Livermore/Pleasanton
Food&Drink / Recreation&Fun / Shopping&Fashion / Wine&Vine
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CONTENTS Publisher’s Letter
Food & Drink pg. 12
Shopping & Fashion pg. 22
Recreation & Fun pg. 32
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NORMA CORDOVA; LEEANNE JONES; MITCHELL MYLIUS
pg. 10
»
thelivermorepleasantonbook.com 5
CONTENTS Wine & Vine
Dining Listings pg. 56
Last Look pg. 64
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: BRIAN HAMILTON; FRANK ANZALONE PHOTOGRAPHY; LEEANNE JONES
pg. 46
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STAFF
»
The Livermore/Pleasanton Book EDITOR
Susan Dowdney Safipour Roger Gurbani
ART DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR
LeeAnne Jones Peter Crooks
SENIOR EDITOR/SENIOR WRITER SENIOR EDITOR/FOOD
Ethan Fletcher
A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R ASSISTANT EDITOR ART/WEB ASSISTANT
Kristen Haney
Caitlin McCulloch
Samantha Schneider
CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Greg Silva
Martha Ross
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Eliza Lamson, Tessa Love, Elaina Martinez, Ana Preza Eileen Cunningham
AD PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION
Jennifer Brazil, Ron Henry, Michele Johnson P R O J E C T M A N AG E R / A D C O O R D I N AT O R
Barney Fonzi
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Marilyn Beck Rivera, Toni Tighe, Megan Tuggle ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Jocelyne Crossley, Ali O’Grady, Jessica Scherer MARKETING DIRECTOR
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 AG E R M A R K E T I N G A S S O C I AT E
Melinda Solomon
Amanda Stratmeyer
SALES AND MARKETING INTERNS
Jessica Atkin, Caroline Tanonis, Jacob Tarnow SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EMERITUS
Francine Lyall
Linda Lenhoff
Nicholas Boer, Sara Hare
D I R E C T O R O F O P E R AT I O N S
GROUP PUBLISHER
Sarah Schultz
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Brendan N. Casey
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Sylvia Bajjaliya
A C C O U N T S P AYA 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 H E L P D E S K A D M I N I S T R AT O R
Cheryl Davis
Nick Rubalcaba
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE PUBLISHER
Jodie Aranda
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
(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 (925) 943-1199, Ext. 4 B Y F A X (925) 943-1045 B Y E - M A I L d-mail@maildiablo.com thelivermorepleasantonbook.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
H O W TO 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 TO COMMENT ON EDITORIAL CONTENT
ON THE WEB
The Livermore/Pleasanton 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 Livermore/Pleasanton 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 © 2013. All rights reserved.
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The Lineage brand is comprised of a single wine made from the five classic Bordeaux varieties. Our mission is nothing short of producing one of the handful of iconic wines that every passionate wine lover should have.
From grapes planted on a seven-mile axis in the heart of the historic Livermore Valley appellation, The Steven Kent Winery handcrafts a small collection of wines that redefines world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
La Rochelle makes vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Each of our small-lot wines is handcrafted to reveal the truth and beauty of the site, the farmer, and the winemaker.
Open Daily for Tasting, 12-4:30
5443 Tesla Road, Livermore Valley | Tel 925.243.6442 | stevenkentportfolio.com
Stats
40
Number of rotating cupcake varieties available at Let ’Em Eat Cake in Livermore.
58
Years that Foster’s Freeze has been in Livermore.
275
Number of omelet variations on the menu at Dean’s Cafe in Pleasanton.
300
Average number of pints sold at Handles Gastropub in Pleasanton on a Saturday night.
103,000
Lokanta
JENNIFER MARTINÉ
Number of burgers sold at Livermore’s First Street Alehouse in 2012.
fd
Food&Drink
»
It’s hard to tell whether Pleasanton’s Main Street or Livermore’s First Street boasts the most enticing restaurants. It’s a tie in our book. Witness the exploding beer scene with Tap 25 in Livermore and Handles Gastropub in Pleasanton. And the wines? Livermore Valley wine country, already popular as a tasting destination, continues to up the ante in quality. So dig in: There’s plenty to enjoy!
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GLOBAL EATS
»
Italian and Beyond
» Travel the world with Livermore and Pleasanton’s ethnic eats.
AFGHAN De Afghanan » This tiny 25-seat dining room does big business. Order the chapli kebab (juicy patties of ground sirloin) and the crispy oversized leek bolani. Livermore, 371-1113, deafghanan cuisine.com. Oasis Grille and Wine Lounge » Enjoy the cool, relaxed atmosphere on the beautiful patio. We can’t get enough of the pumpkin borani and lamb kebabs. Pleasanton, 417-8438, oasisgrille.com.
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CHINESE
MEXICAN
Lee Garden Seafood » Great dim sum. Try the taro puffs and BBQ pork buns. Pleasanton, 734-0222, leegarden seafood.com.
Alberto’s Cantina » Great for outdoor dining or watching a game. Dana’s mini burrito is classic comfort food. Pleasanton, 462-2316, albertos cantinapleasanton.com.
Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard » Upscale decor and killer wines. Go for the delicate tea-smoked duck. Livermore, 4497000, uncleyuatthe vineyard.com.
ITALIAN Gay Nineties Pizza » This classic pizzeria has been around for more than 50 years. Get the meaty Frank’s special. Pleasanton, 846-2520, gaynine tiespizza.com. Terra Mia » The homiest Italian restaurant in Livermore. Order the smoky Terra Mia pizza—and a glass of Pinot Grigio. Livermore, 456-3333, terramialivermore.com.
El Sacromonte » Wild decor combined with heirloom recipes. Try the ceviche de mango or the rich careyes robalo sea bass. Livermore, 371-1173, elsacromonte-usa.com.
THAI Little Home Thai » A large dining room but a cozy, homey feel. Our favorite dishes? Seafood soup and red curry. Pleasanton, 251-9877, littlehomethai.com. Star Anise » Inviting modern dining room right next to the movie theater. Don’t miss the panang beef. Livermore, 4549888, staranisethai cuisine.com.
