VibrantVibrant TemescalTemescal
The word ‘temescal’ is derived from the Aztec word for “sweat-house” and was used by Spanish colonists to describe the hut-like structures built by indigenous peoples for cleansing and ritual practices. Legend has it that the first Spaniards to have explored this area of what is now Oakland named Temescal Creek after a nearby sweat house. Of course, there are a few other theories about how Temescal got its name. Still, whatever its origin, the name stuck, for on an 1840 map, we find Temescal Creek identified as the “Arroyo del Temescal o Los Juchiynues.”
n Cooper Mickelson In our last issue, we took you on a coastal getaway to beautiful Santa Cruz, and even though we love a good scenic drive and long weekend, we decided that we’d bring you somewhere a bit closer to home this month. I’m sure many of you will have spent a reasonable amount of time in Oakland, CA. It’s only about half an hour away and full of exciting restaurants, hikes, music venues, and more. Unfortunately, it would take ten issues to cover it all! So instead, we’re going to dive into my favorite area of Oakland, the Temescal District!
The Temescal neighborhood stretches up Telegraph Avenue between 40th and 66th street. Walking, biking, or driving through this area, you’ll find doughnut shops, beer gardens, art galleries, murals, historic architecture, yoga studios, games stores, dive bars, etc. You’ll also notice a lot of newly constructed condos. The neighborhood has been “improving” over the past decade, and with that improvement, we see the resulting positive AND negative side effects. Buildings are renovated, and potholes are filled, but many long-term residents and businesses are being priced out. Temescal is not alone in this classic, modern urban dilemma, and you’ll notice these changes anytime you visit a growing city. We’ve tried to cover everything from home goods and clothing shopping to drag brunches and Dungeons&Dragons meet-ups in this issue, but when you choose to visit this eclectic neighborhood, you’ll find a million more things to enjoy.
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Temescal
Tuesdays are Pokemon After School Youth Club. Wednesdays are RPG and Dungeons&Dragons night. Saturdays are for Comedy night and Scrabble Club, and Sundays are when the Chess Club meets! Magic the Gathering is played almost every night, and word on the street is that their movie nights are making a comeback, so be sure to check out the store’s website (itsyourmoveoakland.com) for the event calendar and details!
Shopping Do you like music? Do you like gorgeous cocktails? What about delicious food and unbeatable entertainment? If so, you absolutely have to make your way down to North Light for a Vinyl Drag Brunch. Hosted by Beef Cakes (@she_beef) on the last Sunday of every month, Vinyl Drag plays through both sides of an album as talented queens and kings put on the performance of a lifetime. In the past they’ve done Lady Gaga, The Killers, Whitney Houston and Shrek: The Original Motion Picture Score. Lord Farquaad lip syncing to Bad Reputation? A true masterpiece. North Light now creates feature cocktails for these events and their brunch menu is killer. If you’re having trouble deciding, my go-to order is the breakfast burrito with soyrizo (veggie friendly folks here) and an aperol spritz. It won’t disappoint. To reserve a table for one of the future shows contact North Light on Instagram (@drinknorth) and remember to bring cash to tip your performers! Drag drag brunch vinyl drag
Preserved workshop crimson The vintage rug shop
Gamers unite! It’s Your Move is a locally owned and gamer-operated store in Temescal. A game store that is communityoriented and event-driven It’s Your Move is a significant gem of the neighborhood. You can find an extensive array of games and gaming supplies at this shop. Magic the Gathering cards, chess boards, Dungeons&Dragons books, puzzles, and more line the shelves surrounding tables where you’ll often find groups of gamers in the middle of a campaign. The workers and volunteers are beyond helpful with any questions you might have and are always excited about helping customers get into something new!
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It's MoveYour
RaritiesHorticulturalCrimson The Vintage Rug Shop DOPP Game nights Preserved Workshops BeniciaMagazine.com • 5
The Vintage Rug Shop is the perfect place for your home furnishing needs. Vintage rugs, handcrafted furniture, and one-of-a-kind textiles from all over the world can be found online or at their beautiful storefront. Founded by Brittany Chinaglia, The Vintage Rug Shop launched in 2015 as an online shop for vintage textiles and home decor. This best-kept sourcing secret for the design community grew so quickly that, only three years later, Brittany left the corporate finance world to pursue a full-time career in design and open The Vintage Rug Shop’s first physical storefront in Oakland, California.
