TALK OF THE TOWN
Aug 02, 2022 03:54PM ● By Harper KleinIt looks like Walnut Creek’s new apartment community landed its first lease. Luna Sea Lounge, a craft cocktail & oyster bar from California-based spirit maker Luna Sea Vodka, is opening at The Waymark.
Speaking of libations, Fizz is getting ready to pop the cork on its new Bonanza Street champagne bar, and wine tasting room Buon Vino signed a new lease at 1501 N. Broadway where owner Dan Batlin is in the process of renovating the former jazz club. And the longtime vacant space next to Red Box on Main Street is expected to open soon as an Italian wine bar.
Big changes are happening on Locust Street. Besides the opening
of uber healthy sweetgreen and construction in full swing at burger sensation Shake Shack, City Square quietly closed its family-style pizza
hall in the former Lark Creek, turned Tender Greens, turned Bierhaus space.
An inside source tells us the restaurant at 1360 Locust Street is already subleased to Melo’s, a popular Pleasant Hill pizzeria that got its start 45-years ago. Since the City of Walnut Creek owns the property, the Council gets the final word on the deal. Stay tuned. Just next door, city officials tells us building permits have been approved making way for 5 Tacos & Beers to debut this fall.
After a short stint as Onigilly, signage is now back up at 1372 Locust Street announcing the return of DeAfghanan Kabab House—a Fremont favorite for bolani gandana founded by Aziz Omar and his family in 1993.
In a recent Instagram post, Lokanta announced their Walnut Creek closure, quickly followed by the news that Pleasanton's Greek eatery, ELIA, is taking its place. The restaurant offers a high-end menu featuring filet souvlaki, seafood paella, and a substantial wine list. Looking for street-style Mediterranean food? Nick the Greek is opening soon in a new hip space at Plaza Escuela, while at the other end of town, San Diego's award-winning Kebab Shop opened in The Orchards.
Napa Valley’s acclaimed destination for English muffins, avocado toasts, and levain loafs, Model Bakery, is expanding to the East Bay in none other than the former La Fogata restaurant space on Main Street.
That's all for now, but there's so much more, look for more insider scoop and another Talk of the Town coming soon. GOT BUZZ? Email us at [email protected].