Diablo Magazine’s

WALNUT CREEK | 1614 Mt. Diablo Blvd. | 925.687.5033 | CaliforniaClosets.com/Walnut-Creek

For over 30 years, we’ve been helping people define the most important spaces inside and around their homes. Call us today for a complimentary design

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BEDROOM GARAGE ENTRYWAY WALL BED MEDIA CENTER OFFICE STORAGE CRAFT PANTRY

WALNUT CREEK IN BROADWAY PLAZA 925.279.3000 NEIMANMARCUS.COM

NM

WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THE MALL?

FAIREST

This boutique offers the exclusive line of Liliana Castellanos as well as other designer lines from across the United States and Europe. Working directly with the factory, Liliana Castellanos offers custom, one-on-one services to meet

your needs—from a dress for a special occasion to an Alpaca coat.

1414 N. MAiN STrEET WALNUT CrEEk 925.944.5605 WWW.LiLiANAC.CoM

3739 SHADOWBROOK COURT | WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598 | (925) 988-WINE | www.shadowbrookwinery.com

CLOSE TO HOME

Far From Ordinary

WALNUT CREEK’S FIRST WINERY It begins in the soil, and blossoms in the fruit. It’s tended to, by hand, in the vineyard and nurtured in the winery the very same way. It’s blended with passion and experience, aged with patience and care. It’s the unmistakable taste of quality. And you’ll find it in every glass of Shadowbrook wine.

SIX WINES! SIX MEDALS!

Sartorial_Group_publications_9.25x11.125.indd 3 25/07/11 08.29

The East Bay’s Premier Men’s Clothier

Visit Daskalos at their new location

1243 Broadway Plaza

Walnut Creek

925-937-1808

www.daskalosfashions.com

Featuring:Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, Brioni, Eton,

Etro, Zanella, Corneliani, and Paul & Shark

Blouses from Italy

now at Broadway PlazaWalnut Creek

(925) 988-0844www.naracamiciesf.com

Luxury AffordAbLe

becAuse cAn be

A t The Plumbery we understand

that you want possibilities with

affordability—and we offer it.

Visit our beautiful showroom of

decorative kitchen and bath fixtures.

Take advantage of our quality products,

exceptional service, and competitive

pricing today.

925.829.1234

6694 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin

www.plumbery.com

Store Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Scan to view Kohler in action

Over the years it has gone from a shoebox-sized cheese counter and some wine racks to one of the Bay Area’s very finest wine and food destinations. Much of the credit for this transformation goes to owners Executive Chef Peter Chastain and partner, Wine Director John Rittmaster. Their collective sense of hospitality and vast knowledge of the culinary traditions and current trends of Italy have informed both PRIMA’s cuisine and vast wine list.

Chastain says that “God gave us food and the devil gave us cooks.” And as such, his approach to cooking is finding the very best, local organic and sustainable ingredients at the peak of their season and let them express themselves simply but exquisitely, without a lot of manipulation. He creates regionally authen-tic, award-winning Italian dishes but much in a Bay Area vein. “We’ve been here a long time. We know how our customers like to dine and it’s our job to not only cook what we love, but to keep them happy too.” Wine is very much a part of the PRIMA experi-ence and the wine program here, complete with a vast by-the-glass list, tasting flights and a reserve list of over 1400 wines, is curated by Rittmaster and Sommelier Frank Rothstein. Not only does it offer one of the West Coast’s finest selections of Italian wines, it is an amazing source of some of California’s finest and rarest at very good prices.

Despite its fine wining and dining focus, PRIMA is a great destination for those seeking a more casual pre- or post-theater bowl of pasta and a glass of wine, amazingly tasty cocktails and a bar menu, a hip gathering place or some really fun wine and food events like their annual Champagne Tast-ing in December and Peter’s Porchetta dinner in July. Get on their e-mail list to hear more.

And the PRIMA experience doesn’t end in the restau-rant. Every wine on the restaurant list and a host of others are available at PRIMA Vini, the wine merchant right next door. It’s a great store in which to browse, and their knowl-edgeable and professional staff offers truly personalized service, free delivery, unique gift giving options and more. And for a store with such a high end reputation, it’s a great place to find bargains from all over the world!

Peter and John say they’re very grateful for their 35-year run and the tremendous support of the community but that there’s a lot more work to be done. “Staying the same,” they say, “is not an option” to stay competitive in the hustle-bustle Walnut Creek restaurant scene and we’re anxious to see what comes next at Walnut Creek’s premier wine and food destination.

PRIMA Thanks The Community For Its Continued Support As They Celebrate their 35th Anniversary.

PRIMA hAs been A MAIn stReet fIxtuRe sInce oPenIng Its dooRs In MAy, 1977.

| special adver tising section |

PETER CHASTAIN AND JOHN RITTMASTEROwners

Lunch served Monday–Saturday

Dinner daily from 5 p.m. with reservations suggested Walk-ins welcome

1522 North Main Street Walnut Creek

(925) 935-7780 www.primawine.com

| special adver tising section |

Delivering the Best Remodel Experience 26 Years and Counting!

Yuko MatsuMoto NatioNal award wiNNiNg desigNer

alhaMbra ValleY resideNce, MartiNez

winner of the top 3 awards,

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design competition

• Best Bath

• Large Bath — 1st PLace

• PeoPLe’s Pick Bath

Lic. #577881

1079 Boulevard Way (at Mt. Diablo), Walnut Creek(925) 938-1100, www.AlteraDesign.com

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The Walnut Creek Book 11

Nightlife & Culturepg. 36

Fashion & Shopspg. 26

Food & Drinkpg. 18

Publisher’s Letterpg. 16

»

»»»

12 The Walnut Creek Book

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»contents

City Life & Businesspg. 54

Dining Listingspg. 67

Fitness & Recreationpg. 46

» »»

Cover Illustration byilovedust

PB

B E . B R I L L I A N T L Y .

Y O U R S E L F .

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B R O A D W A Y P L A Z APROUDLY WELCOMING NE IMAN MARCUS

S O U T H M A I N S T R E E T & M T . D I A B L O B L V D . | W A L N U T C R E E K

Now Open

14 The Walnut Creek Book

D i a b l o P u b l i c at i o n s F o u n D e r a n D P r e s i D e n t

Steven J. Rivera

G r o u P P u b l i s h e r Barney Fonzi

s e n i o r a c c o u n t e x e c u t i v e s

Marilyn Beck Rivera, Toni Kerr Tighe, Megan Tuggle

a c c o u n t e x e c u t i v e s Jocelyne Crossley, Jessica Scherer

M a r k e t i n G D i r e c t o r Dave Reik

M a r k e t i n G a n D c i r c u l at i o n M a n a G e r Melinda Solomon

M a r k e t i n G a s s o c i at e Ali O’Grady

s a l e s a n D M a r k e t i n G i n t e r n s Michele Johnson, Jason Kass, Kimberly Ortiz

s e n i o r a c c o u n t e x e c u t i v e e M e r i t u s Francine Lyall

A d m i n i s t r At i o n

c h i e F F i n a n c i a l o F F i c e r Brendan N. Casey

s ta F F a c c o u n ta n t Sylvia Bajjaliya

a c c o u n t s Paya b l e Ana Magaña

a c c o u n t s r e c e i va b l e / r e c e P t i o n i s t Cheryl Davis

s ys t e M a D M i n i s t r at o r Alex W. Ackerman

a s s i s ta n t t o t h e P r e s i D e n t a n D t h e P u b l i s h e r Jodie Aranda

h o w t o r e A c h u s F o r a D v e r t i s i n G, s u b s c r i P t i o n, a n D G e n e r a l i n F o r M at i o n (925) 943-1111 M a i l i n G a D D r e s s 2520 Camino Diablo, Walnut Creek, CA 94597-3939 t o c o M M e n t o n e D i t o r i a l c o n t e n t (925) 943-1199, Ext. 4 b y Fa x (925) 943-1045 b y e - M a i l d-mail@maildiablo.com

o n t h e w e b thewalnutcreekbook.com w e b s i t e f o r d i A b l o m A g A z i n e diablomag.com w e b s i t e f o r d i A b l o c u s t o m P u b l i s h i n g dcpubs.com

The Walnut Creek Book is published by Diablo Country Magazine Inc. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by Diablo Country Magazine Inc. The Walnut Creek Book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the

opinion of the ownership or the management of the magazine. Contents © 2012. All rights reserved.

e D i t o r Susan Dowdney Safipour

a r t D i r e c t o r Roger Gurbani

s e n i o r e D i t o r / s e n i o r W r i t e r Peter Crooks

M a n a G i n G e D i t o r LeeAnne Jones

a s s o c i at e e D i t o r s Ethan Fletcher, Kristen Haney

c o n t r i b u t i n G a r t D i r e c t o r Greg Silva

c o n t r i b u t i n G e D i t o r Martha Ross

c o P y e D i t o r Linda Lenhoff

W e b a s s i s ta n t Samantha Schneider

e D i t o r i a l i n t e r n s Maddie Godfrey, Elizabeth Schroeder,

Jenna Valdespino, Brandon Weight

D i r e c t o r o F o P e r at i o n s Eileen Cunningham

a D P r o D u c t i o n Jennifer Brazil

P r o j e c t M a n a G e r / a D c o o r D i n at o r Chris Olson

P r e P r e s s M a n a G e r Pete Sonne

Walnut CreekBook

The

»staff

1777 Botelho Drive, Suite 108, Walnut Creek | (925) 465-2000 www.EmpireRealty.com

Come On In!Empire Realty Associates

Welcomes You.

As an extension of our commitment to supporting our community beyond their real estate needs, Empire Realty Associates welcomes you to use our offices!

For All Your Real Estate NeedsEmpire Realty Associates is a boutique real estate brokerage located in Walnut Creek & Danville, CA. We believe a small, collaborative environment of experienced agents who live and work locally will bring you the best results. Combining our first-hand knowledge of local neighborhoods with our wide-reaching local and international relationships and expansive technology, Empire Realty successfully helps our clients buy or sell locally, attract international buyers, and relocate worldwide.

www.EmpireRealty.com

Stop in to Telecommute or Have a MeetingWhether you commute and want to work local for the day, need to meet a client, or seek a conference room for a larger group meeting, we welcome our valued clients and local community to use our offices.

Take any open seat (desk, office, bar), connect to the WiFi, grab a cappuccino and you’re good to go.

• Warm and welcoming office environment

• Printer, photocopier and fax available for low-volume, day use

• Free WiFi

• Espresso/coffee bar

• Meeting rooms

Conference rooms must be scheduled in advance.

Learn more at www.EmpireRealty.com/Passport

16 The Walnut Creek Book

»publisher’s letter

Welcome to The Walnut Creek BookDiablo celebrates the food, culture, shopping, and more of the city it's called home for the past 25 years.

When I was a kid growing up in Pittsburg, I always looked forward to heading “over the hill” to Walnut Creek. Whether it is was to “cruise the Main,” catch a movie at the El Rey, or grab a milk shake at the old Creamery, Walnut Creek was a great spot to visit. And that was only the beginning. In the 40 years since, the city has grown from an attractive suburban community into the central hub of the sophisticated East Bay.

Back then, the anchor tenants for Broadway Plaza were Capwell’s, Safeway, and Lucky’s. Today, the downtown features Neiman Marcus, Tiffany, and Nordstrom. In addition to first-class shopping, Walnut Creek boasts fine dining, exciting nightlife, stellar performing and visual arts, a first-rate financial and business center, and all levels of recreation.

As the “magazine of the East Bay” for the past 33 years, we’ve been lucky to call Walnut Creek our home for the past 25. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know every little corner of this fine city, and we wanted to share our insider’s look at what makes it such a special destination.

We’ve loaded The Walnut Creek Book with all sorts of information and things you won’t want to miss, whether you’re visit-ing for the first time or have lived here your

➽

whole life. We’ve also developed a com-panion website, thewalnutcreekbook.com, and an iPad app to give you access to this valuable reference while you are on the go in our great city.

