Photo by
Mehak Khullar Photography
January
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Through Jan. 12
Walnut Creek on Ice
@Civic Park
In its 19th year, this popular downtown activity will add new features this year including a tubing slide & more fire pits for an expanded rinkside experience. Private party rental available. www.walnutcreekonice.com
Cost: $20 skate sessions
Time: M-Th 3-10:30pm, F 1-1-:30pm, Sa 11am-10:30pm, Su 11am-8:30pm
Starting Jan. 12
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery explores the evolution of embroidery and the artists who are redefining the medium. Works by 18 national and international artists bring new perspectives to the genre, which has historically been labeled as ‘women’s work’ and commonly dismissed in fine art conversations. By merging traditional
embroidery techniques with innovative approaches and social/political themes, the artists in this exhibition create powerful narratives that challenge outdated perceptions and elevate textile art to new heights. Stitched serves as a deep dive into contemporary embroidery practices and encourages visitors to experience embroidery as more than decorative craftwork by revealing its historical depth and contemporary relevance. We invite art lovers, craft enthusiasts, and the curious to discover the artistic potential of this ancient technique through the eyes of today’s most gifted stitching artists. Cost: recommended $10, but open to all regardless of ability to pay
Time: Gallery open from Wed.. –Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays
Every
Monday
Free Yoga Class
@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26
Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere:
PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.
Cost: FREE Time: 9-10am
Any day
Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork. More information: bedfordgallery.org/public-art/public-art-tours
Cost: free
Every
Saturday
Farmers’ Market
@Shadelands Business Park
Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market
Time: 9am-1pm
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Patry
Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
Advertising
Contact: Jo Peek
Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Dear Neighbors,
Happy New Year!! Did you make any resolutions? Have you learned anything during 2024 that you are bringing into 2025? I hope that you have much to be grateful for as we head into a new year. May each day bring the peace that comes from nature or connecting with a loved one. Here’s to a year of growth, love, and happiness for all of us!
In this issue you will meet Denise Kalm, a woman who is living a full life after the loss of her husband. Her story is inspiring for all of us, whether our losses are big, like hers, or small. I know you will be touched by her story.
You will also find informational articles from our experts and some fun resident articles from your own neighbors. Each month we are dedicated to bringing you the stories and events that you want to read about. If you have something to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re also always looking for our next great cover - so if you know of a person or family that you think would be great, please nominate them! You can reach me at knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NorthgateLivingCA. Send us your photos and events!
Warm regards,
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator
Resident Since 1991
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
Rita Dhillon Team
Jo Peek
Advertising - Print & Digital
Northgate Living CA
Jo Peek 925-272-8246
NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Auto Service
Diablo Auto Specialists
Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson 925-478-5721
1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com
Concierge Care Coordination
Camalin “Cam” Jones
La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149 camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.com
Dentist
Tobian Kiefer Dentistry
Michael S Tobian, DDS & Maurissa Kiefer DDS 925-407-1155 mydentist@drtobian.com www.drtobian.com
Design, Build & Remodeling
Gordon Reese
Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953
Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.
For over 20 years, Cam Jones has been serving the local community as a dedicated healthcare professional. She is a top patient advocate going into her tenth year in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation industry. Facilitating over 3000 patient admissions and having conducted over 900 home evaluations in the non-medical home care industry has equipped her with vast knowledge and a wide network. Cam is an expert with navigating individuals from hospital to home with a specialty dealing with healthcare insurances relative to inpatient rehabilitation facility coverage.
Dr. Michael Tobian graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he has practiced dentistry for patients of all ages. He thoroughly enjoys the art and science of Dentistry. Dr. Maurissa Kiefer got her DDS degree from University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Kiefer strives to provide her patients with comfortable, high quality care.
With 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results. From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.
Real Estate
Rita Dhillon
Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010
Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
Religious Education
Contra Costa Christian Schools
925-934-4964
afullmore@cccs.org www.contracostachristianschools.org
Storage Expert
Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200
info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/
Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.
For over 40 years, Contra Costa Christian Schools has maintained its original mission to Prepare the Next Generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation. While the instructional strategies and curriculum have evolved, the core mission of serving families in the East Bay has remained the same. CCCS provides a high quality 21st century education within a Christian context that equips students for success, whatever they choose to pursue.
At Shadelands Self-storage we provide peace of mind to our clients by offering a state of the art facility with video recorded surveillance and a real-time closed-circuit TV security monitoring station. In addition to our secured facilities, we have climate-controlled units, non-combustible construction and many additional features to fit your storing needs.
