Champa Garden before surgery

Had my gum surgery yesterday and still recovering, but luckily I was able to get treated to Champa Garden over on 8th Ave and East 21st St. BHboy also bought me a to-go box of their Panang Catfish curry. YUMYUM. It was a good mix of people that included Couchsurfing and City Slicker friends. A few people discovered the joins of Beer Lao (light and dark). Here's to dreaming about chewing food again.

Art & Soul Festival

This weekend is Art & Soul festival in downtown Oakland. I've not actually gone attended (mainly because I have a thing against paying a cover charge) but I've boogied on down to some great music from outside the fenced area.
Next weekend is Chinatown Fest. For sure I'll try to make that if my recovery from gum surgery doesn't stop me.

Guess where?

Grand Tavern then had my heart stopped

Went to Grand Tavern with BHboy and Paul from Couchsurfing. Met a couple of cool guys and the owner, who is a really cool and welcoming host, have is free fries. Considering that the $8 for 8 beers tasting was already great deal, I had no complaints. Allagash White is an amazing beer-buttery and smooth aftertaste.
Then we had some amazing pizza at Lane Splitter on MacArthur across from the Lake Merritt parking lot. Has a Heartstopper pizza and a bit of pepperoni and Carnivore pizza. Great food. I also like that they have composting bins.

Luchadores at "Best of" Aug 7

Just got back from a cool freebie event (especially as we all got buzzed) at the Oakland Museum which was the site for East Bay Express' "Best Of" Party. I mainly hung around the stage area, watched a bit of wrestling and Indian dancing. Found a potential model, ran into someone I met at People's Grocery farm party and a few other Couchsurfers.

Guess where?

National Night Out: 5 hot dogs, some BBQ and a mayoral sighting

I walked with my neighbor to Market St and 12th and stopped in to offer assistance with setting up for their block party. Ended up spending a couple of hours helping with serving food and grilling hot dogs. Don't worry I managed to still eat 5 hot dogs and some ribs/chicken/potato salad from Everett and Jones. It's the first time I've had their famous BBQ and let's just say we made sure the sauce was not thrown away!
There were sandwiches donated by the Subway Sandwich at 7th and Mandela Parkway. Mandela Foods Cooperative also donated drinks, fruits and other snacks. You have to love businesses that give back to their community!
Some groovy beats and Mayor Ron Dellums was there for about 30 minutes. Like him or not, at least he made the effort.
Then BHboy showed up and we headed over to 34th and Peralta for the party hosted by City Slicker Farms to hang out a bit with Adelle. We also briefly visited the party at 32nd and Peralta. No I did not eat any more food.

Sundrenched evening stroll

Was suppose to be at Sheila's place for my first crystal healing lesson, but I was hungry and decided to stop off at the Pupuseria on 7th between Henry and Center St. I'd tell you how great it was, but at $2 a pop for such a miniscule treat, I decided to pass. Even their tacos are $2 each. OUTRAGEOUS for such a dive. I'll just save up for Fruitvale.
On the bright side, a block away, Mandela Foods Cooperative opened not too long ago. It's small, but has a good range of items. The prices are reasonable too.

20 minute door to door commute

Don't know about all my peeps living in East Oakland or people who drive but hoping on the NL bus takes me to work in SF in under 20 min. Did I mention Wi-fi on the bus? If you've never taken a Transbay bus you're also missing out on the amazing views from being up higher on the bridge. About to step off the bus.

Inspiration to blog

I spent the day with my friend BHboy today and we had experienced so many good sides to Oakland just this weekend alone, but the news always seems to pick up the more negative aspect. I LIVE IN WEST OAKLAND AND LOVE OAKLAND for its diversity (despite all the talk of corrupt politicians, crime and poverty) and have always tried to get people to see that it has a lot to offer. Anyway, BHboy in his youthful wisdom suggested I should blog about all the cool things this city has to do. Bare in mind that as geeky as I am, I am not into the web social scene (even my boss is dumbfounded that I don't have a F*c#book profile) and only carry around a mobile phone because I have to for work.
I'm a bit drained today from a sweet meal at Drunken Fish Sushi (3314 Piedmont Ave, 94611) after sipping wine in peaceful Morcom Rose Garden (700 Jean St, 94610) and strolling through the second day of Lake Fest at Lakeshore. There were some great bands and I almost got my groove on.
Tomorrow I'm getting a lesson in crystal healing from my new friend Sheila who co-owns Satin Crystals with her sister Lisa.