Enjoy Walnut Creek—and enjoy The Walnut Creek Book!

barney fonziPublisherbfonzi@maildiablo.com

http://casarealevents.com/wc

18 june 2007

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The Walnut Creek Book 19

It used to be that you had to fight your way through Bay Bridge gridlock to get great eats. Not any longer. Whether it’s that special-occasion

Italian restaurant serving simmered-for-hours Bolognese or the straight-out-of-Shanghai Chinese joint with authentic, made-to-order dim sum, Walnut Creek offers something to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. So why not stick around? Between the farm-to-table salads, hearty Vietnamese noodle soups, and handcrafted cocktails, really the only thing that’s missing is the traffic.

stats3Steak houses

5Vietnamese restaurants

10Italian restaurants

15Zagat-rated restaurants

90Restaurantsin total

»

FoodDrink

&

»»contents global tour pg. 20 / top ten pg. 22 / meet kara lind pg. 24

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Vietnam Let’s start with Vietnamese, where you can get everything from a hearty, af-fordable bowl of pho noodle soup at Pho Saigon (296-0777) and Kevin’s Noodle House (933-4746, kevinsnoodle house.com); to stir-fried lunch specials at Le Cheval (938-2288, lecheval.com); to more sophisticat-ed French-tinged tapas at Vanessa’s Bistro 2 (891-4790, vanessas bistro2.com); and gourmet comfort fare at Élevé, pictured (979-1677, eleverest aurant.com).

MexicoMexican bites range from tasty cheap eats (try the crispy tacos) at Cinco de Mayo (954-1050) to polished regional fare with a modern twist (duck tacos, por favor) at Maria Maria (946-1010, mariamariares taurants.com).

Middle EastMiddle Eastern options cover affordable and fresh kebabs, dolmas, and baba ghanoush at Ba-balou’s Mediter-ranean (930-8000, babalous.com); authentic Turkish kofte at Bosphorus (944-5484); and even sit-down Persian delights at Alborz (944-9009).

global tour

ChinaDelve deeper than mediocre take-out. Market-fresh ingredients high-light the regional dishes at Oi-C Bowl (287-8118, oicbowl.com); there’s rockin’ dim sum (and cock-tails) at Modern China Café (988-8008, modernchi nacafe.com); and don’t miss the fiery Hunan at Dragon’s Pond (926-0278, drag onspond.com).

Korea, India, ThailandDon’t forget about made-to-order bibimbap, kimchi, and other Korean specialties at Koreana Kitchen (938-5959); pil-lowy garlic naan at Sargam (937-2700); and rich pumpkin curry (served inside an actual pumpkin) at the elegant Kacha Thai Bistro (988-9877, kacha thai.com).

Spicy SurprisesSafe, staid, suburban: One might expect Walnut Creek’s

restaurants to match its outdated reputation. But just like the city, the dining scene has some spicy surprises.

➽

DON’T INVEST AND FORGETFinancial Planning Firm

VITUCCI & ASSOCIATESLeft to right: Jerry Sullivan, Dwight Peterson, Monica Sullivan, Lance Steward, Pat Vitucci, Kelly Bloat, Robin Prosser, Tom Henderson, John Saylor877 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 220, Walnut Creek(800) 472-8305, www.dontinvestandforget.com

Pat Vitucci leads the firm that has served the Bay Area for more than 20 years. He is well known for providing financial insight on several radio and TV stations, including his one-hour weekly show, Your Financial Life. Vitucci & Associates provides a wide range of investment designs and services. The team of trusted professional advisors conducts seamless, personalized service. Every client is provided with a comprehensive financial plan, which includes an overview from all of the following: investment planning, estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning, and debt planning. Pat Vitucci is one of America’s Top 50 independent broker-dealer advisors, honored by Registered Rep magazine, and is ranked the number one Independent Representative, out of more than 1,500, at his own broker-dealer, National Planning Corporation*.

For a seminar in your area visit: www.dontinvestandforget.com.

*Rankings are based on individual production for 2010 and are not a reflection of investment performances or future success. The total number of representatives included in Registered Rep magazine is 315,000. Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA, SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. Vitucci & Associates and NPC are separate and unrelated companies 58176.

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Before You Leave the Creek...The dining scene has just about everything you could want. But if you’ve got to pick, here are the 10 things you absolutely, positively must try.

»

1Caesar Salad Cypress This classic is done properly, with the sharp, vinegary, garlicky dressing prepared table-side in a wooden bowl. 891-4197, cypresswc.com.

6Alaska Black CodVa de Vi This ultrabuttery cod served with soy glaze, orange oil, and wasabi butter atop a feather-light potato cake is a classic. 979-0100, vadevi.com.

2Grilled Veggies Tender Greens The qual-ity shines in these simply grilled veggies sourced im-peccably from sustainable California farms. 937-5100, tendergreensfood.com.

7Bologneseprima risToranTe Deli-cate, fresh tagliatelle is a perfect base for hearty meat sauce, with beef and three kinds of pork. 935-7780, primaristorante.com.

3Sushisasa This fun izakaya gets much of its luscious ocean-fresh sushi delivered daily from Oahu and Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market. 210-0188, sasawc.com.

8Mai TaiwalnuT Creek yaChT Club An artisanal mai tai mixed with three small-batch rums, curacao, fresh lime juice, and crushed ice. Ships ahoy! 944-3474, wcyc.net.

4Bourbon Cocktail ÉleVÉ Savor this classic cocktail with single-barrel Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit bourbon and bitters over hand-cut ice. 979-1677, eleverestaurant.com.

9Meat Loaflark Creek walnuT Creek Lark Creek does souped-up comfort food right, and the bacon-wrapped meat loaf is the perfect homey example. 256-1234, larkcreek.com.

5BurgerCorners TaVern The thick, juicy smoked patty with aged cheddar, pickled peppers, and onions is up-scale burger heaven. 948-8711, cornerstavern.com.

10Ginger CookiewalnuT Creek bakinG Company This cookie at the popular bakery makes for a perfect, sweet treat anytime. 988-9222, walnut creekbakingcompany.com.

top ten

22 The Walnut Creek Book

Continuing Life Communities Pleasanton LLC, dba Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton, has received authorization to accept deposits from the California Department of Social Services.

5698 Stoneridge Dr. ~ Pleasanton ~ StoneridgeCreek.com ~ 1-800-618-9967

ExPECt morE from a retirement community.as interest continues to grow, new homes — and additional floor plans — are now available at stoneridge creek, the new retirement community under construction in Pleasanton. Live without the worries and hassles of landscaping, home maintenance and housekeeping. instead, enjoy convenient amenities such as restaurant dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, open-air pool, performing arts theatre, plus walking and cycling trails. choose from more than 20 floor plans, including spacious single-story homes — all with access to long-term care that’s available, and included, if ever needed. No other community in the area offers all this!

attend an upcoming event in your area to learn more. Visit StoneridgeCreek.com for event details or call 1-800-618-9967 for more information.

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»meet Kara Lind /owner, kara’s cupcakes

becoming a full-time baker wasn’t as dramatic a shift as it might seem. “It was just combining my love of fashion and my love of sweets,” she says, with a laugh.

“For me, a cupcake is like a little outfit: The cake is like the dress, the frosting is the accessory, and the decoration on top is like the handbag.”

Lind’s attention to detail—her Walnut Creek store’s pastel pink interior could pass for the inside of one of her perfectly put-together cupcakes—combined with her Bay Area–bred dedication to sourcing local, organic ingredients ensured that her first San Francisco store quickly grew to six across the Bay Area (with more on the way).

And Walnut Creek, with its thriving downtown and family-friendly community vibe, was a natural location for a store whose stated mission, Lind says, is “to create celebratory moments with each cupcake we serve.”

“We’re very community driven; that’s important to us, so I love our location right on Main Street,” she says. “It has such a wonderful neighborhood feel, and I love all the shops around us. They’re all such great entrepreneurs and have such great spirit. It’s really unique.”

933-2222, karascupcakes.com. —Ethan Fletcher

biohometown: Pittsburgh, PA

age: 41

training: Tante Marie’s Cooking School, San Francisco

previous employer: Condé Nast Publishing

» According to Kara’s Cupcakes owner, Kara Lind, switching from working at Allure magazine to

Sweetthe

Life

Kara Lind /owner, kara’s cupcakes

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The Walnut Creek Book 27

stats77Stores in Broadway Plaza

131Different designers in Neiman Marcus

28Brands of high-end shoes at Footcandy

11Children’s stores in the city

21Shops for guys

»

One of the premier shopping destinations in the Bay Area, Walnut Creek has become a go-to stop for great shopping and a fashion fix. With indie

boutiques lining downtown, Broadway Plaza teeming with upscale retailers, and heavy hitters such as Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Apple calling Walnut Creek their home, there’s no longer any reason to head across the bridge to shell out at stores.

»Fashion

Shops&

»contents in the kitchen pg. 28 / top ten pg. 32 / meet catherine galloway pg. 34

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28 The Walnut Creek Book

»in the kitchen

p e t es h o o t i n g

Culinary Wonders

Kick up your dining routine from ramen to rémoulade, with these unusual

kitchen gadgets and culinary finds.

�› Kitchen Table houses a towering display of cookie cutters for every occasion.

Pick up spiky dragons, lounging felines, and crawl-

ing bears to bake up a diverse edible menagerie.

937-8888.

�› Craft your own cheese,

brew a batch of kombucha, or sprout shiitakes on a log with a DIY kit from Williams–Sonoma. To

make your own mozzarella or goat cheese, just add milk. 210-1215, williams-

sonoma.com.

�› Head to Entrez! Open

House for a touch of whimsy. The store features vibrant egg cups shaped like fish, cheeky salt-and-pepper shaker monkeys,

and a cute bunny toothpick holder. 906-0177, entrez-

openhouse.com.

�› Whip up frozen treats in a flash with an automatic

ice-cream maker from David M. Brian. In just 30 minutes, you can create creamy sorbets, frozen

yogurt, or a quick bowl of mint chip. 947-1991, davidmbrian.com.

�› Prep for every occasion

with novelty bakeware from Sur la Table. Specialized

pans produce muffin tops, cake pops, and brownies with crispy edges. 210-0103, surlatable.com.

At Mount Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road in Lafayette | Visit us at www.LaFiestaSquare.com

Like us on

Fashion. Food. Family. Fun

LA FieStA SquARe

•The BindShe’s shopping at Broadway Plaza:

The EscapeOn Friday, Saturday, and Monday, the Art of Shaving offers a proglide shave, which includes a hot towel, oil, hot lather, full shave, rosewater spritz, and cleanup. Reservations recommended. 939-9922, theart ofshaving.com.

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30 The Walnut Creek Book

»for the guys

•The BindShe’s braving the weekend lines at Target.

The EscapeJust down the street, ØL Beer Cafe & Bottle Shop pours Bel-gian and Euro-pean brews daily noon ’til close, and serves small (but manly) nib-bles, including artisanal jerky from Oaktown Jerk. 210-1147, beer-shop.org.

•The BindShe’s getting gussied up at Changes Salon & Day Spa.

The EscapeWalk to Main Street to find the sleek menswear shop Atlas, where you can also peruse a whiskey collection, or post up at a bar-stool across the street from the salon at Stadium Pub for garlic fries, 23 draft beers, and games on 50 television screens. 933-8050, atlasshops.com; 256-7302, thestadiumpub.com.

→

→

→

The Great escape

Whether she’s window-shopping, picking up home essentials, or touching up her

highlights, here are the best bets for pre-serving your manhood (and your sanity).

Atlas

ØLBeercafe

StadiumPub

SAVE UP TO 65% ON YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS

ParagonOutletsLV.com Interstate 580 at the El Charro Exit

OVER 120 STORES INCLUDING: BLOOMINGDALE’S OUTLET | NEIMAN MARCUS LAST CALL | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE OFF 5THTHEORY | COLE HAAN | GAP OUTLET | GUESS FACTORY STORE | HUGO BOSS FACTORY STORE | TUMI | J. CREW

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we love dropping names... and prices

GRAND OPENING THURSDAY, NOV. 8

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32 The Walnut Creek Book

Before You Leave the Creek...The city has its amazing retail chains, but if you’re looking to infuse your wardrobe with serious style, don’t skip these boutiques.

»

1Liliana Castellanos: Bolivian-born Castellanos uses materials such as alpaca wool to design con-temporary couture clothing with Latin flair. 402-4093, lilianacastellanos.com.

6Five Little Monkeys This children’s favorite focuses on fun and educa-tional toys built from en-vironmentally sound, high-quality materials. 939-4411, 5littlemonkeys.com.

2The Red Box: For pieces that go from the office to dinner, turn to the Red Box’s casual knits, flirty cocktail dresses, and on-trend workbags. 280-1188, theredboxonline.com.

7Footcandy Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik are just a few of the drool-worthy designers stocked at this high-end shop. 937-3668, footcandyshoes.com.

3Daskalos Don European fashions at this menswear Mecca, which specializes in made-to-measure suits and business wear. 937-1808, daskalosfashions.com.

