Debbi DiMaggio & Josie Iselin Book Signing:
Michael Friedes Design Showroom
2 Theatre Square, Orinda
Wednesday, May 7th, 2014
5:30pm – 7:30pm | FreeHope you can join us for a fun and informative event with authors Debbi DiMaggio and Josie Iselin.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres Reception
Please RSVP to laurie@mf-da.com
1510 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Taylor Made Cakes & Yogurt recently opened, replacing Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt in the Palos Verdes mall in Walnut Creek.
From their website:
Taylor Made Cakes is a grassroots movement started by Taylor who wanted to bring the gift of a special experience to her friends and family. In 2011, her hobby turned into a business in which she wanted to deliver her passion and talent to people of all walks of life who were looking to have the same experience delivered to their moment of celebration. By mid-2011 her cakes were in high demand through word of mouth, and soon she realized that she was not the only one who believed in her top quality cakes and cupcakes. TMC wanst to bring old school integrity and hard work values by giving back to our communities, our people not only believe in the product and our company but the impact our business has on our community, local farmers, and our environment.
Check out more photos of the inside after the jump…
2045 Mt. Diablo St, Concord
As a parent to a young boy I’ve been in my fair share of LEGO stores but this is the first independently owned LEGO store I’ve been to. Located in downtown Concord in the Bacon Block building where Vinnie’s Bar & Grill is, to get to King Bricks head up to the second floor and there will be a small room chock full of LEGO sets, mini figures; they even sell blocks in bulk. They also buy and sell used sets. Note that they are only open on weekends. Check out their website here.
Photo by Flickr user deborah-is-lola
Hacienda de las Flores
2100 Donald Dr, Moraga
Sunday, May 4th, 2014
2:00pm – 6:00pm | $5Cinco de Mayo 2014 will take place on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 6 PM at the Hacienda. As always, music will be provided by a live mariachi band, and Gourmet Mexican food and beverages will be available. Pinatas and tortilla making will entertain the children. Admission is $5 per adult. Children are free. Parking and a free shuttle to the Hacienda will be available from AAAAA Storage on Moraga Road. Come join the fun! Hasta la vista!
1536 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new cafe/play center for young kids and their parents called Small Talk Family Cafe will be opening in the Newell Promenade in Walnut Creek on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Check out their Facebook page here. In addition to playtime they will also offer baby and kid classes, provide parent resources and host family events and parties. If you have young kids you’ll definitely want to check this place out when it opens.
From their website:
Small Talk Family Cafe will be an indoor play space and cafe where parents and caregivers can linger over coffee, tea or a bite to eat while their children (age 0-6) can explore and interact in a safe and welcoming environment. Classes for little ones, parent education and birthday parties will be offered too. Small Talk will open in Walnut Creek, CA on Sunday, May 11, 2014 (Mother’s Day!).
Small Talk will be about meeting YOUR needs as a parent or caregiver. Sure, the kids will love the developmental dramatic play area with trains and vehicle toys, dress up, dolls and dollhouses, building blocks and plethora of other toys, activities and fun equipment designed for enrichment. However, this space will be made for YOU! Think modern coffee house plus a clean, child-proofed environment, open format for easy supervising, furniture made to withstand mini climbers, a dedicated baby area, parent resources and info, healthy, nutritious food and beverages, free WiFi and more.
In addition, Small Talk Family Cafe will emphasize environmentally friendly practices with a focus on green toys and equipment, natural, organic offerings, and non-toxic cleaning methods.
Angel Island
I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at Angel Island, located a short ferry ride from Tiburon in the North Bay and was blown away by the 360 degree views, surrounding nature and history (for info see WIkipedia here.) Definitely one of the more memorable trips I have taken. What is your favorite Bay Area state park?
Mighty Fine Guitars
85 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Saturday, May 10th, 2014
8:00pm | $15 – $20One of the original Takoma Records guys, along with John Fahey and Leo Kottke and Peter Lang. Rick is a personal guitar hero of mine from 1970-something. A real stylist with a unique instrumental voice.
“Rick Ruskin started playing guitar in 1962 and in just one year became a respected professional musician in his native Detroit, Michigan. In 1964, while still in Jr. High School, he was chosen to open the bill for the Reverend Gary Davis at Detroit’s legendary Retort Coffee House. This engagement resulted in a fast and permanent friendship with the master blues, ragtime, and gospel guitarist. Rev. Davis was so taken by the young Ruskin’s skill and eagerness, that he invited Rick to spend that summer with him at his Long Island home. By the end of the summer, Davis stopped teaching Rick new material and told him, ‘It’s time you started paying attention to your own music.’ Ruskin has been doing that ever since.”Show starts at 8:00pm. This will be a pass-the-hat party with a Suggested Donation of $15 – $20 per person.
1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The restaurant and bar Sunol Ridge in downtown Walnut Creek is getting ready for a May opening according to Diablo Dish and their signage is now up. Check out their Facebook page here.
From their Open Table reservations page:
The rustic-meets-traditional Sunol Ridge Restaurant and Bar boasts a private dining room, serpentine bar, and outdoor patio with fire pit. Sunol Ridge embraces key elements from its inspiration: a nineteenth century homestead ranch located in the Fremont/Sunol hills bringing life on the ranch to the bustling city. With 54 taps of craft beer and local wine and an extensive menu hosting fresh, organic foods, Sunol Ridge provides a unique dining experience that is sure to leave you satisfied and with great memories.
1259 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Back last December I posted some scuttlebutt that Uniqlo would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek where The Children’s Place used to be and it turns out it’s going to be a big one at over 13,000 square feet, making it the second largest Uniqlo in Northern California after their San Francisco flagship location. Thanks to a reader for pointing this out and based on the renderings it’s going to look great, can’t wait to check it out!
Lafayette Community Music Festival:
Town Hall Theatre
3535 School St, Lafayette
Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
7:30pm | $30 ($35 at the door)This year’s festival features an assortment of homegrown talent spanning decades of local musical inspiration. Headlining the show will be Matt Tidmarsh (Super Diamond), performing a spirited rockabilly set on his monstrous stand up bass, Dan DeShara, (Buzztones/Lumberyard), unplugged sets from Lafayette-based Dream Posse and Paul Cotruvo’s “Big Jangle” (music from Tom Petty, George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac & more), iconic Lafayette singer/songwriter Mark Stanley (Rock Island), as well as a set from Burton Valley singer/songwriter Dylan Chaney. Come and bid on rock and roll and sports collectibles as well as local hotel and restaurant items in our Silent Auction!