DeLuxe

Nathan and Co is just what the southern end of Piedmont Avenue needed. Nathan, a watch designer by day, opened up this little shop to sell housewares, upscale bath products, cards, jewelry, and anything else cool and fashionable you can think of. He certainly lives up to the “deliciously modern” that is the store’s motto. We’ve purchased many gifts here for friends and family.

Additionally, we’ve built up quite a collection of mercury glass decor for our house including some nice candlesticks and some decorative pieces for our dining room. As Jeff Lebowski would say “they really tie the room together.” I’m also a big fan of the scented candles and soaps carried here — always something unique I can’t find elsewhere. Nathan and Co is the best.

Nathan + Co
3820 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
510.428.9638

For my birthday this year, I decided I wanted to dine at Eccolo on 4th Street in Berkeley. I’ve always liked the italian food served here and the decor inside but I’d only eaten lunch here in the past. The pork belly with beans appetizer was great as are all the salads which are made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. One special thing they make that I love are the Tuscan fries which are like little potato sticks instead of the usual fry cut. They also cure their own salumi so be sure to order some of that to start your meal. We took my parents here for lunch when they visited and it was a memorable meal for everyone. Dinner didn’t disappoint either and I look forward to my next meal here — it’s a great combination of food and atmosphere with lots of class.

Eccolo
1820 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510.644.0444