8Davidson & Licht Nearly a century old, this jeweler’s displays teem with covetable engagement rings, designer jewels, and sleek watches. 935-0940, davidsonandlicht.com.

4Deliciouz European styles and luxe fabrics make Deliciouz a go-to stop for gauzydresses, delicate necklaces, and handcrafted shoes. 933-7489, deliciouz.com.

9Labels A selection of luxury consignment styles runs the designer alphabet, from Alexander McQueen to Zac Posen. 952-4566, labelsluxury.com.

5Norf London Uncover a slice of the UK at this Brit boutique, where women’s separates and a rotating stock of reason-ably priced styles is stan-dard fare. 937-6673.

10Alina B. Look here for high-quality women’s clothing and ac-cessories collected during owner Alina Bialobrodska’s buying trips to Milan and Paris. 952-9037, alinab.com.

top ten

http://www.davidsonandlicht.com

Gem After working largely on her own for the past 15 years, jewelry designer Catherine Galloway relishes

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»meet

hidden

Catherine gallOWay / jewelry designer, taylor & jacobson

bioyears in field: 28

hometown: Pacifica, CA

school: Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts

awards: American Jewelry Design Counsel New Talent, 2003

»

working directly with customers on special pieces at Taylor & Jacobson. She meets with clients to transform outdated baubles into unique jewelry that reflects differing lifestyles and aesthetics, everything from an octopus brooch made from an irregular pearl to a 150 diamond–encrusted piece resembling ribbon.

“A lot of people inherit a big pile of mom and grandma’s jewelry that’s hopelessly outdated, and they can’t imagine wearing,” Galloway says. “My job is to listen and give them what they want, without injecting my ideas onto them more than necessary.”

Once the design is settled, it’s sent to a machine to produce a mold, which is cast in gold or plat-inum, and the piece is hand finished. Within a month, you walk out with a one-of-a-kind piece.

The 30-year-old shop, up above Changes Salon, is a longtime haunt of in-the-know jewelry buffs, who whisper word-of-mouth referrals to their friends.

“We offer a really comfortable, nonintimidating experience here. We don’t oversell or push people into things they don’t want,” Galloway says. “We’re just regular folks here, who happen to be very good jewelers.”

937-9570, taylorjacobson.com. —Kristen Haney

After working largely on her own for the past 15 years, jewelry designer Catherine Galloway relishes

Catherine gallOWay / jewelry designer, taylor & jacobson

36 june 2007

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The Walnut Creek Book 37

»contents hot spots pg. 38 / top ten pg. 42 / meet corey duffel pg. 44

Back in the day, Walnut Creek’s nightlife consisted of a couple of dozen teenagers cruising Main Street on Saturday night. Maybe, if things got

crazy, someone dumped a box of soap into one of the town’s fountains. But that small town, American Graffiti past has been traded up for a genuine nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and the cultural Mecca for the suburban East Bay: the Lesher Center for the Arts.

stats50Stadium Pub TVs

200+Beers at ØL Beer Cafe

1994Diablo Ballet’s first performance

77,600Donkey Kong high score at Pinky’s Pizza

350KLesher Center patrons, annually

»

»Nightlife

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38 The Walnut Creek Book

»hot spots

Live Music Red House Studios (938-6900, redhouselive.com) has been a game chang-er—particularly for teens. This under 21–friendly music studio and rehearsal space hosts live shows and battle of the bands competitions every weekend. Grown-ups should know that Dan’s Bar (932-1331, dansbar.com) showcases live bands every Friday and Saturday.

Pyramid Alehouse (946-1520, pyramidbrew.com) hosts singer-songwrit-ers on its back patio on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from June to August. And Modern China Café (988-8008, modernchinacafe.com) offers live jazz on its front patio on Saturday nights, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Dancing and Singing Club-hoppers should know about the live concerts and DJ nights at Vice Ultra Lounge (979-0132, viceultralounge.com); DJs mix the latest beats at downtown’s Lift Lounge & Grill (698-4857, liftloungeandgrill.com) and Redux Lounge (934-9490, reduxlounge.com).

Finally, if you want to be the star of the show, check out the Greenery’s (937-1270, diablohillsgolfcourse.com) popular karaoke nights every Thursday through Sunday.

Hear the Music From chilled-out jazz to hot and heavy rock ’n’ roll, the creek has plenty

to offer in its music and club scene.

apr.com

WALNUT CREEK | 1646 N. Cal i fornia, Suite 101 925.934.1111

Sharry Chimienti925.788.8076sharry@apr.comeastbayliving.net

Whenever my daughters have a bigtask at hand, my advice to them is dothe very best that you can and give it allthat you’ve got. At Alain Pinel Realtors,we live by these words, especiallywhen it comes to representing ourclients in a real estate transaction. Wecome to the table with our years of experience, our sharpest negotiatingskills and the sincere desire to give ourclients an elevated quality of life.

Veronica Hidalgo925.381.9585veronicah@apr.com ContraCostaHomes.net

Veronica’s 20+ years experience in marketing, communications, and negotiations ensures that your real estate experience will be profitable andseamless. She has been living andworking in Contra Costa County forover 12 years and has helped hundredsof happy clients. They will tell you thatshe held their hand through theprocess, guided them to make wise decisions, and never lost sight of theirpersonal situation and what was important to them.

Margaret GarberTeeter925.998.6046margaret@apr.comMargaretGarber.com

Margaret Garber-Teeter’s passion isrepresenting clients with dedicatedservice and extensive knowledge. “I amhonored to represent many Diablo Valley families as a trusted confidant forall of their residential real estateneeds,” she says. 30+ years in real estate and numerous top achievementawards speak to the committed serviceand attention she proudly provides herclients.

Susan Kingsley925.381.4693Susan@ThisFeelsLikeHome.com ThisFeelsLikeHome.com

Susan has fond memories of growingup in Walnut Creek and her success isin large part due to her unique localknowledge and heartfelt desire to share information about this great community. It has so much to offer. Sheand her team are dedicated to WalnutCreek, helping people find their dreamhome, or perhaps downsizing intoRossmoor’s premier adult community.When you are ready to make your nextmove, call Susan and discover the heartof Walnut Creek.

Heidi Slocomb925.788.2885hslocomb@apr.com HeidiSlocomb.com

Heidi Slocomb is known for her integrity and excellent service to hermany clients. A third generation Californian and University of Californiagraduate, Heidi is intimately familiarwith the East Bay’s communities. She isthe leading resource in the East Bay forEichler/Mid-Century Modern homes.With her real estate knowledge and herwell-known sense of humor, Heidi hasably helped her clients weather thestresses and swings of the past threedecades of real estate cycles.

Linda Lewis707.567.5016llewis@apr.comapr.com/lindalewis

Personal service with quality results arehallmarks of Linda's success. After 25years as a Realtor, Linda still loves whatshe does. Her clients are loyal and refertheir friends and family. She looks forward to working with you in findingthe perfect home or helping you sellyour home and making the transitionsmooth and easy.

EXPLORE THE NEW

Where people, homes and a bit of imagination intersect

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»easy eating

The Door’s Street Bites menu of-fers killer deals on Asian tapas, pictured, before 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. until closing. 930-8088, thedo orrestaurant.com.

1515 Restaurant and Lounge’s pulled pork quesadillas are yummy, and the bar menu is avail-able until 12:30 a.m. nightly. 939-1515, 1515wc.com.

Havana’s Mojito Mondays pairs half-priced drinks with cool shrimp ceviche and spicy yucca chips, or special off-menu taco platters. 939-4555, havanares taurant.net.

Home of Chicken and Waffles is open ’til 4 a.m. on Fridays and Sat-urdays, so head here for comfort-ing fried chicken, grits, and waffles after a night out. 280-1653, homeofchicken andwaffles.com.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is our fancy-schmancy pick for fantas-tic happy hour. And with great prices—$6 and $7—you can fill up with calamari or a bar burger before 7 p.m. 287-0297, flemingssteak house.com.

Stanford’s Res-taurant and Bar’s double happy hour menu (3–6 p.m. and 9–11 p.m.) features a popular french fry sampler with three types of fries and three sauces. 944-0895, stanfords.com.

➽Bar Bites Looking for a quick snack before or after hitting the clubs? You

won’t go wrong with any of these bar menu specialties.

O�ce 925.791.2588 | Direct 925.570.1010rdhillon@apr.com | www.HomesInWalnutCreek.com

For 21 years, Rita has worked within our ever-changing real estate market, achieving wonderful results and rewards for all her loyal clients and their many referrals. Known for representing Walnut Creek homes and �ne estates, Rita's achievements include being recognized as a top selling agent in Walnut Creek and Contra Costa, as well as one of America's Top 100 REALTORS by the Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends. She is also a longtime Walnut Creek resident and proud supporter of Walnut Creek’s local schools.

RITA DHILLON

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Before You Leave the Creek...The city’s nightlife scene has lots of options, from happy hour deals to first-rate theater. Here are 10 must-dos.

»

1See a show by Center Rep This powerhouse theater company is preparing another terrific season. 943-7469, centerrep.org.

6Enjoy margaritas by the actual creek The bar at Maria Maria has no shortage of fine tequilas, best enjoyed on the back patio. 946-1010, mariamaria restaurants.com.

2Taste wine flights at Residual Sugar This wine bar is the icing on the city’s cake. 891-4465, residualsugar wine.com.

7Listen to the Lesher Speaker SeriesA lecture series featuring newsmakers; Condoleezza Rice and Billy Beane high-light the 2012–13 series. lesherspeakerseries.org.

3Sip a barrel-aged cocktail Walnut Creek Yacht Club has added artisanal specials to its top shelf. 944-3474, wcyc.net.

8Save dollars on Tuesdays Vanessa’s Bistro 2 offers a killer Tuesday deal: three gourmet tacos and a mar-garita for $10. 891-4790, vanessasbistro.com.

4Stroll through Bedford GalleryThe Lesher Center art gal-lery features cutting-edge exhibits. 295-1417, bedford gallery.org.

9Tell your own tales The monthly Real Stories series at various city venues has been a surprise smash from its inception. 683-9800, realstoriesbayarea.com.

5Check out the stars The Mount Diablo Astro-nomical Society hosts monthly stargazing nights from March to October. mdia.org.

10Sneak away to Spoontonic Lounge This best-kept secret speakeasy is tucked underneath an Indian restaurant. 977-1888.

top ten

GreG VoGelPortfolio Manager

125 Auburn Ct., Ste. 200 WeStlAke VillAge

2950 buSkirk AVe., Ste. 300 WAlnut Creek (925) 407-4771www.gkvcapital.com

GKV Capital Management Co., Inc.

we are passionate about what we do. let us help create a future rich in the things you love.

gkV Capital is an independent, fee-based investment advisor managing investment assets for more than 35 years. As a boutique portfolio manager, we do a few things differently from the big Wall Street firms:

+ We have a legal responsibility to put our clients’ interests ahead of our own.

+ Our clients don’t fit into pre-defined buckets each deserves a portfolio matching their needs.

+ Performance and fees are accessible and easy to understand.

Client’s assets are managed separately to address their unique requirements. every client has a different appetite for risk, a different tax situation, and varying long-term financial goals. We believe that a client’s portfolio should reflect these individual needs.

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»meet Corey duFFeL / skateboarder

bioborn: April 11, 1984

high school: Las Lomas

went pro: At age 17

favorite trick: Ollie

pro sponsors: 11

»

The 28-year-old Walnut Creek native is one of the greatest skateboarders in the sport’s history. He just returned from China, where he showed off his custom sneakers and skateboards.

“I’ve been lucky enough to go all over Europe, South America, and Australia on a skate-board,” says Duffel, who recently bought a house close to his childhood home. “But there’s no place quite like Walnut Creek; I love the weather and the hills.”

As much as he enjoyed growing up here, he says the creek, with additions like Red House Stu-dios, has only gotten better for kids today. One addition kids can thank Duffel for is the skateboard-ing park at Heather Farm, which opened in 2005.

He’s also proud of the Bedford Gallery’s acclaimed skateboarding exhibit and honored that he was included in it. “It’s cool that the city embraces the creativity of this culture,” says Duffel, adding that he’s done skating through downtown Walnut Creek. “That same security guard who used to kick me out of Broadway Plaza 20 years ago would probably still kick me out today.” —Peter Crooks

Corey Duffel grew up skating—and often being asked to stop skating—around the city’s downtown.

