Encina Grande, Walnut Creek
Last October we learned that San Francisco-based Starbird Chicken would be coming to Encina Grande in Walnut Creek and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. I had the opportunity to try some dishes and particularly enjoyed the crispy chicken tenders which were not greasy at all. The seasoning and Star sauce was so good I’m definitely going to go back soon.
More photos of food and inside after the jump…
1360 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Great news as Bierhaus, the German-inspired restaurant and beer hall that closed late last year in downtown Walnut Creek, has reopened! Their menu is a bit more limited for now, but I look forward to eating a giant pretzel with mustard, while sipping a draft brew there soon.
1388 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Berkeley-based Cupcakin’ Bake Shop is coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Kara’s Cupcakes used to be and they are expected to open as early as July 1st for a soft opening. Check out their menu here. They will also sell cakes and there will be live music at the grand opening on July 3rd. I’m definitely going to try a chocolate salted caramel cupcake the first chance I get!
From their website:
Cupcakin’ Bake Shop is the realized vision of owner Lila Owens. She started a home-based cupcake catering business in 2007. But the ultimate goal was to open a cute little bake shop where she could showcase her passion for baking to a larger audience. Lila wanted a fun culture, adorable décor and artisan baked goods made from high quality, sustainable ingredients.
El Monte Shopping Center, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo) that the restaurant Frickin Fried is coming to El Monte Shopping Center in Concord where Mt. Froyo used to be.
100 Railroad Ave, Danville
Sliver Pizzeria, with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, is coming to Danville where Coffee Shop used to be. According to their FAQ, they only have one type of pizza per day in order to keep the, “pizza ingredients ultra fresh, and keep your time in line to an absolute minimum”. Check out their menu here. Looks interesting!
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
In March, 2020 I posted that the ice cream shop Salt & Straw would be coming to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, and although it was quietly removed it from their online directory, they were thankfully planning on opening there all along. Learn more about their story here and check out their menu here.
Main Street Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to everyone who messaged that Third Culture Bakery, maker of the world renowned Mochi Muffin®, is opening their second Bay Area location at Main Street Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek at the corner of S. California Blvd. and Botelho Dr. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
After falling in love in Berkeley, CA, Chef Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu started a bakery journey together, offering pastries reflective of their childhood in Indonesia and Taiwan. Third Culture Bakery started as a two-man-show in 2016, offering the Mochi Muffin® to just six wholesale coffee shops.
1522 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
According to this SF Chronicle article, Singapore’s oldest cafe chain Killiney Kopitiam is opening a new restaurant, Table at 7, which will take over where PRIMA Ristorante used to be in downtown Walnut Creek.
1512 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for emailing that Sultan’s Kebab Mediterranean Cuisine, with locations in Danville, Pleasanton and San Francisco, is coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Bombay Indian is located. Check out their menu here. Look for an early summer opening.
