Firehouse Arts Center Brings Sexy Back to Downtown Nightlife

In 10 days Pleasanton will throw itself a huge three-day party to celebrate the transformation of an old building on homely little Railroad Avenue —until now just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it block off of Main Street — into the Firehouse Arts Center, a swanky performing and visual arts venue that one might expect to find in that much hipper city across the Bay.

Last week, we got a sneak peak inside this architecturally striking building. The center, with its fire-inspired glass sculpture marquee, has emerged like a phoenix from the long abandoned shell of Fire Station No. 1, built in 1929 by volunteer firefighters from bricks forged right here in town.

 The visitors enjoyed Little Valley Winery libations, served from behind a sparkling red and orange bar top crafted from crushed recycled glass, and enjoyed nibbles from local gourmet deli Amelia's before a presentation in the 227-seat theater, where audience members will be close enough to see the sweat beading on the foreheads of a stellar lineup of jazz and cabaret crooners.

From the flames leaping off the coal black background of the theater's modernly designed website to the polished hand forged steel letters spelling out the theater's flagship sign, this place is h-o-t hot. It's — dare we say it — it's sexy. And, yes, friends, it is actually in Pleasanton!

Soccer moms, get out your high heels. This place has serious date night potential. Pleasanton Patch is predicting that the Firehouse Arts Center will be this sleepy suburban town's go-to place for grownups looking for an evening away from the kids.

Are You a Raley's or a Gene's?

Ask a Pleasantonian where they shop for groceries, and I guarantee you will get an earful.

With the closure of Nob Hill on Santa Rita, the fancying-up of Raleys and Safeway and the exciting news that a super duper fancy Safeway extravaganza is coming to the southwest side of town, Pleasanton's grocery store world is going wild.

If I'm feeling thrifty, I make the drive to Raley's, which I perceive as being less expensive. If I'm in a hurry and feeling thrifty, I do Luckys, which is my least favorite. If I just got paid and I'm REALLY in a hurry, I love Gene's, and if I want convenience, fairly good prices AND a nice shopping environment, I head to Safeway. But I can't forget Trader Joe's, while not the easiest place to park, if I'm in the neighborhood, it's a great place for affordable booze and really affordable convenience foods.

Sorry I can't yet speak to 99 Ranch Market. I keep meaning to go there, but I haven't  so far (too out of the way?) But do you like it? How does it fit into our grocery landscape so far?

So, what do you think? Are you faithful to one food shopping spot or, like me, do you store hop?