EL SACROMONTE/MITCH TOBIAS
Pizza and pasta reign supreme, but Pleasanton and Livermore have plenty of spice, too. Here are our favorite spots, with only a couple of nods to pizza pies.
TOP TEN
»
Before You Leave ...
» Our favorite tastes from some of the area’s top dining spots.
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CASSE-CROÛTE BAKERY This croissant baked with dark chocolate is at its best first thing in the morning while still warm. Livermore, 3717700, c-cbakery.com.
HANDLES GASTROPUB Iceberg with blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes. Chase it with one of 30 beers on tap. Pleasanton, 399-6690, handlesgastropub.com.
CASA OROZCO This combo of shredded chicken, seasoned rice, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese hits the comfort zone. Livermore, 449-3045, casaorozco.com.
LIVERMORE SALOON You can find it at other locations, including Altamont’s new taproom. Livermore, 5794865, livermoresaloon.com.
VOODOO KITCHEN Fresh crab, lobster, shrimp, and corn on the cob served Big Easy–style in a bucket. Pleasanton, 484-4888, voodoo kitchenpleasanton.com.
The Wedgey
Arroz Con Pollo
Altamont Beer Works’ Shelter IPA
Seafood Boil
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CASINO 580’S BAR TATAMI Topped with peppered bacon, white Vermont cheddar, and avocado (plus blackjack on the side). Livermore, 8000076, bartatami.com.
LOKANTA Pastry-wrapped chicken with coconut curry and tart apples—a savory turnover with Turkish flair. Pleasanton, 223-8074, eatlokanta.com.
THE RESTAURANT AT WENTE Gigantic and moist, this favorite has seasonal pairings such as white corn succotash. Livermore, 456-2450, wente vineyards.com/restaurant.
WINEMAKER’S POUR HOUSE This luscious Cab is just one of the local gems here. Livermore, 215-2656, wine makerspourhouse.com.
HAP’S ORIGINAL Served with béarnaise sauce, it’s the kind of indulgent meal that’s worth the splurge. Pleasanton, 600-9200, hapsoriginal.com.
Tatami Burger
Talas
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Smoked Pork Chop
2010 Steven Kent Cabernet Sauvignon
Filet Mignon
LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF ALTAMONT BEER WORKS; CASSE-CROÛTE/MITCHELL MYLIUS; WENTE/CODY PICKENS
Pain au Chocolat
MEET
» Ron WITHERSPOON /owner, first street alehouse
Tapping Livermore’s Potential
W
Bio _ First beer: Coors out of a can, his dad’s favorite Favorite beer-related memory: Keg party at Cal State University Chico Number of beer brands in his fridge at home: 15–20
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When Ron Witherspoon (pictured at far left) opened First Street Alehouse in 2000 with his brother, Mike, he just thought it would be a fun thing to do. “I had no experience in the restaurant business at all,” says Ron. “It was kind of dumb. But it all worked out.” Little did they know the Alehouse would become the town’s most popular hangout. Ron quit his day job in 2001 to shore up the floundering business. “I was there every day and every night,” he says. Soon, a clientele gelled, and after Livermore’s downtown renovation, business skyrocketed: “It was huge for us.”
Three years ago, they moved into a space five times bigger, with more than twice as many seats. And there’s still a waiting list—especially for the highly visible outdoor patio. Before the move, Ron, who oversees the operation (Mike fills in wherever he’s needed), hired the restaurant’s first chef: Bruce Barasch, who is no longer with the restaurant. The menu is largely the same, but daily specials give burgers and fries a run for their money. Ron lives about a mile and a half from the Alehouse with his wife and two children. They do a lot of biking. “I love Livermore and never, ever plan to leave,” he says. “It’s got golf, wineries, great restaurants.” So stop by, and say hi. If one of the 24 beers on tap doesn’t suit you, have a glass of vino: There are eight to 10 of his favorite local wines on the list. First Street Alehouse, Livermore, 371-6588, firststreetalehouse.com. — Nicholas Boer
DAWN SHUBERT PHOTOGRAPHY
» A first-time restaurateur oversees the hottest eatery in town.
• Koi Palace • Soho Café • Pamir Afghan Food • Osaka Ramen • Yakitori • Pho Saigon 2 • Halu Shabu Shabu • Serendipity Sri Lankan Cuisine • Snowflake Café • Thai Basil • Quickly • Koi Palace Express • Jim’s Taiwanese Cuisine
• Element Spa • Kee Wah Bakery • bimSCORE • Dublin Golden Vision • Glamour Nail Spa • Hair Culture • Ulferts Furniture • Dublin Family Dentistry • MacroReal • Ulferts Signature Room • Foot Logic Reflexology • Seed2Sprout Learning Center
Stats
15
Local florists.
1881
Year Baughman’s Western Outfitters opened, making it the oldest shop in Livermore.
2,200
Bolts of fabric at In Between Stitches.
5,460
Businesses in Pleasanton.
10,000
Square feet in Olde Towne Antiques Mall.
Prim
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NORMA CORDOVA; PHOTO ASSISTANT: CLAUDIA SOLIS
Shopping&Fashion
Âť
With two vibrant downtown communities, Stoneridge Shopping Center, and the Livermore Premium Outlets, you can shop till you drop. And with more and more businesses moving in, Livermore and Pleasanton continue to grow as dynamic shopping destinations, offering retail options for every taste—from the antiques collector to the pet lover to the serious DIY-er.
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DOWNTOWN
»
First and Main
» The cities’ two main shopping drags have something for everyone. Here are our faves.
