#OaklandBeloved #knittedsocksonpoles

I have nothing to say about this.....

#oaklandbeloved ‬ ‪#‎creepymoon‬ ‪#‎lakeshore‬

I actually love when the night skies look creepy. Took this pic on July 3rd, 2015. Had a interesting night and learned a lot... The first thing I learned was that I'm never going to a certain restaurant around that area thanks to a the guy that answered the phone once I arrived home and learned that my order was all wrong and called to let them know. #smarta&&

The second thing I learned is that I gotta figure out the right settings for my camera to actually take shots of the creepy sky more successfully. Gotta remember lower aperture number means wider iris light or something like that. Nonetheless here's today's #oaklandbeloved enjoy!

#oaklandbeloved

Of course this photo isnt from today's +Oakland Athletics baseball game but from May '14 this photo was taken on my good ol' reliable but very old droid bionic. Still a lovely shot married with lovely memories enjoy! ‪#‎oaklandbeloved‬ #sunset  +O.co Coliseum

My TOP 5 Favorite Spots for Happy Hour in Oakland--Safety meetings for everyone please!

Safety meetings for everyone please!

If you are wondering what a safety meeting is I must tell you that it is definitely not what you are thinking. I am a substitute teacher by day and have been teaching K-12 students for quite some time. As a substitute, I travel from school to school and as an outsider, I am always so fascinated when I am able to stay at a school long enough to get acclimated with the cultural and social norms of a school. My favorite learned social norm by far has to be what the staff at one school I worked at called a safety meeting. It was basically a code red for “Yo, today’s been one of those days… Y’all want to meet up for a drink later?” For which I along with the other staff would be much obliged to say. "Yes." Bringing me to today’s topic… Happy Hour.  A bit of a stretch huh? Not really. It’s the middle of summer and right now I could use some adult conversation and if that conversation happened to take place over frosty adult beverages and some hot wings.... Well you prolly know the rest of that story.

According to the always informative website, dictionary.com, Happy Hour is cocktail hour and a longer period at a bar, during which drinks are served at reduced prices or with free snacks.-- I’m guessing it’s safe to add that there's discounted food too—Now Happy Hour usually happens in the

late afternoon to early evening and caters to an after work crowd. But there are some restaurants who offer a happy hour menu an hour or two before closing. The late night hours caters more to people who have just left a concert, a live staged show, or a sporting event and want to get something to eat before heading home. No matter the time of said Happy Hour, I must say that it is always my favorite time of the day. So let me just give you a quick rundown of my favorite places to enjoy Happy Hour or a "safety meeting" right here in the Town.

#5.Kincaids 1 Franklin St, Oakland 94607

When I think of Kincaid’s, I think of my first taste of Happy Hour elegance. I mean before Kincaid’s I had no idea that happy hour could be exquisite. I must admit that my first time at Kincaid’s  Happy Hour, I was filled with happy hour naiveté-- which usually involved me showing up to a place to hanging out with a few friends throwing back shots of tequila and shoving hot wings and nachos in my belly so I wouldn’t pass out--that all ended with my first visit to Kincaid’s. The entrance to the restaurant alone says “No you will not holler WOOHoo!!! in this place.”

The bar which is just a small portion of this restaurant sits right on the water with windows from ceiling to floor. There really is not a bad seat in the place unless you are sitting at the bar and that’s only because your back is facing the window. And the waterfront views accompanied with smooth musical sounds and laughter… How could you ever go wrong?  

Kincaid’s serves up an Classic American Grill menu which includes Fresh Seasonal Oysters,  Smoked Beef Carpaccio and of course Buffalo Wings with a house made hot sauce and delicious Maytag blue cheese dressing and is no doubt one of my favorites on their menu. My other favorites include the Oven Roasted Crab and Artichoke Dip, Country Fried Calamari, and the Roasted Oysters Rockefeller. If you want to play it safe you can order my most favorite thing to order when I am with my friends which is the Kincaid's Tasting Sampler. It’s a leaping tower of goodness and includes the Oven Roasted Crab & Artichoke Dip, Grilled Teriyaki Tenderloins, and Coconut Prawns. It’s usually $31.95 but is $10 off during happy hour. They have a huge drink menu too! During happy hour draft beers are a $1 off, their house red and white wines are around $5 bucks and they have a host of special cocktails for approximately $6 bucks. My favorite is the GREEN APPLE DROP which is garnished with a thinly sliced of apple giving in refreshing crispy bite.  

