Cafe au Lait at the Elmwood Cafe

Happened into the Elmwood Cafe this evening and had the most wonderful mocha made with the Cafe's own ganache and served in the most charming French Latte Bowl. I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Michael Pearce, who told me a little about how he came to take over the 89 year old Berkeley neighborhood soda shop (once called Ozzie's) and restore it to its original charm...
If you order a hot drink, expect to enjoy each sip from one of these French latte bowls...

Yellow and white striped awnings flank the corner side entrance while French bistro chairs and marble topped tables welcome patrons to stay and enjoy a treat!

A hidden treasure... Between two original 1921 built-in shelves, this peek a boo window offers a glowing scene of book patrons perusing at neighboring bookstore, Mrs Dalloways!

Elmwood Cafe makes all their baked goods on site including their delicious jams!

Perhaps most amazing is the Cafe's pledge to charity. Elmwood Cafe contributes a whopping 50% of their profits to charities locally and globally. Best of all, cafe customers get to vote for their favorite cause!

Owner Michael with assistant Carrie

Michael has succeeded in his vision to return this charming and historic neighborhood cafe to its original splendor by creating a unique space that serves delicious homemade food, fosters community and supports charitable causes with a nod to tradition and vintage detail. A definite feel good cafe!

A Halloween Tradition

Tonight was my annual trip to Alameda's Gaslight Emporium for their grand Halloween opening. My mom, my Aunt Liza and I had dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Acapulco, then ventured down Lincoln to the Halloween hot spot. The space is Victorian for sure, with dark carved wood, traditional wallpaper, and unusual antiques and oddities. This shop stocks vintage and vintage reproduction seasonal items, from paper goods to toys and even period costumes during Halloween. Don't be surprised to find a room full of Alice in Wonderland curiosities or vintage holiday items at certain times of the year.

One room was more ghoulish and ghastly, with grotesque animals, ghosts, severed body parts displayed in an old fridge, not to mention a buffet of hauntingly delightful treats!

The other room, more bright and warm, housed vintage inspired paper goods. From pumpkin figures to vintage trims and tinsels, there was a feast of Halloween and Harvest eye candy from floor to ceiling

I loved this little moon faced man, and bought him a month ago at their yard sale for my Mom's birthday. His twin was still there waiting to be taken home. Visiting the Gaslight Emporium is one of my favorite traditions, one I hope to continue for many years to come.