michaelD: the bay area buzz report

Weekdays aren't what they used to be...they're much better

Thursdays and Fridays are usually the hot nights for events that bring together a combination of energetic, smart, talented, socially conscious and young spirited people in the Bay Area. But now other days are sneaking into the act, a pattern that has long been the case in other major cities like NY and Chicago. This is not your "party only" crowd. Usually but not exclusively under 40, these folks are often "partying with a purpose." Professionals, artists, wine lovers, community organizers and cool peeps ... check them out. 

SF Symphony opening brings out celebrities and major Bay Area donors

The Bay Area's celebrities and philanthropists alike came out for the opening of the San Francisco Symphony season Wednesday evening at Davies Symphony Hall. Pictured left, Pamela Joyner wearing an Angel Sanchez gown, nominated by Chronicle readers as one of the top 5 dresses at the Symphony Gala -  September 9, 2009, in San Francisco, Calif. Per the Chronicle, Joyner remarked, "I do not wear black, generally, to events. They're too festive to do that." Other attendees included George and Charlotte Shultz (right). Photos: Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle.
gown story | gown photos | opening story | opening photos

As always, thanks for reading.

Weekend in Review (Aug 24 09)

I can be an overkill type of guy, which is why I dropped in on Lake Chalet four times last week (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)! Hey, it's the latest and greatest in its category of one, being the only eating establishiment on Lake Merritt. The weekend was a blur, as usual, but the highlight was Friday night, when Oakland was ALIVE! Finally, one can call Oakland a nightlife destination.  No more one trick pony. Qualifier: The audience I'm speaking to is the "successful, 35+, educated (don't confuse this with college degree), diverse living, Oakland professional-ish" in search of a place(s) to rub elbows with their peers. This "segment" has traditionally found San Francisco attractive for its venues, but unappealing for its distance, lack of diversity, and chill factor. The younger (under 30) audience has always had a variety of places to hang, whether in SF or Oakland.

Friday evening, August 21, 2009


(Lake Chalet seafood bar and grill - Friday Aug 21, 2009, shot via iphone)
This is just the beginning at Lake Chalet. Work continues to finish outfitting its huge outdoor pier area.

1st stop Lake Chalet on Lake Merritt. The place oozes potential. The partially furnished outdoor area opened up that evening, and people didn't hesitate to take advantage of the warm Oakland air. There's a buzz in the air and everyone's checking it out. Next up, a 5 minute drive takes us over to Pican, a relatively new and hugely successful bar, restaurant and lounge in Oakland's increasingly popular "downtown Uptown Broadway hip strip." Now that we're in the "zone," we won't need the car again until the end of the evening.