Original Joe Restaurant in Walnut Creek

This place was temporarily closed 3 Days after Operation due to a Kitchen Fire. I believe it is still closed as of this writing date.

https://bayareatelegraph.com/2025/08/25/more-details-emerge-on-original-joes-in-walnut-creek-as-reopening-is-delayed/

The recent opening of Original Joe Restaurant is another fantastic addition to the Walnut Creek culinary Scene last August 14.  If you love American- Italian food, this is the place to go. Here's the latest writeup and some photos of the menu I found in my Facebook page for your viewing pleasure. This place is in my wish list.    

Opening & Local Coverage

• The grand opening took place Thursday, August 14, 2025, bringing the iconic San Francisco Italian-American restaurant to Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek.SFistABC7 San Francisco

• KGO-TV (ABC7) reported that locals are thrilled: one resident called it “the most exciting thing that's happened in the culinary world for this area in some time” and noted the new location features the original sign from the 1937 Tenderloin opening.ABC7 San Francisco

• SFist described the space as massive and stylish: 300 seats including cocktail lounge, private dining, and substantial indoor/outdoor areas. They even noted Mayor Cindy Darling proclaimed August 14 as "Original Joe’s Day" in Walnut Creek.SFist

• A Yahoo report confirmed the August 14 opening at 1300 S Main St., with doors opening to the public at 11 AM.Yahoo

Dining Room Area

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Early Reviews & Buzz

OpenTable

• Though formal reviews are just starting to appear, the description highlights “exceptional food, service, and ambiance,” “stunning decor,” and “delicious dishes.”OpenTable+1

• OpenTable rankings show 5.0 “Exceptional” rating (based on 30 diners) and lists Original Joe’s as a top Italian and American restaurant in Walnut Creek.OpenTable+1

Open Kitchen Area

• Early feedback on Yelp is also glowing:

  “The food is absolutely outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and authentic with every bite. The drinks were equally impressive, crafted with care…”Yelp

• Another user posted:

  “No disrespect for the many great restaurants in Walnut Creek, but Original Joe's truly hits every mark: food, service, and ambiance… Every meal was delicious. Such large portions that we had a second meal the next day.”Yelp+1

• Yelp’s broader rankings list it among the top spots under “Old School Italian,” with a 4.6 rating from 22 reviews—not bad for the first few days!Yelp

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Here are some photos of the Dishes

Fillet of Sole 

French Fries

 

Rib-Eye and Mashed Potatoes

The Calamari

The Coconut- Margarita

Summary

• Opening date: August 14, 2025 — Confirmed by multiple outlets.

• Media coverage: Warm and celebratory, with civic recognition (Original Joe’s Day).

• Reviews: Early diners are loving it—praised for food, drinks, décor, atmosphere, service, and generous portions.

At Opening Day, the waiting time was only about one hour according to one of restaurant's patrons that day ( FaceBook comment).   
I am getting hungry just looking at the Calamari. 

Meanwhile, here's news on latest Development in Downtown Walnut Creek. Brian Hirahara, son of our fellow resident Carle is involved in  this project. My Congratultions!

 

https://bayareatelegraph.com/2025/08/25/walnut-creeks-massive-24000-sqft-food-hall-is-coming-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbWqFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr45QMkMEnqoLCj8Gwo-3iJsOspSLt-z7Gp-BpNroJ6S8HJuFTRnV4liU2Ie_aem_nxVFuLJtuGzNO_Hc5g95swI 

I am hoping a Filipino restaurant will be one of its tenants, so I do not have to drive to Concord or Pleasant Hill to enjoy Filipino Food

Finally, Did you know that....    

Original Joe's is a San Francisco institution with a history rooted in the city's Italian-American community. It began in 1937 as a small, 14-stool counter on Taylor Street, founded by Croatian immigrant Tony Rodin. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its classic Italian-American comfort food and welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, it expanded, including a location in San Jose and a more recent move to North Beach after a fire. Original Joe's is now a multi-generational family-run business, with the third generation overseeing its operations. 

