Back in December I noted that Erawan Thai restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek was closing down according to a reputable source, but weeks later they were open and now unfortunately, as can be seen in the photo, they have closed for good. I spoke with one of the workers helping to move out and she thought that the owner might have been having a hard time handling operations. So it turns out the source was right after all!
Diabo Magazine, host of the Best of the East Bay voting competition, now has the 2012 ballot up and running. There are a ton of choices but you don’t need to fill everything out, just what you can to make it as complete as possible. If you’re so inclined, help this up and coming blog by spreading the word and voting for Beyond the Creek as best “local blog”, thanks!
http://www.diablomag.com/Diablo-Magazine/Best-of-the-East-Bay-2012/
A few months ago we noted that Citra Grill was opening in Walnut Creek, and since last I checked it’s been progressing nicely. Check out the accordion doors to allow in the sunlight and fresh air, as well as extra dining space outside which wraps around the side. According to the owner they plan on having a private soft opening in early March followed by opening up to the public mid to late March. It will be open 7 days a week until 11PM and serve fresh California cuisine. It will be bistro-style so no waiters to serve you. Contrast this with the heavy stuff across the street at the Cheesecake Factory so this looks like it will be a welcome addition to downtown Walnut Creek’s dining options, especially for movie goers who want a quick bite to eat before or after catching a movie. Along with The Corners Tavern, opening in March as well, this will be great come spring and summertime.
They are also hiring for various positions as noted by the fliers on the front door.
A couple of months ago I noted that Stript Wax Bar, a custom waxing salon was coming to Walnut Creek and now it has finally opened, along with Lashfully, a beauty salon specializing in eyelash extensions. It turns out that Stript is subletting from Lashfully, and there is one host there handling both salons. Lashfully has locations in San Francisco, and Los Angeles while Stript has locations in San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto and Los Angeles. Take a look at the nicely done interior below.
Lashfully and Stript Wax Bar are located at 1629 Cypress St, across the street from Extreme Pizza.
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The olive oil store We Olive, located at 1364 N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek is offering cooking classes at the bar pictured above on bi-monthly Wednesdays starting at 6pm. Classes last about 2 hours, include tastings and cost $30. From their website:
We Olive Walnut Creek is excited to announce We Olive Wednesdays a bi-monthly cooking demonstration featuring cuisine inspired by California Extra Virgin Olive Oil and vinegars.
The evening will feature exciting & easy-to-make recipes for the beginner in the kitchen, or an advanced foodie, there will be something for everyone’s recipe repertoire. Each month will have a different theme and tasting menu the same class will be offered 2 times a month.
The classes will be small intimate groups with plenty of room for participation and hands on experience.$30 per person includes tastings of menu items, libations and recipes to take home.
Classes will be taught by Lauren Mahlke, who owns Olive to Eat Catering and is a culinary adviser to We Olive. Find out more about Lauren at her website Olive to Eat Catering.
Upcoming Classes
Dear BtCreek,
Do you know if there is any way to make a reservation at the new Neiman Marcus café for Saturday the 10th. I know the place will be packed that day since it’s the opening weekend. Would like to go there for lunch with friends. I’ve looked all over online but can’t find anything.
Maybe someone can enlighten us as to whether it’s possible to make a reservation at Neiman Marcus for opening weekend. If not, some good alternatives are Boulange Bakery next to Macy’s, and Va de Vi next to Tiffany’s. Not sure if you can get popovers there though.
1330 S. California Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek right near Trader Joe’s has changed stores more times than I can count. I know I was here shopping for Halloween costumes not too long ago, and before that I believe it was a Lane Home Furnishings store. Now Tuesday Morning, the discount home goods store is setting up shop here. I’ve been to the one in Moraga and they have some great deals. Will Tuesday Morning make it in this location? Only time will tell.
The women’s boutique clothing store Brandy Melville, originally from Italy, has arrived to Walnut Creek (about 3 months ago), on the corner where the Cheesecake Factory and Tilly’s is. This is the first Brandy Melville store in Northern California. The other locations are in So Cal and New York. Check out the inside of the store in the photo below and let us know how it is if you’ve been.
PureBeauty, a cosmetics store located at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek next to Boudin Bakery is closing. Looks like there may be some good deals to be found at 30-50% off.
A new drawing studio for children called A Colorful Mind recently opened its doors in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek at 1341 N. Main St. in the passageway where the women’s boutique Norf London is located. As you’re walking down N. Main St. towards Neiman Marcus, turn right right before the Rochester Big & Tall clothing store in the covered passageway and it will be on your right, a few stores down.
Classes are age appropriate, from a “Getting Ready – Drawing Through the Alphabets & Geography” for younger kids to “Drawing Fundamentals” for kids 8 & up. You may register online here.
The inside of the studio looks really well designed and neat. So if you have kids I would defintely recommend checking this studio out. If anyone has been already please chime in and let us know how it is.
From their website:
A Colorful Mind Drawing Studio is a nurturing and relaxing environment that is designed to help children ages 4 and older learn to focus, create, and express themselves. Through structured instructions and age-appropriate projects, we help each child interpret information in his or her own unique way without competition or judgment. This fosters creativity, imagination, and the type of dynamic and adaptive thinking that is critical for success in both academic endeavors and in life.