Mercedes grand reopening in Oakland

Free wine on a weeknight? I’m in.

Dave gets invited to and has to attend quite a few events each month related to his job, but I rarely tag along. Reason being, I teach group fitness classes a few evenings a week and typically spend my free nights learning new choreography from the privacy of our tiny city apartment (or watching Bravo – true story).

However, I just happened to be free last night when Dave was invited to the grand reopening of Mercedes-Benz of Oakland. The dealership opened in Oakland in 1966 and has been a mainstay in the community.

Valet parking, signature blue cocktails, a live band, open bar and hand-passed appetizers filled the Mercedes dealership. And of course, there were plenty of shiny new cars to swoon over.

This one went with my outfit …

I had a glass of chardonnay (my go-to drink at social events) in my hand as we chatted with some of the guests. Quite a diverse crowd.

There was a professional photographer circulating, so hopefully I’ll get to see some of those better shots soon.

Don’t you love the blue Mercedes Gobo?

We even met a local Oakland rapper, who has done a lot of work with big names like Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. Check out E A Ski. He was very nice and has a new music video coming out soon. Totally cool that he was born and raised in Oakland, and of course, drove a Mercedes-Benz.

Dave had to have some work-ish conversations much of the time, so I mostly people watched and sipped on my vino.

We hadn’t eaten dinner yet, so I didn’t dig into the desserts, but how fun are these?

Whenever I go meet Dave in Oakland, I take the BART (subway) to his office in downtown and hop in the car with him to our final destination. The need to trek down to the BART station always hinders my shoe choice at said events, unless I pack an extra pair. Last night I was rocking the flats.

Even though it was rush hour on public transit, it was a quick and easy trip and worth it to spend some time socializing out of my element. Plus, I like to see Dave in “work-mode.”

We were home by 10 p.m., early enough to watch an episode of Modern Family off the DVR.

I would NEVER turn down a Mercedes, but truthfully, my dream ride is a big white Range Rover with tan interior.

How about you? What’s your dream car?