Red Onion restaurant brings tears to my eyes ---- of happiness over a fabulous brunch

There is a Red Onion restaurant in Pinole CA that I liked so very much --- good food, good atmosphere, good staff. But it’s a little far to drive whenever I have a hankering for a good breakfast.

Then lo and behold, here they come in Alameda CA!

Oh, joy!

Why do I like Red Onion?

First, I like their American Diner look -- reminds me of the movie American Graffiti.

Just to see for myself if this Red Onion restaurant passes muster, I sat at the counter so that I can watch the chefs do their thing. That day, they had three: one was handling all the deep fried stuff, the second handled the eggs and waffle dishes, and the third worked the hamburgers and other sandwiches. All three worked fast and efficiently.

What made me smile is that not only did they use fresh ingredients (they made the pancake batter on the spot, I didn’t see anything frozen), but I swear that hamburger was 5 inches high.

I ordered a vegetarian omelet...and my, oh my, that was simply scrumptious. It had spinach, artichoke hearts, onions, tomatoes, cheese. I chose hash browns which came super crispy. The serving was so generous that I couldn’t eat it all, so I took it home and had it for dinner.

Alameda has its share of fabulous breakfast places ---- Ole’s Coffee Shop on Park Street always has a long line of people waiting to get in; Marti’s Place on Encinal Avenue offers an excellent selection of omelets (my favorite is salmon with spinach and cream cheese); and Wes Cafe on Webster Street has one of the best Eggs Benedict and best pastries.

Although this location still needs some “seasoning” in terms of training its wait staff to work as well as their chefs, I’m happy to report that Red Onion on Park Street joins the best of the best.

Shop for Valentine Presents on Park Street

where you can find the cuties boutiques featuring the sweetest Valentine’s Day presents. Here are few of those boutiques.

Shop for Valentine Presents at To Herb with Love. The owner, Marti Collins, just move to 1336 A Park Street two weeks ago. She had been looking for a Park Street address for her tiny and charming shop for years. When the space opened she jumped at the change to relocate. Her store features an eclectic mixture of the jewelry, scarfs, and her very own perfume concoctions. She said that everything in the store is under $25.00, so her items are a bargain. Be sure to visit her boutique before you buy that special gift for your sweetie. Call Marti at 510- for more information.

Shop for Valentine Presents at Poppy Red Flowers a newer addition to Park Street. Karim Preuss is a talented florist whose naturalistic style is very popular with her customers.

Besides flowers, soaps and jewelry, Karim offers a variety of gifts including a new line of chocolates from a chocolatier in Berkeley. She has extended an invitation to local artisans to bring in their jewelry and quilts to her shop. You can find th perfect Valentine's Day present at Poppy Red at 1428 Park Street.

Shop for Valentine Presents at Sway. Sway is a boutique which started in Berkeley in 2003 and has spread through out the Bay Area. The Alameda store is located at 1350A Park Street. According to their website, “Sway is all about having fun with clothes…” The boutique has many fans who love the cute, trendy clothes and wide selection of accessories all at a bargain price. Take a walk through the shop and you will see why so many love this place. After you see the selection you will love it too.

Shop for Valentine’s Presents on Park Street where you can find the sweetest and most unique Valentine’s Day presents.

To Herb with Love, Poppy Red Flowers and Sway are just a few of the many delightful shops you can find in Alameda. Text me for more locations of unique specialty shops in Alameda at 510-504-5612

Renters, Don't Wait to Buy a Home in Alameda

Renters, don't wait to buy a home in Alameda. Have you been waiting to buy a home but the prices are still too high? Are you tired of paying rent and not receiving any of the tax benefits? Well, your wait is over.

Renters in Alameda will have the opportunity to buy a home with a Gallagher and Lindsey Realtor and receive a 10% commission rebate. Gallagher & Lindsey Property Management in partnership with Gallagher & Lindsey, Inc. Realtors has launched their G&L Rent Equity Rewards Program. So, Renters, don't wait to buy a home in Alameda.

The program is available to current and former tenants of the property management company. A tenant must have rented through the Gallagher & Lindsey Property Management Company for one year and purchase a home with a Gallagher & Lindsey Realtor.

Lisa Fowler, co-owner of Gallagher & Lindsey Property Management, states that the time is right to offer this incentive since the rental market in Alameda is still very strong.

Current or past tenants of Gallagher & Lindsey Property Management can register for the G&L Rent Equity Program. To qualify, tenants must have rented an apartment or home through Gallagher & Lindsey Property Management for 12 consecutive months anytime since 2000.

Renters, Don't Wait to Buy a Home in Alameda. This is a great opportunity to buy a home in the charming city of Alameda and receive a rebate of 10% of your agent's commission. Call me today at 510-504-5612 for more information.

Alameda is a wonderful island community. It is known for its fine, tree lined streets, lovely neighborhoods and beautiful Victorian homes. Call me at 510-504-5612 for a free map of interesting places to visit in Alameda.

Things to Do in Alameda

This Friday is your last chance to see Santa on Christmas Tree Lane. Santa will put in an appearance at 6:30 pm. Santa and the beautifully decorated homes on Christmas Tree Lane, what more could one ask?

If you grew up in northern climes where you ice skated during the winter, now is your chance to skate here in Alameda. The Little Ice Rink is open 7 days a week including holidays at 1600 Park Avenue from noon to 10pm.

Angela's Bistro, in partnership with Alameda Businesses and Congregations, is offering a free Christmas Dinner on Sunday, December 25 from Noon to 4:30 pm. Everyone is invited for "a wonderful meal and good company." Angela's, Rodgers Trucking, Bistro Zafari, Alameda Copy, Alameda Theater, Dan's Produce, Rock Wall Wine Co., R&B Cellars, Twin Towers United Methodist Church and Young's Market are some of the sponsors for this generous gift to Alamedans.

Things to Do in Alameda is all about events for the whole family to enjoy in Alameda. I write about Things to do in Alameda every Friday, so if you like what you see here, please come back for more or visit me on Facebook.

Alameda is a wonderful island community. If you would like more information about Alameda, please call me at 510-504-5612.

Poppy Red Flowers

Poppy Red Flowers is a new addition to the Park Street Business District. Karim Preuss, owners and florist, opened her business recently at 1428 Park Street, after selling flowers in the front of a local consignment store, Lauren's Closet, for a little over a year. Karim considers Lisa, the owner of Lauren's Closet, to be her store's godmother. It was at Lisa's urging that Karim decided to open Poppy Red Flowers.

Karim is very creative and has a charming naturalistic style with her flower arrangements. Besides flowers, soaps and jewelry, Karim will be offering a variety of gifts. She has extended an invitation to local artisans to bring in their jewelry and quilts to her shop.

Poppy Red Flowers features lovely seasonal bouquets. Karim prefers to buy flowers from local growers in Half Moon Bay and Petaluma. The growers are long time friends who have been growing flowers for many years. Karim uses natural materials, fresh flowers, dried flowers and even vegetables to compose her arrangements. Karim's formula is to use more flowers and just a bit of green to enhance her bouquets. Most of the items Karim sells are made locally, with the exception of her fine French soaps, a treat she feels we all deserve.

Poppy Red Flowers will also prepare flowers arrangements for special events such as weddings and parties. She will work within a customer's budget to create gorgeous arrangements for a special occasion.

Karim who lives in Alameda now with her two children, came here by way of Costa Rica.