What's happening in Oakland's Uptown and Temescal is crazy. There is a natural tug-of-war between development and gentrification, but it's really hard not to love a little good press. Word of Temescal's gastro-groundswell is not new to local foodies, but now the word has gone national. Sunset magazine's July 2009 issue features a great two page spread on the Temescal's gourmet ghetto, a welcome celebration of something in Oakland other than Rockridge.The Sunset feature mentions: The Temescal Farmers' Market, Bakesale Bettys, Marc 49, Pizzaiolo, Aunt Mary's Cafe, Barlata and FROG Park. It also notes that home prices in the neighborhood have quintupled from 1995-2005, dredging up the down side of such a culinary mecca. Unfortunately Oakland is going the way of Brooklyn and many other cities in that its urban rebirth has been made possible by an influx of outsiders. Below is a tongue-in-cheek promotional video made for the city of Oakland that captures the hipster renaissance taking place here.
This fauxmo video is funny but also contains chunks of truth. Though the debate between development and gentrification is tough to reconcile, for some it's a very cut an dry issue. Hip-hop theater legend Danny Hoch is one such person. I recently got to interview him about his one man show concerning gentrification in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and his stance is definitely worth discussing.
Posts