Kingthe

Skater

Corey duFFeL / skateboarder

King

46 june 2007

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stats11Tilting bikes at Forma Gym

31Miles of trails at Shell Ridge

125Weekly classes at Yogaworks

1,000Calories you can burn in an hour at L.A. Boxing

2,700Acres of open space in Walnut Creek

»

With seemingly endless acres of open space to explore and hundreds of indoor exercise classes weekly, there’s no better place to break a sweat

than Walnut Creek. Hike up towering Mount Diablo for a view, hop on a tiltable exercise bike for a serious burn, or make like Rocky, and hit the bags for killer arms. There’s a reason Walnut Creek residents always look so good, and it’s not because they’re sitting around.

FitnessRecreation&

»

»contents sweat it out pg. 48 / top ten pg. 50 / meet bob simmons pg. 52

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»sweat it out

Beers and (kick)balls Kickball East Bay revives an old recess favorite, with an added bonus: playing flip cup at Dan’s Bar following the games. While sprinting to first base may use a few muscles, and you could argue flip-ping cups works the forearms, this workout is more about the camaraderie and beer than burning calories. kickballeb.com.

exertion level: Low

Zoning out in front of the TVForma Gym takes cardio TVs to a new level, with its movie-theater room, where the gym screens the latest blockbusters and NFL games on a 15-foot, high-def screen. Surround sound ensures you’ll hear the action over your panting on the treadmill. 262-1339, formagym.com.

exertion level: Mild

Ballet-style butt kickingBallerinas may look soft and delicate, but the Bar Method proves there’s nothing easy about their workouts. Classes use light weights, ballet barres, and dancers’ movements for a surprisingly grueling workout. We promise your legs will be shaking after the first 15 minutes. 933-1946, walnutcreek.bar method.com.

exertion level: Moderate Military-style trainingAny strength and conditioning regimen used by police and military units probably doesn’t fall under the “easy” category, but it isn’t until you’re throwing medicine balls, swinging kettle bells, and collapsing on the floor at Cross-fit Sweatshop that you realize just how hard an 8- to 15-min-ute workout can be. 818-1908, crossfitsweatshop.com.

exertion level: High

So, you wanna exercise?Whether you consider getting up to change the channel arduous or a gym’s staff knows you by name, here is the rundown on the best ways to work out in the city based on your training style.

➽

WALNUT CREEK PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

From the first visit, your child is comfortable and cared for.

“Our goal is to get children excited about

coming to see us by educating them and

showing them that oral health can be fun”

says Sahar Jaffrey, DDS. “With our

comfortable environment and kids of our

own, the doctors and I do all we can to

instill confidence in children.

We know how important it is.”

All the doctors are members of the American

and California Dental Associations,

the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry,

and the American Academy of Pediatric

Dentistry. The practice has a staff of registered

dental assistants and hygienists eager to

make your child’s experience pleasant

and comfortable.

• The practice team is extremely qualified.

• State of the Art facilities.

• Paperless records and digital X rays.

1855 San Miguel Drive, Suite 7Walnut Creek

(925) 937-7000www.walnutcreekpediatricdentistry.com

LEfT To RIghT: ZAhRA hoSSEINI-MIYAShIRo, DDS;

JENNIfER LA RoCqUE, DDS; SAhAR JAffREY, DDS, MS

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Before You Leave the Creek...From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to breathtaking hiking trails, these are the best reasons to lace up your sneakers and explore outside your door.

»

1Brave the rapids The experts at All Outdoors Whitewater Rafting run ad-ventures on the North Fork Stanislaus and down the Tuolumne. (800) 247-2387, aorafting.com.

6Work out with prosJoin the ladies of Lulu-lemon for an easy run on Tuesdays, or practice your oms during their free Sun-day yoga classes. 274-1253, lululemon.com.

2Hike open spacesIt could take months to traverse the 31 miles of trails in the city’s largest open space, Shell Rige, named for its fossils. walnut-creek.org.

7Bike a mountain Mountain biking trail dif-ficulty at Diablo Foothills Regional Park varies, but all offer breathtaking views of the city. (510) 544-3086, ebparks.org.

3Stretch outIn addition to the 125 weekly yoga classes, Yogaworks frequently welcomes renowned yogis for workshops. 478-7272, yogaworks.com.

8Run the Turkey Trot Start Thanksgiving with a calorie burn by joining 5,000 runners on a 5K or 10K run through downtown. 932-6400, changeofpace.com/wctt.html.

4Hit a bucket of balls The machine ball dispenser at Boundary Oak makes getting buckets a breeze, and lights stay on late for evening practice. 934-4775, playboundaryoak.com.

9Glide around the rink In winter, a portion of Civic Park transforms into an outdoor ice rink, where you can rent skates and take lessons. 935-7669, iceskate walnutcreek.com.

5Saddle upAfter passing basic safety and skills tests, Summit Ranch riders set out on trails into Mt. Diablo State Park. 945-0267, summitranchequine.com.

10Take a fitness class Choose from more than 120 weekly classes at Renais-sance Club Sport, or swim laps in the six-lane pool. 938-8700, renaissanceclub sport.com.

top ten

visit us online www.ortc.com

Walnut Creek Branch 500 Ygnacio Valley RoadWalnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 933-1031

Redefining Escrow

Left to right: Nicki Mendes, Jenni Brennan, Janelle Gibson, Escrow Officer; Jeanne-Marie Baker, Senior Escrow Officer; Caroline Hanson, Escrow Officer; Michele Inman, Senior Account Executive; Lindsey Carlson

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»meet Bob simmons / mayor, walnut creek

bioage: 63

home state: Wisconsin

in city since: 1987

sworn in:December 2011

former career: Law

»

with group walks through the city. On the second Saturday of each month, 30 to 40 people join the mayor, as he explores a different area of town on a four-mile walk, fielding questions, offering up local knowledge, and chatting with residents.

The inspiration for the walks came from a city initiative and Simmons’ travels, both domestically and abroad. “It’s a great way to learn about an area and to see what a community feels like,” he says. “I view it as more of an activity than an exercise. It’s a way to look at things differently. You see the flowers in the yard, and you get the aromas. You hear the kids playing.”

Ages range from 13 to 70, and the benefits exceed just meeting with the mayor in a more casual setting. “When people talk to me about the walks afterward, they say they really enjoyed the conversational aspect,” says Simmons. “What really happens on these walks is that you wind up talking to different people, as you walk around the path. I would encourage anyone who’s interested to just come out.”

In addition to walking with the mayor, residents can take the Walnut Creek Walks Challenge, where they can log their walking miles and receive recognition when they hit milestones. More than 120 people have signed up and walked 5,600 miles and counting, the equivalent of strolling to Washington, D.C., and back. 943-5895, walnut-creek.org/walks. —Kristen Haney

Forget stuffy indoor politics. Walnut Creek Mayor Bob Simmons takes his meetings to the streets,

Mayorthe

Walking

Bob simmons / mayor, walnut creek

54 june 2007

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The Walnut Creek Book 55

When people talk about Walnut Creek as a desir-able place to live, they usually credit its success to location. The city sits at the historic crossroads of

the East Bay suburbs. But you could also say Walnut Creek stands at the crossroads of time. Every era in its history is a window into cultural shifts that have defined America’s progress over the past century. That’s definitely true now, as Walnut Creek makes its transition to a 21st century community, showcasing smart, balanced growth for an educated, sophisticated citizenry.

stats96Percentage of residents who like life here

97Graduation rate at city’s two high schools

9/9K–8 public elementaries deemed “excellent” in API scores

7Number of private elementaries

»

City LifeBusiness&

»»contents top ten pg.58 / real estate pg.62 / meet michael de boisblanc pg.64

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»looking back

Setting the StageIts location at the crossroads of the East Bay has given Walnut Creek

its strength of community and identity.

➽

The opening of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937 paved the way for Walnut Creek to become a post–World War II destination for upwardly mobile suburbanites. A key attraction was and continues to be the area’s high-quality public and private K–12 schools, which support a community valuing families, learning, and culture.

The 1970s and ’80s marked Walnut Creek’s transformation from bed-room community into a Bay Area center for health care and business, with two hospitals and big-city companies establishing operations in gleaming high-rises and the new Shadelands office park.

The next chapter saw Walnut Creek solidify its position as a hub for culture and retail, with the opening of the Lesher Center for the Arts in 1990, the rise of a bustling dining scene, and the growing clout of its downtown shopping district, which reached new heights with the opening of Neiman Marcus in 2012.

stats60Percentage of college-educated residents

93Restaurants and bars downtown

1951Year Broadway Plaza opened

100,167Residents’ mean income, in dollars

1 billionDollars generated yearly by retail

»

http://www.renditionsartgallery.com

Before You Leave the Creek...The city’s red-hot parties, festivals, and events keep the fun rolling all year round, so be sure to save the date!

»

1Stars to the RescueThe celebrity-studded fund-raiser for Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation has included Carlos San-tana, Wynonna, and Keith Urban. January, arf.net.

6Chevron Family Theatre FestivalA family-friendly day of live theater, music, and dance performances, as well as free activities for kids. July, lesherartscenter.org.

2Wild Night at the MuseumThe Lindsay Wildlife Museum hosts families for a night of crafts, exhibits, food, and wine. January, wildlife-museum.

7Moonlight on the MountainDine alfresco near the dramatic rock formations at this Save Mount Dia-blo fundraiser. September, savemountdiablo.org.

3Authors Under the StarsAt the Walnut Creek Library Foundation gala, schmooze with literary stars such as Ayelet Waldman and T. J. Stiles. March, wclibrary.org.

8Walnut FestivalCelebrating the city’s for-mer walnut groves, this fest features a downtown pa-rade, carnival rides, and live entertainment. September, thewalnutfestival.org.

4Walnut Creek Restaurant WeekSample the city’s culinary offerings, when restaurants offer fixed-price lunch and dinner menus. April, walnut creekrestaurantweek.com.

9On BroadwayThe Diablo Regional Arts Association throws the arts a party at the Lesher Cen-ter, with a gourmet dinner and a headlining perfor-mance. October, draa.org.

5Art & Wine FestivalThis two-day fest features wine and beer tasting, arts and crafts booths, live mu-sic, and a children’s activity area. June, artwinefestival wc.com.

10Gourmet East BayDiablo magazine and Broadway Plaza host a tented bash with bites from East Bay restaurants and live music. November, gourmeteastbay.com.

top ten

58 The Walnut Creek Book

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301 Lennon Lane, Suite 102, Walnut Creek • (925) 932-9270

In this exciting time of technological advances

in spine surgery, Dr. Hieu Ball devotes his practice

to critically evaluating the most current treatment

options for neck, mid-back, and low-back problems.

His patient-centered, individualized approach to caring

for patients helps him achieve accurate diagnoses and

logical treatment plans that optimize the spinal health

outcomes for his patients. His office staff is organized

and dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives

the utmost personal attention and care.

Dr. Ball grew up in Hawaii, attended Punahou

Academy and later matriculated at Cornell for his under-

graduate studies. He completed his medical training at

Harvard Medical School in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Ball

then performed two additional spine fellowship years,

studying pediatric and adult spine surgery at Boston

Children’s Hospital and UCLA.

Currently, Dr. Ball serves on the clinical faculty for

minimally invasive techniques and motion-preservation

surgery, such as total disc replacement, and strives

to deliver academic excellence in his private practice

setting. “With minimally invasive surgical techniques,

many patients experience less pain, shorter hospital

stays, and quicker recoveries,” according to Dr. Ball.

Hieu Ball, MDAdult and Pediatric Spine Surgery

Specialty in Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Conditions

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»retail pulse

All along, Walnut Creek has offered its residents and workers the best of suburbia: safe streets, excellent K–12 schools, nationally ranked hospitals, and opportunities for recreation and culture.

“Planning efforts over the past decades have produced outstanding neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, and access to everything from arts to open space,” says Community Development Director Sandra Meyer. “It is not surprising to see the current level of economic interest and project development now under way.”

Projects stalled during the recession but never completely stopped. For example, planning for Neiman Marcus continued during the dark days of the downturn. Today, it stands at one corner of Walnut Creek’s historic Main Street and Mt. Diablo Boulevard junction.

The corner also is home to Tiffany & Co. and the Apple store. In February, the city approved the sale of one of the most valuable pieces of commercial real estate in the East Bay: the city-owned parking lot diagonally across from Neiman Marcus. Brian Hirahara, who developed the buildings housing Tiffany & Co. and Va De Vi and Sasa restaurants, will construct a two-story building with a restaurant and rooftop terrace. Preliminary reports suggest the city could earn $2.8 million from the sale of the land.

