Sprouts & Shutters: Z Cafe Express, A-Town Pizza & Kabob House, Picket Fences and More

Wondering what’s moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Our weekly Sprouts & Shutters column highlights the latest Tri-Valley restaurant, retail and other business news.

Picket Fences, a new consignment store, opened June 23 next to Affinity Day Spa and Panama Red Coffee Company in Livermore. Owner Kirsty Diaz says her new shop sells consigned clothes and accessories for kids, women and men, plus features a small selection of home furnishings. Picket Fences replaces Curio Women's Resale.

Find out what’s happening with Livermore’s new Paragon Outlets in Patch’s recent . Curious about what will be opening in the new center this November? Browse the store listing at cityoflivermore.net.

Opening Update: Divine Boutique, previewed in a , opened July 7 on South Livermore Avenue. The new business is open Tuesday through Sunday. For details, including store hours, visit the new store’s facebook page.

Taste a variety of Livermore Valley wines and sample creations by local chefs all in one place during Taste of Terroir. The annual wining and dining event includes wine and food pairings, judging and awards, live music and a silent auction. It all happens this Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton. Tamas Estates, McGrail Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, El Sacramonte, Double Barrel and Terra Mia are just a few of the many wineries and restaurants participating in this year's events. You can see the full list and purchase your $85 ticket at lvwine.org.

Z Café Express opened July 2 in Pleasanton's Mission Plaza on Santa Rita Road. The new café, an “express” version of Oakland’s popular Z Café & Bar, opens early with house-made pastries and premium coffee beverages and serves fresh seasonal sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. Owner and San Ramon resident Mehdi Zarekari says his new café also features a small wine bar, free Wi-Fi, indoor seating for about 20 and a cozy patio that seats 15. Learn more at zcafeexpress.com.

Opening Update: Extreme Pita, previewed in a , opened July in Pleasanton’s Crossroads shopping center on Hopyard Road.

Dublin is hosting a huge party this Saturday for its residents to celebrate its 30th “birthday” as an incorporated city. Enjoy hot dogs, apple pie and root beer, participate in a watermelon-eating contest, sack races and water balloon tosses, ride wagons and tractors, listen to live folk and blues music, and more. The free event takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums. Find out more at on the city's event page.

A-Town Pizza & Kabob House opened July 1 in San Ramon’s Crow Canyon shopping center across from Safeway. The locally owned eatery, which replaced New York Pizza, serves thin-crust pizza, calzones, lasagna, Mediterrean kabobs, wings and salads. Learn more and see the menu at atownpizza.com.

Get the latest update on Walmart’s Neighborhood Market opening in San Ramon (San Ramon/Dublin border) in Patch’s recent story .

The tanning salon Tropical Solution closed last month in Danville’s Town and Country Drive shopping center. Tropical Solution, which once operated seven local tanning salons, is now located solely in Walnut Creek.

Opening Update: The Blackhawk Grille reopened earlier this month after an extensive remodel. Read more and view the new menu at blackhawkgrille.com.

Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about these and more in our last Sprouts & Shutters column:  

• in Danville
• in San Ramon
• in Dublin
• and in Pleasanton 
• and in Livermore

Know of a restaurant or shop opening or closing in the Tri-Valley? Please send me a news tip at patchsprouts@gmail.com.