Denise Kalm: Meet Embracing life after loss
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Denise Kalm
Before dating apps and the internet, how did single people meet? If not through mutual friends or family, young people sometimes posted personal ads in the newspaper! It worked for Denise Kalm back in 1988. She placed an ad in a local Berkeley newspaper. Would-be dates were asked to write a letter to her; she received 60 responses. Calls followed, then dates. Mike Goldstein was not the first guy she met up with, but, Denise says, “when we met, it was magic.”
Mike was an airline captain and wasn’t home much, but their love flourished. They dated for a long time before getting married and informally tied the knot in Mendocino in 2009. They finally legally married in 2017. They were together for 35 years before Mike passed on Oct. 18, 2023 from glioblastoma.
Denise was born in the Bay Area but moved as an infant to Michigan and then Chicago, IL where she grew up until 6th grade. Her dad got a job in Berkeley, so it was back to California. “For the record, my sister and I dragged our feet all along I-80, hating to leave our home,” Denise recalls. She later attended UC Berkeley, majoring in genetics, then went to the University of Michigan for her master’s in biochemical genetics. Denise adds, “Well it turned out in 1978 there weren’t many jobs in the field of genetics, so I ended up going into IT instead.” She worked for many IT companies and started her own consulting
company Kalm Kreative, Inc. She did that for 8 years. In her 50’s she also returned to school to get a certificate in Life Coaching through JFK University, doing coaching while also running her business.
Now retired, Denise still does some coaching. She’s also an ETS/SP sponsor, meaning she helps service members who are exiting the service and transitioning to civilian life.
Denise is close with her sister Debbie. She adds, “My sister is many things to me. She gave and still gives me incredible support after I lost Mike. She is funny, smart, and into so many things. This helps broaden my interests.” Denise has also been inspired by both of her parents. Her mother went to law school when she was in her 50’s and started a family law practice. And her father escaped Germany in 1938 just before Kristalnacht and the opening of Dachau. He went on to get a post-doctorate degree in organic chemistry and lived to be 92 years old.
Her two bunnies are also a big support. Jefferson and Luna were both rescues from
Contra Costa Rabbit Rescue. Jefferson is a mini-lop, and Luna, a very shy girl, is a Netherland dwarf rabbit. Lately Jefferson has been eating all of Luna’s food, causing a bit of a conflict, so Denise has had to separate them. Denise has had many rabbits over the years, and CC Rabbit Rescue is always on hand to help adopting families troubleshoot bunny issues.
Denise and Mike were frequent travelers, and after his death she took some trips to see friends and family. She is now planning a trip to Japan. She
is a hiker, aiming for 17,000 steps per day! She also attends Jazzercise regularly, is an avid home cook, and is very involved with her grief group. She adds, “As you may know, when you lose someone really special, your life is upended and you change, whether you want to or not. All of my passions seemed to die. I needed a new direction. Writing stayed front and center.” She writes a blog through Substack on political issues, writes for the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association along with other projects. Denise says, “Since losing Mike, I found myself writing poems about loss and, with a friend, we’re going to publish a book of them to help others deal with loss.” Her community of fellow grievers help each other out, do some local travel together, and walk a lot. Denise plans to eventually become a grief counselor, once she is farther down the road in her own journey. With her previous experience in life coaching and working with veterans, it seems an important and logical next step.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Grand Zesty
Columbia Huck
Fry Chase
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
Active Listings
Pending Listings
Rita Dhillon Team #1 Northgate Realtor
Historic year for Girls Cross Country Team
By Ruth Seabrook, Head Coach Cross Country
This season the girls Cross Country team saw many veteran runners returning, hungry for a return to the State Meet after narrowly missing the opportunity last year. We had three frosh runners, sophomores Maren Ahonen-Lytal, Olivia Joseph and freshman Camila Terrazas who put in a great summer of running with us, and they really come on well and they were welcomed by the veterans and a strong pack emerged. We spread the girls around the Frosh, JV and Varsity races all season but by the Championship it was clear they were a force to be reckoned with as we came second at Leagues to powerhouse Campolindo.