Key aspects of Original Joe's history:

• 1937: Founded by Tony Rodin on Taylor Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin. 
• 1956: A San Jose location was opened by partners who aimed to bring the San Francisco experience to the South Bay. 
• 2007: The original Taylor Street location was destroyed by a fire. 
• 2012: Original Joe's reopened in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. 
• Multi-Generational Family Business: The restaurant is now run by Tony Rodin's grandchildren. 
• Expansion: Original Joe's recently opened its first East Bay location in Walnut Creek. 
• Signature Dishes: Known for classic Italian-American comfort food and generous portions. 
• Community Hub: It has served a diverse clientele, from politicians to people from all walks of life. 
  
  
  
  
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From the FaceBook of My Youngest Daughter-Ditas

My youngest daughter, Ditas transition from a Presidential Appointee to a Yoga Practitioner and Art Teacher is an example of unexpected ups and downs in our daily lives. From The Washington DC area( Alexandria. VA) to Sacramento will be her next move this October. 

The following posting reminded me of the week, when my partner and confidant for 63 years ( Ditas Mom) passed. Spending a weekend at the Beach( to breath and grieve) was indeed healing and I fully remember this occasion. Here's Ditas posting from her FB page dated August 20, 2020! ( Carenna leaving for College that week).

"The LESSON OF BLOKUS💖 - as we prepared for Carenna KT to leave the nest, I struggled to make sure I had imparted as much wisdom, and practical information (washing dishes, clothes, cooking pasta etc) but most of all on my mind was how do I get her to grow that self-esteem and confidence.

Over the weekend, we took my💚 Dad/Lolo to Stinson Beach (compliments of Tita Charo, Michael and Lisa) to get away from the smoke and to allow for a change of venue. Noting that after Nick's funeral 8 years ago, Carenna and I went to Stinson to breath and grieve. 

Dodie Katague came up to stay the 2nd night with David B Katague and drive him back home. It was definitely the healing time that we all needed. We found our favorite game of "BLOKUS" there and decided to teach Lolo how to play. Now Dodie and Carenna are quite competitive when it comes to Blokus. 

I tend to be quiet and enjoy the beautiful visual nature of the game (and frankly I win a lot). In the past, Carenna has "come after me" or targeted other folks in the attempt to win - and found that she lost more than she won. This time - she focused on her own game, on her own pieces - lo and behold, she won a few, tied with me, and was one piece behind me on winning as well.

The lesson - "play your own game, don't compare yourself to others, stop trying to play someone elses game. " And right before we left for the beach, Carenna's long time voice/music/vocal coach and mentor Larisa Bryski told her that Taylor Swift is such a talented star because she "sings her own songs, and sings them well". And Carenna realized - that she just needs to sing her own songs that she writes, because it's her words, her writing and her melody. 

Again - a great learning - be your own person. And finally, I told her to remember the Four Agreements: *Be impeccable with your word; *Don't take anything personally; *Don't make assumptions; *Always do your best (and my personal commentary - "and let your best be good enough".

💖Blokus (/ˈblɒkəs/ BLOK-əs) is an abstract strategy board game for two to four players, where players try to score points by occupying most of the board with pieces of their colour. The board is a square regular grid and the pieces are polyominoes. It was designed by French mathematician Bernard Tavitian and first released in 2000 by Sekkoïa, a French company. It has won several awards, including the Mensa Select award and the 2004 Teacher's Choice Award. In 2009, the game was sold to Mattel.

Comments from Sister-in-Law from Sydney, AU  Lourdes Katague

How beautiful lessons from your words of wisdom. Now I ride in the ferry around Sydney Harbour and my heart  is full. Ditas the Opal card brings me around such a wonderful gift  playing my own music learning the events in my surroundings without leaving the country. What a great feeling.

