By Don Dunning | June 17, 2012
Until a recent visit from my 26-year-old second cousin, Kate, I did not understand the distinction between “retro” and “vintage.” She made it clear that she enjoyed dressing in authentic clothes of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s (vintage), not new clothes made to look like the older styles (retro). My cousin carries the look off […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | January 16, 2011
We love living in the East Bay. A few days ago, my wife, Sonia, and I stopped for lunch at Bakesale Betty’s recently opened, second location (2228 Broadway; original shop is at 5098 Telegraph Ave). At either location, the lines are nearly always out the door. After picking up the rightly famous fried chicken with […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | October 10, 2010
Yesterday, my wife and I enjoyed one of Oakland’s newer traditions — Oaktoberfest in the Dimond district. We were happy to see that it had expanded from its MacArthur Blvd. only location, where it began in 2008, to spilling out onto Fruitvale Ave. With three entertainment stages, there was, literally, dancing in the streets. Sausages, […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | August 28, 2009
With the East Bay’s wonderful Mediterranean climate, I’ve been able to grow everything from tomatoes to garlic to several varieties of peppers in our Oakland garden. In March 2008, my wife, Sonia, brought home a packet of Padrón pepper seeds she picked up at Berkeley’s Spanish Table. Although an avid gardener for many years, I […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | October 10, 2008
Originally appeared in Bay Area News Group publications on October 10th and 19th, 2008 as a companion piece to my Oct. 5th, 2008 Oaktoberfest blog
Updated June 2015.
The Dimond District has, indeed, proven to be a success story.
The area around the Fruitvale/MacArthur intersection of the Dimond District has always been alive with activity. Those in the neighborhood could pick up coffee on the way to the San Francisco express bus, do their banking, and stop off for Chinese food or pizza after work.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | October 5, 2008
Yesterday, my wife and I had a great time at the first annual “Oktoberfest in the Dimond.” By the look of the crowd, it was a major success.
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