LIVERMORE’S FIRST STREET
PLEASANTON’S MAIN STREET
for serial redecorators Main Street Designs » From colorful martini glasses to striped wingback armchairs, you’ll find something to love in every corner of this home decor heaven. Livermore, 449-8573, mainstreetdesigns.net.
for bibliophiles Towne Center Books » In addition to books, books, and more books, this shop hosts readings, book clubs, and writing workshops. Pleasanton, 846-8826, townecenterbooks.com.
for crafty types In Between Stitches » Thousands of bolts of fabric, attractive patterns, and classes on embroidery and folk art quilting will entice beginning and advanced quilters. Livermore, 371-7064, inbetweenstitches.com.
for pet lovers Murphy’s Paw » Fido will love you for the all-natural food and treats, luxe beds, colorful collars, and bejeweled dog tags you will find here. Pleasanton, 600-8925, murphyspaw.com.
for garden goddesses Outside In » From birdhouses to gnome sculptures to butterfly stationery, this gift shop lives up to its name, bringing the garden aesthetic into the home. Livermore, 606-6434, outsideinetc.com.
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for proud geeks Heroes and Villains » Get your Superman fix at this 25-year-old shop catering to all things comic book, including small press and independent comics. Pleasanton, 399-5352, heroesvillainscomics.com. for oenophiles Wine Steward » Everything from collectibles to under $10 options is available at the largest selection of specialty wines in the East Bay—as well as Thursday, Friday, and Saturday tastings. Pleasanton, 600-9463, thewinesteward.com.
LEEANNE JONES
for lovers of bling Caratti Jewelers » Find a sparkling selection of designer rings, bracelets, and watches, as well as custom designs. Livermore, 447-2381, carattijewelers.com.
»
Battle of the Retailers »
Livermore Premium Outlets vs. Stoneridge Shopping Center. Which one reigns supreme?
LIVERMORE PREMIUM OUTLETS
STONERIDGE SHOPPING CENTER
The numbers: 130 stores, 10 restaurants. Parking: Make sure the tunes in your car are good because you may do a few laps through the lot before finding a spot. Atmosphere: With semicovered walkways and music piped in through speakers in the planter boxes, the outlets are great for a slow stroll on a sunny day, but be prepared to sprint if it rains. The grub: Looking for inspired cuisine? Look elsewhere. Here, the cafeteria-style food court reigns. (Snacking on locally made Cornology popcorn is your best bet.) What you’ll find: Prada, Armani, and Barneys. With one of only six Prada outlet stores in the country, here’s where you can score the high-end looks for a fraction of the price. Also worth mentioning: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gap, J. Crew, and Kate Spade at a discount.
The numbers: 147 stores, 18 restaurants. Parking: No trouble finding a spot here, but on a busy day, you may get a short walk in along with your shopping. Try the upper lot by Sears, which usually has free spaces closer to the door. Atmosphere: This sprawling, two-story, all-indoor mall comes complete with squeaky marbled floors and escalators. Forgo the concrete benches, and drop into one of the upholstered armchairs in the seating areas. The grub: With three waitservice restaurants and 16 grab-and-go options, you’ll find what you’re craving here, including charred tri-tip, deli sandwiches on house-baked bread, and scoops of premium ice cream. Don’t forget to check out the Cheesecake Factory’s ample happy hour to unwind after a long day of shopping. What you’ll find: The usual department and brand-name stores, as well as a new twostory Forever 21. Take care of your gift-giving, electronic, kitchen, and home decor needs, and don’t miss any of the 11 kids’ stores.
▼
Winner It’s a tough call. While fashionistas can’t beat the likes of Prada on the cheap, Stoneridge has everything you need, from power tools to home decor, plus delectable dining options and ample parking. You win this round, Stoneridge.
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SHUTTERSTOCK
FACE-OFF
TOP TEN
»
Before You Leave… » Stop by these top shops for all your retail needs.
Alden Lane Nursery
Located in a grove of oak trees, this plant nursery offers garden-themed gifts and workshops for wannabe green thumbs. Livermore, 447-0280, aldenlane.com.
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Olde Towne Antiques Mall
Check out clothing, home decor, toys, and more at the East Bay’s largest antiques mall. Pleasanton, 484-2446, oldetowneantiquesmall.com.
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Comic book lovers and gamers alike will swoon over the selection of cards, bobbleheads, and Pez dispensers. Livermore, 449-5233.
Indulge in this chocolate shop’s environmentally responsible bonbons, truffles, and one-of-a-kind edible sculptures. Pleasanton, 4630226, nuubiachocolat.com.
Kids can play with specialty toys at this shop. It also offers fun and educational music lessons and activities. Livermore, 245-1035, cooleykatztoys.com.
Fantasy Books and Games
Nuubia Chocolat
Cooleykatz Toys
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For 20 years, this gift shop has sold handmade jewelry, cards, gifts from local artists, plus a large selection of toys. Pleasanton, 846-0155, berry patchpleasanton.com.
This whimsical home decor shop carries vintage and antique treasures, as well as original designs by local artists. Pleasanton, 485-1577, americanharvestinc.com.
This theater/dance supply store has shoes, makeup, and costumes for rent or purchase. Pleasanton, 4632140, encoreonstage.com.
This shop covers all of your crafting, scrap booking, cake decorating, and beading needs. Livermore, 447-0471, richardsartsandcrafts.com.
Alongside jewelry and custom framing, this gallery has a collection of original and limited edition pieces of fine art. Pleasanton, 846-4322, studiosevenarts.com.
Berry Patch
American Harvest
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Encore Theatrical Supply Co.
Richards Arts and Crafts
Studio Seven Arts
LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF ALDEN LANE NURSERY; SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY OF STUDIO SEVEN ARTS
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MEET
» Marissa RINGMAN /owner, prim
Fashion Forward »
I
It’s not every day that ownership of a well-loved clothing boutique is yours for the taking. But after spending a year as Prim’s retail buyer, Marissa Ringman was ready for the opportunity. As the new owner of the Pleasanton shop, she is expanding and turning her boutique into a gathering spot for the community. “The shop was amazing under [former owner Alicia Schaeffer.] That’s why I fell in love with it in the first place,” she says. “But it just needed a little extra love and what I keep calling ‘za za zu.’ ” To Ringman, “za za zu” means a more cohesive collection of clothing, curated under her vision of versatile, simple pieces, and a greater feeling of belonging for customers. “When customers walk in, I want them to feel at home,” says Ringman. “I live for my customers. They’re like family.” Her extra efforts show. Adorning the wall are a halfdozen drawings given to her by customers’ children, and
the Prim Facebook page now has 3,500 followers. Ringman also infuses the store with the same fresh, fun perspective she takes with her personal style. “My inspiration comes from Free People, Elizabeth and James, All Saints, and Alexander McQueen. My style is very Bohemian by day and more rocker chick by night. I’m not afraid to take risks,” she says. Look for lots of accessories on Ringman, too. “You can never have enough arm candy,” she exclaims. And Ringman’s “more is better” enthusiasm for accessorizing translates to the store. She hopes to carry more local and handcrafted goods, and is working on turning the shop’s backyard into a place for shows, pop-ups, private events, and a monthly first Friday style event. “I want this to be a space for the Pleasanton community,” she says, divulging her vision of food and libations, with sweethearts cuddling up to listen to a local band. “It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, but it’ll be brilliant.” Pleasanton, 399-5648, iloveprim.com. —Tessa Love
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Bio _ Hometown: Redwood City Years in Pleasanton: 2 Signature style: Frye cowboy boots that go with everything. Ideal weekend: Wine tasting in Livermore with friends.
NORMA CORDOVA; PHOTO ASSISTANT: CLAUDIA SOLIS; HAIR: RACHEL MCCLELLAND; MAKEUP: MACY OXSEN
Pleasanton fashionista envisions a boutique for the community.
Stats
9
Balls used in a game of bocce, played at Livermore’s Campo di Bocce.
42
Number of soccer, baseball, and football fields; basketball and sand volleyball courts; and skateboard tracks at the Pleasanton Sports Park.
90
Pairs of cowboy boots sold at Baughman’s each week.
507
Seats in Livermore’s Bankhead Theater.
12,553
SupAsana
SUPASANA/K ATE CARPENTER
Acres of regional parkland in Livermore and Pleasanton.
Rf
Recreation&Fun
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Locals don’t have to travel far to have fun. The area is rich in outstanding entertainment, with a handful of regional parks to hike, an active theater scene, and plenty of places to see and create art, experience live music, hit an Academy Awards party, go dancing, and enjoy a cocktail or two. You can even try a combined yoga and stand-up paddle-boarding class. Whatever you choose, get out there and have a blast!
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We have a seat waiting for you... POP ROCK DANCE HOLIDAY BLUES FAMILY WORLD BLUEGRASS
call 925.373.6800
click www.bankheadtheater.org
come by 2400 First Street / Downtown Livermore
»
We Heart the Arts »
MUSIC, FILM, AND MORE Livermore-Amador Symphony
» Fresh off its 50th anniversary, this symphony presents seasons of pops and classical concerts, plays in the pit for Valley Dance Theatre’s annual Nutcracker, and runs a competitive summer youth orchestra. 373-6800, livamsymph.org.
Where to see a show, catch an exhibit, and get some culture.
THEATER Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre
Don’t miss
ART Harrington Gallery
» Making its stage home at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater, this 30-year-old community troupe produces three popular musicals or plays each season, such as West Side Story and Oliver, as well as concerts by its Broadway Chorus. 462-2121, trivalleyrep.org.
» Inside Pleasanton’s new Firehouse Arts Center, this 2,000-square-foot gallery presents rotating exhibits of work from both local and national artists, plus art workshops and demonstrations. 931-4849, firehousearts. org/harrington-gallery.
Don’t miss
Don’t miss
For families
For crafty types
» Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre stages small productions year-round in Pleasanton (931-4848, pcrtprod uctions.org) while Livermore Shakespeare Festival performs classics among the vineyards each summer (443-2273, livermoreshakes.org).
» Roll out a picnic blanket for free Shakespeare in the Park at Amador Valley Community Park (415-5580888, sfshakes.org), or send your teen to improv camp with Creatures of Impulse (931-4848, firehousearts. org/programs/teen-programs).
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» Gallery and frame shop Studio Seven hosts art exhibits and trunk shows (846-4322, studiosevenarts. com), and the Livermore Art Association’s member gallery sells locally made paintings and pottery (4499927, livermoreartassociation.org).
» Take a figure-drawing class at Bothwell Arts Center (447-2787, mylvpac.com), or invite friends to paint pottery at Café Art (373-0222, ceramic-cafeart.com) or create mosaics at Art Glass Studio (447-1962, artglassstudio.weebly.com).
» Livermore Valley Opera stages two productions each year plus the annual Opera in the Vineyards (9609210, livermorevalleyopera.com), Vine Cinema shows indie and classic films—with food delivered to your seat (447-2545, vinecinema.com), and the Firehouse Arts Center runs a cabaret and comedy series (9314848, firehousearts.org).
For lifelong learners
» Geek out at Science and Engineering Seminar Series events hosted by the Livermore Lab and Las Positas College (424-1344, laspositascol lege.edu); or hear from actresses, authors, and adventurers at the Rae Dorough Speaker Series (3736100, mylvpac.com).
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF TRI-VALLEY REPERTORY THEATRE; FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER/DAVID WAKELY; HARRINGTON ART GALLERY/SUE EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY; LIVERMORE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL/KENNETH ALEXANDER
CULTURE
IN THE COUNTRY
»
Act Like a Cowboy
» Celebrate Livermore’s heritage by paying homage to the town’s Western culture. Here’s what you’ll need to pull off a day in the life of a cattleman.
» The oldest continuously operating business in Livermore, Baughman’s has been outfitting cowboys since 1881. Slip past the fiberglass horse guarding the entrance, and pick up a Stetson cowboy hat, bolo tie, or pair of cowboy boots from its extensive collection on the back wall. You’ll fit right in with the roping and wrangling crowd. Livermore, 447-5767, baughmans.com.
