1347 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Last December I noted that Diane’s Beachwear was relocating from Broadway Plaza to another spot next to Peet’s Coffee on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and they are now open.
1347 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Last December I noted that Diane’s Beachwear was relocating from Broadway Plaza to another spot next to Peet’s Coffee on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and they are now open.
2001 North Main St, Suite 150, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that A Sweet Affair Bakery & Cafe has opened a new outpost in Walnut Creek in the Ygnacio Center next to Fidelity. They also have a location in the Ygnacio Valley Shopping Center and on Hartz Ave. in Danville. Check out their sandwiches here and baked goods here.
3587 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The downtown Lafayette women’s boutique Duchess is relocating to 408 Hartz Ave. in Danville sometime next week. Their lease expired after six years at this Lafayette location. Check out their Facebook page here.
From their newsletter:
I have a new little joy coming into my life with a due date set for August. This relocation factors him into my life as well; because by moving Duchess to Danville I will be going home, of sorts. I was raised and lived in Danville for the majority of my life and fortunately for me my parents and family all still reside there. I have heard it takes a village to raise a child and that village for now is in Danville. The lease at our current location has expired and while I searched to find the right place in order to keep Duchess in Lafayette, it just didn’t work out.
Moraga Rd. & Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Tuesday, May 20th, 2014
5:30pm – 9:00pm | $5012th Annual Taste of Lafayette on Tuesday, May 20 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. The tours begins at Lafayette Plaza with a wine & beer reception including appetizers and musical entertainment featuring a Beatles Tribute. Ticket holders go at their own pace to any or all of the participating restaurants. Then return for a dessert reception at the Plaza from 8:30-9:00pm. Tickets are $45 if purchased by May 9, $50 thereafter.
Tour Restaurants include Amarin Thai, American Kitchen (new), Back to the Table, Chevalier, La Finestra Ristorante, Mangia Ristorante, Patxi’s Pizza, Pizza Antica, Postino, Round Table Pizza, Rustic Tavern, Susan Foord Cafe, SusieCakes, The Cooperage (new), Uncle Yu’s Szechuan and Yankee Pier.
Hors d’oeuvres, dessert & coffee at Plaza Park will be provided by Cake., Dave’s Cuisine, Il Giradino, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, Green Lantern Catering, La Boulange, Millie’s Kitchen and Peet’s Gourmet Coffee.
This past Saturday the 15th annual Lafayette Juniors kitchen tour took place and I had the opportunity to check out six amazing kitchens. The Lafayette Juniors holds this event every year in May to benefit various charities such as First Place for Youth, Stand!, SEED, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and Girl Scouts of Northern California. More details on the beneficiaries here. If you are planning a remodel this tour is a must-see!
The spacious and airy kitchen featured here is located in north Lafayette with incredible views of Mount Diablo and Briones Regional Park. A fire pit and pool right outside takes full advantage of these views making this the perfect place for entertaining.
From the Lafayette Juniors description:
The Cape Cod home offers spectacular views of Mount Diablo. The homeowner built the home and designed the kitchen with functionality in mind. A spacious center island lets family and friends easily gather and the appliances are restaurant grade. The outdoor area has a beautiful kitchen and plenty of dining areas for causal entertaining. The homeowner installed automatic blinds throughout the home and all of these blinds are programmed to open and close with the rising and setting of the sun. Touch screen entertaining lights and music are made possible because of specially installed high-tech electronic wiring.
Fire pit with a view:
More photos of the inside and the pool after the jump…
Pool outside kitchen:
Inside view of open living area:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee:
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Friday, May 16th – Saturday, June 21st, 2014A hilarious tale of over-achievers’ angst, Spelling Bee chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. A Tony Award-winning musical about trying to stand out and fit in at the same time, this riotous musical comedy is guaranteed to have you cachinnating (use it in a sentence, request a definition?). Dust off your dictionary and prepare yourself for the laughter and quirky charms of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
1375 N Main St, Walnut Creek
Last August we learned that Adib’s Persian Rug Gallery would be moving to 1424 S. Main St. Walnut Creek and now the owner is redeveloping this location, splitting it into two separate spaces, one on each floor, which will include an elevator.
A couple of days ago I asked for help identifying this giant lizard spotted in a local garage and thanks to readers for pointing out that this is a California Alligator Lizard. Based on photos here that is definitely what it is.
From the website:
This is a lizard that is often seen in yards and garages in Southern California.
Even though this isn’t Southern California its close enough!