3454 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Back in January we learned that the restaurant Vitality Bowls featuring Acai bowls would be coming to Lafayette in the Merrill Gardens senior housing project and the coming soon sign is now up. They will be located in a large corner section closest to downtown.
376 Park St, Moraga
According to a sign in the window of the Mediterranean restaurant Shish Kabab Show in the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga an application for ownership change has been submitted with the name Graze. Stay tuned…
1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in February we learned that the Japanese restaurant Izakaya Jun stopped development after a stop work order was issued by the city but that has been resolved and when I looked inside recently the extensive wood paneling looked completed. According to Diablo Dish they are planning to open late April. The contractor told me they expect to finish within a couple of weeks.
Izakaya, as explained by Wikipedia:
An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of informal Japanese drinking establishment that serves food to accompany the drinks. They are casual places for after-work drinking.
Izakaya food is usually more substantial than tapas or mezze. Many items are designed to be shared.
Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers
Kushiyaki – grilled meat or vegetable skewers
Sashimi – slices of raw fish
Karaage – bite-sized fried chicken
Edamame – boiled and salted soybean pods
Tofu
Hiyayakko – chilled silken tofu with toppings
Agedashi tofu – deep fried tofu in broth
Tsukemono – pickles
I look forward to yakitori with an Asahi when this place opens!
1813 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
Yalla Mediterranean‘s second location (the first one is in Pleasant Hill) opens today in Walnut Creek in Ygnacio Plaza where Sports Basement is located. Last night I had the opportunity to check it out and it looks quite simlar to the one in Pleasant Hill with an herb wall and repurposed wood from an 1880’s farmhouse serving as paneling throughout. Check out their menu here. I usually go with the kefta (Turkish spiced ground beef and lamb) skewers but this time I went for the salmon (marinated in charmoula sauce and fresh herbs) skewers on a salad and it was delicious! The open-flame, rotisserie-style grill that cooks the protein right behind the order station really improves the overall taste. I also enjoyed the Greek eggplant, kale and beet and tabouli salad sides. Very fresh with just the right amount of spices. As you can see from the above photo there is an outdoor patio in front and to the left. There is also plenty of seating inside including a long communal table (not visible in the below photo).
More photos of the inside after the jump…
I like this photo of Elliot’s bar on Hartz Ave. in Danville, “since 1907”.
If you have an interesting photo you’d like featured on Beyond the Creek please email photos[at]beyondthecreek.com with the photo or link, thanks!
3616 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
The long anticipated Spanish, Mexican, and native Californian restaurant Rancho Cantina is set for a private soft-opening sometime next week. Featuring wood-fired Rancho cuisine, I was able to get a sneak peek of the restaurant which looks great and has a warm feeling throughout. The bar area is below. Check out their menu here.
Plenty of outdoor seating:
2118 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
The Nepalese and Indian restaurant Himalayan Cuisine opened several months ago a block from Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Check out their menu here.
1321 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Last month we learned that a new coffee shop, called, appropriately enough, Coffee Shop, will be opening in downtown Walnut Creek where Lift Lounge used to be and they are now planning for an April opening. According to their Facebook page they are now hiring. Check out their latest updates here.
From their website:
Located at 1321 Locust Street, in Downtown Walnut Creek. CS is a celebration of coffee creativity and an exploration into coffee roast styles from around the world. Whether you’re on the fritz and need a fix or if you are insanely coffee curious, we should have something for you.
Browsing their Instagram photos makes my mouth water, I can’t wait to check this out!
2151 Salvio St, Concord
The pizza restaurant openings keep coming with the Chicago style pizza restaurant Mi Pi Pizza opening sometime this month in Concord across from Todos Santos Park. Check their Facebook page to see the signage which has gone up.
From their Facebook page:
Mi Pi Pizza is an authentic Chicago Restaurant capturing the flavors & atmosphere of Chicago. 4 Crusts including Deep Dish Pizza
