by Ken Katz

We’re thrilled to report that the Knimble space on Grand Avenue has just been leased. The new tenant, ReLove, already has a very successful location on Polk Street in San Francisco which their website describes as…

A re-sale boutique offering a curated mix of vintage, designer, and independent labels. We hand select each item and pour love, care and style into each offering. We are more than a resale shop. ReLove is a community space to spark your imagination, push you beyond your style limits, welcome you with a warm smile, get to know you and encourage you to get rid of what no longer serves you. We don’t believe in excess consumerism of poor clothing we believe in style. We believe in personal expression and that style should never cost you a fortune. We believe that your closet should be an extension of your best creative self and should only house clothes that make you, your wallet and the environment very happy. More style, less waste. That’s our motto!

In the much bigger space here in Oakland, in addition to clothing, they’ll be offering furniture and more artwork. They will also continue to take consignments or buy outright or in exchange for cash or store credit. Look for their opening, tentatively in early Spring next year.

Saturday and Sunday Brunch at Ikaros from 11-3 has returned and owners George and Rochael Adranly are offering a complimentary Mimosa or Rosé during the month of September, if you tell your server in advance that you read about the offer in the Splash Pad News. If you want to purchase a cocktail instead (or in addition), favorites include the Ikaros Margarita accented with pomegranate juice, their Ouzo Mojito, or the Tsipouro Negroni. By the way, in last month’s list of all the Grand Avenue businesses that received East Bay Express awards, Ikaros was voted the Best Greek restaurant in the East Bay.

Dr. Melissa Crago, who opened a Live Chiropractic office on College Avenue in 2015 has recently opened a second location at 3756 Grand where she is partnering with Dr Bryan Kappe and also with Vitality Slim Red Light Therapy which specializes in Weight Loss and Tissue Healing. Although there is an abundance of chiropractors up and down this stretch of Grand Avenue, Dr. Crago is undoubtedly unique in claiming on her resume that she played rugby in Uganda and settled in Oakland due to her love of the Afro-Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. Editor’s Note: We initially reported that Dr. Crago’s new location was across the street at the newly refurbished office building. We apologize for the error.

The Libertine celebrates Happy Hours from 5-7 pm Mondays through Fridays with the price of select high-end cocktails reduced from $12 to $8. Regularly scheduled events include their “Game Night and Whiskey Wednesdays,” as well as a “Last Tuesday Clothing Exchange.” In addition, they’re providing exhibit space on Fridays from 5-9 pm for two local artists who are just getting started, Chris Jones and Debra Berry.

Alkali Rye has free tastings on their event calendar.  Fleurette Vermilion Gin on Saturday, September 3 and Bar Hill Gin on Saturday, September 24.

Grand Avenue News in Brief:

• Michael’s Chocolates reports that they are now serving fresh-baked (throughout the day) chocolate chip cookies with sea salt.
• During the month of September, Grand Lake Sew & Vac is offering a 10% discount on all purchases and repairs if you tell them that you read about the discount in the Splash Pad News.
• The Alley keeps on keeping on with a packed calendar: Four nights at the Piano Bar. Three nights at the Guitar Bar with a little Karaoke and Trivia thrown in for good measure.
• In the my “How Times Fly Department”, M2 will be celebrating their First Anniversary this upcoming holiday weekend.