The three frosh girls, combined with Captains Lucy Leininger and Natasha Cohen, created a strong scoring five, with Abby Seman and Maddie Palmer helping out too. The week prior to NCS saw an atmospheric river of rain fall, and we knew it would be a very muddy race, as much of the NCS course at Hayward High School is in a depression where water drains in and sits. We prepped the runners the day prior by running sprints on a waterlogged soccer field until they were wet through and ‘at one with the mud’ and saw it as both fun and survivable. The day of the race the course seemed to have dried out and with just some light drizzle predicted all the schools were optimistic of reasonable conditions. The forecast shifted dramatically mid morning, and rain fell steadily until the course was mired in deep mud. It was not so much a question of ‘if I fall’ as ‘when I fall’ when the girls were running strides on the starting line. We had the girls go out and warm up in the driving rain instead of shielding them in drier areas until the last minute, so they were well used to the weather and they showed up at the start line ready to race. One of the other reasons the team did well is as a pack its easier to survive awful conditions; you are more motivated by the presence of the team mates, plus your coach yelling ‘You’re In First Place’ makes every thing hurt a little less, as we were getting online updates at the 1 mile and 2 mile splits. Our front runner that day was freshman phenom Camila Terrazas who secured 8th place, followed closely by Junior Natasha Cohen in 13th place, Senior Lucy Leininger in 15th place, sophomore Olivia Joseph in 18th and Maren Ahonen-Lytal in 25th place, as our scoring five. We placed first and discovered our tight pack running meant we had beat out Campolindo and ended their ten year winning streak by a comfortable
margin of 25 points. We had gone from ‘can we make top four and get to state this year?’ to winning our first championship in school history. It was not our finest race in terms of times, but it was a race in which we crumbled a lot less than other schools in extreme racing conditions. Captain Natasha Cohen said, “This was the most incredible season I’ve ever had in sports, and the feeling of knowing we had won at NCS when I had just been hoping to get fourth for the weeks before the race was incredible. I had so much fun running with my teammates who I became so much closer with over this season. I enjoyed watching their improvements and felt more of a team dynamic than I have ever felt before. The feeling of getting a PR at NCS despite the muddy course and terrible conditions was amazing, and I’ll never forget the feeling of racing as if nothing else even mattered.”
A week of further training followed during the Thanksgiving break, and then we brought a very happy group of girls to the State Meet at Woodward Park in Fresno, where it was a sunny 55f degrees and they were rewarded with almost perfect running conditions, which they took full advantage of to run another school record as it was the fastest team time in school history, with our top five averaging 19:45, and placing 13th out of a field of the best 25 teams in the State.
This year saw a unique combination of a stable group of veterans with experience in racing, who actively welcomed a fast improving group of frosh runners, instead of feeling threatened by them. In some girls’ teams there are hierarchies and younger girls are reluctant to move up and pass the older more established girls. The fluidity in our pack also meant no one girl was burdened with a key role, such as being the no 1 or no 2 girl, each race allowed each athlete to run based on how they felt, with less pressure on them to perform as an individual. The strength of this kind of pack is
Muddy by victorious after NCS meet
L to R Coach Cody Davis, Abby Seman, Camila Terrazas, Maddison Palmer, Lucy Leininger, Natasha Cohen and Olivia Joseph and Maren Ahonen-Lytal in the foreground.
huge psychologically, especially in poor conditions. We had a 47 second spread which is the time difference between your first and fifth runner. No other team went sub one minute in their spread, some had a 5 - 9 minute spread as they had a talented front runner and slower runners behind them. Added to the unique chemistry of the girls was a coaching team that has been stable for many years and able to build upon its prior successes. This was my 13th season and Coach Peter Ceresa, Coach Cody Davis and Coach Steve Pierce have been working with the program now for nearly ten years and that creates a strong reservoir of experience. In the past four years we have qualified five teams to the State Meet, and in the entire 32 years prior there were only 7 teams at the State Meet so the program is definitely enjoying a ‘purple patch’ and finding a lot of success with this team of coaches.
L to R Peter Ceresa, Cody Davis, Ruth Seabrook, Lexi Parks, Lucy Leininger , Abby Seman, Maren Ahonen Lytal, Maddie Palmer, Olivia Joseph, Natasha Cohen and Alison Lancaster
Breaking Free from Dopamine Addiction: Finding Balance in a Reward-Driven World
By Teri DeLaMontanya, BSN, RN; and Dr. Allsyon Mayo, DBH, Founders of Behavioral Fitness
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly seeking experiences that bring pleasure and relief—checking our phones, binge-watching shows, or indulging in comfort foods. These behaviors are linked to dopamine, a neurotransmitter often called the “feel-good” chemical. Dopamine plays a vital role in motivation, pleasure, and reward, helping us survive by reinforcing behaviors like eating, connecting socially, and accomplishing tasks. But in our modern environment, where instant gratification is at our fingertips, we can find ourselves caught in a cycle of overindulgence, sometimes referred to as dopamine addiction.
What Is Dopamine Addiction?
While not a formal medical diagnosis, dopamine addiction refers to an overreliance on behaviors or substances that flood our brains with dopamine, often to escape discomfort or emotional pain. Activities like scrolling through social media, online shopping, or gaming can trigger dopamine surges, creating temporary pleasure but potentially leading to dependency over time.
