I can’t believe it’s been five years for Beyond the Creek being online. I still enjoy walking around town finding out the latest shops and restaurants that are opening as well as taking in the great nature scenes that the East Bay has to offer. Thanks to everyone for reading and any tips you have emailed! In addition to tips, if you have any quality of life issues that you’d like featured please send those as well. Let’s see what the next five years has to bring!
1950 Market St, Concord
The game store Black Diamond Games recently expanded their game center to a two-story section in the back of their shop located near Fry’s Electronics in Concord. According to their website they sell “board games, trading card games, collectible miniatures, and classic games like poker and chess”.
When I dropped by I was amazed by the variety of games available. Even their playing cards are fascinating. (Take a look at the photo after the jump to see what I mean.) They also have life-sized knight armor on the second floor. When I dropped by the game center in back I was amazed at how intricate the models were. Check out their schedule here to see what events and games are being played. If you’re interested in the business side of board games check out the owner’s blog here which is quite an interesting read.
They’ll be hosting a grand re-opening party on November 5th. For more information click here. If you or your kids are interested in games definitely stop by and check this place out!
More photos including the game center after the jump…
When I was growing up kids could dress up and accessorize for Halloween pretty much as they pleased. Times have changed and not allowing toy weapons has become commonplace. This Halloween, all schools in Moraga have decided to take the next step and ban clown costumes for Halloween. Although it’s not an official district decision, I wonder how the schools, independently, came to the decision to ban clown costumes. Has Moraga previously encountered clown scares that necessitated this?
What’ll it be next year, banning monster costumes? Plenty of kids are afraid of spiders. Is Spider-Man next? Will there be a list of acceptable Halloween costumes kids can choose from? Have any other local schools banned clown costumes?
With Total Wine & More opening in Pleasant Hill yesterday, and BevMo! renovating and opening new stores, the amount of alcoholic choices available are enormous. I’m not a big drinker, usually stick to beer or wine, but I’m wondering what are your favorite mixed drinks and recipes for how to make it at home. Any recommendations?
Bel & Bunna’s Books
3581c Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Saturday, October 29th, 2016 | 2:00 – 5:00pmBook Signing with Courtney King Walker.
250 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill
Maryland-based Total Wine & More opened their first East Bay location today in a giant, 20,000 s.f. store where Office Depot used to be, a couple of stores down from Best Buy in Pleasant Hill. In addition to a huge selection of wine, beer, and spirits, they also feature a humidor room with plenty of cigars.
In the back is a classroom section where you can sign up for classes to learn about specific types of wine or beer which lasts 90 minutes and includes samples for about $20 – $40 per class. It will also be possible to book the entire meeting space for business, community and social events for free when not in use.
There are separate wine and beer tasting areas available to try for 10 cents. Old world wines are organized by country whereas new world wines are grouped by varietals. In addition, there are separate sections for “highly rated”, and descriptions such as “elegant & soft”, “big & robust” and plenty more types to make it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. As for beer, they offer a huge variety of international and local brews, and have a keg section in the back that you can check out as well. (See the photo of the kegs after the jump).
More photos of the inside after the jump…
1041 Market Pl, San Ramon
Back in August we learned that Sports Basement would be coming to San Ramon where Orchard Supply Hardware used to be and they have now opened.
Rheem Theatre
350 Park St, Moraga
Saturday, October 29th, 2016
7:00pm | $15The next silent film with live score performed by Patti Liedecker will be the 1925
“The Phantom of the Opera” on Saturday, October 29th at 7pm at the Rheem Theatre. Introduction will be given by Derek Zemrak.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Earlier this month we learned that juice, meal and snack shop Urban Remedy opened in downtown Walnut Creek, and yesterday they also opened in La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. Check out their meals and snacks here and juices here. Drop by the grand opening this Saturday, October 29th from 10am – 2pm and get a free juice, meal or snack. In Walnut Creek I tried the “Vegan Caesar with Cumin Chickpea Croutons” salad and cacao chip bar and thought it tasted great so yay for Lafayette!
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Green Valley Shopping Center, Danville
Thanks to a reader for pointing out the new Coming Soon signage up for the Smart & Final supermarket opening in the Green Valley Shopping Center in Danville. Has anyone been to this supermarket? How does it compare to Safeway?
