Chic at Subrosa

Parked in front of Subrosa Coffee the other day:

Cool car.  Cute dog.  Does it get any better?

A Reminder from the Neighborhood

Walking home from the farmers market: 

It's not often that a neighbor's fence delivers such a good reminder in such a lovely form.  

What's your plan?

random jabba

it's not every day that you come face to face with JABBA THE HUTT.  but last weekend, i did.  in our very own neighborhood.  had he been life size, i would say that it's not the kind of neighborhood i'd want to hang out in.  but given that he was miniature and plastic and tucked playfully into someone's front yard, this is exactly the kind of neighborhood i want to hang out in.

apologies for the terrible phone photo.  hopefully it's clear enough to see that he is waving to passerbys. 

potentially parklet

it looks like the 40th street parklet is finally on its way.  here are a few photos from last week (although the parklet seems to be in essentially the same shape this week...i fear that our little 'hood is getting a reputation for great ideas, built up anticipation, and delayed delivery).  hopefully it will be finished in time to enjoy the last few warm weeks of fall.  kudos to subrosa and manifesto for getting one of oaklands parklet pilot permits and raising the funds.

rumor cycle

We heard a rumor a few weeks ago that the former laundromat at 40th and Opal was being considered as a site for a new beer hall and pretzel establishment.  Yesterday, our neighborhood email list added to the speculation, with someone reporting that the new place will specialize in pork sandwiches and beer!

Picture courtesy of Google street view, circa 2010/11?

We wandered down to the establishment this morning, and yes, there is definitely work in progress!  We were excited to see that they have expanded beyond the confines of the old laundromat (it would have been quite intimate if they hadn't).

 

Even more exciting is the hint about the brains behind the new establishment: Abe Froman Enterprises.  Will the Sausage King of Chicago's arrival to the neighborhood be the kick in the pants that Kasper's needs to reopen?

 

temescal rising

The Northern CA Sunset Magazine October issue features Temescal spots on three pages.  Michael Chabon shares Telegraph Ave favorites in celebration of his new book release (neon highlighter hearts added).

And "the alleys," previous featured in the NY Times, get special mention on another page.   Crimson and Esqueleto are my favorite shops there.

The final feature was on bagels and included Beauty's, but that deserves a post all its own (coming soon).

wheat paste randomness

Sometimes I come upon pasted moments of randomness like this while walking in the neighborhood.   They are SO random, it feels like there must be a meaning....what do you think it is?!

come back kaspers!

Kasper's Hot Dogs, at the intersection Shattuck and Telegraph, is one of the most iconic buildings and signs in our neighborhood.  We've been hoping, dreaming, pining for it to re-open ever since we moved to Oakland.  Not only is it a darling building, and a hot dog stand, it has great sidewalk space.  Can't you see the kids sitting out there, sunning themselves?!

Kasper's had a brief and temporary revival to kick start one of the many, many city council campaigns in District One.  This is a voting year where there are so many candidates and so many initiatives, the ballot is dizzying!

I Dream of Sharrows

When the City of Oakland came by to repaint the street markings, I was so excited.  I thought our sharrow was going in.  Alas, not yet.  Eventually, 40th, which goes right by BART, is supposed to be a super sharrow.  At present, it's still just a dream....

The Big Week

Birders have big years, in which they compete to see who sees the most species of birds in a single year.  This was our Big Week.  Over the weekend we had a hawk in the median, a hummingbird in the driveway, and our regular visitors of doves, finches, and sparrows that enjoy the seed our neighbor Ben has put out (thanks, Ben!).  Below are photos of the hawk.  He (she) was relatively small, but beautiful and regal, and eating a pigeon!

El Taco Bike, and the Master Mind Behind the New Old Oakland

Besides the delicious tacos, and awesome tricked out bike, having El Taco Bike at our recent party was a great way to meet Alfonso Dominguez.  Alfonso is co-owner of Tarmarindo in Old Oakland and master mind behind Pop Up Hood.  Pop Up Hood launched in September 2011 with the Old Oakland Pop Up Hood (a great December destination for holiday shopping).  Old Oakland Pop Up retailers initially had 6 months leases and included our favorite bike peddlers, Manifesto, who are extending their second location for another year.  Check it out!

Celebrate!

March is not quite warm enough to party outside, so we found a home-away-from-home that's slightly larger than our home to have an indoor party.  Arbor Cafe has become a home away from home for many neighborhood freelancers and students during the day.  After hours they host events, including ours, and serve up lovely local wines and beers.  El Taco Bike made the evening complete (more on El Taco Bike soon).

Everyone at Fort Ruby is looking forward to warmer days and the return to outdoor events.  Start warming up your darts arm!

Light Pole Love

Our local light poles have been getting some love recently.  Someone has been dressing them up with colored paper and animal images.  It's very random and whimsical, and smile-inducing!

Coming Soon to the Neighborhood Near Us!

The spring promises to be an exciting time of year, blooming with new attractions in Temescal's greater gem district.

Manifesto bikes and Subrosa coffee are planning a parklet (one of Oakland's parklet pilots!).  You can learn more and support their efforts here.

Beauty's Bagels will be opening soon just around the corner.  Perfect for breakfast on the way to BART!

And finally, if all that excitement means you need a little relaxation, you can try out Oakland Floats, the new floatation tank center.  Really!

Local Love - Support 40th Street merchants

Saturday, December 12th, 5-9pm
LOCAL LOVE
Presented by the merchants of the 40th Street Corridor.

Celebrate local art, goods, and community with simultaneous holiday parties at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records, ISSUES, Manifesto, Mercy Vintage Now, Premium Tattoo & Vintage, Rowan Morrison Gallery, & Subrosa Coffee.

Oaklandish can be found outside of one of our favorite bike shops: Manifesto.