The problem arises when these quick fixes replace deeper, more fulfilling sources of happiness and well-being. According to Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatrist and author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, our brains can become desensitized to dopamine, requiring more of the same behavior or substance to feel the same reward, creating a cycle that leaves us feeling empty or even more stressed.
Recognizing Dopamine Addiction
You might be experiencing a dopamine imbalance if you notice the following patterns:
• Compulsivity: Struggling to control certain behaviors, like reaching for your phone at every idle moment.
• Tolerance: Feeling the need to increase time or intensity in an activity to achieve the same level of pleasure.
• Avoidance: Using dopamine-seeking behaviors to escape difficult emotions or situations.
• Imbalance: Sacrificing time, relationships, or well-being for short-term gratification.
Compassionate Strategies for Balance
Recognizing dopamine addiction isn’t about shaming ourselves—it’s about cultivating awareness of our behavioral patterns and deciding what serves our well-being. Here are some strategies to try:
1. Pause and Reflect: Notice when you’re turning to a behavior out of habit. Ask yourself: “What am I really feeling? What do I really need?”
2. Reset Your Brain: Consider a “dopamine fast,” where you take a break from high-reward activities like social media or junk food to recalibrate your brain’s reward system.
3. Pursue Natural Rewards: Engage in activities that release dopamine more sustainably, like exercising, meditating, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones.
4. Set Boundaries: Limit time on dopamine-triggering apps or activities and replace them with practices that nourish your mind and body.
5. Seek Support: If breaking the cycle feels overwhelming, consider working with a professional who can provide guidance and support.
Our bodies are designed to seek comfort and safety, and there’s no shame in that. By understanding dopamine’s role in our lives, we can make intentional choices to create balance and find joy in the things that truly matter.
Want to Learn More?
Join Dr. Allyson Mayo, Doctor of Behavioral Health for a talk on dopamine addiction in February. Registration in Behavioral Fitness App or www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com. Questions? Email info@ behavioralfitnesstoday.com
Planning Your Remodel Early? Here’s How It Changes Everything!
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Anew year is the perfect time to think about how your home supports your family’s needs. If you’ve been dreaming of a more functional kitchen, a spa-inspired bathroom, or even an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), early planning is key to achieving a smooth and well-thought-out remodeling process. With the right approach, your home can become everything you’ve envisioned in 2025.
Starting the process early ensures you can design, budget, and execute your project with confidence. However, success depends on choosing the right design-build team—one that offers 3D design, price certainty, years of experience, and a proven process that takes the stress out of decision-making.
The Value of Planning Ahead
A successful remodel starts with preparation. Giving yourself time to explore options and refine your goals can make all the difference. Here’s why early planning is essential:
Time to Refine Your Vision
Remodeling is about crafting a home that fits your needs and lifestyle. It’s your chance to focus on improvements that make the most meaningful difference in your daily life.
Collaborating with a design-build team early allows you to use tools like 3D design to visualize your project. This technology shows the layout, finishes, and overall flow of your remodel, helping you make informed choices. Seeing your ideas come to life in 3D removes the guesswork and lowers anxiety over decisions, so you won’t lose sleep wondering if you’ve made the right choices.
Flexibility in Budgeting
Early planning lets you set a clear investment range and stick to it. By integrating budgeting into the design process, you can ensure your remodel stays financially on track. This approach avoids unexpected costs and helps you focus on features that matter most.
Avoiding Delays
Supply chain challenges and long lead times for custom materials are common in modern remodeling. Planning ahead gives you flexibility to secure materials and schedule construction at the right time. By addressing potential delays early, you ensure a smoother process and a reliable timeline.
Choosing the Right Design-Build Team
Your choice of a design-build team is the cornerstone of a successful remodel. When evaluating potential partners, ensure they meet these criteria:
• 3D Design Expertise: This tool not only helps you visualize your project but also reduces uncertainty, ensuring you feel confident about your design decisions.
• Price Certainty: A team with a proven ability to deliver projects on budget provides peace of mind throughout the process.
• Years of Experience: A team with extensive experience brings expertise, problem-solving skills, and insights to your project.
• A Clear Process: The best teams guide you through every step, from design to construction, with a process that is easy to understand and follow.
Benefits Beyond the Remodel
A remodel is more than an investment in your home—it’s an investment in your lifestyle. Tailoring your space to your specific needs improves functionality, comfort, and efficiency. Energy-efficient upgrades, modern designs, and customized layouts enhance both the experience of living in your home and its long-term value.