Meanwhile here's what I’ve Learned from the book-The Four Agreements

In his timeless book The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz offers a set of principles that, when practiced daily, can bring peace, clarity, and balance to our lives. These agreements may seem simple at first glance, but their power lies in consistent practice. Here’s a reflection on each:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
Words carry energy. They can inspire or wound, uplift or destroy. Being impeccable with your word means speaking truthfully, avoiding gossip, and using language that nurtures rather than harms. It’s not just about what you say to others—it’s also about the words you use with yourself.

2. Don’t take anything personally.
So often, we suffer needlessly because we assume that the opinions and actions of others are directed at us. In reality, people’s behavior is more about their own experiences, struggles, and perspectives. Letting go of personal offense frees us from unnecessary hurt and helps us live with greater emotional resilience.

3. Don’t make assumptions.
Assumptions are shortcuts the mind takes, but they often lead to misunderstandings. How much conflict could be avoided if we simply asked questions, clarified intentions, or sought understanding instead of jumping to conclusions? Choosing curiosity over assumption opens the door to healthier communication.

4. Always do your best.
Your best will change from moment to moment—sometimes strong and full of energy, other times quiet and limited. What matters is giving what you can in the present. And here’s an important reminder: let your best be good enough.Too often, we hold ourselves to impossible standards. But when we honor the effort, not just the outcome, we can find peace in knowing we’ve done what we can.

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Finally, my Personal Reflection on the FOUR Agreements

As I look back on my own journey, especially through the years I’ve been writing and sharing on this blog, I see how much these agreements have shaped the way I express myself. Writing has been my way of practicing the first agreement—being impeccable with my word. Each post has been a chance to share honestly, to use words that reflect truth and kindness, and to leave behind something of value.

The second and third agreements—not taking things personally and not making assumptions—have helped me handle both the praise and the criticism that come with putting my voice out into the world. I’ve learned that once my words are shared, they take on their own life, and people will receive them through the lens of their own experiences.

And of course, the fourth agreement—always do your best, and let your best be good enough—is perhaps the one I’ve lived most closely through my blogging. Not every post is perfect, not every idea fully polished, but I’ve written with sincerity. Over time, I’ve come to see that doing my best in the moment, and accepting that as enough, has brought me peace and joy in the process itself.

These agreements are not just wisdom from a book—they’ve been companions on my own path, guiding how I live, how I write, and how I share with all of you. Your comments on this posting will be highly appreciated, 

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Now my Fifth Agreement and  Personal Note to Parents with more than One Child: Never compare your children to one another. 

Mediterranean Diet Show Promise in Diminishing Dementia Risk

From My Health and Wellness Readings This Week

Mediterranean Diet Shows Promise in Lowering Dementia Risk — Even Among High-Risk APOE4 Carriers

A new study has brought encouraging news in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Researchers found that closely following the Mediterranean diet — a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and fish — lowered the risk of developing dementia by at least 35% in people carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene, one of the strongest known genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

APOE4 and Alzheimer’s Risk

The APOE4 gene has long been associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Having one copy increases the risk, but individuals with two copies face up to a 10–15 times higher chance of developing the condition compared to those without the gene. For decades, scientists have been seeking strategies that could mitigate this genetic vulnerability.

Why the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet has consistently been linked with better brain health, reduced inflammation, and improved cardiovascular function — all of which play a role in cognitive aging. Unlike restrictive or fad diets, it emphasizes balance, moderation, and nutrient-rich foods that support long-term wellness.

Key components include:

• Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish

• Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes

• Whole grains over refined carbs

• Limited red meat and processed foods

Study Findings

In this latest study, participants with the highest genetic risk (two APOE4 copies) who adhered closely to the Mediterranean diet saw their dementia risk reduced by over one-third compared to those with the lowest adherence. The results suggest that dietary choices can partially offset genetic predispositions, offering hope for millions of people worried about Alzheimer’s due to family history.

