Richard L.'s Profile
DateOakland, CA 94611
(510) 985-0990
Park Avenue Bar & Grill
Categories:
American (New),
Lounges
Neighborhoods: Piedmont Ave, North Oakland
THAT SAID: You get what you pay for.
IMPECCABLE SERVICE: Check. Friendly, efficient, doting but not intrusive. Reception was welcoming without being a bit officious. The dining room servers were perfect. The bellmen didn't ask if they could help, they just helped. The Sunday yoga teacher was great. Top notch. World class.
LOVELY GUEST ROOMS: Check. The rooms are airy, clean, well considered and comfortable. They are a little dated, but whatever. When you have stunning views of ocean and mountains, who cares about the porthole windows popular 20 years ago.
GOURMET DINING: Check. Our Saturday dinner -- which was a special event -- was more than excellent food prepared by a skillful chef. It was truly aspirational. The chef was going for it ... and he got it.
I did wonder about the lobster; why import lobster when you're towering over the Pacific? But oh that lobster. It was tender and still firm, caramelized in butter, set on a little bit of cauliflower risotto and garnished with uni foam. Did you get that? UNI FOAM! Delicate, ocean-y, exotic. The dish was spectacular.
STUNNING VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC FROM THE INFINITY HOT TUBS: Check.
BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS: Check. It's about 160 acres that are beautifully landscaped ... like summer camp for rich kids.
IN FACT, IF THE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL HAD SUMMER CAMP: This would be it. Everything is sort of woodsy and laid back, but unambiguously upscale and a little clubby. Men wear jackets and collared shirts to dinner. This is not a bad thing unless, like me, you happen to travel without a dinner jacket. I wore my leather car coat and all the swells thought I was a bit of a rogue. I'll take that.
EVERYTHING IS ... RIGHT: I read they're LEED certified so they have that going for them too.
I SAY SPEND 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM: If you like the best and can afford the cost of admission, you won't be disappointed. We met a couple that spends 10 days each year at the holidays. That's about 4 years of my retirement.
Will we be back? It'd be nice.
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 843-2201
Vintage European Posters
Categories:
Home Decor,
Art Galleries
THAT SAID: Elizabeth and her remarkable staff have turned that art into an art.
YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THIS: I was absolutely fascinated and charmed as Charly, one of Elizabeth's super-smart associates, took us through a stack of posters at a recent show. It was a walk through history -- how art, printing, color, humor, visual motifs and messaging all changed over time.
"Notice the vibrancy of the color," and she'd point out an original use of ink. "See how the artist approached this series." "Look how the product is anthropomorphized ..."
She must have noticed I was carrying a motorcycle helmet, because several times, as images of motorcycles came up -- one was for tires, one a French motorcycle rally, one for Vespa -- she'd pause a beat and sort of vibe in my direction.
"This might be for someone who loves motorcycles ..." she said and moved on. I bet she was reaching out to others the same way. Totally subtle, completely aware, really cool.
AND ON SHE GOES: Through a world of products, travel and destination, wars, liquor, shoes, whatever. I watched her and Elizabeth go through the stacks several times and always found more to see and learn.
ON MY WALL: Well, not yet. Still saving my pennies for ... hey. I'm not telling. But I suppose the point is having seen this unique and fragile art form, I have in fact made room on my wall and in my budget.
IF NOTHING ELSE: Check out the gallery and let one of them take you on their magical mystery tour. These images are like dreams. And for not so much money you can actually take one home.
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 230-7686
Candid Intimates - CLOSED
Category:
Lingerie
Neighborhood: Glendale
THAT SAID: I'm in a really good position to describe what I see as an extraordinary store with lovely products and friendly, well-trained associates.
SO: What it is ... all the bras, panties, loungewear and accessories are designed in-house, made with beautiful fabric sourced around the world, high-quality trim and charming detail. All with a focus on fit.
