December 2011 – Page 2 – Beyond the Creek

Judging Stores – Norf London

December 26, 2011 11:30 am

Located in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, Norf London, owned by a woman originally from north London offers fashion inspired by the English aesthetic. “Norf” is how “North” is pronounced in North London, hence the play on words.

It has been around over 6 years and if you’re wondering how could a chic shop like this could be right in downtown Walnut Creek all these years without noticing, well, it’s a bit off the beaten path. As you’re walking down N. Main St. towards Neiman Marcus, turn right right before the Rochester Big & Tall clothing store in the covered passageway and it will be on your right, a few stores down. Finds like this are why I like wandering around Walnut Creek as opposed to a typical suburban mall where everything looks the same.

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Broadway Plaza Shopping Cars

December 26, 2011 8:30 am

These shopping cars are a perennial favorite among young children, and are available to rent for free at the Broadway Plaza Concierge next to Macy’s. It might be hard to spot but there is a black mesh bag under the handle to place shopping goods which is convenient for the adults. Note that you need to make a $20 deposit but it’s refunded when the car is returned.

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Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2011 4:32 pm

Wishing everyone in Walnut Creek and nearby a very merry Christmas! Have a great time, stay safe if you’re traveling and for those going on vacation have plenty of fun!

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TAO Restaurant Opens in Lafayette

December 23, 2011 12:48 pm

Flipper’s Burger’s in Lafayette has been replaced by TAO Restaurant which opened this month at 960 Moraga Rd. They specialize in Ramen noodles and also have a breakfast menu of omelets, pancakes, waffles and French toast. Amazingly they still offer Flipper’s hamburgers. Turns out the chef at Flipper’s stayed on at Tao so you can enjoy your burgers AND Japanese noodles.

Has anyone tried the Ramen here? Any fans?

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Judging Stores – Mercer Apartments

December 23, 2011 8:30 am

Recently Crazy in Suburbia posted about plans for California Cafe to be torn down to make way for a “five-story mixed-use residential and retail project.” California Cafe was located next to the Lesher Center parking garage which reminded me of the Mercer complex across the street from Lesher Center. There were big plans for retail development at the Mercer, most likely to be anchored by a restaurant at the corner closest to the Lesher Center. It turns out to not have worked out quite as they imagined. After first getting the gourmet burger chain The Counter at the other end things were looking good. But it wasn’t until years later that a Mike’s Bikes occupied the prime corner across from Lesher. Now Mike’s Bikes is a very nice store, but I was a bit suprised that went in rather than a restaurant. As for the stores in between, 2 are unoccupied, and 4 are salons. No cafes, no convenience stores, but a great place to get your nails done I suppose.

I wonder if the developers who plan to redo California Cafe have taken into account what happened at the Mercer. Any thoughts on this?

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Mt. Diablo School Custodian Arrested

December 23, 2011 6:30 am

From a Walnut Creek Police bulletin:

On 12/21/11, the Walnut Creek Police Department received information of an adult male who was alleged to have committed lewd acts with a child under 14 years old. The allegations were investigated and on 12/22/11 at approximately 1900 hours, Walnut Creek Police Detectives served a Search and Arrest Warrant for the person and residence of John Astor, who is employed as a custodian for the Mt. Diablo School District.

Astor was arrested a short distance away from his home and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of committing lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old. Astor is being held on $1.5 million dollars bail.

Due to his occupation as a custodian (at a variety of schools throughout the district) and his accessibility to children, anyone who has additional information about Astor or suspects their child may be a victim is urged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844.

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Walnut Creek City Hall Closed 12/23/11 – 1/2/12

December 22, 2011 4:30 pm

This is a reminder Walnut Creek City Hall will be closed tomorrow through Monday 1/2/12 opening back up on Tuesday 1/3/12.

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Giant Chanukah Menorah at Broadway Plaza

December 22, 2011 12:00 pm

As noted previously, this is the giant menorah on display at Broadway Plaza until Dec. 27, the last day of Chanukah. I think that’s a dreidel design at the bottom.

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Coming Soon – Anthropologie

December 22, 2011 8:30 am

“Coming Soon” as in, sometime in 2012, not next month. As noted in the summer issue of Walnut Creek Magazine, Anthropologie is coming to the former Mark Morris Tire shop located at Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Locust St. According to the Walnut Creek planning department it’s still undergoing design review.

This probably means Urban Outfitters on Olympic Blvd. is doing pretty well since they also own Anthropologie. This location is absolutely prime. Now I wonder what will go in the old post office that closed down last month a few stores away.