Fall colors and flavors were in full force last Friday in Old Oakland. The brightness of summer has given way to the warmth of fall, visible in the deep oranges, purples, and greens on display at the Old Oakland Farmer’s Market. The seasonal flavors were abundant in dishes being served from the dining hotspots tucked into the revitalized Swan’s Market at 10th & Clay.
As I mentioned in my Part 1 Post about Idora Park, during my research I came across reference to the fact that Idora Park was well known for their “Crispy Sour Milk Waffles”. As you may be able to tell by now, I am a breakfast fan, and I am never one to turn down its sweet offerings like french toast, pancakes and waffles. So my curiosity was peaked.
This is a historical tidbit about Oakland that I just recently learned and couldn’t wait to share. In North Oakland, tucked between Shattuck Ave & Telegraph Ave from 56th St. to 58th St., sat Idora Park, an amusement park that offered everything from roller coasters to roller skating, all in the name of Victorian Era fun from 1904 to 1929.
There is a charming simplicity to Sequoia Diner. A lovely combination of delicious & classic diner fare served in a space full of classic diner style.
Sequoia Diner is located in the Laurel District of Oakland, in a spot that has been occupied by cafes and diners since the 1940’s. Owners Andrew Vennari and Sequoia Broderson have set a nice example of how to make an entrance into an established and tight knit Oakland community. Bringing their years of experience from the front and back of the house at East Bay hotspots such as Camino, Duende, and La Note, they have blended new into old in a subtle and respectful way. Neighborhood residents themselves, they have focused on creating a place that feels like it was meant to be for those of us who are their neighbors.
It was an oversight on my part that led to how I came to experience Mountain View Cemetery a few weeks ago. I had been crossing my fingers for an overcast & foggy morning for my trip there. When I saw the forecast for an upcoming Saturday morning, I was up and out the door at 6:15am so I could get there right when they open the gates at 6:30am. What I failed to take into account was that the sun wouldn’t be up until after 7:00am.
I have had my eye on the space for months, driving by and watching with curiosity to see what was going to unfold behind the “Grand Fare Market – Grand Hospitality. Grand Fare” sign that hung outside the old Monkey Forest Road space on the 3200 block of Grand Ave. Given the proximity to Charlie Hallowell’s local gems Penrose and Boot & Shoe Service, my hopes were high.
Put 4444 Mountain Blvd. into your Map App and you will find yourself at Leona Lodge…right next door is a nondescript trailhead that will lead you to this…
Old wooden bridges, a canyon of redwood and laurels, and wouldn’t you know it….a running creek! If you are like me, and love the sound of water in nature, take an hour out of your day to hide away in this little gem.