Live Local East Bay January 9, 2024

best of the east bay: sip, dine, do

A Few Places Frequented By The DiMaggio Betta Group

I am often asked for referrals. A referral or recommendation including anything from doctors and dentists to restaurants and things to do, and cafes and places to sip and socialize in and around the Bay and beyond.

Here are a few that came up that I thought I’d share with you. We have so many cafes. At the bottom of this Post you can click Local Cafes to read that Blog Pos.

 

 

Dinner for 2, 3 or more:

1. Belotti Ristorante E Bottega | Recommended Restaurant: Simply serves good food

2. Commis | MICHELIN 2 stars: Excellent food worth a detour

3. Mama | MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices

4. The Wolf (same owners as Wood Tavern) | Both The Wolf, and Wood Tavern, owned by friends, Rick and Rebekah Wood, will feel like you’ve stepped into the sitcom, Cheers. If you want to dive in to the East Bay, and “Live Local”, begin here.

5. Wood Tavern | MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: Friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices

 

 

Where to Stay:

Berkeley City Club also referred to as “The Little Castle”, designed by Julia Morgan who also designed Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The BCC is an elegant, historical hotel and private club, and is recognized as the most romantic spot in the East Bay for magical weddings, complete with grand pianos, gothic windows, and elegant fireplaces. Located near the UC Berkeley Campus | Go To www.berkeleycityclub.com – If you do decide to schedule a visit, feel free to request an introduction to the Manager, I will be happy to connect you. | The swimming pool at the BCC looks similar to this one below. Not quite as grand, yet similar, and also designed by the infamous Julia Morgan. Miss Morgan also is responsible for designing many East Bay homes in Piedmont, Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda.

 

 

Claremont Club + Spa, A Fairmont Resort, Berkeley, CA

The Claremont Resort, a fan favorite. This elegant and Traditional full service resort and spa is worth the visit.  Whether a guest in for an overnight, or a local taking a stay vacation, The Claremont is the perfect place to stay, spa, sip, dine and socialize.  – LIMEWOOD, one of the restaurants in the hotel, boasts one of the best views of the City. Click Here

 

 

Kissel Uptown Oakland (The World of Hyatt)

Looking for a more hip hotel, than this is it. Situated in the heart of Uptown near Downtown, The Kissel is conveniently located to The Paramount Theatre, Uptown Nightclub, the beautifully restored Fox Theatre and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. More Information 

 

What To Experience, See and Do

Jack London Square

Kayak or Canoe In The Oakland Estuary and Brooklyn Basin

Take the Ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco’s Ferry Building, then sip, shop and dine in the beautiful Ferry Building | Read On, Enjoy!

 

 

Oakland Berkeley Hills

Hike Tilden Park, Sibley, Briones or one of the many East Bay Regional Parks in the Oakland Hills

For other recommendations, resources and fun things to do, live and experience, in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel and the Sonoma, Napa Valley, just ask.

These are just a few off the top recommendations. Interested in something specific, just ask. We are always happy to make a suggestion.

Click to read up on a few LOCAL CAFES

 

bikes in a cafe

 

Connect with The DiMaggio Betta Group, partner of Corcoran Icon Properties

DiMaggio Betta GroupNeighborhoods January 27, 2022

College Ave, Rockridge to the Elmwood District

A quick peek into Debbi’s Favorites and frequented businesses on College Ave. By all means these charming district’s offer many more worthwhile visits than those mentioned here. 

So take a week to sip, dine, shop & shine.

Health & Wellness 

Rockridge Day Spa. Begin or end your day  with a relaxing facial. See menu for other offerings. Ask for Isis. 

Enjoy a Spa Day

 

Reboot Float and Cryo Spa. Unwind in the float tank or dance in the cryo chamber. Learn more about the health benefits.

 

Pressed. Cleanse… to your health or just enjoy their fresh, clean juices. Pressed is located next to Safeway and across the street from Reboot.

Shop, For Yourself or A Friend

Maison d’Etre.  Maison d’Etre, my favorite gift shop in Oakland. When I wanted to brighten up my day during COVID and SIP I would stop by to browse and pick up a new liquid soap, they have so many beautiful bottles to choose from.

 

Nathan & Co. Also a sweet gift boutique on College, although I also shop at their Piedmont Avenue store. For the past two Christmas’ I bought my daughter vibrant cookbooks from Nathan & Co.

 

Dine, Sip & Socialize  

Grab lunch or dinner at Belotti Ristorante e Bottega.

 

Meet a friend for Happy Hour at Acote. They have a charming back patio.

 

Grab & Go

Rockridge Market Hall. Pasta, Cheese, Fruit, Vegetables, Wine, Fish, Bakery, Flowers  & Gifts 

 

Casa Barotti Spizzicheria. It’s actually a hybrid between pizza and focaccia. They make their dough with a blend of soft winter wheat from both California and Italy. 

 

Sweets & Morning Treats

Boichik Bagels 

A true New York bagel company in Oakland/Berkeley. My daughter who lives in New York is always asked to bring back NY bagels, but she has always said, Boichik Bagels are better. To her delight there was a write up in our local newspaper stating exactly as she always professed. –Expect a line, although it does tend to move fast. Someone will come out and take your order which is helpful.

Are the best bagels in CA not NY?

 

Battle Of The Bagel: California Bakery Creates Bagel Room In Competition To New York

 

La Farine – Boulangerie. Cakes, Cookies, Tarts, Pastries and More … simply fresh and delicious.