Pizza, Beer & More in the East Bay

It’s always good when you have great options to dine at in your own town. As a Blogger and Travel Agent, I should do a better job of highlighting some local spots in Hayward and neighboring towns. My friend runs the E’vill Eye News blog for another East Bay city called Emeryville. Do check out his blog when you have a sec! But stick with me for a second. Here are some great spots.

Buffalo Bill’s Brewery

Located downtown Hayward across the street from the theatre, it is said to be the oldest brewery in the country. This is walking distance from my house so this is usually a go to spot. Sit outside on their heated patio or inside at a table or at the bar top. Parking is available on the street, in the lot behind the building or the parking structure behind the movie theatre. I always get the sausage, apple and pesto pizza. It is delicious! For beer, get a flight of house beers or their seasonal ones. Try their Orange Blossom Cream Ale or the Pumpkin Ale or Oatmeal Stout. So many options!

Russell City Distillery

If you like Buffalo Bill’s, next door visit the Russell City Distillery tasting room. They off vodka cocktails and sells bottles of their liquors including vodka, rum and tequila. The tasting room isn’t big but they can open their rolling door to allow some outdoor space. It is dog friendly as well.

Norm’s Place

In downtown Danville, you have many options. Auburn Lounge is a relatively new bar and lounge and they are often closed for private events. Revel Kitchen & Bar is a good spot with a nice bar, tasty salads and an outdoor patio. Across the street is Norm’s. A popular bar for sporting events like the Warriors games. Have Kara pour you your usual of Jameson whiskey with one or two rocks and order the tuna appetizer. It’s basically a deep fried sushi roll. And it was tasty.

Sons of Liberty Alehouse

What we call SOLA. Isn’t it hard not to think of Jax Teller and Sons of Anarchy? This is one of my favorite spots to go to even it means I have to jump on the highway to get to San Leandro. You can make reservations via Yelp, be prepared for a busy parking lot but it’s a great spot for beer and snacks.

Come out to the East Bay and check out what we have to offer!

Related posts:
Who Knew About San Leandro?
Puesto! Cousin Time
National Beer Day 2019

OBB Weekly – 5-21-19

Dubrovnik, Croatia – November 2012

It’s the end of an era. The popular books turned show, Game of Thrones, is over. For eight seasons, we watched the people of Westoros battle for survival and the Iron Throne. I have a niece named Arya. I have unofficially named my new Honda Civic Si Drogon. My cousin named her dog Khaleesi. But now, I cancelled my HBO subscription. GOT was the only reason I had it for six weeks. And now what? Yes, life goes on. I’m sure Bran would agree. Thank you for the memories, Game of Thrones!

SPOILERS ALERT!
Do not read on if you haven’t completed the series.

TRAVEL

One of my favorite characters is Arya Stark. Though small in size and even blind at times, she’s a bad ass and strong as hell. My little niece, Arya, was rightfully named. I remember her picking up gallon jugs of water as a toddler. A little tom-boyish like her mommy, I’m sure she’s going to be a fierce and bold little one like this character. I love that Arya Stark sets off to see what’s west of Westeros and travels! I can relate to the look of happiness and excitement when she stands at the bow of the ship as she starts her adventure. Exploring, going somewhere new and not exactly sure what the future holds is pretty exciting. Get on that ship and see just how far you’ll go.

Just got onto the Golden Princess in Melbourne, Australia and we’re already hitting the spa!

My sweet Princess Arya – Yosemite – May 2019

Who my niece was named after, Arya Stark.

EVENT PLANNING

The Red Wedding will make your jaw drop. (Don’t forget to get wedding insurance!) Sansa Stark’s coronation as becoming the Queen of the North was perfect. My Queen, Daenerys Targaryen, unfortunately never even got to sit on the Iron Throne. Her final speech to her soldiers was strong yet not from someone who wanted peace. There were events of tragedy and loss but also for celebration, whichever side you were on. Many decisions, feasts and gatherings were made around a table. An event worth planning for filled with memorable moments…plus a Starbucks cup.