AND: I can tell you the pieces I got for Karen instantly became her favorites. This is relevant because she's a huge lingerie aficionado ... or dare I say it, a snob. [Sorry Baby-o if this is TMI.] The bikini and boyleg panties fit very well and look great [wink]. She says they're extremely comfy. The "Parisian Chic" triangle bra [she reports] is comfortable and provides plenty of support. I think she looks really hot in it. I also got her this super-sexy lounge outfit ... the top has a racer back with a sheer panel and the pants have a sheer stripe down the legs. What can I say? Rrrrooowwwwrrrr!!!
BETTER STILL: Karen reports everything is priced very reasonably. What do I know? I've seen her plunk down a couple hundred bucks for a bra. So when she says she'll happily buy a $40ish Candid bra, I take that as high praise.
FINALLY: It's my sister's business ... if this stuff sucked I'd have told her a long, long time ago. So would the focus groups and the fit models and everyone else who has had the chance to wear or see the products.
But it's wonderful. Three of the models she hired came in the first weekend and bought the very items they were photographed in. I figure who am I to question professional underwear models -- they can have or wear whatever they want.
She hit this one out of the park and if writing this review helps her at all, well then I'm glad to do it.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 272-9322
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Vedanta Center
Category:
Yoga
Fasting is hard and, oddly enough, time consuming. It's physically and emotionally complex. The experience can range from pure bliss to a full spiritual crisis.
Swami Sita and her staff facilitated the experience with careful attention, a deep well of knowledge and full commitment.
The three residents who supported the 12 participants also fasted with us. And still they found the wherewithal to get up an hour earlier than everyone else [at 4:30 a.m.] to get the sauna warm; prepare and serve our juice meals joyfully and kindly; make huge pots of vegetable broth daily [easily a 5-hour task]; guide and support us through all our individual experiences; teach us the foundations of vedic-based food combining, plus other relevant topics; and turn a diverse group of strangers into good friends.
Swami Sita was delivering two additional courses concurrently: Healing Through Yoga, and Positive Thinking. We got to enjoy all this amazing content as part of being at the Yoga Farm.
In the process, a long-standing chronic ache went away, I sank into the yoga asanas more fully and comfortably than I have in years, and just enjoyed the lovely, calm, beautiful environs. Plus, I lost 10 pounds :^)
To the wonderful staff members Parvati, Shakti and Hari Das: Words of gratitude can't come close to expressing my appreciation and fondness for all of you. You gave us all a beautiful gift of attention and compassion. Thank you so very much.
And to Swami Sita, who holds the space for all of us: Your presence in our lives is a blessing. Thank you again.
1 Previous Review:
-
6/13/2008 First to Review
FIRST AND FOREMOST:
Sivananda is a school of classical yoga. It's not fancy, flashy rock-music-inspired- workout-at-the-gym, trendy belly-button-baring yoga. Which isn't to say that belly buttons aren't welcome. But they're contemplative belly buttons; they show themselves for reasons of practicality or purpose, not to just see and be seen.
THAT SAID:
The yoga practiced at Sivananda, which I believe is the world's furthest-reaching school of yoga, is the foundation of all the flavor of the month stuff. Iyengar studied Sivananda (probably WITH Sivananda himself). Bikram studied Sivananda. They all did. But while they, like so many acolytes, went off to re-interpret and teach yoga their own way, the Sivananda ashrams continue to hold down the classical traditions.
It's the foundation of my own yoga practice, which I've maintained for about 16 years. I can go into any class, at any school, anywhere in the world and know what's happening and enjoy the practice. That's because my physical and experiential foundation of yoga is solid.
FIVE PILLARS AND ROLLING HILLS:
There is a somewhat rigid routine, maybe a little alarming (HAR!) at first, since the day begins at 6 a.m. But once you get accustomed to the schedule, it's actually pretty delightful. Every morning one of the students strolls the 140-acre grounds, ringing a bell and calling "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA ... IT'S FIIIIVE-THIRRRRTYYY. " I know, you're sitting there thinking ... well, un-yogic thoughts. But I'll tell you here and now, that voice soon becomes welcome, and greeting the early morning among your fellow students is rich and wholesome.
