1110 Concord Ave, Concord
Blaze Pizza, the pizzeria backed by basketball star LeBron James, is expanding like crazy with a new location opening soon in Concord in the new development that replaced the old Peppermill restaurant on Concord Ave. This development is also home to Habit Burger Grill and Noodles & Company. Focusing on fresh ingredients and customized pies, find out what they offer on their menu here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
As you’re strolling down Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, you may pass by this colorful new NYX Cosmetics store with a big NYX Cosmetics sign right above the door and colorful window coverings. How many of you attempted to open the door only to find it locked? You have to read the sign carefully where it states “next to Macy’s”. Only then do you realize that a smaller, slate-colored NYX Cosmetics shop opened next to Macy’s. In fact, they opened a couple of weeks ago.
Razor Train, Cosmic Mercy & Luminous Newts Live:
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill
2045 Mt. Diablo St, Concord
Saturday, March 26th, 2016
9:00pm | $10A night of adventurous music at Vinnie’s!
9 p.m.
LUMINOUS NEWTS plays pop & rock originals that bring to mind Steely Dan at one moment, “a cross between Sandy Denny and Genesis” at the next. “Excellent songcraft … extremely original.” – Exposé Online10 p.m.
The music of COSMIC MERCY is a cosmic soup of rock, fusion, fat grooves, blues & harmony with something to say. Influences range from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Pink Floyd and King Crimson!11 PM:
RAZOR TRAIN is a kickass hard rock band in the tradition of The White Stripes, Green Day, Joan Jett, the Ramones, Black Sabbath & Blue Oyster Cult. Rock ’til you’re raw!Ages 21+
1500 Mt Diablo Blvd. (3rd floor), Walnut Creek
Last May we learned about a new restaurant featuring seasonal, American cuisine called ROOFTOP that would be opening on the third floor of the new development at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek and they plan on opening next month in April according to their Facebook page. On their website if you scroll around you can get a preview of their menu featuring dishes such as, “banana leaf wrapped black cod, cilantro, kaffir lime” and “grilled short ribs, spicy slaw, hoisin”. There will also be a raw bar as well as hand-crafted cocktails and select wines. The executive chef is Justine Kelly, who competed on Iron Chef and was the Chef de Cuisine at the San Francisco restaurant The Slanted Door.
From their website:
Whether enjoying sunset vistas or star-filled nights, Rooftop offers a stunning backdrop for enjoying world-class cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and carefully selected wines while soaking up unparalleled views of Mt. Diablo. Rooftop is an alluring lounge and outdoor terrace in the center of downtown Walnut Creek, featuring several dining areas surrounded by reclaimed brick, water features, and a lush living wall.
Food and drinks at Rooftop are as distinctive as the space itself. Chef/partner Justine Kelly delivers ingredient-driven, new American classic interpretations prepared using only the freshest ingredients- herbs often plucked from the living wall itself. With its retractable rooftop, fans, mister and extensive heating system- Rain or Shine Rooftop truly is an all season destination.
Located on the second floor of this development is the Spanish pintxos and tapas restaurant Teleferic Barcelona which we had a preview of in January. On the first floor is the clothing store Vineyard Vines and soon to open pizzeria Slice House.
250 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill
Last week we learned that Office Depot is closing in Pleasant Hill and now, thanks to a reader for pointing out this Contra Costa Times article that Total Wine & More will be opening in this location. Their nearest location right now is in Fremont. Check out their website here.
The Round Up
3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Saturday, March 26th, 2016
8:30 PM | $10 (minimum donation)Notes4Hope presents Toree McGee at the legendary Round Up in Lafayette @ 8:30pm.
1419 Moraga Way, Moraga
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Terzetto Cuisine has closed in the Safeway shopping center in Moraga.
1250 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek
The Arroyo Residences apartment complex is almost finished in Walnut Creek and has begun accepting pre-leasing applications. Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments will be available on 6 floors. Check out their floor plans here. Among the amenities there will be a pool, spa, “cedar-lined dry sauna”, fire pits, a zen garden and more. Check out all the amenities here.
Big Room Theater at Mighty Fine Guitars
81 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette
Friday, March 25th, 2016
8:00 PM | $15 – $20Takoma Records was the font from which many of today’s finegrstylers sprang. And tonight we’ll feature three of these legendary cats. Rick Ruskin, Toulouse Engelhardt and Peter Lang!
This milestone performance will feature three of the finest finger style guitar masters: Peter Lang, Rick Ruskin and Toulouse Engelhardt along with “Special Guest” Micheal Wohl .The performance is sponsored by Fretboard Journal and Acoustic Guitar Magazine! Peter Lang, Rick Ruskin and Toulouse Engelhardt were original members of the legendary “Takoma 7” along with Leo Kottke and Robbie Basho and were hand picked by the late John Fahey to record for his cult label, Takoma Records and their affiliates back in the years.
1524 Locust St, Walnut Creek
San Francisco-based Peruvian restaurant Limon Rotisserie is coming to downtown Walnut Creek and according to the owner are “hoping to open by the end of August“. They will be located where Inge’s Footwear used to be on Locust St. Check out their food menu here and drinks menu here. Check for updates on their Facebook page here. I look forward to trying their free-range, open flame slow roasted rotisserie chicken!
From their website:
Executive Chef Martin Castillo has created Limon’s inspiring and culture blending dishes. This innovating Peruvian restaurant consolidated itself as a trendy destination for diners. In the spirit of perseverance, Chef Castillo along with his brothers Antonio and Eduardo all used this experience to learn, grow, and expand. Only a few years later, the well-established Limon Rotisserie became huge success for the Castillo brothers. The ambiance is as energetic as its menu, featuring an upscale setting with a modern flare. The bright colors represent a quintessential Peruvian hue while the Latin lounge music engages you soul to complete the experience. Under Castillo’s direction, Limon has been featured in numerous magazines, both national and international television channels. It has been voted as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in San Francisco for numerous years, 2002-2007 and again in 2009.
