Rossmoor Town Center, Walnut Creek
Three years ago we learned about Starbucks coming to the Rossmoor Town Center in Walnut Creek and they have now opened. This one also has a drive-thru as you can see in the above photo. Thanks to everyone who emailed about the opening. There is plenty of new space so I look forward to see what other shops will be coming here.
145 E. Prospect Ave, Danville
Danville Soup and Salad Shack, which we learned would be coming to Danville earlier this year where Edge Boutique used to be on E. Prospect Ave, has now opened. At one of their two tables I tried their clam chowder which was really good. Check for updates including menu items on their Instagram page here and Facebook page here.
Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
Last week I posted a note from a reader who was lamenting the impending loss of Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant in the newly remodeled shopping center Encina Grande in Walnut Creek and it turns out the complaints worked as Jade Garden was able to renew their lease according to cbslocal.com. As for the UPS store next door, it turns out the owner took a big loss and will relocate to Orchards shopping center across the street in a few months with a new owner.
Orinda Theatre Square
Although Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar had expected to open back in May at Orinda Theatre Square they are finally opening today according to a sign in the window. Their menu should eventually be posted on their website here.
445 Railroad Ave, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new Mexican restaurant called Cielito will be coming to Danville where Chow used to be. Look for an early 2019 opening. Stay tuned…
From their website:
Cielito Cocina Mexicana features authentic, regional Mexican cuisine from Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. We support local farmers so that we can source the freshest ingredients. We also have a full bar with an exceptional tequila and mescal collection, California wines, and local microbrews on tap.
1941 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill
Rooted Coffee Co which has been offering plant based food and specialty drinks at the Walnut Creek farmers market for several years will be opening a storefront next to SlowHand BBQ in Pleasant Hill this December according to a sign in the window. To help with funding they recently wrapped up a Kickstarter that raised over $55,000. (h/t Diablo Dish)
From their website:
We believe in offering a quality product and experience. For us, it starts with sourcing beans that are exclusively organic & fairly traded. Farmers who grow fair trade products receive a fair price while their communities and the environment benefit as well. Rooted is interested in bettering the lives of our bean farmers as well as leaving a better world for the next generation. These farmers enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions and fair wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
While our goal is not to save the planet, we do intend to be good stewards of our resources and try our best to make a minimal impact on the earth. We do this by:
– exclusive use of fair-trade, organic beans
– exclusive use of plant based milks
– exclusive use of compostable, petroleum-free cups
– exclusive relationship with one independent, local roasterDid we mention that Rooted Coffee has a smooth and complex taste with an aroma that is incomparable?!
501 Hartz Ave, Danville
In June we learned that Basil Leaf Cafe would be closing in Danville and more details are coming out about the Mexcian restaurant Cocina Hermanas, owned by Darren Matte of Harvest across the street and Per Diem in San Francisco:
From an email:
Mr. Matte’s future Mexican cuisine establishment will marry well-known Mexican street food and family dishes with a philosophy of fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. A new bar stretching the front of the restaurant will also provide diners with an extensive selection of mescals, tequilas and specialty cocktails to complement their dining experience.
An expected opening for Cocina Hermanas is scheduled for mid November.
1320 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The grab-and-go juice, meal and snack spot Urban Remedy, which opened next to Veggie Grill a couple years ago in downtown Walnut Creek, closed last month. According to a letter in the window they are currently looking for a new Walnut Creek location but in the meantime you can get your Urban Remedy fix at nearby Whole Foods locations.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
After four years serving ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, Smitten Ice Cream closed over the weekend at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. It’s not all bad news though; According to a letter posted inside all Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek and Concord residents will get 25% off purchases from their Rockridge location through the end of the year. Check out their flavors here.
Why did they leave out Orinda and Pleasant Hill residents? Orinda is part of Lamorinda but maybe they figured it’s too close to Rockridge to offer a discount. Why did they skip Pleasant Hill? Maybe that’s an oversight…
Thanks to everyone who emailed about the closing.
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