DeLuxe

I was sorry to see the 33 Grand Gallery leave Oakland’s uptown neighborhood but fortunately a great new store/gallery opened up in the same location: Industrielle. This place has a great blend of products from housewares, art objects, clothing by local designers to fine art. I’m particularly fond of the artwork of David Seiler who has shown there and done live portrait events there on Oakland Art Murmur nights. This is the gallery where I got my Spinnin’ Bebe Jesus painting (oil on wood paneling mounted on a lazy susan). This place is worth checking out and does a great job of supporting local artists and craftsmen.

Industrielle
33 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612
510.271.0633

Many in Rockridge were sad to see the Asian tapas place, Grasshopper, close. I liked the place and it was always crowded but not so much I went there often. Wood Tavern, the restaurant that took its place is great. We went there one night after 9 and it was still packed but were hungry and so decided to dine at the bar. The soft lighting and dark tones of the decor in the restaurant are a good indication of what you’ll find on the menu. Lots of hearty meat dishes prepared very well. Try the crispy pork belly or the fusilli with pork sugo and you can’t go wrong. The critics rave about this place and so it’s a good idea to make a reservation if you go. Go late and you might get a seat right away.

Wood Tavern
6317 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
510.654.6607

I first learned of Fabric8 through their online store which sold all kinds of independently made t-shirts and other artist designed objects and clothing. Two years ago the owners opened a retail store in the Mission. The store not only sells all the stuff on the website but also sells art from a number of local artists. I’m particularly fond of the painted wood block buildings designed by Sirron Norris. They’re open on evenings and weekends only so check the hours before you head on down. If you can, I highly recommend you go when they’ve got a live painting event. Olivia, the owner, sometimes invites all the artists down to paint, and you can buy the freshly painted art right on the spot.

Fabric8
3318 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
415.647.5888