Open up Tea bag anchor wings up over a cup, to stabilize the filter fold the anchors to look like wings. (Not mentioned in the video).
Tear open center and make a wide opening
Pour over hot water into the grounds. Careful water don’t spill all over. It’s ok if the bottom of the tea bad is immersed. This will make your coffee stronger.
When it’s cool enough to drink you are ready tp go.
Also available on Amazon. Video By #StacyPoulos @postcardtravelers
Product details: PREMIUM SINGLE ORIGIN PAPUA NEW GUINEA MAPLE SYRUP • RED OAK • DARK CHOCOLATE Be transported to a far away island with this classic coffee from Papua New Guinea, delicate sweetness complemented with flavors of red oak and dark chocolate. * Region: Eastern Highlands * Altitude: 4757 ft.
Important Travelers Gear by Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers.com
Adventure friends here are some great must have important travelers gear! Sorry about the motorcycle / travel hair! LOL Anyway I guess my bag is not water proof. It’s water resistant. I found links from my affiliates….
Watch the video I give you a tour of my products I use when riding. Use at your own risk. Consult professionals.
REI Duffel-backpack Water resistant heavy duty tie down loops.
❤️🎒 Duffel Bag turns Backpack from REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel I love mine! The straps can easily be tucked away. It offers great water protection but apparently is not waterproof as I said in the video. It’s a soft plastic like material. I don’t like that harder water proof plastic material, this gives more. Most airlines require a piece of carry-on luggage to be no bigger than 45 linear inches (L + W + H) to meet carry-on size restrictions. This can vary check with your airline ahead of time. If you don’t fill it up, you squeeze down . . . . those extra 5.4 inches. There are a lot of heavy duty loops on the sides for tie down hooks and / or ropes. I don’t buy bags anymore that aren’t water resistant. I also think it helps keep the bugs out. How every this lovely orange attracts them lol. But I had to have it, thanks mom! XOXO http://bit.ly/2NE3XfI
iClever Jump Start thingie.
❤️🏍️🔌 iClever Jump Start thingie. This was a life saver!! I had to jump my bike 4 times in one day! The bartender came out of the bar with this. Thank you! I think all businesses / every one should have one to help people. It also charges cell phones, laptops and ipads! Anyway I found it on Amazon. It shows a motorcycle 12 V. [PD 30W Input & Output] iClever 20000mAh Car Jump Starter (up to 8L gas or 6.5L diesel engine), Power Delivery 30W Power Bank with Dual USB 3.0 Quick Charging for Nintendo Switch and MacBook… on Amazon. PS the hard part was attaching the clamps, as usual! Harley doesn’t give you room on the battery to grab the battery terminal. I just had someone hold it on it. (not exactly safe) MAKE SURE YOU CAN USE IT WITH YOUR BIKE! There is another way to jump start a battery on a motorcycle when I learn I’ll show you too.
❤️❤️🔌🔌 PocketJuice 2 and 3 out lets. This is a different Model. Mine is older. This one has a plug in thing, even better. I keep it with me all the time! It’s better to have one the size of you phone. I try never to leave with out it. https://amzn.to/2XI5NQB
Carabiner Combination Lock
❤️🔒 Carabiner Combination Lock I made my own device with this adding the wire. It’s really to prevent people from cutting and running. I made the same thing when I went to Europe. I still have it, I just forgot the combination. 😎 https://amzn.to/2YrK2BD
Make your own lock with wire rope and do-dad thingies.
🔒 Make your own lock with wire rope and do-dad thingies. Wire Rope Thimble / Loop-End Cable thingies. Here’s a kit. The size all need to be the same. And if you use the Master Lock Carabiner the thingie needs to fit the bottom loop. Technically you can make it any size and put it through the big loop. https://amzn.to/2KVOG88
❤️🔒 Blah, blah blah. If you don’t want to go through all that bullshit you can have a pre-made one that is coated. Heavy Duty Black Combination Lock Cable | Best Security PIN Locking Chain.
Lights! 5 of the most fantastic products for RV, trailer, campers, boat owners, off the grid, emergency preparer and 3rd world country independent survivors. …And fancy people with unique tastes. Fairy lights that are powered by USB! And Lamps / power banks, rechargeable by solar. Why do I like ‘fairy lights’? They are pretty. They have a warm feel to them. And they give a warm feel to a room, tent or hut. As you will see I also made a lamp with Fairy lights to go with my candle holder. They don’t take a lot of power to run, are water proof. They are the best thing since sliced bread! Plus I show my USB powered lamp.