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Ride it
» Now that you’re outfitted in your best Western wear, it’s time to get into the saddle. Chaparral Corporation escorts groups of at least four on horseback trail rides through Sycamore Grove, a 774-acre park filled with open meadows, streams, and sycamore trees. Livermore, (408) 726-8453, chaparralcorp oration.com.
Watch it
» With bull riding, wild cow milking, and barrel racing, it doesn’t get more country than the Livermore Rodeo. Now in its 96th year, the annual June event attracts flocks of cowboys and the people who love watching them. Rope a ranch hand of your own during the pre-event mixer, then watch the action during competitive events. Livermore, 447-3008, livermorerodeo.org.
Drink it
» Sidle up to the bar at The Riata Diner and Tavern, and don’t even think about ordering anything with a sugar rim. This cowboy-themed spot, named for a type of rope used to handle livestock specializes in stiff drinks, and is known around town for the kick in its spicy Bloody Mary. An authentic, locals-only atmosphere doesn’t hurt its cowboy cred, either. Livermore, 294-9170, theriata.com.
BRIAN HAMILTON
Wear it
E C
CONSIGN . BUY . SELL . LOAN . PAWN Furniture, DĂŠcor, Collectibles, Fine Jewelry, Watches & other unique items
states o nsig nments
1500 Contra Costa Blvd .
Pleasant Hill .
(925) 682 -6800
.
www.EstatesConsignments.com
»
Staycation Swaps
» There’s no need to drive for miles to enjoy the great outdoors.
Instead of Tahoe Try: Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area » Fish your heart out! Trout and catfish are planted weekly at Shadow Cliffs’ lake, while anglers can try to take on bluegill or black bass. Pleasanton, (510) 544-3230, ebparks.org. Instead of Pebble Beach Try: The Course at Wente Vineyards » A Diablo Best of the East Bay winner, the Course at Wente caters to all golfing levels. Beginners can sign up for group workshops, clinics, or private instructions with PGA instructors. Livermore, 456-2477, wentevineyards.com. Instead of Big Sur Try: Del Valle Regional Park » With 150 campsites to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot. If you’re looking to upgrade, 21 of the family campground sites are equipped with water, sewage, and electrical hookups, and group camps offer space for 11 or more. Livermore, (888) 3272757, ebparks.org.
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Instead of Tahoe’s Rim Trail Try: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park » Bike or hike in this 5,271–acre parkland for gorgeous views of the Amador and Livermore valleys, and access to remote deep canyon streams. Pleasanton, 931-1335, ebparks.org. Instead of a Sedona yoga retreat Try: SupAsana » Spice up your yoga at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park’s BOGA SUP Yoga. Combining stand-up paddle boarding and yoga, the challenging classes allow you to get centered while lengthening and toning muscles. Pleasanton, 819-6770, bookwhen.com/ supasanaeastbay. Instead of hiking Yosemite Try: LARPD nature walks and talks » Almost every weekend, the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District hosts weekend ranger-led hikes. Every month features different nature programs, such as morning hikes, nighttime stargazing, and owl watching. Livermore, 373-5700, larpd.dst.ca.us.
COURTESY OF WENTE VINEYARDS
OUTDOORS
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MEET
» Samantha MOY / derby star, tri-valley roller girls
Make ’Em Holler
seemed like a natural jump. “I have always loved the excitement, the physical nature, the workout,” Moy says. “And getting to hit other girls.” The Tri-Valley Roller Girls, which began their first competitive season last summer, practice three times a week at Livermore’s Cabernet Indoor Sports and Pleasanton’s Val Vista park, depending on the season, led by coaches “Honey BasHer” and “RoDDD.” While the women are competitive, their goal is to create a sisterhood where all women feel they are equal and able to openly express themselves. And while Moy may enjoy hitting others, roller derby is more than just a place to take out aggression. “I love the girls, learning new things, and feeling like I’m doing good for my team. But my favorite thing about roller derby is definitely the confidence it gives me.” trivalleyrollergirls.com. —Elaina Martinez
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When you look at Livermore resident Samantha Moy, a business analyst for Hitachi and single mom, you don’t suspect she spends most of her nights smacking other women. But when she puts on her roller skates with the other members of the Tri-Valley Roller Girls, that’s exactly what she does. Three times a week, Moy transforms into “Holler Nuff,” a nickname nod to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and battles it out on the skating rink. She says, “Tom and Huck would scrap, and when one was ready to give up, he had to holler, ’Nuff! My goal is to get the other team members to holler, ’Nuff!” Moy, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, grew up roller-skating and skateboarding, so joining the team in 2011
Bio _ Age: 43 Number: 79 Favorite song to skate to: “Move B***h” by Ludacris. Hobbies outside of skating: Exercising, racing her KTM motorcycle, new adventures.
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NORMA CORDOVA; PHOTO ASSISTANT: CLAUDIA SOLIS; HAIR: ANA TERAN; MAKEUP: JAIME WILBERT
» A Livermore businesswoman moonlights as a hard-hitting roller derby girl.
BLUE AGAVE CLUB Celebrating 16 years in Pleasanton! A unique Mexican restaurant serving alta cocina, or high-end Mexican cuisine. Our award-winning margaritas and 200+Tequilas have become our signature! Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Private Back Patio Available for Special Events and Parties Blue Agave Club’s Awards: Top 100 Dining Patios Best Margaritas Best Mexican Food Best Outdoor Dining
Voted Top 100 Patios in the U.S. 6 2 5 M A I N S T R E E T, P L E A S A N T O N
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(925) 417-1224
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WWW.BLUEAGAVECLUB.COM
DISTINCT PLACES ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION SIGNATURE DESIGN
WWW.DAHLINGROUP.COM
Stats
3
Pioneering wine families: Concannon, Wente, and Wetmore.
