Orinda, CA:
Incorporated in 1985, Population: 18,000 Area: 12.8 square miles Average rainfall: 32.24 inches, Summer climate: average 80+/- degrees Winter climate: average 45-50 degrees Most prestigious address in Contra Costa County
rinda is the most wealthy of the three communities we call Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda) and one of the most beautiful settings in the county. The name Orinda came from Alice Marsh Camron's poetry book. Her husband, William Camron, purchased almost 3,000 acres in the area in 1875 that was eventually sold to the DeLaveaga family. They later developed much of the County Club area intended to be a valley resort of summer homes for the rich. The town site of Orinda was established back in the 1920's. After the Caldecott Tunnel opened in 1937 connecting Alameda County and Contra Costa Counties, the area began developing rapidly. The 1920's saw Orinda as a get-away for the wealthy. The post-war building boom brought more modest, middle class homes. However, Orinda continues to have a rural, resort character and a prestige aura that started back in the 1920's. Many of the Bay Area's top executives and other professionals over the years have chosen Orinda because of it proximity to San Francisco, its prestigious address, peaceful setting and its quality school system. Orinda is just over the Oakland Hills from the University of California at Berkeley. There are many ancient native oaks, a hilly terrain in most areas, many winding streets. Orinda backs up to Tilden Regional Park with its trails, merry-go-round, playing fields, lake, golf course, and botanical gardens. A Shakespearean Theater opened in 1991 near the Gateway freeway exit. Orinda is the last city before the Caldecott Tunnel to Oakland and San Francisco. It, therefore, has the closest commute of the three communities in Lamorinda. (LAfayette-MORaga-OrINDA). Some Local Points of Interest
The Orinda Theater was built by Donald Rheem in 1941. The art deco style and the ornamentation of the exterior made the theatre an outstanding landmark for half a century. The interior was considered a masterpiece of its kind. However, in 1984 is was scheduled to be torn down but was saved by the Friends of the Orinda Theater, the Art Deco Society and a number of other groups. The theater has been refurbished to its original beauty and was reopened in 1989 with the adjoining shops and offices.
The Theater Square complex now adjoins the Theater and has many shops, offices and some good restaurants. The complex has been the center of the community in many ways. Its a popular spot for dining on the courtyard on warm, summer evenings. Local musical groups often entertain diners eating at the sidewalk cafes. Some restaurants there have seemed to "come and go" but there are some that have been around for years and remain popular. Here are the most popular in recent years and therefore have had "staying power." Below is Kasper's Hot Dogs. You can grab a quick lunch or dinner and then head into the Theater right next door.  Petra Cafe on the other side of the Theater entrance serves Greek food.  Shelby's now has a new owner but is continuing to serve tasty lunches and dinners. This has remained a popular spot over the years. Extensive menu.  Serika has also been around since Theater Square opened and features good Japanese food. 
 A local landmark is Casa Orinda. No it's not Mexican food.  Casa Orinda has been a favorite place to eat in Orinda for about 65 years. It has many artifacts from early ranching days: large western paintings, many photos, and a large gun collection. You'll find the best fried chicken for miles! The Chicken Doré is also delicious. Good pasta, fish and steaks, too.
On the other side of the freeway, in the Orinda Village area, you'll find Village Inn Cafe: they just recently moved to a new location in the same shopping complex and remodeled. This is the classic coffee shop you've been looking for. The food is good, the service very friendly and efficient and the milkshakes are to die for!! Across the street from the community center. 
Orinda is a much sought-after community. It is has a charm and uniqueness that is very attractive to many home buyers. They are willing to pay a premium price for their homes in order to have the prestigious Orinda address and access to Orinda's highly rated elementary and high schools. The proximity to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and the Caldecott Tunnel through the hills to Oakland and San Francisco make it highly desired by commuters. Orinda has an understated elegance and an allure that attracts young and old. Don't miss two other pages on Orinda: ORINDA PART 2 and ORINDA PART 3
|
My
favorite Orinda restaurant. It has maintained its consistency year
after year. Just about everything is good. There are many Lamorindan's
who have been coming to Casa Orinda for years and years! The interior is
like stepping back in time to the Old West days. It's comfortable, homey
and the food is good. If you're looking for super fancy sophistication,
this isn't the place.
