This unique matchbook cover features the elegant Kirby's Farmer Restaurant located in Oakland, California. The front strike design adds a vintage touch to any collection. This item is perfect for postcard and memorabilia enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on this rare find!

Đakland Z0#Cribune Fri., March 22, 1968

63

Perry Palos

• • • Night Sounds • . . This has been a gratifying week what with the Nob Hill Trio opening at the Elegant Farmer and Al Reale and Bob O'Brien opening their Chandelier res- taurant. The classy Nob Hill Trio returned to the

Eastbay last night after a long absence to begin a 3-year run at the Elegant Farmer which reopened aft- er an extensive expansion program. Part of this ex- pansion includes a dance floor, larger cocktail lounge and several intimate booths for dining. I stopped there for lunch yesterday and the place was jammed, a good inkling of what lies ahead. And if ever a musi- cal group was well suited to a place it's got to be the Nob Hill Trio. They will almost certainly be the new darlings of Jack London Square. Along with an excel- lent selection of dance tunes, the trio has a solid sing- er in Neal Allen who also plays bass. Mix in Sam Ferano's fine work on clarinet and sax and Don Don-

aldson's net accordion stylings and you have a real

winner. The success of the Elegant Farmer has far ex- ceeded the fondest expectations of owner J. O. Kirby and manager George Martinovich. The restaurant is one of the big success stories of Jack London' Square and has played a large role in the development of that atea. Before Kirby opened the Elegant Farmer the location had experienced several failures. This didn't deter Kirby from moving in. He put his best foot for- ward and spent something like $350,000 creating the

Elegant Farmer. The newly completed expansion program, inci- dentally, cost another $300,000. The menu was an in- stant hit. Besides offering steaks, prime rib and other favorites, diners quickly accepted buffalo steak and grasshopper pie, a pair of house specialties. So it was that in less than 3 years, Kirby more or less had to expand to meet the demand. At this point it's safe to state that the Elegant Farmer will probably become the highest grossing restaurant in Oakland. A few more operations like this one and the town will be in