24
Age of the youngest winemaker to win a 90-point award, Collin Cranor of Nottingham Cellars.
50
Wineries in the Livermore Valley AVA.
900
Weddings a year.
500,000
SHUTTERSTOCK
Estimated number of annual visitors.
wV Wine&Vine
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The Livermore Valley is one of California’s oldest wine growing areas. Napa and Sonoma may get a lot of buzz, but with new wine bars, swanky wineries, and a cozy spa hotel, Livermore a wine region on the rise. Horses still dot the landscape, and we simply dare you to visit without glimpsing a storybook wedding among the vineyards. Here’s to Livermore, the delicious wine country in your own backyard.
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HISTORY
»
Juicy Fruit Families
» Livermore’s pioneering wine-making families, Wente and Concannon, at a glance.
CONCANNON 1995 and 1997 — Named Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits magazine. 56 —Number of wines available by the glass at Concannon’s cabana-culture Underdog Wine Bar. 70 —Cost in dollars of a bottle of the highestpriced wine, the 2000 Heritage Petite Sirah Reserve.
WENTE 2011 —Named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. 350–400 —Number of wines on the wine list at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. 80 —Cost in dollars of a bottle of the highestpriced wine: Nth Degree 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. 1 —Wine line produced with The Food Network, called Entwine.
3,000 —Estate acres in cultivation by Wente (75 percent of the 4,000 acres of grapes in Livermore Valley.) 70 —Percentage of California chardonnay vines traced to the original Wente clone, the most widely planted chardonnay clone in California. Last year was the 100th anniversary of the Wente chardonnay clone. 8 —Summer concerts in the 2013 lineup, including Styx and Chicago.
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240 —Estate acres in cultivation in Livermore Valley. 70 —Percentage of California cabernet sauvignon vines traced to original Concannon seven, eight, and 11 clones, California’s most widely planted cabernets. 236 —Nostalgia items, including White House menus from when Concannon wine was served, on the memorabilia wall.
70 —Number of countries Wente exports to.
392,170 —Total cases of Concannon Vineyards—of 62 million cases for The Wine Group.
700,000 —Number of cases from all Wente brands (500,000 of Wente Vineyards).
48 —Number of wine spigots in Underdog Wine Bar’s sleek Enomatic machine.
150 —Number of happy, wine-swilling cows grazing on Wente hillsides; 12 are used in the restaurant each year.
125,000 —Visitors in 2012 to the Concannon Estate. Priceless —The experience of playing Frisbee on the Concannon lawn.
TOP TO BOTTOM: COURTESY OF WENTE; COURTESY OF CONCANNON
The backbone of the Livermore wine industry since 1883, these two winemaking families have dominated the, uh, growing field for the past 130 years. While Wente is still entirely family owned, Concannon has been sold to some big boys (The Wine Group) to grow the business. How do they measure up?
TOP TEN
»
Before You Leave . . .
» Visit these wineries for tastings and to restock your cellar.
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The tasting room pours all five tiers of Concannon wines while Underdog Wine Bar serves flights from all over the world. 456-2505, concannonvineyard.com.
This charming winery is a great place for a picnic or a stroll down wine history lane. Taste its 2007 Conjugation. 447-5246, fenestra winery.com.
Local artist and winemaker Darcie Kent and her husband, David, purchased this winery for their new brand. Look for an art gallery and tasting bar. 243-9040.
McGrail rocked the wine world with its recent award of Best Red at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. 215-0717, mcgrailvineyards.com.
Named for its artesian well, this winery offers a taste of old-world Livermore with white and red blends like The Whip and The Spur. 456-2395, murrietaswell.com.
Fenestra Winery
Darcie Kent Vineyards
McGrail Winery
Murrieta’s Well
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This 35-year-old winery’s Sauvignon Blanc has turned heads, proving that Livermore can grow some truly awesome whites. 456-7676, pagemillwinery.com.
Katz, a longtime Livermore winemaker, earned three gold medals at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. 454-9463, mitchellkatzwinery.com.
This winery in Pleasanton features Italian marble flooring and an enormous tasting bar. 484-1699, rubinoestateswinery.com.
The picturesque historic building and award-winning Quest Reserve are noteworthy. 373-6541, thomas coynewinery.com.
The original tasting room is centrally located, but for a fresh experience, the new tasting room, cave, and garden tour are tops. 456-2400, wentevineyards.com.
Page Mill Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
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Rubino Estates Winery
Thomas Coyne Winery
Wente Family Estates
LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF TRI-VALLEY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU; CINDY CHEW; COURTESY OF WENTE VINEYARDS
Concannon Vineyard
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MEET
» Chris GRAVES / winemaker/partner, ruby hill winery
Living the Dream
S
Sometimes, nice guys finish first—at least in the case of Livermore Valley winemaker Chris Graves. Not only did his wines recently sweep this year’s prestigious Tri-Valley Conservancy’s Uncorked competition, he is now the co-owner of Rubino Estates Winery, an Italianthemed winery on Pleasanton’s Vineyard Avenue. While in school, Graves worked as an intern at Wente Vineyards. After finishing his enology degree at UC Davis in 2004, Graves was promoted to assistant winemaker. Soon after, a job quickly surfaced at Tamás Estates (a Wente secondary label), and he began making the lush, fruit-forward Cal-Ital wines—Sangioveses, Barberas, and Pinot Grigios— he’s become famous for. “When I first caught the wine bug,
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Bio _ Age: 33 Lives in: Pleasanton Years in the valley: 9 Number of awards: Too many to keep track
Cal-Ital wines were the ones I loved best,” says Graves. In 2007, Graves got an offer he couldn’t refuse: the position of winemaker at Livermore Valley’s historic Ruby Hill Winery. The offer came with a farmhouse where he and his wife and kids could live. “At first glance, I knew Livermore was positioned to take off.” At Ruby Hill, Graves was happily put in charge of overseeing 150 acres of estate grapes and producing small lots. “We have 28 different stock-keeping units at Ruby Hill and 27 at Rubino, for 12,000 cases. I like the variety. The chance to produce high quality. I never want to grow bigger than 50,000 cases.” With plans of launching Rubino, last year Graves grafted over a few acres of Italian Nebbiolo and Trebbiano vines, in addition to the estate Sangiovese and Barbera that he already grows. “I’ve never been to Italy, but I know a thing or two about Italian varietals,” he says with a grin. While his award-winning Petite Sirahs and Cabernets will stay with the Ruby Hill Winery brand, the Italianthemed Rubino Estates will be dominated by Cal-Ital varietals. That is just fine with Graves. And very good news for Livermore Valley. —Sara Hare
JOE BUDD
» Cal-Ital winemaker Chris Graves shares his skills and passions with the Tri-Valley.