Also in the pipeline: a new 96-room boutique hotel, lots more shops and restaurants, a BART transit village, and Broadway Plaza’s transformation from a car-oriented mall into a larger, pedestrian-friendly “European” village.

“Walnut Creek is happening,” Meyer says. “And it’s exciting to see this next generation of projects that will shape and define our future.”

A Good InvestmentEven in economic hard times, Walnut Creek remains a place where

people want to live, work, shop, and do business.

➽

stats1,500Daily visitors to the new library

202,1861951–52 sales tax revenue

18.7 million2012–12 sales tax revenue

2.4 millionSquare feet of downtown retail

»

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62 The Walnut Creek Book

»real estate

The American dream of owning a house and a yard fueled Walnut Creek’s first population boom, when sprouting subdivisions boosted the citys’ population from 2,420 to 53,643, between 1950 and 1980.

Its population at 64,000, Walnut Creek will see its next influx of new people in downtown residences. In the pipeline are 1,500 units in multi-family, mixed-use housing projects, including in the long-anticipated BART transit village and, possibly, the Santana Row–style units in an expanded Broadway Plaza.

That will add another 2,400 people living in downtown apart-ments over the next decade.

Walnut Creek demonstrates what urban planners say is the hot trend in housing. Concerned about the economy, environment, and long commutes, many consum-ers have lost their taste for buying McMansions in far-flung suburbs. Following the tenets of “smart growth,” they are moving back

In thePipeline the village Four stories, 49 one- and two-story condominiums.

co o l fe at u re: Promenade along Las Trampas Creek.e a sy wa l k: Trader Joe’s, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Broadway Plaza.

1500 CaliforniaSix stories, 150 one- and two- bedroom apartments.

co o l fe at u re: Large fitness center.e a sy wa l k: Lesher Center for the Arts, Peet’s Coffee and Tea.

the paragon Four stories, 300 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

co o l fe at u re: Five landscaped common areas. e a sy wa l k: Iron Horse Trail.

north main street apartments Four stories, 128 studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments.

co o l fe at u re: Live/work spaces along Ygnacio Valley Boulevard.e a sy wa l k: Target, Walnut Creek downtown farmers market.

the arroyo Six stories, 107 one- and two- bedroom apartments. co o l fe at u re: Rooftop swimming pool, landscaped interior yards. e a sy wa l k: Civic Park, Walnut Creek Library.

The New UrbanThe city will soon become home to a new wave of residents.

➽

into cities or close-in suburbs, where they can walk or bike to res-taurants, mass transit, and stores, notably shops selling groceries and other essentials for daily living.

Some of these new urbanites are affluent empty nesters wanting to downsize from large homes and yards. Others are young singles or married couples still mobile in their careers.

As of press time, most of the new projects will offer rental hous-ing, not ownership. While Walnut Creek’s homeownership rate is 70 percent, and its housing values didn’t take severe hits in the reces-sion, developers expect some new residents to have abandoned the belief that real estate is a good long-term investment.

“This downturn has been so severe, it has shaken those assumptions to their core,” says Mark Hall, whose family business, Hall Equities, has been buying, selling, managing, and developing property in the Walnut Creek area since 1962. Hall Equities is jump-ing into the residential apartment market with the proposed Arroyo apartments near Civic Park.

But even if they are renters, Walnut Creek’s future apartment dwellers are discerning consumers, says Paul Menzies, CEO of locally based Laconia Development. Menzies’ proposed six-story building features a rooftop patio.

Most new projects feature state-of-the-art kitchens and fit-ness centers. Many also feature swimming pools, private decks, and rooftops with Mount Diablo views.

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64 The Walnut Creek Book

»meet Dr. de boisblanc /surgeon, john muir trauma services

biohometown: Walnut Creek

title: Director, Trauma Services, John Muir Medical Center

medical degree: Tulane University School of Medicine

specialties: General surgery, vascular surgery

»

Countwhere

die without immediate critical care. Michael de Boisblanc heads the department that is at the forefront of care for traumatic

injuries, which is the leading cause of death for people 44 and younger. De Boisblanc has adapted his experience as a wartime army reserve surgeon in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan to John Muir’s trauma care. As part of a surgical team working near combat, de Boisblanc learned to quickly control hemorrhaging and stabilize critically injured soldiers before evacuating them to the next level of care.

Much like combat services, John Muir’s trauma center, which served 1,500 patients in 2010, now employs what’s called “damage control surgery”—getting patients stable in the immediate term rather than trying to “fix everything that’s wrong with them.” Running a trauma center is a huge commitment for a hospital. As part of its $612 million expansion, John Muir built four new trauma bays and a 12-patient intensive care unit. It also added a rooftop helipad and dedicated trauma elevators to transport patients directly to the ER. De Boisblanc says the helipad and elevators have reduced the time it takes to deliver patients. The investment is worth it, de Boisblanc believes.

Beyond providing the highest level of emergency services to people in Contra Costa and Solano counties, John Muir’s trauma center raises the bar on other departments. Surgeons adapt their range of experiences saving trauma patients to their neurosurgery and orthopedics practices. De Boisblanc says his trauma duties keep his skills fresh, as he never knows what a shift will bring. “That’s the excitement. You might have a very slow day or something you’ve never seen before.” —Martha Ross

As the county’s designated trauma center for the past 26 years, John Muir is the destination for people who would

Seconds

Dr. de boisblanc /surgeon, john muir trauma services

CountSeconds

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The Walnut Creek Book 67

Dining Listings

new locale in Walnut Creek does not disappoint. Kebabs are perfectly grilled, juicy, and tender. Rice is light and fluffy. The kashke bademjan, with its rich roasted eggplant, hint of mint, and fried onions, is the best we’ve eaten. Alborz’s menu is extensive, including Persian specialties such as kookoo sabzi. If you are new to this cuisine, start with the combo platter; it has a delicious and surprisingly large selection, including dolmas, olives, kashke bademjan, and koo- koo sabzi, plus fresh

with a light cream sauce. Skip the boring yaki beef udon, but don’t leave without trying the tempura ice cream. The warm doughy batter wrapped around green tea ice cream is better than apple pie à la mode. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily. 134$$

Alborz Restaurant 1829 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 944-9009, orderalborz.com. If you are a Persian-food fiend, you surely have been to one of Alborz’s sister restau-rants in Berkeley or San Francisco. The

Ajisai Japanese Grill & Sushi 2300 N. Main St., (925) 932-8398, ajisaiwal nutcreek.com. Wayne Mo, Ajisai’s earnest manager and head sushi chef, stays open late for stragglers, dotes on indecisive orderers, and showers free desserts on the friendly. Ask what’s fresh at the sushi bar, and order accord-ingly. The Oakland A’s roll—albacore tuna, avocado, and garlic topped with green tobiko—is a refresh-ing accompaniment to the warm and crisp spicy tuna roll, deep-fried and drizzled

The restaurants that appear in this section are reviewed by Diablo magazine’s panel of restaurant critics, who dine anonymously and at our expense. We do not accept advertis-ing or other consider-ation in exchange for a listing. If your expe-rience of a restaurant differs greatly from ours, please call our reader hotline at (925) 943-1199, Ext. 4, or e-mail dish@maildiablo.com. Not all restaurants reviewed appear; for the complete listing, visit our website at diablomag.com.

key to symbols $ Cheap ($10 or less per dinner entrée)

$$ Inexpensive ($11–$17)

$$$ Moderate ($18–$24)

$$$$ Expensive (more than $25)

1 Wine and beer

2 Full bar

3 Outdoor dining

4 Private room or parties of 50 or more

5 Late-night dining (service after 10 p.m.)

herbs and feta cheese. Alborz’s ambience is warm and inviting, and includes elegant reminders of the homeland: brightly colored Persian rugs and a mural of the cityscape in Tabriz. Lunch and dinner daily. 2345$$

Bombay Indian Restaurant 1512 N. Main St., (925) 932-5777, bombayin dianwalnutcreek.com. If Breads of India is Walnut Creek’s source for thoughtful, sophisticated Indian cuisine, then Bombay Indian Restaurant is its awkward teenage sister, located just down the street. Bombay has poten-tial, but at present, curries are mildly flavored with modest seasoning, chicken pakora tastes a lot like American chicken fritters, and poori, a fried bread, is oily and limp from too little time in the fryer. Still, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is casual. It’s a good place for the kids. Lunch and dinner daily. 24$$

Breads of India and Gourmet Curries 1358 N. Main St., (925) 256-7684, breadsof india.com. Berkeley foodies cemented Breads of India’s reputation, and after many requests from east-of-the-Caldecott supporters, they opened a second restaurant in Walnut Creek. You can enjoy the large interior and its gold-washed crim-son walls, or get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoor seat-ing. Using seasonal, organic ingredients, the menu changes daily, and nearly everything is made from scratch. Organic naan is baked to order, spices are ground in-house, and nothing is frozen or canned. The commitment to freshness is deliciously palpable. This location has another bonus: a wine list. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. Also in Berkeley and Oakland. 134$

C-Blue Wet Bar & Bistro 2805 Jones Rd., (925) 942-6359, renais sanceclubsport.com. On the ground floor of the Renaissance ClubSport Hotel, C-Blue’s aquatic-themed dining room

is awash in patterns of yellow and blue, with wavy stripes that evoke the sea. Its seasonal Pacific Rim–eclectic food, designed to please the spa-faring and gym-savvy diner, earns quite a positive impression. Asian chicken salad, which is served in an enor-mous rice-cracker cup, brings delicate baby greens tossed in a bright citrus vinai-grette and tangled with roasted chicken, carrots, and sprouts. The soba (buckwheat noodles) are coated with soy and sesame, and served with a buoyant block of tofu and sautéed squash. C-Blue also offers a small bar and patio. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 23$$

Chef Jon Lee 1250 Newell Ave., Ste. J, (925) 935-9335, chef jonlee.com. The affa-ble chef Jonathan Lee mixes cuisines in what he calls “Asian confu-sion” at this casual restaurant near Whole Foods. We loved some of his creations, especially the sweet yet spicy tamarind curry, featuring luscious white-meat chicken and vibrant

vegetables. We have to admit, though, that the confusion brought on by the salmon with Mediterranean spices and its otherwise Asian sauce wasn’t altogether enjoyable. A coconut milk and lemongrass soup had a soothing, slightly spicy broth, and romaine lettuce wraps were fun, topped with a mild or spicy chili, or peanut sauce. Fans of ultrasweet Chinese fare should check out the sticky crunchy chicken or shrimp. Family-friendly prices and portions, includ-ing lunch specials with soup or salad, plus ultrafresh ingredi-ents make for a nice combo. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat. 1$$

The Counter 1699 N. California Blvd., (925) 935-3795, thecounterburger.com. For a juicy burger, head over to the Counter at the Mercer condos. This 21st-century diner serves red Angus beef on a bun or greens, wearing one of 12 cheeses and any of 30 garnishes, from pick-les to guacamole, and slathered with sauce,

from horseradish mayo to Southwest Caesar. Phew. The DIY burgers, grilled vege-tables, and delectable french fries, sweet potato fries, and fried onion strings are the way to go. Our visits to the Counter were less successful when we went off road with the somewhat dry chicken sandwich and nondescript ahi Korean BBQ burger (one of the rotating specials). Lunch and dinner daily. 13$$

CU Sushi 1690 Locust St., (925) 274-1767, cusushi.com. Replacing Bijan in Walnut Creek, CU Sushi strives to offer an appealing combo perfected at the original restaurant’s location in student-rich but cash-poor downtown Berkeley: solid sushi at afford-able prices. And for the most part, CU delivers: Just don’t stray too far from the restaurant’s sushi strength. But the chef’s selection of sushi and sashimi is totally satisfying, offering a nice range of buttery-fresh fish from salmon to yellowtail to tuna. Rolls are ample

and copious—there are more than 50 of them—and we particularly liked the warm and comfort-ing baked salmon roll with cream cheese, avocado, red onion, and crab topped with baked salmon. Lunch and dinner daily. 1345$$

Cypress 1388 Locust St., (925) 891-4197, cypresswc.com. Cypress offers old-school fine dining in an elegant space and the spirit of Le Virage (the executive chef is a veteran of the former Walnut Creek French restaurant). The piano bar, table-side flambés, creamed spinach, and escargot will take you back in time, and reacquaint you with the taste of butter. The steak Diane (served upon request) was tender and extra rich in its made-tableside sauce, and the oven-roasted sea bass was fresh. The sauce in the creamed spinach was decadently flavorful, and the vegetable itself was tender and bright. Desserts are big on presentation—Jackson Pollock–style on big plates. Lunch Tues.–Sun., dinner daily. Weekend brunch. 245$$$

dining listings »

68 The Walnut Creek Book

Lesley C. Martin, M.D.

