The Ellington Experience

This Saturday, March 13th, The Ellington will be hosting another Second Saturdays event.  Circular Strength Training Instructor Matthew Tripp will be holding two classes, at 10am and 11am, for all to enjoy.

Beware the Ides of March, but welcome a little camaraderie amongst neighbors, professional instruction, and the self-satisfaction of a great workout.  You deserve it.

I can’t promise the workout session will be as entertaining as one led by Jim Carey, but it should be invigorating to the body and mind!

After a 25-year hiatus, the ultimate athletic endeavor that is the marathon returns to Oakland.

As part of the Oakland Running Festival taking place March 27-28, racers will be able to cover 26.2 miles through the city streets and around Lake Merritt.  Also included as part of the weekend’s running activities is a 5k, Half Marathon, 4 person relay, and Kids Race.

Maybe you’ve already been in training to take on the major feat, but maybe you have not and want to know the best spots for a run or walk in Oaktown.  Either way, the Ellington Experience has got you covered.

Check out the video below and map taken from one of my favorite routes, a 5.5 mile loop that goes right from outside the Ellington, up Broadway and around Lake Merritt and back.

To all those planning to take part in the Oakland Running festivities, good luck in training and say hi to our building as you run right next to us down Second St. in Jack London Square.

Where is the real estate market going in 2010?  We’ve brought together a most credulous panel to share their thoughts, and answer your questions, on the future of Bay Area housing.

It all goes down next Wednesday, February 24 with a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 and a moderated panel discussion at 6:30.  See the flyer below for more details.

To rsvp, go to www.theellington.eventbrite.com

Let the celebration begin!

The New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win last weekend ignited the evident truth that Mardi Gras has already begun!

Though the actual date of the festivities is officially Tuesday, February 12, Miss Pearl’s starts letting the good times roll today as part of their 5-day Mardi Gras celebration, concluding with the grandest of parties on Fat Tuesday!

Great live Samba music, $5 Hurricane drink specials, gourmet gumbo, and even a New Orleans vacation giveaway are in store.  For the full lineup, check out Miss Pearl’s event page.

Why go home when you can stay where the party is?

The Waterfront Hotel, a Joie de Vevre property, is in fact right above Miss Pearl’s Jam House.  Nautically themed with the perfect location at the heart of the Jack London Square Marina, the Waterfront Hotel is the ideal spot to stay, or even host a party or business meeting.

I recently toured the Waterfront Hotel and was quite impressed with their array of amenities (they even have a sauna) and rooms featuring beautiful bayside views.  Specifically three rooms were toured, all of different sizes, from a one bedroom to a one bedroom with seperate living room to the one and only Presidential Suite (would be sweet, yes pun intended, to reserve for a party).  Check out a little video I took below.

Ellington residents are able to receive a special Waterfront Hotel rate, so if you need a reservation by all means let me know.

See you all at Miss Pearl’s for Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday!

If a weight falls in the gym and no one's around to hear it, does it make a person feel guilty?

This Saturday, February 13th, The Ellington will be hosting another Second Saturdays event.  Circular Strength Training Instructor Matthew Tripp will be holding two classes, at 10am and 11am, for all to enjoy.

What better way to start your Valentine’s Day Weekend than a little camaraderie amongst neighbors, professional instruction, and the self-satisfaction of a great workout.  You deserve it.

With the help of Matt, these kind of things won’t happen to you…See you there!

Read your February issue of Sunset Magazine yet?  In the case you haven’t, there’s quite the buzz about Downtown Oakland featured. Sunset also notes that Jack London Square is the next East Bay hot spot.  I’ve posted it below for your own viewing pleasure.  Enjoy!

A night out in Downtown Oakland

East Bay spots with buzz: Where to eat, shop, hang out, and catch a show in Oakland

by Jennie Nunn, photo by Thomas J. Story

The Fox Theater, newly opened last year after a 43 year hiatus, has become a great venue for high profile musical talent

Why go now: As block after block of condos pop up, so do bars, restaurants, and art galleries to entertain the young new locals.

East vs. west: Think of downtown Oakland as San Francisco’s Brooklyn.

Downtown then: For years, lonely blocks of abandoned storefronts were the rule.

Downtown now: Tastemakers and artsy types meet up to talk shop.

