Rooted Coffee’s roots in WC

Rooted Coffee, which has been serving the Walnut Creek Farmer’s Market for years, has found a home in Pleasant Hill on Oak Park. They’re known for their paleo waffle and they now have a bunch of vegan and gluten-free items, too!

The owner of Rooted, Jon Gilmore, is a Las Lomas High graduate who says on the website that he’s wanted to open a coffee shop since graduating college. He and his wife, Jenny, focus on making a difference with their business both in the local community and in the global farming community.

One cool thing they do is a promise to donate 10% of profits to local and global charities. They source beans that are organic and fairly traded, only use plant-based milks, exclusively use compostable and petroleum-free cups, and keep a relationship with one independent, local roaster. Very cool!

I think the coffee itself is good, but I really love the paleo waffle and their food menu; though it’s not extensive, it has some awesome items on it. I highly recommend checking out Rooted when you get a chance! I also miss them at the Farmer’s Market, but wish them nothing but success at their new brick and mortar location – it has been a long time coming.

New year, new kitchen?

Every year, just like in the fashion industry, there are new styles and trends to consider in real estate design. As told by foodandwine.com, there are going to be some flashy changes to kitchens in 2018. While I personally wouldn’t do some of these things to my kitchen, I can’t deny most look good! Check out a summary of their story below:

Trend #1: “Unicorn” colors

Apparently, white, glossy kitchen units were paired with gentle tones of pale pink and blue, with gold accents and a little glitter in late 2017. I don’t get this one, and not sure why it is popular!

Trend #2: Two-tone cabinets

This one I can get behind. While cabinetry is typically a light or dark shade, it seems more and more people are opting for colorful options in their kitchens. And doing two different, complementary tones is a style gaining in popularity. I like the look of a dark blue against a light blue or a bright red against a standard neutral.

Trend #3: Morocco themes?

Consumers are playing with colorful, mosaic backsplashes, pendant lanterns, and other Moroccan-style decors to warm up their kitchens. I think if done properly and in moderation, this trend can look fantastic, but it might only be for people who really like that style.

Trend #4: Statement patterns

Some people are starting to add cabinetry, doors or islands with intricate designs and patterns on them. I don’t personally like the look – it feels like a stretch – but you may be seeing more of this in 2018. For example, you may see zig-zagged cabinet doors or a herringbone pattern on the wall of islands.

Trend #5: Matching living room furniture

This trend is gaining momentum because having an open concept is now so popular. If you have a kitchen that opens up into a family room or dining room, you may see homeowners trying to mesh the two looks in the connected rooms. For example, a TV stand might have colors and patterns that match the kitchen, while also being a storage area for extra dishes.

Trend #6: Eco is in

More people are starting to consider environmentally-friendly options when creating their kitchens. More organic materials are being used, including plywood cabinetry, cork flooring, concrete tiles, walnut worktops and bamboo lighting.

Trend #7: Gold & copper

Even with all the eco-friendliness and experimentation, kitchens can still look glamorous. That may be the case, considering foodandwine.com expects there to be more shimmery metallics this year, especially with gold and copper. From handles to tiles to lighting to small appliances, expect more flash this year!

Trend #8: Water & wine

Hot water taps are quickly overtaking the use of kettles as they become more affordable and more practical to install. Similarly, wine coolers are cheaper and cheaper, as well as smaller, so finding a good, usable model is becoming easier. You’ll see more wine coolers in kitchens and fewer kettles in 2018. (Side note: still love my hot pot!)

True Food Kitchen is a must-try

Tucked between the brand new parking structure and the side of Macy’s in the fancy new Broadway Plaza is another fashionable restaurant: a friendly hostess, tables scattered everywhere, a kitchen and a cozy patio with extra seating.

And soon enough, this spot will be teeming with Walnut Creek foodies trying to get a reservation.

True Food Kitchen, which was founded in 2008 in Phoenix, has now spread to six states and will be opening up locations in five more over the next couple years.

The reason for its success, I presume, is the trend towards healthy whole food! They say “it’s honest food that tastes really good,” and it really does.

Most of the menu consists of meals that are made up of healthy ingredients to make you feel good. They try to make everything organic and locally sourced because they believe one can eat healthily and sustainably and still have a delicious meal.

I have now visited a couple of times and had two really great meals with friends. One time, I split the roasted Brussels sprouts appetizer, and I ordered the albacore tataki starter and a grapefruit martini, which was delicious!

The second time I went was with a paleo foodie! We split the spaghetti squash casserole and the roasted Brussels sprouts; it was like eating lasagna without the meat. However, she did inquire about the gluten-free pizza and found the crust was made with potato and tapioca – which are not really the best options if someone is really focused on truly clean eating.

The good news is there are a lot of great-tasting gluten-free options and you can decide for yourself. It is a large space and, of course, there was a long lunch wait of almost 50 minutes over the weekend. Both times I sat on the patio as it does not seem as loud. As we walked through the dining room, many tables were empty, so they still need to work on seating and flow.

I would love to hear your thoughts on True Food Kitchen!

Urban Remedy pops up in Walnut Creek

In August, Urban Remedy opened up next to Veggie Grill on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek.

The space is tiny, as it’s more of a grab-and-go joint than anything else, but they offer a lot of good healthy, paleo options to go along with their delicious organic jui ces.

As Walnut Creek continues to do away with fast food options like Taco Bell and McDonald’s, they are bringing more and more healthy options to the downtown scene.

Urban Remedy, which joins Mr. Green Bubble, Pressed Juicery and a few more in the organic juice movement hitting the East Bay.

Besides juice, Urban Remedy offers salads, bowls, wraps, rolls, soups, dressings, snacks and desserts. Check out their options here!

Chicken Coops Gone Wild in the East Bay!

Have you noticed a significant uptick in clucking sounds around the East Bay? That’s because everybody is raising chickens in their yards these days! What was once a hip trend has now exploded into status quo.

I have been hearing some squawking in my backyard for some time and I finally realized my new neighbors have chickens. I thought it was a county-approved thing, but no, those in the city can have chickens too.

Note: the way to tell if you are in county or city is by the color of the street sign. If it’s green, you are in the city of Walnut Creek; if it’s white, you are in the county of Walnut Creek.

Each has iseparateate rules and laws: permit processes are different, who responds to a police call is different, and the determination of crossing guards at your elementary school changes.

Back to chickens – no roosters please. If you’re thinking about getting into the chicken game, you’re in (c)luck this weekend!

On Saturday, the Ace Hardware in Walnut Creek will be displaying custom chicken coops made by local resident Shaun Rang. He will have multiple styles and colors available and will be at Ace from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Of course, you can also pick up other chicken-raising supplies (feed, etc.) at Ace too. Be careful about checking your local regulations before you get started, though.

Some cities are still in the process of updating their laws and regulations regarding chicken coops (don’t worry, Walnut Creekians – you’re good to go in our town!).