Beverly F.McLeod, M.D.

Yelena Krupitskaya, M.D.

Elizabeth A. Odumakinde, M.D.

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The Best of Italy in Downtown Danville

Full BarVIP Room for Private Parties

Catering/Banquets

Food Award Winner 2007Food Award Winner 2009Food Award Winner 2010

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Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

70 The Walnut Creek Book

dining listings

The Door 1448 S. Main St., (925) 930-8088, thedoor restaurant.com. A dramatic redo of the former Zheng Long emphasizes heavy dark wood and a hip take on the color red, which is prominent in a photo of crimson-robed monks. Servers are equally hip and appealing, while the new cuisine is a mix of Asian styles. A green papaya salad got us off to a zingy, refresh-ing start; calamari was fried light and tender; and juicy chicken satay arrived swathed in a peanut sauce. The tilapia entrée was enough fish for three people and lively enough for everyone, with lime and chili. Desserts did not stand out. Lunch and dinner daily. 134$$

Dragon 2000 1651 Botelho Dr., (925) 287-1688, dragon2k.com. Formerly Szechwan Garden, Dragon 2000 boasts an extensive menu featuring all the entic-ing standards—from kung pao to chow fun—along with a wide array of more exotic options. Feeling weary of egg rolls and wontons? Sample

the flaming pao pao platter or some sweet corn cream soup. Chef’s specials include a sizzling salmon plate and lobster tail in black bean sauce. The make-your-own lunch plate lets you mix and match three items for $7.50. The restaurant recently added dim sum and sushi to its options as well. Lunch and dinner daily. 245$$

Élevé 1677 N. Main St., (925) 979-1677, eleverestaurant.com. Owner Michele Nguyen has taken the flavors of her family’s popular Pho 84 in Oakland and moved east, adding elements of class and sophisti-cation along the way. The restaurant offers Vietnamese fare with French accents, in a setting that feels urban yet comfortable and calm. Must-try dishes include beef carpaccio, five-spice chicken, and any dessert that comes with mini madeleines. Organic, natural ingredients help make everything on the menu fresh and vibrant, extending as far as the pretty, low-key bar, with artisanal liquors and hand-cut ice. Lunch Tues.–Fri., dinner Tues.–Sun. 25$$$

1515 Restaurant Lounge 1515 N. Main St., (925) 939-1515, 1515wc.com. Even after the bar fills with cocktail-sippers, this downtown Walnut Creek nightspot serves straightfor-ward, feel-good food. We enjoyed a caprese salad with ripe heirloom toma-toes, tender buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and slightly reduced balsamic vinaigrette. The baby back ribs were smoky-sweet and tender. The club sandwich features Cajun chicken breast brought up a notch by a light grilling. Doughy, pale pizzas need work. After a few of the bar’s sweet and potent signature cocktails, you’ll be grateful the place has food. Lunch and dinner daily. 2345$$$$

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 287-0297, flemingssteakhouse.com. The idea behind Fleming’s seems obvi-ous: put the modern steak house on a diet, pricewise, while preserving much of the swank. That’s no small feat, but judging by the well-dressed

couples crowding the restaurant on a Saturday night, Fleming’s has pulled it off. We enjoyed a tender rib-eye steak, as well as a juicy veal chop that came with sides of lively béarnaise. Refreshing shrimp cocktail and meaty portobello steak fries both worked well, too, as did the waitstaff. The wine list is vast—100 available by the glass or two-ounce taste, and flights arrive on a dramatic display rack. Dinner daily. 24$$$$

Fujian 1518 Bonanza St., (925) 932-0368. The menu at Fujian is as big as the restaurant is compact and comfortable, and there doesn’t seem to be much missing from the whole range of Japanese cuisine, from soba to sukiyaki and tempura. The tiny sushi and sashimi bar is crowded day and night, and at dinner the kitchen offers grilled robata yaki, flavorful skewered meats, and vegetables with various sauces. Lunch and dinner daily. 1$$

Havana 1516 Bonanza St., (925) 939-4555, havana restaurant.net. Start your California-Cuban meal with a selection from the extensive mojito menu and at least two tapas from new executive chef Nick Di Arenzo’s menu. The halibut-mango ceviche served with fried plantain chips is a great option, as are the seared day boat scallops on a bed of pureed sweet potatoes, or the Cuban wedge salad with spicy chipotle-buttermilk dressing. Go with one of the top-quality meat dishes for the entrée, from the seared lamb chops in a balsamic reduc-tion to the skirt steak braised for hours to make the classic Cuban dish ropa vieja. Dessert is gratuitous after the thick, sweet sauces of the main dishes. Have another mojito instead. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. 24$$

Home of Chicken and Waffles 1653 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 280-1653, homeofchickenand waffles.com. A cult favorite in Oakland for years, the Home of Chicken and Waffles expanded to its new

suburban location with an unaltered food menu. As advertised, that menu comes packed with different combina-tions of chicken and waffles, plus a variety of oft-Southern– inspired breakfast dishes. While it’s not the gourmet kind, the fried chicken is savory, moist, and totally satisfying: We like the wings the best. The waffles are even better, flavorful and light—but substantial enough to hold up to the chicken. The too-salty macaroni and cheese could use some work, but we loved the rich, brothy flavor of the collard greens. Lunch and dinner daily. 35$$

House of Sake 313 N. Civic Dr., (925) 930-8811, thehouse ofsake.com. Forget sumptuous atmo-sphere. What you get instead at House of Sake is a somewhat raucous, easy environ-ment, where couples and families pack in for top-notch sushi and more varieties of sake than anyone knew existed, which are served hot, room temp, or cold. Servers are excellent, dashing

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72 The Walnut Creek Book

dining listings

from the supersize sushi bar to the booths and tables that accommodate groups of every size. Menu selections include the usual suspects and a couple of twists, like the teriyaki mahi- mahi or the vegetable garden, a dinner of flavorful sautéed vegetables for the purist in your gang, and an especially extensive array of sushi rolls. Lunch and dinner daily. 14$$

Hubcaps Diner 1548 Bonanza St., (925) 945-6960, hubcapsdiner.com. The automotive metaphor is carried to humorous extremes at this bright corner café dedicated to American diner classics. Beverages are listed under “Lubricants,” and side orders are “Optional Equipment.” Whatever car-related name the menu may give your dish, the food is solid, plentiful, and quick. Veggie burgers and turkey burgers are available for those who shy away from red meat. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.–Sun. 135$

Il Fornaio 1430 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 296-0100, ilfornaio.com. Many of the dishes at Il Fornaio remind us of why the restaurant was such a hit when the first one opened in Corte Madera in 1987. A beet salad melded zippy arugula and a lemon–olive oil dressing perfectly, and a roasted chicken showed up piping hot and crispy, alongside perfectly roasted Yukon gold potatoes. Bruschetta, however, fell flat, and butternut squash ravioli took an odd turn. A gener-ous salmon salad combined well-seared fish, delicate baby spinach, and a warm vinaigrette. Finish a meal with any (or all) of the light, luscious Italian desserts. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.–Sun. 2345$$$

Il Pavone 2291 Olympic Blvd., (925) 939-9060, ilpavone restaurant.com. Il Pavone retains the look of a house in the country, which is probably what it was when the intersection of Olympic and Tice Valley Boulevard was truly in the hinter-land. The extensive

northern Italian menu adds sandwiches and panini at lunch and extravagances such as rack of lamb with rosemary-infused balsamic vinegar sauce at dinner. Early-bird specials are avail-able nightly. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. 234$$$

Kabob House 1250-G E. Newell Ave., (925) 935-9278. This Persian restaurant has moved several times. Perhaps this latest spot, just across the street from Whole Foods in Walnut Creek, will prove long term. We loved an appetizer of tahdig, crisp basmati rice topped with a hearty stew (ours was made with cubed beef and yellow lentils). But kashke bademjan, an often scrumptious eggplant dip, went astray. Kebabs come with fluffy, heavenly rice and nicely grilled steak tomatoes. Service in the low-lit, soothing dining room is cordial. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 14$$

Kacha Thai Bistro 1665 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 988-9877, kachathai.com. Waiters in long black aprons swish by monumental elephant art while jazz music washes over stylish diners nibbling satay sticks. This upscale Thai eatery nails the classics: butter-tender chicken satay with creamy peanut sauce; crunchy, pungent green papaya salad; and savory pad Thai, here a jumble of thinner-than-usual noodles with just a touch more sweetness. Save room for the more eclectic menu items, too, such as Bengal’s Favorite on the chef specials menu, a red meat–lover’s dish of beef coated in an aromatic-to-the-max green curry paste, with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, all hall-mark herbs of Thai cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. 24$$

Kaiwa Sushi 1534 Locust St., (925) 274-9496. One of Walnut Creek’s more refined sushi destina-tions, Kaiwa offers a cool respite from the Locust Street bustle. The restau-rant’s lunch menu is filled with generous

permutations of teriyaki, tempura, and maki rolls, all served with miso soup, rice, salad, and pickles for less than nine bucks. Chowhounds will be equally ecstatic about the 5–7 p.m. happy hour, Monday through Friday, during which fresh tuna, ebi, and unagi nigiri can be had for only $3.25 a pair. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Sat. 1345$$

Katy’s Kreek 1680 Locust St., (925) 946-0949. Fans of Katy’s Korner in San Ramon are ecstatic about the opening of the spacious, airy Katy’s Kreek. We’re not quite in this kult of kitsch, but the hollan-daise on the 12 variet-ies of eggs Benedict is so perfectly rich and lemony and the poached eggs so puffy that we’ll be back for breakfast. At lunch, we encoun-tered both good—flaky, white haddock fried crisp—and not so good—an overcooked ahi sandwich. At dinner, grilled salmon was drowning in a

cream sauce with smoked oysters—especially unfortunate because we had ordered hollandaise. The beef goulash was competently prepared. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 24$$

Koreana Kitchen 1546 Bonanza St., (925) 938-5959. This place, formerly known as Sorabol, may be tiny and the lights bright, but it’s also cheap, fast, and true to the scale and format of the ubiquitous noodle shops of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The real deal here is the soup, a deep, broad bowl of egg noodles in steam-ing broth, loaded with vegetables and a selection of meats. When you’re not in the mood for soup, opt for the Korean barbecue. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat. 14$

Lark Creek Walnut Creek 1360 Locust St., (925) 256-1234, larkcreek.com. Executive chef Scott Wall has proved he can manage a busy kitchen to produce flawless renditions of Lark Creek Restaurant Group cofounder and culinary advisor

»

1511 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek(925) 979-0100

www.va-de-vi-bistro.com

Va De Vi all the elements of food, wine, and ambience

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a large outdoor patio area is available. Open daily from

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74 The Walnut Creek Book

»dining listings

Bradley Ogden’s excellent dishes. We devoured the creamy-centered polenta fries accompanied by a zippy house-made chipotle mayonnaise. Our grilled New York steak couldn’t have been more succulent, and wild king salmon was perfectly cooked, too, its interior moist and tender. We can’t pick our favorite dessert: Butterscotch pudding, chocolate cupcake sundae, and strawberry rhubarb crisp are all marvel-ous. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. 234$$$

Le Cheval 1375 N. Broadway, (925) 938-2288, lecheval.com. The suburban outpost of the Oak- land granddaddy of upscale Vietnamese, Le Cheval brings fresh, authentic flavors and service so attentive you’ll wonder if the servers are company stockholders. Classic dishes such as the rice vermicelli salad with grilled pork, fresh carrot, cabbage, and cilantro are a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. The Le Cheval combo—pork kebab, prawn kebab, fried chicken wings,

and an imperial roll—is another standout.Whereas the Oakland Le Cheval boasts a movie screen–sized stampede of wild horses racing across one of its huge walls, the Walnut Creek restaurant sports a mini herd, just 10 or so of the muscular beasts, who are none-theless a nice focal point in the bright and airy dining room. 24$$

Maria Maria 1470 N. Broadway, (925) 946-1010, maria mariarestaurants.com. At Maria Maria, the Carlos Santana–backed restaurant that opened in the former Cantina space, the food is just a backdrop to the atmosphere. Friday and Saturday, the stylin’ night set sips strong margaritas while listening to live music. The barely post-teenage, black–topped waitstaff race nonstop around the dark wood tables. We enjoyed the zippy guacamole, tender short ribs in a smooth blackberry mole, and succulent duck tacos. Spicy food lovers will

be impressed with the chili factor in the salsas and the tortilla soup. But a few dishes need work, like the mole tortilla casserole and the steak fajitas. 2345$$$

