Thsi week we learned that “farm to table” restaurant Urban Plates is opening this month in Pleasant Hill. True Food Kitchen is opening this summer in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Tender Greens has been open for several years in downtown Walnut Creek. What is your favorite “farm to table” restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients? Which restaurant are you most looking forward to opening?
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day:
The Gardens at Heather Farm
1540 Marchbanks Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, May 6th, 2016
10:00am – 3:00pm | FreeThe Gardens at Heather Farm is proud to announce participation with American Public Gardens Association for “National Public Gardens Day” on Friday, May 6, offering a schedule of free activities throughout the day. The Gardens invites visitors to share in this valuable community resource and experience the wonders of nature provided by its six-acre public garden and wildlife habitat nestled on a picturesque hillside in Walnut Creek.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, “fewer Americans have a connection to nature than ever before in the history of the U.S.” Public gardens, such as The Gardens at Heather Farm, exist to bridge that gap and help local communities share in the wonders of our natural world. The Gardens offers a place to learn about and enjoy an inspiring variety of flowers, trees and wildlife. A Youth Education Program provides natural science classes to over 15,000 local students, while an Adult Education Program offers lectures and workshops perfect for home gardeners and nature lovers. A series of garden beautification projects have recently been completed, with plans on the horizon to build a greenhouse that will enrich the garden and expand teaching opportunities.
Bring a picnic lunch, learn more about The Gardens’ organization and celebrate the wonderful world of gardening on National Public Gardens Day!
On Friday, May 6, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., visitors to The Gardens will enjoy the following free activities:
● 10-11 a.m. Spring Floral Arranging Demonstration by popular designer, Najat Nicola, using roses and fresh floral cuttings from The Gardens property
● 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Guided garden tours by trained volunteer docents
● 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Crafts & activities for kids
● Expert gardening advice from GHF Garden Manager, Brian Larsen
● Chance to win prizes including fresh floral arrangements, potted plants, membership, classes & more
● Complimentary refreshments
70 Moraga Way, Orinda
Turquoise Mediterranean Grill, open since 2008, has closed in Orinda on Moraga Way. According to the alcoholic beverage control notice a new restaurant called Reem’s Steaks will be opening in this location. Stay tuned…
Check out the newish bike lane on Olympic Blvd. in Walnut Creek heading to Highway 680. The bright paint job is definitely an improvement but would you feel concerned riding between two car lanes so close?
Container Gardening and Growing in Small Places:
Walnut Creek Library
1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 7th, 2016
10:30am – 11:30am | FreePresented by UC Master Gardener Terry Lippert.
Please join us as Terry inspires you to grow your own fruits and vegetables even with limited space. Terry’s presentation will cover building and preparing raised beds, conventional to unique containers for container gardening, and espaliered fruit trees. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation. The talk is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required, although suggested.
Photo by Flickr user danmoyle
Thanks to local broker Brendan Moran with the Moran Group at Keller Williams Realty for the monthly real estate updates for Beyond the Creek.
Click the links below for a complete list of home and condo sales in Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) for last month, April, 2016:
Lamorinda April sales (Acrobat Reader .pdf)
Lamorinda April sales (Excel)
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Urban Plates, the Southern California-based “farm to plate” restaurant is opening mid-May according to their web site. As you can see in the photo below they are almost finished. Check out the Pleasant Hill menu here. I’m looking forward to trying this out!
Orinda Theatre Square
Visual Entree Optometry recently closed after being in Orinda Theatre Square for several years. I’ve been going here for a while so I’m sad to see them go. Anyone have any recommendations for a nearby eyewear store?
Celebrate the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Wednesday, May 4th, 2016
7:00pm – 8:30pm | FreeNational Park Service Superintendent Tom Leatherman will officially kick off a series of NPS programs at Lamorinda Libraries with an overview of the National Park system, highlights of the centennial celebrations across the country, a brief overview of the National Parks and Historical Sites in California, and opportunities for individuals and families planning their visits for the spring and summer months. NPS brochures and materials will be available.
Enter a raffle to win a free REI Camp Dome tent! Refreshments will be served.
Danville Livery, Danville
Last December we learned that Harvest Prep Kitchen opened in the Danville Livery on Sycamore Valley Rd. and although they recently closed, Zalla Kabob House, “voted top 10 Mediterranean cuisine in SF Bay” will be opening within the next week or so for lunch and dinner.