The Experience, Emeryville: Trader Vic’s Lounge
The Experience:
Lounge around in the lounge!
Aloha, Spring! Step into the season of sunshine, sandy toes and tiki vibes! The crew at Trader Vic’s says it’s time to sip on something sweet, feel the warm breeze and let the good times roll with their classic Mai Tai’s!
It’s the place where fusion flavors meet tropical vibes. Take a break and visit their lounge for a drink and some Tidbits & Pupus.
Try their Veggie Spring Rolls – julienned vegetables in a a crispy spring roll wrapper served with sweet chili sauce. Or the Crispy Prawn – the original ‘crispy prawn’ finished with a light crispy panko crust for the avid shrimp lover. And then there are the classic Cheese Bings made famous at the Beverly Hilton in the 80s. This dish is a nutmeg seasoned béchamel with Gruyére cheese & smoked ham, rolled in a crepe and finished in a crispy panko crust.
You’ll find more tidbits on their lounge menu plus some delectable ‘small plates. Enjoy the afternoon light as the sun begins to dip and you slowly finish off your Mai Tai.. 510-653-3400
About Trader Vic’s + the Mai Tai
Decades ahead of his time, Vic ‘The Trader’ Bergeron chose to offer Chinese dishes alongside the then-contemporary Continental cuisine, creating maybe the original fusion menu. Today, Trader Vic’s continues the tradition and still uses the Chinese Wood-fired Ovens featuring dishes from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, and Japan. And, as we all know, Trader Vic’s claims to be home to the original Mai Tai.
According to the Trader, Vic Bergeron, “In 1944, after success with several exotic rum drinks, I felt a new drink was needed. I was at the service bar in my Oakland restaurant. I took down a bottle of 17-year-old Jamaican J. Wray Nephew rum, added fresh lime, some Orange Curaçao from Holland, a dash of Rock Candy Syrup, and a dollop of French Orgeat, for its subtle flavor. A generous amount of shaved ice and vigorous shaking by hand produced the marriage I was after. Half the lime shell went in for color, I stuck in a branch of fresh mint, and gave two of them to Ham and Carrie Guild, friends from Tahiti, who were there that night. Carrie took one sip and said, “Mai Tai – Roa Ae” In Tahitian means “Out of this World- The Best”. Well, that was that, I named the drink ‘Mai Tai.’”
(Victor Bergeron and Carrie Guild featured below in 1970)
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday:
- Lunch 12pm-3pm
- Lounge 12pm-9:30pm
- Dinner 5pm-9pm
Where:
9 Anchor Dr
Emeryville
The Experience, Richmond: Lara’s Fine Dining on the Water
The Experience:
Dessert anyone?
One of these warm afternoons, take yourself down to this beautiful waterfront restaurant in the heart of Marina Bay. Elegant Italian-inspired cuisine, wines and craft cocktails await you in their historic dining room overlooking the water.
As usual, you can start out with their appetizers, soups and salads. Dive into the rich flavors of their seafood pasta. They are known for their fresh seafood dishes. And they’ve got steaks, chops & poultry. Feel like pizza? It’s on the menu also.
And then indulge in their beautifully crafted dessert featured here. Be sure to ask your server.
Fill your table with some friends for a fun afternoon or evening and you are set. Make your reservation now. 510-234-1860
Hours:
- Sunday- Wednesday 11am-8pm.
- Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm.
About Lara & Lara’s cuisine
Lara Choe, the founder of Lara’s Fine Dining, is a self-made fine dining entrepreneur who is proud to call Richmond home. The restaurant is her 17th venture to date. And she is also the previous owner of famous The Hotel Mac Restaurant in historic downtown Point Richmond.
With 45 years of fine dining experience, Lara is pleased to welcome you to her newest restaurant in the heart of Richmond’s historic waterfront. One of her favorite things about the Richmond community is its hometown feel. So, please stop by and say hello!
About Marina Bay
Marina Bay is a seaside neighborhood located just 15 minutes from the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge and 15 minutes north of Berkeley. The area is a hidden gem for families and visitors looking for a taste of the Bay Area.
Where:
1900 Esplanade
Richmond
The Experience, Alameda: Faction Brewing News
The Experience:
New brew just for Alameda!
If you’re out there enjoying Alameda’s finest during Alameda Restaurant Week, don’t forget to raise a glass to the ultimate hometown hero: A-Town Pale.
This American-style Pale Ale brings Cascade, Simcoe, and Centennial hops together for a crisp, hoppy tribute to their favorite island [5.7%]. And here’s the kicker – it’s only available in Alameda.
As they say at Faction: Drink local. Stay loyal. Get yourself an A-Town.
Get down to Faction and join the fun! Bring your friends and enjoy the great views of San Francisco Bay.
Food Trucks:
Thu Mar 20 -2-8pm: Locos Only
Fri Mar 21 – 12-8pm: New Baby’z Eatery
Sat Mar 22 -12-8pm: Momolicious
Sun Mar 23 – 12-7pm: Nalo’s Jamerican Soul
Faction Brewing’s Hours: Wed/Thu 2-8pm; Fri/Sat 12-8pm; Sun 12-6pm. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. They have a large outdoor patio and indoor seating is also available. Call to confirm hours (510) 523-2739.
