Temescal Dish: Burma Superstar

Burma Superstar opened up to a crowd of excited fans, which Express writer Anneli Rufus could do without. She also doesn't like the acoustics. But read her raves about the food, calling Burmese food "the next big thing." I haven't eaten there yet. Is it really worth the hype?

Burma Superstar
4721 Telegraph Ave.
Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. /5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. /5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Beware of Tow Trucks

Temescal Plaza has a parking lot that generally makes it pretty convenient to shop in Temescal. HOWEVER, they are now enforcing the TWO HOUR TIME LIMIT. Meaning, they are chalking and towing every two hours until 6pm, and towing any cars left overnight. I should know, it happened to me!

So if you think your business in in our little Temescal district is going to take more than two hours, please find street parking. It'll be easier than going to the tow yard off 106th Ave. and paying them $300+ to release your car. By the way, please don't get mad at the towing company guys, they're just doing their jobs.

As you know, in RETAIL, one day you're in, and the next day you're out.

The best reality TV showcases talented people with big dreams putting everything on the line to achieve them. We want to be inspired, because some of us really do have it all on the line, don't we? On Project Runway, designers watch their outfits walk before the judges, then wait to hear their fate: Am I IN or OUT? 

Small retailers like me, in the worst economic meltdown in recent history, certainly can relate. We're hustling to squeeze a maximum return for of our limited time and extremely limited money. This summer three more local kids boutique have gone under, bringing my count to NINE of our small indie kids stores out of business in the past year (see my 6/5 post for #1-6):

7) Bellies & Babies, on College Ave. in Rockridge (and Danville)
8) Lora's Closet, on College Ave. in Elmwood
9) Babyalula, on Piedmont Ave.

These nine were IN (some for many years), yet now they are OUT, but not because of Project Runway judge Heidi Klum. The real judges here are the consumers: this means you and me! We all vote with our dollars every day. Which retailers would you like to vote IN? Besides spending money at these places (see Project 350), don't forget to tell your friends.

Ruby's Garden is extemely grateful for the encouragement we've received from our customers; you really are the reason we do the work. But now, more than ever, we could use your word-of-mouth power! Please Yelp us, every review helps! Please join our Facebook Fan Page and invite your friends! We want to be in this for the long haul. You can help.

Temescal Dish

As a Temescal / Oakland shop owner, I hear all kinds of news about the area. I've recently realized that not everyone hears this stuff so maybe every once in awhile I'll post some Temescal dish on my Ruby's Garden blog.


Today's dish: If you've been to Bakesale Betty for lunch lately, you've probably stood in a line that extended past an empty storefront a couple of doors down from your chicken sandwich destination. Sinan's Windows was there since 1988 and vacated the space several months ago after deciding to consolidate their showroom with their custom factory space on 39th St. in Emeryville.


The building is co-owned by Kesete and Sarita, who own a number of the commercial buildings in Temescal. One morning a couple of weeks ago, I saw Kesete on his way in to his restaurant Asmara so I asked him what was happening with that vacant storefront. He told me someone was nearly signed on but he couldn't tell me who until it was finalized (props to Kesete for his discretion).


So this past weekend I finally heard who was going in: Scream Sorbet, the purveyors of ultra-fresh-fruit-tasting sorbet you've probably sampled at one of the 26 Bay Area farmer's markets they paraticipate in, including our very own Temescal Farmer's Market. Made in their Emeryville kitchen, this Temescal location will mark Scream's first retail storefront and become the latest addition to our version of the Gourmet Ghetto.


How long have I been saying ice cream would do great in our neighborhood? Even before all these Chez Panisse alums came along! I hope Scream proves me right.

Birthday Party Madness?

Ruby's turning 6! I'm thrilled, amazed, and wondering how FABULOUS I can make her "Princess Tea Party" coming up in just 11 days.

First there is the matter of budget. I googled party supplies this morning: garlands? paper lanterns? matching princess cups/napkins/plates/goody bags? And what to give to the little guests? Tiaras, royal capes and scepters?

Then there is the instinct to be SuperMom. Why, I could simply make tiaras! It won't be that hard, it'll just take a bunch of trips to Michael's...ick, I hate Michael's. I can find better things online. I'll ask Martha Stewart--What Would Martha Do (WWMD)? Actually, Martha would create a line of craft supplies and sell them at Michael's. What would Martha's staffers do? Run around New York City looking high and low for the perfect vintage / modern / design-y tidbit. Am I not equal to the task?? In a word, NO. It comes back to the age-old SuperMom-Quandary: if only there were more hours in the day to DO IT ALL.

As always, the clock is ticking. I'll probably buy a few things and maybe even get a little bit crafty here and there. Ruby and her friends will have a great time and somehow Ruby will know that I love her more than anything in the whole world.

Ruby's party is taking place at Ruby's Garden. She is the first beneficiary of our new party hosting services, where I'm learning what it's going to take to put on a fabulous party for YOUR kid! Fortunately we'll make it much simpler for you when we host your kid's birthday party. Since we want to kick this off with a bang, we're offering a discount if you book for July: 10 kids for $140 includes a themed craft, decorations, and goody bag. Call or email us for a custom consult.

Tough Times for Independent Brick and Mortar

So long, Siobhan Van Winkle. You are #6 (by my count) of local baby boutiques that have closed their doors since this ugly recession hit us hard last fall.
1) Cotton & Company, on College Ave. Rockridge
2) O Baby Baby, on Solano Ave. Berkeley
3) A Child's Place, on Solano Ave. Berkeley
4) Waddle & Swaddle, on Shattuck Berkeley
5) Milk, on College Ave. Rockridge
6) Siobhan Van Winkle, on Telegraph Ave./Alcatraz

All of these were beloved businesses, some longtime and established. Each store closure spells a loss for our community; what comes in their place is most likely a national chain. I know times are tough for everyone. But your favorite indie retailers need you now more than ever! Many of us know it's "good" to buy local, but 3/50 Project suggests this: choose THREE indie shops you'd miss most if they closed and go/spend money there every month!

350project.net. Which shops would you miss if they shut their doors for good?