The Oaktown Spice Shop, right next to Lake Merritt, is a dream for people who love to cook. The interior is designed to look a bit like an old fashioned general store, with wooden barrels serving as tables, and of course walls lined with clear jars full of fragrant spices. You can find almost any spice you're looking for, and will probably discover some new ones in the process! They also sell gift boxes with several different complimentary or themed spices that come with several recipes utilizing them.
This store is not just a record store, but also has its own record label. The store and label specialize in punk rock and indie rock, and fans of these genres and the sound of vinyl will feel as if they're in heaven. They also buy used records, and pride themselves in paying more for them than any other store in the area. They also host in-store performances and art shows.
Nathan & Co. is a top destination for all things fun and quirky. This cute boutique stocks everything from scarves and jewelry to cookbooks, crazy card games, lamps, funny books and everything in between. If you're looking for the perfect gift for someone or just looking for fun things to stock your home with, Nathan & Co. should be on your list.
On sunny East Bay Saturdays, and even the cloudy ones, residents take a trip to this farmers' market, set in a charming part of downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt and the Grand Lake Theatre. It is an ongoing market and offers the chance to buy seasonal and organic produce, homemade baked goods, large farm eggs, and more. You will enjoy the opportunity of buying such items as fresh-cut sunflowers and ripe cherries direct from local growers. Admission is free. Some vendors may take credit cards.
Veteran purveyors of extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, Amphora Nueva is dedicated to bringing healthy oil options to the people of Berkeley. This family business prides itself on its specialty gourmet oils, a few of which are available on tap for tasting. Olive oil connoisseurs will be thrilled at the range of olive oils, from Organic California Arbequina to Tunisian Baklouti or Green Chilli Oil. Amphora Nueva also stocks Italian-designed pourers and pour sprouts.
If you like wine tasting but want to try something new, head over to Takara Sake USA near the Fourth Street Shopping District. Don't be fooled by Takara's looks, although the outside appears quite industrial, the tasting room is pleasant, airy, and elegant. Try a flight of sake and learn about the brewing and production of this flavorful, Japanese brew by peering through a factory window, viewing an informative movie, or exploring Takara's very own sake museum exhibiting antique sake-making tools. Don't like sake? Lucky for you, Takara also sells plum wines, shochu, cooking sake, malt beverages, Japanese vodka, and of course, souvenirs.
Few know antiques in the East Bay like Kingsley Moore. Locals know that he is the guy to talk to when looking for something in particular, or an appraisal is needed. New stock arrives weekly at this small store. On any given day, find beautiful antique American woodcraft like chests, tables, armoires and chairs. Kingsley also stocks fine artwork and estate jewelry. He is always willing to take a look at something you would like to sell, and appraisals are free.
Gospel Flat Farm is located about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Offering a great insight into organic farming, the farm is a wonderful mix of numerous activities, educational elements, outdoor fun and of course organic produce shopping! The vast organic farm is covered with lush green vegetable fields, and if you're lucky you'll also be able to spot sunflowers in full bloom. On offer are farm-fresh veggies such as zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, pickled vegetables and lots more that are vibrant and incredible to taste. But meat-lovers needn't frown, since they also sell a fine quality of pork from their farm-raise pigs as well as dungeness crabs that they breed just a couple of miles from Gospel Flat Farm. They also have an in-house field baker who bakes a storm of awesome-smelling bread loaves on a wood-fired oven, that are a work of art in themselves. Apart from all the food fun, Gospel Flat Farm also hosts a fun range of activities, workshops and programs throughout the year. Group tours are available along with lunch options; check the website for more details.
New and used books at low prices are the specialty of this popular Richmond District bookstore. Two dusty floors and an annex two doors down hold hundreds of rare and out-of-print titles, bargain bins, CDs, DVDs, employee reviews and a relaxed atmosphere. You can also trade in your old books for store credit, one more way this store saves you money. The staff here is known throughout the Bay Area for being well-versed in all things books.
The first of these gourmet bakeries in the Bay Area (they now have stores in San Francisco and Emeryville), Arizmendi bakes up amazing fresh breads and gourmet pizzas daily. Some baked goods are regulars, while others change daily, like Irish Soda Bread and fig-Fennel Sourdough. The huge draw here, besides the urge to overstuff your breadbox are the fresh, specialty pizzas which change daily. Whether its a more basic version like Tomato Sauce, Olives and Rosemary, or slightly more daring and unusual, like Pasilla Peppers, Red Onions, Zucchini and Cilantro Pesto, the pizza will please any palate. Pizzas can be bought by the slice, half-pizza, or a whole and can be heated up there for immediate consumption, or half baked for you to finish yourself when you get home.
The Epicurean Trader sells some really amazing local products. Home to products such as chocolates, tea, coffee and also baby and personal care items, this little hidden gem is the perfect place to shop for all your needs. There is a huge collection of alcohol and spirits including other beverages and different types of wines.
The Oaktown Spice Shop, right next to Lake Merritt, is a dream for people who love to cook. The interior is designed to look a bit like an old fashioned general store, with wooden barrels serving as tables, and of course walls lined with clear jars full of fragrant spices. You can find almost any spice you're looking for, and will probably discover some new ones in the process! They also sell gift boxes with several different complimentary or themed spices that come with several recipes utilizing them.