Beauty by the Bay
By Linda Ripoll
The first time I ever visited Berkeley, I felt like I had stepped into some alternate universe. From the quirky street vendors on Telegraph Avenue to the thrift stores and vegetarian eateries on Bancroft, I knew that this city boasted more than just a beautiful view of the Bay but was a place bursting with a rich history of activism, politics and cultural diversity! Located only twenty minutes away from San Francisco by car or BART- Bay Area Rapid Transit, this eclectic city is known for its underground hip hop community, amazing art scene and downright delectable eateries featuring some of California’s best organic cuisine. If you live for things that are just a bit left of center, look no further, Berkeley is the place for you!
Perched atop Berkeley Hills, The Claremont Resort is one of the city’s most historic and beautiful hotels, where guests are treated to nothing but the best of the Bay Area while basking in the beautifully lush landscape surrounding the property. From the historic lobby with its antique English interior to the gorgeous suites that immediately transport you to an elegant, serene space where luxury envelopes you completely, The Claremont Resort is nothing short of exquisite. Treat yourself to world class pampering at the Spa, where you can book treatments that both delight and detoxify.
Lavish your palette with some of the best California cuisine available in the city at the hotel’s celebrated restaurant the Paragon. Need to get in a quick workout while on vacation? No worries, there is a complete gym, several pools, jacuzzis and saunas available as well. Bathe yourself in the beauty known as the Claremont Resort and you’ll never want to leave.
To make reservations or for more information, please visit www.claremontresort.com
There’s nothing like relaxing to smooth jazz while dining on sumptuous sushi and thanks to Yoshi in Oakland’s upscale Jack London Square, you can have your fill of both. This authentic Japanese sushi restaurant features some of the best sashimi, sushi and other Japanese favorites alongside some of the city’s premiere jazz talents such as; Hiroshima, Pete Escovedo and Diane Schuur to name a few. Prepare to dabble in some of the lightest gyoza anywhere in the East Bay and get ready to sip on some authentic plum wine that’s sure to put you in the mood for some live music.
When it comes to sushi, the best roll is the house specialty – Spectacular Sushi Sextext which is a giant inside-out roll of Avocado, Papaya & Tobiko, topped with Unagi, Ebi, Sake, Hirame and Hamachi- a smooth dining experience for the serious sushi connoisseur. Yoshi’s also features an extensive wine list and sake selection that will keep you in the best of spirits while you dine to your heart’s delight! A great choice while in the Bay and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression!
For more information and a show schedule please visit www.yoshis.com.
Bodytime is one of the Bay Area’s oldest and most cherished beauty boutiques. With its signature body care line that boasts some of the sweetest, most fragrant body lotions, creams, scrubs and salves around, you will fall in love with the old fashion, simple approach to beauty that seems to have been lost in today’s overly stylized beauty marketplace. Added bonus to the already delectable products is the option to customize your very own line by adding your favorite perfume oil or essential oil to any product available. Perfume and Essential Oils come in a range of scents from Almond to White Dove and everything in between. Thanks to Bodytime, you can take a little piece of all natural Berkeley beauty back home with you!