Under towering old oak trees, protected by the surrounding hills, gazing up at the sky as the indigo of night changes to crystal blue, you can relax. Breathe. Feel what it's like to live simply and well.
The rest of the day is spent in pursuit of the five pillars of yoga:
Proper Exercise
Proper Breathing
Proper Relaxation
Proper Diet
Positive Thinking and Meditation
The day starts with meditation and chanting, then a 90-minute yoga class. About 10 a.m. they serve a wonderful vegan brunch. You spend the day relaxing, studying, swimming in their lovely pond and doing work around the ashram. Around 4 there's another yoga class, followed by a savory vegetarian/vegan dinner. Around 6:30 the group gathers for evening meditation and a dharma talk. Lights out at 10 p.m.
SANGHA WITH A SMILE:
This is not an unsmiling, austere place. It's joyful, rich and humanistic. The people are diverse and come together with purpose. Everyone laughs, the Swamis are very down-to-Earth (as down-to-Earth as a Swami can be). It's truly one of the great organizations of the world, and yet remains modest, understated and at peace.
More of us should spend more time in places like this.
OM
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 730-2010
Megan Kelly Smith, MFT
Category:
Counseling & Mental Health
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, Claremont
THAT SAID: I write not as Megan's client but as an admirer. A fan. If she could run for therapist of the year, I'd vote for her. If there was a Sage-Counsel-of-the-Decade pageant, she'd be a shoo-in. If she sold posters, I'd have one up on my office wall.
THAT GOOD VOICE IN MY HEAD: Is hers.
WHY I AM WHERE I AM: Is largely because she helped me get here.
BETTER STILL: Why I feel good about it.
A QUICK STORY: We were at the same party, and I watched her in conversation with a complete stranger. It started over hors d'oeuvres. Not long after I saw them chatting in a corner. Not long after that I saw them sitting off to the side, the stranger wiping away tears. Much later in the evening, I was chatting with that stranger, who told me, candidly and unawares, that s/he "didn't know why," but just felt so great and this was the most fun party ever ...
I KNEW WHY: Spend an hour with Megan and you will, too.
Oakland, CA 94620
(510) 547-5035
Camino
Category:
American (New)
Neighborhoods: Grand Lake, Lower Hills
HOLY MIXOLOGY: Yeah, it took a while to get used to the bar scene. Watching the "mixologists" (eye roll) putting together their concoctions with eyedroppers, tiny flasks, graters, rattles and shrunken heads seems a bit over the top.
STILL, THEY DELIVER: The best cocktail in Oakland. Every menu features a special tequila drink, and it never disappoints.
ALTHOUGH IT DISAPPEARS QUICKLY: A value it isn't. Their cocktails are all about $12 and 8 oz. Not exactly recession dining.
BUT I LOVE THE PLACE: I'm even the Mayor on Foursquare. HA!
1 Previous Review:
-
8/12/2008
FIRST AND FOREMOST:
I heard the haters, wailing away. Long waits. Bad service. Limited menu. Small portions. Wah, wah, wah.
But this place is close to home, practically in my neighborhood. And the whole idea of a limited menu with only the freshest daily ingredients and a big wood-fired grill sounded pretty compelling. The owners and chefs got the pedigree. The pretensions were high. The expectations were higher. We had to try it. Along with friends who were eager to join the hater chorus, we tossed our tongues into the fray.
AND YOU KNOW WHAT:
It was a great evening.
WE WERE SEATED RIGHT AWAY:
Debunking hater complaint #1. The space is lovely, with lots of wood and high ceilings, soft yellow light, old-Oakland bricks and beams. Noise level was reasonable. Everyone seemed to be having a nice time. It was a good vibe.