Why here? Big-name chefs can’t resist a cost of doing business that’s about a third of what it is in San Francisco.

Urban pioneer: Art deco–inspired dinner spot Flora ($$$; closed Sun; 1900 Telegraph Ave.; 510/286-0100) really got the momentum going when it opened with a swanky splash two-plus years ago.

Next up: Nearby Jack London Square’s reinvention, including a marketplace patterned after S.F.’s Ferry Building and Seattle’s Pike Place, has been delayed due to the downturn.

But the marketplace is on track to open by summer, chain restaurants have been purged from the neighborhood, and the area is already repopulating with drive-worthy eateries.

Start your evening right: Raise a glass of bubbly to the elegant backdrop of newcomer Mimosa Champagne Lounge.

More than 60 sparklers line the bar, and brown leather banquettes under shimmery gold capiz-shell chandeliers are a comfy spot to eye movies―Saturday Night Fever, Beverly Hills Cop―projected onto a wall. $$$; closed Sun; 2355 Broadway; 510/891-1005.

Dig into down-home cooking in high style: Down the street from Mimosa, Picán has been a destination since it opened last spring.

Snappily dressed diners from all over the Bay Area line up for Southern comfort food like crispy smoked pork belly and roasted chanterelles (pictured), homemade grits with shrimp, and fried chicken with sweet truffle honey. $$$; 2295 Broadway; 510/834-1000.

Catch a concert in a 1920s landmark: A short walk from Picán is the iconic Fox Theater, which reopened last year after a 43-year hiatus.

Its original ribbon cutting, in 1928, unveiled one of the era’s most lavish movie palaces. Now it’s a live-music venue, hosting headliners like the Shins and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

If you arrive early, kick back with a drink in the Den, where TVs let you watch the opening band. 1807 Telegraph Ave.

Keep the night going: Wind down the evening at one of the neighborhood’s new late-night hangouts. Choose cocktails in industrial, loft-like Mua ($$; 2442 Webster St.; 510/238-1100).

Or hit the Layover (1517 Franklin St.; 510/834-1517) for a music lounge with a Moroccan casbah look and a speakeasy vibe.

If you fall in love with a vintage glass table lamp, you’re in luck: Everything’s for sale (ask for a price list at the bar).

3 great reasons to show up early

Stroll around the lake: After an $88 million renovation, Lake Merritt has shed its shabbiness. Now the 3.1-mile path along the water’s edge is lined with freshly planted trees. Park yourself on a bench and watch rowers glide across the water. From Broadway, walk four blocks east on 20th St.

Check out a new Oakland classic: For the best waterfront view in town, grab a barstool at the communal table at the Lake Chalet’s Pump House Bar in the newly revamped Lake Merritt Boathouse. Pair locally brewed ales with oysters, fresh ceviche, or warm hummus and pita. $$; happy hour 3 p.m.–6 p.m. Wed–Sun; 1520 Lakeside Dr.; 510/208-5253.

Scope out the art scene: For a glimpse of what emerging local artists are doing, hit Oakland Art Murmur’sFirst Friday art walk, when about 20 galleries downtown and in the adjacent Uptown neighborhood greet (and in some cases pour wine for) a stream of visitors. Events: Feb 5, Mar 5, 2010.

Yes, unfortunately we’re due for six more weeks of winter according to the esteemed meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay trapped inside.  From Valentine’s Day Cruises to Kayak and Bike Rentals to fine dining, Jack London Square has plenty of hook-ups for you in February.  So enjoy the rainless day while you still can, don’t drive angry, and check out below for all the great deals from Jack London merchants.

Square Saving$ at Jack London Square!

Jack London Square is pleased to feature Square Saving$ at Jack London Square – an opportunity to get rewarded for being a valued customer!  Each month, special offers on dining, services and recreation will be delivered to you along with a password that may be required to redeem your savings.

February Square Saving$
(February Square Saving$ are good through February 28, 2010.)

Farmers’ Market Early Bird Special:

Be one of the first 50 customers to visit the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association management booth between 9am and 10am. Mention the word “valentine” and receive $5 in Carrot Cash, redeemable at any PCFMA vendor. Remember, “Early bird gets the worm!” (PCFMA presents the Farmers’ Market every Sunday at Jack London Square between 9am and 2pm, year-round. Early Bird Special offer valid February 7, 14, 21, and 28.)

