🧭 2024: The Stories that Shaped the Tri-Valley

This Week’s Explorations:

• Restaurant Review: Redefining Indian Food in Livermore

• The Stories that Shaped the Tri-Valley in 2024

• Dry January? Not so fast!

• New Restaurant in Pleasanton Getting a Ton of Buzz!

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Taj Mahal Flavors of India - Livermore

The Scoop: Opened just over a year ago, Taj Mahal has redefined Indian cuisine in the East Bay. With exceptional dishes and a strong emphasis on hospitality, it delivers an unparalleled dining experience. The thoughtfully designed interior, curated cocktail menu, and impressive wine list add to its standout appeal.

On the Plate: The menu features a blend of classic Indian dishes—some with a modern twist—like the London Chicken Tikka Masala, alongside rare regional specialties such as Bhuna Goat, a Northern Indian delicacy. Vegetarian diners will also appreciate the extensive array of plant-based options.

In Your Glass: Cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer—you name it! The cocktail menu shines with creative options, many infused with Indian flavors. While the wine list showcases a strong Napa influence, the standout feature is the selection of Single Malt Indian Whiskeys. We sampled a few and enjoyed an engaging conversation with the owner about their unique nuances.

Insider Tip: Bring a group and let your server guide you with recommendations tailored to your tastes. Classics like London Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are always a hit, but don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and explore regional specialties that are sure to impress.

4705 Livermore Outlets Drive. https://www.tajmahalflavorsofindia.com/

2024 in the Tri-Valley!

(and a few things we’re looking forward to in 2025!)

While 2024 may not be defined by a single moment, the Tri-Valley had its share of standout stories. We didn’t capture them all, but here’s a handful of stories worth checking out…and a couple announcements for 2025 that we’re excited about!

• Meadowlark Dairy Expands to Livermore! The beloved downtown Pleasanton dairy and ice cream shop will debut its second location in April 2025 at 2287 Second Street.

• The A’s leave Oakland: we know it’s old news, but it’s still difficult to move on. Whether you’re an A’s fan or not, they did a lot for the local community with free baseball programs, providing uniforms to local little leagues, partnering on fundraisers. They’ll spend a few seasons in Sacramento before heading to Sin City.

• H Mart, the culty favorite Asian grocery chain, announced they are coming to Dublin in 2025! With over 80 stores nationwide they are also known for their ready-made meals and tasty food hall. Can’t wait to try this place!

• Danville’s own Braelyn Schaffer and Presley Nava tapped their way to gold in October at the World Tap Dance Championships in Prague! Dubbed the “Olympics of Tap.” this dynamic duo made the Tri-Valey proud!

• Visit Tri-Valley announces a new multi-use event center in Dublin! This iconic venue will host sports, entertainment, corporate events, retail, and community gatherings, cementing the Tri-Valley as a top Bay Area destination. A ground-breaking date has not been announced.

• The Alameda County Fairgrounds expands event calendar. Drawing nearly half a million visitors to the annual summer fair alone, it also hosts a wide variety of other standout events, including Pirates of Emerson, Corgi-Con, horse racing, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival, Goodguys Car Shows, Scottish Games, the 626 Night Market, and more!

• Granada Varsity baseball team wins CIF Northern California Divison 1 high school championship and is featured in Sports Illustrated!

• Danville hosts 9th annual ‘May The 4th’ Star Wars celebration! Awesome day of Jedi training, pancakes, and an evening costume contest.

• The 2nd Annual CabFranc-A-Palooza became the world’s largest Cabernet Franc Wine Festival, featuring 45 wineries, live music, and over 400 guests. Save the date for the 3rd annual festival on June 8, 2025!

• James “Jim” Goff, beloved owner of Jim’s Country Style Restaurant in Pleasanton for three decades, tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident during Mexico’s Baja 1000 off-road race last week.

• Casa Orozco, with its Dublin flagship and Livermore location, celebrates 40 years of legendary margaritas and delicious Mexican cuisine. Huge Congrats to the Orozco family.

• Pleasanton hosted a MLE (Major League Eating) qualifier event for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest! Winners punched their ticket to the main event on July 4th that was broadcasted live across the U.S.

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Skip Dry January—Cabernet Franc is Calling!

Escape Dry January with a night of unique and delicious Cabernet Francs! Sip your way through wines from Livermore Valley, France, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, Michigan, Texas, and Finger Lakes NY in this laid-back, walk-around tasting event. Enjoy a curated charcuterie board and take home a commemorative stemless wine glass—all for just $20 per person. CLICK HERE For Tickets!

Sample Cabernet Francs from the following wineries:
Steven Kent Winery (Livermore Valley)
Jackalope Wine Cellars (Oregon)
Leah Jørgensen Cellars (Oregon)
Armstrong Family Winery (Washington)
Laroque (France)
Early Mountain (Virginia)
Michael Shaps (Virginia)
Six Eighty. Cellars (Finger Lakes, NY)
Living Roots (Finger Lakes, NY)
Boundary Breaks (Finger Lakes, NY)
Stranger Wine Co. (Michigan)
Cody Kresta (Michigan)
Domaine Berrien Cellars (Michigan)
Messina Hof (Texas)
and more!

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Niku-Ya Opens in Pleasanton!

Niku-Ya Stone Grill & Bar, open just six weeks, is already buzzing on Yelp (4.5 stars) and Instagram. “Niku-Ya” means meat shop in Japanese, and you grill your own meats (Yakiniku) at the table—Wagyu, Short Rib, Filet Mignon, and more!

They also offer sushi, Ramen, Tempura, and Teriyaki. Check them out at the Rose Pavilion Shopping Center near Trader Joe’s, and let us know what you think!