Beyond the Creek

Judging Theaters – Diablo Actors’ Ensemble Theatre

January 19, 2012 8:30 am

When you think of downtown Walnut Creek and theaters, you probably think of Lesher Center, but that’s not the only theater downtown. The Diablo Actors’ Ensemble Theatre is located next to Peet’s Coffee at 1345 Locust St. and offers various performances including the upcoming play, Frankie & Johnnie in the Clair de Lune which opens this Friday January 20th. From their website:

Diablo Actors’ Ensemble believes theatre enriches our lives and enriches the cultural life of our community. DAE is dedicated to presenting the highest quality live theatre within our resources. We hope to entertain, engage and challenge our audiences. DAE provides a nurturing environment for artists with whom we work which allows for passionate, creative interaction and engagement. Most importantly we hold the ensemble in the highest regard in a celebration of the human spirit.

I’ve must have passed this place hundreds of times but have never ventured in, has anyone been to a performance, and if so would you recommend it?

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Light Pole Sponsorships

January 18, 2012 4:45 pm

You have to have an eagle eye to spot these signs as they are at the bottom of some Walnut Creek light poles. This one was spotted in front of Main Street Rags in downtown Walnut Creek. Another one next door had a plumbing company on the sign. Might be useful if a dog is in need of a plumber.

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Ironic Scene of the Day

January 18, 2012 11:30 am

The jewelry store sign says “OPEN”, the storefront display cases are empty. Picture taken around 2pm in the afternoon.

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Coming Soon – Dragon’s Pond Chinese Restaurant

January 18, 2012 8:30 am

Dragon’s Pond, a new Chinese restaurant featuring Hunan and Mandarin cuisines will be opening within 2 weeks at the old Da Lat Vietnamese downtown Walnut Creek location (1353 Locust St.), which closed a few months ago. There is a loose connection with Da Lat as the new owners are distant relatives. Anyway, as you can see by the picture above it’s not completed yet, but it looks quite nice and I look forward to checking it out when it opens. One commenter noted previously the over-abundance of Vietnamese restaurants in Walnut Creek so this is a nice change for downtown. As far as downtown Walnut Creek Chinese restaurants go, there is also OI-C Bowl on N. Main St. and PF Chang’s across from Nordstroms.

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Bonne Nuit Lingerie Store Closing

January 17, 2012 4:42 pm

Bonne Nuit, the lingerie store in downtown Walnut Creek is closing. This location is being shared with the European clothing store jeu.de.jupe and it looks like jeu.de.jupe will remain after Bonne Nuit leaves. I believe jeu.de.jupe moved to the Bonne Nuit location a couple of years ago from a few blocks away. All Bonne Nuit items are 25% off, with some items marked down 50%.

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Judging Restaurants – McCovey’s

January 17, 2012 12:00 pm

McCovey’s, a baseball themed restaurant and bar named after the famed SF Giants baseball slugger Willie McCovey from the 60s and 70s has been open since 2003 at 1444 N. California Blvd. in Walnut Creek. According to their website:

McCovey’s opened in September 2003, after the Festival theater was torn down and the building began for Plaza 44. We cater to local diners but guests from all over the Bay Area frequent McCovey’s for its one-of-a- kind experience.
The McCovey’s dream began in 1985 when Jeff Dudum named his dad’s memorabilia room “Extra Innings” and posted a sign for all to see. Willie McCovey is a friend of the Dudum family and is involved in Dudum Sports Entertainment. Our guests can enjoy a casual meal at the bar, dine on the patio or in the amazing dining room.

I never realized the Dudums were involved with McCovey’s. I know they own 1515. Any others?

Any fans of McCovey’s the restaurant? Is it a good place to watch sports?

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Sculpture of the Day

January 17, 2012 8:36 am

Titled, “Carved Stone Lion”, this lion sculpture is located in the back of Broadway Plaza near the Ecco shoe store.

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Dining Options for 100 in Walnut Creek

January 16, 2012 11:30 am

photo by Flickr user woodleywonderworks

This post from the Chowhound food forums caught my eye recently:

I need to feed 60 high school students + 40 adults on a Thursday night, preferably not too far from the Walnut Creek Marriott. Preferences:

1)Cheap – I need to get out the door for around $15 a head
2)Not nasty
3)Service able to handle a large group efficiently
4)Veg options
5)Any cuisine is fine, but it would be nice if it was somehow representative of the Bay Area

What do people do when they need dining options for really large groups in Walnut Creek? I imagine a restaurant can’t handle this kind of crowd so are there any banquet halls in Walnut Creek that serve decent food at this price?

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Walnut Creek Liberty Bell Plaza Liberty Bell

January 16, 2012 8:30 am

The plaque at tops says:

DEDICATED BY
THE PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES
GERALD R. FORD
MAY 25, 1976

Photo from Walnut Creek Historical Society
As the Walnut Creek Historical Society notes:

U.S. President Gerald R. Ford (pictured) visits Walnut Creek on May 25 (1976), during which time he dedicates Liberty Bell Plaza in honor of the nation’s bicentennial.

While reading the older events from that page I noticed that the population of Walnut Creek in 1950 was only 2,460 and in 1960 was still under 10,000. To me that’s amazing. Back then the city was so small I imagine everyone knew everyone.

The original LIberty Bell, located in Philedalphia, PA is pictured below.

Photo from Flickr user kw111786

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Weekend Rant and/or Revel

January 13, 2012 5:00 pm

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. I’ll open this thread every Friday at 5 pm.

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