Cuban Trumpet Player Arturo Sandoval Playing at Lesher Center in Walnut Creek on Aug. 20th

Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Saturday, August 20th, 2016
5:00pm & 8:00pm | $40

This legendary Cuban trumpet player has won four Grammys, six Billboard Awards and an Emmy (for the score of an HBO movie based on his own life). He has played at the Academy Awards with Celine Dion, the Grammy Awards with Justin Timberlake and the Super Bowl with Tony Bennett and Patti LaBelle. His incandescent solos can be heard on recordings by Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka and Rod Stewart among many others.

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Salvatore Ristorante Closes for Remodeling in Walnut Creek, Reopening in Sept. as “Benvenuti”

August 16, 2016 11:30 am

1627 North Broadway, Walnut Creek

Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Salvatore Ristorante has closed in downtown Walnut Creek. According to a sign in the window and on their website, they will reopen next month in September after remodeling and be known as “Benvenuti”. They first opened back in 1996.

From their website:

So with much excitement and enthusiasm, Salvatore Ristorante will undergo a major remodel beginning July 25, 2016. They plan on updating the dining rooms and bar while maintaining the classic feel they are known for. The kitchen will also get a major overhaul, bringing in smokers, larger pasta makers and new equipment to ensure everything is made in house. The menu will be streamlined incorporating more seasonal and local ingredients while keeping favorites like their famous lasagna and gnocchi.

At its heart Salvatore Ristorante plans on remaining the same but with so many changes they will also be introducing a new name, “Benvenuti”. Angela’s goal has always been to be very welcoming hence Benvenuti (Italian for welcome). We will see all the wonderful changes by the middle of September 2016 when they reopen.

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Sports Basement Coming to San Ramon October 1st

August 16, 2016 8:30 am

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Sports Basement is opening a new store in San Ramon where Orchard Supply Hardware used to be in the Marketplace Shopping Center. They expect to open October 1st.

From their website:

We are beyond excited to open our 7th Sports Basement in the amazing community of San Ramon! This is an area we have been watching for a while and when the old Orchard Supply Hardware location became available we jumped on it.

We’re busy transforming the building into the lovable local Sports Basement our customers expect and can’t wait to meet all of our neighbors from San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Diablo, Blackhawk and Livermore.

Pictured above is San Ramon’s new General Manager, John Courtney, who led our Walnut Creek store for the past few years. You’ll probably recognize him from the store or the Diablo mountain bike trails.

If you would like inquire about using our store’s community space or discuss other partnerships email Toni Lum who is in charge of local community outreach. If you would like to join the Sports Basement San Ramon team visit our jobs page to fill out an application.

See you October 1st at our grand opening party!

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Saturday Night Fever Playing at Lafayette Library on Aug. 18th

August 15, 2016 4:30 pm

Saturday Night Fever:

Lafayette Library and Learning Center
3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thursday, August 18th, 2016
6:30 – 8:30pm | $5 (registration recommended)

Do the Hustle with dancers from Diablo Ballet before screening this 1970’s film that popularized disco around the world and made John Travolta a star. Disco attire optional!

Co-founder and artistic director Lauren Jonas provides fascinating and little-known facts about the film.

Refreshments will be served.
Rated R; no one under 17 admitted without a paying adult.

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Peruvian Restaurant Lima Opening in Todos Santos Plaza in Concord this October

August 15, 2016 11:30 am

2151 Salvio St, Concord

A new Peruvian restaurant called Lima is set to to open this October where Mi Pizza used to be in Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Another Peruvian restaurant, Parada, opened last year so it looks like Peruvian fare is becoming more and more popular. According to Lima’s website, the executive chef, John Marquez, who was born in Peru, was sous chef for “Daniel Patterson at his restaurant at that time, Elisabeth Daniel,” followed later with stints working for Thomas Keller at both French Laundry and Per Se in New York as well as “Executive Chef at the acclaimed Fringale Restaurant in San Francisco”.

From their website:

Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine like you’ve never had before at Lima. Our Peruvian restaurant serves the best Peruvian food you’ll eat this side of the Putumayo River. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh daily with locally grown, sustainable ingredients. From earth to table, we strive to deliver an intimate, delicious, and unforgettable dining experience, offering top-quality cuisine at affordable prices.

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Hamada Farms Leaves Moraga, Walnut Creek Farmers Markets

August 15, 2016 8:30 am

I’ve been going to local farmers markets for many years now and the one farm that has been a contant presence has been Hamada Farms, offering various fruits including dried fruits such as my all time favorite, dried persimmon (anpo gaki). Over the weekend I stopped by the Moraga and Walnut Creek farmers markets and noticed that in Moraga R&D Farms was where Hamada Farms always used to be. When I asked what happened to Hamada Farms, they said they were neighbors of Hamada Farms and that due to an illness Hamada Farms had to vacate several of their farmers market spots.

Obviously this is sad news. I hope they recover and eventually come back to Walnut Creek, Moraga and elsewhere.

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Summer Wine Festival at St. Mary’s College in Moraga on Aug. 14th

August 12, 2016 4:30 pm

Summer Wine Festival:

Soda Activity Center: Moraga Room
1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga
Sunday, August 14th, 2016
2:00 – 5:00pm | $60 ($70 at door)

Saint Mary’s College and the Alumni Association invite you to campus for an afternoon of wine tasting, delicious appetizers and fun! Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction support student scholarships at Saint Mary’s.

$50 PER PERSON UNTIL AUGUST 1 | $60 THEREAFTER | $70 AT THE DOOR – includes all tastings, appetizers and SMC logo wine glass.

$20 PER DESIGNATED DRIVER – includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and souvenir glass.

Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

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Jack in the Box getting Remodeled in Lafayette

August 12, 2016 11:30 am

3407 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

Last month we learned that Jack in the Box closed in Moraga and although Jack in the Box in Lafayette is closed as well it’s only temporary for remodeling so look for them to reopen soon.

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Brunchelona on Sundays at Teleferic Barcelona in Walnut Creek

August 12, 2016 10:00 am

Check out the new Brunchelona at Teleferic Barcelona in downtown Walnut Creek with “live Spanish music, a drink cart and lots of new surprises.” Their menu can be viewed here.

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Friday Question of the Day – Do you Use Online Ride Hailing Services?

August 12, 2016 8:30 am

Photo by Flickr user Núcleo Editorial

It seems like online ride hailing services are becoming more and more popular. I’ve used Uber in San Francisco and New York and came very close to using the child friendly service HopSkipDrive in the East Bay. Do you use these services, or do you drive for them? How do you like them compared to taxis?

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Beyond the Creek