Last weekend I made a point of getting out and enjoying my community.  Friday morning I headed to Brown Sugar restaurant, a cute soul food eatery on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland operated by chef  proprietor, Tanya Holland. I had a “screaming”, (that means unbelievable, over the top) piece of brown sugar peach coffee cake, a fantastic latte and I loved the corn waffles with brown sugar butter.  (I suggest you upgrade to the real maple syrup.)  I absolutely love the upscale diner decor with mounted photography of Oakland.  Brown Sugar Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday – Sunday.  Check out Brown Sugar Kitchen online, brownsugarkitchen.com.

House-made baked goods line the cashier area and folks watch their meal as it is prepared in the open kitchen

Brown Sugar Kitchen

Saturday, St. George Spirits in Alameda had their bi-annual open house.  Here fans of fine spirits were able to learn how this boutique distillery handcrafts their small batches of the best Eau de Vie, Hangar One fruit infused vodka, absinthe, whiskey and more.  With live music, snacks and bartenders everywhere mixing up fresh liquid concoctions, this was the best party along the Bay.  Visit St. George Spirits online, St.GeorgeSpirits.com.

This cool warehouse is the home of St. George Spirits and Hangar One Vodka

General Antagonist, Dave Smith is teaching eager St. George Spirits fans the distilling process.

Sunday afternoon, I visited Linda Joseph’s gorgeous Crocker Highland home for a casual art show featuring the work of  Oakland artist Jess Wainer.  Jess’s medium is glass, clay and watercolors.  I really love that Jess embraces vivid color!  Splashes of color really make a wall pop.  Jess’s work ranges in price, but I was able to score a handle blown glass paper weight and a set of beetle notecards for $60. Check out Jess online at www.jesswainer.com.

Artist Jess Wainer showcasing her art in Linda Joseph's handsome dining room.

Beetle by Jess Wainer. Photo from JessWainer.com