DINING LISTINGS L I V E R M OR E Campo di Bocce 175 E. Vineyard
Ave., 249-9800, campodibocce. com. On the outskirts of town, Campo di Bocce can evoke a Tuscan retreat, where osso bucco and grilled halibut grace romantic fireside nooks. But the cavernous indoor/outdoor space—it seats 270—is family friendly: Reserve a bocce court (where bowling meets croquet), order a plate of lamb lollipops (mint- and garlic-marinated lamb chops with spinach and balsamic syrup) and a pepperoni pizza—or a Margherita and margaritas—and see if you finally can beat the kids at a game. It’s a stadium restaurant that sports a big bar, a bigger Livermore-friendly wine list, and an ingredient-driven menu that emphasizes rustic over refined. It may get loud here, but it can also get fun. 2 3 4 5 $$$
Casa Orozco 325 S. L St., 449-3045, casaorozco.com. The family-owned and -operated Casa Orozco restaurants in the Tri-Valley are all about comfort food in a loud, fiesta atmosphere, and the menu includes all the Mexican standards: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, flautas, and chimichangas. Entrées, accompanied by rice and refried beans and smothered in cheese, are fresh and filling, but not particularly innovative. That doesn’t seem to dissuade loyal fans, who will wait hours—yes, hours—for a table on Friday and Saturday nights. Originally opened in 1986,
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the Livermore Casa Orozco was completely rebuilt in 2005 to meet demand. The new space resembles a hacienda, with a large dining room, bar, and shaded patio: Opt for the latter on a warm afternoon with an appetizer of cool, housemade guacamole. Also in Dublin. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 3 4 $$
Casbah Mediterranean Kitchen 1770 First St., 243-1477,
casbahexotic.com. Casbah is one restaurant where you might want to start with dessert. The rockin’ baklava and ice cream, with flavors like pistachio and date, is the perfect ending (or beginning) to a meal at one of Livermore’s most authentic Middle Eastern eateries. Located on the quiet end of First Street, this new Mediterranean kitchen churns out classic dishes, including shish kebabs, gyros, falafel, and a host of other innovative home-style specialties. Try the Caspian salmon smothered in cumin and tarragon, or the fesenjan chicken, sautéed breast meat with pomegranate sauce and crushed walnuts. And you can’t go wrong with the ever-popular kebabs: the Persian (koobideh) features spices so interesting, you’ll be transported to another continent. Vegetarian and vegan offerings of eggplant and soy meatballs round out a very interesting menu. Lunch and dinner daily. 1 3 $$
Castle Rock Restaurant 1848
Portola Ave., 456-7100, livermore castlerock.com. Castle Rock Restaurant is set in a historic building that was once part of Joaquin Murrieta’s estate. In early 2001, the building was reinvented as an upscale steak house. Prime rib, New York steaks, T-bones, and rib eyes are the menu’s main attractions,
along with the Castle rack—a full rack of lamb marinated and then grilled, and served with a baked apple. The filet mignon and salmon version of surf and turf was strong on the turf—with its juicy, tender filet cooked to exact mediumrare doneness—but a little dry on the surf, despite a sweet glaze. An extensive wine list combines some nice Livermore Valley selections with other California wines. The restaurant’s brick and stone masonry, which dates back to the 1870s, is elegant—particularly in the fireplace room—but the furnishings don’t quite measure up. On warm evenings, the outdoor patio is also very pleasant. Dinner daily.
2 3 4 $$$
Demitri’s Taverna 2235 First
St., 373-0306. Homey and real are hard to come by in this area when it comes to Greek food, but the rice- and beef-stuffed dolmades at Demitri’s Taverna are that, not to mention fresh, tender, and beautifully seasoned. The tangy avgolemono sauce puts them in the food of the gods category. At Demitri’s, a warm, remodeled space in downtown Livermore, meals start with heated pita bread and a garlicky spread called skordalia. Village salad offers big chunks of tomato and cuke, and bits of green pepper and red onion. Top-quality kalamatas and briny Feta provide a salty counterpoint to the colorful veggies, although a bit more vinegar would brighten the flavors a bit.
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 advertising or other consideration in exchange for a listing. If your experience 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, go to diablomag. com. All area codes are 925 unless otherwise noted.
KEY TO SYMBOLS $ Cheap ($10 or less per dinner entrée) $$ Inexpensive ($11–$17) $$$ Moderate ($18–$24) $$$$ Expensive (more than $25)
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Wine and beer Full bar Outdoor dining Private room or parties of 50 or more Late-night dining (service after 10 p.m.)
A Mediterranean burger brings the flavors of Greece—oregano, Feta, tomato, and grilled red onion—into each juicy bite. Stay for the bread pudding if you like an old-school, raisin- and cinnamon-rich version.