There is an extra bonus with dining at Kincaid’s. You can earn a point for every dollar spent through their rewards program. You check out the details of that by visiting their webpage at http://www.kincaids.com/rewards.php

# 4. Twelve Bar at Marriott Hotel 1001 Broadway Blvd, Oakland 94607

Let me preface this entry by explaining to you that Twelve Bar is in the Marriott Hotel. The hotel sits in the heart of downtown Oakland at 10^th and Broadway and can be quite busy no matter the time of day. The people that frequent Twelve Bar are both visitors to Oakland but there are quite a few regulars (pointing both thumbs at myself) It is both spacious and intimate with wide tables and electrical outlets everywhere. This is good if you want to have casual business meeting or write a blog. I like it because of the very reliable internet service. I also like that there are plenty of TV’s. If its basketball or football season I’m probably there with my laptop open doing work while simultaneously yelling at one of the many widescreens in the place.

The menu includes both drinks and food but is rather pricey. Before we go any further in this article you should know that I enjoy nice cocktail especially a delicious bourbon with ginger beer. I honestly never ever pay beer and wine no mind. So if you wanna know what kinds of beers they have on tap or blah blah blah about a restaurants wine selections I’m gonna give you a Kanye shrug so don’t bother to ask me.  

I do know that Twelve Bar has a discounted wine and beer menu at a good price during Happy Hour. They even pour your wine in a cute little personal-sized carafe. The well drinks are around $6 bucks. They do have a food menu but remember it’s the Marriott and so come with a lofty budget. The menu has a delicious variety of food and you will definitely get full off the portion sizes. The staff is phenomenally personal and will honor any request within reason usually without the hassle of up charges and such.

My all-time favorite item on the menu is the Blackened Mahi Mahi burger. For $17 bucks you get fresh blackened Mahi Mahi seasoned just right on a toasted ciabatta bun. This meal also includes all the fixings like avocado, red onion, and lemon aioli. Be warned, you might scream when they lay that platter in front of you,. It is Giant! But after one bite you will not want to contain your nomnomnoms from all the yummy goodness. Their Juicy Cheeseburger is all that too and comes with your choice of 3 different types of cheese. Both sandwiches come with your choice of fries—regular, garlic, or sweet potato-- or a salad.

#3. Plum Bar 2216 Broadway, Oakland 94612

Plum Bar has some wines, quite a few cocktails made with whimsical elixirs and a full bar filled with bourbons and whiskeys.  They also have something called the HAPPY MEAL-- 1/2 lb Cheeseburger or Falafel Burger with Smoked Fries and you can wash that all down with Draft Beer  of your choosing and 4 Roses Bourbon. 

Now I've already told you that I am not big on beer but I hella love a yummy taste of bourbon. I usually have ginger beer with my 4 Roses bourbon. I've been told that they call that the Buck. I call it my Grown Ass Woman beverage and I sometimes do a little dance when I'm sitting at the bar with this lovely adult meal. 

Listen up people!! This is not your Happy Meal from childhood. By the way Plum Bar's Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday 2:30pm until 5:30pm so you are gonna have to be quick about it.

#2. Restaurant Chu 5362 College Ave, Oakland 94618 

Restaurant Chu on College Avenue is where Oakland restaurant-faire got its humble beginnings way back in the day. When I was growing up, College Avenue was the first place you thought about when you wanted to go somewhere elegant and eat. Well if you didn’t want to venture off to Jack London Square that is.

Interesting enough I came across Restaurant Chu while scouring the Town for food one hungry night. I along with my friend was ready to spend a hefty penny for some chic Asian food. We sat down at their strikingly unique chairs and table and was handed the most beautiful Happy Hour menu I’ve ever seen. *I was really hungry*

There’s a vast variety of small plate food and drinks on the menu which are designed for sharing—the food is at least. The menu is delectable with selections priced at $6, $7, and $8. There are pork buns and pot stickers, and dumplings. There’s also Ginger Lemon Ceviche, Garlic Noodles, and Ahi Tuna. Most of the meat is served on cute little skewers and include Cherry Pork and Xian Jiang Lamb. They have beers for $5 and house red and white wines for $7… And they have COCKTAILS!!!! Sophisticated and Dazzling Cocktails! It’s been a while since I’ve made the trek back over there. I might just run up from this keyboard right now if I don’t stop typing about them. Restaurant Chu’s Happy Hour is daily 4pm - 7pm and late night 9pm - 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

#1. Room 389 Grand Ave, Oakland 94610

Room 389 is the spot where everything in Oakland is alright. Great people, great atmosphere, with an interesting staff of characters. Yes they have TV’s and good music but it’s just present enough to allow folks to chat and laugh and play trivia. When you come to this place you really have to be like “What evs dude, I’m just chillin’.” The folks in this place are easy going, low key, and dog friendly.  

