Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
The Japanese cream puff bakery Beard Papa’s opened recently at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Check out their menu here. It’s nice to have access to these iconic cream puffs in the East Bay.
Park ‘N’ Shop, Concord
Taiwanese-based 85°C Bakery Cafe opened recently at the Park ‘N’ Shop center on Willow Pass Rd. in Concord. Check out their menu here. I once drove to Pleasanton to get some baked goods at a 85°C Bakery Cafe so am very glad to see them in nearby Concord.
From their website:
The name 85ºC comes from the idea that the perfect brewing temperature for espresso coffee is 85º Celsius.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Last summer, we learned that the tween centric discount store Five Below would be coming to Willows Shopping center in Concord, and they have now opened. Check out their online shop here. I was able to pick up a cheap pair of dumbbells. 🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Oceane Beauty, which opened over five years ago at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, has closed.
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
In February we learned that Barnes & Noble, like Häagen-Dazs, would be returning to downtown Walnut Creek, and the window coverings now proudly state “opening summer 2022!”. What’s old is new again, I suppose. And life goes on…
71 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Interesting to see something besides an eatery moving into the former American Kitchen spot as Kimberley Harrison Interiors takes over this prime Lafayette Circle location.
From their website:
KHI strives to discover each client’s unique aesthetic that speaks to who they are and how they live. Whether modern, transitional, eclectic, classic or traditional, we design spaces in which their owners feel harmony.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
After an almost 10 year absence in downtown Walnut Creek, the American ice cream store Häagen-Dazs has reopened at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out the shop menu here. This is the same spot where Godiva served their decadent soft serve ice cream. Which do you prefer?
1394 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Oakland-based World Famous Hotboys has opened where Mel’s Diner used to be in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out their menu here. Thanks to a reader for sending word about this.
1441 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Brioche de Paris opened a couple of years ago in downtown Walnut Creek, and they are expanding where Subway used to be, next door, where Brioche de Paris Patisserie will be located.
From their website:
The Brioche de Paris owners and chef have been in the French cuisine business for generations. We are a family owned business committed to sharing our deep passion and love of French cooking with our customers.
1506 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Martinez-based Guava Island Eats, which we learned would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, has now opened. Check out the Walnut Creek menu here. I tried the fruit cup with cucumber, jicama, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon and chamoy sauce and it was quite tasty.
