Beyond the Creek

Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Artwork – Meet the Artists

March 9, 2012 4:30 pm

Artist: Judith Foosaner
Title: Breaking and Entering #12
Year: 2012
Medium: acrylic on paper on canvas
Location: Contemporary – 2nd floor

As noted a couple of days ago, there is plenty of local artwork permanently on display around the new Neiman Marcus store in Walnut Creek. On the press preview tour some of the artists were at the store so I was lucky to able to take photos of four of the artists with their artwork in the background. It was really great to be able to talk with them about their commissioned pieces and how the Neiman Marcus curator was able to place each piece in the most appropriate spot.

A couple of things to be aware of, this artwork is on permanent display, it does not get rotated out over time. Also, in deference to the artwork, Neiman Marcus does not display merchandise in front of the art. That’s pretty incredible as they lose out on display space, but it’s great for the shopper who can appreciate the art better.

Artist: Kim Squaglia
Title: Bespoken
Year: 2012
Medium: Acrylic, oil and resin on panel
Location: Men’s Furnishings – 1st floor

Check out two more artists after the jump

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First Look – Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Women’s Handbags

March 9, 2012 12:30 pm

Chanel shop within Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus

The Neiman Marcus store in downtown Walnut Creek features a wide variety of high-end women’s handbags, so I thought I should show off the collection. Note that the Chanel shop pictured above sells other goods in addition to handbags.

Gucci shop within Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus

Check out the Balenciaga and Valentino sections after the jump

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First Look – Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Children’s Department

March 9, 2012 11:30 am

Here is a look of the children’s department at the Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus which opens today. Although it’s a small space, they managed to fit clothes, strollers, toys including mini toy pianos, doll houses, cars, a colorful tent, a giant lion and giraffe, as well as other stuffed toys and goods.

Check out more photos after the jump

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Sweepstakes Alert – Win a $5,000 Neiman Marcus Shopping Spree

March 9, 2012 8:30 am

The Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus grand opening is today so click here to get a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree at the Walnut Creek store. The deadline is March 18th, and you’ll need to submit your email address and be over 18 to be eligible.

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Comparing Restrooms – Neiman Marcus vs. Nordstrom

March 8, 2012 4:30 pm

Neiman Marcus Restroom

Nordstrom restroom

From the blog that brought you a comparison of Restoration Hardware vs. Pottery Barn restrooms, I now present to you, Neiman Marcus vs. Nordstrom, the restroom edition. Take a look at the photos and decide for yourself which is nicer.

On a side-note, take a look a the Neiman Marcus directory below, and count the number of men’s restrooms and the number of women’s restrooms. Notice anything peculiar?

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Sign of the Day

March 8, 2012 2:00 pm

Thanks to reader obiwan, who spotted this at the Artform Frame Shop next to the Sunrise Bistro in downtown Walnut Creek. The sign say:

UNATTENDED CHILDREN
will be given candy and a free puppy.
The Management

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Judging Cafes – Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Cafe

March 8, 2012 11:30 am

Last week I wrote about the new Neiman Marcus Cafe in downtown Walnut Creek, aka NM Cafe, and yesterday I finally had a chance to see it in person. It looks nice, although it’s rather small. Take a look at the prices in the menu after the jump and it starts to make sense why. They offer mostly soups, salads, and sandwiches, but also have filet mignon Chimichurri and salmon main courses, in addition to a kids menu. They won’t be taking reservations until March 24, but they offer pagers so you can walk around while waiting for your table.

This is a view of the cafe to show that it’s next to a window, although it’s obscured, as it might get too much sunlight.

Check out the menu and closeup photo of a table after the jump

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Judging Dressing Rooms – Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus

March 8, 2012 8:30 am

As part of the press tour yesterday at the new Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus store, I was able to take some photos inside the men’s and women’s dressing rooms. Above is the entrance to the women’s dressing room. Note the artwork over the bench and the wall decor behind the dresses. It’s quite exquisite.

This is right inside the men’s dressing room. Note the cocktail shaker and Martini glasses on top of the custom made dresser.

Check out more photos of the dressing areas after the jump

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First Look – Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus

March 7, 2012 5:30 pm

The Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus will finally be open to the public on Friday March 9, and I was fortunate to be able to get a sneak peak. As far as stores go, it’s pretty incredible, with plenty of attention to detail. There is artwork throughout the store displayed by local artists which I’ll cover in a future post. The photo above is on the first floor in the center of the store. Notice the Gucci shop in the back. There is also a Chanel shop, exclusively available in the East Bay.

As you enter the main entrance you will encounter the, “Fashion Runway“, as noted by the VP of store development Ignaz Gorischek, which changes every week or so with the latest fashion setup by the store’s fulltime stylist. It’s not on a raised platform so as to be accessible to people who can check out the merchandise up close.

Check out more photos after the jump

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Walnut Creek Yacht Club Offering “Oysters 101” Class March 24th

March 7, 2012 11:30 am

Photo by Flickr user pelican

The Walnut Creek Yacht Club restaurant is offering an Oysters 101 class on Saturday, March 24th from 2pm – 4pm. Cost is $30, call to reserve your spot. From an email:

Do you like oysters? Did you ever think that you’d like to learn more about those beautiful bivalves that you slurp down with such satisfaction here at WCYC?

If so, then join Chef Kevin Saturday March 24 on the Aft Deck from 2-4pm when he’ll explain all things virginicas, gigas, and what the deal is about months without an R in them.

You will taste several different kinds of oysters, and will sample a number of different beverages (adult), and decide which is your favorite pairing. You will even learn how to open those stubborn bad boys if you so desire. At the end of the class Chef Kevin will issue you your own “Expert in all things Oyster” certificate, suitable for framing.

$30/person

Space is very limited for this class. Call now for your place.

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