Explore Oakland's Urban Wine Country  

Oenofiles take note: Oakland's urban wineries are winning prizes from critics for their quality and their value and kudos from locals for their friendly tasting rooms. On April 2, Passport to the East Bay Wineries features 21 award-winning wineries at six different locations. Stops will include Dashe Cellars & JC Cellars, Cerruti Cellars and Urban Legend Cellars. Enjoy the wineries and Oakland's lovely weather with East Bay Winery Bike Tours. Or relax and go on a tour with eco-friendly bio-diesel Sprinter vans run by Holme Grown. Every Sunday, tours are given to four urban wineries, also including a farm-to-table lunch. For more winery options, see our website at www.visitoakland.org.

Ethiopian and Etrian Eateries  

Dig into the delicious ethiopian cuisine at Oakland's authentic eateries. Warm injera bread, spicy vegetable and meat dishes, or sizzling plates of tibs can be found at various locations in the city. Cafe Colluci, located in the Temescal neighborhood, uses exotic flavors and fresh ingredients including seasoned chilli peppers and legume blends, creating unique dishes such as Mitten Shouro (chickpea flour blend) and Doro Tibs (chicken cubed and simmered in spices). Grab a seat in the outdoor patio on a warm afternoon and enjoy a family-size meal accompanied with Ethiopian Honey Wine or Beer. Want to learn how to cook Ethiopian cuisine yourself? Sign up for classes and recipes online at cafecolucci.com. Other Oakland Ethiopian options include Addis Ethiopian on Telegraph Avenue, YaYu on Lakeshore Avenue,  and Messob on Piedmont Avenue. For more ethnic cuisines, visit www.visitoakland.org.

Grand Lake's Culinary Fare 

On the shores of Lake Merritt, the Grand Lake neighborhood is a residential neighborhood with lots to tempt visitors, particularly with the opening of several new restaurants. Cana is Oakland's newest Cuban Parlor and Cafe, serving Blue Bottle coffee, Cuban sweets and sandwiches. Coming soon, Cana's Parlor will offer dancing, cocktails and even cigars. Just around the corner, Ikaros has opened its doors, serving Greek delicacies such as Pastitsio, gyro sandwiches and salads. Other favorites in the neighborhood include Pizzaiolo's sister restaurant Boot and Shoe Service, cooperative bakery Arizmendi, and Mediterranean bistro Sidebar. Stay tuned for more restaurants in Grand Lake at www.visitoakland.org.

Coconut Tres Leches from Level Two at the Oakland Marriott

Savour this sweet treat when you visit the Oakland Marriott's Level Two, or learn how to recreate the delicacy in your own home. Chef Tony Kzaz shares his secrets.

Ingredients:

Cake:

 - 5 large eggs

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 tablespoon water

 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 - 1 tablespoon baking powder sifted

 - 1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour sifted

 - 6 3x3 inch ring mold

 - Aluminum foil

 - Cooking spray

Tres Leches:

 - 15 oz. can cream of coconut

 - 14 oz. can coconut milk

 - 14 oz. heavy manufacturing cream

Directions:

Heat sweetened coconut milk until melted. Add coconut milk and heavy cream and heat until just warm (do not boil). Set aside until ready to use.

For the cake batter, place eggs, sugar, vanilla and water in the bowl of electric mixer fitted with a whip attachment. Whip on high speed until tripled in volume. Sift flour and baking powder together. Using a whip, fold flour mixture into egg mixture until smooth. 

Wrap the bottom of each ring mold with a piece of aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Fill each mold 3/4 full and bake on a sheet pan at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Cakes should rise and fall when cooked. Using a fork, poke a few holes in the top of each cake then ladle 8 ounces of coconut milk on top of each cake. Refrigerate over night.

When ready to plate, carefully remove foil while tilting cake slightly sideways without letting it slide out. Slide it onto a plate and remove the ring mold garnish with your favorite fruit sauce and fresh berries. Makes six individual cakes.