The Veranda, Concord
If the Willows Shopping Center were a person how do you think they would feel that Cost Plus World Market left them for The Veranda, a new shopping center located right next door? Anyway, there are eclectic things to be found at Cost Plus which makes for fun browsing. I ended up buying a chocolate video game controller made in Germany of all things! The smile on my son’s face made it a worthwhile purchase. (It tasted pretty good, too) š
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
It’s that time of year again as Santa returns to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, this time right near Sephora, where you can get your photo with Santa.
From the Broadway Plaza Santa photos page:
Santa will be available for photos and visits at his winter home, located near Sephora and Crate&Barrel.
Reservations available, but not required!
SANTA HOURS
November 17 – December 23:
MON-SAT: 10am-7pm (Break: 2pm-3pm)
SUN: 11am-6pm (Break: 2pm-3pm)
* November 23 (Thanksgiving): ClosedDecember 24
SAT: 9am – 6pm (Break: 2pm-3pm)
1411 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Well, that was fast. It turns outĀ The Lumpia CompanyĀ (which replacedĀ 310 Eatery) only lasted about a week inside the Urban Alley bar in downtown Walnut Creek. š As you can see from the food menu below Urban Alley themselves now offer salads, wings, fires and fried brussels sprouts in addition to their extensive drink selection. Check out their Facebook page here.
Main Street Plaza, Walnut Creek
A new toy store and gift shop featuring custom designs made out of cardboard and wood called MakenPlay opened recently in a tiny gazebo-like structure across from Papyrus in downtown Walnut Creek on Botelho Dr. What’s interesting is not only that it’s made in Walnut Creek but it’s actually made right inside this tiny store with a laser cutter. You can’t get any more local than this and considering the custom designs and reasonable prices, you should definitely check this place out just in time for the holidays!
From their website:
WHY MAKENPLAY ?
ā %100 safe material, Environmental-friendly
ā Paintable 3D Unique design
ā Encourage creativity and imagination
ā Made from 100% recycled cardboard.
ā Foldable Design Giant Size Toys
ā Made in USA
More photos of the inside after the jump…
The Veranda, Concord
Peet’s Coffee opened today in the new Veranda shopping center in Concord. The spacious inside looks great and there is plenty of outdoor seating at their patio. Check out their menu here.
More photos after the jump…
Lafayette Mercantile
Back in September we learned thatĀ Carolineās Salon would be be expanding from their La Fiesta Square location a few blocks away to Lafayette Mercantile with a new salon called Caroline’s Blowdrys & Base Color and they have now opened. Check out their services here.
Lyric, Walnut Creek
Over four years ago we first learned of a little public parklet within a new apartment and retail complex (now known as Lyric) coming to downtown Walnut Creek and the Water Light Public Plaza is now open to the public. As you can see in the photo below there is a new cool-looking work of art along the back wall.
125 Hartz Ave, Danville
A new Japanese sushi restaurant called Kibo Sushi is opening where Kane Sushi used to be on Hartz Ave. in Danville. Stay tuned…
Orinda Theatre Square
A new popup shop featuring Moraga-based Hofssi Chocolates and Hollie’s Homegrown farm-to-table food & gifts opened recently inĀ the wine bar Cine CuvĆ©e next to the Orinda movie theater. They are open every day from 11am to 5pm through December 23rd and the wine bar is still open after 5pm. You can also find Hollie’s at the Moraga and Walnut Creek Shadelands farmers market. Hofssi Chocolates will be offering their chocolates at various events which are listed here andĀ can also be found at Diablo Foods.
From the Hollie’s Homegrown website:
Hollie’s Homegrown is a small, organic family farm in Moraga, California. We specialize in growing culinary herbs, herbal teas, and medicinal herbs for bath & body products. Grown to perfection in our own backyard (literally!), we keep a watchful eye on our precious plants like part of the family.
From the Hofssi Chocolates website:
Linda Hofmeister and Susan Rossi founded their business in Moraga California to serve Lamorinda and the greater Contra Costa County. We specialize in producing premium chocolates, gianduja, caramels, and toffee. Our elegant confections are freshly made using the finest ingredients. Our company’s motto “Conscientious Consumption” means that we are dedicated to sourcing as many organic, sustainable and local ingredients as practicable.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
1275 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Gott’s Roadside, the iconic Napa-based burger joint that we’ve been following since last year, is set to open early DecemberĀ in downtown Walnut Creek according to a reply on their Instagram photo. As you can see from the photo below it looks almost ready go. If you look closely at the above photo you may even notice a rainbow… While we wait for it to open check out their menu here.
