Reviews, menus, and recommendations of Easy Bay restaurants.

 

There is exciting news for those watching the development plans for the Brooklyn Basin project on the Oakland estuary. Potential residents know that  Brooklyn Basin's dramatic mixed use retail and housing development will be a remarkable addition to Oakland's waterfront.  As recently reported by Mark Hedin of the Bay Area News Group , Oakland's Planning Commission, on September 7th, approved the first project for this site.  Designated as the Brooklyn Basin Terraces Apartments, they will feature a mix of 2800 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space, and 241 market-rate apartments.  The builders expect to break ground for these units in early 2017. 

As can be seen by the  illustration above, Brooklyn Basin will be a mixed use residential and…

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 Over the last decade, Oakland has made a commitment to reinvest in the downtown area, with the intention of revitalizing its shops, stores, and overall ambiance.  This has been done with the very specific goal of attracting visitors and Oakland residents alike, to play, live, and enjoy the city.  The result has been new condos, lofts, restaurants, and art venues, all highlighted by the Jack London Square complex, and the soon to be developed Brooklyn Basin complex.  

Much of this development has been tied to a steadily developing concept--a "Walkability Score".  This is a measure of how friendly a neighborhood is to its residents.  How convenient is walking to its shops, parks and schools?  How convenient is its access to transportation to…

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The very much anticipated Brooklyn Basin project is taking its first major step forward towards completion. Construction of the first building is expected to begin before the end of 2016, given anticipated current design approvals, and be completed by late 2018.  Adjacent to a park, with a planned concrete, cement and glass facade, this 308,270 sq.ft., seven story building will be a dramatic step forward towards the start of this immense project.  

As envisioned in the picture above, the Brooklyn Basin project is located at the Oakland waterfront, and will offer amazing views of both the city and the water.  It is planned as a mix of both residential and retail.  13 buildings of residential housing are planned.  As projected, there will be 3100…

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A recent article by Matthew Artz, of bayareanewsgroup, reports some new potential for the continuing growth around the increasingly popular Jack London Square neighborhood.  

Carmel Partners, a developer from San Francisco is in contract to buy two parcels which were previouly occupied by warehousing, and include a full block where Cost Plus, Inc. has its headquarters.  The promise of this negotiation is the building of a 300 unit mid-rise market rate apartment complex, right in the heart of some of this steadily growing commercial and residential area in Oakland.  

The building housing the Cost Plus, Inc. headquarters will need to be demolished to move the project ahead, and before that can proceed, this demolishing must undergo an…

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The announcement of the 5th year of Oakland's Restaurant Week has brought a great deal of excitement to those who enjoy the many opportunities for delightful cuisine that this event offers. As in the past, this year, restaurants in the area will be offering special prix-fixe lunches and dinners to diners.  There will be $20, $30, and $40 price ranges offered, and these meals represent a special treat from each of the almost 75 participating restaurants this year.  

Running from January 15th through January 25th, you will be able to search for menus especially created for this event, and additionally, you can search by type of cuisine, lunches or dinners to help you decide where you would like to go.  Reservations are strongly encouraged.  

So if…

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There are many annual tree lighting ceremonies in and around Oakland, but one of the most consistently popular ones has been the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Jack London Square, located at the foot of Broadway in Oakland.  There will be so much going on from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. designed for all ages, that the choices will be difficult.   

If Christmas shopping is your intent, local artisans will be on hand with their crafts at 90 Holiday Pop Up sites for your consideration.  If you are looking for delightful entertainment, you can choose from the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, the Oakland Ballet Sugar Plum Fairies, a  Jingle Bell Dance Contest, plus seasonal music and costumed Christmas characters to put you in the holiday mood.  Other…

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Whether you have lived in Oakland or neaby Piedmont, there is a very good chance that you have not discovered all that Oakland has to offer you, and any family and friends that may be in town.  There is a wealth of things to do, no matter what your age.

The website VISIT OAKLAND is a source of amazing information about the city. The site is devoted to subjects like "Things to Do", "Places to Stay", "Where to Meet".  From there, you can decide which direction you want to travel.  As an example, it offers "101 Things To Do--Building Your Own Oakland Bucket List".  This is where the site really shines, because it highlights things you might not even know existed.  How about a learning to fly on a trapeeze at a circus school, or horseback riding in…

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If you have yet to spend time at Oakland's Jack London Square, this weekend would be an outstanding time to visit.  Traditionally, on Sundays, you will always find the Jack London Farmer's Market that features fun, music, and food of every description--fruits, vegetables and greens, nuts, baked bread and pastries, and a wide sampling of food to eat.  But that is just a start this weekend.

The artists of the East Bay Open Studios at Jack London Square are inviting you to come and see the truly amazing and varied art that they are offering for sale. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture, glasswork and photographic art will be available for purchase.  If you have just bought a home, or have a special place in your present home for a piece…

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If you are looking for a pleasant evening out, and want to support nearby small merchants and artists, the Piedmont Avenue Stroll is just for you.  Held on the third Thursday of every month, this is a neighborhood oriented event designed to attract Oakland and Piedmont residents to get to know their local businesses and artists who are, literally, just around the corner.  

Each month, participating businesses and artists invite you to visit them from 6:00-9:00 p.m.. Many offer special discounts or promotions to make your shopping experience even more worthwhile.  Late night entertainment is available as well after the promotional hours.  Those merchants participating can be identified by a bright yellow flag in front of their shop. 

There is a…

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With the exciting weekly and monthly activities that are scheduled all around Jack London Square and revitalized downtown Oakland there is as great deal of interest among buyers in the outstanding choices of housing in the area.  Jack London condos offer a wide variety of styles, prices and views.  The best part, no matter what home you choose, just about everything that you might need in terms of fun and community is within  walking distance for the busy resident. 

Enjoy the beautiful views as you walk along the waterfront, and make plans to shop at the weekly Farmer's Market in the Square with it's amazing variety of foods, entertainment,and crafts.  Meet with friends, and take a  ride on the nearby ferry vessel to San Francisco,and from there…

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