Good Morning Tri-Valley - It’s a heatwave!

If you’re looking for a delicious Easter brunch, Pasta’s Trattoria is always one of my favorite picks.

I’ve been to their Easter Brunch several times, and it really is one of the most delicious brunches and best values you’ll find around here. This brunch buffet is so good it will make you wish every buffet looked like this.

There is truly something for everyone, including picky kids and foodies.

Think assorted pastries from local favorite Primrose Bakery, fresh fruit, artisan cheeses, salads, ahi tuna, and plenty more before you even get to the main dishes.

Then come the made-to-order omelets, bacon, sausage, ham, NY strip steak, salmon, pasta, and chicken dijon.

Pricing is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors, and $17 for kids 12 and under.

I have a feeling this one will fill up, so reservations are highly recommended. Call Pasta’s Trattoria at 925-417-2222.

I’ll see you there on Sunday, April 5!

From coffee, ramen and sandwiches to wine, golf, and new spots downtown, there is a lot to look forward to in Pleasanton and Dublin!

Now Open

Coming Soon

Thanks to @inpleasanton and City of Dublin for putting this list together!

If you love Livermore Valley wine, Barrel Weekend is always such a fun one to add to your calendar.

It’s a chance to go beyond the usual tasting room experience and get a little closer to the winemaking process.

You’ll be able to taste current-release wines and compare them to the same wines still aging in barrel, which is such a cool way to see how a wine changes over time.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet the winemakers, learn more about what goes into each bottle, and shop futures or stock up on your favorite wines at special pricing.

In many cases, this will be the best price you’ll find on the wine you’re tasting from barrel.

Participating Wineries

Tasting prices may vary by winery, but if you’re a wine lover, this is definitely one to check out.

Lawrence Livermore National Lab is teaming up with Meta, yes, the Facebook and Instagram Meta, on something pretty wild.

The two just helped create the world’s largest open dataset of polymer chemistry, which could speed up discoveries in everything from plastics and batteries to recycling and safer materials.

In simple terms, they’re using AI and massive computing power to better understand the building blocks of everyday products and hopefully make future materials smarter and more sustainable.

One of the coolest parts? This isn’t staying locked away in a lab.

The dataset is being released publicly so researchers everywhere can use it.

It’s a fun surprise to see one of our own local science powerhouses partnering with a company most of us know for social media, but this project could have a real impact far beyond Facebook and Instagram.

If you want the full breakdown, you can read more here.

Last month we hosted the very first Tri-Valley Explorer Dinner Club in Downtown Livermore… and it was SO much fun.

New friendships were formed, tables were full of laughter, and the after-dinner meet-up brought everyone together for even more fun. It was exactly what I hoped it would be - relaxed, welcoming, and full of great energy.

So I’m doing it again and you have 24 hours remaining to reserve your spot!

The next Tri-Valley Explorer Dinner Club is happening THIS Thursday, March 19th in Downtown Pleasanton and I would love for you to join us.

If you’ve ever wanted a fun, low-pressure way to meet new people, try a great restaurant, and skip the awkward networking vibes, this is for you.

Here’s how it works:
Head to the link and take a quick personality quiz. You’ll be thoughtfully matched with five other locals based on shared interests, dining preferences, and budget comfort. Each of table of 6 will dine at a different downtown restaurant.

The twist? Your restaurant is revealed the morning of the event. Hello, adventure!

After dinner, everyone is invited to a casual meet-up at a local bar to connect and continue the night together. I’ll be there at the after-party and cannot wait to raise a glass with you.

Spots are limited so grab yours now and pull up a chair. Click here to sign up!

If you love live theatre, I have a great deal to share this week!

The Phantom of the Opera is returning to the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco from May 28 through June 21, 2026, and Tri-Valley Explorer readers can access a special ticket package with major savings. Perfect Date night in SF!

Using the code PHANTOMVIP, you can save nearly 40% on most shows and even more on select performances. Packages start at $79.99 and include some of the best seats in the house.

Even better, purchases of two or more tickets include a $25 dining rebate, making it a perfect excuse to plan a night out in the city.

If you have never seen Phantom live, it is one of the most spectacular productions in theatre history, featuring unforgettable songs like The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and Masquerade.

Click Here for details and use promo code PHANTOMVIP

Packages are very limited and will sell out, so take advantage soon!

If you are planning a San Francisco night out this spring, this is a pretty spectacular way to do it.