2642 Pleasant Hill Rd, Pleasant Hill
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo) that Zen Restaurant has closed and will be reopening (with a new name) in March by the same owners as Dragon’s Pond in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out Dragon’s Pond menu here.
Having parked in downtown Walnut Creek for many years without getting a ticket or citation, it was finally my turn to get burned last year. At the Broadway Pointe parking garage, a free, private garage in downtown Walnut Creek managed by Park Smart / Regional Parking, there are two types of signs indicating how long one may park. One is the typical 3-Hour Limit sign. The other is a “3 hour Parking Maximum” sign. Whenever I looked at this sign I wondered what the point was. After all, if the standard 3-hour limit sign is there, then obviously the maximum is three hours, right?
One day last year, I parked in the morning to work out at Orangetheory on Locust St. and get a bowl of miso ramen at Ramen Hiroshi. In the evening, I headed back to downtown Walnut Creek for a rare night out with my wife and ended up having a great meal at Va de Vi. Unfortunately for me, I decided to park at the Broadway Pointe parking garage. As we returned to the car that evening, I saw the dreaded parking citation. I wrote back to Park Smart / Regional Parking pointing out that these were completely separate trips with several hours in-between when I was not there. The parking spots were also different. A few weeks later I heard back about the denial:
The License Plate Recognition Vehicle scanned your vehicle on two separate visits; the daily maximum of 3 hours was exceeded: no receipts from Braodwav Pointe merchants were provided for “consideration.”
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, January 29 – Saturday, February 27th, 2016America’s favorite screwball comedy proves that it’s as timely today as it was when first burst on the scence as a Broadway triumph and Oscar-nominated film. Unscrupulous millionaire Harry Brock comes to Washington to influence an ethically challenged senator and realizes that his brassy chorus girl Billy Dawn needs to be “culturefied” to fit his new images. After hiring a journalist to give her a crash course in the finer points, he learns that a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing.
1942 Linda Dr, Pleasant Hill
A new vintage home decor shop called Kait’s Art Vintage Home opened a couple of months ago in Pleasant Hill. In addition to home decor pieces they also offer paint parties for adults and children and are planning on offering paint & sip parties in May. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.
From their website:
Create With Kait is all about finding your inner creative side. I provide a fun, positive and stress free environment that helps to bring out your inner artist. Instead of being “by the book,” I have a simple philosophy that I live by ever since I graduated from Cal Poly. “Learn By Doing” and create whatever you can with one-on-one guidance. Art is fun! I make sure that is my top priority at all times in my classes.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
1410 Locust St, Walnut Creek
A couple of weeks ago we learned that Pyramid Alehouse closed in downtown Walnut Creek and based on the comments in that post the rumors about Sauced BBQ & Spirits replacing Pyramid were flying and it turned out to all be true as the Livermore-based restaurant plans to open a new location at the Pyramid Alehouse spot according to SF Business Times. Check out their Livermore menu here.
Sauced recently abandoned a controversial 20% automatic service policy according to a post on their Facebook page due to, “guests hav[ing] expressed frustration and disappointment about the mandatory service fee”.
Hilton
1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord
Sunday, January 31, 2016
10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | $6Hey Fans & Friends…Only 5 Days till the big show . We have a great Celbrity guest list for this fine one day COMIC CON.
Here is a chance to meet “Rock ‘N’ Roll High School” and “Holloween” and “Carrie” star… PJ SOLES.
And “V” and “Star Trek” (among countless other Great TV Appearances) Star… RICHARD HERD.
This coming Sunday, Jan. 31st, 2016 at the Concord Hilton.
Only $6.00 Admission, and kids 8 and Under are FREE.
Parking at the Hilton is 50% off, and FREE across the street at the Willow Pass Shopping Center.
2090 Diamond Blvd, Concord
Buffalo Wild Wings, the Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant featuring wings, beer and sports is coming to Concord at the corner of Galaxy Way and Diamond Blvd. where Marie Callenders Restaurant & Bakery used to be. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
It all started in 1982 with one restaurant in Columbus, OH. Since then we’ve grown to have a store in every state in the U.S. and continue to open B-Dubs® around the world (you’re welcome, Earth).
But really, all you need to know “About Us” is these three things: Wings. Beer. Sports.™ Why do those three things matter to us so much? Because that’s what our fans want, and that’s what we’re all about—making our fans happy.
Park Plaza, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for sending word that A Runner’s Mind is opening a new location at the new Park Plaza redevelopment in downtown Lafayette. With locations in Burlingame and San Francisco, they plan on opening April 1st and, drum roll please… they are planning on adding a half marathon distance to the Lafayette Reservoir Run held annually at the end of October as well introduce two additional races among other events. This is great news for runners in the Lamorinda and East Bay area. Check out their Facebook page for updates here and learn more about the company here.
From the owner:
As for Lafayette once we open, we plan on having weekly run groups, professionally coached training programs for all types of runners, various free shoe demos and educational clinics for the public to attend,etc. We will also be putting on two new races in town, as well as adding an additional distance to the current Reservoir Run in Lafayette. We plan to have a once-a-month event called the Cow Pie Climb involving runners racing/running/climbing/
slipping up a hill in Lafayette where many cows roam openly. The event will be followed by raffles, drinks (beer as well), snack, prizes, etc.
Perma-What? the What, Why, When, Where & Who (You!) of Permaculture:
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center
315 Cortsen Rd, Pleasant Hill
Saturday, January 30, 2016
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $35 (bulk discount available)Redefine your definition and expectation of a garden and how little effort is needed to work with nature for bountiful yields. Particpants will be able to: explain what Permaculture is, understand why it addresses climate change, define your ideal garden, and begin gathering information to design your space.
1495 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Pacific Bay Coffee Co. has closed for remodeling until February 3rd. Check for updates on their Facebook page here.
Note that a new Starbucks is planning to open diagonally across from Pacific Bay in the new Village development, so that may have encouraged them to upgrade the cafe. They will be located right next to TD Ameritrade which will be at the corner. This is the same development where California Pizza Kitchen will be relocating to.
