Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Last April, we learned that Cajun Crack’n, a Cajun style seafood restaurant, would be coming to Willows Shopping Center in Concord and they have now opened. I wonder how this compares to Rockin Crawfish in the Park ‘N’ Shop shopping center?
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
The health food store and café Urban Remedy, which opened in 2016 at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette, has closed. You can still find them at Whole Foods in Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Concord.
Countrywood Shopping Center, Walnut Creek
San Anselmo-based Pizzalina is coming to the Countrywood Shopping Center in Walnut Creek, next to Genova deli. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
Pizzalina is a neighborhood-gathering place specializing in hand stretched, artisan wood-fired pizza and rustic Italian cuisine. We believe in real food that is hand-made with love, grown locally & organically, and shared with our community of family and friends.
1470 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Bar Camino, featuring Mexican-Latin cuisine, opened in downtown Walnut Creek where El Charro Mexican Dining, and before that, Maria, Maria used to be. Check out their menu here.
Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek
It’s official: Mendocino Farms is coming to Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek! They’ll be located right next to Sports Basement in a standalone building. Want to get a sneak peek at the menu? Check it out here. From the sound of it, we can expect all of the fan-favorite sandwiches, like the famous “Not So Fried” Chicken Sandwich and the BBQ Pork Sandwich, as well as a variety of fresh salads and soups. If you’re excited about the arrival of Mendocino Farms in Walnut Creek, be sure to sign up for updates at their location page here. Stay tuned for more updates!
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that South Korean-based bakery café Paris Baguette, founded in 1986, is coming to Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. Check out their menu here. The offer a wide range of baked goods, including cakes, pastries, croissants, tarts, and more. Some of the mouthwatering options I look forward to trying are the Matcha mochi donut, tiramisu tart, and pain au Chocolat. There are also savory options available, like the smoked sausage bread and curry croquette.
The Mercer, Walnut Creek
It’s always sad to see a beloved local business close its doors, and that’s exactly what has happened, after 14 years in business, with The Counter in downtown Walnut Creek. I remember living around the corner when they first opened and was thrilled with the burgers and toppings. According to a sign in the window, rising costs and prohibitive future occupancy costs have made it impractical for the burger restaurant to continue operating . If you’re a fan of The Counter and are looking for a nearby location, you can head to their Fremont location.
Thanks to a reader for sending word about this.
70 Moraga Way, Orinda
The Indian restaurant Anya’s Kitchen opened recently in Orinda where Reem’s Steaks used to be. Check out their online menu here. I noticed they also have a deli called Anya’s Deli in Berkeley.
Danville Hotel Town Center
Sonoma-based Basque Boulangerie Café, which opened back in 2015 at historic Danville Hotel on Hartz Ave, has closed. Their Sonoma location remains open.
