The cracks that run through the 1985 mural, Mitzvah, the Jewish Cultural Experience, are a silent reminder of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Situated at 14th and Franklin Streets, on the edge of Oaksterdam, the enamel painting by Dan Fontes, Keith Sklar and Brooke Fancher is featured on the front page of this issue of Oaksterdam News. It, measures a huge 97 by 150 feet and dominates the block.
This is just one of many hidden treasures that
beckon tourists and locals to come and explore the area known as
Oaksterdam, or O’dam for short. The uptown zone’s nickname hearkens to the famously cannabis friendly city in Holland, and they share a number
of qualities.
 Grab a Quick Bite ? Proprietor ?Big Joe? brings Catfish Sundays to Oaksterdam and welcomes clients at the door of the ever popular Quick Bite restaurant, now open daily including weekends, at 1511 Franklin.  Mural on the Edge ? The beautifully detailed mural Mitzvah, the Jewish Cultural Experience can be seen at 14th and Franklin, the edge of Oaksterdam.
When you’re in the mood for a cappuccino or a soy chai, visit the
Bulldog Coffeeshop, 1739 Broadway. Last month two of Jimmy Buffet’s
backup singers came to town when the band was touring. Two Reeferettes,
Tina and Heather, dropped by for a beverage with local author and
activist Mikki Norris, who was showing them around when cotton mouth
struck. You never know who you might bump into in O’dam, but every week
you’ll get to hear cool jazz riffs by the Bulldog Band featuring Vince
Wallace, who play in the summer on the sidewalk in front of Coffeeshop
SR-71 on Sunday afternoons.
Caf? Van Kleef Contemporary Art Gallery, 1621 Telegraph, offers
drinks with the attitude and ambiance of a side street in Paris. Its
nightlife musical fare includes jazz, blues and R&B. Bedecked with
artifacts from around the world, its bar is as happening as anything in
the San Francisco Mission District, but smaller and friendlier. This
hangout is truly one of the landmarks of the area.
Another weekend destination in O’dam is the Quick Bite restaurant
at 1511 Franklin. Specializing in catfish, prawns and french fries, the
restaurant does a hopping business seven days a week and draws its
crowd downtown on Sunday afternoons.
Another specialty food shop is Francois, 365 - 19th St., where you
get a taste of Manila with rich, traditional Filipino foods plus ice
cream.
Take it Easy Thai food, 351 - 17th St., serves up large portions of
its spicy Asian cuisine. Warms the heart, the taste buds and the
palate, and has a newly remodeled interior, to boot.
At Ichiro Japanese restaurant, 412 - 15th St., the address may not
quite be 420, but it can still take care of your munchies and cotton
mouth for you. If you’re downtown during the day, be sure to get their
terrific plate lunch. It’s a good meal and a good value.
The Fine Place, 376 - 17th St, is the place to find veggie dishes
and be sure to try their zesty ginger lemonade. It is conveniently
located right next to Coffeeshop SR-71, which has smoothies, those
cold, blended concoctions of fruits and juices.
Grab something to go from one of these eateries and head to Snow
Park on a nice day or take the elevator to the top of Kaiser’s parking
lot across from 1950 Franklin, where picnic tables, shaded canopies,
and fragrant hanging vines await — along with a view up 19th Street to
see the Fox Theater looming over the district.
A new website hopes to bring people downtown with its listings of
attractions, meetdowntownoak.com. If you get a chance, take a look and
let us know what you think. It’s hosted by the City, along with Oakland
magazine. Or simply come see us online at www.oaksterdamnews.com. |
The Men's Wearhouse George Zimmer
