La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
In June we learned that DC-based skincare company Bluemercury would be opening where Pendleton used to be in La Fiesta Square in Lafayette and their signage is now up with an expected “Fall, 2016” opening. Check out their website here.
Photo by Michael Sawi
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison St, Berkeley
Saturday, September 3rd, 2016
8:00pm | $17 ($19 door)How many bandleaders does it take to rock the Freight? In the case of Skip the Needle, the answer is four. The band features four outstanding performers who lead other local bands: Kofy Brown of the Kofy Brown band, Shelley Doty of the Shelley Doty X-tet, Katie Colpitts of Dolorata and Year of the Fist, and Vicki Randle, who currently backs Mavis Staples and has headlined many wonderful shows at the Freight. Skip the Needle plays a fiery brew of rock, soul, and funk, with blistering guitar work, an irresistible beat, and glorious vocal harmonies. Their musical muses are Sly Stone and Chaka Khan, Chrissie Hynde, and Jimi Hendrix.
Photo via Hudson Daniel
A local Walnut Creek food-tech startup called Hudson Daniel is doing a Kickstarter, check them out here. According to the Kickstarter they are planning on offering various services including a monthly subscription option featuring, “FULL-SIZE gourmet food items AND kitchen & home accessories”. It will also be possible to purchase artisan food and beverage items online as well as “book tastings, tours and culinary expeditions”. Check out their website here. Sounds great, I look forward to checking out their online marketplace when it’s available.
From Hudson Daniel:
Our team is building the ultimate culinary platform and marketplace where consumers can shop specialty food & beverage, gifts, kitchen and home accessories; attend events, search destinations, book adventures, discover recipes and more. The platform is unique because it allows vendors to connect with consumers without spending a significant amount of money on store and distribution fees. We give them access to online tools and resources that help them succeed, while allowing them to focus on producing remarkable products and educating consumers on the craft that goes into everything they do.
In addition, upon our official launch – we will donate a percentage of all sales to assist those in need through our charitable foundation. We are committed to supporting local makers, while making a global commitment to help those in need.
Recently we learned that Mona’s Burgers and Original Mels Diner would be opening in Concord, the Mr. Green Bubble signage is up in Walnut Creek, Pizza Antica signage is up in Danville and more. Which restaurant or cafe are you most looking to open this year?
Cars & Coffee:
Blackhawk Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville
Sunday, September 4th, 2016
8:00am – 10:00am | FreeOn the First Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Automotive Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classics, exotics, rods and anything else with wheels and a motor. There is no fee for Cars & Coffee. Come when you want, leave when you want, but know that early arrivals do get the parking space they prefer. Also, the Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays.
The Orchards at Walnut Creek
We learned in May that Mod Pizza would be coming to the new Orchards shopping center in Walnut Creek at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Oak Grove Rd. and their signage is now up. In fact this is the very first signage to appear on any of the new stores coming to the shopping center. Check out their menu here. To see what else is opening at the Orchards, click here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The women’s clothing store Amour Vert has opened in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek.
From their website:
Amour Vert means GREEN LOVE in french but it also means American Jobs, non toxic dyes, sensuous fabrics and innovative techniques and above all enduring style. Amour Vert’s specially engineered textiles and blended fabrics are crafted to be soft, flattering and long-lasting. We only use low-impact dyes and adopt a zero-waste philosophy.
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center
315 Cortsen Rd, Pleasant Hill
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | $29Learn how to preserve the bounty of summer in this beginner’s class on water bath canning and simple lacto-fermentation. We will share tips and pointers to get you started on home canning with confidence. Demonstration of easy methods of fruit jam preparation will take the mystery out of homemade jams. Students will learn beginning fermentation to make their own zucchini pickles, and will take a jar of preserves home. Materials fee of $9 for supplies to be paid in class.
1539 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Earlier this year we learned that Piedmont-based boba tea shop Mr. Green Bubble would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek and the signage is now up so it can’t be long now… According to their Facebook page they also offer ice cream macaroons, sweet!
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the Japanese store Daiso is opening in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord next to Fuddruckers. They plan on opening this Friday, September 2nd. Daiso sells many low priced products for $1.50. Find out more about Daiso from Wikipedia here. Check out their website here.
