3116 Oak Rd, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Heavenly Cafe, located in the shopping plaza next to the Park Regency Apartments in Walnut Creek has been closed for several weeks for “remodeling” according to the sign in the window although some people have speculated that it’s under new ownership. Stay tuned…
1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Locust Street Deli will be replaced by a new Japanese restaurant tentatively called Jun Japanese Bistro. Depending on how fast the new owner can get the process moving Locust Street Deli could be closing next month. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new restaurant featured yakitori rather than sushi. Stay tuned…
1499 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek
The owners of Panama Red Coffee Co. are bringing a new, yet-to-be-named cafe to the eclectic Yogurt Castle building at the corner of N. California Blvd. and Bonanza St. in downtown Walnut Creek. Due to the lack of interior space there will no be seating inside and in addition to coffee there will be baked goods made on-premises which sounds great. Stay tuned for updates…
1633 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
(310) Eatery LA Style Street Food has been open for a little over a month in downtown Walnut Creek and a new menu is now available with quite a few new dishes such as Toro Taco Trio (Pork Cheeks topped with homemade mango salsa on a toasted soft tortilla served on a bed of kimchi slaw) [see photo below], “The Red Madame” – Ribeye steak cubes with sweet red Roma Tomatoes served on thin crispy noodles and the Over the Top Burger – beef & bacon blend topped with cool water lobster tail. Check out the new menu below and their Facebook page is here.
Toro Taco Trio:
Photo courtesy (310) Eatery
1510 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Taylor Made Cakes & Yogurt recently opened, replacing Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt in the Palos Verdes mall in Walnut Creek.
From their website:
Taylor Made Cakes is a grassroots movement started by Taylor who wanted to bring the gift of a special experience to her friends and family. In 2011, her hobby turned into a business in which she wanted to deliver her passion and talent to people of all walks of life who were looking to have the same experience delivered to their moment of celebration. By mid-2011 her cakes were in high demand through word of mouth, and soon she realized that she was not the only one who believed in her top quality cakes and cupcakes. TMC wanst to bring old school integrity and hard work values by giving back to our communities, our people not only believe in the product and our company but the impact our business has on our community, local farmers, and our environment.
Check out more photos of the inside after the jump…
1536 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new cafe/play center for young kids and their parents called Small Talk Family Cafe will be opening in the Newell Promenade in Walnut Creek on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Check out their Facebook page here. In addition to playtime they will also offer baby and kid classes, provide parent resources and host family events and parties. If you have young kids you’ll definitely want to check this place out when it opens.
From their website:
Small Talk Family Cafe will be an indoor play space and cafe where parents and caregivers can linger over coffee, tea or a bite to eat while their children (age 0-6) can explore and interact in a safe and welcoming environment. Classes for little ones, parent education and birthday parties will be offered too. Small Talk will open in Walnut Creek, CA on Sunday, May 11, 2014 (Mother’s Day!).
Small Talk will be about meeting YOUR needs as a parent or caregiver. Sure, the kids will love the developmental dramatic play area with trains and vehicle toys, dress up, dolls and dollhouses, building blocks and plethora of other toys, activities and fun equipment designed for enrichment. However, this space will be made for YOU! Think modern coffee house plus a clean, child-proofed environment, open format for easy supervising, furniture made to withstand mini climbers, a dedicated baby area, parent resources and info, healthy, nutritious food and beverages, free WiFi and more.
In addition, Small Talk Family Cafe will emphasize environmentally friendly practices with a focus on green toys and equipment, natural, organic offerings, and non-toxic cleaning methods.
1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The restaurant and bar Sunol Ridge in downtown Walnut Creek is getting ready for a May opening according to Diablo Dish and their signage is now up. Check out their Facebook page here.
From their Open Table reservations page:
The rustic-meets-traditional Sunol Ridge Restaurant and Bar boasts a private dining room, serpentine bar, and outdoor patio with fire pit. Sunol Ridge embraces key elements from its inspiration: a nineteenth century homestead ranch located in the Fremont/Sunol hills bringing life on the ranch to the bustling city. With 54 taps of craft beer and local wine and an extensive menu hosting fresh, organic foods, Sunol Ridge provides a unique dining experience that is sure to leave you satisfied and with great memories.
3707 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new restaurant called T’s Firehouse Indian Cuisine & Sports Bar is opening next week (update: they are now open) on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette right behind Kelly-Moore Paints. Although a menu was not available and their online presence is still being developed I did get a preview of the inside which is quite eclectic with a lifesize diorama greeting you when you enter. True to the sports bar concept there are a lot of TVs inside. I look forward to seeing how the food turns out.
Plenty more photos of the inside after the jump…
35 Crescent Dr, Pleasant Hill
Earlier this month we learned that Gotta Eatta Pita was opening their second location in downtown Pleasant Hill and they are now open. (Their first location, in Danville, opened last December.) I had a chance to stop by for dinner recently and was impressed with the offerings and reasonable pricing. This seems to have hit a chord with locals as they plan on opening more Gotta Eatta Pita locations (one per month!) throughout the Bay Area including San Francisco. Next up, Pleasanton, on Owens Drive.
The ordering reminds me of Chipotle. After choosing between salad/pita, and shawarma, falafel or the combo, you walk down the line towards the register adding various sides and toppings such as eggplant, purple cabbage, hummus, cous cous and tahini sauce. They kept stuffing more and more that I was getting nervous how I was going to eat it and on top of that at the end they went back and stuffed more falafels on top. They place it in a cardboard box in which the top half can be ripped opened allowing for easy eating. Check out their menu here.
Check out the pita combo:
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word and photo that a new burger joint called Mona’s Burgers and Shakes will be opening in the Palos Verdes Mall in Walnut Creek. As you can see by the signage this is where Chopin Café & Polish Restaurant used to be.
According to the owner they plan on opening this July and will feature gourmet hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and shakes. Beer and wine will also be available. Check out their website here which will be updated soon. Sounds promising!
