Orinda Theatre Square
A new bar called sorso “bar & bites” is coming to Orinda Theatre Square where Starbucks used to be. Check for updates on their Insta here.
The Rise, Walnut Creek
Last August, we learned that Barry’s (Bootcamp) would be coming to The Rise apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek where McDonald’s used to be, and now another fitness studio focused on Pilates, BODYROK, will be opening next door. The people living here are going to be in a super good shape! Find out more about the workout here.
From their website:
Immerse yourself in our state-of-the-art 3-tiered lighting system alongside industry leading sound.
1548 Locust St Walnut Creek
Matsu “Charcoal Fire Yakitori” is coming to downtown Walnut Creek, right next to Toyosu, where Crepes Ooh La La used to be.
2920 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to everyone who sent word that North Carolina-based Duck Donuts, which opened their first store in 2007, opened recently in Walnut Creek right near BevMo!. Check out their menu here. They’re made-to-order so they come out warm and fresh. I tried a cinnamon sugar donut and it was quite good.
From their website:
Our Mission
To deliver smiles and warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts created just the way you like.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Printed entry tickets are now a thing of the past at the Broadway Plaza parking garage in downtown Walnut Creek. Upon entry, your license plate is recorded along with the entry time. Although the three hour free parking remains, you’ll need to either register your plate via QR code to create an online account, or remember exactly when you entered, because if you’re one minute over 3 hours, and don’t pay online beforehand (and don’t have an account), upon leaving, you’ll need to apparently enter your phone number where you’ll get a link to pay online.
I have serious doubts as to how this is going to work and not result in massive backups. Supposedly there will be employees available to help out but we’ll see.
3709 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Liminal Dance Labs (now known as 925 Dance Collective according to their website) opened in Lafayette where Bake N Take Pizzeria used to be next to Kelly-Moore Paints. Information about tuition can be found here. Learn more about their leadership and faculty here.
From their website:
We are an East Bay dance studio and Bay Area dance training hub. Our youth programs include foundational technique classes, competitive dance ensembles, and college preparation pathways across a wide range of ages, disciplines, and styles.
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
Last month, we learned that North Italia, (same owners as Cheesecake Factory) would be opening at Plaza Escuela in downtown Walnut Creek in March, and there is a slight adjustment to the opening date according to their website and signage outside. The new open date is March 25th.
From a PR:
Occupying over 8,500 sq. ft., the dining room and al fresco bar comfortably seats over 200 guests and parties of all sizes.
With the restaurant’s signature open kitchen format, guests seated in the dining room can watch the action unfold throughout their meal, as the expert culinary team handmakes pastas, pizzas, and other beloved dishes from scratch in-house daily.
Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek
Check out the latest Bedford Gallery exhibit, Viola Frey: Foundations, through April 5th in downtown Walnut Creek.
From the gallery exhibit web page:
Foundations explores the formative years of legendary Bay Area artist Viola Frey from 1965 to 1987, tracing her pivotal shift from two-dimensional works to groundbreaking three-dimensional forms.
Interestingly, this exhibit does not have the standalone wall mounted title like in past exhibits. It’s posted directly on the wall at the entrance, as seen in the above photo.
