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BLOCK PARTY

On the Way: Don’t Miss Out on San Pablo Avenue

     Whizzing down San Pablo, drivers are likely to miss this cluster of storefronts on the way to some other point in Berkeley or Emeryville. But missing this little section means missing out. San Pablo Avenue doesn’t have to be just “on the way.” It can be a final destination.

Where to Eat

Caffe Trieste Berkeley
     If you’re looking for more in an atmosphere than just Wifi, your search is over. This little piece of Italy
is a great place to sit and enjoy a rich cup of coffee, a freshly-made pastry and a good conversation. The motto “brew each cup like it’s for you” is Caffe Trieste’s recipe for the best cappuccino around. Go with the vegetarian panini, and you just might swear off meat for the rest of your life. The evening scene brings on a variety of live music, including rock, jazz and even opera and traditional Italian music performed by 90-year-old Papa Gianni himself. Now that’s Italian!
2500 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 548-5198, www.caffetriestberkeley.com

Sea Salt
     If you have been waiting for a special occasion to eat at this 5-year-old gem, it is time to fake a holiday and treat yourself. The menu is based on superbly flavored food and sustainable practices. “We have had to remove some items on our menu to ensure that we stay away from depleting stocks,” says chef Anthony Paone. My personal favorites are the B.L.T. (bacon, lettuce and trout) sandwich ($15), the unforgettable tombo tuna sliders ($13) and grilled Hawaiian swordfish ($22). Raw bar lovers should hit happy hour, when the oyster of the day is just $1. If you cannot decide what to order, don’t worry: You will likely make up a holiday again very soon.
2512 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 883-1720, www.seasaltrestaurant.com

What to Do

Ecology Center
     With all the commercialized “greenness” going on out there, why not head to a place that was at the heart of this movement before it was a movement? Founded in 1969, the Ecology Center’s programs are all designed to make sustainable living mainstream. In addition to heading up three Berkeley farmers markets as well as the very first comprehensive curbside recycling system in the United States, the center runs workshops out of its EcoHouse, teaching people how to affordably make their living spaces more energy and water efficient and carbon neutral. Becoming a member comes with a wide range of perks from discounts on products in the Ecology Center store to reduced tuition to classes and events that teach practical and proven ways of going green.
2530 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 548-2220, www.ecologycenter.org

The Yoga Room
     The brand new facility, with its high ceilings and crisp, white walls, belies the fact that you are
ohm-ing with the East Bay’s oldest yoga studio. Recently relocated from the East Side of Berkeley, the Yoga Room has been practicing hatha-yoga as taught by B. K. S. Iyengar since 1978. While instructors have all been through a very specific training program each has his or her own voice within the style, thereby bringing variety to the many classes offered, including yoga for lower back pain, restorative yoga and zen meditation. Not a Yogi? Never say never! The Yoga Room welcomes those over 55 in a special workout for maintaining strength and agility. And with classes starting at 7 a.m. on some days and 7:30 p.m. on others, there is no excuse not to get centered.
2530 San Pablo Ave., Suite D, Berkeley, (510) 273-9273, www.yogaroomberkeley.com

Where to Shop

Juniper Tree Supplies
     If you’re walking along San Pablo and it suddenly smells like you’re twirling in a field of lavender by the seaside, you’re probably standing in front of Juniper Tree. What began as a soap- and candle-making supply business has expanded into a shop for all things beautifully whimsical. Whether you want to turn your kitchen into a soap factory or simply want to spend the rest of the day in a bathrobe with cucumbers over your eyes, Juniper Tree has the products for you. But the inventory goes far beyond skin products. From unique gifts to jewelry to chandeliers, the entire store has the makings of a fairy forest. Why not treat yourself like a queen?
2520 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 647-3697, www.junipertreesupplies.com

Mignonne
      Welcome to the future of furniture buying. Owner Johnelle Mancha has an eye for not only what is beautiful, but also what could be beautiful. Sure, that table or chair that you snagged from Grandma or a yard sale could be cool if only you had the time, supplies and skills to bring it into the 21st century. Just bring it down to this charming little shop. Johnelle will meet with you to come up with a design plan that suits your taste and your budget. She will do the work and magically turn it into a piece that will make your neighbors jealous. The store is filled with things that are waiting to be taken home. The most beautiful part: Everything is more affordable than you or Crate & Barrel would ever imagine.
2447 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 388-5830, www.jesuismignonne.blogspot.com

Twisters
     Tired of diving into racks and racks of Gap-esque fashion? This place compiles clothing from just about any era you can think of, with pieces like the ones that put the “cool” in Madmen and the “kooky” in Dick Tracy. You may very well find a dazzling Dior or Gucci, but do not be surprised if your favorite is a random goodie that makes you want to recite lines from Casablanca. The well-stocked store serves men, too, and has many of the details often forgotten in current, everyday-wear, like cufflinks and suspenders. So stop building that time machine – shopping here is a lot more fun!
2445 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 548-9478, www.twistersvintage.com