From the Walnut Creek Downtown Association website:
Enjoy a unique wine tasting event while strolling through beautiful Downtown Walnut Creek, featuring boutique wineries.
Date: Wednesday, March 21 – 6pm – 9pm
Location: Starts at Broadway Plaza
Price: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
Has anyone done this before? I know about the street fairs they have downtown, never been to this though. Worth it?
Check out the contemporary design of the Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Cafe opening next Friday. Ever since I noted that the Neiman Marcus Cafe had applied to sell alcoholic beverages a couple of months ago, interest has been growing with people inquiring about reservations and other details. I spoke with the manager of the Walnut Creek Neiman Marcus Cafe and learned that they will not be taking reservations until March 24th. Until then it will be first come, first served. However there will be pagers available so you can walk around the store while waiting for your table. I really want to try one of the famous Neiman Marcus popovers.
Hours of Operation
M-F: 10 – 7
SAT: 10 – 6
SUN: 11 – 5
Phone Number
925-472-6186
So if you’re thinking about checking out the cafe within the next couple of weeks, head straight to the cafe, get signed in, and you’ll get a pager so you can check out the rest of the store while you’re waiting for a table to open up. And let us know how it was if you go!
Downtown Walnut Creek has quite a few coffee shops to enjoy a cappuchino or iced mocha while catching up with the latest news:
Lafayette offers:
The Wednesday Question of the Day is about coffee shops. I drink tea, not coffee and I’m partial to Pete’s and Caffe La Scala. Note the computer users at Caffe La Scala in the photo at top, has anyone had a hard time getting a seat there when it’s busy?
Of the those listed above, which is your favorite? Is it a chain like Starbucks, Saxbys or Pete’s, or is it something more unique and exclectic like Caffe La Scala, as seen pictured above? If I’ve missed any please comment and I’ll add them in as well.
The Habit Burger Grill, a fast food burger restaurant located at at 1255 S. California Blvd. in Walnut Creek, across the street from AAA, is always jam-packed every time I go. No wonder why they’re opening a new store in Pleasanton. My usual order is a hamburger with cheese, bacon, avocado on a lettuce wrap, no mayo, and I have to admit to enjoying it. Although switching from a bun to lettuce is a pain, I’m trying to get used to it for dietary reasons. You can check out their menu here. Any other fans of this place?
Back in December I noted that Erawan Thai restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek was closing down according to a reputable source, but weeks later they were open and now unfortunately, as can be seen in the photo, they have closed for good. I spoke with one of the workers helping to move out and she thought that the owner might have been having a hard time handling operations. So it turns out the source was right after all!
A few months ago we noted that Citra Grill was opening in Walnut Creek, and since last I checked it’s been progressing nicely. Check out the accordion doors to allow in the sunlight and fresh air, as well as extra dining space outside which wraps around the side. According to the owner they plan on having a private soft opening in early March followed by opening up to the public mid to late March. It will be open 7 days a week until 11PM and serve fresh California cuisine. It will be bistro-style so no waiters to serve you. Contrast this with the heavy stuff across the street at the Cheesecake Factory so this looks like it will be a welcome addition to downtown Walnut Creek’s dining options, especially for movie goers who want a quick bite to eat before or after catching a movie. Along with The Corners Tavern, opening in March as well, this will be great come spring and summertime.
They are also hiring for various positions as noted by the fliers on the front door.
Dear BtCreek,
Do you know if there is any way to make a reservation at the new Neiman Marcus café for Saturday the 10th. I know the place will be packed that day since it’s the opening weekend. Would like to go there for lunch with friends. I’ve looked all over online but can’t find anything.
Maybe someone can enlighten us as to whether it’s possible to make a reservation at Neiman Marcus for opening weekend. If not, some good alternatives are Boulange Bakery next to Macy’s, and Va de Vi next to Tiffany’s. Not sure if you can get popovers there though.
All drawings copyright Robert Becker
Now that B.H. Development has been awarded the N. Main/Mt. Diablo parking lot project in downtown Walnut Creek, you’re probably wondering what it’ll look like. Brian Hirahara, the owner of B.H. Development sent over some conceptual renderings of the future restaurant. This is the same developer who brought the restaurant Sasa to Walnut Creek, as well as The Corners project across the street which features Tiffany’s and the upscale tapas-style restaurant Va de Vi.
With this background in mind, it looks like the bar component to this new restaurant will be more similar to the bar at Va de Vi, in other words more upscale compared to other bars/lounges in the city that have been having problems lately.
Anyway, take a look at the outdoor dining concept in this next rendering. Note the butterfly windows which is a cool concept. The diners sitting outside are facing Commercial Lane, which I imagine will be renamed to something more appropriate in due time.
This is the view at the corner looking down Mt. Diablo Blvd. Note the benches, glad those will be going in as well.
See more drawings including an aerial view after the jump
1515 is a Dudum-owned restaurant and lounge located in downtown Walnut Creek at 1515 N. Main St. The drinks and dinner menu can be viewed here. I’ve seen an outdoor fireplace and TV which look cool. Any fans of this place?
Vanessa’s Bistro 2, the Vietnamese tapas-style restaurant located in downtown Walnut Creek, recently replaced their sign and got rid of the “2”, although it looks like it’s still in their name officially. I think it looks cool using the distressed metal for the backing.