Orinda Theatre Square
Although Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar had expected to open back in May at Orinda Theatre Square they are finally opening today according to a sign in the window. Their menu should eventually be posted on their website here.
Orinda Theatre Square
Although Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar had expected to open back in May at Orinda Theatre Square they are finally opening today according to a sign in the window. Their menu should eventually be posted on their website here.
445 Railroad Ave, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word that a new Mexican restaurant called Cielito will be coming to Danville where Chow used to be. Look for an early 2019 opening. Stay tuned…
From their website:
Cielito Cocina Mexicana features authentic, regional Mexican cuisine from Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. We support local farmers so that we can source the freshest ingredients. We also have a full bar with an exceptional tequila and mescal collection, California wines, and local microbrews on tap.
1941 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill
Rooted Coffee Co which has been offering plant based food and specialty drinks at the Walnut Creek farmers market for several years will be opening a storefront next to SlowHand BBQ in Pleasant Hill this December according to a sign in the window. To help with funding they recently wrapped up a Kickstarter that raised over $55,000. (h/t Diablo Dish)
From their website:
We believe in offering a quality product and experience. For us, it starts with sourcing beans that are exclusively organic & fairly traded. Farmers who grow fair trade products receive a fair price while their communities and the environment benefit as well. Rooted is interested in bettering the lives of our bean farmers as well as leaving a better world for the next generation. These farmers enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions and fair wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
While our goal is not to save the planet, we do intend to be good stewards of our resources and try our best to make a minimal impact on the earth. We do this by:
– exclusive use of fair-trade, organic beans
– exclusive use of plant based milks
– exclusive use of compostable, petroleum-free cups
– exclusive relationship with one independent, local roasterDid we mention that Rooted Coffee has a smooth and complex taste with an aroma that is incomparable?!
501 Hartz Ave, Danville
In June we learned that Basil Leaf Cafe would be closing in Danville and more details are coming out about the Mexcian restaurant Cocina Hermanas, owned by Darren Matte of Harvest across the street and Per Diem in San Francisco:
From an email:
Mr. Matte’s future Mexican cuisine establishment will marry well-known Mexican street food and family dishes with a philosophy of fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. A new bar stretching the front of the restaurant will also provide diners with an extensive selection of mescals, tequilas and specialty cocktails to complement their dining experience.
An expected opening for Cocina Hermanas is scheduled for mid November.
1320 Locust St, Walnut Creek
The grab-and-go juice, meal and snack spot Urban Remedy, which opened next to Veggie Grill a couple years ago in downtown Walnut Creek, closed last month. According to a letter in the window they are currently looking for a new Walnut Creek location but in the meantime you can get your Urban Remedy fix at nearby Whole Foods locations.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
After four years serving ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, Smitten Ice Cream closed over the weekend at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. It’s not all bad news though; According to a letter posted inside all Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek and Concord residents will get 25% off purchases from their Rockridge location through the end of the year. Check out their flavors here.
Why did they leave out Orinda and Pleasant Hill residents? Orinda is part of Lamorinda but maybe they figured it’s too close to Rockridge to offer a discount. Why did they skip Pleasant Hill? Maybe that’s an oversight…
Thanks to everyone who emailed about the closing.
Lafayette Mercantile
Philz Coffee, which we learned in the summer would be coming to Lafayette Mercantile where Homegrown used to be, is planning to open Thanksgiving week. Check out their store menu here and register for their Interview Day event at the Lafayette library on October 4th here.
Park Plaza Shops, Lafayette
Last week we learned that Denmark-based Joe & the Juice would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek and according to the latest leasing information they are also coming to Park Plaza Shops in downtown Lafayette where Squirrel’s Coffee Shop used to be (way back in 2013). Check out their menu here.
Crossroads Shopping Center, Pleasant Hill
The mini burger fast food restaurant Burgerim opened recently at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Pleasant Hill. Check out their menu here. With choices like lamb, wagyu beef, merguez (spicy beef), salmon and more this is an interesting addition to the East Bay fast food scene that I look forward to trying out. (h/t foodhoe)
The Veranda, Concord
Coffee Shop has finally opened at the Veranda shopping center in Concord. With plenty of outside seating including a firepit with views of the automated fountain, they have chosen another great location to open. There are currently five cafes with more no doubt on the way. Check out the roasters they carry here.