Experiences
Plant parents, this one is for you. Crimson Horticultural Rarities is a women-owned and operated indoor plant boutique that focuses on rare or unusual horticultural specimens, handmade pottery, and various botanically inspired goods for your body and home. Located in the Temescal Alley, this store is a great spot to wander through in between beers or while you wait for a reservation at one of the local restaurants. The plants are handpicked at the nursery to ensure they’re ready to thrive in your home. The store is carefully curated to create a beautiful and intimate setting to explore. You can find pots of all sizes, and the staff can pot your plants for you right in the store if you ask. Crimson’s collection of cards is stunning, and you’ll find plenty of small gifts to bring home with you. They also offer floral design for weddings and events and lasting interior plant design. Feel free to take advantage of their staff’s knowledge to help you decide on the perfect plants for your home or office. Another women-owned company, Dopp, is a design studio run by Shayla Dopp, with their first physical store located in the Temescal Alley. The star of this shop is its shoe collection. Gold metallic and cheetah print boots, wedges, and loafer-style shoes decorate the walls of this small storefront. Shayla works with talented craftswomen and men at home and abroad to create her thoughtful designs. Her shoes and garments make your spirit soar with their impeccable quality and unique style. The treasures of Dopp are found from Sweden, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and beyond and can be purchased in-store or online at their gorgeous websitePeruse(dopp.city)theirfunky sunglasses, colorful clothes, bright tapered candles, and collection of perfumes Thursday-Saturday 12-5 pm, or send them a message for a Preserved is a kitchen focused shop centered around traditional methods of preserving and fermenting. You’ll find quality kitchenware, artisan-made foods, fermentation starter cultures, and DIY inspiration and troubleshooting. I’ve often picked up some cocktail supplies and delicious sauerkraut when I stop by Preserved. Still, for our readers who bake bread, make jam, or want to make their own kombucha, there is everything you could need somewhere on the high shelves of this adorable store. Preserved doesn’t only sell supplies; they also host in-person classes! Handson, community workshops in everything from miso making to summer pickling, these classes host a maximum of 8 students and provide mandatory rapid covid tests to be taken in advance of the class. These workshops are the perfect idea for a couple’s night, gal pal outing, or solo date. You can also plan a private workshop with Preserved, where you can choose to learn about quick pickling, cheese making, and more! If you’re not into in-person events, Preserved offers virtual workshops that have been previously recorded. These are the “rough-cuts” of the virtual workshops, available for viewing at a discounted rate, that were hosted while their shop was closed during the lockdown. Visit preservedgoods.com for their list of upcoming workshops!
Brittany’s mission is to bring good design to everyday living. The pieces in her shop feel loved and warm while still looking elegant. Her style is the perfect mixture of old and new, natural and modern. Full of unique finds displayed in a way that makes it easy for you to imagine them in your lived-in space, you’ll feel inspired the moment you step foot in their Temescal storefront. Brittany puts a lot of work into making The Vintage Rug Shop into more of a home than just a sterile place to shop. Beautiful bouquets are always on display, and candles are kept burning.Whether you’re looking to buy decor for your home or you need to find a gift for a loved one, The Vintage Rug Shop has got you covered.
Temescal is close enough to make it a day (or even just afternoon) trip, but sometimes we want a weekend staycation so we can have the time to experience it all! Although the Claremont Club and Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, isn’t technically in Temescal, it’s only a short drive or bike ride up Claremont Avenue, and it’s definitely worth the trek. Twenty-two acres with a breathtaking view, this historic resort is sure to charm you. Built in 1915, the Claremont blends its history with the modern-day to offer you the best stay you could imagine. Dine at Limewood and East Bay Provisions, relax your body and mind at the Fairmont Spa, and take advantage of the tennis courts, yoga classes, swimming pool, and magic shows! The Claremont has 276 classically contemporary guest rooms and suites that will provide the perfect setting to make the most of this fantastic location. Most rooms showcase a view of the San Francisco Bay and skyline, but if you want a guaranteed stellar view, then be sure to call and request one. Dusk is the perfect time to visit the Sunset Lounge Thursdays through Saturdays and enjoy the open air. Grab delicious bites from Five Palms Alfresco and a fireside cocktail from Rosie, their signature Airstream bar. If you’d rather eat indoors, I suggest making a reservation at Limewood Bar and Restaurant. Get some relaxation at the Spa where mobile phones aren’t permitted, forcing you to embrace the peaceful environment fully. Choose your perfect massage or facial, or book both to really spoil yourself. You deserve it! Thank you so much for reading our guide to Temescal! If you visit any of these great spots, make sure to treat all staff with kindness and respect. Show them tons of Benicia love and let them know we sent you. Hopefully, we’ll convince them to take their own mini vacation and visit us at our little slice of heaven on the bay. See you in our next issue of Benicia+! B
