Market by Rooted

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Have you checked out the Market by Rooted next to Larkey Park? It used to be a deli but their refrigeration went out and the people who own Rooted bought it. Speaking of, you may remember that Rooted Coffee is owned by a Las Lomas alumnus named Jon Gilmore.

Jon and his wife, Jenny, started Rooted and focus on making a difference in the local and global farming communities. For example, they donate 10% of profits to local and global charities. They source organic and fairly-traded coffee beans, only use plant-based milks, and only use compostable, petroleum-free cups.

Based on their menu, it seems The Market by Rooted is following the same plan. It has been open for about three months and I enjoyed what I ate while visiting recently. They have sandwiches, many vegan items, and other various healthy snacks. They also have two coffee shop locations in both Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, which have some good options, but mostly coffee. Check out our past coverage on Rooted here.

I want to congratulate them on their success, as I remember when they started by selling coffee at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, along with their wonderful vegan waffles! They were looking for a building and got rejected for the library location, but persevered with two better locations. For guilt-free and healthy eating, check out The Market by Rooted next time you’re in the Larkey Park area.

KeunJib: A Pleasant Surprise!

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Who would have guessed: a Korean restaurant in a bowling alley – and a really good one at that. I was not expecting to find a great restaurant inside the Paddock Bowl in Pacheco. KeunJib truly had a great menu and after you eat, you can go bowling! Bonus points for being able to order drinks from the bowling alley bar.

There were five of us so we ordered many items, though I don’t remember all the names. We tried fried rice, a really good kimchi pancake, and a delicious filet of meat. One person ordered a kimchi stew with spam, but I did not try it. We also had a pork dish. We really enjoyed the beef short ribs and everyone thought it was top-notch. We have a lot of great Asian cuisine of all types in the Bay Area, but KeunJib stood out as an unexpected gem even against strong competition. The presentation was nice, the portions were large, and the staff was friendly.

Overall, the beef short ribs were probably my favorite – we requested another order to share. But, truly, everything we tried was delicious. Whether you’re looking to get a Korean food fix and then decide to bowl, or knocking down pins gives you a hankering for the food, it’s worth checking out the unexpected winner in Paddock Bowl!

Cherry-Picking And Local Farmer’s Markets

I recently went to Brentwood for cherry-picking and we also stopped by a strawberry farm to pick a few strawberries. I went with my friend Veronica, her husband, Geoff, and their grandson, Tanner. Having an almost-3-year-old with us made it so fun, as we had the ability to see the experience through his eyes. He thought it was the best day!

There are multiple places to pick cherries, but the season is short (mid-May to early June). I recommend googling “u-pick cherries” in Brentwood, then on the day you want to go, visit the website to make sure they are open. As the trees get picked, they have to wait for others to ripen. I also recommend going early. We got there around 10:15 and by the time we were checking out about 90 minutes later, there was a line to get in.

Cherry Time was where we were going to go and they were already picked out, so they sent us to the neighboring orchard they share a parking lot with – Moffatt Cherries. There was another place on Sellers Pomeroy Farm, but with only parking along the roadside, it was a zoo trying to find a place to park.

We saw a Strawberry farm on the way in, and since it didn’t take that long to pick a 10-lb. bag of cherries, we decided to get some strawberries. Once we were done, we went to downtown Brentwood (the old part) and had lunch. Overall, it was a great day that I’d highly recommend. There’s nothing like fresh-picked cherries! I ate a few but saved most to can some boozy cherries for holiday gifts. Hit me up if you want the recipe! There is a map of the various orchards (can pick-up at the orchard) and what they sell in each month, so cherries are not the only thing you can pick (e.g., peaches!).

Thanks to Annetta Tsapouklis from Placer Title Company for sharing this lovely graphic about local Farmer’s Markets! Now that COVID restrictions are lifting and we’re into the best weather of the year, I can’t wait to explore a few of these and get my produce fix! If you can’t go cherry-picking yourself, do the next best thing and attend one of these:

The changing face of downtown Walnut Creek

COVID-19 has proved a tough hurdle for all of us, but businesses have been hit especially hard. With California’s phases changing, going backwards, we’ve seen businesses shutter and the economy as a whole begin to dip.