Celebrations On the Bay:

February 12: VALENTINE DANCE CRUISE. Free appetizers, favors for the ladies, romantic music. $40 per person. Boarding at the Oakland Ferry Dock next to Jack London Square at 7:30pm and cruising the bay from 8pm until 11pm. Go to www.jacklondonsquare.com for fun things to do before the cruise! (Advance reservations necessary for boarding. Call 877-499-4229.)

February 14: VALENTINE’S DAY ON THE BAY. Live music, free desserts all afternoon, dancing. $40 per person. Boarding at the Oakland Ferry Dock next to Jack London Square at 1:30pm and cruising the bay from 2pm until 5pm. Go to www.jacklondonsquare.com for fun things to do before and after the cruise! (Advance reservations necessary for boarding. Call 877-499-4229.)

Kincaid’s:

$5 off lunch for two people – $10 off lunch for four people (not to exceed $10 per table). $10 off dinner for two people – $20 off dinner for four people (not to exceed $20 per table). (Not valid in the bar, during Happy Hour, or with first seating menu. Provide server with password “Valentine” before ordering.)

Waterfront Hotel:

Special offer for the month of February: ask for the “Neighborhood Rate” of $97 per night. Call (510) 836-3800 for reservations.

On Super Bowl Sunday (February 7): BEERUNCH from 11 to 2. Artisan beers and decadent brunch dishes, followed by a Super Bowl viewing party. $40 entry fee. Space is limited. (For tickets and information, please visit www.BEERUNCH.com.)

Bay Area Bikes:

2-for-1 Bicycle Rentals! Rent 2 bikes for a day for $25 or rent 1 bike for 2 days for $25. Or rent 2 bikes for a week for only $175! Offer applies only to rentals picked up on a Saturday or Sunday and returned on a Saturday or Sunday. Reserve online at www.bayareabikes.com/for/rentals (Offer valid through February 28, 2010 and applies only to bike rentals picked up and returned on the weekend.)

California Canoe & Kayak:

Take your Valentine on a romantic evening kayak ride! Launching from Jack London Square on the Oakland Estuary, enjoy a leisurely pace, catch the sunset, and watch the city lights set the stage for an enchanting evening on the water. The Estuary is calm and protected, so you’ll stay warm and dry in cozy tandem sea kayaks. No previous kayaking experience necessary! Starts 5pm, ends around 8pm. Special two for one pricing only $39. (Offer valid through February 28, 2010. Call (800) 366-9804 and mention Jack London Square for your special price.)

Il Pescatore:

10% off your total purchase of lunch or dinner.  (Provide server with password “Square Savings” before ordering.)

Bocanova:

Wine-Down Wednesdays: During the month of February, enjoy any bottle of  wine – ½ off all day long every Wednesday.

On Super Bowl Sunday (February 7): Unlimited food (wings! fish tacos! mini burgers!) for $40. Happy Hour drink specials. Two big screen televisions. Pre-game starts at 2:30. (For tickets or more information, call (510) 444-1233.)

From inside the new Linden Street Brewery, site of the Winter Brews Festival, on 3rd and Linden in Oakland

What better way to stay out of the cold this Saturday than attending the Winter Brews Festival?!  The Brewing Network is hosting this first annual event at the newly opened Linden St. Brewery right here in Oakland.

Over 30 world class breweries will be there showing their stuff, including local favorites like Russian River, Firestone Walker, 21st Amendment,Speakeasy, Linden St., Moonlight Brewing, and Magnolia.

Tickets are $25, which includes a 10 oz. commemorative glass and 5 pours.  Additional tastings, specifically 3 for $5, will also be available.

It’s starting up at 1pm and ending at 8pm, with live music playing the whole day.

This Winter Brews Festival at Linden St. Brewery looks very promising as a weekend entertainment destination.  Check out the buzz about it here, here, and here.