AND WE WERE SERVED DRINKS RIGHT AWAY:
Even though the drink menu reflects a limited bar -- and showcases some weird, frothy drinks -- hater complaint #2 was debunked. One friend ordered a brandy-based "Manhattan," and after one taste rolled his eyes and pushed it aside. I had a glass of champagne and enjoyed it.
Then we had some questions about the wine list, and were offered a mini-tasting of reds until we settled on one we liked. Our server was friendly, relatively familiar with the wine list and articulate enough to talk us through it. I think that's *good* service.
THEN WE PERUSED THE MENU:
And it is limited. I don't remember exactly, but there were half-a-dozen starters and four or five entrees. They were all lovely, diverse, thoughtful and appealing seasonal combinations. Some vegetarian, some fish and poultry. I found plenty that interested me, as did the rest of the table.
TO THE HATERS:
If you want 1000 choices or a safe, predictable menu, go to TGI Fridays or Denny's. Camino is for adults. Complaint #3 is debunked.
AND TO EVERYONE ELSE:
I wasn't so hungry, and ordered two starters: the tomato-and-ricotta salad, and for an entree, squid-and-seabass stew. And they were both sublime. Fresh, sweet, firm tomatoes -- little tiny crisp red ones and larger, softer yellow ones -- with sheep's milk ricotta that had just the right firmness and saltiness, all with a whisper of mint. Yum. The "stew" was actually two pieces of firm seabass and six or so grilled squid tubes plus a couple tentacle clusters, all in a sublime seafood broth.
STOP THE PRESSES:
Because I have to say the seafood broth was a show-stopper. I made each and every one of my friends take a bite of crunchy, garlicky, olive-oily toast soaked in broth. And each and every one of them got a great big smile and spent the rest of the evening eying my bowl.
TAKE THAT HATERS:
While I can't speak for everyone at the table, I can safely say we all enjoyed the meal. A couple had the grilled chicken, one the eggplant and another the whole grilled fish. Nobody was complaining. Well, Frank complained about the lag between starters and entrees. Fair enough. I didn't find it unreasonable, and the entrees were so good that was forgotten as the first tastes were, well, tasted.
Dessert was nice, too. I had the fig tart with creme anglaise, and loved it.
SO IT'S NOT CONVENTIONAL:
Camino is sophisticated dining. It's not exactly a budget destination. But if you can put your faith in the hands of an experienced, caring kitchen, and be willing to take a ride into the land of local artisan foodies, you're going to be very well rewarded.
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-2041
Moto Marin - CLOSED
Category:
Motorcycle Dealers
THAT SAID: I've been working with MotoMarin since they were a little storefront and I didn't have near the budget or wherewithal to buy anything on their floor. Even knowing that, Cary and his crew welcomed me, gave me time and attention and let me demo bikes.
I DIDN'T EVEN BUY MY FIRST BIG BIKE FROM THEM: It just worked out that way. But I became a customer for service, parts and apparel. There is simply nowhere better to go. They're honest, straightforward and (fortunately) patent with guys like me, more enthusiast than gearhead.
AND ONE DAY MY BIKE WENT DOA: I found the review by @Roger S pretty interesting, because my situation was kind of similar. I went in with a burned-out clutch which escalated into a $5000 estimate that included a new clutch and new gear box. However, in my case the service tech took me on a tour of the worn parts and made it clear the problems were for real. The bike had 96,000 very hard miles on it. It lived a good life.
SO: I decided not to rebuild, but scrap the bike. This took time -- which they gave me by storing the disassembled bike while I made other arrangements -- and required a great deal of their support. On my behalf, they were professional and relatively good natured in dealing with a loud and very abusive shipper.
AND: It just so happened at the same time, a great used bike showed up on their sales floor. I made an offer, they countered, I countered, they countered ... and ultimately I got the bike at a decent price.
