The Experience, Emeryville: Townhouse Sunday
The Experience:
Mother’s Day Brunch on the patio?
The Townhouse kitchen crew is cooking up some of your favorites. And the patio beckons you outdoors to enjoy the beginning of long summer days. Plus, this Sunday on the patio Bow Hammer Skins is providing the tunes – a mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, samba and reggae. Perfect vibe for a leisurely brunch.
It may be time for their Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle with Chipotle honey butter and real maple syrup.. Yum. There’s a Veggie Omelet with Crimini mushrooms, spinach, cheddar, mixed greens or home fries and grilled sourdough. And then there are ‘the Benedicts’: the Classic Benedict with Canadian Bacon or the Californian with roasted tomato, avocado, house-made hollandaise, mixed greens or home fries. You can also have Salmon Cakes with house-made hollandaise, greens or home fries. Waffles and Pancakes plus eggs anyway you want them.
Bar Specialties include Mimosas, Alex’s Bloody Mary – made with love, the Hemingway Daiquiri, an Espresso Martini and more! They serve great on tap, along with other local craft beer, wines and bubbly.
Call them now. They can’t wait to see you! (510) 652-6151. Or RSVP https://townhouseemeryville.com/#reservations_yelp
Where:
5862 Doyle Street
Emeryville
http://www.townhousebarandgrill.com
The Experience, Richmond: Lara’s Fine Dining on the Water
The Experience:
Caprese salad anyone?
This weekend is going to be sunny and warm. Time to 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.
Start out with their fresh Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. 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.
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: The Local News
The Experience:
Put some spring into your walk!
The Local, selected as the Best Coffee Shop in Alameda for 2025, is making a splash this spring! They are serving up new Spring drinks like the one featured here. It’s the Matcha Wave – A bold blend of blue raspberry & matcha, topped with sweet cold foam for the ultimate refreshing sip! Another new drink is the Blossom Brew – A floral fusion of rose, strawberry & organic cold brew, finished with sweet cold foam for a smooth, dreamy taste! What are you waiting for?
This location has been a coffee house for the past 20+ years. It’s one of the oldest buildings on Park Street, built in 1891 as the original Masonic Temple. The owners are continuing the tradition of ‘small-business coffee on Park Street’! Old fashioned furniture reminiscent of an old library, makes it the perfect ambiance for getting your work done. Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4pm; Sa/Su – 8:30am – 4pm.
About The Local
A community gathering place in downtown Alameda, The Local is on the ground floor of the original Masonic Lodge building that has been at the heart of the community for over 130 years. New owner Soco Munkhod reopened The Local after the pandemic to the delight of the community after it had shuttered in December of 2020. Fans hastily came back with their laptops sipping their Lattes and noshing on tasty pastries and sandwiches in this lovely historic building.
Where:
1333 Park St
Alameda
https://www.facebook.com/thelocalalameda
The Experience, Alameda: Faction Brewing Vibe
The Experience:
Only on Sunday: Kool Vibes!
Trust your friends at Faction, the Vibes are Kool! Kool Vibes Sundays: beats, Jamaican eats, and a craft beer that doesn’t quit! Be a part of it. Take a listen.
And try their new beer – Because a little Strata wasn’t gonna do… they went HELLA. This Helles-style lager is dry-hopped like it’s trying to prove a point: bright, crisp and so much more [4.7%]. Hella Strata. For when “subtle” just isn’t your thing. You can also order 4-packs, cases, and kegs for pick up
So get down to Faction and enjoy tasty bites from your fave food trucks.
Food Truck Lineup
- Thur, May 1, 2-8pm: Curveball Slider Truck
- Fri, May 2 , 12-8pm: La Santa Torta
- Sat, May 3, 12-8pm: Calafia Taqueria
- Sun, May 4, 12-7pm: Knee Baby’z Eatery
Get down to Faction and join the fun! Bring your friends and enjoy the great views of San Francisco Bay.
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, Alameda: Dragon Rouge Bistro Refueling Station
The Experience:
Indulge and relax!
Unwind with this bold, citrusy drink that packs a spicy punch. This is the place to refuel during your weekend or busy week. Ready for some Vietnamese cuisine?
High-quality and fresh ingredients, exceptional taste, all here overlooking the water. Alameda residents and visitors, are you ready?
They dare you to turn up the heat with their Dragon Fire Basil Garlic Noodles! Wok-fried to perfection, choose from succulent chicken, tofu, pork, steak, or prawns. Craving a flavor explosion? How spicy can you handle it? Join them for a sizzling experience you won’t forget!
Refuel now!
Their experienced chefs paired with dedicated staff assure you a wonderful dining experience indoors or outdoors. You can also just stop by for Happy Hour on the water! Plus, you can order online and enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Mon – Thurs 11:30am – 8:30pm; Fri 11:30am – 12am; Sat 11am – 12am; Sun 11am – 8:30pm
Where:
2337 Branding Ave
Alameda
https://dragonrougebythebay.com
The Experience, Emeryville: Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe Music on the Patio
The Experience:
Fill your weekend with free Live Music!
Stop by for a retro diner experience as you take in the music vibe! My Blue Soul is kicking off their residency at Rudy’s this Friday from 6-8 pm! Then on Saturday, April 27, The Mercy Kit will be ripping up the patio from 6-8pm. Plan on arriving early for Happy Hour. Happy Hour is from 5pm to close.
Here’s the lineup for Happy Hour specials:
Happy Hour Drinks
- Lagunitas IPA
- Guinness Stout
- House Red or White Wine
- Premium Red Wine
- Premium White Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Bloody Rudy
Happy Hour Menu
- Street Tacos
- Chips & Pico de Gallo
- Ribeye Steak Quesadilla
- Ribeye Steak Tacos
- Cheese Quesadilla
- Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
- What are you waiting for? They can’t wait to see you.
A fun food addition to your weekend awaits you. And remember: When you are at Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe, you are Rudy.
Rudy’s Hours: Daily, 8am-3pm – Breakfast + Lunch; Wed – Sat, 5-9pm Dinner 510-594-1221.
About Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe
Rudy’s was born from a desire to create a restaurant where people of all walks of life can feel welcome and eat honest food in a fun atmosphere. They are committed to serving their community with an eatery that is reasonably priced, family friendly, and that cares about your well-being.
Where:
4081 Hollis St
Emeryville
https://www.iamrudy.com/
