Their reflections is the window was a bonus.  Shimizu Restaurant on Piedmont Avenue.  For more reflections visit James's meme Weekend Reflections.  Also linked to City Daily Photo's Theme Day, electricity.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

ABC Wednesday: F is for Flora

This week we're visiting Flora at 19th and Telegraph Avenue in Uptown.  It is housed in a stunning art deco building faced in cobalt and silver terra cotta tile previously featured here.  Flora opened in 2007 and was an anchor business in the revival of Uptown.  The old neon sign that marked the flower mart was restored by the restaurant.  This is a popular and welcoming restaurant that is best visited with reservations.  A sidewalk peek into Flora shows it's busy even at the early dinner hour.

The entry reveals its deco roots are undeniable.

The inside is noisy and convivial with simple but pleasing decor.

It's on the pricey side but the food is very good.  The new cocktail generation kept the bartenders busy the entire time we were there.  I had a New York strip, which was probably the tastiest steak I've ever had.  No exaggeration.  So, thumbs up.  For other takes on the letter "F", visit ABC Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday: D is for Dopo

Dopo is a small Italian restaurant on Piedmont Avenue.  It is often touted as having authentic Italian food, which I'm not sure is literally true.  Nonetheless, the food is very good and reasonably price, especially if you go for lunch.  Most people go for the thin crust pizza but you shouldn't overlook the risotto and their fish dishes.  They don't take reservations, so lines begin to form before they open for dinner.  Up the street is their sister restaurant Adesso, which focuses on house-made salume.  On any given night both places are usually packed.

Sometimes time flies at warp speed and consequently I wasn't ready for my Wednesday post; so once again I caged photos from Google.  Bad me.  But honest, I've been to Dopo several times.  No doubt as punishment for not using my own photos, I can't get this second picture to center.  Grrr.  Be sure to visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on the letter "D".

ABC Wednesday: C is for Can't Fail Café

(Rudy's) Can't Fail Cafe is located in Uptown on Telegraph Avenue next to the renovated Fox Theater.  It is easily distinguished by its blue neon sign and giant palm tree in front.  Even just ordering a coffee guarantees you a warm welcome and friendly chit-chat.  The decor is kitschy and fun.  Along one wall is a 20 foot case filled with Barbie and Ken dolls wearing a blue and black uniform and a button saying "I am Rudy."  Closer inspection reveals that many of the dolls have been "modified" to include masks, C3PO heads, Wonder Woman lariats, feathers, and other amusing details.

The tables on the other side of the cafe are essentially shadow boxes with themes including Star Wars, rock and roll, and children's game pieces.  In the rear of the cafe is the back end of an Air Stream trailer that has been hollowed out to house a private booth.

I didn't order anything to eat, but in the brief time I was there several more parties came in for a late lunch.  So the food must be good and the Yelp crowd generally approves.  I hear it's a hipster scene at night which is both bad and good depending on your point of view.

 For more takes on the letter "C" be sure and visit ABC Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday: X is for xyclo

Xyclo is a local Vietnamese restaurant named after the pedaled rickshaw of VietNam.  It's a popular place that features an innovative menu.  This picture was taken during the annual Halloween parade and trick o' treat fest on Piedmont Avenue.  For more takes on "X" visit ABC Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday: K is for Kasper's hot dogs

Kasper's was an Oakland institution until it closed in 2003.  It opened in 1929 and was owned by three generations of sons until its closing.  This building and iconic neon sign continue to occupy a triangle corner at Temescal's Telegraph and Shattuck Avenues.  While photographing this sign, I met a neighborhood denizen who fondly remembered getting dogs here and still laments its closing.  For more "K" photos, be sure to visit ABC Wednesday.

This is an automatic post.  I'm traveling and will likely have restricted access to computers to comment on your blogs.  Back in town on October 1.

al fresco dining

Here's the outdoor seating at a popular lunch spot in the lower Temescal district at 52nd St. and Telegraph Ave.  There's no sign above the door but you know you're there when you see the line half way down the block.  This area has undergone a welcome transformation over the past decade and is now home to several popular restaurants and a great deli.  It's amazing to watch what can happen when one or two businesses move into a neighborhood, renovate commercial spaces, bring foot traffic, and inspire others to follow suit.

the Oasis Market

The Oasis Market opened last fall at the corner of Telegraph and 30th to immediate success.  It is a middle eastern market and restaurant with prices that can't be beat.  It draws middle easterners from all around the East Bay.  The Yelp and Chowhound crowd loves this place.  Local newspaper articles credit it with improving the character and safety of the neighborhood.  The Oakland Islamic Center is around the corner.  My first visit last week yielded freshly baked pita bread, a delicious tabouli salad, and a variety of olives at a real good price.  Next week it will be lunch and stuffed grape leaves to go.  Yum.

Chinatown restaurant

This restaurant is located in Chinatown at 7th and Franklin just east of Broadway. The core of this community is about eight blocks square.  This building has been here for ages as its sagging balcony attests to.  In the nearby markets you can buy the most unusual produce that you won't find anywhere else.