Remember that day in high school when you took a survey and it magically produced recommendations of “what you should be when you grow-up”? Interestingly enough, it never contained any of the job titles I’ve actually applied for, but that’s another topic for another day. If I could go back to that day, I would have rigged my responses with the hope of getting “Samantha Brown’s Job” as my answer. Who is Samantha Brown you ask? She is the host of several shows on the travel channel where she visits exotic places, stays in fantastic hotels, and eats delectable food. Alas, I’m not Samantha Brown. Instead of traveling abroad, my weekends are filled with “James Days.” They’re like mini Samantha Brown adventures, but they’re local.
James and I love to play tourist in our own backyard and we’re very interested in the latest movements emphasizing local foods, products, and businesses. We support local eating (aka locavores), new urbanism, environmental sustainability, preserving unique homes and places, and all the benefits that regionalism offers. With that in mind, I’ve decided to compile these weekend escapes into a guide of suggested day trips.
This page is currently organized by destination and will clearly have a “houses with character” slant. I like to highlight true ‘gems’ when it comes to unique home stores and supporting local, independent shop owners. I’m pretty sure that if I had more time I could be quite the blogger… maybe in 2010. Till then, I’ll update this guide in between quarters!
Buen viaje,
jaimie
ALAMEDA ANTIQUES
The Alameda Antique Faire
www.antiquesbybay.com
One of our most favorite weekends is the first Sunday of the month. Grab some breakfast and coffee at your local coffee house and hit the road early to visit the Alameda Antique Fair. Warning: don’t let numerous friends and family members pile into your car until there’s no room. We’ve found that the first visit leads to amazing deals on large items that you can’t live without. You will inevitably have to haggle on space with your guest passenger and will seriously consider leaving them behind so your new chair will fit. Bring a stash of snacks and dress in layers. You don’t want to have to leave just because you’re famished, too hot, or too cold. And don’t fret about not being able to get to all the booths. The dealers are exceptionally good at the front gate and slowly decline as you reach the back of the parking lot (with a few great booths sprinkled about). We especially like this fair because there are some tchotchkies but a lot more furniture. The usual antique fair rule applies—the really good stuff is available in the morning at a higher price, but better deals can be had as the day wears on. Don’t be afraid to negotiate price, it’s all part of the fun.
Bacheeso’s Garden Bistro
www.bacheesos.net
If you’ve been able to resist the hot pretzels and turkey legs at the Alameda, it’s best to either take a picnic lunch to the park, or head directly to lunch in Berkeley. This lunch place has a terrific little buffet of Mediterranean inspired food and is always a crowd pleaser. It’s also good for large groups that have antiqued together. It’s just down the street from the Salvage Yards so it’s also a close and convenient stop.
Epicurious Garden
www.epicuriousgarden.com
If you’re with a bunch of folks that can’t decide what they’re hungry for, head to my favorite Berkeley gourmet “food court.” It’s really fabulous and I’m not one to frequent food court type establishments. They have homemade soup at Soop, fresh sushi, a chocolate shop, and a Mexican grill. Visit Ciao Bella! Gelato before you leave and sit in the back garden. Or talk the Indian restaurant into letting you eat at their indoor tables while you sip and share wine from their high-tech tasting machines.
Bar Cesar
www.barcesar.com
If you’re not in the mood for Bacheeso’s Mediterranean buffet or the gourmet grotto, I highly recommend this little Spanish restaurant just next door to Epicurious Garden. They have delicious, authentic tapas and to-die-for bread pudding. If you can snag the big table in the middle of the restaurant, it makes for a fantastic family style tapas experience.
The Spanish Table
www.spanishtable.com
Itching to recreate a memorable dish you had at Bar Cesar? Check out this specialty store carrying Spanish and Portuguese foods and cookware.
Vintage Berkeley Wine Shop
www.vintageberkeley.com
As you head to your car after lunch at the Garden or Bar Cesar, it’s worth a stop into this terrific little wine shop, even just to see the tasteful renovation of the historic Vine Street Pumping Plant.
Salvage Yards
www.ohmegasalvage.com & www.omegatoo.com
Now that you’re refreshed and refueled, it’s time to hit the three good salvage yards. Ohmega and Omega Too are not your typical salvage yards. Under separate management, they definitely cater to a higher-end crowd, but there are still deals to be found. Along San Pablo, there are three places to visit and they’re easy to traverse on foot. We usually hit up Ohmega Too first, then go across, the street, and finally end up at the fancy lighting and bath store, Omega Too. Hint: visit the bath store, find the pedestal sink you want, and then search for it online at a significantly better price; however, this store definitely carries one-of-a-kind lights and other unique fixtures. There are cheaper salvage yards in Berkeley but we’ve found they don’t have quite the same quality and you truly have to dodge forklifts and move mountains to uncover anything good.
Metro Lighting
www.metrolighting.com
Before you head home you have to visit this gem of a lighting store. Many of their lights have an Arts & Crafts feel, but the majority of their original designs sport an Art Nouveau, French metro inspired style. You might recognize a design or two from your local Left Bank restaurant.
Caffe Trieste
www.caffetriesteberkeley.com
Looking for a pick-me-up before you get back in the car for the ride home? Stop into this café for delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and other afternoon snacks. It’s located just across the street from Bacheeso’s. I’m sure the caffeine and the excitement of enjoying all your new treasures will give you strength to unload the car when you get home!
BERKELEY’S 4th STREET
On a weekend when there is no Alameda Antique Fair, there are still some great places to visit in Berkeley. This day can also include the Salvage yards and lunch places above.
Fourth Street
www.4thstreetshop.com
This street is known by locals but not a place you would generally find on your own. The Crate & Barrel outlet store is what originally drew me here when I needed dishes for my first apartment. There is also a Restoration Hardware, ZGallerie, Sur La Table, NapaStyle, Anthropologie and Paper Source. If you’re looking for some great non-chain shops, I highly suggest The Gardener (www.thegardener.com) and the Pasta Shop.
The Wooden Duck
www.thewoodenduck.com
On your way back to the freeway, visit this furniture shop specializing in large pieces made from recycled wood.
The Craftsman Home
www.craftsmanhome.com
If you’re in to Arts and Crafts style, this store features fine home furnishings including carpets, mailboxes, furniture, and lighting.
Chez Panisse
www.chezpanisse.com
If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant that embraces all things local, sustainable, organic, and seasonal, look no further than the legendary Chez Panisse. Just next door to Bar Cesar and Epicurious Garden, this gourmet restaurant isn’t your standard Saturday night establishment, but it’s a must visit place if you live in the Bay Area. Reservations can be made one month in advance—don’t underestimate the need for a redial button.
FUTURE DAY TRIPS
