Photo by Flickr user jganderson
San Francisco
Sunday, May 19th, 2019A quintessential San Francisco experience since 1912, the race is interwoven into the fabric of the city and is a true reflection and celebration of life between the breakers and the Bay. As participants progress throughout the course, they will pass through nine neighborhoods, each with distinctive personalities, geography and landmarks. The course is designed to deepen your love and appreciation for the city.
Photo by Flickr user jfingas
When I started this blog over seven years ago it was partly so I could come up with a reason to use the camera on my new iPhone 4S and I’ve been using Apple phones ever since, along with iPads since it’s convenient to stay within the Apple ecosystem. However, I know people who are adamantly against the closed Apple system and prefer Android instead. Do you use iPhone or Android phones?
Pastoral: Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony:
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Sunday, May 19th, 2019
2:00 – 4:15pm| $35We perform Beethoven’s glorious Pastoral Symphony in a special side-by-side performance with members of the San Ramon Valley High School Orchestra, celebrating connections in our community through music. Rising Iranian composer Aida Shizari is writing a new work just for us, and the DSO’s own concertmaster, Sara Usher, performs Bach’s double violin concerto with the one and only Dawn Harms.
Shizari – New work: Ardea Alba (world permiere)
Bach – Concerto for Two Violins
Beethoven – Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”)
College Park Center, Pleasant Hill
Recently I found myself strolling around College Park Center in Pleasant Hill when I passed by this bakery call Starbread, “Home of the Seniorita Bread”. I thought to myself, a Mexican bakery, no big deal, and moved on. As I lingered nearby, this sweet, sweet smell permeated my senses and I walked back to the bakery, this time peeking inside. “Hmm, looks like some kind of donuts, let me check this out”, I thought to myself. For $2 for a bag of five I figured, why not?
Needless to say, they were delicious and these aren’t even the famous seniorita breads. It turns out, this isn’t even a Mexican bakery; it’s a Filipino bakery and they offer other goods like roasted garlic peanuts and Camachile cookies which go great with coffee and tea. Addictingly so. My waistline may not thank me, but my taste buds sure are grateful! If you’re in the area be sure to check this place out.
More photos of food and the inside after the jump…
3603 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Over three years ago we learned about a new Chase bank coming to the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Dewing Ave. in Lafayette and they are now open. Inside are a few fancy-looking ATM machines where you can do a lot of things like pay your credit card etc.
Note that I’m not so sure the special limited time offer they have posted on their window is so “special” because I’m constantly getting much better $600 Chase offers (for years) delivered to my post office box down the block.
Moraga
Saturday, May 18th, 2019Start early but not before listed times. Experienced shoppers come early to find the best buys. Bring a reusable bag, which will allow you to carry heavier items more easily and to protect fragile objects.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Chow in Lafayette has closed after over 15 years in business. To the rescue is Lafayette Restaurant Group, which opened Tutu’s Food & Drink with the same menu as Chow, sans alcohol for the time being until they can get a new license. The little market and bakery on the side thankfully remains, although they no longer sell wine bottles etc. there either. Check out their food menu here and drinks menu here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In February we learned that San Francisco-based Padis Jewelry would be opening a new store this spring at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek featuring De Beers Forevermark Diamonds. Interestingly, the opening signage has been changed from spring to summer and the Padis branding has been dropped. However, the Broadway Plaza directory still lists “Forevermark by Padis Jewelry”.
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Saturday, June 1st, 2019
6:00pm | $225
Diablo Plaza, San Ramon
A bit late posting about this but the Indian restaurant Jalsa Kitchen opened late last year at Diablo Plaza in San Ramon. Check out their menu here. I stopped by recently and had their samosa chaat with garbanzo, mint, tamarind & yogurt which was delicious! If you’re in the area definitely drop by to try this place out.
From their website:
Jalsa Kitchen is an attempt by the well known Jalsa Catering & Events team to bring the devoured Jalsa food within the reach of food lovers in various cities in San Francisco Bay area. Our goal is to introduce the global community to the classic and modern aspects of the India food in a casual atmosphere. We are going to be adamant about sourcing high quality seasonal produce from the local farms. Quality and taste would be our core focus and we will leave the rest for our customers to decide.
