Salvio Pacheco Square, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word about a new restaurant called Leisure Dessert opening at Salvio Pacheco Square in Concord where Fusion Bistro used to be. Despite its name, it’s actually a restaurant that serves items besides dessert. Check out their menu on their Facebook page here.
1425 Duncan St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Jamba Juice closed their downtown Walnut Creek location recently. I wonder if they were affected at all by iTea opening last spring right next door? The other Walnut Creek spot in the Countrywood Shopping Center on Bancroft Rd is still around.
1523 Giammona Dr, Walnut Creek
It’s been over a year since we first learned about a new Japanese restaurant coming to downtown Walnut Creek called Tozai Izakaya from the owner of nearby Ramen Hiroshi and as you can see in the above photo the signage is up. They will be located between Skipolini’s Pizza and Bourbon Highway. For a while I didn’t notice anything going on inside but lately there has been a lot of activity going on so I expect this open soon!
The Veranda, Concord
Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar, which we learned would be coming to the Veranda shopping center in Concord, is opening early next week Sunday, November 11th right next to the IMAX theater. Check out their Santa Clara menu here.
3629 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
In between Diablo Foods and Trader Joe’s in Lafayette is a small donut shop straight out of the 1970’s called Johnny’s Donuts. I’ve walked by dozens of times and for some reason it’s always been closed. Recently however, the stars aligned just right and I noticed it was open. So of course I had to drop in for a donut. I kept things simple and got the plain, powdered sugar one. They even threw in a donut ball. Nice gesture. The donut was tasty. Of course all donuts taste good to me. Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Voodoo (in Portland). There’s just something about the texture, smell and sweet, sweet taste that I can’t resist. For health reasons it’s imperative that I stay far away from donut shops.
Compared to the modern, hipster spaces opening left and right this shop is a nice throwback to an earlier era. Any fans of Johnny’s Donuts? What do you like most there?
1411 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The bar Urban Alley opened last summer in downtown Walnut Creek but they have been “closed for maintenance” for quite a while now and both their Facebook and Instagram pages are not displaying. The Yelp page indicates a November 26th reopening but why would they deactivate their social media pages if they’re planning to reopen? Anyone know what’s going on?
1552 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The Japanese restaurant Kurumi is under new ownership (again) in downtown Walnut Creek. Everything looked the same as I walked by recently but noticed the soft opening sign on the window. Employees confirmed the change in ownership and pointed out the menu is new. Check it out here.
1616 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
After OI-C Bowl closed earlier this year in downtown Walnut Creek, Siam Fine Thai Cuisine opened in its place. Check out their menu here. However, they’ll be closing after Thanksgiving and a Dublin-based Burmese restaurant will be opening in its place. Stay tuned… Has there ever been a Burmese restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek?
The Veranda, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Ko Cups, a “Korean bbq place that serves in bowls/ cups that frequents food trucks and antique Fair in Alameda” is coming to the Veranda shopping center in Concord next to Poke Bowl. Check out their menu here.
From their website and menu:
We founded Ko-Cups in 2016 to bring delicious Korean offerings to the food fair and farmer’s market scenes. We believe in quality ingredients and that our food ultimately speaks for itself; there is no success without flavor. We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding cities.
Ko-Cups start off with a base of aromatic rice, the best Japchae (Korean noodles) you’ve ever tasted, and some crunchy seasonal vegetables. Choose your protein, then we top it with one of our flavorful sauces: Sweet & Spicy Chili, Hot Gochujang, or Mayo Mustard — your pick!
The Veranda, Concord
There is a lot going on at the Veranda shopping center in Concord these days and now Walnut Creek based Residual Sugar Wine Bar has opened as well, right next to Coffee Shop. Check out their wine menu here, food menu here and look for updates on their Instagram page here. There is a huge outdoor patio area to the side as well as in front so the next time you find yourself in Concord I recommend dropping by to check this place out! 🍷
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