It was designed that way too.  Room 389 is the old Golden Bear which was known for its party atmosphere. When the new owners took over they took the time to make it a attractively welcoming place. There are vintage books on the wall that are used to absorb some of the noise. There’s also a vintage sound system and tons of old records for the DJ's to play. With dark hardwood adorned with tropical plants everywhere, the soft ambient lighting comes from the elongated skylight above the bar. I am told the design was inspired by Havana, Cuba and although I’ve never been I believe it. 

Room 389 is a place where you can meet up with friends or stop in while walking around the lake. Yes folks. Room 389 is drama free. A place where people from all sorts of backgrounds come together to drink, laugh, or root for their favorite Oakland team. The staff are mostly baseball fans but the place is jumping during a Warriors game. 

My good ole’ reliable watering hole is open in the morning as well serving breakfast pastries and beverages including +bicyclecoffee and a spiked variety of espresso-faire. My favorite hot beverage is the Mexican coffee topped off with their housemade whip cream. 

Happy Hour is every day from 4pm – 7pm, all night on Thursdays, and all dang ‘ol day on Sundays. There are plenty of specialty cocktails but being that well drinks are only $5, I much prefer the wide away of bourbons with of course ginger beer. (I'm really not that complicated) I do like to mix it up every once and while with a little Vodka. The grapefruit juice  used in the Greyhounds  like all of the other juices used in most drinks are freshly squeezed--right there at the bar no less.

Every once in a while they have a guest chef come to sell special plates. But if you want to bring your own meal from another restaurant feel free, they don't mind. There are plenty of places to grab delicious food to bring in from restaurants nearby. There's Ethiopian, Thai, pizza, and there's even an Indian restaurant right next door. 

So yeah those are my favorite Happy Hour spots around the Town. I'm pretty sure there are 1 or 2 that you feel should be on this list or not on this list. But trust me, I've had a lot of frosty adult beverages at plenty of safety meetings.... There are a few honorable mentions I can put out there but how bout you help me with that. Leave a comment below or email me at hollaatus @towntrippin.net with a few of your favorite spots. 

OMGEEEE!!!! #WarriorsParade #DubnationCelebration

It's been a few weeks and after finally completing some work projects I am able to sift through all of the pictures I took at the +Golden State Warriors #ChampionshipParade #DubnationCelebration that happened in #Oakland on June 19th. The Parade was stupendous and Oakland was beautiful with over 1.1 million fans decorating the city with blue, gold, and white. I was so proud of my city.

So I'm gonna get things started and post the first 10 or so pics that have been crowding space on memory stick. I got #HELLA pictures so please be patient and stay tuned because there is more to come in the near future. To view photos as I add them you can do one of three things:

#1 Like my page on Facebook--this way when new photos are posted they will more than likely show up in your timeline. You can find my Town Trippin's Facebook page here facebook.com/towntrippin

#2 Comeback to this page whenever you please and click here. Yes I do post on Facebook but I also post pictures of all the events that I photograph.

#3 Shoot me an email at hollaatus@towntrippin.net and I will email you whenever I post new pics --well until the last pic is posted--

#Oakland You Know I Love You, Girl.

I made one vow to myself this summer. Okay no I made a coupla vows to myself to accomplish this summer. But, 2 of those vows are the subject of today's post. The first of those 2 vows has to do with me recommiting to this blog which I created a couple of years ago to talk about my favorite topic-- All Things Oakland. The other vow is to have a more intimate relationship with my camera. I'm not talking about the camera on my phone no no. (I couldn't really do that if I tried. Long story, perhaps I can chat about that tiny nightmare in another post. Sigh) Anyways the camera that I am referring to is my Canon 20D camera which from my understanding is one of the first DSLR cameras to come onto the market.  

filmmaker and business owner, Nenna Feelmore

I got the camera way back in 2013 from Nenna Feelmore - an award winning filmmaker and owner of  FeelMore Adult Gallery. She was having a fundraiser or something and so I got involved by purchasing this camera. At the time I didn't know much about DSLR cameras and taking photos with them and had only taken a SLR class while a student at UC Davis. Besides, you know I am more of a video girl. What I did know was that I wanted a DSLR camera and had a few extra bucks to spare. DSLR cameras have come a long way since then but my pocketbook not so much. So an upgrade is not anywhere in my near future. Hence my vow for the summer. I know it's been a coupla summers since I originally acquired it... But you have no right to judge me.

