I inherited my father's sweet tooth, though our mutual love for the combination of chocolate and peanut butter may be our only shared preference. His favorites are somewhat peculiar, perhaps old fashioned, with Abba-zabbas and chocolate cherry bars topping his list. I remember one Father's Day when I was 5 or 6, my brother Jeff and I found an old bag of peanut butter chips tucked back in the cabinet and persuaded my mom to let us bake cookies "for Dad". Mom noted their expiration and (for maybe the only time in this life) suggested we toss them. Jeff and I convinced ourselves that they'd be fine. As kids do, we also decided that those measurements were merely suggestions. We went big on things like sugar and salt. We threw in a handful of peanuts for no particular reason. Baking soda, baking powder...close enough. Undeterred by the strange consistency and odd smell of the dough, we flanked the tray on the floor, fashioning hearts and mickeymouse heads. We thought rolling one out like a big turd was next level comedy.

The joke was on us. It was not the oven timer sounding, but some smoke that alerted us these were indeed "done". The cookie sheet emerged as just a tray of lumpy sludge. The old peanut butter smelled (and tasted) more rancid after cooking. Surprisingly, the turd surpassed expectations, like burnt playdough with an oily sheen. Almost lifelike. Sadly, it too was inedible. Dad feigned a small nibble and a convincing Mmmm!.. while inspecting the curious flakes of broken eggshells.

It's Father's Day this Sunday, but I just wrote about my Dad a couple weeks ago on his birthday so I'll hold off on other memories. If you missed it, that's fine. It was a simple story about my father showing up to help someone move, and ultimately making a new lifelong friend. A story to illustrate what kind of man he is and what quality I admire most in him, and in others. Dependability. Support. People always down to help. People showing up for others.

So, respectfully, let's not look to Sunday but instead to this Saturday. Be like Bob. Show up and show support. The Juneteenth event this Saturday is a celebration - and an opportunity to make new connections. New alliances. New friendships. To show support for black owned businesses. Chef Lala Harrison, east bay native and longtime sous chef at Flora, will be opening RouX40, her highly anticipated first restaurant, featuring Black heritage cuisine, just down the block at the corner of 40th and Opal Streets.

To support Chef Lala’s launch, Oakland Yard is hosting a fundraiser and party this Saturday, on Juneteenth, from 12 to 5pm in our back parking lot. Come celebrate and support Chef Lala in anticipation of her grand opening later this summer! There will be delicious samplings from the upcoming RouX40 menu, and Oakland Yard be selling wine and beer. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com (click here). General admission is $20, with $10 food tickets. Wine and beer tickets can be purchased at the Oakland Yard Wine Shop outdoor bar. You can also enjoy unlimited food with a glass of sparkling wine for $100. We look forward to seeing you, to celebrating Juneteenth, and to welcoming chef Lala and RouX40 to the neighborhood.

Cheers,
Daniel