Implications for Prevention

While no diet guarantees prevention, the findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in protecting brain health. Even for individuals with strong genetic risks, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social engagement can make a significant difference.

Takeaway

This research reinforces what experts have long suspected: genetics is not destiny. The Mediterranean diet, already praised for its heart and overall health benefits, may also be a powerful tool in preserving memory and cognitive function — even for those most vulnerable to dementia.

Meanwhile, here's a list of Best Food Cities for 2024-2025

Finally, Do you the answer to the following  question? Guess? See the Answer Below: 

The Philippines! https://www.peggybolcoa.com/countries-that-love-american-men/

The Fossils Wonder of the Grand Canyon

his posting is inspired from my recent reading on the WSJ on fossils found in the Grand Canyon. I found it interesting, thus  I am sharing it with you.  

The above photo is a  striking image of the newly discovered fossil footprints—Ichniotherium trackways embedded in Coconino Sandstone—found in the Grand Canyon. These well-preserved footprints offer a rare glimpse into very early terrestrial vertebrates venturing into desert ecosystems over 280 million years ago .

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Why This Discovery Matters

Recent paleontological research in the Grand Canyon has revealed findings of exceptional scientific importance:

1. First Soft-Bodied Cambrian Fossils from the Grand Canyon
— In a groundbreaking 2023 expedition along the Colorado River, researchers collected mud-rich rock samples that, when dissolved and sieved, revealed exquisitely preserved soft-bodied fossils dating back 502–507 million years ago—during the Cambrian explosion. Among the finds were mollusks, filter-feeding crustaceans, and a new species of “penis worm” named Kraytdraco spectatus Discover WildlifeScienceDailySmithsonian MagazineThe Washington PostSFGATE.

2. A “Goldilocks Zone” for Innovation
— The Grand Canyon’s ancient shallow sea environment provided a unique combination of nutrient-rich, warm, and well-oxygenated waters—not too deep, not too turbulent—creating optimal conditions for evolutionary experimentation and innovation during life's crucial early stages The Washington PostScienceDailySmithsonian Magazine.

3. The Extraordinary Kraytdraco spectatus
— This newly discovered priapulid worm sported a retractable, glove-like throat adorned with multiple rings of teeth—both robust scraping teeth and delicate feathered ones—suggesting sophisticated dual-function feeding: raking and filtering particles The Washington PostSFGATE.

4. A Window into Ancient Ecosystems
— Alongside the worm, researchers documented mollusks scraping algae, shrimplike crustaceans with hair-like feeding appendages, and traces of feeding behavior—all preserved in incredible detail. These fossils effectively reconstruct a vibrant early marine ecosystem The Washington PostSmithsonian MagazinePhys.org.

5. Older Trackways: Early Desert Dwellers
— Another noteworthy discovery is a boulder containing fossilized footprints—Ichniotherium trackways—of ancient tetrapods (diadectomorphs) from about 280 million years ago, preserved in the Coconino Sandstone. These tracks represent the youngest-known occurrence of this type and the first evidence of diadectomorphs in arid desert environments. They suggest that early vertebrates adapted to life in dry, wind-blown dune terrains, contrary to prior expectations that they required moist habitats National Park Service+2National Park Service+2.

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Related news

The Washington Post

Fossilized penis worm suggests Grand Canyon was an evolutionary hotbed

30 days ago

SFGATE

This new species discovered in the Grand Canyon will make your mom blush

12 days ago

Meanwhile, Did you know that.....

The Philippines is home to 186 individual languages! While Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English serve as the country’s official languages, several regional tongues thrive with millions of speakers—like Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and many more. 

This rich linguistic diversity reflects the country’s complex history and vibrant cultural identity.

Besides, Tagalog, English and a little Spanish, I speak fluent Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), the language of my birth.

Lastly, here's my photo of the Day:

For Details visit:
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trumps-white-house-renovations-tacky-trollish.html