BUT NONE OF THAT IS WHAT I CAME HERE TO TALK ABOUT: I came here to talk about how Cary and the crew support the local m/c community with lectures, track days, adventure rides, training days and other events. Every year they sponsor a holiday toy ride through West Marin. In fact, my bike was in pieces during the Toy Ride, and Cary offered me a demo. He's a guy who doesn't just want to sell bikes, but see people who love bikes get the bikes they love. It's not just a shop, it's a gathering place ... that happens to sell all the stuff you want.
BTW: I'm on an '05 r1200gs. It's a sweet ride.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 966-1183
California BMW Triumph Motorcycles
Category:
Motorcycle Dealers
THAT SAID: I didn't actually bring the bike in ... it was towed. My '05 r1200GS had a faulty fuel pump control module and the sonofabitching thing failed while I was on the freeway. CalMoto was the closest shop so that's where the bike went.
AND THEY RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM ... SORT OF: And told me that a gasket had failed and the module got wet. They replaced the gasket, greased up the seal and sent me on my way.
OOPS: It wasn't the gasket, it was the control module, which I discovered as the bike bucked along the Dunbarton Bridge and finally failed completely on 880N, leaving me on the center divide.
SO IMAGINE: How pissed I was. It was dark, cold, and I had concert tickets for a show in two hours. I called CalMoto (service dept closed) and left a ... strongly worded ... message on Devin's (the service manager) voicemail. I called K and bitched at her. I called a couple friends and bitched at them. I tweeted the situation to bitch to the entire world. The CHP blocked the highway (yes everyone it was me that night) and got me back across to the safer shoulder. K stopped what she was doing in Oakland and started the drive south to get me.
BUT THEN: Devin called back. And in spite of my ... strongly worded ... initial response, that crazy, customer-service-inspired dude came to my rescue. He rode from Mountain View to Fremont -- replacement part in hand -- and swapped it out on the side of the road.
PROPS!
AND THEN: He escorted me north as far as hwy 92. Then called the next morning to find out if everything was okay. (And to ask me about the concert, which I made!) We also worked it out so I'd get a brand new module.
SO: These guys did me right. Yeah, they lose a star for missing the problem, but I truly don't think it was negligence. Devin said it checked out on the computer and I believe him.
PROPS: Devin could have ignored the call, gone home and had a lovely evening. Instead he rode ... I dunno ... 50 miles out of his way on a cold, windy night and saved my ass from a long, cold, cranky, expensive, inconvenient experience. All I can say is thanks, and make sure that everyone I know hears this story.
Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 261-1299
Simpson's
Category:
Soul Food
Neighborhood: East Oakland
We're not talking haute cuisine. It's not cuisine at all. It's food. Good, basic, stick-to-yer-ribs, satisfy that need to eat soul food food.
THAT SAID:
It's best to know what you're getting into. It's in the 'hood, which isn't a bad thing; but if you're expecting valet parking and fashion boutiques nearby, think again. It's very, very modest, there are no white linens, no wine list and no mood lighting. It's not charming. The interior is not designed. Bon Appetit magazine will not be visiting them anytime soon.
AND BREAKFAST IS KIND OF A BUST:
We went at about 11 a.m. on a Sunday, thinking it'd be kind of a fun, soul food breakfast. It wasn't. The menu was a very, very basic list of eggs, pancakes, potatoes and meat. In fact, after checking it out, we all sort of looked for a quick escape. Then the waitress - incredibly sweet, friendly and perceptive - saw me looking at the dinner menu printed on the window.
"Want dinner?" she asked. "It's ready ..." Then she brought us the dinner menu, which had all the stuff we wanted. Ordering took Karen and I about 20 seconds: we shared fried chicken, red beans and rice, double greens, mac and cheese, green beans and cornbread. Scott stuck with the breakfast menu.
WANT TO GUESS WHO HAD THE BEST MEAL?
