The Voice of East Bay Living

A great local meat market is Ver Brugge Meat-Fish Poultry locate in the Rockridge neighborhood at 6321 College Ave. in Oakland. The fantastic butcher has been around for decades and reflects a dying breed of independent butchers with knowledge and experience of their craft. The meats are fresh and they carry a wide variety of lamb, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, etc. You will be delighted with what you find there.

Check out  A16 , one of College Ave. -Rockridge latest additions. The site was formally Hudsons/Girabaldis and has retained the wonderful long bar and huge open space that we have all loved for so many years.  The new restaurant is vibrant with Southern Italy  cuisine, a huge Italian   wine list , fabulous authentic Italian dishes and adorable waiters that bend over backwards to make you  feel welcome-- I give it a triple thumbs up!

One of my favorite streets in Rockridge is 63rd street which runs off of College Ave. This street is really close to wonderful edibles on College Ave. such as Wood Tavern, La Farine, and much more. In the midst of these urban delights ,328 63rd. St. stands out as a wonderful example of an eco-friendly home. It's proud owner, David Gottfield, put his philosophy into realty. Every inch of this charming craftsman home is totally green-water heater that is solar operated, nine fifty gallon water storage tanks that encircle the house used to flush toilets, water gardens, etc.. ,recycled wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council,cellulose insulation blown into the walls and a solar shed in his back yard. David founded and sits on the board of the World Green Building Council,one of the world's fastest growing non-profit organizations. He will be giving a tour of his home this Saturday from 2-4. Don't miss it. This home is currently listed by Ann Van Dyke of the ...

Where do I go when I want great food in a comfortable setting ten minutes from my office? The choice is always Wood Tavern-Located on College Avenue between Alcatraz and Claremont , in the trendy food block where you will also find La Farine , patisserie francaise, Ver Brugge meats, and Vino. The owners, Rich and Rebekah Wood, veterans in the restaurant industry, really know what they are doing. The waiters are friendly and seem to really care, the food is always delicious from the zingy coleslaw, wholesome bouillabaisse,naughty warm chocolate cake and whatever else you fancy. The environment is uplifting - I always feel like a movie star and that everyone sitting around me is talented and famous. Definitely a huge thumbs up!! For more information, visit http://woodtavern.net/index.html