The table could be in a speed boat. The Boathouse at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida during our half marathon weekend – January 2019

Wine tasting in Lodi, California. – June 2018

Sergio was full of useful travel tips at the Starbucks at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington – May 2019

FOOD

Young Khaleesi eats a horse heart. Cersei’s walk of shame included food being thrown at her. And Tyrion drinks wine and knows things. Sweetbreads were probably the grossest thing I have ever had. Powdered beignets from Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans would make me happy if they were thrown at me. And wine? Oh, I have had plenty and there is so much more to try across the Seven Kingdoms…or most of the seven continents.

“You got a little something on your face, Angela.”

So good that we went twice – New Orleans, Louisiana – November 2016

Domaine Carneros – Napa, California – January 2017

MOTIVATION

Deception was everywhere. Advisors write scrolls of secrets. Promises of support are broken. Or getting stabbed during an act of love by your nephew! Some make you earn their trust, some give it away freely. Severing relationships that has served its purpose in your life is healthy. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thanks, Dr. Seuss. There may have been happy times but now it’s over. Acknowledge what life is trying to tell you, learn from it and pass it on. Maybe in a more loving, honest and less painful way.

Quotes of the Day are posted on my fridge and shared on SnapChat – bappletree

Wine Country on Netflix

On an outing with my roommate and my Boston Terrier, Bevo, on Cinco de Mayo, we stumbled upon the movie set of Wine Country in Calistoga, California. We also met up with new friends from out of town that we met up at Pegasus Winery. They were a good time.

We ate at the now named Bosko’s restaurant and saw Amy Poehler on a bicycle and took photos with her set chair. That scene was a whole two seconds in the film. My roommate and I ended up watching the movie on Friday night thanks to her Netflix subscription. We just had to crack open a bottle of wine. We went with a Simi 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The movie had some pretty funny parts. I especially laughed at the fact that Amy had a full itinerary booked and distributed to the group of ladies. This Travel Agent and Event Planner totally does that! Am I alone? I also related to the character that was constantly on the phone and checking email and looking for signal. Yes, I’m One Busy Bee.

Another movie night will be planned at the house, I’m sure. It’s a lot cheaper than going out and the town. It leaves more money for traveling!

See the California Winery Log here!

‘Favorites’ Photo Dump

This One Busy Bee is still working on cleaning up her phone of over 11,000 photos. That many photos have been collected in a year and a half. To do a photo dump on the blog real quick, I am taking photos I have saved as ‘Favorites’ on my phone for some particular reason and placing them here so I can delete them. Oh, it will be so freeing! Thanks for enduring this unstructured post but full of travel.

Fiji – Troprica Island Resort and Travel Agent friends on a FAM trip. – Feb. 2019

In September 2017, three girlfriends and I had September birthdays. We went to Paris together. And we brought some friends. I invited my friend that I call Papichulo and Lisa brought her boyfriend, Branden. I believe it was the day before, Branden proposed to Lisa at the Temple of Love at Versailles. We were lucky enough to witness it. This photo was taken on our last night in Paris together but in the region of Champagne. See the wineries in the background. There are also photos of us doing yoga in dresses. Good times.

This is aboard the Oosterdam by Holland America Cruise Line. It is a bar with great view. I have worked on blog posts in this area with a glass of La Marca prosecco. I have many other posts during that cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Please check them out if you’re curios about real experiences on an HAL cruise ship.

Red Donkey is my favorite beer when I was in Santorini. Papichulo and I tried all the different beers they had to offer and this was my favorite. I liked it so much I bought a large t-shirt that I ended up turning into a muscle tan for my gym sessions. I never buy t-shirts. It must mean I realllly liked that beer.

