With the recent reported closings of the frozen yogurts shops Pinkberry and Coco Swirl in downtown Walnut Creek (not to mention Yogurt Park and Red Mango from a few years ago) I’m wondering whether frozen yogurt has become passé. There is still Yogurtland and a few others so maybe there were just too many. What do you make of all these frozen yogurt closings recently?
This week we learned that Danville-based Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar would be opening a second location in Lafayette which got me wondering what are your favorite (new) American restaurants. Like American Kitchen and Chow in Lafayette, Corners Tavern in Walnut Creek, The Pig & the Pickle in Concord. What is your favorite?
Photo by Flickr user epSos.de
As commuters return home from San Francisco in the evening, I’ve noticed driving on Highway 24 towards 680N that there is a TON of traffic. It looks so congested that I dread having to go to Pleasant Hill or Concord during that time. Sometimes when I take the Walnut Creek BART exit and look over I can’t believe my eyes it’s so jammed.
Where and when is the worst traffic you typically encounter? Do you change your work hours in order to commute at different hours to beat traffic?
This week we learned that Lafayette Pet Shoppe is closing at the end of the month which has me wondering where people shop for pet supplies. As a tropical fish and aquatic plant owner I’m partial to Albany Aquarium and Aqua Forest Aquarium in San Francisco. Is there a local pet shop you love? What’s the best shop for other pets?
Last week we learned the unfortunate news that Barnes & Noble would be closing in downtown Walnut Creek this January. This was my go-to store for book shopping and browsing but considering it’s still open for the summer, there is still time to pick up some books. (There’s also the library). A couple of weeks ago I asked about must-see summer movies. What books are on your summer reading list? Will you read it in paper form or as an e-book?
School is out today and with summer fast approaching the onslaught of the big blockbuster movies begins. As a huge fan of Jurassic Park I was eagerly anticipating Jurassic World and still plan on watching it despite mixed reviews. What movies are you looking forward to watching this summer?
Rising rents in Lafayette, ranging from 30 – 60% according to City Manager Steven Falk, have been causing consternation among many renters. The Lafayette City Council took up this issue recently, and in response, the new owner of the properties offered a “Max-10% lease option” which would allow for one year leases with a maximum increase of 10%, thus staving off any rent control mandate from the city.
When I lived in New York City this would be considered rent stabilization, as opposed to rent control, which was much rarer. Do you think there should be rent control in Lafayette? If not, should rent stabilization be mandated? Or should the market rule completely?
This week we learned that Ike’s Sandwich Shop opened in Concord and as it’s been a while since I last asked about a favorite deli, I wonder what people recommend for sandwiches these days. I known Morucci’s in Walnut Creek is a popular spot; One of my favorites is Domenico’s in Danville. What is your favorite spot for a sandwich?
Every few months the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek hosts a new exhibit; right now, it’s BlowUp Inflatable Contemporary Art. Seeing a painting during the Lafayette kitchen tour last weekend reminded me that Lafayette has interesting galleries as well. What is your favorite public and private gallery? East Bay and overall?
Since yesterday was Bike to Work Day, I’ve been wondering how many people use a bike to commute or for fun and exercise. As a kid I loved riding my bike; it gave me more freedom to explore. These days I don’t have as much opportunity to ride and I prefer running but given downtown Walnut Creek’s difficult parking environment I’m tempted to bring my bike, park far away, and ride to downtown instead.
Does anyone ride a bike to BART to commute? How many times a week do you ride? How far do you go?