
Photo by Flickr user DVIDSHUB
Thank you to all the veterans. Your service will not be forgotten.

Photo by Flickr user DVIDSHUB
Thank you to all the veterans. Your service will not be forgotten.

Civic Park
1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Saturday, November 16th, 2013
11:00am – 2:00pm | FreeSkate into the 9th season of Walnut Creek on Ice during the Children’s Winter Festival!
A cool way to celebrate the rink’s opening for the whole family. This FREE event includes:
* free skating * live skating performances * face painting * balloon artist
* refreshments * giveaways * live entertainment

1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
Last year I wrote about possibly the most amazing part of downtown Walnut Creek, the secret koi garden behind Va de Vi on Mt. Diablo Blvd, and now the restaurant has a new, smaller koi pond similar to the koi pond next to Sasa on N. Main St. Also note the wine barrel menu display, looks great.
If you haven’t been to the koi pond in back you need to go, it’s incredible! The koi are HUGE and it’s very serene back there. While we were watching the koi swim around, numerous people wandered by and were amazed by what they saw.

Photo by Flickr user Vegan Feast Catering
Yesterday I noted that Jalisco Gourmet Burrito closed in Walnut Creek which got me thinking about Mexican restaurants. El Jarro is a favorite of mine in Lafayette, Orinda has Maya and Barbacoa, and Walnut Creek has Taqueria Mexican Grill and Maria Maria. So for today’s Friday Question of the Day, what is your favorite Mexican restaurant?

Shadelands Ranch
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek
Saturday, November 30th – Sunday, December 15th, 201331st Annual Holiday Faire
November 30-December 15
Since 1983, the Holiday Faire has been a seasonal tradition at Shadelands. During this two-week event, dozens of vendors will offer a wide variety of hand-crafted items and gifts for sale inside the Museum. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.Victorian Teas
November 30-December 15
Coinciding with the Holiday Faire, Shadelands also hosts three-course tea luncheons with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 per person. Groups are welcome. Many families and friends maintain an annual tradition of attending the teas. Call the Shadelands office for reservations from October 1.

Nob Hill shopping center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Jalisco Gourmet Burritos has closed in the Nob Hill shopping center in Walnut Creek at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Oak Grove Rd. Anyone ever eat here? How would you rate it?

A couple of weeks ago I noted that the fashion accessories store Bracchiale would be relocating within Broadway Plaza and they are now open. Be aware that this section of Broadway Plaza looks like it will be closing in January so this is a short-lived move.

Lafayette Art Gallery Grand Opening Party:
Lafayette Art Gallery
3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Saturday, November 9th, 2013
5:00pm – 8:00pm | FreeOur inaugural show “The Heart of Art” continues through December 28. And we would like our friends to help us celebrate it and our new location at our Grand Opening Saturday, November 9, from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Join us to enjoy some wine and chat with our artists.

Last year in August I noted that new townhomes were being built at the old Hungry Hunter restaurant at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lafayette and construction is almost complete with the townhomes available for move-in later this month.
From the Taylor Morrison website:
Come explore this limited opportunity of 23 townhome-styled residences in one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after communities. Just like the city of Lafayette, the new homes at Marquis reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area while providing the modern conveniences of a new home. From the contemporary craftsman exteriors, to the spacious floorplans and tempting amenities, these traditional, low-maintenance residences provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of life. Boasting 4 bedrooms, including a downstairs bedroom & full bath per plan, the home designs range from approximately 1,964 to 2,074 square feet of living space.
Prices range from high 700s to low 800s. Check out the townhomes for sale here. Floor plans are available here.
Note the publicly mandated art behind the sign:

View from Pleasant Hill Rd:

