king cage

Ever been to a bicycle show? If not definitely check out NAHBS(North American Hand Built Bicycle Show). This year I was lucky enough that they decided to have it in Sacto. I was able set my eyes upon some of the most beautifully designed and hand crafted bikes ever.
Although i didn't pick up a new bike, i did find the rad handmade toe cages from a guy who makes them called "King Cage" check em out they're really sweet, light and a nice accent to a commuter or fixie. He also has some sweet water bottle cages online.
I will post some pics of the show soon.

burger club "Sparky's Giant Burger" "Chop Bar"

So the yet to be named burger club of Oakland CA had two more excursions to find some meat. The first of these outing brought us to the Oakland Hills a nice location for summer eating. Spark's includes a nice heated patio and fast friendly service. This shack has the charm of a small, well shack but is very well kept inside. The overall flavor of the burger was okay, like Vals the meat is unseasoned but with added topping and condimenta the club gave this establishment a "C". I will post scores of individuals and our rating card soon.

The second meat up spot, was "Chop Bar," nestle deep in Jack London Square, we went for fancy on this one and the value for the burger is still debatable. But the overall score was our highest yet a whopping "B+.". The combination of decor and ambiance was great. The kicker for me was the seasoned beef with the exquiste execution of the medium well cooked meat. Every bite juicy and flavorful, served on a kaiser roll, with a bloody burger doesn't quite hold up with all that delicious juice. Nevertheless the best burger the club has encountered yet. At 12$ base model it had better be good.

Some other notes. We added a new member to the group and can't wait for our next burger.

burger club of oakland

Recently my friend Hanna Strange introduced an idea for a few of our friends to start a burger club. Eating at various burger joints in the bay area and rating them. Tonight was our first crack at developing our club. Tasks of the evening included an agenda of rating systems, categories, name and of course eating.

I had a simple "baby" burger, a 1/3 lb of beef with cheddar cheese, tomato, grilled onions and onion rings , pickles, lettuce served between a french roll.

Vals is a historic burger diner tucked away in the east bay in the heart of Castro Valley. It is a bit of a trek but the ambience is nice. Full of east bay history Vals has been making burgers since the fifties. I heart this place. If you havent been there venture out! It will be worth it.
As for our overall rating you'll have stay tuned and look out for the burger clubs blogs for ratings and dining tips.

brunch on bikes

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!

brunch on bikes

Come out this Sunday for brunch on bikes down at POPUPHOOD. My CoffeeBike and the El Taco bike will br out front of the shop Marion and Rose 11:30-2:00pm. I will even be serving up my first decaf roast for all who wanted the non buzz.

Sunday January 29th on 9th and Broadway 11:30-2:00pm in front of Marion and Rose. Come
Eat, come shop!

new additions

This year has started very productive in the studio. I was contacted by a friend, who opened a lovely shop called Mariom Rose down in the POPUPHOOD, to carry some work and be one of their vendors. Hopefully this will keep me very busy this year as well as make a little dough. I recently make a silk screening station out of my old drafting table and transformed my dads old steamer trunk for a desk. The studio is all cleaned up and organized ready for working.

crab feast

Crab is probably my numer one crustacean. Win Walker graciously hosted a wonderful crab bake last night, a rad idea that can be economical and fun for dinner and friends. 99 RANCH has these tasty ocean floor dwellers for $6 a pound, try and get em at the height of the season, i have picked some up as low as $3 a pound. Nevertheless if everyone pitches in a makes a side dish your well in your way for a good night od crab. The dinner was accompanied with a homemade "bakesale betty slaw," bread, baked potatoes and a slew of dipping sauces. As i was very prepared for a evening of crab carnage i brought my own sheller, appron and face towel, but i loved everyones enthusiasm with some DIY shell tools such as, a garlic press and of course forks. After dinner we were delighted with a awesome slide show of wedding pictures and of course a round of WIi bowling.
Hurry and get them crab before the season ends!