1321 Locust St, Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that Pleasant Hill-based coffee shop Rooted would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. They have a great logo; I tried their avocado toast, aka “Avocado Dream”, and it was delicious, as was their iced cold brew coffee and cinnamon donut. I look forward to going back soon!
Park Plaza Shops, Lafayette
In June we learned that Hollie’s Homegrown would be coming to Park Plaza Shops in Lafayette, and their signage is now up. Check out their online shop here.
From their website:
The store also highlights other locally made and grown products that compliment Hollie’s items like one-of-a-kind textiles, artwork/photography by Lamorinda artists, local jewelry designers, hand crafted cutting boards to name a few!
In addition, Hollie has a wine tasting available where customers can sample the fine wines grown by her father, Louis Lucas.
As someone who likes to hike, I was very curious what the cause of death of the family that went hiking one day in August near Yosemite. I was pretty sure it was going to be related to toxic algae blooms in the water they filtered and drank, considering most filters don’t work on cyantoxins found in algae. But it turned out they died of dehydration. Considering how hot it was and how experienced they were, I don’t understand why they didn’t bring more water.
Are you worried about becoming dehydrated when hiking during the summer?
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
A new lululemon popup shop is coming to Broadway Plaza where GAP used to be. Check out their Walnut Creek page here.
Main Street Plaza, Walnut Creek
A couple of weeks ago we learned that the bakery and matcha café, Third Culture, makers of the Mochi Muffin, would be opening at Main Street Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, and they have now opened. I tried a yuzu butter mochi donut and four types of mochi muffins (original, matcha, ube, and black sesame), which were all delicious. One intriguing element was how they hand whisked the matcha into the drink which I thought was really cool!
Photos of the merchandise shop and yuzu butter mochi donut and matcha drink after the jump…
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Crescent Bistro, a new restaurant featuring “locally sourced, high quality ingredients, and craft cocktails” is coming soon to Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
Chef Brad is an industry veteran that has spent time at award winning restaurants Va de Vi Bistro in Walnut Creek, Revival Bar + Kitchen in Berkeley, and Esin in Danville. Crescent Bistro is his first venture into ownership, and he will offer seasonal California cuisine featuring local produce and a variety of flavorful small plates complemented by craft cocktails in a relaxed bistro setting.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Mangia Ristorante Pizzeria has closed at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. Look for SLIVER Pizzeria to open in this spot soon. Check out their menu here.
Photo by Unsplash user chrishardyphotography
Last weekend, the Malibu Barbie truck visited Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. The Hello Kitty truck also makes frequent appearances. These days, many kids enjoy video games more than physical toys. When I was growing up, I was bombarded with advertisements during Saturday morning cartoons, and always was looking forward to the latest toys like seen on the Netflix documentary show “The Toys That Made Us”.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
The Malibu Barbie truck was at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek last weekend, but crowds were far lighter compared to the Hello Kitty truck. Why is that? Is Barbie passé?
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Southern Comfort Kitchen opened in the Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center. Check out their menu here. When I visit I think I’ll try the chicken and sausage Jambalaya. Mmm, Jambalaya!
From their website:
Take a tour of authentic New Orleans Cajun cuisine, right here in the Bay Area! Southern Comfort Kitchen, run by 3 brothers all the way from New Orleans, is ready to satisfy your cravings for the finest food on Earth! Visit us at the Restaurant in Castro Valley, Pleasant Hill or at the Food Trucks that travel all around the Bay Area.
