Author: Ferron Salniker

Head East… To Oakland!

America getting you down? It’s been a year since I left the country, so you know I’m getting anxious and I have a feeling a few of you are feeling the same way. But, if you can’t drop everything and head overseas here are two spots to alleviate your red, white and blues:

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant
A huge, family style platter arrived at our table, the yellow of the pigeon peas matched the wall to my right, the turmeric set off the amber drapes on the ceiling, and I noticed that there’s something special when the hues of your food and your environment combine harmoniously. I enjoyed every flavor of the Yetsome Beyaynetu (veggie combo) and the Bozena Shirow (finely grounded splot peas, and chickpeas simmered in minced beef).

Oasis Market
One of my favorite things to do when I lived in Istanbul was take the tram to the spice bazaar and walk through the piles of turkish delight and saffron, past the coffee roaster, and up through the districts of fabric stores and electronics as they twisted and evolved into the Grand Bazaar full of antiques, carpets, and hookahs. My other favorite thing to do was stumble out of bars at 3 a.m. and follow the scent of döner, a rotating spit of lamb sliced off and served to order- especially good after a long night out. Oasis Market fills those two gaps in my life as best as any market could. Call it what you like, shawarma, gyro, al pastor, rotating roasts hit the spot and you can get a good one there with freshly baked pita and all the fixings (tahini, humus, onions, etc.) for $8. There’s also an entire selection of pistachio and date-filled pastries, savory pies, feta cheese, and mezzes.

They also have fresh veggies (yay for more fresh veggies in Oakland!), a huge selection of middle eastern staples, and hookah supplies. Afiyet olsun!
Got the travel bug?
Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant
Oasis

Battle of the Greyhounds: The Layover vs Cafe Van Kleef

Both have the old school grapefruit juicer, but who squeezes and mixes best? Ferronlandia sent in the thirsty troops to find out.
Layover

 

The drink-To be honest, they skimped on the grapefruit. Never thought I would say it, but too much alcohol, not enough juice. However, the bartender was 1. cute 2. responded “crazy dogs” when I asked him what he calls a grapefruit & tequila and 3. made this delicious alternative for me: tequila, grapefruit and squirt- a paloma with real grapefruit!

The scene-If you need an alternative to the Saturday night sloppy sleazy of Lukas or Mua, come and find a good-humored, motley crowd here. I had three pleasant conversations with strangers (alright, cute guys) and the rest of the bar was too busy getting down to talk to nobody. Comfy couches and a big enough dance floor to dance salsa like a Mexican (elbows, hella elbows). Warning, the DJ has major ADD- the minute you start enjoying a song it turns into something else. I won’t hate though, I was happy with the transitions.

Van Kleef

The drink- Major points on the pulp factor. My friend pointed out that the giant slice of grapefruit on the rim puts Van Kleef’s grapefruit to vodka ratio at perfection. It’s like drinking a vodka-filled grapefruit, which for some disturbing reason just made me think breakfast.

The scene- Looks like Fairy Godmother Salvage Yard waved her wand and sprinkled relics of  the 60’s, Mardi Gras, and Wyoming across the walls here. Funky like your grandma’s cluttered closet that still has a few wigs and flapper dresses, cozy like your brother’s hot-boxed basement with the couch you don’t want to leave. Try and check out the music before paying cover but it’s always a good conversation space.
The winner? Van Kleef for the drink, Layover for the scene. Good thing you can do both in one night.

Got the travel bug?
http://www.cafevankleef.com/ ($5 on weekends)
http://oaklandlayover.com/ (no cover)