Splitting HairsI met Charles Blades about a year ago when he was in search of a location for his new "barber spa". I asked then, "Why a barber spa Charles?" His response: "Men need care too. " He continued, "Besides, people are too busy to sit in a barbershop for hours to get a haircut." Tell me about it! I've endured looking like a mountain goat for way to long in an effort to avoid those crazy waits. "Besides", he continued, "we men need care as well."
Utilizing an approach exampled by the legendary barbershops of Chicago, Charles has created a cozy, low-keyed haven for men to have their grooming needs attended to. The Charles Blades Barber Spa is located in JLS's wharehouse district, CBBS offers haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and a select offering of grooming and shaving products for the man seeking prompt, professional service. "This is an art form...there needs to be a higher quality of service."
The space reflects Mr. Blades' respect for other art forms as well. References to jazz and the visual arts are prominent throughout-keeping the energy level high, yet relaxed. Appointments are gladly set and walk-ins are available for regulars. See the website for a complete list of services.
This Saturday September 4th, the spa will present An Evening of Jazz with the Kenny Hawkins Music Project from 7:00pm-11:00pm. The event will take place @ 247 4th St. Suite 110 Oakland. Admission is $5.00 and includes a glass of sangria and a lovely summer dessert selection. Call Charles to get lined up before the show.
Check out the spa blog for more details on whats good in men's grooming and style.
This Saturday September 4th, the spa will present An Evening of Jazz with the Kenny Hawkins Music Project from 7:00pm-11:00pm. The event will take place @ 247 4th St. Suite 110 Oakland. Admission is $5.00 and includes a glass of sangria and a lovely summer dessert selection. Call Charles to get lined up before the show.
Check out the spa blog for more details on whats good in men's grooming and style.
www.charlesbladesbarberspa.com/blog/
Off Nitin' It
Ah Friday & Saturday Nights: Traditionally, the nights to get out and socialize. Problem is, everybody else has the same idea. Too crowded, too loud, and frustrating. First, I didn't go out to smell dude's cologne. Coulda stayed home for that, right? Secondly, I just don't like when I have to yell to tell her that she looks beautiful tonight. Not sexy!
Off Nitin' It
Ah Friday & Saturday Nights: Traditionally, the nights to get out and socialize. Problem is, everybody else has the same idea. Too crowded, too loud, and frustrating. First, I didn't go out to smell dude's cologne. Coulda stayed home for that, right? Secondly, I just don't like when I have to yell to tell her that she looks beautiful tonight. Not sexy!
For me, I enjoy getting out on off nights. In my humble opinion, a "hot spot" is defined by its off nights-days not starting with 'F' or 'Sat' . Here are a couple of my favorite off night spots:
HeyLove-n-Life
MUA http://www.muaoakland.com/seems to be a little of everything to everybody. A great restaurant. A nice open space to see and be seen. Great bar. Good looking wait staff. Interesting, quirky art works. These personality traits are a few reasons why Mua is one of the best spots to head to on Friday or Saturday nights. If you've ever been here on the weekend, you already know what I'm talkin' about; its just packed! That's why midweek trips to Mua are a good look.
Consider Wednesdays: My girl DJ HeyLove spins and her multi-faceted sets are the perfect reminder that the weekend is on the way. Besides, she's cute (uber cute actually) and stylish as hell. She even dances throughout the set. A rare treat: Owner Hi-Suk shaking his immaculately styled hair-that's him on the move. Have some dinner and just kick back and talk to your table mates like you're lounging at home with your own live mix tape. Ya mean? Instant mid-week sexiness for ya.
Don't forget this crew is on this Friday following The Murmur. Midnight Marauders. Hey Love and CROSS DJ take over @ 9:00 and don't relinquish control until 2:00. Don't ask for requests, radio play is played out!
Geisha
Speaking of CROSS DJ aka Chef Eric, rolled me over to Geisha last night for a live art show featuring Jason Macaroni and the DJ, MC, Art collective known as Woke With A Plan get down on canvas. Impromptu and a total surprise for a Wednesday night, I watched this duo transform a stick "lady" figure into a angel of light. http://wokewithaplan.blogspot.com/
HeyLove-n-Life
MUA http://www.muaoakland.com/seems to be a little of everything to everybody. A great restaurant. A nice open space to see and be seen. Great bar. Good looking wait staff. Interesting, quirky art works. These personality traits are a few reasons why Mua is one of the best spots to head to on Friday or Saturday nights. If you've ever been here on the weekend, you already know what I'm talkin' about; its just packed! That's why midweek trips to Mua are a good look.
