1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
In May, we learned that LensCrafters would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek in a prime spot where Apple used to be, and they have now opened. Check out the Walnut Creek LensCrafters page here. They offer eye exams and are having a 50% grand opening sale for a short time.
With Thanksgiving and Chanukah behind us, and Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, this is the time for celebrations. My favorite holidays are probably Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. If you asked me many years ago, I’d say Halloween for sure. What is your favorite holiday?
Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
Before learning that processed meats like hot dogs increased the likelihood of getting cancer, I was a huge hot dog and sausage fan. When offered a choice between a burger and hot dog, I always chose hot dog. I love eating hot dogs, especially with mustard, relish and sauerkraut. Now, we see that Hot Dog Palace near Todos Santas Plaza in Concord has been unceremoniously replaced with a burger joint. Burger restaurants are ubiquitous, and I lament the loss of every dwindling hot dog restaurant. I wonder if this is due to the processed meat dangers? Or do people just like burgers more? I still eat hot dogs on occasion, just not as much as I used to.
1373 Locust St, Walnut Creek
In February, 2020 we learned that a gym called Hook’d would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and it looks like they’re getting ready to open soon. You can see the boxing ring towards the back.
Lyric, Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that a restaurant called Lita’s would be coming to the Lyric apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek and there is now signage up indication a January, 2022 opening with a slight name change, Lita. Check for updates on their website here.
Last week, we learned that a giant mob ransacked Nordstrom in downtown Walnut Creek while it was open, stealing hundreds of thousands in merchandise while terrorizing employees and shoppers. In response, the Walnut Creek City Council has authorized $2 million dollars to hire more officers, install security cameras, and even “flying a tether drone over Broadway Plaza” according to this NBC Bay Area article.
Does anyone remember when the Broadway Plaza remodel was in planning stages and they wanted to convert the street to pedestrian-use and were rejected? Does anyone regret that decision now?
Would money be better spent on monitoring and surveillance so police could be made aware before mobs strike? Could Contra Costa county organize a strike force that could be called in by local cities to fortify existing police departments during potential mob scenarios? It seems like social media has changed what’s going on and more creative solutions need to be developed than simply hiring a few more police officers and flying a drone. What should Walnut Creek do to protect downtown businesses and shoppers?
A couple of weeks ago we saw progress of an incredible mural going up in downtown Walnut Creek and the mural is now complete. As noted previously, you can see several downtown Walnut Creek art pieces portrayed on the mural, such as, Hand of Peace, Fountainhead, Bullman and Bulldog. I also see Mount Diablo. What other Walnut Creek representations do you see that I missed? Check out the artist Berk Visual insta here.
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
Marugame Udon is coming to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon spring, 2022. Check out their California menu here. Although I enjoy ramen and soba, I really love udon for some reason so I look forward to checking this place out!
From their website:
Marugame Udon provides hand crafted udon bowls, tempura, and beverages from a theater kitchen, allowing guests to watch as their food is prepared. Our udon noodles are made to order to ensure that you are getting the best tasting Japanese food around.
1372 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Over the summer, we learned that Onigilly Japanese Kitchen would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and they are now open. As a big onigiri fan, I had to check it out and wasn’t disappointed. The miso tuna onigiri was delicious, and I look forward to trying more flavors including natto, ume, unagi and more. Check out their menu here.
1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
In May, we learned that LensCrafters would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Apple used to be, and you can see they’re closer to opening with stained wood slats displayed across the upper part of the store. Check out the Walnut Creek LensCrafters page here.