1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
It’s been over a year since the Japanese restaurant Izakaya Jun opened in downtown Walnut Creek but according to a sign in the window they have now closed but a, “new restaurant will be opened one month later”. Does this mean the same owners will open a new but different restaurant? Stay tuned…
Thanks to a reader for pointing this out.
1627 North Broadway, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Salvatore Ristorante has closed in downtown Walnut Creek. According to a sign in the window and on their website, they will reopen next month in September after remodeling and be known as “Benvenuti”. They first opened back in 1996.
From their website:
So with much excitement and enthusiasm, Salvatore Ristorante will undergo a major remodel beginning July 25, 2016. They plan on updating the dining rooms and bar while maintaining the classic feel they are known for. The kitchen will also get a major overhaul, bringing in smokers, larger pasta makers and new equipment to ensure everything is made in house. The menu will be streamlined incorporating more seasonal and local ingredients while keeping favorites like their famous lasagna and gnocchi.
At its heart Salvatore Ristorante plans on remaining the same but with so many changes they will also be introducing a new name, “Benvenuti”. Angela’s goal has always been to be very welcoming hence Benvenuti (Italian for welcome). We will see all the wonderful changes by the middle of September 2016 when they reopen.
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Sports Basement is opening a new store in San Ramon where Orchard Supply Hardware used to be in the Marketplace Shopping Center. They expect to open October 1st.
From their website:
We are beyond excited to open our 7th Sports Basement in the amazing community of San Ramon! This is an area we have been watching for a while and when the old Orchard Supply Hardware location became available we jumped on it.
We’re busy transforming the building into the lovable local Sports Basement our customers expect and can’t wait to meet all of our neighbors from San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Diablo, Blackhawk and Livermore.
Pictured above is San Ramon’s new General Manager, John Courtney, who led our Walnut Creek store for the past few years. You’ll probably recognize him from the store or the Diablo mountain bike trails.
If you would like inquire about using our store’s community space or discuss other partnerships email Toni Lum who is in charge of local community outreach. If you would like to join the Sports Basement San Ramon team visit our jobs page to fill out an application.
See you October 1st at our grand opening party!
2151 Salvio St, Concord
A new Peruvian restaurant called Lima is set to to open this October where Mi Pizza used to be in Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Another Peruvian restaurant, Parada, opened last year so it looks like Peruvian fare is becoming more and more popular. According to Lima’s website, the executive chef, John Marquez, who was born in Peru, was sous chef for “Daniel Patterson at his restaurant at that time, Elisabeth Daniel,” followed later with stints working for Thomas Keller at both French Laundry and Per Se in New York as well as “Executive Chef at the acclaimed Fringale Restaurant in San Francisco”.
From their website:
Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine like you’ve never had before at Lima. Our Peruvian restaurant serves the best Peruvian food you’ll eat this side of the Putumayo River. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh daily with locally grown, sustainable ingredients. From earth to table, we strive to deliver an intimate, delicious, and unforgettable dining experience, offering top-quality cuisine at affordable prices.
I’ve been going to local farmers markets for many years now and the one farm that has been a contant presence has been Hamada Farms, offering various fruits including dried fruits such as my all time favorite, dried persimmon (anpo gaki). Over the weekend I stopped by the Moraga and Walnut Creek farmers markets and noticed that in Moraga R&D Farms was where Hamada Farms always used to be. When I asked what happened to Hamada Farms, they said they were neighbors of Hamada Farms and that due to an illness Hamada Farms had to vacate several of their farmers market spots.
Obviously this is sad news. I hope they recover and eventually come back to Walnut Creek, Moraga and elsewhere.
Danville Livery
A new fitness studio featuring the Lagree method called Sculpt50 is opening very soon in Danville Livery on Sycamore Valley Rd. in Danville. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.
From their website:
The Lagree Fitness Method™ is an efficient total body conditioning workout that burns 500-800 calories per session. This high intensity workout is low impact that is safe and fun for everyone of any fitness level. With each move, you will tone your muscles, strengthen your core, and increase your flexibility.
500 Hartz Ave, Danville
Back in February we learned about a new farm to table restaurant opening in Danville where Amber Bistro used to be, featuring the, “freshest and finest ingredients sourced from local purveyors” called Almanac, and they have now opened. Check out their brunch menu here, lunch menu here, and dinner menu here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last month we learned that cycling studio SoulCycle would be opening this month in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, and their opening day is this Thursday, August 11th.
From a press release:
SoulCycle Walnut Creek will feature a 57-bike studio, home to the signature SoulCycle workout. The 3,350 square foot studio will also house an expansive lifestyle boutique selling SoulCycle’s original performance and athleisure clothing collections. Additional rider amenities include full men’s and women’s locker rooms with two showers each and multiple bathrooms.
SoulCycle Walnut Creek is located in Broadway Plaza at 116 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
SoulCycle classes in California cost $30.
1415 Pine St, Walnut Creek
It’s been a long time coming but the Walnut Creek brewery Farm Creek Brewing Company finally opened over the weekend. An American lager, pale ale and amber ale are currently available including a 32 ounce take home crowler can. (Check the photos after the jump for the crowler-making process). The amber ale “Favorite Daughter” I tried has a bold yet smooth flavor that tasted amazing. The inside has various seating and standing areas including a couple of rocking chairs which is a nice touch. Check for updates on their Facebook page here and their website here.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
1387 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
The women’s clothing boutique featuring European designs, jeu de jupe, is moving from their current downtown Walnut Creek location to an as yet unknown location. According to a sign in the window there is a sale through August 31st. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.
