
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
In January we learned that Ike’s Sandwich Shop would be coming to Willows Shopping Center in Concord and they are now open. Unlike their Walnut Creek location, this location makes sandwiches visibly out front.



Willows Shopping Center, Concord
In January we learned that Ike’s Sandwich Shop would be coming to Willows Shopping Center in Concord and they are now open. Unlike their Walnut Creek location, this location makes sandwiches visibly out front.



There has been lots of progress at the new 1500 Mt. Diablo development in downtown Walnut Creek and these may be some of the last days to view the flowerpot from the mural on the wall of La Fogata. If you pass by take a peek between the two walls to see it.


100 Railroad Ave, Danville
The ice cream shop Crafts Creamery opened in Danville recently and as you can see in the photo below it’s made using liquid nitrogen although it doesn’t seem to be mentioned on their website. Unlike Smitten which also uses liquid nitrogen in their ice cream making process, Crafts Creamery offers a HUGE selection which is great. Check out their menu here.
A small size is $4.95 and is available in a premium, organic, low-fat, and a coconut/granita dairy-free base. After you choose a base you can choose from flavors such as Cap’n Crunch, adzuki bean, milk and cookies, and plenty more. Normally I stick with chocolate but I tried low fat caramel popcorn out of curiosity and it did indeed taste like caramel popcorn.

Photos of the caramel popcorn ice cream and inside signage after the jump:

I was walking by the toy store 5 Little Monkeys in downtown Walnut Creek over the weekend when I spotted this tree surfing swing. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, the Swurfer is on a nationwide tour this summer. I tried the surfing swing and had a blast! If only I had a tree that could handle this. I know one nearby tree that would work well for the Swurfer. Check out their website here.


Photo by Flickr user perspective
Have a great Memorial Day weekend, stay safe and please remember those who gave their lives serving the United States.

Mt. Diablo High School
2450 Grant St, Concord
Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 – Monday, May 25th, 2015
10:00am – 6:00pm | $7 ($6 with can donation)Bay Area Festivals, Inc. is pleased to present Bay Area KidFest, a 3-day weekend of quality live entertainment, activities and sports for children to stimulate learning and exploration while presenting parents with new ideas and opportunities from arts & crafts and other exhibitors. KidFest also showcases community groups dedicated to families and children while celebrating the value and importance of families as a key part of a healthy community.
All entertainment, attractions and free art activities are included in the low price of admission.
Additionally, there are 20 rides (Ferris wheel, pony rides, EuroBungy trampoline, Bobble Lagoon, petting zoo, giant slide and much more).
Rides and our delicious food court charge separately from admission price.

1357 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
In March we learned that downtown Walnut Creek Ballet School would be expanding into the covered passageway where the boutique Norf London is located and the Pilates and Music Studio is now open. Check out their Facebook page here.

Every few months the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek hosts a new exhibit; right now, it’s BlowUp Inflatable Contemporary Art. Seeing a painting during the Lafayette kitchen tour last weekend reminded me that Lafayette has interesting galleries as well. What is your favorite public and private gallery? East Bay and overall?

Aquanuts Celebrations of Champions:
Clarke Memorial Swim Center
1750 Heather Dr, Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 23rd, 2015
3:30pm – 8:30pm | $10Join us for an afternoon and evening of art and athleticism as we showcase the Walnut Creek Aquanuts championship synchronized swimming performances in Celebration of Champions, Caribbean Carnival! The event will be held at Heather Farm’s Clarke Memorial Swim Center on Saturday, May 23. Doors open at 3:30pm for the Party, and the main event will start at 5:30. General Admission is $10, and children 5 and under are free!
Get your Jimmy Buffet vibe going as you sip a margarita or two watching fantastic synchronized swimming performances. Special guests include 2012 Olympian Mariya Koroleva and the US National Team. Enjoy Caribbean food while you stroll around the WCAville festival. Visit unique local shopping vendors selling art, athletic wear, jewelry and more, or pop into the photo booth to commemorate the evening! There will be silent auction items donated by local businesses and WCA boosters, raffle gift baskets, plus a very exciting live auction which includes trips to Mexico and Ireland! We will once again enjoy the fun of our DUCK DERBY and Heads or Tails Game. We will also give awards for best Jimmy Buffet, or Caribbean themed costume to encourage the “vibe.”
Avoid lines and get your tickets HERE!

Photo from Pizza Antica Facebook
From an email:
Napa valley lamb company’s lambs are raised on the grounds of the infineon raceway in sonoma. lamb expert-owner don watson takes a hands-on approach when it comes to caring for his sustainably raised livestock. don, with the help of a handful of expert peruvian sheepherders, personally cares for his heard. for this dinner, chef bradley will travel to sonoma to meet don, where he will select a very special lamb. that animal will then be hand-delivered by don watson. if we’re lucky (if he doesn’t need to race back to the “ranch”) he might stick around long enough for you to meet him! a special selection of wines from oregon and washington will be paired with each course.
eat & drink
antipasti
lamb mortadella, prosciutto cotto,
pickled vegetables, gnocco fritto
pinot gris, ponzi, willamette valley 2013
~
cassarecce
lamb sugo, mint, pistachio, pecorino
gsm, gramercy cellars, lower east, columbia valley
~
mixed grill of lamb
fork-crushed fava beans, english peas, new potatoes
syrah, elk cove, rogue valley 2002
~
fresh strawberries
almond shortbread, whipped ricotta
brut rosé, argyle, willamette valley 2010food & wine $90 | food only $58
(inclusive of gratuity)click here to reserve.
