 | | | Photo Sora O'Doherty | | | | | | During summer months, family-friendly fun and fantastic food have happy collisions all along Mt. Diablo Boulevard. And while most residents know and visitors soon discover Lafayette's 16 miles of hiking trails and plentiful green spaces found in accessible neighborhood and community parks and at the city's iconic Lafayette Reservoir area, it's also surprisingly simple to satisfy all the usual summer yearnings within even the downtown core.
A good place to start an expedition is Lafayette Plaza, where a lush carpet of grass and comfortable seating allows kids to cartwheel and cavort, while adults catch up on friends' latest news or make new acquaintances. After the kids have burnt off some energy, bounce up the boulevard to The Hideout Kitchen and Cafe, which recently moved into the space formerly occupied by Cooperage restaurant, which has moved to Walnut Creek.
While the interior space is noteworthy, opt for outdoor seating and consider popular items like the Wafflesandwich that wedges country fried steak, cheddar, and eggs between two waffles before dousing it with sausage gravy, butter, and powdered sugar. If waffles aren't wanted, the menu extends far beyond into delicious sharable starters, classic America and Filipino main dishes, and salads that include the Harvest Bowl and The Lafayette, a blend of greens, berries, bulgarian feta, cherry tomato, cucumber, croutons, toasted almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Bringing the family pup is kosher too -- the outdoor patio is dog-friendly. hideoutkitchen.com
Having savored new treats at the Hideout, nostalgia might hit and for that-a visit to Zoonie's Candy Shop is in order. Located in the same space where the former Powell's operated, new owners bought the sweets shop in 2019. Inside, explore classic and novelty candies-Zotz Fizz, SloPokes, Zagnut and Yoohoo candy bars, Gob stoppers, Bottlecaps, a plethora of gummy candies and Jelly Belly jelly beans, and so much more. The gelato and specialty chocolate items (the peanut butter cups beat Reese's every time) appeal to the most discerning sweet imbibers, but no one needs to leave empty handed. Even for the non-hungry, there's a lineup of gag-to-great gifts at low enough prices to fit the budget. zoonie's-candy.com
For many folks, a sense of belonging comes not from shopping but from being invested in and involved with the community. The Mt. Diablo corridor steps up for these worthy seekers, with options such as visiting the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, or the Lafayette Community Garden to learn about their programs and fill out an application form to become a member in 2025 (the garden has reached full membership capacity for 2024), or fulfilling a civic mission by investigating the city's Creeks Committee that works to spread awareness about creek maintenance and pollution prevention. According to the city's website, the current creek committee has one member vacancy and two individuals whose terms expire in June of 2024. lllcd.org, lafayettecommunitygarden.org, www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-
departments/public-works/creeks.
Spinning back toward ground zero, the beer garden at Headlands Brewing entices walkers-by to bench themselves or find a shady spot at a communal table. Order a Diablo Double IPA, Pt. Bonita Pilsner or any of the drink menu's small batch and guest beers, wine, cider, non-alcohol adult drinks, and kid's drinks. headlandsbrewing.com
Finally, returning to the corner of Moraga Road and the boulevard, catch the Lamorinda Idol Finalist showcase at the last Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series on June 28. Be sure to think ahead and mark the calendar for the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Sept. 21 and 22 at the same location. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA