115 Hartz Ave, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word about a new Thai restaurant called Lotus Thai will be opening in Danville where Jalapeno Grill used to be. According to someone working there they plan on opening very soon, most likely at the beginning of February.
3454 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Back in September I noted the progress of the Merrill Gardens assisted living apartment complex in downtown Lafayette and now Diablo Dish points out that Vitality Bowls is coming to one of the retail spots. Check out the Vitality Bowls Lafayette page here. I saw only one Leased sign and it looked quite big inside. I wonder if they’ll offer senior citizen discounts?
1633 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
It’s been about a week since Ramen Hiroshi opened in downtown Walnut Creek and a sign posted in front notes that lunch service will begin Friday, January 30th. I stopped by over the weekend and tried the tonkotsu ramen, hanetsuki gyouza and spinach salad (horenso goma ae). Everything tasted great and I look forward to coming back to try the miso ramen, takoyaki and more. I had never seen gyouza presented connected together as a circle before, that’s why it’s called hanetsuki gyouza. Check out their appetizer menu here and ramen menu here. Since seating is limited the earlier you get there the better. There is also bar seating in the back. Beer and alcohol to come…
tonkotsu ramen:
Photos of the bar seating, gyouza and horenso goma ae after the jump:
3616 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Construction is finally picking up at the California/Mexican/Spanish rancho-style restaurant Rancho Cantina, Check out inside construction photos with their latest Facebook page update here. In the above photo you can see the metal arch going up. Their menu can be viewed here.
1320 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The wait is finally over as Veggie Grill opens today in downtown Walnut Creek. It has a nice design as you can see by the dynamic wall in the photo below. Interestingly the spot where the nail salon used to be is available for lease so this is quite a narrow restaurant. Check out their menu here. I tried the Bombay Bowl and Crispy Cauliflower which both tasted great.
Inside towards the back:
Lease available next door:
1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in May we learned that a new Japanese bistro would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Locust Street Deli used to be and at the time I noted that I, ” wouldn’t be surprised if the new restaurant featured yakitori rather than sushi.” Sure enough, the new name of the restaurant is Izakaya Jun! I love izakaya and with Hiroshi Ramen having recently opened around the corner, downtown Walnut Creek could turn into a destination spot for Japanese comfort food. Stay tuned…
The tag line is “Real Japanese Food & Sake Bar”. I’m not sure what “real” Japanese food is. As opposed to fake Japanese food?
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Ike’s Sandwich Shop is coming to the Willows Shopping Center in Concord where Quiznos used to be, next to Road Runner Sports. This 1150 sf location is next to the new road connecting the back and front parking lots so it feels quite different from before the redevelopment. The Walnut Creek Ike’s opened a couple of years ago. Check out their menu here. What is your favorite Ike’s sandwich?
1633 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
The eagerly awaited restaurant Ramen Hiroshi soft-opened over the weekend in downtown Walnut Creek and will be open for dinner this week. Beginning on January 17th they will be open for lunch as well. Check out their appetizer menu here and ramen menu here. The ramen offerings range in price from $10 – $12 and include tonkotsu, shio, shoyu, miso and tantanmen style. I can’t wait to try this place out! If I don’t have to make the trek to the South Bay for a delicious bowl of ramen I’ll be very happy. 🙂
From their menu:
Our soup is carefully prepared daily and cooked to perfection with natural and fresh ingredients. We use free range chicken.
May contain egg, nuts, seafood, dairy, plant, vegetables and spices.
Ramen Hiroshi encourages you to consume the ramen in their freshest state, and in right temperature to best enjoy your experience.
Thank you for your excitement to Hiroshi’s Ramen.
65 Moraga Way, Orinda
The Danville-based MexCal restaurant that opened a year ago in downtown Orinda has now closed. They have nice chairs in Danville.
