365 by Whole Foods + Urban Remedy + Next Level Burger Open in The Veranda in Concord

December 8, 2017 11:30 am

The Veranda, Concord

The other day I was able to get a preview of the IMAX movie theater in the Veranda shopping center in Concord and that is also the day that 365 by Whole Foods opened at the other end of the center. On one end is the organic food company Urban Remedy (menu here) and on the other is Oregon-based, vegan fast food restaurant Next Level Burger. Check out their menu here.

The 365 Whole Foods looks like a typical Whole Foods with pre-packaged meats and a focus on “365” items. There is a great looking vegetable/fruit section as well as a separate taqueria section towards the back. They even have a rewards program. Considering how Amazon now owns Whole Foods it’s not surprising that many aspects of the store are electronically-based, such as beer and wine info and bulk weigh (see photos after the jump).

More photos after the jump…

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Friday Question of the Day – What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition?

December 8, 2017 8:30 am

Photo by Flickr user dapuglet

With the holidays approaching I’ve been noticing the popularity of ugly Christmas sweaters which seems like a pretty quirky tradition. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

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Create an Ugly Xmas Sweater at Walnut Creek Library Dec 14th

December 7, 2017 4:30 pm

Create an Ugly Xmas Sweater:

Walnut Creek Library
1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Thursday, December 14th, 2017
6:00 – 7:45pm | Free (registration required)

Bring your own sweater or sweatshirt to this month’s Handmade @ the Library program and add some special touches to create an ugly Xmas sweater to wear for your next holiday party. The library will supply all the glitter, buttons and bows you need.

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Gott’s Roadside Opens in Downtown Walnut Creek

December 7, 2017 1:55 pm

1275 S. Main St, Walnut Creek

The eagerly anticipated opening of Napa-based Gott’s Roadside in downtown Walnut Creek is today and with long communal tables in the center as well as private tables at the perimeter and outdoor tables there should be plenty of space to grab a spot to try their new vegetarian Impossible burger (amazing!) or one of their classic burgers or salads. Check out their menu here. For those who have been to one of their other locations such as the Ferry Building in San Francisco, the food and ordering process is the same (with the vibrating disc alerting you to go to the far side for pickup). A bar is located conveniently nearby to grab a drink while watching the latest game. I’ve had many burgers at Gott’s which I’ve always enjoyed but I was pleasantly surprised by the Impossible Burger. It really exceeded my expectations. Take a look at a close up of the burger after the jump as well as plenty more photos.

Plenty more photos after the jump…

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Preview of IMAX Theater at The Veranda in Concord

December 7, 2017 9:30 am

The Veranda, Concord

Just in time for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the new LUXE Cinema and IMAX theater is opening next Thursday, December 14th in the new Veranda shopping center in Concord. There will be 10 auditoriums including an 80 foot wide, 4 story tall IMAX theater. Interestingly, every seat will have full menu service and if you check out the photo of the seats after the jump you’ll see little slide-out table trays in front of each seat. There is also a full bar near the lobby with seating throughout as well as an outdoor patio. I was able to check out one of the auditoriums with a Dolby ATMOS sound system and it sounded incredible. I can’t wait to check out the IMAX theater!

More photos after the jump…

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A Christmas Carol Playing at Lesher Center in Walnut Creek Dec 7th – 17th

December 6, 2017 4:30 pm

A Christmas Carol:

Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Thursday, December 7th – Sunday, December 17th, 2017

Join the thousands who make this theatrical event a part of their annual holiday traditions.
Running Time: approx. 2 hours, with one intermission

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E.J. Phair Brewing Company Coming to Alamo Plaza

December 6, 2017 11:30 am

E.J. Phair coming to Alamo Plaza! ??? Cc/@BtCreek @jameskew pic.twitter.com/kzdbM66wQS

— Melinda BOOMSHAKALAKA. A wizard is never late ? (@melindacasino) December 1, 2017

Thanks to Melinda for the update that Pittsburg-based E.J. Phair Brewing Company is coming to Alamo Plaza Shopping Center! This will be their third location (they also have a restaurant/pub at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord). Check out their Concord menu here and beer selection here.

From their website:

From award winning ales and lagers paired with fresh, high quality dishes, to events focused on community enrichment we are proud to be more than just a couple of brewpubs. We are community inspired, community served.

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The Grove Salon Opens in Orchards Shopping Center in Walnut Creek

December 6, 2017 8:30 am

Orchards Shopping Center, Walnut Creek

A new salon called The Grove Salon recently opened in the Orchards shopping center in Walnut Creek at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Oak Grove Rd. The owner previously worked in a salon in Pleasant Hill and now has partnered with Aveda to open her own salon in Walnut Creek. Check out their services here.

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Diablo Ballet’s Mr. Nutcracker Appearance at Walnut Creek Yacht Club Dec 11th

December 5, 2017 4:30 pm

Photo provided by Diablo Ballet

Diablo Ballet’s Mr. Nutcracker Appearance:

Walnut Creek Yacht Club
1555 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
Monday, December 11th, 2017
6:00 – 7:00pm | Free (Drinks/dinner cost separate)

Join Diablo Ballet’s Mr. Nutcracker for a special holiday appearance at Walnut Creek Yacht Club on Monday, December 11, 6 – 7 pm. Admission is free.

Holiday-goers young and old are invited to stop by and take a photo with the costumed character. You can also try Walnut Creek Yacht Club’s festive “Nutcracker Cocktail” and enter a drawing to win great prizes.

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Out the Dough Cookie Dough Cafe Opens in Concord

December 5, 2017 11:30 am

4666 Clayton Rd, Concord

A new cookie dough cafe called Out the Dough recently opened in Concord. Check out the menu after the jump to see the different types you can get such as cookie dough truffles and cookie dough shakes made with vanilla ice cream. They even have cookie dough cannoli! According to this East Bay Times article, the cookie dough doesn’t contain raw eggs or raw flour and can even be baked at home to make cookies. Check out their website here.

More photos of the inside after the jump…

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