1259 S Main St, Walnut Creek
The Children’s Place has closed in downtown Walnut Creek at the corner of S. Main St. and Botelho Dr. so you’ll have to head out to the Sunvalley Mall in Concord for the nearest location of this children’s clothing store. Although it’s a nice corner location it seems a bit removed from the more bustling Broadway Plaza area and Locust St. where the Cheesecake Factory is, both only a block away.
3568 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
In March I noted that Traction Cycling was closing in Lafayette and it looks like a temporary pop-up art gallery has opened in this space on Mt. Diablo Blvd. called Dana Art Gallery.
261 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Last June I noted that J. Colleen Boutique would be opening in September in downtown Lafayette where Queen Bee used to be and opening day will be this coming Monday, September 2nd according to a sign in their window. Thanks to a reader for letting me know about the new signage.
From their website:
J. Colleen Boutique is an upscale women’s clothing, jewelry, and gift boutique that will open in September of 2013. We are a special blend of the posh, chic shopping experience of Barneys New York with the treasures of high-end designer consignment. Many of our products will be made from materials found locally and/or sourced from other conscious artists. We will also be offering vintage designer wear.
Local artists, as well as artisans from around the world, will make many of the products that we will be carrying at J. Colleen Boutique. Gift items such as jewelry, upscale vintage-ware, photography, and original artwork will be showcased once a month in a private reception for the artist, their family, and friends. As there are no other shops or boutiques in Lafayette with such an array of artisans, we see a perfect opening to introduce this style of visual and mercantile experience.
Interestingly the owner Julie Rubio is a movie director and producer. Check out her IMDB page here.
1519 Cypress St, Walnut Creek
If you’re into electronic cigarettes you’ll appreciate a store called Just e-Cigs that opened on Cypress St. in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out this debate in the New York Times about the pros and cons of electronic cigarettes.
1690 Locust St, Walnut Creek
I first noted that Hiro Sushi would be opening in place of CU Sushi at the corner of Locust St. and Giamonna Dr. in downtown Walnut Creek back in May and they have now opened. Couldn’t find a menu though, anyone try this place out? How does it compare to CU Sushi?
photo courtesy of Michael O’Connor
A couple of weeks ago I noted that OC Watch Company would be opening soon in downtown Walnut Creek on Cypress St, and they have now opened. They offer luxury, pre-owned watches such as Rolex, Panerai and more. Check out their current inventory here.
The inside is nicely decorated:
photo courtesy of Michael O’Connor
OC Watch Company is located at 1507 Cypress St in Walnut Creek.
301 Hartz Avenue, Danville
Jersey Mike’s Subs opened a couple of weeks ago on Hartz Avenue in Danville. They have over 600 locations around the country and offer cold and hot subs, wraps and salads. Check out their menu here. Has anyone tried a sub here? What’s the best one?
331 Hartz Ave, Danville
The British pub The Crown is closing at the end of August in downtown Danville according to a sign outside the restaurant (see below). On August 25th they are having a sale of pub collectibles including this red English phone booth:
How cool is that?!
703 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Nordstrom Rack will be opening next to Safeway in Pleasant Hill (near the Sunvalley Shopping Center) on September 12th.
From the Nordstrom Rack website:
Come early to celebrate
- At 8:00 am we will kick off our Rally at the Rock with music, breakfast treats and more
- Join us early for a chance to win one of 30 $100 gift cards
- Rule THE RACK: One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 gift card and early access to the store, beginning at 8:30am
- The first 1,000 shoppers who make a purchase wil receive a free reusable tote!
I peeked inside and although it’s not stocked yet it looks huge!
Personally what I find most interesting is that this Nordstrom Rack is located in Pleasant Hill and not Concord. Even the Nordstrom Rack gets it wrong as the new location states it’s in the Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord, CA, but it lists the address as 703 Contra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill. When I checked out Google maps I see that the Sunvalley Shopping Center indeed is in Concord, but the border juts back out such that this location and Safeway next door are actually in Pleasant Hill. However according to the Sunvalley Shopping Center website, Safeway and Nordstrom Rack are listed there so it seems that these two stores are located in the Sunvalley Shopping Center but happen to be located outside the Concord border. Fascinating.
345 Railroad Ave, Danville
The other day I stopped by the pizza place Forge in Danville for a preview on Railroad Ave. They are located right next to, and accessible within Lunardi’s supermarket. The design turned out great as you can see by the photos:
Service begins this Thursday. Check out their menu here. My favorite pizza was the heirloom tomato pizza with roasted garlic pesto and smoked mozzarella. Yum!
From a press release:
Forge Danville (“forge” refers to a hearth used to bake items at very hot temperatures) is a welcoming, fun and family-friendly restaurant that will serve freshly-made lunches and dinners seven days a week using the imported, Italian Valoriani oven. Menu items will include: daily homemade soups, hearty salads with fresh local ingredients and wood-fired roasted specialties, all anchored by the signature wood-fired pizzas. The bar at Forge will feature 15 local artisanal beers including 10 beers on tap from the custom designed cast iron tap system. A select wine list featuring Californian and European varietals will be available in addition to house-made tonic, ginger beer and root beer on tap. Forge will be available for catering and private events both on and off site.
More photos after the jump…