One more thing, did I mention the food?  Looks like an awesome menu below:

Celebrating with the Homebrew Chef, Sean Paxton

The ‘Jipper’

Pig Sandwiches

Whole Hudson Ranch Heritage Pigs injected with lagunitas Brown Shugga’,

Dry Rubbed with Brown Sugar and Spices, Roasted in a La Caja China, Served with Caramelized Onions Deglazed with Beer, A Winter Beer BBQ Sauce

on a  ACME Roll

Crossley’s Cassoulet

Sonoma Duck Legs Confited in Russian River Consecration, Barley Cured Local Pork Belly,

Cherry Wood Smoked Pork Shanks, Simmered with Beans, Organic Vegetables, Herbs and Stock and Garnished with a “Tasty” Wild Arugula Centennial Hop Pesto

‘The Crazy Dentist’ Sausage

Local Pork, 21A Monk’s Blood, Thyme, Dried Figs infused Sausage served on a ACME Bun and topped with Caramelized Fennel and House-made Mustard

“The Jamil Package’ Sausage

Local Pork mixed with Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Topped with Caramelized Onions, Arugula Centennial Hop Pesto and House-made Mustard

As well as food provided by our friends and beer bbq masters @ Emergency BBQ!

Brody and Richard anticipate another lovely stroll through Jack London Square

The Ellington, being the very pet friendly building that we are, wanted to let you all in on the best spots to walk your dog…there’s a bunch of ‘em a short ways away!  Rolling through the square and discovering multiple grassy areas aligned with refreshing bay views, our location is a dog walker’s dream.

Wanna see for yourself?  Thanks to Richard Devera of Kaygo Dog Training/Walking and Brody, we have a first hand account of where to go for a great dog walk.  Check out the video below.

For a map of their route, with dog signs marked for the off-leash areas, click here.

Want Richard to walk and train your dog?  He can be contacted at kaygodogtraining@gmail.com.

Other Ellington friendly pet service businesses: Pawderosa dog walking service and Piedmont Pet.

If you like this video, check out our other Ellington Experience videos on our youtube channel for a collection chronicling life in Jack London Square.

As the A’s and Giants prep for the upcoming season, and the Niners and Raiders forget about theirs, sports in the Bay Area have shifted to hoops focus…introducing your Golden State Warriors.  Just a 10-15 minute Bart ride or drive down 880 South, Oracle Arena is the center of entertainment on game night.

Now I can go on and on about going to the games and how the Warriors have some of the most passionate and charismatic fans in the league, but as they say, a picture says a thousand words.  So, after going to the game VIP style (of which valet parking was one of the many perks) last Friday, I took some pictures to show just how the game looks from the baller seats we were lucky enough to score.

If you like the view and want to be there (trust me, you need to sit courtside once in your life), you can contact Cyndi at cfazzio@mmcdcorp.com to purchase the tickets.

Enjoy the photos and follow my lead and have a great time out with the Warriors.  Go Dubs!

Big Nick runs that place.

We have arrived!

Upon getting our car valeted and walking down a long blue carpet to the entrance of the arena (hard to believe, but it’s all word for word the truth), we entered the bright lights of Oracle and had the pleasure of meeting “Big Nick” (pictured above).  Big Nick was like our personal bodyguard, escorting us to our seats and making sure the waitresses came directly to us to take our food and drink orders.  Talk about service!  From the moment I sat down, I was amazed at even the pregame layup lines, the guys I watch on TV were literally…right there.  Dudes are massive in person!

Running into the tunnel...or chasing after me?

Who said going to a Warrior game was just about basketball?

The Warriors really put the entire entertainment package together for you.  In addition to the obvious game, the Warrior Girls performed a couple times.  Next time I’ll be sure to know their names when I ask for an autograph!

Thing 1

Thing 2

Thing 3!

We definitely saw some high flyers Friday night, both during the game and during breaks!  During one of the timeouts, trampolines were pulled out and these three acrobat dunkers went to work and did a crazy array of aerials!

Sure, the Kings controlled the first half, but in the second this hoop belonged to the Warriors!

Oh yeah, the game!  After a first half dominated by the Kings, during which the above photo was taken, it looked like the Warriors had no chance going into the locker room down 61-46.  Going into the fourth quarter still down, the Warriors put together a tremendous final surge, outscoring the Kings 32-15 in the final period to take home the win.  It was truly a victory well deserved by players and fans alike, for no matter how rough the season can be for the Warriors, the fans stay optimistic and stick with their team.

Like the pics?  You can check out these as well as the others taken when living the Ellington Experience on our facebook and flickr.

Until next time, live the dream.  I do.  Everyday!