Consider Wednesdays: My girl DJ HeyLove spins and her multi-faceted sets are the perfect reminder that the weekend is on the way. Besides, she's cute (uber cute actually) and stylish as hell. She even dances throughout the set. A rare treat: Owner Hi-Suk shaking his immaculately styled hair-that's him on the move. Have some dinner and just kick back and talk to your table mates like you're lounging at home with your own live mix tape. Ya mean? Instant mid-week sexiness for ya.
Don't forget this crew is on this Friday following The Murmur. Midnight Marauders. Hey Love and CROSS DJ take over @ 9:00 and don't relinquish control until 2:00. Don't ask for requests, radio play is played out!
Geisha Speaking of CROSS DJ aka Chef Eric, rolled me over to Geisha last night for a live art show featuring Jason Macaroni and the DJ, MC, Art collective known as Woke With A Plan get down on canvas. Impromptu and a total surprise for a Wednesday night, I watched this duo transform a stick "lady" figure into a angel of light. http://wokewithaplan.blogspot.com/
The "Sexy" Taco Tuesday Lives Here 
Creative tapas and a rare stock of tequila...NICE!!!! No more crowded subpar Taco Tuesdays for Mr. O. since everyone's favorite Downtown Oakland tapas spot, Tamarindo, recently expanded and opened tequila bar extraordinaire, Miel. This space is bright and fun. Lots of light, greenery, and imagery everywhere. Tell the ever ready to serve bar masters Ivan and Adrianne that, "Mr. Oakland said,...the Tamarind Margaritas, Lime and Cactus Margarita, and the Sangria are a MUST." From 5:00-7:00 there are happy hour drink and food specials. $2.00 carnitas tacos, bean and cheese burritos (dreamy good), and if you are lucky, potato. Of course, items from the well loved daily menu are also available . Glow on Gloria!
Creative tapas and a rare stock of tequila...NICE!!!! No more crowded subpar Taco Tuesdays for Mr. O. since everyone's favorite Downtown Oakland tapas spot, Tamarindo, recently expanded and opened tequila bar extraordinaire, Miel. This space is bright and fun. Lots of light, greenery, and imagery everywhere. Tell the ever ready to serve bar masters Ivan and Adrianne that, "Mr. Oakland said,...the Tamarind Margaritas, Lime and Cactus Margarita, and the Sangria are a MUST." From 5:00-7:00 there are happy hour drink and food specials. $2.00 carnitas tacos, bean and cheese burritos (dreamy good), and if you are lucky, potato. Of course, items from the well loved daily menu are also available . Glow on Gloria!
Image courtesy of Jimmy Kwong of http://www.reef-designs.com/
Not bad for an off night!
Tell Mr. Oakland about your favorite Oakland Off-Nite Spot. Maybe I can roll with ya!
Big Ups!! (aka the indicators that to show that Oakland is rising or as Mr. Oakland says, Know the OIRs before you talk smack about Oakland!)
Congrats to InOak (see Mr. Oakland for July 22, 2010 ) for creating enough buzz to get WSJ to cover the growing tech market here in Oakland. Good to see the techies coming out of their caves and getting some sunlight! The BART extension is cool, but Mr. Oakland's looking for a Silicon Valley extension. Thanks Kim Bardakian for keeping me up on thangs! Check out this link for the complete article. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575463590688048652.html?mod=rss_economy
Oh Man...Oakland
Did you get out to Eat Real in Jack London Square this past Saturday, Sistah's Steppin' in Pride, Chinatown Street Festival or Uptown Block Party? If you didn't, you missed a great opportunity to see Oakland in full bloom. Culture, diversity, crazy good food, and Peace.
Big Ups!! (aka the indicators that to show that Oakland is rising or as Mr. Oakland says, Know the OIRs before you talk smack about Oakland!)
Congrats to InOak (see Mr. Oakland for July 22, 2010 ) for creating enough buzz to get WSJ to cover the growing tech market here in Oakland. Good to see the techies coming out of their caves and getting some sunlight! The BART extension is cool, but Mr. Oakland's looking for a Silicon Valley extension. Thanks Kim Bardakian for keeping me up on thangs! Check out this link for the complete article. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575463590688048652.html?mod=rss_economy
Oh Man...Oakland
Did you get out to Eat Real in Jack London Square this past Saturday, Sistah's Steppin' in Pride, Chinatown Street Festival or Uptown Block Party? If you didn't, you missed a great opportunity to see Oakland in full bloom. Culture, diversity, crazy good food, and Peace.
A $5 Oakland Pride http://www.oaklandpride.org/ goes down this Sunday September 5th from Noon-6 PM on Franklin between 19th and Broadway. Chaka Khan headlines, but you gotta check out these home town (s)heros: Kymberly Jackson, Valerie Troutt, DJ Olga T, and DJ and vocalist Dana Ryan. Don't miss this one!
I love it here!
Oakland Stand Up!
Mr. Oakland
DON'T SLEEP ON THIS! 