I really dig this mural by Bay Area artist Casey Gray at Duncan Arcade in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out his website here and follow him on Instagram here. More Duncan Arcade murals can be found here and here.
Check out the latest Bedford Gallery exhibit Reclaimed: The Art of Recology in person and virtually, through October 17th in downtown Walnut Creek:
This summer, Bedford Gallery presents Reclaimed: The Art of Recology, a breathtaking survey of artists who have had the opportunity to participate in the AIR (Artist in Residenc) program. This special exhibition of work created from unwanted materials encourages viewers to perceive “trash” in a new light. Through introspective, playful, and highly original explorations, these artists reveal the hidden storiesour rubbish tells us about ourselves and our relationship with the world.
1341 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
A new fashion boutique Wardrobe Boutique, featuring handmade goods from Turkey opened recently in downtown Walnut Creek where CY Louie used to be. Very cool stuff, if you’re in the area, definitely check this place out! Check for updates on their Insta here.
1372 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Bay Area-based Japanese gourmet rice balls (aka onigiri) restaurant ONIGILLY is coming to downtown Walnut Creek where De Afghanan is. Look for an August opening. Check out their menu here. This is great news as I’m a huge onigiri fan with my favorite flavors being ume, natto, unagi, and salmon. They also offer poke bowls. I can’t wait to check this place out!
From their website:
When Koji, founder of ONIGILLY, first came to the US in 2006, he was surprised that despite the abundance of sushi restaurants he couldn’t find his favorite Japanese food, onigiri (rice balls). A fast food staple with over 2,300 years of history, onigiri is more frequently eaten than sushi in Japan.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that New Zealand-based men’s retailer Rodd & Gunn opened recently at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out their online shop here.
From their website:
Aotearoa [Māori name for New Zealand] is Rodd & Gunn’s spiritual home, and we’re deeply connected to its untamed beauty and rich culture. Our collections are inspired by the raw, pure forms of nature found in our home country – the ancient mountains, glacial lakes, endless plains, and windswept high country.
1251 S. California Blvd, Walnut Creek
Bay Area-based Kokolo Donburi & Bar, with locations in Alameda, Berkeley, and Pleasanton, is expected to open later this month in downtown Walnut Creek where Baja Fresh used to be. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
At Kokolo, our nutritious rice bowls are influenced by variations of donburis originated from different regions of Japan. Each of our rice bowl is precisely fried or simmered in our signature sauce, and carefully prepared with traditional homemade ingredients.
Photo by Unsplash user bookerboot
With summer vacations well under way, it’s time for many to catch up on reading material. I recently finished Hooked by Michael Moss an, “exposé of how the processed food industry exploits our evolutionary instincts, the emotions we associate with food, and legal loopholes in their pursuit of profit over public health” and look forward to learning how Los Angeles transformed movies, music, television, and politics in 1974 with Rock Me on the Water – 1974.
What is on your summer reading list?
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
Singapore-based Bober Tea & Coffee, with locations in Sacramento, is expanding to Walnut Creek at Plaza Escuela, where Poke Bar used to be. Check out the Sacramento menu here. In addition to boba tea, highlights include drinks topped with cheese cream, mochi donuts, Vietnamese iced coffee, and more.
1556 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
Earlier this year we learned that the fur retailer Maximilian store was for lease and they are now closed for good in this spot. Interestingly, the wooden sign outside to the right has been tiled over. Although I prefer the wooden background from Anthropologie, and later Z Gallerie, I can see how this would be easier to maintain.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Sunglass Hut is finally reopening this week at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. According to a sign in the window, they are expected to open this Wednesday, July 7th. Check out their online selection here.
