About Alameda's Main Island Of Alameda

Welcome, Alameda Wine Company!

Alameda, we have arrived!

For all oenophiles in Alameda, this is wonderful news indeed!

It was a guilty pleasure to go to the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant at the Ferry Terminal in San Francisco, but we now have our own wine bar next to the Alameda Theater.

Today, a friend and I wanted to take a break after hours so we walked to Alameda Wine Company. That's one of the benefits of being downtown --- we walk everywhere. We were greeted by the very friendly Sal Lirosi and owner Karen Ulrich with whom we chatted up a storm. Although the Alameda Wine Company has been open only for about 18 days, they said they have a very steady stream of people who come before going to the movies, and end up skipping the movies and staying at the wine place instead.

Tonight, I picked the Malbec (this particular vintner is from Argentina). Fabulous!

Oh yes, did I mention that there are several choices of snacks to complement your wine? Pick the cheese....

Karen was opening several wheels of cheese most of which will be served by tonight. There are so many selections that this is as much a cheese tasting as it is wine tasting. As Karen was cutting the wheels, she would slice a piece for the three of us who were lucky enough to be sitting at the bar. There was one particular cheese with mustard seed that was incredibly yummy.

Note their latest newsletter

• Saturday Tastings of the latest and greatest in stock. $6 buys six one-ounce tastes and "stalwart and savory nibbles". 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
• Sunday Tastings. According to their newsletter. Karen pairs the best tunes of that most introspective, moody juazz artist, Miles Davis, with the favorite, philosophical grape of Mile of "Sideways" movie fame, Pinot Noir. Karen is offering three unique examples of the variety from different parts of the globe, and she will give a 15% discount on her usual by the glass price that day.

Because we came early, there were only a few of us there....but gosh, it felt like a party because we were all talking with each other, raving about the wines and the cheese that we were enjoying. Alameda Wine Company is going to be a favorite destination.

1) What's your first name? "Jack"

2) Which city do you live in? "Alameda"

3) Neighborhood or district within that city? "Point Alameda in the West End"

4) Do you own or rent? "I Rent"

5) What occupation are you in? "Retail Visual Merchandising, I create department store displays"

6) Favorite restaurant? "Croll's - The New Zealander" " Phnom Penh House, a great Burmese restaurant on 8th Street in Oakland"

7) Do you have a business you'd like to promote? "Retirement"

Every summer, for three consecutive months of June, July and August, we have a free outdoor concert each month at Crab Cove,

It's a scene that every Chamber of Commerce would die for, and event that residents and their guests thoroughly enjoy.

This venue features live performances by different musical groups ranging from rock and roll to jazz to hot latin numbers.

Starting at 5:30 pm, people arrive using different modes of transportation. The local Bike Alameda organization even offers bike valet parking. Some do drive and never have any problems parking at the Crown Beach Memorial Park by the beach adjacent to the two dog parks and Crab Cove.

There are several picnic areas, but folks seem to prefer spreading out their picnic blankets and packing their choice of snacks. For people who don't bring their own food, there's a lot to choose from among the different food, wine and beer booths.

It's a merry mix of people from all ages and all walks of like. While listening to the music, turn your head to the side and you'll see an active game of soccer. Turn the other way and you'll see families and children wading in the water. Dogs who come with their owners are all well behaved and seem to revel in the festive air. There's a constant chorus of children laughing. How can one not enjoy such moments?

It's such a joy to attend these concerts --- just one of the many benefits of living in sunny Alameda.