Massimo Ristorante 1604 Locust St., (925) 932-1474, massimoris torante.com. Massimo Ristorante keeps up with the newer crop of restaurants in town by offering seasonal, California-inspired Italian fare served in elegant surroundings. Just across from the Lesher Center for the Arts, Massimo offers good, if sometimes overdressed, salads, pasta, rabbit, small pizzas, and standards like king salmon and roasted chicken. On warm nights, the patio makes for great alfresco dining, and the piano bar gives the place a touch that’s a world apart from the thumping twentysomething bars that have come to dominate down-town Walnut Creek. Service is friendly and professional, but can become disjointed on busy nights. Lunch Tues.–Fri., dinner Tues.–Sun. 2345$$$

McCovey’s 1444 N. California Blvd., (925) 944-9444, mccoveys.com. This sports-themed eatery remains a haven for baseball fans and families. Service is always cordial but sometimes slow. The food, a wide array of bar fare, has its ups and downs. An order of ribs was meltingly delicious and the cole- slaw that came with it impressively crisp and well-balanced. A wedge salad, made with herb-roasted tomatoes, was another success, as was the satisfying club sandwich. But the fish tacos suffered from off flavors on our visits. Free lemonade refills restored our faith in the team. Lunch and dinner daily. 245$$

Mi Casa 2195 N. Broadway, (925) 937-8800, micasa- wc.com. Housed in a homey building near the automo-tive businesses of North Broadway, the Mexican and Central American fare at Mi Casa has proved to have staying power. The chicken soup, full of tender carrot, celery, and potato and served with a wedge of lime, is flavorful and light. Pupusas—

cheese, bean, or meat cornmeal patties—make for a toothsome snack, although the cabbage slaw that accompanies them could be brighter. An entrée of carne asada has some nice grill flavor, but on our visit, parts of the steak were too tough to eat. The taco salad, that Mexican-American standby, is fresh and satisfying here. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 134$$

Miraku 2131 N. Broadway, (925) 932-1112, mirakuwal nutcreek.com. This Walnut Creek spot is a beauty. A babbling, rock-lined pond in the middle of the restau-rant gives the place a natural elegance. The light wood tables and booths add to the clean, airy feel of the dining room. Waitresses glide about dressed in kimonos. The food is beautiful, too. Udon soup arrives in a miniature iron cauldron with a spiny shrimp emerging from the broth. Tempura vegetables are crisp and airy, like crunchy clouds. Ocean-fresh slices of sashimi salmon, yellowtail tuna, and ahi glisten

like gems. Miraku offers an extensive list of warm and cold sakes served in attractive traditional wooden boxes. An adjacent noodle bar serving deeply flavor-ful soups and noodles only adds to Miraku’s appeal. Lunch and dinner daily. 14$$$

Modern China Café 1525 N. Main St., (925) 988-8008, modernchinacafe.com. The comfort-able and stylish redo of this restaurant in an elegant vintage building, formerly the San Franciscan restaurant, creates a beautiful atmosphere for a huge menu of Chinese and other Asian dishes devel-oped by Eric Zhang, former chef at Zheng Long. Dim sum, which is even available as an appetizer platter, shows off bold, fresh flavors in traditional packages. Likewise, a wonton soup with vibrant deep dark greens absolutely rocked. With so many dishes on the menu, however, some get neglected, such as a barbecued chicken and mango salad with a lackluster dressing, and somewhat bland lemongrass halibut. The asparagus beef showed real attention,

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76 The Walnut Creek Book

»dining listings

the perfectly prepared meat balanced against a symphony of bold vegetable flavors of fresh asparagus and carrots. Sassy cocktails and wines that work with the food add to the fun. Lunch and dinner daily. 2345$$

Montecatini Ristorante 1528 Civic Dr., (925) 943-6608, monteca tinirestaurant.com. If a high noise level and an out-the-door line of diners are your chosen signs of a good Italian restau-rant, Montecatini is a sure hit. This small restaurant’s kitchen is right on the street, and the cooking action is the sideshow while you wait for a table. The crowds are even bigger when the lights are lit at the Lesher Center for the Arts across the street. The menu is full of northern Italian standards, with barely a nod to the cucina rustica that’s so in vogue. Don’t neglect the ever-popular pollo alla schiacciata—crispy, juicy, and rosemary-scented. A well-priced wine list leans to the Italian and has some good values. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 2$$$

Nama Sushi & Teriyaki 1502 Sunnyvale Ave., (925) 932-9540. Recession or not, Nama Sushi is a party on wheels, with a line out the door on weekend nights. And it’s no wonder, considering the freshness of the sushi, the efficiency of the service, and the exuberant friendli-ness of the manager, Hyun-Woo Kim. Look for right-on standards such as tuna rolls and shrimp sushi, or delve into the special treats, like snappy seaweed salad and the choice, buttery toro fatty tuna. The miso soup was also a cut above. Unfortunately, on our visit, we didn’t love the food that came out of the fryer. The fried soft-shell crab and the tempura tasted heavy, and were overpowered by their crunchiness. Mochi ice-cream balls, which have a bouncy texture, are a fun way to finish things off. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 1$$

OI-C Bowl 1616 N. Main St., (925) 287-8118, oicbowl.com. With a shady patio in its down-town location, OI-C (pronounced Oy’ See, Japanese for “delicious”) is one of the better-priced Chinese restaurants in downtown Walnut Creek. And true to its name, we couldn’t find a single menu item that doesn’t fall into the delicious department—no small feat for a restaurant offering everything from duck to dim sum. Spicy Szechuan cuisine—kung pao, mixed vegetable tofu, and Chinese string beans—is the mainstay here. But the chefs, wearing jaunty black head scarves, are not opposed to classic Chinese stand-bys—garlic sauce, black bean, and sweet and sour dishes—that share the menu with exotic Southeast Asian peanut sauces and curries. At lunch, you can eat like an emperor for $9, choosing from a bento box combo, fried rice, or the “super bowl,” a massive bowl of steaming noodle joy. Lunch and dinner daily. 234$$

Ottavio 1606 N. Main St., (925) 930-8008, ottavio-osteria.com. Small-but-mighty, Ottavio wows with details not often spotted outside of Italy. Crisply fried sage leaves, a Piave cheese that’s been aged to a heavenly nuttiness, and almost everything—the pasta, the cured meats, the smoked fish—made in-house: This is labor-of-love cooking. The beef carpaccio with artichokes was butter soft and drizzled with a delicate white truffle vinaigrette, while the gorgeously seared tenderloin, juicy red on the inside and topped with a bit of Gorgonzola, was fabulous. Salads showcase arugula, crisp baby lettuce, and marinated, shaved red onion, but the tomatoes were anemic. Don’t skip dessert: the goat’s milk panna cotta existed somewhere between custard and the Sistine Chapel. Dinner daily. 2$$$

Pasta Primavera Walnut Creek 2997 N. Main St., (925) 930-7774, pastapri maverawalnutcreek.com. There’s a reason Pasta Primavera Café has been in business for more so long: The portions are large, the food is tasty, the prices are low, and the staff is hospitable. We loved the fettuccine carbonara—noodles bathed in egg yolks and cheese, and peppered with crisp bacon and chopped scallions. The chicken piccata, which is bright with flavors of lemon and capers, is equally satisfying. Desserts are large and luxurious, especially the creamy tiramisu. Lunch and dinner daily. 14$$

Plearn Thai Palace 1510 N. Main St., (925) 937-7999, plearnthai palace.com. If you liked the two Plearns in Berkeley, you’ll like this one. The pan-fried eggplant with prawns and chicken is succu-lent, a luscious vehicle for anise-hinted Thai basil. Barbecued meats—chicken, pork, and beef—are plump

and smoky, with a distinctive blend of spices imparted by their marinade and a cool, fruity chili dipping sauce. Even the pad Thai is a cut above the standard version: It’s tender and sweet, with a bright freshness in the herbs and vegetables that is often lacking in other restaurants’ rendi-tions. For dessert, share the crisp, light, batter-fried bananas, sliced lengthwise and piping hot, with rich coconut-studded ice cream melting over them. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily. 1$

Pomegranate 1389 N. Main St., Ste. B, (925) 944-9292, pomegranaterestau rant.com. Though the dining room is tiny and the wall murals are a bit odd, Pomegranate’s great-est asset is its calming outdoor ambience. Naturally shaded and generously serviced, the sidewalk tables give diners a chance to relax and refresh while enjoying one of North Main Street’s most diverse menus. The addictive gyros linguine hints at the overall adaptability of Mediterranean spices

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in the signature pizzas and pastas. And the restaurant’s namesake gets star billing in the pomegranate-infused chicken, roasted in a wood-burning oven and served with garlic mashed potatoes. Lunch and dinner daily. 134$$

Prima Ristorante 1522 N. Main St., (925) 935-7780, primaris torante.com. This restaurant has been the Italian standard-bearer in Contra Costa for more than 30 years. Its interpreta-tion of Italian cuisine through local seasonal produce, by chef and co-owner Peter Chastain, is always pure and restrained. His flavorful risottos aren’t boosted by cream, and his light gnocchi and crisp pizzas will have you making repeat reser-vations. Wine director and fellow owner John Rittmaster keeps the wine list stocked with such treasures as a fine Tocai Friulano that’s a dream with sweet lobster tail, and beautifully aged Marsala. The waitstaff is exceptionally good. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily. 234$$$$

Pyramid Alehouse 1410 Locust St., (925) 946-1520, pyramid brew.com. This popu-lar Seattle-to-Berkeley brewery’s airy, elegant restaurant serves traditional grill fare—starters, salads, burgers, and wood-fired pizzas—and the menu is extensive. Beer is incorporated into the kettle-brewed chowder, chili, and soup recipes. But the star attractions are the brewskis themselves. Standard favorites Apricot Ale, Hefeweizen, and India Pale Ale are readily available, as are some seasonal varietals. Lunch and dinner daily. 1345$$

Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., (925) 947-6105, roccospizzeria.com. Rocco Biale, the grandson of immi-grant restaurateurs from Savona, Italy, has established a family sanctum perenni-ally jam-packed with soccer teams, working lunchers, and pizza aficionados. Biale added a full sports bar with 27 TV screens. The dining room seats 300, and when it gets full, the volume soars and the serv-ers scuttle, carrying

hot plates named after Rocco’s family members. The meaty Dominator pizza and the vegetarian Dante’s Inferno (named after sons Dominic and Dante) are house specialties, as are the prawns di Savona and Rocco’s personal fave, the gnocchi. Lunch and dinner daily. 2345$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 1553 Olympic Blvd., Bldg. E, (925) 977-3477, ruthschris.com. Ruth’s Chris, with its second-floor dining room, contemporary patterned carpeting, and silk drapes, has nothing to do with Old West–style steak restaurants. Think Humphrey Bogart, not Ben Cartwright. And think steaks like “buttah.” The restau-rant is known for cooking its red meat in 1,800-degree broil-ers, the intense heat sealing in the juices. The menu at Ruth’s Chris is pretty tradi-tional—chopped salad, potatoes au gratin, creamed spinach—but it’s darned good. Also good are Ruth’s Chris fries, which come in three cuts: steak fries, julienne, and shoestring (which are ultracrisp, like potato sticks). Dinner daily. 245$$$$

Sakana Sushi 1280 Newell Ave., (925) 938-6050. A wide-ranging menu awaits at Sakana: everything from chicken teriyaki to exotic sushi creations. Try the rich, many-textured New York roll, which is shrimp, avocado, and flying fish roe, or the spider roll (soft-shell crab fried light and crispy). Sakana even stocks varieties of sushi fish that some restaurants don’t, such as melt-ingly tender toro, also known as fatty tuna. Black-lacquer tables and booths, blond wood chairs, rice-paper globe lanterns, and modest decora-tions courtesy of the Kirin beer company create a bright, easy, authentic feel. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily. 1$$

Salvatore Ristorante 1627 N. Broadway, (925) 932-2828, salvatore ristorante.com. This sun-splashed trattoria is lively and bright, with its sponge-painted walls and big windows looking out across Broadway to the green of Civic Park. The place remains lively through the dinner hour,

thanks to the attached bar. The menu leans toward Sicilian dishes, with a special empha-sis on fish. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 2$$$

