Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last June we learned that the Vancouver-based women’s clothing store Aritzia would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and they have now opened. They took over the former J.Crew and J.Jill spots and with soaring ceilings it feels quite spacious. The artistic flourishes throughout the store add to the scene. Check out their website here.
1103 S. California Blvd, Walnut Creek
Exciting news as Philz Coffee is opening a new cafe this summer in downtown Walnut Creek! Thanks to a reader for pointing out that they are hiring a “store leader” for their new location next to Genova Delicatessen. Check out this Craigslist hiring post which points out the summer opening, also here. Check out their store menu here and more about their story here. How does Philz compare to Peet’s?
Hartz Ave, Danville
The clothing and home decor store 1001 Collections has relocated from their Rose Ave. location to Hartz Ave. in Danville. Interestingly, according to the owner they offer birthday parties for girls. Check out their website here.
Danville Hotel Town Center
Late last year we learned that Pressed Juicery was coming to Danville Hotel Town Center and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. I really enjoy their frozen yogurt-esque desserts, especially as it starts getting warmer out.
Orchards Shopping Center, Walnut Creek
Elements Massage recently opened in the Orchards shopping center in Walnut Creek. Check out the massage rates for this location here. They’re offering a $30 off special intro rate.
150 Hartz Avenue, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the Chinese restaurant Uncle Wang’s has closed in Danville. It’s replacement, Wonderland Danville is also a Chinese restaurant that just opened. This is the same owner as Wonderland in San Francisco.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Last September we learned that the eyeglass shop Art and Science of Eyewear would be relocating within La Fiesta Square in Lafayette where Itrim used to be and they have now reopened. Check out their website here.
7000 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek
Earlier this month we learned that the gourmet convenience store ENroute Market opened in the Avalon apartment complex near the Pleasant Hill BART station in Walnut Creek and recently I stopped by for a closer look. To say ENroute Market is a “convenience” store is like saying Bergdorf Goodman is just a department store. Yes, ENroute Market is a convenience store in the sense that you can find most anything found in convenience stores elsewhere, but the quality of goods seen here is unparalleled, especially considering the location. They carry everything from snacks, grab-n-go breakfast and lunch items, drinks, gifts, condiments and more. In the mood for pizza? They can heat up a gourmet frozen pie in two minutes with their Turbo Chef oven! How about kombucha? Two recent flavors on tap are grapefruit sage and pomegranate. They even carry Marvis toothpaste, toilet paper and other sundries.
The breakfast and lunch meals are made fresh daily by former Google chef Charlie Ayers, with leftover food donated to the Monument Crisis Center and UC Berkeley food pantry. I tried the pork bowl with quinoa which was delicious. They also carry baked goods from Emeryville-based Starter Bakery. The kouign-amann (see photo after the jump) was great. The bread is from Oakland-based Firebrand. Although not cheap, they do carry bacon bread which tasted SO good. For drinks, in addition to dark roast drip coffee, craft soda and juices they also offer craft beer, clever wine recommendations based on destinations such as “poolside”, “date night”, “girls’ night” and more.
What sets ENroute Market apart is the quality and distinctness of items carried. The owner has personally tried every one of the 700 stocked items and just by browsing around for a few minutes it’s clear they really care about everything they carry. Items like Torra caviar chips, Malvi marshmallow confections, Humphrey Slocombe Secret Breakfast ice cream, Snozzberry craft soda (available from the soda machine). I could go on and on but check out the photos after the jump to see what I mean. This place is amazing; you should definitely check it out when you have a chance!
Plenty more photos of the inside after the jump…
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Boston-based clothing store Ministry of Supply is coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where Vince Camuto used to be. Check out their website here. “Complimentary tailoring” is a nice perk. According to the Wikipedia page, it was founded by MIT students and funded by Kickstarter campaigns. Sounds interesting! Has anyone been to their San Francisco store? Thanks to a reader for sending word about the latest city permit info.
From their website:
What if the innovation was actually focused on making the experience of wearing the product better? Ministry of Supply was founded in 2012 to answer this question. We believe that clothing is both an expression of our identity and ideas, and an extension of the body, where form and function intersect. Our mission is to design and construct garments true to the form of the body, so we can unlock the body’s innate potential, leaving one truly unrestricted to focus on their daily pursuits.
1606 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Concord-based La Sen Bistro, featuring French-Vietnamese cuisine, is opening a new location in downtown Walnut Creek where Ottavio used to be and are expecting to open in mid-April. Check out their menu here. I look forward to trying this place out; has anyone been to their Concord location?
From their website:
In the Vietnamese language, La Sen means “lotus leaves,” but it also represents a deeper meaning. We aim to encompass a type of French cooking that has no defined borders and seamlessly marries influences of the French, the Vietnamese, and the diversity of the Bay Area. Our philosophy is quite simple: Cooking comes from the intuition, imagination, and passion for good food.