Where:
2501 Monarch St in Alameda Point
Alameda
The Experience, Richmond: Riggers Loft Wine Co Friday
The Experience:
Discover some new wines!
Warm up your evening on Friday, March 14th from 6-9pm at Riggers Loft and you will be treated to some great live music while you explore their wine options and find new favorites! A great way to kick off your weekend with well known guitarist Lee Waterman and All-Star musicians Tim Campbell (keys) from the band Malo and Gerry Kennett (drums), formerly with Beach Blanket Babylon. Together they’ll recreate the grooving sounds of great guitar/organ combos from the 60’s & 70’s; such bands as George Benson w/Jack McDuff and Wes Montgomery w/Jimmy Smith. The repertoire will include jazz classics, blues, and funky Latin grooves. Don’t miss out. $5 cover.
While sipping and vibing, enjoy some tasty bites from Chef Frank Miller’s pop-up Kitchen Loft. Here’s what’s on the menu:
Pizzas: All pizzas are 12″ pizza and on their local honey/extra virgin olive oil dough. Margherita, Roasted Veggie, Artisan Italian Sausage or Pepperoni and the Cote D’azur with shrimp and pesto. Gluten-free options are available upon request. Pop up also includes Loft House Salad, Caesar Salad and Crispy Brussel Sprouts tossed in shaved Parmigiano cheese with lemon juice and garlic butter. Yum. And of course, for Dessert: New Orleans Beignets.
Grab your friends and head down to the water. You won’t be sorry. Plus, they can’t wait to see you!
About Riggers Loft Wine Co
The beauty about Riggers Loft Wine Co is that you can treat yourself to a wine tasting on the weekend and relax to some great jazz.and blues. Wood-fired pizzas and tasty salads on the menu to accompany the wine or cider of your choice. Chill and enjoy as you sip, eat and vibe!
Riggers Loft is situated right next to the water on San Francisco Bay in an industrial chic building with absolutely amazing views. It is a tasting room and wine bar, with a beautiful event space.Riggers Loft is home to owners R&B Cellars, with guest wineries: Carica Wines, Wachira Wines, Barrel + Ink, Prima Materia, and Far West Cider Company. Great outdoor patio on the water.
Having a holiday party or special occasion? Check out their various catering menus here. Everything you can imagine for your special event is part of their culinary menu themes: Italian Cuisine, French Bistro, Japanese Sushi Bar, Asian Inspired Cusine, South of The Border, Southern Barbecue and Indian Cusine.
Give them a call or email with your details and you will be surprised at your amazing event produced by the team at Riggers Loft.
Hours:
- Thursdays: 5-8pm
- Fridays: 5-9pm (Closed Friday, October 15 due to a wedding)
- Saturdays: 1-9pm
- Sundays: 1-7pm.
Where:
1325 Canal Blvd
Richmond, CA 94804
https://www.riggersloftwine.com/
The Experience, Alameda: The Preacher’s Daughter Wine Bar & Bistro
The Experience:
Sip wine & dine in Old World charm!
Step into the warmth of the Old World in a beautifully restored building that says ‘Alameda’. This unique wine bar & café named in honor of the owner Dianah Rodriguez’s father, welcomes you in a beautifully restored building. Join them for Happy Hour weekdays from 3-6pm. Unwind from your day with a craft beer, a newly discovered local or Old World wine or one of their many fabulous cocktails. Special pricing during Happy Hour for snacks or order from the main menu.
And during the day you can energize with some locally roasted espresso and enjoy a fresh meal with locally sourced ingredients. They serve fresh pastries, lunch and dinner – salads, appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads & Chef’s Specials. Fans rave about their Breakfast Sandwich!
Hours: Wed – Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-7p. (510) 995-8041
The Preacher’s Daughter is proud to be a female and minority owned enterprise featuring Old World wines, local craft beer, creative cocktails and third wave espresso, plus fresh pastries, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads & more. And during the day you can energize with some locally roasted espresso. Lovely outdoor seating with heaters. Dog-friendly. Hours: Tu – Su, 10am-9pm. 510-995-8041
It’s Wine Tasting: Old World meets New World favorites!
Where:
1629 Park St.
https://preachersdaughteralameda.com
The Experience, Richmond: East Brother Beer Co New Beers
The Experience:
Lots of choices for your beer palate!
Thinking about summer travels? Longing for the warm beaches of Mexico? Wish no longer. East Brother’s Mexican Lager now comes in six-packs! Cold, crisp and built to last. Brewed the right way, true to style, and easy-drinking every time. Find it at the taproom, your favorite retailers or on draft across California.
That’s not all they’re brewing up.
They are introducing their Seasonal Release Series—four beers, a perfect balance of ales and lagers, crafted with their dedication to timeless styles:
- Belgian Tripel – Bold, complex, and beautifully golden.
- Pre-Pro Lager – A nod to the crisp, flavorful lagers of pre-Prohibition America.
- Festbier – A smooth, malty Märzen-style lager
- Dunkel – Rich, toasty, and endlessly drinkable.
By focusing on four distinctive beers, they’re making sure each one gets the attention it deserves—so you can enjoy time-honored styles at their best. Which one are you trying first?
Get on down to the taproom for some beer tasting and your favorite food trucks.
HOURS: Wed, Thurs, Fri, 3-9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 9pm.
(510) 230-4081.
Where:
1001 Canal Blvd
Richmond
