Thanks to everyone for sending word that Sports Authority (previously S.A. Elite) is closing in downtown Walnut Creek this Spring in Plaza Escuela. According to USA Today, Sports Authority, “filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, citing $1.1 billion in debt and saying that its sales had slumped after it failed to keep up with consumer trends.” Look for liquidation sales to begin soon. According to an employee working in the Walnut Creek location the store should remain open for at least two to three months.
I finally dropped by Haleh Pastry for some desserts in downtown Walnut Creek, which were amazing by the way, when I encountered this situation in their bathroom. The sign inside says, “Push the door for lock”. I did a triple-take looking for a push-button, switch or any sign that the lock was engaged. Alas, there would be nothing but a written note that if I pushed the door it would lock. I thought to myself, “how hard do I have to push?” Would it be opened at the most inopportune time? Thankfully, nobody entered, but how would I know if the lock worked?
Fast forward a couple of weeks later. I ate some more delicious desserts and went to use the bathroom. Sure enough, the bathroom door was locked so if you find yourself in the Haleh Pastry bathroom, don’t worry, it really does lock. 🙂
On Monday we learned about the new Eileen Fisher storefront in Broadway Plaza and this is just a quick note that they are opening TODAY, March 3rd according to a sign outside the other day.
Big Room Theater at Mighty Fine Guitars
81 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette Saturday, March 5th, 2016
8:00 PM | $15 – $20
Internationally acclaimed entertainers and instructors.
This will be a pass-the-hat party with a Suggested Donation of $15 – $20 per person.
No RSVP required. No babes in arms, please. BYOB. Spread the word.
Those of you who may remember the Soup Nazi episode on Seinfeld may not realize that it was based on a real soup vendor who ran a soup take out spot called Soup Kitchen International. At the time the episode came out I was living in New York so of course I had to check it out. Unbelievably, they ran out of bread right after I got my order which I thought was hilarious. Anyway, the soup turned out to be unbelievably delicious and I haven’t had another bowl of soup that stands up to it, until now.
Last evening as I walking to a 3D printing class at the Walnut Creek library I passed by Main St. Kitchen and noticed a worker eating a bowl of soup outside before it got busy. It looked good so I ended up dropping in and ordering the same soup. It turned out to be fennel sausage soup and it was the most delicious soup I’ve had in ages. I couldn’t believe my luck and not only was it insanely good, it filled me up nicely. And at $7.50 for the bowl, this is possibly the best dining deal in all of Walnut Creek. Since this really is their soup of the day, you’ll have to drop by soon to order it. Check for menu updates on their Facebook page here.
I’ll be back for sure, and and no need to worry about attitudes like the Soup Nazi in New York, the waitress was very friendly and helpful.
Last November we learned that Pure Barre would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek and as you can see in the photo the signage is up and according to their Facebook page they are opening very soon, possibly this month. Check for updates on their Facebook page here. Currently they have a pre-opening special of $100 for “5 weeks of unlimited classes”.
Last year we learned that a new brewery was coming to Walnut Creek called Farm Creek Brewing Company and although there have been some delays they are getting a lot closer to opening now and over the weekend they held a beer tasting event which featured a 3.9% session amber with rye beer called Favorite Daughter that was delicious. It had a ton of flavor and I can definitely see taking home a crowler of Favorite Daughter once they open. (Check out a photo of an unused crowler after the jump.)
They will also be offering a pale ale, pilsner, IPA, Scottish ale and an extra stout beer called Heather’s Limit. In addition to being a brewery which will sell to local restaurants and bars, there will also be a bar area with a 12 tap system and they’re planning on launching with about six beers. Check for updates on their Facebook page here and read more about the brewery here.
Pedego Electric Bikes recently opened a new, independently owned store in Danville where Last Detail used to be on Railroad Ave. If you look closely at the fat tire off-road bikes in the photo below you may be wondering where the battery is. It’s actually hidden inside the frame which I thought was cool. For the road bikes you can see the battery in back which detaches so you can bring it to an outlet to charge. An LCD panel in front indicates what level power (there are 5 levels) you get to help pedal. They also have Shimano gears so you can pedal without any added power. Check out their product showcase here.
On March 12th and 13th there will be a grand opening party and will offer a chance to win a Pedego bike.
From their press release:
The Pedego Danville store is individually owned by Pam Marini and is part of the 70-store network of Pedego Electric Bike stores. Pedego Corp. is the leading electric bike company in the U.S. There are nine models in hundreds of color combinations, including cruisers, mountain bike, fat tire bike, cargo bike and a tandem
