Usually when we need books…on to the mall we run, harassing the shelves of Barnes and Noble and Borders looking for the next literary treat to expand ourselves beyond our worlds. Often in the shuffle of heading to one of the more mainstream book distributors we forget to truly enjoy the quiet atmosphere and quiet charm that sitting in the bookstore used to offer, most often than not too busy being trendy than intellectual.
But the time for enjoying the atmosphere of the bookstore has come around again with the growing image and resurgence of Underground Books it is hard to not appreciate the valid significance of this spot as not only a quiet welcoming place to read and catch up on current events, community issues, and politics, but Underground Books must also be appreciated for the community beacon and intellectual ‘diamond in the rough’ that it is within the Oak Park community.
Underground Books does not simply cater to the quiet reader; there are often monthly book signings, by famous authors such as Dr. Rose Parker and famous people such as the infamous ex-wife of Mike Tyson Robin Givens. With all of its variety, Underground really caters to the needs and interests of everyone within the community.
Underground provides not only a comfortable reading atmosphere, but a place where the intellectual can grow, families can come together and communities can communicate, organize, and plan. This is not just a bookstore it is a meeting place and organizational hub within the community. One of the rare gems that is guaranteeing that Oak Park will one day shed its own negative stigma and return to its roots of creative intelligence and positive community.
I like to party like the next girl; hitting the club in search of the best drinks and music. Indulging in all that the nightlife has to offer has been a pastime of mine since I turned 21. Since that grand event I have been ready and willing to brandish that clubbing badge of honor to any and every bouncer, doorman, and ticket girl that asked. But even the party girl needs a place to simply chill out, kick her stiletto clad pedicured toes up and chill while looking fabulous. For a long time Sacramento was without such a posh place to be, but the time has finally arrived thanks to the Friday night soul offered by Chris Weber’s Center Court restaurant.
Center Court is the brainchild of former Sacramento King’s star Chris Weber and offers all that the normal sports orientated restaurant entails: the basketballs, the pictures of famous plays, even the waitresses dressed in the infamous #4 jerseys. The menu is laden with the classics (which are extremely tasty): chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, ribs, steaks, pizza, burgers, and fries. The sports enthusiasts in all of us can appreciate the atmosphere a dinner at Center Court offers at prices that are as affordable than other restaurant competitors in the Sacramento area. With drink specials, good food at an even better price, good service, and a comfortable atmosphere Center Court picks up major points.
Center Court is not your average sports restaurant, there is a classy element to the surroundings and that element is what allows it to be transformed into the pseudo neo-soul lounge that it becomes every Friday night. As you wait outside it is hard not to notice that these club-goers are dressed to the nines in their urban-cool chic: fedora hats, fitted jeans, classic polos and button-ups, and even the occasional blazer. This crowd is truly “Grown and Sexy”; a testament to the thriving young, professional population that boasts Sacramento into the leagues of top cities for the single 23-35 crowd.
Upon entrance, sounds of the live band, and the smell of good food, fresh cologne, with a twinge of sugared liquors welcome patrons as the sounds of old school favorites fill the air. From the first step in the door lounge goers are in for a treat that appeals to all senses. As I sip my well-made apple martini, enveloping myself in the good music, it is clear that my Friday nights now have a new spot: Center Court.
Every woman wants a place where she can walk in looking like a mess and in a couple of hours, leave looking like a movie star; a place to go when there is a special event she must look special for or to get that monthly touch-up. Likewise, every guy needs a place where he can get a fresh cut for that special night out. New Life Braids is the all out salon for men and women to achieve that special look.
I happened upon New Life Braids while I was thumbing through the phonebook trying to find a place to fix my own damaged, dry, broken nightmare hair. This was the only place I found in the Sacramento area that was varied in its style offerings for both men and women and at a price that was beyond reasonable. Many times when the price is too good to be true, the service is less than satisfactory, but at New Life that is never the case.
The idea of the beauty salon is one that is divided racial as usually White and African Americans see the salon experience as one that cannot be shared due to the difference in hair types and beauty ideals; but at New Life Braids there is an appreciation and respect for all hair and beauty types which is evident in the diversity of the customer based that is evident from first entrance. Upon walking in patrons are met with the warm and friendly atmosphere of a beauty salon that offers a variety of hairstyles and the supplies needed to maintain them. The owner, Francisca adds a personal touch and care to every customer ensuring that each and every patron leaves with their desired style and a new sense of confidence.
New Life Braids is one of the few salons in the Sacramento area that caters to the style, needs, and pocketbook of its varied and diverse customer base. A place that is recommended for any customer looking to get a new look at a reasonable price in an atmosphere that is clean, professional, and above all friendly.
I like to party like the next girl; hitting the club in search of the best drinks and music. Indulging in all that the nightlife has to offer has been a pastime of mine since I turned 21. Since that grand event I have been ready and willing to brandish that clubbing badge of honor to any and every bouncer, doorman, and ticket girl that asked. But even the party girl needs a place to simply chill out, kick her stiletto clad pedicured toes up and chill while looking fabulous. For a long time Sacramento was without such a posh place to be, but the time has finally arrived thanks to the Friday night soul offered by Chris Weber’s Center Court restaurant.