If you’re reading this today, congratulations, you’ve reached another May! Here in Oakland, spring is in full swing on May Day, the ancient festival of fire and flora. The first of May is also International Worker’s Day, when much of the world celebrates the labor movement and its working class. In America, the first Thursday of May has been called the National Day of Prayer, though I’m pretty sure we’ll need more than one day this year to plead our case to the heavens.

May 1st is one of the first dates I came to remember as different from the others, because it is my dear mother’s birthday. Jody Elizabeth Greenfield was born in the unlikely state of Florida and grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, and there is something quietly but unmistakably ‘New York’ about her. My mom is no-nonsense. She walks quickly, with purpose, and likes to get things done. She is also caring and warm, and one of the most thoughtful people I know.

My parents raised my brother and me in an old farmhouse in rural western New York, where my mom planted two large vegetable gardens, sewed brightly-patterned seventies clothes for the family, and kept goats. She was a hippie of sorts, if more practical, sober, and monogamous than the others. She was also, and is still, a free thinker who looks out for the underserved. Neither a consumer nor a drinker, my mom has nonetheless encouraged my career in wine sales, and calls now and then to ask which wine to serve her guests. She is a constant reader, and one of the best editors I’ve encountered, with an appreciation of, and for, good grammar, proper punctuation, and spare prose. My mother has always valued friendship and appreciated music, and she so loves gardening - vegetables, flowers, and trees - that it’s not surprising to me she was born on May Day.

Happy Birthday Mom!!! Thank you for all of your support and inspiration.

Also this week, the California Poppy seeds I planted weeks ago in our little square of soil out front are now sporting bright orange blossoms, and our May Pop Ups keep popping up too, with OVINLOVEN POP UP here THIS SATURDAY from 2-6! Rachael will be here serving savory pastries (Artichoke Dip Galette, Spring Salad, Short Rib Galette, and Miso Mushroom & Leek Pot Pie (vegan) and sweet treats: Strawberry Fig Leaf Pie, Passionfruit Cream, and Blueberry galettes!

And BURGER PALS are here for WELCOME WEDNESDAY May 7th from 5 to 8:30pm... Come celebrate the joyfulness of the season and those who fill your life with love and purpose this week at Oakland Yard.

But first TONIGHT...THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: Loire Valley Chenin Blanc and Portuguese reds 2022 Rocher des Violettes Val de Loire Chenin Blanc
2023 Sébastien Brunet Arpent Vouvray
2023 Fouet L’Ardillon Saumur Blanc
2021 Planet Mouraz Chibu Tinto
2021 Companhia de Vinhos Invencível Tinto
2023 Penedo Gordo Tinto
Tasting Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close!

SATURDAY 5/3: MALBEC FLIGHTS - taste two French and two Argentine Malbecs and explore the range of this popular red variety.
2020 Jouves & Croisille Côt à Côt Cahors
2021 Clos la Coutale Cahors 375ml
2021 Hinojosa H Malbec
2019 Carmelo Patti Malbec
Tasting Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm! OVINLOVEN POP UP from 2-6 too, with flights or wines by the glass!

Cheers and special birthday wishes,

Jonathan, AKA Max