I used to work at a law firm down the street from Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café in Emeryville, California. This is their breakfast special. I don’t believe I have been there since as they raised the price of this special and the dressing for their Asian salad changed as well. There is also a location in downtown Oakland. It’s pretty convenient when you’re partying or just finished a concert at the Paramount Theater.

Hello, Mighty Leaf tea.

At the Press Club, go downstairs from Market Street in San Francisco across from the Marriott that they call “the jukebox” and find a wine bar with a lounge-y feel. It is used as common workspace during the day and serves up great wine and bites.

During a trip to Southern California for my first Travel Agent seminar, my then soon-to-be roommate and I went to Universal Studios. I have never been and am a California native. We did the typical ride thru movie and television sets and experienced their ‘earthquake’ simulation at an underground BART platform. I was really excited to go thru The Desperate Housewives set.

On this trip, I realized that I cannot do the simulated rides. I even felt a little sick on the Despicable Me ride! It was absolutely confirmed while on the Harry Potter ride. It was a coaster and simulations. I read one book in the series and I almost didn’t make it off the ride without getting sick. I actually had to close my eyes and tell myself it was almost over multiple times. HAD I liked them, I know this would have been an awesome ride. I can see why people like it. Unfortunately, it’s just not for me.

I’ll end this post with a picture of my Papa Bear and I at the 2018 Hawai’i Food and Wine Festival. I do have the most amazing father, and not just because he lives on Maui! There are so many reasons but mainly he just accepts who I am and is actually happy that I am living life to the fullest. I love my Papa Bear.

I need to do more than just these photos but at least I can now take them off my phone and have them live on the world wide web forever!

Save All the Pups!

I know I’m not the only one that tears up watching those Dodo videos on social media of dogs needing help. Some have happy endings and some are videos still trying to find furever homes. Now that I don’t have my Bevo by my side, I just want to save all the pups. I am trying to do my part and volunteer. I also started back up with Wag. They also donate a small percentage to Rescue Bank to help feed shelter dogs. So sign up and get a free walk as a new customer. Use code ‘Bernadette9307’

This morning I came across this posting on Timbo from Nobody’s Perfekt in the East Bay. He looks so sweet and the video on the Oakland Animal Services site says so. He will be put down if no one picks him up. So please consider adopting versus breeders. There are so many animals that need a home. Time is running out on some of them.

Wag has been fun for me to get some steps in, spend some time with dogs, get paid and play my part in getting more shelter dogs fed. Check out these cuties! They also offer boarding and dog sitting. I have a perfect rating with 88 compliments.

I also house and dog/cat sit. Willing to travel! Let me know if I can help.

BernNCourt Return

Isn’t it amazing that you can go months without seeing a friend but yet you both put the effort in to see each other? If you don’t have those kind of friendships, get yourself at least one! Even if she or he is 10 years younger than you.

Barcelona, Spain –
January 2018

Courtney and I have been friends since she started working for me at my restaurant around my birthday. I’d say she was my birthday present because we instantly connected, had so many laughs and traveled quite a bit together. She has watched my Bevo, she stays at my pad when I’m traveling and I completely trust her. Did I mention she’s fun?

Snapchat fun at La Pepita – Barcelona, Spain – January 2018

Well, now my Court Court is super busy with going back to school, working full time and commuting. I definitely have done that. Plus, I partied. It’s the life of One Busy Bee. I haven’t seen her since my birthday in September. We finally got together eight months later. She even agreed to meet up an hour away from her home just to return home before she headed another hour+ to work. I am so appreciative of that.

We met up at the Tri Valley Bistro in Pleasanton, California. It was available on OpenTable and it looked cute. It had some intimate tables outside but I knew we needed a bit more space between us and our dining neighbors. We opted for a table for two inside.

Pleasanton, California – May 2019

What do we always do? Order a bottle of bubbles. I had the seafood frittata and she had the eggs benedict and she wanted to crème brulee. I wasn’t planning on eating half of it but I did. And I felt like I finished more than half the bottle. What happened to my Court Court? She turned into a dedicated student.