North Light
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Red Sea claremont club & Spa Publisher Mary Hand Editor in Chief Genevieve Hand Art Director Margaret Bowles Graphic Designer Cooper Mickelson Website Specialist Genevieve Hand Contributors Cooper Mickelson Administrative Assistant Solofo Evans Social Media Specialist Bitsy Hall On the cover: Beef Cakes at Vinyl Drag Cover photo by: Jordan Edwards Advertising NewAdsales@beniciamagazine.com707.980.1563SalesAdvertisingdeadlinesads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month Contact Us 707.980.1563,editor@beniciamagazine.comBeniciamagazine.com
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The Avenue So we've already talked a little bit about North Light and their Drag Brunches, but they offer so much more than that. North Light is a cocktail bar, restaurant, bookstore, vinyl store, and bottle shop all wrapped into one. Their cocktail creations are elegant and unique; I've yet to find one didn't enjoy. In this summer heat, their back patio is the perfect spot to relax with a spicy margarita and a good book. Speaking of good books… North Light's bookstore (complete with a rolling ladder, every book lover's dream) is curated by some of their favorite writers and artists. So you're bound to find something new that suits your taste. If you fall in love with a specific mezcal or gin while enjoying some cocktails, you'll most likely be able to take a bottle home with you from their bottle shop. They have a fun selection, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. You can also order pre-made cocktails to-go from their website if you're looking to bring some Temescal fun back home or to the hotel to sip on in your pajamas. Stop by and show North Light's staff some Benicia love. You won't be disappointed. You can’t talk about Temescal without mentioning the fantastic Ethiopian restaurants. There are quite a few options in the area, but I’ve chosen to highlight Red Sea. Located just off Telegraph Ave, this restaurant is easy to get to from any of the spots we’ve already spoken of. The aroma of Ethiopian food is incredible. Your mouth will be watering before you even walk through the door. There is seating inside and outside as well as at the bar, and take-out is always an option if you’d rather eat at one of the parks nearby. The flavor profile of Ethiopian food is very distinct. It combines earthy, spicy, tart, sour, and intense flavors. The dishes are often paired with Injera, a sour fermented teff flour bread. Injera is rolled into a large flatbread, and the food is served on top of it. No utensils are involved when eating a dish involving Injera. Tear off a piece of the bread, scoop up a bite-size amount of food, and enjoy! If you’ve never had Ethiopian food before, the choices can be overwhelming. My suggestion (all vegetarian) is to order the Alitcha Dinish, Silssi, and Engudai. That being said, everything is good. Some dishes can be spicy, so if that’s not your thing, don’t be afraid to ask your waiter which options are best for you. Roses Taproom is one of the cutest spots on our list this month. From the green awning to the bright tiles behind the bar, Roses screams, “take photos with me!” Beer and wine only; the menu here is small but mighty. They sell their beer in cans so pretty that you won’t want to toss them when you’re finished. The wine options are all winners. You really can’t go wrong. This summer heat has me ordering the Planet Oregon Sparkling Rosé on most visits. If Roses is your before-dinner plan, they offer some snacks to hold you over. Cheese plates, mussels, and squid in ink. You’re going to feel fancy. Take a six-pack or bottle of wine home to share with your friends who couldn’t make it. They’ll be jealous after seeing your Instagram pics. I would never forgive myself if I didn't mention my favorite bar in all of Oakland. The Avenue has been a Temescal staple for 14 years and will forever be one of the most unique dive bars I've ever experienced. Owned by Oakland native Curtis Howard and his wife Tana, who are two of the most rad humans you'll ever meet, this bar is known for its dark, haunted vibes and collection of spooky decorations. Sit out front with your pup, inside at the bar or in the back room lounge. Challenge your friends to a game of pool, try your hand at ring toss, play some music on the jukebox, and don't forget to visit the photo booth! The Avenue has a fun collection of toys, skateboards, and records to look at, and the bathrooms are something else entirely (I'll let you discover those decorations on your own). Many bartenders have been there from the start and made this bar what it is. Visit The Avenue a few times and it'll start to feel like a second family. Fun fact: My husband and I love The Avenue and their staff so much that we were married there! You should try and make it out to The Avenue during the fall once their Halloween decorations go up, if you get the chance. They go big and create a multi-themed haunt throughout the bar. It's different every year and shouldn't be missed!
Drinks&Food
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