Editor’s Choice for Best Indie Design Store!

02 July, 2010 6 comments Leave a comment

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Talk about a great way to end the week: I found out last night that Alameda Magazine picked Modern Mouse as Best Indie Design Store in its "The Best of Alameda 2010" issue that's hot off the presses! If I could grab both your hands right now and jump up and down in ecstatic, squealing jubilation...you can bet I would! [caption id="attachment_726" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="The Best of Alameda 2010 cover"][/caption] As soon as I got home from the store last night, Jimmy (aka Mr. Mouse) strolled casually out the door to greet me.

Jimmy: "Have you seen the Best Of issue yet?" Me: "Ooh it's out? Not yet, why?" Jimmy (giving me a look of sympathy): "Sorry M, you didn't get Best Gift Shop". Me (waving my hand dismissively): "Oh, I didn't expect to win that at all. It'd have been a miracle if we did!" Jimmy: "That's true, but still. I know you would have loved to see Modern Mouse in there. Wanna see it anyway?"

We walk to the kitchen table, where the magazine is of course strategically opened to page 57. [caption id="attachment_729" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="The Spread"][/caption] I scan the pages. The MaeBee Jewelry and BrooklynThread bracelets catch my eye. Wait. I gasp. "Best Indie Design Store. Modern Mouse??? Editor's Choice! OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH!!!" Clapping, jumping and squealing ensue. [caption id="attachment_728" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Best Indie Design Store: Modern Mouse!"][/caption] What a cool category to be in, and what a great write-up!

EDITORS CHOICE Best Indie Design Store Modern Mouse Part art gallery, part retail store, Modern Mouse in Alameda Towne Centre beckons you to stop inside and browse through the gift and household collections of original goods. Your eyes quickly scan the bold colors, cool graphics and sleek styles for items like hand-felted flower vases and bowls, bolts of fabric by Echino by Etsuko Furuya, hand-knit stuffed animals and neckties featuring hand silkscreen graphics of lobsters, honeybees or missiles. Owner Eleen Hsu believes in supporting the close-knit Bay Area artist community and showcases local talent by displaying their handicrafts while giving them a place to tell their story. Scattered among the store are cards featuring the artist’s picture, story behind the artist and interesting tidbit section. Now where did I see Lego cuff links? 2228 South Shore Center, (510) 814-8830, www.modernmouse.eleen.com — Karen Granados

A fat hug and huge thanks to Karen Granados and Alameda Magazine for the honor! And congratulations for their Readers Choice awards, to my fellow local business owners whom I've recently gotten the pleasure to know!

• Best Asian Restaurant, Zen Fusion
• Best Dessert, Tucker's Ice Cream
• Best Gift Shop, 3 Wishes
• Best Kids' Clothes and Accessories Store, Monkey Bars