News & Opinion
For the Love of Winter
We in the Bay Area love to complain about cold weather. But while most people at this time would prefer to be lounging poolside in a warm locale, I’m more of a fall/winter person. It might have something to do with growing up in deserts (Las Vegas, Palm Springs) and spending a formative decade on Maui (read: even “perfect” weather all the time gets monotonous—I know, I’m weird). I like the chilly seasons.
Chef James Syhabout’s Commis
At the start of a weeknight meal service, a young, curly-haired commis, or assistant chef, asked his boss if he was plating an oyster dish correctly. Chef James Syhabout studied the plate for a nanosecond before directing the commis to rearrange the layers. Unlike a reality TV kitchen, the Michelin-starred chef of Commis didn’t shout at or berate his employee. Syhabout answered the question simply, neutrally, without an emotional flourish. The commis nodded, replied with an affirmative acknowledgment and returned to his station for a second attempt.
Love and Marriage: An Introduction
Now, I’m not married, but this month I’ve entered a union of a different kind: editing this magazine.
Offbeat Wedding Venues
For those wanting to stay local, here are some ideas for offbeat wedding venues that might just be the solution for an unforgettable—and unique—ceremony. Be aware that pent-up demand during the pandemic has meant a flood of weddings, so be prepared to book any of these offbeat wedding venues as far in advance as possible.
Gift Guide for Buying Locally
Ring-a ding-ding! Get your shopping chops warmed up, because the holidays are upon us. Buying locally, as we know, supports local businesses, is better for the environment, is more fun—and nets cooler gifts. Maybe the one they will remember forever. The suggestions below are by no means definitive. But you might find the perfect inspiration. Take a look and see…
Holiday Shopping
Time seems to be moving quickly this year. The moment the Great Bay Area "Heat Dome" dissipated, coffee houses were suddenly serving up pumpkin spice lattes. And then, like 15 minutes later, the autumnal itch apparently scratched, it's the holiday season. I'm afraid if I blink, I'll miss New Year's.
East Bay Artistry
People go to the East to reinvent themselves; they come West to be themselves. And nowhere else can someone do that with more freedom of expression than in the East Bay. From the campus to the curb, it’s in our DNA to be true to one’s self and vision. But it doesn’t stop there—we share it: The walls of our galleries and museums are lined with area art; our venues and stages thunder with local voices; and our streets are an ever-evolving canvas of murals and more.
Never Silent
When it comes to conversations with kids about race and racism, the most dangerous choice parents and caregivers make is saying nothing at all.
East Bay Theaters
Theater in the East Bay is back big time this fall, with diverse shows that demonstrate the provocative, exploratory missions of its sustaining companies and series—and also offering some just plain fun. There are world premieres, classics reimagined, international visitors and some very big wigs. Below, in alphabetical order by company, take a look at some of the season’s most enticing offerings at our East Bay theatres.
Alice Waters’ ‘We Are What We Eat’
A revelatory read from a restaurant revolutionary It’s likely that many people will never dine under the hallowed recycled redwood ceiling of Berkeley’s revered Chez Panisse. Opened in 1971 by restaurateur, chef and food activist Alice Waters, the establishment’s upscale reputation and long waiting list for reservations is preventative for all but economically advantaged or determinedly patient diners. Practicing for 50 years “slow food movement” concepts—more on that later—the restaurant is heralded as the birthplace of California cuisine, or at least its kind-hearted, earnest, flea market decorated, food fetishizing, revolutionary MC. Created with fly-by-the-seat-of-your-soil 1960s-style radicalism, the Chez Panisse menu has long emphasized simple presentations, the meal as a multi-senso...
Best of East Bay: Arts & Culture
Best Art Gallery Round Weather Best Ballet School Shawl Anderson Best Cover Band Tainted Love Best Dance Instructor Momo LeBeau Best Indy Filmmaker Boots Riley Best Local Band BAUS Best Media Personality: TV, Radio, Print Michael Krasny Best Movie Theater Grand Lake Theater Best Museum Oakland Museum Best Music Venue The Fox Best Outdoor Art Event First Friday Best Outdoor Music Venue Greek Theater Best Performing Arts Center Lesher Center Best Performing Dance Company Oakland Ballet Company Best Place to Dance Ashkenaz Best Record ⁄ CD Store Amoeba Best Virtual Ballet Company San Francisco Ballet Bes...
Mural, Mural on the Wall: A self-guided tour of Oakland’s murals
The whole city of Oakland is a canvas. Over 1,000 murals can be found throughout the city, covering once-empty walls in explosions of color. Street art is inherently radical, and many of Oakland’s murals deal with themes of protest, injustice and identity. Like the city itself, Oakland’s murals are bright, bold and unapologetic. By nature, street art changes all the time, but there are enough murals in Oakland to satisfy any urban explorer. Although street art can be found anywhere in Oakland, certain neighborhoods have more murals than others. Here is a self-guided tour to three of Oakland’s best mural neighborhoods—a full map of all the murals in the city is available at VisitOakland.com under “Mural Map.” San Pablo and Golden Gate San Pablo Avenue, which runs the length of B...
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