It’s no different for us in the real estate industry – home sales and the buying/selling process are looking different than they were even back in January due to the pandemic. Anyway, I was wandering around downtown Walnut Creek the other day after work (yes, with my mask on!) and noticed the innovative ways it is changing.

Opa/Stadium Pub
1515
Sauced
Dia Y Noche
Havana
Mels
Torsap Thai Kitchen
Brioche de la Paris
Torsap (already existing outdoor seating)
Brodericks, Vanessa, Lokanta, Limon
Dia Y Noche – recently opened

With indoor seating banned, the city streamlined permitting for outdoor dining by getting parking spaces blocked off to allow for more seating. It’s sad to see how this is all affecting the downtown that thrives on human traffic. There is a bunch of outdoor seating on Locust from Brodericks to Limon. A few spots already have outdoor seating (Sauced, Torsop but got more out front

Among the other casualties of the pandemic economy, PRIMA Ristorante has decided to close its doors – a Walnut Creek staple that had been around nearly half a century. I’m sad to see it go. Salons were open for a month and as the state recently pushed back opening, caused the salons to re-close. Some such as Ashley Flowers Hair found they have some outdoor space where they can still legally operate. Hopefully as a country, we can get a grasp on the spread of this virus as other countries have done before winter. I really need a mani/pedi. Continue to be careful, wear a mask in public and follow the local health guidelines so we can get back to some semblance of our previous lives!

Ace is the place!

We didn’t have a hardware store for a long time in Walnut Creek. I think the closest thing to that that we had was a Simon’s, which was a sort of all-encompassing space that did sell hardware. But, now, we have a local branch of Ace, and I love it!

Ace has a little something for everyone, but also hits on all your hardware needs. They have really cute ideas for gifts. They do an especially wonderful job with cute gift ideas, from candles to dish towels, but they also offer everything from bird seeders to barbecues. Like any good hardware store, they are tools, cleaning supplies, key-making, patio/garden, paint, grills and accessories, and plants/soil.

My favorite aspect, though, is probably at winter time. They do an awesome job of providing holiday lights, decorations and of course Christmas trees, and will even have a tree delivered to your house for you!

It is just really nice to have a local hardware store that has so much more and isn’t part of Lowe’s or Home Depot. I recently had to run over and replace a bird feeder that my favorite yard squirrel knocked down and broke as he was swinging on the wire trying to get to the bird food (he might not be my favorite anymore) I used my Ace rewards and got $5.00 off! They are pet friendly and when I take Bodie with me he is always facinated by the train with a golden gate replica, blowing it’s whistle as goes along the tracks on the tracks above the store! How cool is that! Remember, especially in these times, SHOP LOCAL, if possible.

A Walnut Creek classic: Genova Deli

The first name that comes to mind when someone in Walnut Creek says “deli” is probably Morucci’s. Nothing wrong with that! However, keep in mind that Genova Delicatessen – located between CVS and Philz Coffee on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and S. California Blvd. – is also a Walnut Creek staple! It also has a second location on Treat Blvd on the backside of Safeway on Bancroft.

Genova is a classic Italian deli, where you choose your own bread and take a number before presenting both at the counter and getting a scrumptious, hefty sandwich made for you by any member of the quick, friendly staff. There are hot items as well, and desserts like cannoli and espresso.

Genova opened in Oakland in 1926 and their recipes (and family) come from beautiful Genova, a small port city in Northern Italy. They also have their own factory where they create authentic Italian entrees, raviolis, sauces, pastas, etc. When I recently went to grab a sandwich, during lunch on a weekend, it was packed with groups – from families getting a couple sandwiches up to a box full for a sports team!

For years I have been trying to recreate a sandwich for a local sub shop in Sparks, NV where I grew up: Roast beef on a french roll with sprouts, mayo, red onions and a vinegar & oil sprinkle. I keep trying to find a deli who can match it, so far Domincos in Danville has come the closest. I think it is because they have regular vinegar and not basaltic.

If the lines are too long at Morucci’s, or you simply want to mix it, give Genova Deli a try – I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. They recently emailed me 20% off for coming in and wanting me to come back, but it has a very short life – a week and they don’t honor it even if you are a day past the date.