Sargam Indian Cuisine 140 N. Civic Dr., (925) 937-2700. Sargam provides attentive service to complement the well-prepared dishes on its menu of northern Indian specialties. Curries and tandooris dominate the à la carte menu, selections from which regu-larly find their way onto the generous lunchtime buffet. The latter usually features a lushly delicious sag paneer and a creamy chicken pasanda, both well worth ordering. Lovers of lassi, the tangy-sweet yogurt beverage that’s a perfect accompani-ment to Indian food, won’t find a finer version in Contra Costa. Lunch and dinner daily. 134$$

Sasa 1432 N. Main St., (925) 210-0188, sasawc.com. San Francisco and Oakland have Ozumo. Walnut Creek has Sasa, an upscale Japanese grill and sake bar. The menu here is organized by food source: Diablo Valley Farmers

Market, Tsukiji Fish Market (in Tokyo), and Lawrence’s Walnut Creek Meat Market. Knowledgeable servers will walk you through the thick sake list, sushi menu, and various small plates, and time your order, so complementary dishes come together. On our visit, that was the asari sakamushi, Manila clams steamed in butter-sake broth, and the thick, meaty pork belly skewers. The asparagus goma, crispy stalks dressed in the same sesame seed soy sauce that comes on spinach salad, provides refreshing balance to the hamachi kama shioyaki, strong, oil-rich yellowtail collar. Green tea crème brûlée is a nice finish. Lunch and dinner daily. 234$$

Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar 1333 N. California Blvd., (925) 934-1300, scottsres taurants.com. Scott’s is devoted to seafood: grilled, baked, fried, stewed, poached, or roasted. And it’s all sauced in seemingly infinite ways. Meat eaters won’t have

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80 The Walnut Creek Book

»dining listings

to wait in the car, though. Prime, aged, center-cut steaks (filet mignon, New York) are always on the menu. On Sundays, treat yourself to the champagne brunch accompanied by live jazz. Lunch and dinner daily. 2345$$$$

Shiro 1523 Giammona Dr., (925) 945-1400, shirowc.com. Shiro has a hip dance-club-cum-art-installation feel, and its food is delightful. The main entrance on the side gives the place a bit of an underground vibe, and the lighting inside is moody, but the menu goes way beyond nightclub fare. A poke salad combined deep red ahi, crisp and seeded cukes, delicate strands of wakame seaweed, a sprinkling of sesame, and a bright dressing. Flavorful beef lumpia is satisfyingly fried but not heavy. A light green, fluffy edamame “hummus” rocks with its house-made yam chips. Take advantage of the happy hour menu (5–6:30 p.m.), which offers gener-ous portions of some

regular menu high-lights for $3–$3.50. And don’t forget to order the ultradeca-dent tempura-style bananas Foster. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 2345$$

Silk Road 1440 N. Main St., (925) 932-9090, silkroad walnutcreek.com. Some locations just seem hexed. Well, that’s the way it has been at 1440 N. Main, which was briefly the hip martini bar Twist and, following that, a short-lived restaurant called the Creek. Now it’s Silk Road. But this incarnation may have the best chance of catching on, because owner Tony Sohi is repeating what he did success-fully across the street at Pomegranate. Aromatic pita bread arrives hot with a dish of dipping oil. Then, there’s a selec-tion of juicy grilled kebabs on plates of heaping rice with steamed vegetables; Mediterranean pizzas; and a few hearty Mediterranean dishes, such as pomegranate hen or osso buco. The lemony and vegeta-ble-rich tabbouleh can’t be beat. Lunch and dinner daily. 235$$

Skipolini’s Pizza 1535 Giammona Dr., (925) 280-1100, skipolinispizza.com. The popular Skipolini’s goes urban with this newest outpost of its family-friendly pizzerias. But lest it forget its rural roots in the outskirts of Clayton, Skipolini’s decorated the space with a floor-to-ceiling mural of Mount Diablo and the surrounding hills. The faux corral around the indoor tables, complete with sawdust on the floor, adds a rustic touch to what is otherwise an urban warehouse. Lunch and dinner daily. Also in Clayton, Concord, and Antioch. 1345$

Stadium Sports Pub 1420 Lincoln Ave., (925) 256-7302. A person can get mighty hungry watch-ing 50 televisions at once, and the pub fare at the Stadium Sports Pub will take that edge off in a hurry. Burgers, hot dogs, and Philly cheese- steaks do the trick, or you can go the deli route and bite into a raft of pastrami. Owners Patty and Richard Sherman started small with “the Original Hot Dog

Place” many years ago and then expanded to a Main Street storefront. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. during football season. 234$

Sunrise Bistro and Café 1559 Botelho Dr., (925) 930-0122, sunrisebistrocatering.com. Sunrise owner Cindy Gershen has welcomed her son, barbecue smokers and all, into this casual eatery since he closed Cuz’nz, his barbe-cue joint around the corner. The result is a highly eclectic menu, ranging from vegan burritos to big slabs of smoked meat. One of the most extreme hybrids served at the cheery, casual eatery is a salad of romaine, mesclun, tomatoes, cukes, blue cheese, real bacon, and tri-tip. As it turns out, the meat is smoky, tender, juicy, and addictively flavorful. All-American sandwiches here come on hearty, house-made bread, and it’s possible to order a half. Celery, apples, and cashews give the chicken salad a nice crunch, and the brisket sandwich at Sunrise equals the one that was served at Cuz’nz. The red velvet cake is worth a visit on its own—red as a

stop sign, moist, and wearing a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 234$$

Taheri’s Mediterranean Restaurant 2999-A Oak Rd., (925) 933-1000, taheris.com. Casual diners shouldn’t overlook this business lunchers’ secret. The menu is mostly Italian, with a few Greek and Middle Eastern touches, and the kitchen mostly hits the mark. Steamed mussels and clams come in a delectable white wine and basil broth, perfect for sopping up with the fresh focaccia. We loved the succulent lamb loin, and the pasta selection is extensive, but on our visit, the farfalle with prosciutto, spin-ach, and sun-dried tomatoes arrived sans prosciutto, and was unremarkable. Two thumbs up on the cheesecake. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Sat. 134$$

Tatsu Sushi 1837 Ygnacio Valley Rd., (925) 287-9273. Hardwood and chrome-styled Tatsu has been serving thick, California-style sushi rolls since it opened in 2002. The rolls are named after regular customers, and the service is maternal yet firm, with the occasional subtle nudge. On a recent visit, our waiter guided us toward the restaurant’s most popular items, making us think it was our idea to order them. Luckily, we liked what came: Robin’s special (hamachi, crab, and cucumber wrapped in shrimp and tuna) and Hawaii Pearls (spicy tuna and avocado topped with maguro and tobiko) are both intriguingly complex, and melt in your mouth. The wasabi salad—iceberg lettuce topped with chunks of fresh salmon, tuna, hamachi, and the green stuff—will keep you reaching for your water glass in spicy bliss. Lunch and dinner daily. 134$$

Tender Greens 1352 Locust St., (925) 937-5100, tendergreensfood.com. Part self-service restaurant, part hall of gastronomy, Tender

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Richard Gayton: One Square Mile: CCA professor emeritus Richard Gayton’s work features exquisite drawings and watercolors that will transport viewers to the hills, canyons and wooded trails

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October – December, 2012Cross Purpose: On view will be figurative, abstract, expressionist, realist and conceptual art of the Cross

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Greens—the only Bay Area location of co-owner and former Chez Panisse cook Erik Oberholtzer’s small California chain—represents a new concept in dining: fresh seasonal meals served the way you want them. Choose from a list of natural hand-carved meats and garden-fresh vegetables sourced from small local farms. Then, select your preferred format: in a sandwich, on a hot plate, or atop a simple salad. Or dive into one of the signature salads made with some of the most beautiful lettuce leaves you’ve ever seen. Platters of roasted and grilled vegetables brighten the chef’s counter, where you watch your meal being composed to your exact specifi-cations. The barbecue chicken is succulently delicious, however, and the slab of local albacore tuna in the salad niçoise was seared to perfec-tion. Beer and wine are served, as well as superb Weaver’s coffee and a raft of stunning house-made bakery items. Lunch and dinner daily. 13$$

Tomatina 1325 N. Main St., (925) 930-9999, tomatina.com. Walnut Creek’s Tomatina offers grown-up flavors in a warm, family-friendly room scented with garlic from the open kitchen. A starter of pan-roasted mussels is fresh and briny in a light oniony broth. Sweet, intensely flavored roasted tomatoes spark the popular piadine caprese, a warmed flat bread topped with salad. Tomatina’s “aPizzas” are built on a crust that could pass an East Coaster’s test—thin but chewy, and full of flavor. Spaghettini with chicken, spinach, and a red onion–tomato broth is basic and fill-ing. Nine white wines and nine reds by the glass or bottle offer a chance to break out of the Chardonnay-Merlot rut. Lunch and dinner daily. Also in Alameda and Dublin. 13$$

Va de Vi 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 979-0100, vadevi.com. Va de Vi was an instant hit when it opened in 2004, and the hits keep on happening with the addition of new executive chef Shane McAnelly, who brings cutting-edge experi-ence from the San Francisco culinary scene. He also brings a no-nonsense commitment to seasonality and a DIY attitude: Va de Vi now makes pasta in-house and cures its own charcuterie. The sautéed broccoli de cicco combines citrus, garlic, heat, and crunch to beautiful results. The yakitori-style chicken meatballs are a sweet and savory treat, and the roasted Alaskan black cod remains one of the East Bay’s most stunning dishes. Have fun exploring wine with multiple flight options. Lunch and dinner daily. 23$$$

Vanessa’s Bistro 2 1329 N. Main St., (925) 891-4790, vanessas bistro2.com. Fans of Vanessa’s in Berkeley will be delighted with its new sister restaurant. Some

might argue that all Vietnamese food is French inflected, but Vanessa’s deux has got the French thing going pretty strong. Even something as simple as tender and garlicky butter egg noodles brings a surprising richness to a meal comprised of such delicacies as brilliant raw tuna enlivened with soy, ginger, and cilantro. Also going Gallic is the roasted chicken, its skin crisp and brown, its rich flavor playing off a bloom of gorgeous herbs and red wine, while the Saigon-style noodle salad heads east with its lemongrass and sesame flavors infus-ing luscious pieces of filet. The colorful redo of the Main Street space is stunning yet serene, and the serv-ers know their stuff. Lunch and dinner daily. 25$$

Vic Stewart’s 850 S. Broadway, (925) 943-5666, vicstew arts.com. If you have meat on your mind, Vic Stewart’s is a good place to be. This rail-road-depot-turned-steak-emporium, with several dining rooms and cozy dining car, features marbled Angus beef that will tempt you in all its

forms: filet mignon, prime rib, and New York steak. You’ll also find rack of lamb, pork chops, and broiled lobster tail. A wine list loaded with hearty reds almost guarantees you’ll find the right Cabernet or Merlot. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 24$$$$

Walnut Creek Yacht Club 1555 Bonanza St., (925) 944-3474, wcyc.net. An excellent seafood restaurant in the landlocked precincts of downtown Walnut Creek, the WCYC takes advantage of the highest quality seafood obtainable. (Home cooks can pick up the raw goods to go at the small retail counter up front.) The simplest preparations are usually the best here, particularly the half-dozen or more grilled entrées listed each day. Each one is accompanied by piping hot, irresist-ibly garlicky “regatta” fries, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf with a choice of sauces on the side. The raw bar—unique in Contra Costa County—is also superb. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat. 234$$$

Yan’s China Bistro and Bar 2929 N. Main St., (925) 944-5968, yanschina bistro.com. Stone-tiled floors, a shiny full bar, and sleek track lighting provide a flashy setting, but the menu is straight-ahead Chinese, with good results. A steaming bowl of wonton soup—clear beef broth, tender dumplings, and wedges of perfectly cooked bok choy—held us in its spell. And we unintentionally polished off an entire order of lettuce cups holding a fill-ing of plump, crisp chopped prawns—perhaps due to the influence of a lightly perfumed, chilled French martini with a seductive pool of Chambord at the bottom. The curry-spiked Singapore noodles are spot-on, as is the team service. Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. Also in Alamo. 234$$ ■

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East Bay Lifestyle Diablo magazine

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Travel & Tourism Concierge—The Insiders Guide to

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Napa Sonoma magazine

Tri-Valley, California Visitor Guide

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Diablo Magazine’s

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Dr. Nathalie Michaud is board certified in Family Medicine in the US

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The Walnut Creek Medical Group is a team of physicians who have been serving families for over 30 years.

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Walnut Creek Medical Group welcomes our newest Physician to our team.