Two Very Good Reasons to Visit the East Bay This Weekend

FROM PERKS

            The Best Damn Umbrellas on the Planet

Most people don’t usually think of umbrellas as covetable objects. Probably because they don’t have an
umbrella as superior as the kind that Blunt makes. Probably because theirs can’t withstand
gale-force winds. Then again, you’re not most people.

Thursday

ALMANAC ENTRY

            Check Out Almanac's Massive New Taproom in Alameda

Alameda is fast becoming a destination beer spot with its second taproom opening in the same week. The
latest comes from Almanac Beer Co. and boasts a 1,000-square-foot beer garden, 2,000-square-foot indoor
space and 30 beers on tap. It’s more about the beer than all those feet, really.

Friday

WINTER GAMES

            Emporium Has Their Own Ideas for the Winter Olympics

To coincide with the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, Emporium will be starting their own month of
competitions. But rather than competitive curling and ice dancing, you can compete in events like foosball
and NBA Jams. No offense to ice dancing or anything.

Saturday

AINT LIFE BAND

            It's Almost Beer Week. But First, a Battle of the Bands.

Anchor Brewing and SoMa StrEat Food Park are throwing a Beer Week kickoff Battle of the Bands, wherein entry
gets you unlimited craft beer pours and a vote in the battle. Oh, and food trucks. Lots of those, too.

BIG SPOON

            Sorry, But It's a Cuddle Party

Sometimes you just need a hug. And, like it or not, now there’s a party for exactly that. This Saturday, put
on some PJs and get ready for some platonic cuddling with other adults. Weird? Totally. But also, you’ve
had a really stressful week.

Sunday

CROQUE LORE

            And Your Next Required Brunch Is...

The purveyors of the eponymous Kronnerburger have started a brunch and, what’s that? You’re already headed
over there? Well, make sure to grab a Patty Melt Croque Madame and a pitcher of carbonated margaritas while
you’re there. Oh, that’s already happening, too. Carry on.

What Else Is New

CHEERS

            The Greatest Beer Bars in the Whole Wide World

Ah, yes. We scoured God’s green earth for the most impressive beer lists on the planet. Along the way,
we discovered the existence of a gun you could use to shoot down drones. And here’s something different: a case against casual
hugs.

Joe Starkey is the tallest person in the room 90% of the time. He enjoys liquors that aren’t smoky, dive bars that are, and has a vague dread that someone, somewhere might be having more fun than him.