Fairy lights
100 Fairy lights USB powered under 10 bucks. There are 2 options one with USB, and one that takes batteries. It’s silly not to go with the USB option. You can always rotate USB type power banks to keep your products fresh with power. See video. I have had battery powered for many years. I never know when it’s going to run out. With USB I can just switch them out.
On the left is a USB powered GoalZero lamp that ALSO has a port for charging other USB devices, it has it’s own stand, it can be hung by it’s own hook or ring, or magnet!! The right is a sample of a lamp used to hold candles inside a chicken coop wire holder I got at Ross. Then I sewed the fairy lights through the unit and placed the power under the candle. This one is battery powered. I’m going to make a cute platform incase the candle gets it hot. The rest of the room is powered by a USB power bank. sold separately.
***Amazon USB Fairy lights 100 count ***dimmable***. If I did anything different, I would have got the dimmable option. 100 lights are pretty bright. https://amzn.to/2SRVV1g
Amazon LED Fairy Lights 33ft 100 LEDs Battery Operated String Lights Waterproof Multi Color Changing
Large Power Banks, I bought this over a year ago, I love it. I can power my laptop with it.
AC Power Bank
Here is another multi purpose USB charger and jump starter that you MUST HAVE! I discovered it when I broke down on my Motorcycle it jump started it 4 times… it’s a Harley. I did another blog about it. Something you want to bring with you small enough to carry on a motorcycle. It also has a flash light. The most inconvenient part is they are hard to get around a batterie.
iClever Jump Start thingie.
This is a great usb charger that you can also re-charge by the sun! Why not have one on had that is solar power. You hope never to really need off the grid, but you have to love knowing you will have it. Keep it in the car incase you end up one of those stories. You were best prepared. Its’s also very reasonably priced. 2 USB out lets. And had a built in flash light. If you were stranded, this is perfect. It is not ‘light’ for backpackers. Logically it has 4 panels so it can charge faster that a 1 and 2 panel.
These next products are from REI. Before I go on, anytime you can buy from REI I would, it’s absolutely worth the membership price. You get 20% off coupons ever year and for signing up. I think 2 or 4 coupons a year. Every dollar you spend on full price items, you get dividends back! When REI haves deep discounted garage sales only REI members are welcome. What I like most about being a member is there 1 year return policy. You don’t need a receipt, they keep you on file. Join for 20 bucks. You’ll start off by getting a 20% coupon in your email or mail box. Join: http://bit.ly/2SPI8Z5
USB Lanterns
GoalZero Lamp with big results. Rechargeable with USB connection or Solar USB at REI Goal Zero Lighthouse Core Electric Lantern & USB Power Hub (about 50.00 well worth the money invested). Ps you can also barrow the power to charge devices.
Then to charge them you need USB, you probably already have them.
REI Goal Zero Flip 10 Portable Charger (built in USB flip connector) I like this because it has a built in USB plug AND level indicator lights. Most don’t so you never know how low your battery is.
Goal Zero Sherpa 40 Power Pack a little more spendy but will last a lot longer. Fairy light don’t take much power. And the more capabilities one bank has the less you have to carry around.
Now if you really want to be ‘off the grid’ goal Zero products are rechargeable by the sun! Make sure the panel you get matches the device. Explore REI’s Goal Zero options.
Now if you bought under your membership you are earning while you spend!
Thanks for listening. If you have related items you want me to try and like to review send it to Postcard Travelers Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546 Make sure you fan my facebook, youtubeand instagram. How you like our choices make sure you see the video and by through our affiliate and sponsors. I never endorse products I don’t like.
My favorite time of year again! The Most Exciting Travel Show Returns to the Bay Area and I will be there to get the scoop. Tickets are available on line or at the door. My mentor Rick Steve’s will be there to name a few. The interesting thing about going to expo events like these, is how excited you get when you’re surrounded by things you love. Who doesn’t love to travel? This show is at the Santa Clara Convention Center but there all over the USA. Click on the book!
SF / Bay Area: May 21-22, 2022 + Other locations and dates.
Event Description; The Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show is where travel lovers come for travel inspiration, expert information and fun, cultural interaction. It’s where you’ll discover thousands of authentic travel experiences and speak directly to the travel experts who can get you there, give you the inside scoop, and save you money on exclusive travel deals.
