Thanks to a reader for sending this photo of the Smitten nitrogen tank getting filled.
David Ewing Duncan “When I’m 164” Talk:
Lafayette Library
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thursday, May 22nd, 2014
6:30pm – 7:30pm | $22When I’m 164: The New Science of Radical Life Extension, and What Happens if it Succeeds?
David Ewing Duncan, Author, When I’m 164, Columnist, Newsweek; Chief Correspondent, NPR Talk’s Biotech Nation
The average life expectancy of Americans is approximately 78 years, but how long do you really want to live? Today, scientists at universities and research institutions across the globe are discussing and working on anti-aging treatments that could possibly extend the average life span of humans by decades. In his book When I’m 164, David Ewing Duncan – award-winning science journalist and author of the bestseller Experimental Man explores the science of radical life extension and the new technologies that may alter the limits of human life. Join Duncan for a discussion on these advances in biotechnology and the impact and implications of being able to live to age 164 or beyond.
Cost: General: $22 non-members, $12 members, $7 studentsTo register call: (415)597-6700 or go to: www.commonwealthclub.org
3545 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The anticipation is great as Smitten Ice Cream is finally opening in downtown Lafayette next Wednesday, May 21st in La Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette. Check out their menu here. This will be Smitten’s fourth location (their original location is in Hayes Valley in San Francisco). The Lafayette location is about 1300 square feet with a 1500 liter visible liquid nitrogen tank, can’t wait to try this ice cream out!
Back entrance:
Fiesta Ln, Lafayette
Amphora Nueva Berkeley Olive Oil Works, a Berkeley-based shop featuring, “single varietal extra virgin olive oils, master blends, and aged balsamic vinegar” is opening their second location in downtown Lafayette next to the recently opened Cooperage restaurant. According to Diablo Dish they are planning to open in late summer.
From their website:
Amphora Nueva features the largest, freshest selection of single varietal extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars on tap. Family owned & operated, we have had a presence in the olive oil oil industry for the past 90 years. We work in close partnership with farmers in both hemispheres to deliver fresh, high quality products to our customers all year long. We personally source all of our products and never deal with middlemen.
Assuming the earlier scuttlebutt is correct about the upscale men’s salon 18/8 opening a couple of doors down that leaves one more available spot in the recently redeveloped Fiesta Lane section where the Cooperage opened.
Photo by Flickr user kbakar
Lafayette Reservoir
3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Saturday, May 10th, 2014
11:00am – 3:00pm | FreeThe Rotary Club of Lafayette presents the Concert at the Res on Saturday, May 10 from 11am – 3pm on the new stage at the Lafayette Reservoir. The line-up includes the Big Band of Rossmoor, Stanley Symphonic Band, Acalanes Jazz Ensemble, Lamorinda Theater Academy, Bentley Jazz Ensemble and Town Hall Theater. This event is FREE! Shuttle service is available from the main parking lot to the stage. For more information call Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (925) 284-7404.
Mighty Fine Guitars
85 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Saturday, May 10th, 2014
8:00pm | $15 – $20One of the original Takoma Records guys, along with John Fahey and Leo Kottke and Peter Lang. Rick is a personal guitar hero of mine from 1970-something. A real stylist with a unique instrumental voice.
“Rick Ruskin started playing guitar in 1962 and in just one year became a respected professional musician in his native Detroit, Michigan. In 1964, while still in Jr. High School, he was chosen to open the bill for the Reverend Gary Davis at Detroit’s legendary Retort Coffee House. This engagement resulted in a fast and permanent friendship with the master blues, ragtime, and gospel guitarist. Rev. Davis was so taken by the young Ruskin’s skill and eagerness, that he invited Rick to spend that summer with him at his Long Island home. By the end of the summer, Davis stopped teaching Rick new material and told him, ‘It’s time you started paying attention to your own music.’ Ruskin has been doing that ever since.”Show starts at 8:00pm. This will be a pass-the-hat party with a Suggested Donation of $15 – $20 per person.
Lafayette Community Music Festival:
Town Hall Theatre
3535 School St, Lafayette
Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
7:30pm | $30 ($35 at the door)This year’s festival features an assortment of homegrown talent spanning decades of local musical inspiration. Headlining the show will be Matt Tidmarsh (Super Diamond), performing a spirited rockabilly set on his monstrous stand up bass, Dan DeShara, (Buzztones/Lumberyard), unplugged sets from Lafayette-based Dream Posse and Paul Cotruvo’s “Big Jangle” (music from Tom Petty, George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac & more), iconic Lafayette singer/songwriter Mark Stanley (Rock Island), as well as a set from Burton Valley singer/songwriter Dylan Chaney. Come and bid on rock and roll and sports collectibles as well as local hotel and restaurant items in our Silent Auction!
3707 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new restaurant called T’s Firehouse Indian Cuisine & Sports Bar is opening next week (update: they are now open) on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette right behind Kelly-Moore Paints. Although a menu was not available and their online presence is still being developed I did get a preview of the inside which is quite eclectic with a lifesize diorama greeting you when you enter. True to the sports bar concept there are a lot of TVs inside. I look forward to seeing how the food turns out.
Plenty more photos of the inside after the jump…
3529 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Upscale jewelry and handbag resale shop Gemlust has opened in downtown Lafayette on Mt. Diablo Blvd. Check out their Ebay store here.
From their Facebook page:
We specialize in hard to find vintage diamond engagement rings, one of a kind custom made jewelry pieces and just about anything else you can think of related to rare gems and jewels.
Save a bundle on our pre-owned designer handbags and estate jewelry or make a bundle selling your own. We are eBay Top Rated Power Sellers and are always seeking consignments for our eBay store – Vintagediamonds. We make it easy for you to sell your stuff.
From the Lafayette PD Chief:
Last night a resident of Happy Valley came home and, after parking his car in the driveway, he was robbed at gunpoint. […] The suspect then fled the area and the resident immediately called the police. Officers from throughout the region responded, and even the canines from the Sheriff’s Office and a helicopter from the CHP were there to help, too. We set the perimeter, hunted for the suspect, and collected the evidence, but we weren’t able to find the creep.
According to the police chief, neighbors received a police bulletin about the robbery. To get access to the report to help with the search, “Send me [LPD chief] your name, email address, and your home address and we’ll get the information to you.” Did any Lafayette residents receive the report? I wonder why they don’t take advantage of the Lafayette Nixle messaging service or Twitter to publicize the crime search?