Now let's get back to what I was talking about in the first place, 2 of the many vows to myself for the summer. Me talking about all things Oakland and sharing it with you via this blog. On top of all that I have decided that this relationship with my camera should inspire others to make a commitment to their camera and the city that I love too! As result I've come up with a campaign slogan and hashtag  #OaklandBeloved. This means that you and whomever else can partake in my love for the city on the better side of the bay...Oakland. So grab your cameras people and get to snapping and them post your pics on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or where ever with the hashtag #OaklandBeloved. I know you might be wondering where I came up with that hashtag but who has time for that...LET'S BREAK THE INTERNET PEOPLE all for the love of #TheTown. 
Checkout what I was able to muster up on my last outing to Lake Merritt round twilight. I'm using the C.P.L filter that I found in a box with some other camera stuffs. Let me know what you think.

photo by M. AyeshaEdwards for @towntrippin 

photo by M. AyeshaEdwards for @towntrippin

photo by M. AyeshaEdwards for @towntrippin

photo by M. AyeshaEdwards for @towntrippin

photo by M. AyeshaEdwards for @towntrippin

IF YOU are READING THIS 

THE Golden State WARRIORS 

are NBA World Champions

So the last time I spoke to y'all the Warriors were in the playoffs and I was giving you the Top 5 Reasons Watching Warriors Games on TV is Just as FUN as Being Inside R'Oracle Arena and unless you have been living under a rock since that post, you already know that the Golden State Warriors are the winners of said playoff run and sent every single one of their opponents into the record books as the team that couldn't stop the choo choo train known as the Golden State Warriors!!! Congrats to my favorite NBA squad. They deserve all the props and accolades coming their way.

While we are on the subject there has been heavy debate as to where exactly in the Bay Area represents the Warriors the best and of course being the author of this blog and long time fan I am quick to say Oakland. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) although the Warriors have been in Oakland for the past 40 years, the current owners of the GSW's are eager to move them back over the bridge to San Francisco for obvious reasons of course---insert your favorite song about money here--- Now I'm not gonna waste your eyeballs arguing over whether it's right, fair, or wrong. Of course it's wrong. All those big visions that Joe Lacob and the rest of his team have for what they want in San Francisco are theirs to have but I am a true believer that those visions are absolutely possible and would be best served in the town that the Warriors Headquarters currently reside in. But what do I know? I'm just a teacher with a penchant for most things digital who happens to have hella pride and love the city of my birth and upbringing HELLA MUCH. So I will say here what I have already said before openly quoting my rant from earlier today word for m'f n word...

"Y'all can say Bay Area 'til y'all blue and gold in the face but that trophy is coming back to Oakland first bishes..... ‪#‎townbizness‬"

This Facebook/Twitter status got a few peoples panties all up in a bunch and to that I say... So What! It's the truth. What? Am I not supposed to be upset with the the powers that be wanting to break up with Oakland for San Francisco because it supposed to be more profitable? Pffffsssstttt.... It aint more profitable for me. Besides, I have feelings, I wouldn't bleed blue and gold if that was the case.  So yeah I'm a little mad that the only two phrases the entire Warriors organization uses when describing the Warriors' actual proximity is "Bay Area" and "Oracle Arena" while visually hitting us with San Francisco images. Plastering "The City" on every thing else. Wait... didnt I say I wasnt gonna make this blog post all about the Warriors eventual move? Alright then....

In other news....

You can now follow Town Trippin on Tumblr  at towntrippin.tumblrhttp://towntrippin.tumblr.com/.com I am hoping that our move to Tumblr will make it easier for me and other contributors of Town Trippin to share more using diverse modes of content that can be shared across many more platforms easily.  **Is this announcement about making a change and moving on to something that is supposedly better?** hmmmmmmmmm. It should be noted that we are not moving our blog, we are just available on a second platform. So if you are a fan of Blogger you can follow us @ towntrippin.blogspot.comtowntrippin.blogspot.com and if you are a fan of Tumblr, you can follow us on Tumblr. BTW way here's a friendly reminder -- You can also Tweet us @towntrippin and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/towntrippin. Yes we are everywhere friends so holler or like or follow!!

Well that's it from us for today. Thanks so much for tuning in. I guess I will see Warrior fans at the parade this Friday in OAKLAND. I have included a copy of the parade map for you below.

http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/golden-state-warriors-championship-parade-and-rally