Host, Rick Steves’ Europe, Samantha Brown, Travel Channel Host, and Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of the Frommer’s Guides and Publisher.
My gear at REI. I love everything about them. Most recently I bought this backpack that is light weight and has a frame on the inside. Seriously I love it!
Tip: One Month to Live Author Patricia Schultz gives us 5 places to go.
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8ppaWaterproof Tested Review, Not attractive but works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers –Unless of course you think my legs are sexy?
I recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks! If Dexshell says it’s waterproof, I believe it! Not attractive but good! This link has more and better options. http://amzn.to/2vFv3JI XOXO
Ok, as you may know I have different interest in sports and like to get equipment with duel purpose. When you do any sport, it sucks to get wet and be in the cold. Your feet, hands and chest are the most important for me to stay dry and warm. So I got neoprene socks for kayaking, they may keep my feet warmer, but they don’t keep them dry! I keep seeing these ‘waterproof socks’ and thought I’d try them out. I figured I can also use them for hiking on rainy days. So I set out to dip them in water to see if they were in fact water proof and wa-la, they were. TIP: My feet stayed dry. My second suspicion was my feet will sweat more being in a something that keeps out water. However, this will also lock moister in when you sweat. So I put a cotton sock under one sock and one with out on the other. Yes, the one without a cotton sock, underneath was little more sweaty after a mild, 2 mile hike which means maybe after a long day, a lot more sweaty. So I say layer with a cotton socks. The socks are already thick and to me very unattractive. I got the Black and Olive socks. However, who cares when your feet are cozy warm and dry? Anyway, you can see for yourself in this video I made. Enjoy. Here is a link to them on Amazon. I got a medium. I don’t mind that they are longer, I intend to tuck them under my dry pants when I kayak.
Price? There are different prices, not too spendy for the importance of dry feet. I would have a pair in all aspects of my life. I’m going to leave mine in the car with my hiking boots.
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp – Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp – Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks
I’m always astonished how much rich History, or HerStory, there is right under our noses in the San Francisco Bay Area. I explored the waterfront area of Richmond by land and sea in search of what was once the largest Winery in the world when the California Wine Association moved from San Francisco to Point Molate Richmond after the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906. It remained the title of “World’s largest winery” for 12 years!! (1907–1919). Until prohibition crushed it’s demise and was shut down in 1919. Really, THE largest? Over Italy and France? Yep, it’s true. Now it’s an abandoned ghost town once called “Winehaven California” (It is in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places) and it’s castle remains in tact north of the Point Molate Richmond. Stenmark Drive is the last exit before you get on the Richmond Bridge and it is littered with a extraordinary and riveting California History.
The largest Wine producer in the world for 12 years.
If you walk on Pt. Molate Park Beach facing the water Winehaven would be to your right, around the corner less than a mile away, you can’t walk to it on the beach, but you can see it. If continue to drive on Stenmark Dr you can see the backside through the fence from the road. There is a bit of a battle to what they are going to do with the area. In my humble opinion, it is rare to be able to boast the ‘largest in the world’ of anything, let alone the most prestigious commodity of wine! So. I say restore the castle and keep boasting! But there’s more.
Winehaven 2036-2040 Stenmark Dr. Near Point Molate Beach Park Richmond, CA
From that same beach, to your left walk 1,000 feet towards the Bridge to Point Castro and there is a 200 foot shipwreck, with half sticking out of the water even at high tide. (There are actually 3, if you look at Google Earth. 5 If you look at lowest tide.) With the completion of the bridge in 1956 the car-ferry service and inner city railway that resided there eventually rendered the pier useless and became a fishing pier. After years of lack of maintenance, it is now a barley recognizable battered pier. This once thriving corner of the Bay, is now a water front ghost town, mostly restricted from the public. For me, it’s a photographers dream. There is a public park you can enjoy where you can see the shipwreck. A 160-foot medium-endurance cutter patrol vessel ‘The USCGC Hermes WPC-109’ it was a Thetis-class coastal patrol ship in service from 1932 to 1958. It was assigned to San Pedro, California, and spent World War II watching for Japanese submarines, as well as escorting convoys out of the harbor. After the war, it was used as a stationary training ship. And was to serve as an enforcement vessel for Prohibition. A model is on display at the LA Maritime Museum. Hermes also served to deliver an important marble Cabrillo monument January 1937 to the San Miguel Island in the Southern California. In honor of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (Portuguese: João Rodrigues Cabrilho; c. 1497 – January 3, 1543) who was the First European explorer in California where he laid to rest. And yet another part of our Rich History.
