Lafayette Clocktower
Venture Quality Goods is now fully open in Lafayette since they stock Patagonia provisions like wild sockeye salmon, smoked mussels, various snack bars and other food in front. While you’re there (limit five people in the store at one time), check out their clothing and other meticulously selected goods. You can also shop online at their website here.
Photo by Unsplash user llanydd
Over the past month I’ve been ordering masks at varying price points to see which ones I like the best. So far I use N95 masks (left over from last year’s fires) at the grocery store, and basic two layer cloth masks everywhere else, when needed. When we’ll need to return to work, I’ll soon be getting sturdier cloth masks with filter inserts for intermediary protection.
Do you have a favorite brand of mask you wear? How much do they cost? Do they fog up your glasses? What do you like most about them?
312 Railroad Ave, Danville
In March, we got a sneak preview of the Napa-based wine tasting lounge/store The Find in Danville, and although they were only open for ten days before the coronovirus pandemic caused them to close, when I dropped by over the weekend, I found they were open for wine orders via no contact curbside pickup. Check out their wine list here, and schedule a 30 minute Zoom-based virtual shopping session here.
Over the weekend I had a chance to check out two farmers markets, one in Danville and the other in downtown Walnut Creek. It was interesting to compare and contrast the signage and people at each market. Danville had the most varied signage informing people not to touch the produce and to wear masks, while the Walnut Creek signs focused on social distancing. The Walnut Creek market was really packed, comparable to what I’d normally see before the coronavirus pandemic.
I ended up buying a bunch of strawberries and cherries. Over the week I’ve been enjoying both, but about 50% are absolutely delicious, and the other half leave a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, I don’t know which place I bought the good ones from! 🍒🍓🤔
120 West Linda Mesa, Danville
The home decor and gift shop Gingerlily recently closed their retail store in Danville at the restored Austin Root house but their online shop remains open here.
Danville Livery
Last August we learned that the Japanese fusion restaurant Aozora would be coming to Danville Livery where Jules Thin Crust Pizza used to be and they are now getting ready to open next month with a special menu available for takeout. I was able to get a preview of the inside which you can see below. There will also be an outdoor dining patio (seen in the above photo on the left). This will be a great place to enjoy Japanese fusion, with a full bar available, including whiskey, and in the meantime, be sure to order takeout to try something new, and support local businesses. Check for updates on their website here and Insta here.
Thanks to a reader for sending a picture of the “Masked Bulldog” in downtown Walnut Creek. The “Bullman with Bulldog” sculpture first appeared at the corner of Main St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd. about three years ago.
If you have a photo to share of something interesting around town please email photos[at]beyondthecreek.com
Life is strange. Massive lines at grocery stores. People wearing masks with social distancing warnings plastered around trails. If someone told you a year ago this would be the norm, how would you react? You’d think they’d be joking, right?
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last month we learned that Plaza Escuela in Walnut Creek closed their benches to encourage social distancing and now Broadway Plaza is getting into the act with the recent closure of the patio next to the Apple store.
“The Future is Bright”
—J.Crew
Is the future really bright for private equity-owned J.Crew, the clothing store who declared bankruptcy last week? I don’t know, let’s ask other private equity owned stores like Toys “R” Us, Sports Authority, and Gymboree.
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