Every Saturday night there is salsa dancing at La Taza de Cafe in the Best side of Oakland, Lake Merrit/Grand. It's located not too far away from the Safeway a bit further down on Grand Ave. Take a flight of steps and you're in.

The Saturday salsa events are provided in part by Havanisimo Productions (founded by Jeison Aguilar and Rodney Aquino) with a variety of guest DJs from week to week.

Typically there are Rueda salsa lessons and Bachata lessons earlier in the night, but the few times I went lessons started at around 8:30 (although they advertise that lessons start at 7:30 - 9:30). Turn-outs have been unpredictable the few times I went. One week had 10+ people, another time just 2, and another 8 or so. I would imagine this is because the offering of lessons were just starting out.

It's rare to see Bachata lessons in the bay area. I only know of three other locations that offer Bachata lessons so the more the better.

What's really interesting is when things start heating up after the lessons. For only $5, you are able to dance to some very upbeat salsa toons until 1:30am. There's a DJ downstairs and on some occasions there's a DJ upstairs. The few times I went it was pretty crowded with people still coming in at 1:00am.

DJ El Guapo (Jeison Aguilar) would appear to be the ringleader of the operation. On special occasions he DJs but typically he is keeping things in order throughout the night.

The salsa music they play is what I'm told is called Timba, it's a bit more upbeat than the typical salsa and the crowd is somewhat different. For starters, everyone dresses very casual there. Guys are usually dressed in tennis shoes but that would be an advantage because when they dance they go into circular motions. With all that moving I bet you need more traction than slippage.

Drinks and food are also highlights at Havanisimo Saturdays at La Taza de Cafe. Mojitos are definitely the biggest selling drink there. Something about the way the owner prepares them makes you wanting more. Food is also quite authentic and original although the portion (for the one appetizer I ate) seems a bit too small for my stomach.

The crowd is really different, in addition to the casual dress. I guess casual dress also means casual personalities as the dancers really gave off the aura that they are there to have fun. At some salsa places you get that snooty feeling that people want to show off, but for here not so. It's a really strange feeling, you would have to go out there to check it out on Saturdays.

Most information on their events can be found at the promoter's Website, www.havanisimo.com or www.myspace.com/lalunaclubs

This review was done by JSmoothSalsa