The Hermes vessel was decommissioned November 2, 1948 and sold May 16, 1958. Eventually laid to rest where it is now, Point Molate. She still sits with her bow in the air above water, surrounded by unnamed shipwrecks beside her, slightly below the water line. You can see them on google earth, and on a lowest tide you can see them even more. It is a dangerous area with pilings sticking up.
Just know it is windy out there facing the Golden Gate. If it’s a date night you can start here and work your way back to end up at the wineries near, The Riveter Rosie Museum. To me it’s crazy this area is not as explored as it should be. And I pray they do not develop this but to bring back what was there.
Point Richmond Ferry Terminal (aka Ellis Landing)
Point Richmond Pier
Next stop is Miller / Knox Regional Shoreline at Point Richmond on Canal Blvd. At the very point, is a gutted out building. And a fishing pier which. Along side the new fishing pier is a dilapidated pier that used to be a commuter ferry service to the San Francisco Ferry. You can see where the train rails lead to the terminal which now are broken and lead underwater. I actually kayaked under it. Besides being broken-down and battered, it is clear there was a recent fire that further damages the battered pier. For me, it was the highlight of my 2nd kayak trip. It is said, it is at ‘Ford Point’ however you can’t find it on the map. Something I have found over time, places are renamed and it really depends on who you ask. It’s name came from the historic Ford Plant. But you put in ‘Point Richmond’ and you will find it. There is a whole walking tour of the area with points of interests. Across from the Museum is R&B Cellars where you can wine and cider taste and have a bit to eat while you enjoy the Bay view.
Now it’s time to warm up and get out of the wind. Working your way back go to see the inside of the SS Red Oak Victory ($10 donation to get in, mostly Closes at 2pm). I have not been inside yet, however I have been under the massive destroyer it in a kayak. It’s A original ship made by the Rosie The Riveters. If you aren’t familiar who Rosie is, during WWII all the available men were summoned to fight the war with no one left to build the Ships and Airplane’s. So women were summoned to come work in the shipyards. There is a famous print by Norman Rockwell that advertised “You can do it” to encourage women to join the movement where the women, who other wise were expected to be housewives were summoned to work in the shipyards. Back in those days it was ludicrous a woman would do a “man’s job”—even if they wanted to. Rivets are basically like ‘a nut and bolt’ a all in one, permanent mechanical fastener that holds metals sheets together to make airplanes, ships, bridges and such. They did more than assembled them with rivets, they welded and did all types of non-traditional jobs. It was war-time and Richmond area was the largest producer of war time products. The rural City of Richmond exploded. Now the whole area is dedicated to preserving this HerStory.
Shipyard Trail General Warehouse Richmond 2016 By Stacy Poulos
1414 Harbour Way S #3000, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 232-5050
After seeing the ship, go to the Rosie The Riveter Museum, it’s very tactile with life size people to give you a sense of that time. Maybe even go home with a lunch pail. Especially if you have kids, they should see how woman contributed to the war effort. The Museum is free but if you can spare it, donations are always appreciated.
Now that you’ve had a day of HerStory, reward yourself at the Assemble Restaurant you basically get to eat and drink in the boiler room of the Ford Assemble plant.
Assemble Restaurant @ The Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
Now you have a choice to call it a day and watch the sunset there, or go back to see the sunset over a Pirate Harbor. Yep, a pirate harbor only you me, John Wayne and and a few others know about. If you continue on back on Stenmark Dr. past Pt. Molate Park Beach make a right onto a dirt road to San Pablo Yacht Harbor or they like to say San Pablo Pirate Harbor. They have developed the area in such a what that its very artiest friendly environment.
Follow the ‘Point San Pablo (Pirate) Yacht Harbor sign. There are is a public bathroom and public kayak launch. But this little eccentric cove has a long History. Is was originally made by By Captain Raymond H. Clark in 1939 lined up about 9 ships on both sides to create a breakwater Harbor eventually overtime the ships were covered with dirt. And yes, that’s what you walk on.. shipwrecks. Fascinating. At sunset, at least on this day was a golden calm. At one point in History that area was the setting of the movie ‘Blood Alley’ with John Wayne and Lauren Bacall!
