I love finding new dishes to try at food truck markets like the one shown above that recently stopped in downtown Walnut Creek. But the height of the ordering and pickup windows is dizzily high so I feel like a kindergartner when ordering. Does anyone else feel awkward ordering and picking up from these ultra-high food trucks?
550 Hartz Ave, Danville
In the beginning of the year we learned that Blue Line Pizza was coming to Hartz Ave. in Danville where Rakestraw Books used to be and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. Blue Line Pizza is from the same owners as Little Star Pizza in San Francisco.
From their Facebook page:
The award-winning pizza from legendary SF-based Little Star Pizza is expanding throughout the Bay Area with a new name and look (but same great food). Blue Line Pizza is a neighborhood pizzeria that features tasty organic salads and appetizers, gluten and vegan free options, an assortment of quality beers, wines and signature cocktails, and, of course, our famous Chicago deep-dish and New York thin crust style pizzas.
From a press release:
Food truck lovers rejoice! Beginning on Tuesday, July 14th the community of Walnut Creek can come together to enjoy a variety of Off the Grid food trucks, live entertainment from Oakland’s Borrowed Trouble rock band, wine and beer garden, and lots of tasty reasons to come back every Tuesday with family and friends for this ongoing weekly event.
The location is what truly makes this food truck event unique. The shuttered McDonald’s restaurant parking lot on N. California Blvd. has been graciously donated by Rescore Property Company in order for Walnut Creek to provide this event in a safe and central location. It’s an inspiring example of how a community can repurpose a dated fast food parking lot into a modern food truck and entertainment experience.
“Walnut Creek Downtown has worked diligently for several years to bring an exciting food truck event to downtown for our community to come out and enjoy together,” says Byron Best, Executive Director of Walnut Creek Downtown. “By partnering with the City of Walnut Creek and using the new Downtown Enhancement Initiatives funds, we were able to see this event come to fruition with Off the Grid who we’re extremely excited to work with.”
The rotating lineup of nine food trucks in Walnut Creek will include Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen, Gyro Stop Kebab G, ADOruBOwl, and IzzyA’s Frozen Custard. Find the full lineup available at http://offthegridsf.com.
What: Off the Grid: Walnut Creek Downtown food truck event
Where: Walnut Creek Downtown @ 1380 N. California Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94596
When: Tuesday, July 14 (and every subsequent Tuesday) 5 to 9 p.m. with music from 6 to 8 p.m.
1353 Locust Street, Walnut Creek
A new restaurant called Fuego Tequila Grill is replacing Taqueria Mexican Grill in downtown Walnut Creek and although there is a major upgrade to the facade being made the Chinese restaurant Dragon’s Pond is still open.
3422 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Bonehead’s Texas BBQ opened last week in Lafayette, replacing Bo’s Barbecue that closed last year. Check out their menu here. The inside looks really nice and spacious with several TVs gracing the walls. There is also plenty of outdoor seating on their patio.
From their Facebook page:
Bonehead’s Texas BBQ is the brainchild of a Silicon Valley salesman who chose to do something he loved rather than continue to put up with the daily commute. As a hobby, Dave Roberson (aka Duroc) has been smoking for friends, family, churches, and large groups for 25 plus years. His first smoker was made from a 55-gallon drum, a stolen grocery cart, (he says someone else stole it, he just didn’t know where to return it to—yeah, right, Dave) and a couple of lawn mower tires. Yep, he’s a real bubba!
All of our products are prepared fresh daily… well most of them. The cole slaw, tater salad and other salads are. But our meats take days to prepare even before they’re cooked. You see, we use rubs on our meats that we allow to soak in for up to 72 hours before they’re placed in the smoker. That’s what makes Bonehead’s different – we’re slow – low and slow smokin’. We use wood fired smokers only – no natural gas or charcoal. We believe natural gas and charcoal leave a flavor that isn’t compatible to tasty food.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
15 Crescent Dr, Pleasant Hill
Earlier this spring we learned that Jack’s Restaurant and Bar would be expanding in the Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center with an additional bar called Jack’s Taps and they are now open. I dropped by and checked out the inside which looks great. Priced at around $6, brews including pale ales, pilsners, porters, stouts and more are available on tap.
7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek
The new Peruvian restaurant Parada is opening this Thursday in Walnut Creek near the Pleasant Hill BART station and I had a chance to check out a preview last night. The inside looks great with hand painted murals and signs throughout giving it a comfy feel. There is plenty of outdoor seating in front and on the side. The Pisco Punch cocktail with pisco quebranta, housemade pineapple gum and lemon was delicious, as were the tapas appetizers. Some of the ingredients and tastes, including some with quite a kick, were new to me and they all tasted outstanding. I can’t wait to come back to try more dishes out!
Check out their menu here and here. You can make a reservation on OpenTable here. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Plenty more photos after the jump…
Thanks to everyone for sending word that Starbucks is closing all La Boulange cafes by September, including ones in Danville, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek. I’ve had good experiences eating here so this is more disappointing news. Starbucks will continue to carry the La Boulange brand within Starbucks but based on what I’ve tried that’s a far cry to what was offered in the La Boulange cafes themselves for some reason.
376 Park St, Moraga
In March we learned that a new restaurant called Graze would be replacing Shish Kabab Show in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in Moraga and Graze has now opened. For now they will be open for lunch Wednesdays through Saturdays and after July 4th they will also open for dinner, noon through 8pm. The owners used to have a restaurant called PAU in Hawaii serving the same dishes (besides the pizza), using fresh, local ingredients. Check out their lunch menu here and drinks menu here. Beer and wine will be available.
1400 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Lin’s Buffet opened last month in Concord where Buffet City used to be, a couple of blocks from Hobby Lobby.