Cheers

We got caught up on each others’ lives, shared more laughs, silliness, stories and where we are traveling next. She is going back to Paris, as am I, but at different times. She likes art. I can’t spend my entire vacation in a museum. Unfortunately, we don’t have any plans of traveling together anytime soon but perhaps when she’s not so crazy busy ‘adulting.’ Regardless, I’ll still be here whenever she needs me and I know she would do the same for me. Love my Court Court.

#BernNCourt
Rome, Italy – Day 2 of 12
Florence, Italy – Day 6
Venice, Italy – Day 7
Milan, Italy – Day 9
Happy Birthday, Court Court

La Familia Sagrada, Barcelona, Spain – January 2018

OBB Weekly – 5-14-19

Babies galore!

First, I would like to wish you mothers a belated Happy Mother’s Day. Let’s be honest, we all wouldn’t be here without them. They have that super power of creating life. This weekend was my cousin’s baby shower. The weekend was filled with time with many nieces and nephews and it made me miss my Brent. He is sadly located across the nation in North Carolina but I am glad I was able to spend some time with him last summer exploring. I know it’s not in the cards for me so I am happy to be the best auntie I could be. Here’s to appreciate the freedom I am blessed with and the love I still get from my family’s little ones.

TRAVEL

Time with Brent was so much fun! We went from Raleigh to Wilmington, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. We ate an enormous amount! This visit to a family event was in Marina, California, just north of Monterey. Depending on what time of day you go on a weekend, it could take you two hours to drive from the Bay Area to this area. After a brunch in Dublin, California, I was definitely arriving ‘Filipino Time.’ I was not the only one.

In the park where the bench was in Forrest Gump – Savannah, Georgia

The purpose of the visit was for family. It wasn’t by the beach like our family reunion that I planned a few years back. But when you get to meet babies like my cute nephew, Jericho, the beach will always be there. He won’t be this small forever.

EVENT PLANNING

The parents of cute baby Jericho will be getting married in September, also in Marina. I will be coordinating their wedding. How cute will his entrance be?

My nephew cheesin’ post his Ring Bearer duties in Nashville, Tennessee

FOOD

At family events, it’s common for stories to go around. The most popular one is when you had your first taste of beer. I remember mine. I can’t remember how old I was but I didn’t like it. And I would presume, even back then, I had good taste. I’m sure it was a Budweiser or something along the lines. These scary dads continued the tradition with their fake babies. While I wrapped my baby bottle in an itty bitty diaper.

This was done by the soon-to-be daddy. Who’s scared?

My kind of baby, La Marca Prosecco

MOTIVATION

As mentioned, I do not have kids, nor do I think I will ever be a mother. I am completely at peace with that. I would just like to be an aid to my friends and cousins in helping them cope with parenthood. Laughs, helping them let loose and put themselves first once in awhile is good for the self. I hope to be approachable by these young minds whenever they need help. It may be asking if I have a Mastercard to get the pre-sale tickets to The Jonas Brothers upcoming tour but I’m glad my niece wasn’t afraid to ask. I am thankful that Brent still wants to hang out with me. Maintaining the ‘cool’ auntie is my motivation.

Absolutely love this picture

Brent and Auntie time in the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina

Happy Mother’s Day!

Before tuning into the Mother of Dragons’ fire gracing my Samsung television tonight, I spent the day with my best friend and my niece and nephew. I cooked lunch for her and the kids and went out for some ice cream after watching a few movies at the house. Christy works for the community and has these two kids. As I just purchased a car, I couldn’t spoil her as I normally do. She named me “The Best Boyfriend Ever.” When you treat someone the way their boyfriend should, it’s just fitting. Plus, she deserves it. She works really hard.

