From a reader:

Someone on the NextDoor app posted a notice that Jade Garden, located next to the ‘new’ Whole Foods on Ygnacio in Walnut Creek was being forced to close.
When WF negotiated their lease, they have a clause that states all other restaurants in the complex cannot renew their lease. Jade Garden, a part of our neighborhood for over 30 years, is being forced to move/close because Whole Foods does not want the competition. This also means the other long-term restaurants in the complex will need to close over time. These are businesses run by families that live in our community. Our neighborhood has always been good about embracing these businesses and supporting them with our patronage.

To say our neighborhood is mad and getting more upset is a vast understatement.
To my eye, this flies in the face of how WF presents itself to the public. They come across as this good neighbor, supporting local farmers/food producers and the community…but here they are putting clauses in to shut out competition and essentially ruin local businesses. It’s disgusting.

There is a WC Planning Commission meeting tomorrow to review this change (and the pending new AAA office taking the space)…Regency Partners and WF may be shocked at the turn out

554 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek

In the spring we learned about a new wine shop coming to Walnut Creek called Vinous Reverie and they have now opened. They feature a selection of hand picked, reasonably priced wines from around the world and have a wine tasting area (Friday evenings and Saturdays) in front. With free parking in back this is definitely a place you should check out if you’re looking for something new to try. To celebrate their grand opening all wine is 10% off through October. Look for wine tasting events on their Facebook page here.

From their website:

While the store has many classic wines (there are plenty of Napa Cabernets, Bordeaux, and Burgundies), its true gems are to be found among its many international selections. The store boasts a variety of highly rated Rieslings – German, Alsatian, Australian and even a Spanish Riesling. There’s also an eclectic selection of Indigenous Italian varieties as well as sparkling wines from England, Austria and Tasmania. The store offers a highly curated experience within a large space, including many “value” selections, acclaimed wines at very competitive price points.

More photos of the inside after the jump… Continue Reading