Everybody who is anybody knows and loves Oaklandish and what they stand for. They continue to update their line of t-shirts, hoodies and other fun silkscreened apparel. A must-have for Oakland lovers. Check ‘em out a local shop like AC Clothing and Bags, in their mobile ops unit, or online at http://www.oaklandish.com/shop/. Also check out their site for upcoming events in 2007!
Nathan & Co. is full of modern treasures for the home and body, including quirky items such as a salt shaker that shakes itself, a bath plug with an origami boat attached to it, and more traditional fare such as great smelling candles and cookbooks from favorite local restaurants like Dona Tomas, Bay Wolf, and Cesar. For anyone wanting to show their Oakland pride, I hella heart Oakland t-shirts run $20 for the men’s version and $24 for the more fitted women’s style. 3820 Piedmont Ave 10:30-7 M-Th 10:30-9 Friday, 10:30-5:30 Saturday 510 428 9638
Wish your little guy had a playmate while you’re at work all day? Pride and Pedigree offers just the solution - doggie daycare. You can take him in the morning and pick him up in the evening, knowing that he had lots of personal attention, healthy meals, small play groups, and naps. Owner Kelli Danielsen has an impressive background (more…)
Premier Fido Fleece Coats - Premier designed and perfected the collar-to-tail back Velcro closure that transformed the pet apparel industry. They paired this innovative design with top-quality fleece, because that’s what we choose to wear when the weather gets blustery. This durable, fashion-forward coat keeps a dog’s vulnerable underside protected, while their custom fabrics and pattern designs make sure that every dog wearing Fido Fleece is stylin’! Don’t settle for an imitation - there’s only one Fido Fleece dog coat! It’s available in a variety of styles and sizes. Prices range from $21 to $40. Get them at Paws & Claws in the Dimond District. 2023 MacArthur Blvd. 510-336-0105. Closed Mon., Tues-Thurs 10-7p, Fri & Sat 9-6p, Sun 12-5. http://www.pawsnclawsoakland.com
(Serena Bartlett, founder and author of GrassRoutes Travel, will be a regular Hot Spots contributor. Thank you Serena!)
Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember by treating your deserving loved one to a thoughtful adventure, complete with delicious tastes, sights and sounds.First stop by G.B. Ratto’s, one of Oakland’s oldest businesses, and a bountiful purveyor of treats from around the globe. Every Saturday, out comes the cheese cart of plentiful samples served by local foodie Oscar who is also full of cheer and good recommendations. Try cheeses from around the globe while you admire their selective wines and extensive torrone collection.
Fill your picnic basket and head south to Lake Chabot, where any manner of romantic, lake-bound voyage is offered for a reasonable price. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat, or opt for the quintessential row boat so you can replicate an amorous scene from Shakespeare.
After cuddling up in the row boat, cozy at home with a Bathtub Teabag, a giant tea bag full of soothing and fragrant bath salts, teas and natural essences. These specialty bag teas come in a wide variety of “flavors” at Mignonne, the locally-owned, eclectic boutique at the corner of Jefferson and 10th St. in Old Oakland.
Treat your valentine to a scrumptious catered meal or flight of desserts from Patrice Reynolds at Fiki’s Pudding. Order up a dinner for two with dishes that include vegan caesar salad, ginger butternut squash soup, grilled teriyaki seitan, and more!
Or…Choose 4 desserts from wide variety of choices, including Tartlettes, Truffles, Walnut Chocolate Chip Brownies, or a vegan, organic S’Mores Kit! Yum! Patrice also sells her delicious desserts inside the Food Mill grocery store at 3033 MacArthur Blvd., so you can enjoy her delicious healthy treats year-round!
Patrice Reynolds, Fiki’s Pudding, 510.919.4312, http://www.fikispudding.com