I made roasted chicken with a brown sugar bourbon seasoning, sauteed tomatoes and spinach and added the potato au gratin I made on Friday. Arya wanted to help cook too! She helped me make the Kraft Alphabet Mac n Cheese. What fun.

Teaching her how to measure water and doing math at the same time.

We should have our own YouTube channel. I’ll need a full make-up crew please!

Unable to reach the second shelf, even in Minnie Mouse heels.

Christy liked her meal and Arya and Nate enjoyed the M&C. What more could you ask for?

Chef Arya

Gamer and Tostitos-eatin’ Nate

After the adults caught up on each others’ lives while the kids watched a few animated films and built forts in the living room, we needed dessert. Thanks to Yelp, we went to Milk & Cookie Bar at the Castro Valley Public Market. It’s nice to see cool spots like this open up in the East Bay. And it’s cheaper than Cold Stone.

Had to send this to my roommate, Kim. She’s a S’mores freak!

All different!

Black Unicorn (cake batter) ice cream in a glazed donut, rainbow sprinkles and my favorite cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Mint ice cream and jelly beans

Milkshakes so thick you can’t use a straw

It’s always good to spend time with my Little Loves and this girl. Happy Mother’s Day to all the hard-working mothers out there, to those that have to play both mother and father and to those fathers taking care of their baby’s momma.

Good times at the water park in Fremont, California. The dessert did not help to get bikini ready.

Keep Going

I am again drafting this blog post from the stationary bike at the gym. I am getting warmed up for chest day and ideally 45 minutes on another cardio machine. This One Busy Bee woke up this morning seeing some progress in the mirror. My blemishes on my face is another thing. I am clearly not perfect or claim to be, but it is ok to recognize when results appear due to your hard work.

Post-workout photos I share with my fellow gym-goer to show we put the work in. They should too.

Approaching 40 and Mexico, Las Vegas and Hawaii in the near future, I felt there was a need to step it up. Things don’t tighten as quickly as they used to. Let’s see, what have I been doing differently? Well, maybe not differently. More like reminding myself and sometimes we need that.

DIET

Oh man, yes, I did enjoy those delicious fries at Quattro at the Four Season Palo Alto this week but I also had their roasted chicken, have had salads and green tea. A Vitality Bowl is also delicious and customizable. I usually have my Shredz supplements but I haven’t been taking them. I also bought a set of Elemis supplements while on the Golden Princess cruise ship but I haven’t even begun. I need to continue to eat better and make healthy choices. Buying a new car will also help you from going out and spending money on drinks with friends and coworkers, so I guess that helps too.

WORKOUTS

Yes, I have signed up for another half marathon. So much for saying, “Nope, never doing that again. That hurt.” This time will be at Disneyland Paris on my 39th birthday in September. I am doing more cardio to keep control of those heart problems and attempt to burn more calories than I take in. I still love to hit those weights and you burn more calories at a resting heart rate when your body fat is low and are muscular.

I am also starting to pick up more Wag walks (Use code Bernadette9307 for a free walk) that the weather is better. I get paid to walk people’s dogs, get some steps in and there are studies that a dog in your life has health benefits. I sure to do miss my Bevo.

PRIORITIZE

I am trying to keep my usual schedule of going to the gym or for a run in the morning before work. It helps me get the day started. However, those days I have to be at work early, I have made it to the gym after work. It’s funny to check into the gym via Yelp and Foursquare in less than 12 hours. But it had to get done.

Foursquare

MAKE IT FUN

We already did our half marathon at Walt Disney World. Nelly and I will be doing another run in June at Mare Island. I hear there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line. If that’s not motivation…

My first half marathon at Walt Disney World.

Fitness is better with friends. Though my running friends know that I don’t really talk when I have a running goal in mind, it is fun to train together some way. Whether it’s a hike, yoga or walking the streets of new cities.

