Beyond the Creek

The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe Opens in Lafayette

April 13, 2015 11:30 am

3406 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new restaurant featuring seasonal California cuisine, The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe, has opened in place of the Italian restaurant Giardino on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Owner JP Balingit is the former directory of culinary operations at Jack’s Restaurant and Bar in Pleasant Hill with longtime restaurant experience. Menus change daily; check out a recent lunch menu here, dinner menu here and brunch menu here. Lunch and dinner are available Tuesday – Friday with brunch and dinner available on weekends beginning at 9am. There is an outdoor dining area as well.

The interior features eclectic collectible pieces such as the display case featuring bread from local bakery The Rising Loafer. The bar is made from reclaimed wood from their neighbor. (See photos of this and more after the jump.)

Check out more photos after the jump…

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Sign of the Day (Sugary Drink Edition)

April 13, 2015 8:30 am

Spotted in Concord, the sign says, “El Azucar Muerde” (Sugar Bites):

From the first 5 Contra Costa website:

In an effort to prevent childhood obesity, First 5 Contra Costa and the Healthy and Active Before 5 collaborative have launched a hard-hitting campaign urging parents to protect their toddlers and preschoolers from sugary drinks, and serve them water instead.

As you can see from the artwork, we’re not pulling any punches with this campaign.

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Wake Up the Garden with New Five-Day Spring Garden Sale at Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek on April 11th – 16th

April 10, 2015 4:30 pm

Wake Up the Garden with New Five-Day Spring Garden Sale:

Ruth Bancroft Garden
1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek
Saturday, April 11th, 2015 – Thursday, April 16th, 2015
Free

Saturday:

Members Only Pre-Sale 9am-11amEntry granted to members of The Ruth Bancroft Garden only! No reciprocal members or guest passes.

Memberships available at the door

Public sale 11am – 3pm

Docent-led tours at 11am and 1pm

Free admission all day (Saturday only)

Garden open until 4pm

Sunday – Thursday:

The public sale continues 10am – 4pm each day

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Continuing Progress on Broadway Plaza Redevelopment in Walnut Creek

April 10, 2015 11:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Compared to the last time we took a look at the Broadway Plaza redevelopment in downtown Walnut Creek back last November, there has been amazing progress. You can see where the windows will be, one new parking garage has been completed, and Macy’s new window is up. Check out the latest progress here. I’m looking forward to the grand opening towards the end of the year!

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Friday Question of the Day – Best Spot for a New Food Truck Market?

April 10, 2015 8:30 am

With news that Walnut Creek has lost TheBEND food truck market people have been wondering what would be a good location for a new food truck market. One suggestion was the, “big open parking area in front of CVS at the corner of California and Olympic”. What about Cypress St. where Walnut Creek Wednesdays are held? What other locations are out there for a food truck market?

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Orangetheory Fitness Opening Late April in Downtown Walnut Creek

April 9, 2015 11:30 am

1531 Locust St, Walnut Creek

We’ve been following the progress on the new heart rate monitoring gym Orangetheory Fitness coming to downtown Walnut Creek and the latest word is that it expects to open “end of the month” according to their Facebook page.

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Progress on Ascent Apartments in Walnut Creek across from Target

April 9, 2015 8:30 am

1960 North Main St, Walnut Creek

Formerly known as Moderna on North Main Apartments, progress continues on the rental complex Moderna in downtown Walnut Creek across from Target. A giant “coming summer 2015” sign has been posted and their website notes, “Leasing is expected to begin in Spring of 2015 with first move-ins in Mid Summer of 2015.” Check out the features and amenities here. There will be electric car charging stations and an on-site CarShare program, not to mention a super convenient gas station. Other features include a, “pool area with large sun deck, hot-tub and barbeque facilities” and fitness studio.

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What’s the Buzz: Backyard Beekeeping Workshop in Pleasant Hill on April 16th

April 8, 2015 4:32 pm

What’s the Buzz: Backyard Beekeeping Workshop:

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center
315 Cortsen Rd, Pleasant Hill
Thursday, April 16th, 2015
10:00am – 12:00pm | $20

Are you thinking about keeping bees? Or perhaps you just want to know more about these miraculous garden helpers and how to encourage them to visit your yard? Our expert from the Mt. Diablo Beekeeper’s Assocation will teach us about bee biology, equipment, installation, seasonal management, bee-friendly gardens and much more.

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Mural of the Day

April 8, 2015 11:30 am

Spotted near St. Mary’s Church and school in Walnut Creek.

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PetSmart Coming to Encina Grande in Walnut Creek

April 8, 2015 8:30 am

Ygnacio Valley Rd. & Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek

Thanks to a reader pointing out that PetSmart is coming to Encina Grande in Walnut Creek. The nearly 10,000 square foot building will be located next to Toyo Sushi and Encina Bike Shop in the Corner Tenants section. Previously we learned that construction began on a new Walgreens store on the other side and Whole Foods would be opening in October, 2016. Meanwhile across the street at the delayed Orchards shopping center, Petco is planning to open.

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