Update! There is a quaint restaurant you’ll have to figure out what they have there now. Here is a link: https://www.pspharbor.com/ I promise you explore this area by kayak, car or foot, you will not be disappointed!
Point San Pablo Yacht (Pirate) Harbor
Many buried ship wrecks
1900 Western Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
+1 510-233-3224
1955 ‘Blood Alley’ with John Wayne and Lauren Bacall partly filmed at Point San Pablo Harbor.
Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar has 70 varieties of olive oils and balsamics that you can taste before you buy free! Many of the infused Olive oils are the same olive oil base with different flavorings. The olive oils come from two different hemispheres in Tunisia and Australia, and the balsamics are aged the traditional Solera Method from Modena Italy. Each container tells you the mix of oil and acidity. Although I’m not big of infused flavorings, the ones I tried are rich in flavor. I’m a straight olive oil gal. I like the kind that has a natural nutty flavor to it. My favorite Olive Oil is ‘Koronieki olive oil’ extra virgin from Greece. They do not mix their oils with any other oils like big grocery store chains do. Hold on, I’m not done… You may get dizzy with so many varieties.
Pressed every week are there specialties oils; white and black truffle oil, sesame seed oil, roasted almond oil, seasonal pumpkin seed oil and my favorite for the day; buttersquash seed oil. Which has a really unique roasted taste to it. Now that I have it, what am I going to do with it? The owner said it’s great for roasting vegetables on a BBQ or adding to mash potatoes. They have a sleek 200 ml bottle that they will bottle your favorite on the spot for around 13 bucks. Specialty oils are more and other sizes are available.
As far as the balsamics I liked the ‘Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic Vinegar Condimento’ and the ‘Pomegranate-Quince White Balsamic’ was best. They are open everyday at 10:00am to 8pm and will give you a free taste with bread and education about the oils.
I went to 4 Hoagie places in Pennsylvania, some twice (two Lee Hoagie locations, and the Food Network’s famous ‘Pat’s’ and ‘Gino’s’) in Philly and hands down my last day, I wanted to go back to end my Pennsylvania eating experience here at Sessano Cafe and Deli. I recommend award winning Roast Pork sandwich with sweet peppers. They start slow roasting the meat 4 hours before they serve it. It’s run by a small Italian family. The father; Santino Ciccaglione is from Central Italy out side of Roma and somehow landed in the odd small town called Norristown, PA. The food is worth the trip. Don’t expect a fancy environment, it’s a deli style restaurant with seating and just good food, the atmosphere is your happy taste buds. Santino said he has shipped the sandwich to people out side the State, it’s REALLY that good!!! (I am personally plotting to get him drunk one night, hoping to have him spill the beans of how he makes it). In the meantime, Santino, my address is….
I love a great discoveries! Today I toured the ‘Jack London Square bay’ taking photos on a Kayak with a friend. We went in the public entrance at Jack London Square, free to launch my own kayak, and my friend rented a paddle board $15.00 an hour at “California Canoe And Kayak” which was very helpful and lots of cool stuff to buy. We parked our car for $5.00 for 12 hours a block away takes cash and cards.
After, my friend wanted to go a restaurant ‘with a view of the water’ and we were too dressed down from paddling to go in any of the fancy restaurants, so we poked around and found ‘Miss Pearl’s Jam House’ Cuisine Inspired by the Caribbean Islands. It looked fancy, but we asked if it was ok the way we were dressed, and they welcomed us with open arms. When I saw ‘gumbo’ on the menu I knew that’s what I wanted. I am always excited and leery about restaurants that claim to make ‘Gumbo’ I’ve had the best ‘Gumbo’ in the center of New Orleans. And I haven’t come close to what I’ve experience yet and that’s always a disappointment when your pallets been so sophisticated. So I took a chance. I ordered the “Creole Gumbo” (Pulled chicken, Andouille sausage, Tasso ham, Gulf Prawns, and Okra, floating around a cup steamed rice) ($18.00). I’m not a huge fan of Okra, so I asked them to use a little less, and dice it. They were happy to accommodate me and my ‘high maintenance’. It was soooo good, I am trying to figure out when I can come back again. I forgot to ask for extra sauce, as I do for everything I ever order, but it came plenty saucy already- woo hoo extra bonus! The meats were of high quality had a great texture and flavor.
