Beyond the Creek

Smitten Ice Cream Coming to Lafayette

December 9, 2013 8:30 am

3545 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

Back in August I noted that Cold Stone Creamery was closing to make room for Smitten Ice Cream and Smitten is definitely opening in this location. Right now the inside is completely bare but the Smitten plans are visible in front.

From the La Fiesta Square website:

We are excited to announce that Smitten Ice Cream is coming to La Fiesta Square.

Smitten Ice Cream uses the freshest and purest ingredients to freeze each batch of ice cream to-order, from scratch, in 60 seconds with the help of patented, liquid nitrogen-enabled Brrr™ machines.

It’s new, old-fashioned ice cream — and we know you’re going to love it.

Look for more details regarding opening date soon. In the meantime, we invite you to watch this video, which tells how Smitten Founder Robyn Sue Fisher turned her passion for ice cream into this unique ice cream business.

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Ceramics Artists Market at Civic Park in Walnut Creek Dec 6th – 8th

December 6, 2013 4:30 pm

Ceramics Artists Market:

Civic Park
1365 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 8th, 2013

Clay Sale at Civic Park in downtown Walnut Creek. The event starts Friday night at 5:00 with an opening reception. The sale features hundreds of pieces of ceramics for everyone’s holiday shopping taste.

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Japanese Restaurant Serika under New Ownership in Orinda

December 6, 2013 11:30 am

The Japanese restaurant Serika in Orinda Theatre Square is getting new owners based on a sign in their window. See sign below:

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Scuttlebutt Alert – Uniqlo may be Coming to Walnut Creek

December 6, 2013 8:30 am

1259 S Main St, Walnut Creek

Back in September I noted that The Children’s Place closed at the corner of S. Main St. and Botelho Dr. in downtown Walnut Creek and now some scuttlebutt is that the clothing store Uniqlo is considering this location for a new store. Who wants to see Uniqlo come to Walnut Creek?! Stay tuned…

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Teen Volunteer Opportunity- Fridays in the Field at Acalanes Ridge on Dec 13th

December 5, 2013 4:30 pm

Teen Volunteer Opportunity- Fridays in the Field:

Acalanes Ridge (The top of Peaceful Ln. in Lafayette)
Friday, December 13, 2013
3:30pm – 5:30pm | Free

The Muir Heritage Land Trust’s Fridays in the Field youth volunteer program will meet on December 13th part in a native grass restoration project at Acalanes Ridge.

We will be planting native grasses on a section of the ridge, which we will track and monitor throughout the year.

Our East Bay hills are covered with grasses and plants that are not native to this area. This project will be a great way to see if native grasses can overcome the non-natives and thrive in the environment they were meant to be in.

Join us for this fun opportunity!

Tools provided, but please advise teens to dress warmly and wear closed toed shoes they don’t mind getting dirty.

Please RSVP to outreach@muirheritagelandtrust.org by Thur. Dec. 12th

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MexCal Restaurant Opens in Orinda

December 5, 2013 11:30 am

65 Moraga Way, Orinda

In October I noted that a new ‘fuscion’ resturant was opening in downtown Orinda on Moraga Way and it turned out to be none other than Danville-based MexCal, which opened last Friday. The Orinda location will also feature fresh tortillas made daily as well as mostly organic dishes made with locally grown vegetables.

The inside is spacious:

Check out the menu and photos of the bar after the jump…

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Bentley Walnut Creek + Maserati of Walnut Creek + Exotic Cars = Awesome

December 5, 2013 8:30 am

2033 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek

Back in May I noted that Maserati of Walnut Creek opened a showroom on N. Broadway in downtown Walnut Creek and they recently also became a Bentley dealership as well. In addition to Maseratis and Bentleys they also carry pre-owned exotic cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Note that the entire showroom will be moving to the old Harley Davidson dealership on Parkside Dr. and N. Main St. in March.

I stopped by and took a look in their showroom recently. Take a look at some fine looking cars below:

More photos including Ferraris and a Bentley closeup after the jump…

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Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting at Orinda Theatre Square on Dec 7th

December 4, 2013 4:30 pm

Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting:

Orinda Theatre Square
2 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda
Saturday, December 7th, 2013
4:00pm – 7:15pm | Free

Enjoy a day full of holiday fare at the Orinda Theatre Square Holiday Winter Wonderland and top off the evening with our tree lighting ceremony.

Schedule of Activities:
4 – 6pm : Kids Ornament Workshop
4:15 -7:15pm : Visits from Santa
5 – 7pm : Horse and Carriage Rides around The Square
6 – 7pm : Caroling Performances by Miramonte High School A Cappella Groups
7pm : Enjoy FREE Gourmet Coffee Drinks and Hot Chocolate for the Little Ones During the Tree Lighting Ceremony Located Near Republic of Cake and Piccolo Napoli

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Picture of the Day (Clown Edition)

December 4, 2013 11:30 am

Spotted in downtown Walnut Creek at the Second to None consignment shop.

If you saw this clown art hanging in someone’s house would you:

a. Smile
b. Contemplate the meaning behind the art
c. Run like hell

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Diva-Diva Closing in Broadway Plaza in January

December 4, 2013 8:30 am

The Broadway Plaza store closings continue apace as another women’s boutique, Diva-Diva will be closing in January. The closing sign states that everything is 20% off right now.

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