OI-C Bowl used to be located in a smaller space across the street, while my beloved Crepevine was here, but alas, times change and a few years ago OI-C Bowl moved to 1616 N. Main St. where it’s one of the few Chinese restaurants in downtown Walnut Creek, Dragon’s Pond, Modern China Cafe, and, if it can be considered, P.F. Chang’s being the others.
You can see their menus here. Any fans of this place? What are the best items to order?
In March I noted the numerous empty storefronts at the backside of Broadway Plaza near Boudin Bakery, and although it’s filling up, there are still quite a few spaces available. I have heard that the space located in the photo above, next to Filthy Gorgeous, will be turned into conference/office space for Broadway Plaza. This is just scuttlebutt though so I have no official confirmation on this yet.
Walnut Creek is home to several large groceries like Safeway, Whole Foods and Nob Hill Foods, but quite a few ethnic groceries are also represented in Walnut Creek. Above is the entrance to the Russian grocery Babushka, in business since 1997, located a few stores down from George’s Giant Hamburger on Newell Ave.
Take a look at that kielbasa selection:
Shopping here you might as well be in Brighton Beach yet, step outside and you’re steps away from Broadway Plaza and downtown Walnut Creek. Babushka also has a restaurant located in the back which will be profiled in a later post.
Spotted in front of Nordstrom in downtown Walnut Creek, this red Ferrari really stood out. If you’re going to get a Ferrari, red is the way to go, right?
A calligraphy craft program for children will be held at the downtown Walnut Creek library this Saturday, May 5th from 10:30am – Noon. From the website:
Learn more about one of the ancient civilizations of the world! Explore Chinese culture through Chinese calligraphy and painting. Watch how it’s done and try it yourself. Space is limited. Register online. Ages 6 and up. Held in the Children’s Area. Presented by Contra Costa Chinese School.
Register HERE.
This rental is located at The Pines Apartments in Walnut Creek, 114 Sharene Lane.
According to the Craigslist listing they’re “pet friendly”:
Why look any more we have the Perfect home for you!!!Hurry they are going fast!! You will restore your energy so you can be doing the activities you enjoy. Make The Pines your next apartment home! Pets are also welcome!
It’s listed at $1625 for a 2br/2ba 965 sq. ft. apartment. Looking at the map, if there’s a way to cut across Iron Horse trail to get to downtown by foot this could be a nice way to go.
A reader sent in this photo from a downtown Walnut Creek Starbucks. Can you spot the mistake?
Located inside the old Kitchens Unlimited showroom since November, Salonamour is an Aveda lifestyle salon featuring, what else, Aveda products. Although the salon is all new, they have actually been in business in Walnut Creek since 1997, behind their current location.
Take a look at the modern salon area:
Aveda products are featured in a separate section:
Salonamour is located at 1459 East Newell Ave in Walnut Creek.
The Walnut Creek City Council has unanimously approved a city ordinance, “to regulate the establishment and operation of new alcoholic beverage establishments and to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community by requiring that all alcoholic beverage establishments in the City comply with nuisance-based performance standards.”
You can read the agenda report here and the ordinance here. Considering the alcohol induced fights that broke out downtown over the past year, this seems like a reasonable plan to me. Is anyone unhappy about this being approved?
When Neiman Marcus open its doors in March, where did you think all those employees would park? It turns out they purchased a parking lot located next to the San Miguel Center at the corner of Newell Ave. and S. Broadway, and apparently the lack of parking is impacting retailers in the center as customers have trouble finding parking.
After 3 years, Quiznos closed in March, and word on the street is that other retailers near that part of the San Miguel Center are having a tougher time as well.
Not all retailers in the San Miguel Center are experiencing problems with less available parking, so I guess we’ll see what happens in the future. Has anyone had problems parking at the San Miguel Center recently?