Karen and I dove into the food, which was very much home-cooked, but delightful and satisfying. Without getting into too much detail, I'll say that the greens were tasty albeit a little soggy, the corn bread muffins were delicious, and the chicken was crispy and moist, if a little greasy. The green beans were a bit over done, but still firm.
While we were gorging on our food, swapping bites and making yummy noises, Scott was taking tiny bites, mashing food around his plate, and wearing a big hang-dog look on his face. Later he complained that it was too greasy. Um ... bacon and eggs were too greasy? Whatever.
We brought home enough of our meal to make lunch and a couple snacks.
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT
Simpson's is a tiny little hole-in-the-wall. The sign is faded. The neighborhood is not on anyone's getrification radar. Members of the Nation of Islam Temple across the street watch white people with amused detachment.
They're a good-natured business. Very friendly and cheerful. Moms in the back welcomed us in and offered a happy goodbye. The waitress answered Karen's query about "chitterlins" with a little cultural history about the tradition of eating offal. Karen crinkled her nose and the waitress agreed and rolled her eyes. Then we were all friends.
I think everyone should try Simpson's. The truth is there are lots of places like this all around Oakland, all hiding in neighborhoods my friends and I unfortunately do not visit very often. But we'd be happier (if fatter) and our city would be a better place if we did.
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"There is a there there. I've been there. So there!"
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67 Useful, 42 Funny, and 41 Cool
Oakland, CA
Yelping SinceJune 2007
Find Me InOakland, hella straight
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm doing something Yelpworthy
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause it's what you wish you'd have said.
The Last Great Book I ReadThe Federalist Papers; Hamilton, Madison, Jay
My First Concert1975: Yes & Peter Frampton at Anaheim Stadium
My Last Meal On EarthSushi
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I'd eat a Whopper
Current CrushAmy Adams
THAT SAID: We've noticed it all right, and now they can't get rid of us.
YOU GOT YOUR CHUMMY BAR: K keeps calling it the Cheers of Oakland and I agree. Within minutes of sitting at the bar, we end up engaged in conversations with people on both sides of us. Once, long after midnight, we sat and argued social politics with a few folks. It was kind of smarty-pants, the way people who've been drinking can call up facts (real or imagined), but totally convivial. Bartender/owner Chris runs the joint like it's a big family get-together at his house.
YOU GOT YOUR MIXOLOGY: Walk in and Chris makes immediate contact. And let me tell you here and now that makes an enormous difference to me. There's little I hate more than being ignored by a bartender. It's their effing job to notice you. Ugh. But I digress. Chris is great.
He knows the drinks, he knows his stock and better yet, he pays attention and genuinely seems to want his customers to have a nice time. We ordered a couple beers which we couldn't finish before a movie. He put them on ice and had them waiting -- cold and topped off -- when we came back. By now he knows I like tequila, and always has some interesting recommendation or at least an excellent margarita.
YOU GOT YOUR EATS: We've had a couple terrific meals there. A niçoise salad was lovely, with seared tuna and a warm, runny poached egg that creamied-up the vinaigrette. I told Chris I don't like a bunch of soggy bread in onion soup, and it came out exactly the way I like it. K got crispy chicken which actually *was* crispy outside and moist inside.
I've seen the brunch menu and it looks great. We're actually pretty eager to try it out.
YOU GOT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: Great live music or an excellent R&B soundtrack, sports on TV. Bar stuff. One night an extended family parked themselves in a back corner of the restaurant to watch a Giants game. They had a table of appetizers and drinks and it was clear everyone -- including their kids -- was having a great time. How cool, I thought, that a place is so comfortable that a family could just hang out.
SO HERE'S THE THING: We've never sat at a table, so I can't speak to anything but the experience of being at the bar, which we totally love to do. Chris is a personable, professional and engaging host. Clearly he cares about his business and is trying to see it succeed. So he does his job really well, provides a simple and well-executed menu and pays great attention to his customers. I think that should do it.
CHEERS: I'll know things are right in the world when I walk in and everyone yells "RICHARD!"