The little grocery store across the street was perfect for picking up food for dinner. There are lots of ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood, and all that I tried were very good. I had an early class each day and was awake at 4 a.m., and Paula really didn't mind that I was (quietly) using the kitchen so early. There's a small water "boiler" in the room, so with some "instant coffee sticks", I could get coffee without leaving my room. And use for tea in the evening. It's an easy walk to Bart, and also an easy walk to Lake Merritt for a stroll around the lake.