Todos Santos Plaza
2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Saturday, March 31st, 2018
12:00 – 4:00pm | $40 ($50 at gate)We are very proud that this year’s event is again a benefit for the TSBA Arts Foundation, which helps fund the summer music program in Todos Santos Park, as well as youth music programs around Concord.
Unlimited tasting from over 60 craft breweries, live music and great food.
The Veranda, Concord
Popbar “coming soon” signage is up at the Veranda shopping center in Concord near the IMAX movie theater. Check out their gelato on a stick menu here and gelato sandwich on stick menu here. They also carry sorbet, frozen yogurts pops and shakes. This is going to be great come summer!
3566 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
A new electronic cigarette shop called Blazin Jayz Smoke Shop recently opened next to Learning Express Toys in Lafayette. They sell e-cigarettes, hookahs, vape juices with flavors such as apple e-juice, grape, banana cream, Hulk Tears, and more.
Considering the location, next to a toy store of all places, some Lafayette residents are not happy with this. One Lafayette resident emailed:
I’m extremely disappointed about the decision to approve a smoke shop directly next door to our beloved toy store. We’ve already chatted about this as a family so my elementary school daughter understands the concern about locating the two stores together. I love Lafayette and, though I don’t smoke, I understand that there might be demand for a smoke shop in Lafayette. There are many open storefronts in the city, though. I wish the town has been more thoughtful in its approach; the placement of the smoke shop makes Lafayette seem motivated by profit. This hits the wrong note for me.
Should a smoke shop offering kid-friendly vape flavors be allowed to open next to a toy store? Aren’t there city ordinances prohibiting this? If not, shouldn’t there be?
Photo from Lafayette Juniors
Lafayette Juniors 2018 Annual Kitchen Tour:
Lafayette
Saturday, May 19th, 2018
10:00am – 3:00pm | $50 ($65 + lunch)Tour six beautiful Lafayette homes for a great cause, with masterfully designed unique, elegant and awe-inspiring kitchens. The Tour benefits No One Left Behind, Girls Inc., City Slicker Farms, White Pony Express, and Contra Costa Crisis Center. Tickets are $50, box lunch available for $15. Purchase tickets at www.lafayettejuniors.org or Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.
Village Square Shopping Center, Orinda
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Village inn Cafe, which closed earlier this year after 30 years in business, has reopened with new owners. According to an employee the menu is slightly different and they no longer offer French toast.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
These days the Willows shopping center in Concord just can’t catch a break with Aaron Brothers Art & Framing being the latest store to close or move in recent months, possibly in June. According to Pasadena Star News most locations will be folded into Michael’s stores (same owner) with a few remaining open in Texas.
Town Hall ThEATre History – Guided by Local Food Adventures:
Town Hall Theatre
3535 School St, Lafayette
Saturday, April 14th, 2018
4:00 – 6:00pm | $45 ($40 subscribers)Join us for a series of cultural and culinary explorations as we are led by Lafayette mom and Local Food Adventures owner, Lauren McCabe Herpich, as she takes you through the rich history behind Town Hall Theatre and the excitement of its theatrical productions — all while enjoying some seriously delicious local flavors along the way.
During these two-hour guided celebrations, Lauren will take you on a behind-the-scenes journey through the Town Hall Theatre and introduce you to the professionals that bring the magic of the stage to life. You’ll also enjoy satisfying servings of foods and libations from local Lamorinda proprietors excited to expand on the theme of the theater.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Last February we learned that the San Ramon-based restaurant Fat Maddie’s would be opening in the Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center where Pasta Pomodoro used to be and they have now opened. Based on the planters in front it looks like there will be front and side patio seating. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
Since 2010, Fat Maddie’s Grille in San Ramon has offered artisan, farmhouse inspired sandwiches, burgers, salads, and entrees – All made with the freshest local ingredients in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Named for our family’s favorite goat, FAT MADDIE’S rustic menu incorporates local, sustainable, and organic ingredients. The family is committed to serving only free-range and antibiotic free chicken as well as hormone and antibiotic free beef. FAT MADDIE’S eggs come from chickens on the family’s personal working farm and food waste is recycled to pigs on a neighboring ranch. As for the goat cheese, let’s just say that Maddie has her sources.
The Veranda, Concord
The French-chain cosmetics shop Sephora, owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, will be opening a 4,400 square foot store this summer at the Veranda shopping center in Concord. Check out their online shop and the brands they carry here.
TreasureFest Easter Brunch Party:
Pier 1
Treasure Island, San Francisco
Saturday, March 24th – Sunday, March 25th, 2018
10:00am – 4:00pm |$5Monthly market hosts 400+ local artists, makers, designers, antique collectors, under ground food start-ups, & more.
– 3 Full bars featuring a variety of local wine, craft beers, and seasonal cocktails.
– DIY community workshops & carnival games.
– 25+ Food Trucks & Food Tents
– Scavenger hunts.
– $5 Entry, kids 12 & Under Free
– Kid zone with games for all ages
– 2+ local bands each day
– Pet friendly
– Free parking