Madison Reed affordable hair color, now has brick & mortar in Walnut Creek!

Madison Reed was named after a venture capitalist’s daughter who got tired of coloring her hair and wanted an affordable option. Anyone who has colored their hair before knows the pain – a top-notch hairstylist will charge you $150 for each session, and if you are like me, I have to go back every three weeks to get it colored!

Madison Reed started as an online hair company where you can re-design, check out hair colors, and then get non-stinging and ammonia-free treatments for $20 or so. Now, they have stores in some cities and will color it for you.

When I go, it costs about $90 without a blow dry to get a highlight and gloss (brown with a red tint!). It would be an additional $25 to have it blow-dried, which is cheaper than most blow-dry bars. They will give you the brushes and a blow dryer so you can do it yourself if you want to leave with a dry head.

It’s definitely not a full-blown salon, but if you know the color you want, they do good work for less money. The best bang for your buck is ordering your color online and doing it yourself, as the color is still top-notch and ammonia-free. They also have a first-time client package where you buy four color appointments and get it for $60 a session. A great idea, and even better in practice!

Nabolom Bakery in Berkeley is a must-try

What I love about the Bay Area is if you get out and explore, you will always come across some neighborhood gems. I was meeting a friend who lives in Albany to head into the city and she recommended we meet in Berekely where one car could be parked for the day. It was blocks from Nabolom Bakery on Russell St. It looked like a quaint, family-run joint and she recommended stopping to get a coffee and pastries; of course I had to give it a try and it turned out to be a very good decision!

I love supporting local businesses. I had a croissant and a cappuccino – my go-to breakfast choice. I also spied some gorgeous loaves of bread – which is my kryptonite – and passed on buying one for later as I probably would have snacked on it during our drive to and from the city!

This little bakery seems to be very popular with locals. They don’t have much pizzazz in the way of decoration, but the options are endless, and they had some very tasty-looking bakes that I didn’t get around to trying.

Nabolom’s has been around since 1976 as a collective and then closed in 2015. Luckily, in 2016, they reopened under the stewardship of Julia Elliot where they acquired the original Nabolom’s recipes. They added daily pizzas a la Julia’s Cheese Board Collective experience. They are open from 7-7 and are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to swing by on your next jaunt through Berkeley. You won’t regret it!

Brioche de Paris comes straight from France!

On Sept. 30th, owner Wissem Kheruji opened Brioche de Paris in downtown Walnut Creek. He is from Paris originally, and his family owns many Parisian bakeries. Wissem is the only member of his family in the U.S. He went into health and fitness, but ended up following in the family footsteps. Lucky us!

He opened this French-inspired cafe and bakery at Locust and Bonanza. They use imported flour and butter to make everything besides their baguette bread in-house. They are brand new, so the menu is still developing, but I’ve been told that a sweet and savory crepe menu should be available in a few weeks.

Brioche de Paris also offers espresso drinks, a daily soup, and salads. Their croissants are out of this world. They serve sandwiches between $6-$9 and pastries for $5 or less, and as little as $2.25. That’s right about in line with Walnut Creek prices.

The space itself is quite cozy and open, and they offer free WiFi with tons of outlets, which is usually a frustration in cafes. I’d highly recommend going to visit and getting a fresh croissant and enjoying a cup of joe at the newest bakery in town!

Vici expanded!!

Vici, a hip women’s clothing store is expanding. I went to shop and see what changes are on the horizon. Vici, also has a location in Newport Beach, but the one in Walnut Creek is situated at N. California Blvd. and is open from 10 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday (and shorter hours on the weekends).

They are heavily focused on Instagram and their models always look much better than me in the outfit; they have some really cute, trendy clothing at affordable prices in a stylish and contemporary space, albeit small, but that is changing.

Vici calls itself “a haven for the modern woman,” and wants to make the act of shopping in a modern, digital age as effortless as possible. They offer a range of casual pieces to beautiful statement dresses and are known for eye-catching patterns.

As you can see, Vici is expanding with lots more room to show off all their clothing. It has come a long way from a tucked-away space in an office building on Olympic. Give it a look next time you’re out shopping and wanting some of the latest styles. You can always follow them on Instagram – they are constantly showing off their new items.