For her 53rd birthday, Oakland resident Genie Gratto didn’t want a fancy dinner, or huge soirée. In fact, her plans were refreshingly simple. All she needed was a microphone, a plate of smoked lamb and the promise of cheesecake — three things she found at Crazy Block Cheesecakes.
3355 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland; crazyblockcheesecakes.com
Hours: Mondays and Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 pm.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m…