Transform Your Dreams into Reality
At Gordon Reese Design Build, we specialize in guiding homeowners through the entire remodeling process—from concept to completion. With 3D design, we help you visualize your project in detail, giving you confidence in your decisions and peace of mind throughout the process. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, or an innovative ADU, our team is here to bring your vision to life.
Make 2025 the year your home becomes everything you’ve dreamed. Contact Gordon Reese Design Build today to start planning your remodel and take the first step toward a home that works perfectly for you and your family.
2025 Food Trends to Watch For
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
As we launch into 2025, the food landscape is already showing signs of exciting new trends that are set to define the upcoming year. Food trends are rapidly evolving. Here’s a curated list of the top food trends that are shaping the way we eat and experience food.
Functional Hydration
Drinks with added benefits like electrolytes, chlorophyll, and protein are trending. Options include sparkling coconut water, cactus water, and hydration popsicles, catering to those seeking health and sustainability in their beverages.
Fermented and Briny Flavors
Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and even briny olives are becoming more popular for their tangy taste and health benefits. Fermentation continues to rise as a favorite flavor enhancer.
Crunch Craze
Crunchy snacks like sprouted nuts, mushroom chips, and granola are gaining traction, enhancing meals with texture. This trend extends into beverages and desserts with options like pistachio toppings and freeze-dried treats.
Tea Innovations
Tea is evolving into exciting formats, such as coldbrew powders and sparkling varieties, and is being infused into desserts. Tea-themed events like adult tea parties are emerging as a social trend.
Protein Renaissance
Plant-based proteins, such as hemp seeds and lentils, along with traditional protein sources, are being innovatively integrated into diets. Collagen is also gaining popularity.
Caesar Salad Reinventions
Store brands are offering high-quality versions of trending products, while Caesar salad is being reimagined with creative flavors like miso and black garlic.
Hydration Innovation
Consumers are seeking more functional hydration options such as electrolyte-enhanced beverages, cactus water, and sparkling coconut water. These drinks offer added health benefits while appealing to ecoconscious preferences.
Bold & Briny
Customers are exploring more ways to incorporate acidic, briny and fermented flavors into their meals to enhance the overall freshness, brightness and texture. On the horizon for 2025 is an increased use of super briny foods like olives, pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi.
Pepper Palette
Trends have shifted from chasing the highest Scoville ratings to now exploring how heat maximizes flavor. And delving into spices and peppers from international cuisines – like Calabrian chiles, guajillo peppers and hatch chiles – allows them to do so.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits will continue to be desirable among consumers in the coming year.
Asian Flavors and Cuisines
This includes a variety of flavor profile: Korean Cuisine (tteokbokki, honey butter flavors, japchae, Korean corn dogs), Fusion Dishes with Indian Flavors (tandoori pizza, curry-filled hand pies, tikka masala chips), Vietnamese Cuisine (pho, banh mi, mi Quang) and Filipino Cuisine (chicken adobo, tocino-style pork, lumpia, pancit).
Honey Flavors
Honey flavors are making waves in both sweet and savory food trends for 2025, working well across categories. From the indulgent crunch of Lay’s Honey Butter Chips to honey-drizzled fried chicken or roasted carrots glazed in honey chili sauce, this golden ingredient is a star player. Beyond the classic honey and mustard pairing, innovative combinations like honey lavender ice cream or honey soy marinades are captivating palates worldwide.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a tropical fruit that is native to Indian and parts of Africa. Tamarindo is paired with popular brands like Smirnoff and sodas such as Fanta or Sprite.
Battered Fries
Battered fries, a crispy and flavorful twist on traditional fries are a fun twist on this traditional favorite.
Greek Bowls
Greek bowls, a healthy, plant-based meal option, are gaining significant traction.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Known for their unique taste and appearance, heirloom tomatoes are emphasized in dishes like sourdough grilled flatbread with burrata and prosciutto, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts looking for flavorful and visually appealing ingredients.
Prunes
Prunes are seeing a surge in popularity, with creative uses ranging from cocktails to desserts like prune cake and tarts.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is experiencing a surge in popularity, with brands such as Izzio offering home bakers and food enthusiasts a simpler, yet authentic, baking experience. Sourdough is moving beyond bread into items like crackers, pizza crusts, and desserts, offering fermented flavor and convenience.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
BECOME A YOUTH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY OR HUNGARY
By Fran Doggett, City of Walnut Creek
KATHY’S 2024 SALES
$1,720,000 $1,600,000 $1,720,000 $1,680,000 $950,000 $1,350,000 $1,380,000 $1,662,777 $1,300,000
