Spotted in front of the Sleep Train store in downtown Walnut Creek.

photo by Flickr user Mathesont
From the City of Walnut Creek webpage:
Join Mayor Bob Simmons at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9 for a walk in the Shell Ridge Open Space and learn how Shell Ridge got its name. Meet at the Marshall Drive entrance by Indian Valley Elementary School for an 8:30 a.m. departure (Note earlier start time!) This is a 3.5 mile walk on both fire roads and single-track trails with about 400′ of elevation change, and will last about 2 hours. Please bring water and wear a hat, clothing to protect against the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
At the end of April I noted that the Greek restaurant Opa! was opening mid-June, and I have since learned it will open by the end of June, and will serve the same dishes at their other locations. Check out their menus here.
The side of the bar is illuminated behind the stone:
Above the restaurant are various offices, although I still think it would make for a cool apartment.
Opa! is located at the corner of N. Main St. and Lincoln Ave. in Walnut Creek
An antique and collectibles show at the Shadelands Ranch in Walnut Creek will be open from 9am – 4pm, June 10th. From the Walnut Creek Historical Society website:
This event will be held once this year, on Sunday June 10. Dozens of dealers offer a fascinating variety of collectibles and antiques for sale on the grounds of the Museum. At recent shows, we’ve had a professional antique appraiser on hand to offer verbal evaluations on personal items. It’s a fun outing for the entire family! Admission and parking are free.
If you would be interested in participating in this show as a vendor, please complete and submit the vendor application to the Shadelands office.
The Eco Shoppe, part of the Vitamin Shoppe at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek is closing this week or next. Not much left but everything is 75% off so you might want to stop by if interested. Apparently a mattress store will be opening up in its place, and the Vitamin Shoppe will remain open on the corner.
Back in February I noted the opening of the Chinese restaurant Dragon’s Pond in downtown Walnut Creek, and they now have a new sign up. Interesting how it’s behind the glass.
Last month I noted the progress at Spouts Market shopping center in Walnut Creek at Geary and N. Main St, and a reader kindly pointed out that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is on the signage as well. You can also see the progress on the shopping center from the photo above.
You can check out their drink menu here. I wonder how this compares to Starbucks and Peet’s, anyone been?
A couple of weeks ago I noted that the North Main St. fountains were getting refurbished and the one across from Wells Fargo has been turned on. Check out the finished work above. Cool stuff!
The 31st annual Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival is being held this weekend at Heather Farm Park. From their website:
Celebrate Flavors of the Creek at Heather Farm Park for the 31st Annual Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau Art & Wine Festival. Distinguished by its spacious park setting and family-friendly activities, the popular Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival, recognized by the Contra Costa Times as the East Bay’s Best Outdoor Festival, runs Saturday, June 2, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., andSunday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Festival admission is free, making the centrally located Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival a fun and travel-friendly weekend.
M U S I C * L I N E U P
Saturday, June 2
12:00 – 1:00pm: Foothill Middle School Jazz Band
01:00 – 2:30pm: LUCE
03:00 – 5:00pm: The Houserockers
05:00 – 7:00pm: Finding Stella
Premium Wine Tent: Ken CooperSunday, June 3
12:00 – 1:00pm: Jeffrey Halford and the Healers
01:00 – 2:30pm: Ruckatan
03:00 – 5:00pm: Salvador Santana
05:00 – 6:00pm: The Fundamentals
Premium Wine Tent: Dan DeSharaC H I L D R E N ‘ S * A R E A
Saturday, June 2, 2012
01:15pm: Poison Apple Productions
02:00pm: George Platt’s Swordplay and Fencing Academy
02:30pm: Livermore Shakespeare
03:00pm: Poison Apple Productions
03:30pm: Livermore Shakespeare
04:00pm: Walnut Creek Intermediate School Glee ClubSunday, June 3, 2012
12:00pm: Richard Lee’s East West Kung Fu
12:45pm: Poison Apple Productions
01:15pm: George Platt’s Swordplay and Fencing Academy
03:00pm: Poison Apple ProductionsNew this year:
Pet Rest Spot sponsored by Brandman University allowing your pet to spend time in the shade, get a drink of water and plastic bags for cleaning-up after your pooch. R E M E M B E R : All dogs must be on a leash.

photo by Stacy Ventura
Corners Tavern in downtown Walnut Creek next to Macy’s will begin offering brunch service starting tomorrow. Check out their brunch menu here.
From an email:
Nestled in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, the new contemporary American restaurant, Corners Tavern will begin serving lunch on Saturday (11:30-2) and Sunday brunch (10:30-2:30) starting this weekend, June 2. The new brunch menu will continue the theme of big, bold flavors and will be divided into two categories: appetizers and entrees. Guests can choose from sweet dishes like the Brioche French Toast with Strawberry Butter or savory fare like the Duck Confit Hash with Fingerling Potatoes and Baked Duck Egg or the Grilled Shrimp and Grits with Housemade Andouille Sausage. Brunch cocktails include the Mimosa, Brazilian(Cachaca, mint, lemongrass, lime and Prosecco) and the Michelada (Mexican beer, tabasco and lime). A full brunch menu is attached.
Perfect for summer, Corners Tavern will have the patio seating available for outdoor dining and (weather permitting) the large front-facing roll-up garage doors open for indoor dining.
Corners Tavern will remain open after brunch and lunch service with a mid-day menu featuring a limited number of items including salads, smoked chicken wings, house-made charcuterie, the Corners burger and a variety of light snacks such as the smoked and spiced almonds and duck fat roasted potatoes. The mid-day menu is a perfect respite for Walnut Creek shoppers looking for a small bite between meals or a cold, refreshing beverage on a warm day.