My friend had just a few appetizers, very tasty ‘Rosemary Polenta’ ($4.00) and ‘Seasonal vegetables’ ($4.00) which happen to be ‘Young Broccoli marinated in fresh (un-refrigerated, huge difference!) potent Garlic cooked absolutely perfect.
So as the sun fell on the water, we enjoyed a superb 2008 Petite Sirah; R&B Cellars Pizzicato, Napa Valley’s; Rock Wall Wine Company ($9.00 glass). www.rbcellars.com From a very fun and knowledgeable waiter and staff that checked in often. They went as far as letting me in the kitchen to get a photo. If you didn’t get the window view, the restaurant is uniquely designed with beautiful mosaic sea shell tiles on the wall. If you go into the bar, they have live music as well, and a nice atmosphere. I’m definitely coming back soon. Problem is, there looks like a lot of good stuff on the menu, but I think I’ll have the gumbo again, and warm up to the chef for the recipe.
Caio’ for now. -Stacy
Miss Pearl’s Jam House
Cuisine Inspired by the Caribbean Islands
One Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Jack London Square
at the Water Front Hotel
Telephone: 510.444.7171 http://www.misspearlsjamhouse.com
Oakland Greek Festival is my favorite of all Festivals. Always the 3rd weekend in May, like a lot of events, but I always find room for it. I have been to Greece and I am Greek. My Grandfather or Papo Achellies Poulos played the Oud (Greek guitar) and was best friends and played with Marko Melkon in the 1950’s. When my Grand Mother, or Yaiyai, Maria Stevens, or Stavos, herd my grandfather was coming to America she went down to the ship yard and woo’ed him over to marriage. Maria was coined the Grandmother of Greek cabaret in the 1950’s ‘Variety Magazine ‘ and started Belly dancing in the United States. She entertained thousands, including Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. I have a tambourine (pictured below photo by Lynette; gildedserpent.com) made by Greek prisoners, signed by famous Belly dancers in the 1950’s. I also have an original menu from one of her restaurants. I have a very rich and interesting heritage, including my Yaiyai got arrested during prohibition for serving alcohol. Go Grandma
Greek Travel Greece CA
Arabian Nights Cafe NYC
The marriage wasn’t a match made in heaven but lasted long enough to bare 3 children my dad; John Poulos (A Bay Area Bartender and President of Entertainment East Magazine pictured below), twin brother Alex Stevens (President of East Coast Stuntmen’s Association. People are most are impressed when I tell them he was the stuntman for Frank Sinatra (pictured below), when I was a kid I was enthralled by the fact that he was the Ware Wolf on ‘Dark Shadows’ (pictured below). How cool is it to say your uncle’s a Ware wolf? I was young enough at the time to believe he really was one. They also had another daughter… my Aunt Ann Poulos, who I never got a chance to meet. There is a lot of rich Greek/American culture running around the festival behind the scenes that makes me feel at home. Some familiar with my Papo and my Yaiyai. As for my Uncle, he always says he’s “Practically Famous”.
Greek Festivals California Dancing
The food is the best! Gyros in Greece are much different, they don’t have ground meat, but they are excellent just the same. They serve; Gyros; ground meat, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce -yogurt, sour cream, garlic & cucumber, served with pita bread), Spanakopita; Spinach & feta pie in phyllo, Tyropitakia; Feta Cheese Pie Triangles in phyllo, Loukaniko; Greek Sausage; Cooked on grill with oregano and lemon), this year they added a treat; Avgolemono Soup; Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. All of which I eat on my first day! I’m still full. It’s not everyday you get this quality of Greek food in one location. These are not trained professionals in the kitchen, they are authentic Greek grandmothers showing off their talents (maybe with a little grandma to grandma, or yaiyai to yaiyai competition) in the kitchen handing down there skills and tradition to the next generation.
