
Not sure how long it’ll last but this window display is on the outside. Props to Venture men’s goods in Lafayette for the creativity.

Not sure how long it’ll last but this window display is on the outside. Props to Venture men’s goods in Lafayette for the creativity.

A couple of weeks ago I posted some scuttlebutt about a McCormick and Schmick’s opening a new restaurant at the former Petar’s location in downtown Lafayette and it turns out that was pretty close as the son of the McCormick & Schmick’s co-founder, Andrew McCormick, who ran the Marina bar City Tavern will be opening The Cooperage Bar in its place. Diablo Dish notes that, “the space will require an extensive remodel, so McCormick is aiming for a late summer, early fall opening.” According to the post, dishes will, “feature familiar, classic dishes such as oysters Rockefeller, potato skins, crab Louis salad, and plenty of steak and seafood.”
From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center:
Designed for: Kids (5-11), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Blast off for a fantastic exploration of space!
Join us for an exciting evening of space science fun, see a stunning NASA photo exhibit of the solar system, talk with a real live NASA scientist, experiment with hands-on activities with Chabot to Go, fire off rockets you build yourself, use a computer simulation to construct your own planet, and much more. For youth ages K-8th grade.
Underwritten by the Brenner Foundation.
Free.
No reservations necessary.

Photo by Flickr user fotobydave
From the Lafayette Library and Learning Center:
Use your beginning birding techniques to explore and learn about our local birds. The walk will leave from the library (meet in the front lobby). Bring binoculars or bird guides if you have them. If it is raining cats and dogs, we’ll stay inside to identify our feathered friends and how you can begin your new birding hobby. For families with kids 8+. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Library: Lafayette Library and Learning Center
Location: Amphitheater
Price: $5/child
I’ve driven past Sugi, a small, family owned Japanese style gift and bedding store thousands of times and finally dropped by to check it out. They are located in downtown Lafayette on Moraga Road right next to La Fiesta Square.
From their website:
Sugi Fine Bedding & Gifts is a special place to shop for natural handcrafted bedding and futon, tatami platform bed frames, home decor, zen items, and specialty gifts from Japan and around the world. We’re conveniently located at La Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette, California.
Check out the back of the store:

The front of the store has a wide selection of fabrics:

Sugi is located at 961 Moraga Rd in downtown Lafayette.
From the Lafayette library website:
Designed for: Young Children (0-5), Kids (5-11)
The Contra Costa County Library is turning 100, and kids are invited to the birthday party! Play party games, test your Lafayette trivia, sing Happy Birthday, and eat cake! Help us celebrate 100 years of “Bringing People and Ideas Together”!

A couple of weeks ago I noted that Petar’s would be closing and now I have some scuttlebutt that McCormick & Schmick’s, the seafood and steakhouse will be moving into the Petar’s location in downtown Lafayette. McCormick & Schmick’s has various locations around the country and also own Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto on Fourth Street in Berkeley.
This would be pretty big news if true but please note that I have no official confirmation at this point.

From an email:
Lamorinda Home Expo ‘13
Home Expo ’13 is designed for homeowners in all stages of the remodeling, landscaping or decorating of their homes.
Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your home for years, anyone with an interest in updating, enhancing, or creating a new look for their home will benefit from Home Expo ’13.
Get inspired and excited about your home and the countless possibilities! Meet face to face with home improvement, landscaping and design professionals. Get expert advice and tips.
Free to the public!
Sunday, Jan. 27, 10AM – 4PM at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.
More information online at: www.lamorindawebhomeexpo.com

You may recognize the Alicia Klein brand from the popup kiosk that opened in December in the Liberty Bell Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek featuring Alicia Klein signature Taxi Wallets and other handbags. Well, it turns out that Alicia Klein is a Walnut Creek resident and has a showroom in downtown Lafayette near the back of La Fiesta Square.
From the Alicia Klein Facebook page:
With the motto “Making the Case for the Working Woman,” Alicia officially launched her signature collection in 2003. Originally designed with the female executive in mind, the collection has grown to appeal to business people of all ages and career levels.
But it’s not all business — there’s whimsy, too! Fans of the iconic Nancy Drew Mystery Stories® are thrilled with our fine Imagery leather accessories celebrating the famous girl sleuth. And most of Alicia’s accessories are available in an array of rich, juicy colors and patterns that brighten your day while organizing your stuff.
Check out the showroom inside:

The Alicia Klein showroom is located at 3541 Wilkinson Lane in downtown Lafayette in the back of La Fiesta Square.
