Spotted at a very cool store, can anyone guess which one?
I can’t believe it’s been an entire year that this blog has been up and running. I attempted to make three new posts every weekday and came pretty close. With a new job it’s become a bit harder to keep up but I enjoy checking out the new things going on in the area. Thank you to everyone who reads and participates on this blog. I know it’s small but if anyone has any suggestions on topics you’d like to see or improvements that could be made the coming year please let me know. I can be reached at adam [at] beyondthecreek.com
In case you’re interested, this blog first focused on Walnut Creek and later added Lafayette with occasional posts on Orinda and Moraga. The header image changed from the Neiman Marcus construction to the backdrop of Mt. Diablo, and recently the logo has been updated.
I look forward to keeping up the posts this coming year and beyond, thanks!
From the Walnut Creek Downtown Association website:
5th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Friday, October 26th from 2-6pmCollect as much candy as you can at participating downtown businesses. Come dressed in your costume!! The WCDBA encourages participants to be eco-friendly!
Participants- please bring your own favorite candy bag!
*Starting location will be at Lesher Center for the Arts*
1601 Civic Drive
To receive a bag and map of participating businesses, you must begin at the Lesher Center for the Arts between 2pm-5:30pm. Children 10 & under must be accompanied by an adult. We hope to see you there!
Special note: This Trick-or-Treat event takes place in the traditional downtown area. Broadway Plaza hosts their own Trick-or-Treating event on October 31st.
I received word from Diablo Foods editor Ethan Fletcher that the special November Food issue including the Food Awards is now available. Check out the Food Awards here, and the November issue here.
The awards are broken down into five areas, “The Perennials”, “Signature Dishes”, “New Restaurants”, “Top Chefs”, and Dining Destinations”. Walnut Creek and Lafayette (sorry Orinda and Moraga) restaurants were awarded:
The Perennials: Prima Ristorante, Va de Vi
Signature Dishes: Artisan Bistro (Pan-Seared Wild John Dory), Chevalier (Vol au Vent de Ris de Veau Braise au Madere et aux Morilles), Elive (Market Fish Curry Xao Lan), Ottavio (Gnocci di Ricotta con Sugo di Anatra Affumicata)
New Restaurants: Corners Tavern
Top Chefs: Steve Jaramillo (Metro)
I think Walnut Creek Yacht Club should have been on the Perennials list. Should anything else have been included or not? Also, check out this week’s Diablo Dish for lots of news and info on the East Bay food scene.
Spotted in downtown Walnut Creek, this is the smallest truck I have ever seen. Surely this is a custom job, right?
Back in August I noted that the Martinez bakery Le Gateau Elegant would be relocating to Walnut Creek, and I just received an email from the owner stating the relocation has begun in earnest:
Just wanted to update you, we have begun our relocation to Walnut Creek today. First with our oven being relocated as I am writing this. We expect to open in 2-3 weeks after final approvals from the Health Department and Walnut Creek building department . We are very excited to move our bakery, product and name to Walnut Creek!
So I would say the bakery should open sometime in November. By the way, during my jury duty stint in Martinez a couple of weeks ago I happened to walk past the original Le Gateau Elegant and tried a cookie which was very good.
Spotted at my new favorite thrift store, Rainbow’s End in downtown Walnut Creek:
From 1959, Let’s Dance with David Carroll and his Orchestra
Does anyone remember when this was first released? Was it popular?
Back in April I noted that Insignia Hair Salon would be opening in the former Duxiana mattress store on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek, and based on the inside it looks like the opening will be happening any day now. A price-list is available here.
Their new website has more information about the owner Jessica Rae:
I’m a California Native and have lived and worked throughout the San Ramon Valley my whole life. For over 14 years, I have worked as a Stylist and Colorist in the Greater East Bay.
I’m highly skilled in precision cuts, color, and product knowledge, including specialiized training in: L’ Oreal Paris Professional Color, Redken Color and Haircut, Goldwell Color, TIGI Haircut, Pureology Haircut, Vidal Sassoon Academy, Great Lengths Extensions, Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, Express Blow Out, Yuko Hair Straighting, Brazillian Blow Out.
Insignia Hair Salon is located at 1530 Locust St in Walnut Creek.
From the City of Walnut Creek webpage:
Join the Open Space Division for history, harvest fun and Halloween! The annual Howe Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 28 celebrates the life of James Pomeroy Howe, who traveled the world as an Associated Press correspondent in the 1930s before settling down in Walnut Creek, with old-fashioned harvest activities. Plus, lots of Halloween fun for all ages, from pumpkin carving to the Spooky Trail. The festival is free, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2950 Walnut Bouelvard. For more information, call 925-256-3521.
Back in September I noted that the Habit Burger Grill was opening soon in the Sprouts Shopping Plaza and according to a sign on their window they are officially opening on October 31st, “No tricks, only treats!” In addition there will be soft-opening times where 100% of the proceeds will go to the following charities:
Take a look inside, I think it’s going to look great from what I can tell. Definitely stop by for the pre-opening events so you can support these charities AND get some great food.
Since we’re on the topic of Habit Burger Grill, I have dropped by the downtown Walnut Creek location a couple of times recently and have not been able to eat there because it is PACKED. Lines out the door. I wish I had more time to wait but there’s always next time.