Urban Night Market

Posted on July 19, 2016 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

Growing up in the Bay Area, I can often remember times where I felt like there was absolutely nothing to do on my little island. Granted, the only movie theater in my town closed when I was in elementary school, and only reopened long after I had left for college. Luckily, things tend to change quite a bit when you return to your hometown as an adult. While I’m still spending a ton of time around the studio, most of my leisure time goes to exploring the area- visiting the newest restaurants, meeting my friends for a cocktail, and finding the best cup of coffee. Of all the places out there, one of my favorite has popped up where I would least expect: the old Navy base right here on Alameda.

It’s Rock Wall Wine Company!

Rocking my favorite new signature Alameda hat from Honour brand.

In addition to the usual tasting room and cheese plates you might find at any winery, Rock Wall boasts an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline. On occasion, they host events, like the Urban Night Market I recently went to. Complete with drinks, food trucks, aerialists, local vendors, and much more; it was quite a nice way to spend an evening on the island. When I tell my friends from out of town about the hidden gem that is Rock Wall, they immediately assume that something like that (Local wine? Lobster rolls? Views of the Bay Bridge?) must be on the expensive side. Not only is it affordable, but it’s relatively accessible, once you figure out where on the base you’re going, that is! When you’re there, make sure to take the time out to visit the historic aircraft carriers, St. George distillery, and the famous Alameda Antiques fair. What can I say? It seems my little island in the bay is up-and-coming!

EVA♥

Foodie

Posted on March 3, 2016 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

The best things in life are free! Well…sort of. I have, for a long time now, praised the little things in life. And while some of my favorite things are relatively simple, (bubble baths, exploring new neighborhoods, fresh tubes of lipstick) some could considered a bit more extravagant. I’m a total foodie- from foreign street food to fancy ice creams to local diners, I will eat and enjoy it all.

Wine, cheeseburgers, and a beautiful view at Rock Wall Winery.

The amazing pizza specials at Scolaris on the Alameda Point!

Sunday desserts at Craftsman and Wolves.

Kougin amann filled with Valrhona chocolate.

While I seriously enjoy eating out, I do try to make a point of having relatively conservative meals during the week, so I can strategically indulge on the weekends. There is a massive soft spot in my heart for cheeseburgers, so my first stop this last weekend was at Scolaris out on Alameda Point. This, of course, was accompanied with tall glasses of neighboring Rock Wall Winery’s sparkling rose and amazing views of the San Francisco skyline. On Sunday, I finally made it to what felt like the most hip bakery ever: Craftsman and Wolves. They’re known for their innovative pastries like The Rebel Within, a savory muffin with a soft-boiled egg baked right in the center. I had an incredibly hard time choosing among all the artfully displayed pastries, but finally settled on a chocolate-filled kougin amann.(Hint: if you’re anything like me and constantly wonder how to pronounce this treat it’s pronounced: pronounced QUEEN-ah-mahn.) For me, the fun of new, delicious foods comes from the experience as a whole. Sure, I could easily visit a local Alameda bakery and have a pastry at home, but then I would miss all the people watching in Dolores Park and the walks around San Francisco’s Mission district. It might sound silly, but I could easily plan a weekend around wonderful things to eat and sights to see. I would like to think that being a “foodie” is about so much more than the food!

Until next time!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on November 18, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

Five Things is b-a-c-k, back!

I’ve been accumulating pictures left and right, and yet life seems to get in the way, as it so conveniently does. I’ve been missing sharing the random round-up of photos from my life, and am looking forward to getting the backlog of blogs out of my brain and onto the interwebs. Of course, what would Watch Me Juggle be without a little spontaneity/chaos? On that note, here are this week’s Five Things:

I had my first pint of porter at Faction Brewing recently. Perched on the edge of the old navy base, Faction a local Alameda brewery with an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline. It’s very much no-frills- a trip to the ladies room requires crossing the brewery’s entire warehouse, but that’s very much part of its charm. I’ve also never had a milk stout quite like theirs before! I highly recommend.

I’ve been exploring San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood quite a bit lately, and have been enjoying it. You’ll find many interesting characters, restaurants, and bars there, as well as the occasional piece of “burner” artwork. Here’s If you take a peek past this artfully carved gazebo, you’ll be able to see another one of one of this week’s things…

I’m very much in love with Smitten Ice Cream, located just down the street from my office. It’s made-to-order ice cream is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. Pictured is one of their season flavors: sweet white corn and fresh berries. Delicious!

It’s no secret that I do enjoy perusing antique and thrift stores from time to time. I found this funny little collection of “mustache” cups recently. Perfect at keeping tea out of even the most dapper gentleman’s mustache!

Some friends and I had the chance to visit the famed Wilson and Wilson bar in San Francisco not too long ago. A secret bar within a bar, Wilson and Wilson boasts an impressive cocktail menu, handed to you in the form of a case file. It’s detective agency-themed decor reminded me of something you might see in The Maltese Falcon and their in-house infused liquors are really unique.

Cheers!

EVA♥