u/diyhomeautomation

I just got back from my 10th stay at Four Seasons Maui (I'm a pro travel photographer so I go there a lot). Ferraros is a great restaurant with the most stunning sunsets and very approachable Italian food. The new KOMO sushi place flies all its fish in from Tokyo--extremely pricy but definitely a bucket list spot. The big Fountain Pool is the one from White Lotus, and the 18+ serenity pool is great if you don't want to be around kids (infinity edge, swim up bar, etc.). Wailea beach is the best on the island IMO, although it does get windy in the afternoons. There are 800+ staff for about 380 rooms. You can call for maid service or food in the middle of the night if you want! I recommend booking a Mountain View room on a Value Date and then asking for an upgrade at checkin, which they can often provide. Even if not, the Mountain View rooms are still quite nice and there's no resort fee and no upcharge for most things on property (beach chairs, basic pool cabanas, etc.) Here's a full writeup on my blog: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/08/10/review-four-seasons-resort-maui-after-a-decade-of-visits/

North Italia in WC has a very creative Summer cocktail menu that's basically flavors from Millennials' childhoods, turned into cocktails. There's essentially a spiked Capri Sun, a cocktail based on those creamsicle bars from the ice cream truck, etc. Cool to see my youth reflected in themed drinks. They're good although many are very sweet. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/08/10/this-walnut-creek-restaurant-has-a-summer-drink-menu-inspired-by-my-millennial-youth/

Milky Flakes ice cream just opened in the A1 shoe repair spot. I tried their matcha soft serve and mango ice cream. It's intense! They have a machine that churns the ice cream constantly so it's very smooth. Their main thing is flakes of shaved milk, apparently inspired by a Korean dessert. Very nice interior but no tables inside. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/08/06/a-milky-new-ice-cream-shop-just-opened-in-walnut-creek/

There's a new American comfort food spot called The Post coming to Alamo. Construction is happening inside at the moment, running as late as 8:30pm, so they seem to be busy getting ready! Looks like an upscale cocktail and food place along the lines of Social Bird in Lafayette. My writeup: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/08/05/new-american-comfort-food-restaurant-coming-to-alamo/

Visited the Drums of the Pacific Luau at Hyatt Regency (I'm a travel photographer so I got to go and photograph it). Food was surprisingly good for a luau--ahi poke, beef that was basically prime rib, etc. Bit too long of a wait to get to the buffet, but all very tasty. It's a big luau, so unless you book VIP seats, you'll be further away. The show is great, though--very professionally produced and slick, with a very dramatic fire knife juggling finale with multiple performers, not just one guy. Ample drinks but they're quite sweet and not extremely strong, which could be good or bad haha. My full writeup on my blog: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/07/28/review-drums-of-the-pacific-luau-in-maui-from-my-visit-with-3-kids/

Seen from Wailea Beach. No filters or enhancements to the photo--this is really how it looked!

There's a new liquor license app for a restaurant called Salt & Lime, replacing the former Oyama on N Main downtown. It looks to be affiliated with 1515 Restaurants and Lounge, or at least has some of the same owners/shareholders. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/07/22/a-new-restaurant-is-replacing-oyama-in-walnut-creek-and-we-got-details/

Researched and rounded up 7 cities in California that are either currently building new AI data centers or are in the planning process. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/07/08/7-california-cities-planning-new-ai-data-centers/

The very upscale looking SIPS, currently located in Benicia, is opening a branch in WC, taking over the former Big 5 sporting goods location downtown. Their liquor license app gave the clue as to the owner and what they're planning for the new spot, including instructional tastings. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/07/06/a-massive-upscale-wine-and-liquor-store-is-coming-to-walnut-creek/

The restaurant, which replaces Horn BBQ in the former Bo's and Boneheads spot in Lafayette, confirmed that its soft open begins July 7. Grand opening is scheduled for August 2. They're serving traditional BBQ food, but also breakfast. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/07/06/we-finally-have-an-opening-date-for-lafayettes-hotly-anticipated-mount-diablo-bbq/

Station House, Walnut Creek's former train station on the Union Pacific (and also former Vic Stewart's), was renovated years ago and then mostly sat empty. There's signs of life now, with Kalos, a DEXA scan company, coming in. Maybe a sign that tenants will finally start filling the space? https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/30/whats-going-on-with-walnut-creeks-long-empty-former-train-station/

Milky Flakes will go into the former A1 Shoe Repair building on Main street in downtown WC. Not much is known about Milky Flakes yet, except the fact that it's an ice cream place. Freezers and display cases are being installed in the storefront, per building permits. No opening date yet but they finally have an Instagram. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/29/a-mysterious-new-ice-cream-shop-is-opening-soon-in-walnut-creek/

I've always been curious RE the Grand Hyatt SFO and finally tried it. It's right at the airport, on the Airtrain, so you can roll out of bed and be at the terminal in about 15 mins. Some rooms (pricier) have runway views, but you can also go to the lobby and plane-spot from the lounge area there. Very fancy onsite restaurant. My room had a strange entry hallway but a very nice bathroom with a soaking tub. It's expensive, but for a 6am flight traveling with 3 kids it was ideal. My full writeup: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/19/review-grand-hyatt-sfo-the-only-hotel-at-san-francisco-airport/

There's a new Vietnamese restaurant at Shadelands, J's Pho and Cafe. They've got the traditional Vietnamese noodles, soups etc. but also interestingly a full cafe menu with lots of Vietnamese drinks. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/16/a-brand-new-vietnamese-restaurant-just-opened-in-walnut-creek/

Just learned that Bacio di Latte gelato is coming to Walnut Creek. It's going into the former Vineyard Vines spot. I love the one down in Newport Beach--it's awesome gelato! https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/06/03/one-of-americas-best-gelato-shops-is-coming-to-walnut-creek/

Rodney Worth's new restaurant, the Golden Pear, is open in Rossmoor. It replaces the Creekside Grill, and follows a multi-hundred-thousand dollar renovation. Residents tell me they like the food so far. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/29/rossmoors-golden-new-restaurant-is-finally-open/

I got to attend the press preview for Marufuku before it opens to the public today. It's much smaller and more intimate than any other Marufuku--probably room for less than 50 people. Beautiful interior with an open kitchen. They've got A5 Wagyu skewers and solid cocktails. Tried the tonkatsu ramen and A5 Wagyu Ramen, which they cook tableside with a blowtorch--both were excellent. Really good kid's meals for only $10. The wait here will be insane. Full writeup: https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/27/first-look-the-hugely-anticipated-marufuku-ramen-in-walnut-creek/

Anonymous listings show a Vietnamese restaurant in Lafayette for sale. The person who posted the listings is an officer on the company that owns Pho Benny, and photos on the listing look like the interior of the restaurant. It's one of the 925's only Vietnamese places. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/24/a-unique-lafayette-restaurant-appears-to-be-for-sale/

Workers are now actively tearing out the interior of the old Genova Deli, which is becoming a MIXT. A bit sad to see that happening! https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/05/21/construction-is-underway-at-the-restaurant-replacing-genova-deli-in-walnut-creek/