Trail waking in Santa Cruz, California – March 2019

Hiking in New Zealand – March 2019

Wandering around Hobbiton, New Zealand – March 2019

Yoga at Wild Canyon Adventures with my Cugina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
November 2018

Thanks for reading! I hope this post encourages you to keep going with whatever fitness goals you may have. Fitness is a lifestyle and it will have its ups and downs. Just roll with it…on a foam roller. Kill two birds with one stone.

Friend me on my fitness apps:

‘Bappletree’

Bodyspace
MyFitnessPal
RunKeeper
Fitbit

OBB Weekly – 5-7-19

Summer is basically here. Kids will be out of school. They will be wanting to hang out at the pool all day long. That means bikini season. Who else doesn’t feel like their body is ready? How’s your fitness game? What are you doing about it? Before you know it, you will do some sort of traveling to a warm destination, attending an event outdoors and eating the likes of funnel cakes at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or enjoying a glass of champagne in hand watching the sunset. What is your motivation?

TRAVEL

I have just returned from the warmest days I have ever spent in Seattle, Washington. The sun was shining and tank tops bared brown shoulders. Up ahead will be Memorial Day weekend in Santa Cruz cat and house sitting, ‘research’ in Truckee and Lake Tahoe and again in Cabo San Lucas. Then Las Vegas. Short sleeves, short shorts and bikinis are required.

Photo by ACT Language Schools

Where are you headed this summer?
And what are you packing?

EVENT PLANNING

Summer weddings are very popular. Last year, Susie and Frankie, tied the knot at the Stable Cafe with an outdoor ceremony and reception in San Francisco. It turned out to be a gorgeous day. Should you wish to have your destination wedding in the city by the bay, consider September or even October when we have our Indian summer. It’s wonderful. That way, if you’re a bit behind in getting fit for the big day, you can add some time to go hard and diet. Napa is always a good idea. Or, consider Lodi for warmer temps.

Whitehall Lane Winery – St. Helena, CA

Michael David Winery – Lodi, CA

Stable Café, San Francisco, CA

What are your thoughts on a destination wedding?
Are they an inconvenience or an adventure?

FOOD

Summer brings so many food festivals and fairs. The San Francisco Bay Area county fairs will provide full turkey leg and deep fried just about everything. Breweries and wineries will be incredibly inviting to sit outside on their patio or beer garden in the warm, long offering of daylight. Clif Family Winery‘s Bruschetteria food truck offers amazing brussels sprouts if you can get them. Get their roasted chicken if you need your protein. Cleophus Quealy will have tator tots and participate in supporting a local nonprofit every Saturday. Drink for a good cause.

Snacks from the food truck at Cleophus Quealy in San Leandro, CA.
A blind pup available for adoption from Nobody’s Perfekt Dogs.
With Robert Irvine at the 2018 Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival on Maui
The apple, pesto and sausage pizza from Buffalo Bill’s Brewery – Hayward, CA

Which foodie events are you most looking forward to?
Is there a summer salad that’s your favorite?

MOTIVATION

Do you have a pair of jeans deep in your closet for when you do get back down to that size? I do. My motivation to keep at trying to be fit is that jiggle I feel when I run. That was never there before and now it won’t go away! Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, as I said, summer is here and I better face the music: I can’t eat like I used to and not gain a pound. Some people are blessed with that metabolism forever. So here I am, writing this weekly post while on the stationary bike. I have managed to not gain any weight on my last two cruises but I am still at a body fat percentage not to my liking. Thank goodness for great friends. My dear friend and I are back to exchanging post work out photos no matter how ugly. And it’s nice to have someone to work out with in our travels. Get yourself a Nikki B.! Motivation won’t be lacking.

Working out at the Hotel Max in Seattle, Washington – Cinco De Mayo Weekend 2019

Stretching during April’s trail walk (not really a hike) in Santa Cruz, CA with my roommate

With Nelly before my first half marathon ever at Walt Disney World in Florida – January 2019

What are your summer body goals?
What friends help you out on this endeavor? How?