LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs


The front patio of Rancho Cantina in Lafayette Photo S. Braccini

Two New Restaurants in Lafayette

Rancho Cantina: 3616 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette - http://www.ranchocantina.com

The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe: 3400 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette - (925) 900-8861

Lafayette continues to provide new culinary experiences for Lamorinda patrons. Two new restaurants opened recently that are worth a stop. Next to Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, across from Diablo Foods on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Rancho Cantina has an original Californian flair. The owners chose a mix of the Spanish, Mexican and native Californian influences that gave birth to Rancho style cooking. Some dishes come directly from the adobe brick oven to the table, such as the house special chicken. Patrons will also find some Mexican restaurant favorites such as carne asada or enchiladas. Take a short drive east on Mt. Diablo and you'll reach The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe, not far from Brown Avenue in the former Giardino's location. Enjoy brunches including waffles, sandwiches and omelets; lunch items such as pulled pork sandwiches, salads and other entrees; and dinner options including a rack of lamb or wild mushroom Bolognese.

Creekside Partners Joins Forces with Wiiken & Gorman

985 Moraga Road, Suite 205, Lafayette

(925) 284-1260 - www.creeksidepartners.com

Creekside Partners, an independent, boutique wealth management firm based in Lafayette, announced it has joined forces with investment advisory firm Wiiken & Gorman. Creekside Partners now has five senior-level investment experts: Rick Ashburn and Andy Hempeck, who founded Creekside Partners, as well as Paula Wiiken, Michael Gorman and Teresa Coleman of Wiiken & Gorman. The firm offers expanded financial planning expertise, enhanced portfolio management expertise, and new investments in technology, resulting in improved communication and reporting to clients. Creekside Partners will continue to have office locations in Lafayette and Petaluma.

Moraga Employee of the Month Kim Polen

Kim Polen, who has been serving Lamorinda and other East Bay seniors for the past six years as a caregiver for Senior Helpers, has been named the Moraga Employee of the Month for March. Polen's regular duties for her clients include driving and cooking, medication reminders, housekeeping and assisting with ambulation and exercise. For many clients she also provides assistance with bathing and dressing and other personal care. She has worked with several notable Moraga clients including Bruce Cunningham, a former Moraga Citizen of the Year who passed away in 2014. "Kim is not just competent and compassionate, but she's also very, very reliable," said Kevin Reneau, owner of Senior Helpers. "Her clients know they can always count on her and she has become part of so many families because of the love she shows to their family members." Polen will be presented with her award and gift cards to Safeway and Ristorante Amoroma in Moraga at the Moraga Rotary luncheon on April 21.

Shelby's Celebrates Anniversary

2 Theatre Square, Suite 152, Orinda - (925) 254-9687

In March, Shelby's restaurant in Orinda celebrated its 10th anniversary under new management, and 20 years in Theatre Square.

News from the Three Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

Save the date for Earth Day in Lafayette from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26 sponsored by Sustainable Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and the City of Lafayette. This year's theme: transportation. For more information, visit http://www.sustainablelafayette.org/our-events/earth-day-festival.

Moraga

Moraga Chamber Mixer at 5:30 p.m. April 28 at the Serbian Church, 1700 School St., sponsored by Moraga Rotary, the Lion's Club and RecycleSmart.org.

Orinda

Orinda Trivia Bee at 5 p.m. Friday, April 24. Orinda Rotary and Orinda Chamber of Commerce jointly sponsor the Trivia Bee. Teams of six compete for the title in a multiple round trivia competition. Attendees come dressed in costume and decorate tables in keeping with the chosen theme for their team. The event takes place at the Orinda Masonic Lodge, 9 Altarinda Rd. in Orinda. For information, contact Candy Kattenberg at info@orindachamber.org.

The State of the City Luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at the Orinda Country Club. Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer will provide an update on all of the latest issues facing the community. For information, visit orindarotary.org.