Frank Sinatra Dark Shadows Alex Stevens Werewolf
There is also Souvlakin; marinated chunks of meat on little skewers Chicken and beef, Greek Halloumi; cheese grilled, topped with capers salad dressing, Dolmathes; stuffed Grape leaves, Greek salad; lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese, vinaigrette, and to my surprise they had a Greek salad in a pita with my favorite salad dressing ‘Greco Fusion’ from Elio’s Family Restaurant (The Eliopoulos’s) they now bottle and sell. Ironically they had an AD at the Gyro booth for the dressings that I made (Photos, layout and printing). They happen to be a customer of mine, I made the restaurant and the dressings website and eliosdining.co
Stacy Poulos Elios Foods
I’m not even going to start with desserts, but mention my favorite; Baklava; flaky fillo filled with ground walnuts & cinnamon, topped with homemade honey sauce. Yummy! Maybe on Sunday. You might even run into Dee Andronico volunteering, she is one of the founders of Andronico’s markets; also another client of mine. A few years ago I was honored to make a video of their 75th year History, played at the prestigious Paramount theater (Pictured standing with Bill Andronico President of Andronico’s on stage), my first video on the silver screen.
paromount theater andronicos
If you end the day with a Greek espresso be prepared to have something that resembles mud in the bottom of your cup, Greek style they don’t filter out the grounds. When you go to a Greek festival be prepared to do as the Greeks do. What I love about the Oakland Greek Festival is the atmosphere, they import a Mykonos type windmill as you walk through the front door, the center piece is the beautiful Greek Temple, with rows of pillars, Greek blue windows. Inside the temple is one large room where a wispier will echo throughout the temple, religious icons painted on a copper sealing. Not many know but the rocks are also imported from Greece.
Greek Wine Lolonis Oakland Greek Festival
You can dance to several bands, watch period dressed Greek dancers, while you sip on a Imported Greek wine or American/Greek wine made in California; Lolonis, they even have Retsina – defiantly an an acquired taste. Or if you prefer there is micro brew, and Mythos; a Imported Greek logger. And of course, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages including a Iced Frappé coffee. Lots of vendors selling Greek Imports, cloths, jewelry, religious icons, paintings, photography, tee shirts, music, etc. There are also cooking demonstrations, if you want to try your hand in cooking Greek style.
pastries baklava Classic Greek Food Greek Festival Oakland
The people are fun to work with, they are all members, or friends of the church and volunteer (Like I do). I always volunteer to bartend, proceeds go to build their church, it’s a great cause, and event, usually packed out.
Classic Greek Food Greek Festival Oakland
The Oakland Greek Festival is as close to Greece you will get in America. You can get discount coupons from there website www.oaklandgreekfestival.com/ Elio’s, and Luke’s Grill in San Leandro www.yelp.com/biz/lukes-grill-san-leandro havesome Greek dishes for those of you who crave Greek food in between Greek Festivals. Or you don’t have a Yaiyai to whip up something for you. The next festival up, local to me is the Castro Valley usually in October. The Festival’s sometimes hosted in Hayward at the Centennial Hall. I prefer when it’s out doors in Castro Valley at their church,but with the weather so unpredictable it’s a safer bet for them inside.It’s another place to enjoy great Greek food, family and entertainment.I typically bartend there too. Hey, it’s easier than working the salad bar like I did one year. www.cvresurrection.org
I’ve never been to PA (Pennsylvania) and was looking forward to going, a friend of Local Pages Publishing (a local
phone book) recommended I try ‘Lee’s Hoagie House‘ for a Pennsylvania style Hoalgie while I was in the Norristown Area.
I tried there special an “Italian Hoalgie”, and I loved
it. I loved it so much I wanted to go back for dinner but they were closed. Hungry for that experience again, I tried another place nearly across the street, and it ruined my experience. Just cuz there in Pennsylvania doesn’t mean everyone who claims to make a good one, does. It actually bothered me so much, I went back the first opportunity I had to have another one. The freshness in the bread took it over the top and the dressing gave it a nice kick. The other place was like eating a dry sponge. My guest let me try her stake Hoalgie with mushrooms, and that was good to. I can go to Pennsylvania and be happy just eating the Hoalgies.
Next time I’ll just get a stake with mushroom. The atmosphere was a deli / sports appeal. I don’t like sports but I love the charm and love the food. It’s a good get-it-and-go. It’s located in a
not-so-fancy strip mall. But the quality of food is outstanding. Just a few doors down from a fish store, you have to see Nemos Aquarium… I don’t know if you can bring in your lunch
and hang out but I promise you will want to see there shark tank and 100’s of different fish, most of all, the amazing live coral. I have never seen before and I’m a diver.
PS Do NOT Mix Lee’s up with Lee’s in California I about feel over when I recently seen one in Pleasenton, not the same at all!!
As you can see it is a little messy with dressing dripping, that dressing and the peppers gives it a unique kick.
The bread has that fresh chewy texture while the inner bread is soft pillow of freshness.
