548 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill
A new restaurant featuring sandwiches, ramen, and udon dishes with karaoke rooms and pool tables called Fat Baguette Lounge opened last month where Game Zone used to be in Pleasant Hill. The karaoke rooms can be reserved for $29.99/hour (up to 12 people) and the pool table can be used for $15.99/hour. Check out their menu here.
More photos including karaoke, pool rooms and ramen bowl after the jump…
The other day I was running on the Lamorinda trail in Lafayette when I encountered a huge flock of wild turkeys right on the trail. There were so many that as I approached them I was contemplating what to do if they started attacking me. Thankfully, they let me pass and I completed my run. Other times I’ve seen coyotes, lizards, deer and raccoons. The one animal I worry about is the mountain lion. Don’t flee they say; easier said than done!
What are some interesting animals you’ve encountered in this area?
Sports Basement
1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
Friday, November 9th, 2018
4:00 – 8:00pm | FreeMeet with our mountain reps to get your lift passes and learn about all the new upgrades you’ll see at the lifts and resorts this winter (some resorts may also have lift tickets).
Squaw | Alpine will be selling super discounted Season Passes only available at SnowFest!
In true Sports Basement fashion, we will be offering beer from CALICRAFT Brewing Co. All beer donations will be going to Sustainable Contra Costa.
Salvio Pacheco Square, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word about a new restaurant called Leisure Dessert opening at Salvio Pacheco Square in Concord where Fusion Bistro used to be. Despite its name, it’s actually a restaurant that serves items besides dessert. Check out their menu on their Facebook page here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Has anyone noticed that the new benches surrounding the fountain after Apple reopened in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek have lost their backs? I thought they were going to be replaced but it’s been a while and no backs so far. I wonder what happened?
Orinda Theatre
4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda
Thursday, November 8th, 2018
6:30pm | FreeDeliverance is a 1972 American thriller film produced and directed by John Boorman, and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox, with the latter two making their feature film debuts. Widely acclaimed as a landmark picture, the film is noted for a music scene near the beginning, with one of the city men playing “Dueling Banjos” on guitar with a banjo-strumming country boy, that sets the tone for what lies ahead, a trip into unknown and potentially dangerous wilderness.
1425 Duncan St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Jamba Juice closed their downtown Walnut Creek location recently. I wonder if they were affected at all by iTea opening last spring right next door? The other Walnut Creek spot in the Countrywood Shopping Center on Bancroft Rd is still around.
1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that a new mural of koi fish has appeared on the old Apple store location in downtown Walnut Creek. If you walk around the corner and down towards the outdoor Va de Vi patio behind the giant oak tree you’ll be able to view a really cool koi pond built by the developer. There are also a few turtles waddling around the pond. If you haven’t visited before, the next time you’re in downtown Walnut Creek be sure to check it out!
Artist Statement:
This painting was inspired by what I consider to be a “hidden jewel” of Walnut Creek – the Koi pond behind Va de Vi. My grandson and I frequently enjoy visiting this secret, intimate space with the constant ongoing mini-drama of the colorful koi, waterfall and beautiful maple trees encircling the pond.
I am so very grateful to add my own special “something” to the exciting, inviting atmosphere of Walnut Creek. It is very satisfying to me knowing that my artwork for this storefront might brighten someone’s day.
Kahni Horton, local artist
Victoria Sweet – Slow Medicine:
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thursday, November 15th, 2018
7:00 – 8:00pm | FreeOver the years that Victoria Sweet has been a physician, “healthcare” has replaced medicine, “providers” look at their laptops more than at their patients, and costs keep soaring, all in the ruthless pursuit of efficiency. Yet the remedy that economists and policymakers continue to miss is also miraculously simple.
Good medicine takes more than amazing technology; it takes time — time to respond to bodies as well as data, time to arrive at the right treatment. Join us for a stimulating discussion with Sweet about her book, Slow Medicine.
1523 Giammona Dr, Walnut Creek
It’s been over a year since we first learned about a new Japanese restaurant coming to downtown Walnut Creek called Tozai Izakaya from the owner of nearby Ramen Hiroshi and as you can see in the above photo the signage is up. They will be located between Skipolini’s Pizza and Bourbon Highway. For a while I didn’t notice anything going on inside but lately there has been a lot of activity going on so I expect this open soon!
