Good Morning Tri-Valley! Let’s get to this week’s Explorations!

• Where did I go for my Birthday Dinner? 🍴

• World Famous Pizza Joint Coming to Livermore! 🍕

• Outlaw Country Music x Shakespear’s Birthday Party 🎸

• The 925 Low Down - California’s Fastest Growing City is in the Tri-Valley!

• Alameda County Fair Ticket Winners! 🏆

• Poll of the week!

_{Presented by Cirque du Soleil}
Experience the Unbelievable - Cirque du Soleil ECHO!

I can’t wait — we’re heading to ECHO this weekend! 🎪✨ Cirque du Soleil’s newest Big Top show is in town, and if you’ve never seen one of their performances, let this be your sign. And if you have? Then you already know: it’s pure, jaw-dropping magic. 💫

I’ve been lucky enough to see six Cirque shows over the past decade, and every single one leaves me in total awe. ECHO is their latest creation, packed with mind-bending acrobatics 🤸‍♂️, vibrant visuals 🎨, and that signature Cirque sense of wonder that delights both kids and adults.

Sure, it’s not right here in the Tri-Valley—but the Santa Clara Fairgrounds is an easy drive 🚗 for something this special. Shows run now through May 11, and trust me, you’ll want to see it up close.

Last-Minute to A-ma-zing! - A Birthday Dinner to Remember

My birthday isn’t technically until next weekend, but with close friends heading out of town, we decided to celebrate a little early. They suggested Elia in downtown Pleasanton—a favorite of theirs that I somehow hadn’t tried yet. (How? I know!)

Tucked toward the south end of Main Street, Elia is absolutely charming—with a lively, elegant interior and a gorgeous patio that’s perfect for soaking in downtown’s evening energy. Even though it was a chilly night, we opted for the patio, and thanks to the heaters, we were cozy and content the whole evening.

Before we’d even taken our seats, the owner, Fatih Ulas, came over to personally welcome us. He was on his way to check in on one of his other restaurants in Walnut Creek, but still took the time to stop, chat, and ask what we were craving. Talk about hospitality!

And then—such a sweet surprise—our friends had called ahead to let them know it was my birthday, so the staff created a customized menu just for the evening. Thoughtful touches like that go such a long way.

Now, let’s talk food. The Greek-inspired menu is heavenly, and I highly recommend sharing dishes so you can sample as much as possible. Here’s what our night looked like:

✨ Appetizers
Pikilia – A dreamy trio of dips: tzatziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant + garlic magic), and htipiti (roasted red pepper spread) served with warm pita.
Grilled Prawns – Swimming in the most luscious creamy sauce. Absolutely divine.

🍝 Entrees
Bucatini Astakos – A standout! Lobster tail, prawns, roasted tomatoes, and garlic tossed with bucatini pasta. Mind-blowingly good.
Filet Mignon Souvlaki – Tender filet skewers with roasted potatoes and veggies. Melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Lavraki – A whole seabass paired with couscous that was well-seasoned and delicious. Clean, fresh, and perfect.

🍰 Dessert
Galaktoboureko – A flaky phyllo pastry filled with creamy custard, with a mixed berry coulis on the side. Say that three times fast.
Baklava – My husband claims he doesn’t like baklava. He was still raving about this one the next day. Enough said.

Incredible service, delicious food, and a beautiful evening with dear friends—this was one of those spontaneous celebrations that turned into something really special. If you haven’t been to Elia yet, let this be your nudge. 💫

World Famous Pizza Restaurateur Opening a Spot in Downtown Livermore!

We broke this news on Instagram over the weekend (if you don’t follow @trivalleyexplorer yet, you should!) and it went viral across the socials - including Livermore Rants & Raves. Tony Gemignani has a number of restaurants across the country and he’s opening a Slice House in Livermore soon! Stay tuned for more details!

_{Presented by KidStrong Livermore}

When School is Out, KidStrong Summer Camp IS IN!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I so wish KidStrong had been around when my kids were little. If you’ve got kids ages 4–11 and are looking for something awesome when school’s out, KidStrong Camp might be your lifesaver. Think: certified coaches, movement, obstacle courses, STEM projects, team games, and serious confidence-building. (Also? Floor is Lava. IYKYK.)

They’ll come home tired—in the best way—and proud of what they learned. You don’t have to be a member to join, and parents are invited to the fun little wrap-up ceremony at the end of camp week. I love that it’s not just a place to go—it’s a place to grow. 💪🏻

Click here for camp schedules and feel free to contact KidStrong directly: Text/email 925-231-7094 / [email protected]

Shakespear’s Birthday Bash with Wolf Hamlin & the Front Door Drifters!

Even with three busy teenagers, I still try to sneak in a mid-week adventure or two each month—and this one has my name written all over it. 🍷🎶

Wine, live music, food trucks, and it all supports SPARC (Shakespeare & Performing Arts Regional Company)? Yes, please! The party kicks off at 6 PM at 3 Steves Winery, and it’s shaping up to be a perfect spring evening. Click here for tickets and details.

The 925 Lowdown - Your Weekly Pulse on News Around Town!

• California’s fastest growing city is in the Tri-Valley? Can you guess what it is?

• Dublin Musician still going strong on American Idol!

• Pleasanton Run For Education is this Sunday!

• Up for some Tuesday Night Bingo and Wine?

• $180K Winning Lotto Ticket sold in Livermore!

• Dublin Pride Week starts 4/26 - an annual community celebration to give back to the city.

• Also in Dublin - Shop Local at Small Business Night on Thursday May 1st from 4-8pm at Emerald Glen Park.

Did I miss any breaking news? Is there something you’d like me to cover? Send me an email! [email protected]

CONGRATS To This Week’s Alameda County Fair Ticket Winners!

Maya Fregosa and Gabrielle Roldan each won a 4 pack of Alameda County Fair Tickets! The Fair starts on June 13th and I have a stack of tickets, season passes, and Beer/Wine Fest tickets to giveaway over the next 6 weeks! FOLLOW @trivalleyexplorer on Instagram so you never miss a giveaway!

THIS WEEK’S POLL!

I’ve hit full-blown analysis paralysis over meal kits. Help a girl out—are they worth it?