Oakland and East Bay Business Fair

Somar is proud to be a part of the Oakland and East Bay Business and Procurement Fair hosted by The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

This event takes place on February 11th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Oakland Marriott, City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.

Somar’s participation is a way to connect and support other locally owned and operated businesses. It’s also an opportunity to network in a fun environment designed to foster business-to-business partnerships and meet new people.

You’re invited to come by Somar’s booth to say hello and show your support, not only for Somar, but other participating Oakland and East Bay businesses.

For more information, you can visit The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce or email them at lana@oaklandchamber.com.

Let’s Meet @Somar For Some Wine

Congratulations to Dave Velez who won last week’s Let’s Meet @Somar giveaway…a round of beer for him and his friends!

This week’s Let’s Meet @Somar giveaway is a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine selected by Somar owners, Armando Ramos and Mike Golondrina.

To enter to win, come to Somar any time – and as many times as you want – between Tuesday, 1/26, and Friday, 1/29, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm and drop your business card into the jar on the bar.

The winner will be drawn on Friday, 1/29, at 8:00 pm and announced here.

Welcome To Somar

Somar offers a very relaxed atmosphere, a sound vibe that suits every lifestyle and a scene where you can try an excellent crafted cocktail or sip on your favorite wine or beer. 

Situated in the heart of the up and coming Theater and Arts District of Oakland, Somar is the perfect location to unwind after work or as a starting point for an evening out in Oakland’s nightlife.

Come on in and hang out…put away your cell phones and any reservations that you might have about a bar. We have an accommodating style that suits all groups or even someone coming in solo to catch some alone time or meet new friends. Please check all attitudes at the door. This is our passion, this is our dream. We welcome everyone to come and enjoy our family.

Welcome to Somar Bar & Lounge.

Oakland in Blue

Join FreshVibe Media and Do D.A.T. Music Group in association with Somar Bar and Fusicology for this exciting and unique sneak peak into the Oakland In Blue Listening Experience.

On Sunday, January 24, at 7:00 pm, we’re more than excited to bring you Melina Jones LIVE with special guest DJ Odiaka.

You’re also invited to view .:: Do D.A.T.’s “THE BRIDGE” MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE ::. directed by Erica Eng.

Hailing from the city of San Francisco, Melina Jones takes a more classic approach. She has music in her blood thanks to the influence of her father, a renowned local soul singer who has worked with a variety of acts over many decades. Melina has been down for the cause ever since childhood, recording and performing diligently all over California since the early 1990s. Not confined to one specific talent, she can rap, sing, drop poetry, and play live instruments. She is the epitome of what they call “a total package.”

Equally proficient on stage or in the studio, Melina has developed a strong following in the Bay Area and recently rocked for hundreds of fans at a sold-out show opening for golden era New York legend Brand Nubian. She can deliver ferociously hardcore battle bravado as well as sensitive musings on personal issues, and everything in between. Melina is one of the most promising young artists on the scene. Check out her solo album, Swearing Off Busters, and discover what all the fuss is about.

Let’s Meet @Somar, Win and Get Happy

There’s a reason they call it “happy hour”… besides the drinks. At Somar, we say “Let’s Meet @Somar, win and get happy!”

Every week we give away a prize to one of our lucky visitors; it’s the Let’s Meet @Somar weekly giveaway. To enter to win, simply drop your business card in the jar on the bar during happy hours of Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Every Friday at 8:00 pm we draw a winner.

This week’s Let’s Meet @Somar giveaway, the lucky winner will receive a round of beer for their party of 5-10 people held on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Come into Somar any time – and as many times as you want – on Tuesday, 1/19, through Friday, 1/22, between 4:3opm and 8:00 pm to enter to win.

To follow our weekly giveaways, join us on Twitter. We’ll let you know the new prize for the week.

Thanks for joining us and cheers to the winner!

Matt Lucas, an Artist and Martial Artist

Many might not know that Armando, Somar co-owner, is a champion kick boxer. So when Somar had the opportunity to feature an artist who is also into martial arts, we welcomed it. Come to Somar to see Matt Lucas’ work starting Saturday, January 9th. We hope you enjoy the art and the story. Let us know what you think; leave a message.

Matt Lucas was born in rural New York and made his way to Berkeley California in the turn of the century.

In the summer of 2006, Matt joined Pacific Ring Sports in Oakland California. He became immersed in the world of Muay Thai, a ring combat sport which allows elbows, knees, punching and kicking, and actively participated in amateur combination. After a year of local competition, he trained abroad in Thailand fighting at the Fairtex stadium in Pattaya. In 2009 he returned to Thailand to fight at the prestigious Rajadamern stadium.

Along with an active competitive life Matt has also been engaged in painting through the use of stencils. Having picked up the hobby while studying in college, he applied his hobby to his passion, Muay Thai and boxing. The series of paintings here were created in the last three years during Matt’s time as an active fighter and represent key elements in the life of a Nak Muay (Muay Thai boxer). Matt also is an active writer, chronicling his experiences in the ring, interviewing prominent boxers, and depicting Muay Thai life on the popular website www.mymuaythai.com. Matt plans to continue with his multi-faceted journey for years to come.

To see more of Matt’s work, visit our Art Gallery.

WELCOME 2010!

Welcome 2010 at Somar tonite with BLESSED and the Divinyl Echo DJs – m0rph (aka DJ Kimani), Discaya (aka Jonathan), and DJ Ra fe’ El (aka Rafael Acevedo).  Special guest DJs throughout the night include:

Rahiem Jihad  |  Don Guapo  |  Deepcee  |  Sobeeze

Space is limited, so RSVP. And come before 9 pm to take advantage of the discounted entry of $20. After 9 pm it is $30.

2009 has been a great year for the Somar Family. From the time we opened our doors in early March, we’ve seen…

• the Uptown unveil and grow
• the newly renovated Fox Theatre reopen
• the community come together to help out Asia and the Pacific Islands during the devastating storms of ‘09
• new local talent, both musicians and artists, debut their work
• the start and (quick) end of the 8pm extended parking meters
• old friends connect and new friendships develop

Thank you everyone for an amazing year! We invite you to come celebrate with us.

New Holiday Cocktails

Mike Golondrina, co-owner and cocktail specialist, started bartendering in 1993. His career quickly took off and he became bar manager of City Nights, a highly successful nightclub in San Francisco. He soon became bar manager of the SF Clubs’ more exclusive venues. Mike has been sought after by others wanting to start a bar or restaurant in San Francisco and Oakland. His non-flashy, accommodating, relaxed style and expertise has made him one of San Francisco’s most popular bartenders. Mike is known for his is signature drinks which can only be found at Somar!

Holiday Cocktails – Starting December 23, 2009 through January 10, 2010. Come in and try one…or two. Enjoy!

Hot Toddy ‡ St. Remy VSOP brandy, fresh squeezed lemon juice, dash of honey and hot water.
Somar Cafe ‡ Torres Spanish brandy, a hint of Gran Gala liqueur, strong black coffee, dash of Bailey’s Irish Cream, sugar optional.
Spiced Apple Rum ‡ Sailor Jerry Spiced rum, hint of cinnamon and agave nectar, dash of Tuaca, a dallop of apple butter; topped off with hot water.
Leche Flan Martini ‡ Torres Spanish Brandy, splash of vanilla extract, dash of cinnamon, white of an organic egg, touch of simple syrup, half and half. Served up, sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon.

Happy Holidays from Somar to you.