Happy Wanderer: For a holiday treat, try Fairmont’s Tonga Room

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar Cocktails II

CONTRACOSTATIMES.COM: Dec 2, 2015

Three tiki huts, two litchi nuts and a lava bowl, the “nectar of the gods.” “The 12 Days of Christmas” never sounded so seductive. And while you may be thinking Hawaii, this destination is much closer to home — in San Francisco. Continue reading

Town Crier: Deadhead author recalls 40 years of following band

 

'Deadhead' and author Blair Jackson

‘Deadhead’ and author Blair Jackson

MONTCLARION: Dec 11, 2015

“What a long, strange trip it’s been.”– “Truckin’ ” by the Grateful Dead

These lyrics could be the epitaph for a lot of us who grew up in the 1960s. Oakland writers Blair Jackson and David Gans would certainly agree. Their new book, “This Is All a Dream We Dreamed: An Oral History of the Grateful Dead,” is just the latest way these two have made a living out of documenting the iconic band. Continue reading

Town Crier: Farmers’ market attracts public — and traffic scofflaws

MONTCLARION: November 13, 2015

All I want for Christmas — is tires with a treadwear rating of 600. Finally, there’s something to cheer about on the weather front. Monday’s heavy showers have given us hope that we may, indeed, have a rainy season. Wet weather is forecast for next week as well, prompting the CHP to issue a reminder about driving in rain, fog and snow. Continue reading