The Voice of East Bay Living

This festive event occurs the first Saturday of December every year. Public viewing areas for the lighted display are located at Jack London Square and Wind River Park in Alameda. This year, I watching this gala parade from the Alameda ferry. The ferry ride was free for anyone who also brought a donation for Toys for Tots. This is a wonderful, family friendly event. Make sure to check it out! Want to know more about Oakland, Alameda, or other neighborhoods in the Bay Area? Email me at ssabine@grubbco.com

Today, we are visiting a fabulous new wine shop in Oakland's Jack London Neighborhood. Oakland Crush offers a curated collection of delectable and sustainable wines. Please visit them at 420 3rd street for wine tastings (Wednesday 5-7 and Sunday all day) or pick up a bottle to accompany dinner. Learn more at www.oaklandcrush.com

Park your car in the Washington St. garage which is free all day. Take the ferry from Jack London Square to the Ferry Building in San Francisco. If you feel ambitious, you can then walk to San Francisco Chinatown which is about a 1.5 mile stroll. This absolutely wonderful excursion has been enjoyed by the locals since 1857, when the first boats were created to make this journey across the Bay.  

Do you want to avoid the crowds at San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. Why not go to Jack London Square, on the water in Uptown Oakland.    My favorite restaurant is Scott's - a fresh seafood restaurant that has been in business for over 30 years. With views from your table of the yachts sailing in and out, it is a most relaxing atmosphere any time of the year.  From Scott's you can walk over the the ferry building and catch a quick 30 minute sea ride to The Ferry Building in San Francisco.  This is a very fun event for people of all ages. Visit  GlassSabine.com Contact Team Glass Sabine at ssabine@grubbco.com

Chop Ba r is a Jack London Square Eatery located at 247 4th St. of Uptown Oakland.  The name comes from West Africa and means a roadside bar/restaurant that also serves as a gathering place for the community. Situated in the heart of businesses, condos and chic urban live/work spaces, this trendy restaurant has an air of relaxation and fun.  Visit  GlassSabine.com Contact Team Glass Sabine at  ssabine @grubbco.com 

All of us like the feeling of community and going to one of the many farmer's markets in the East Bay is a wonderful opportunity to experience connection-Everyone is out and about, families, children in strollers, dogs,(parked in valet dog parking), balloons , musicians , local political causes and more. The best feature is the fresh food-mounds of fresh organic fruits, vegetables , pastries, cheeses, fish, nuts,coffee,tea-you name it and you will find it. Farmer's Markets have sprouted up in many of our neighborhoods , Montclair , Temescal , Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, and various Berkeley locations, to name a few. To get specific market locations and schedules, go to http://www.urbanvillageonline.com/ . I personally love the views at the Jack London Square Market right next to the water with boats and yachts sailing past. My favorite local market is Temescal -it is a manageable size,the fresh produce and food stands are fabulous and the ambianc...