In December I noticed a new banner at the Italian restaurant Tomatina in downtown Walnut Creek and it turns out that was a prelude of things to come as their signage is sporting a matching tomato design. Interestingly they also changed the font and went from lowercase to uppercase. Looks great!
Not sure how long it’ll last but this window display is on the outside. Props to Venture men’s goods in Lafayette for the creativity.
After eating at Domenico’s Deli in Danville last week my mind has been on delicatessens lately, specifically sandwiches. There’s just something about a good deli sandwich that is satisfying. It ranks up there with burgers and pizza which I indulge in every now and then. Walnut Creek has Genova’s, Morucci’s, Brass Bear, Kinder’s, Lafayette has A.G. Ferrari, Diablo Foods, Orinda has Europa Hofbrau, and Moraga has Bianca’s. What’s your favorite deli? And what’s your favorite type of sandwich to order?
Photo by Paul Hara
From an email:
The award-winning Lindsay Wildlife Museum will give San Francisco Bay area residents a free opportunity Feb. 2 to make the acquaintance of more than 50 wild furry, feathery and, well, “slimy” creatures that inhabit virtually everyone’s neighborhood.
Funded by the Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation, the annual Free Admission Day attracts hundreds of Bay area children and adults. They come to meet and learn about the museum’s 50-plus resident “ambassadors” face to face in what may be the region’s most unique meet-and-greet.
Free Admission Day runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday Feb. 2. The museum is located at 1931 First Ave. in Walnut Creek, CA 94597, 925-935-1978 or www.Wildlife-Museum.org. Lindsay Wildlife Museum connects people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share. It annually serves 100,000 visitors, including 40,000 school children, and treats more than 5,000 native wild animals through the help of 600 volunteers.
A couple of weeks ago I posted some scuttlebutt about a McCormick and Schmick’s opening a new restaurant at the former Petar’s location in downtown Lafayette and it turns out that was pretty close as the son of the McCormick & Schmick’s co-founder, Andrew McCormick, who ran the Marina bar City Tavern will be opening The Cooperage Bar in its place. Diablo Dish notes that, “the space will require an extensive remodel, so McCormick is aiming for a late summer, early fall opening.” According to the post, dishes will, “feature familiar, classic dishes such as oysters Rockefeller, potato skins, crab Louis salad, and plenty of steak and seafood.”
Back last February I noted the impending demolition of the dilapidated building at the corner of N. Broadway and Cypress in downtown Walnut Creek to be replaced with a new building to house a bridal salon and office space on the second floor and as you can see the building is now gone.
La Soie Bridal Salon, with locations in southern California and Sacramento will eventually open at this new Walnut Creek location. A couple of weeks ago I noted the opening of Flares Bridal in Broadway Plaza so there will be plenty of choices for brides-to-be. Take a look at the La Soie Bridal website to see how nice it looks.
From the Lesher Center for the Arts:
February 1, 2013, curtains 11:30am & 8pm
February 2, 2013, curtains 2pm & 8pm
- Cold Virtues Adam Hougland, Choreographer
- Starshadows: Michael Smuin, Choreographer
- Homeless: Michael Smuin, Choreographer
- No Viviré: Michael Smuin, Choreographer
- Program Change
- Oh, Inverted World: Trey McIntyre, Choreographer
Rising star choreographer Adam Hougland “has a lot to offer the dance world,” according to Dance Magazine. Cold Virtues, set to music by Philip Glass’ haunting Violin Concerto against a hypnotic backdrop of spinning fans, was described upon its premiere as “beautifully bleak, honest in unflinching fashion… an icy bit of sly observation” (Louisville Courier-Journal).
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major frames Michael Smuin’s romantic Starshadows, created to celebrate the love of a real-life couple. Two solo works also grace the stage: Homeless, danced to the African rhythms of Paul Simon’s Graceland album; and No Viviré, featuring the driving sounds of the Gypsy Kings.
Fresh from its New York premiere and back by popular demand, Smuin Ballet presents Oh, Inverted World. Smuin Ballet commissioned the riveting Oh, Inverted World from acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre. Set to music by indie-rock band The Shins, this dynamic piece received its world premiere in San Francisco in October 2010. An innovative fusion of McIntyre’s fresh, impulsive choreography and The Shins’ distinctive style, Oh, Inverted World is a mesmerizing and lingering work, called “action-packed” “striking” and “remarkable” by the New York Times.
I’m not one to gush about how good a restaurant is but the deli Domenico’s in Danville is possibly the best delicatessen in the East Bay if not the the entire western United States. Being originally from New York I’ve had my share of deli sandwiches and having eaten here numerous times I can say without a doubt that a Domenico’s sandwich is insanely good. It’s so good it’s actually ruined me when I order a sandwich almost anywhere else. I don’t know whether it’s the fresh ingredients, the aioli sauce they shmear on the sandwich or what, but whatever they make is incredibly delicious. You can check out their sandwich menu here and salads here. Has anyone eaten here? What’s your favorite sandwich or salad?
The only possible drawback is everyone else around the area knows how good it is as well so if you go during lunchtime be prepared for a line out the door. The sandwich makers really take their time making the sandwich which can cause delays. Domenico’s has been in business for 20 years now and in addition to sandwiches they also have salads, meats as well as sell wine, pasta and more.
From their website:
In 1993 Joseph Domenico Giacomini and his wife, Sue, opened Domenico’s Delicatessen in downtown Danville. Joe’s father, Leo, had owned a successful Bay Area Italian delicatessen business that Joe grew up in. Joe and Sue have carefully crafted Domenico’s by blending traditional delicatessen favorites with a signature California twist. Fresh and flavorful, with an emphasis on lower fat.
In additon to the deli there is also a cafe next door serving, “Neapolitan style pizza, hot and cold panini sandwiches, espresso, yogurt and, of course fabulous gelato.”
Check out the inside:
Check out a closeup of two of their sandwiches, yum!
Domenico’s is located at 682 Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville.
A couple of weeks ago I noted that the Danville Chocolates and Alicia Klein kiosks closed at the Liberty Bell Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and now a kiosk has opened up just in time for the Superbowl. Called Team Shop, it currently offers autographed football memorabilia and will also have 49ers jerseys and hats on hand. As baseball season nears they will also offer baseball memorabilia and gear so check them out before you watch the big game on Sunday!
From the Walnut Creek Police:
Suspect #1: Unknown race adult, 20s, thin build, approx. 5’9” to 5’10”, wearing a white hoodie sweatshirt, blue jeans, black/white sneakers, a black beanie and wearing gloves. Suspect was armed with pepper spray.
Suspect #2: Unknown race adult, 20s, thin build, approx 5’9” to 5’10”, wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt, gray cargo pants, black/white sneakers and wearing gloves. Suspect was armed with a sledge hammer.
Suspect Vehicle: A newer model Black Infiniti SUV FX35 with silver roof rack and silver alloy rims. Suspect vehicle was being driven by a third suspect. No further description.
NARRATIVE: On 01/29/13 at approximately 1428 hours, Walnut Creek Police Dispatch received a call that the jewelry store located at 1258 Broadway Plaza was being robbed. Officers and Detectives responded and arrived within minutes, but the suspects had already fled. Witnesses said the two suspects entered the business, with one suspect spraying employees with pepper spray while the other suspect broke the display cabinets with a sledge hammer. The suspects were in the store less than one minute and fled Northbound on Broadway Plaza in the suspect vehicle which was waiting out front. The loss was several Rolex watches. The employees and one customer in the store were not injured and declined medical attention.
Anyone with information on this robbery should call the Walnut Creek Police Department at
(925) 943-5844.