2 3 $$$
Double Barrel Wine Bar
2086 First St., 243-9463, doublebarrel winebar.com. Dish after delicious dish complements a California and international wine list at this decidedly grown-up Livermore hangout. A convivial spirit reigns within the intimate lounge, filled with long communal tables, and a cozy—often crowded—backyard patio pulses with live music. The spicy atmosphere, along with the selection of seasonal Latin and French tapas, calls for crisp and lush wines. (Find a favorite among the flights of worldly whites and reds.) Plump paellas, chorizo-flecked quesadillas, bacon-wrapped dates, and deadly sweet potato fries are rich and satiating. Most glasses and small plates run in the $10 range, but you can blow a paycheck if you start in on Double Barrel’s Cellar Reserve wine list. Lunch Sat.–Sun., dinner Tues.–Sun. 1 3 4 5 $$
El Sacromonte
2062 First St., 371-1173, elsacromonte-usa.com. Prepare to be wowed: The colors and flavors at El Sacromonte excite like a bursting piñata. Psychedelic ornamentation from the artisanrich city of Tonala, Mexico, dangles overhead, and beet-dyed onions and veggie roses sweeten most every plate. The dazzling Mexican-
inspired cuisine, with its fruity moles and exotic sauces, is both upscale and oh-so abundant; finishing a meal of zesty mango ceviche and meltingly tender pork shank is a feat reserved for the ridiculously rotund (as playfully pictured on the wall). It’s a bit of a stretch to market the menu as “passed down from the loving grandmothers,” but with El Sacromonte’s formidable bar and professional service, indulgence is definitely part of the equation. Lunch Tues.–Sun., dinner daily.
2 3 4 $$$
First Street Alehouse 2106 First St., 371-6588, firststreetalehouse. com. This popular beer and burger joint’s major expansion has finally brought Livermore’s downtown dining scene to the tipping point. All it took was friendly service, good value, and a comfortable place to kick back and relax (a revealing lesson for the fancier flops First Street has seen recently). Share a giant basket of onion rings—and a local pint or two—on the sunny patio, and call it lunch. Or stay cool in the expansive brewpub, where you’re bound to find a burger, salad, or grilled chicken sandwich with your name on it. The food’s not fancy, but you can’t match the Alehouse’s indulgent yet unpretentious vibe. Every meal here ends with a Tootsie Pop. Breakfast Sat.–Sun., lunch and dinner daily. 1345$
Lanna Thai 2270 Las Positas
Rd., 443-1101, lannathailivermore. com. Prakin Gamble purchased 400 pounds of tiny chiles before opening Lanna Thai, a smart, simple restaurant with antique paintings and artwork. Gamble dries and freezes the fiery Thai peppers at their peak, and infuses
them into sauces and curries. But she completely ran out before her one-year anniversary in October 2010. To celebrate the occasion, Gamble bought another 1,000 pounds of Thai chiles in anticipation of a banner year and added specials that reflect her southern Thai heritage, including a noodle salad with peanuts, cilantro, and lemongrass. Sprinkle a little dried chile on the sweet and sticky pad Thai; otherwise, see if you can handle the chiles in the fish sauce. If you’re brave (and I mean brave), order Gamble’s extra-spicy housemade curry. The mango salad and coconut soup are particularly good if you’re not into meat or heat. Lunch and dinner daily. 15 $$
The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards 5050 Arroyo Rd.,
456-2450, wentevineyards.com. A commitment to a seasonal menu that emphasizes local ingredients keeps things happening at this grand old country club of a restaurant in Livermore’s wine country; Matt Greco, who brings fine-dining experience from New York City, is the latest executive chef to take the helm. The restaurant’s inspirational fare still changes nightly: Standout dishes include such delights as heirloom tomato soup with charred balsamic and grilled local calamari with fingerling potatoes, tomato confit, and black olive tapenade. The lemony-garlicky Caesar salad features hearts of romaine, served with a judicious sprinkle of smoked paprika. Meanwhile, Wente’s famous
smoked pork chop never fails to satisfy. Overall, service is impeccable. While you’re here, enjoy the restaurant’s gorgeous wine-country setting. An ever-evolving list of more than 500 wines includes some excellent Livermore selections along with other can’t-miss California choices. Lunch Mon.– Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun.
2 3 4 $$$$
Sauced BBQ & Spirits 2300 First St., Ste. 120, 961-1300, saucedbbqandspirits.com. Stacks of wood, banks of TVs, rows of butcher-papered tables—and the alluring smell of smoke—create a warm feeling at this family-owned barbecue joint. The food was mixed on our three visits, but the ribs, smoked half chicken, and burgers were all tasty. From the lengthy choice of sides, we liked the baked beans and corn bread best. If you crave pulled pork, get the creamy pork-stuffed peppers, rather than the sandwich, which can be lackluster on its own (having it topped with the optional cole slaw helps). Add one of the quartet of tableside BBQ sauces to any of the meats for a winning dish. Also try mixing up your own sauce blend to achieve a personalized balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. And think about ordering a sprightly green salad to start. It just might make you feel virtuous enough to indulge in our servers’ “favorite thing on the menu”—a plate of fried Oreos. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 3 45 $$ Simply Fondue 2300 First St., 443-6638, simplyfonduelivermore. com. There’s nothing simple about Simply Fondue. The average table time is two hours, reservations are strongly recommended, and the experience is as much spectacle as
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DINING LISTINGS meal. The four-course dinner for two ($88 before tip, tax, and drinks) starts with a light salad prechilled and straight from the fridge, followed by generous samplings of cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue. Servers cook the fondue on stove tops built into each table, mixing white wine and Emmentaler before your eyes. Flavor combinations go wild here, as in ahi tuna or jerk chicken dunked into sangriainfused broth. The multicourse meal will have you dipping cake and fruit into the chocolate fondue spiked with your choice of Grand Marnier, Kahlúa and Heath Bar, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Dinner daily, brunch Sun. 2 4 5 $$$$
Terra Mia 4040 East Ave., 456-3333, terramialivermore.com. A soaring brick fireplace, gleaming open kitchen, and warm, professional service impart an intimate feel to the cavernous dining room. The Calabrian owners have built on this soulful aesthetic with madefrom-scratch bread, pastas, and thin-crust pizzas. They get all the basics right: The fish is fresh, and the meats are clean—seasoned well and served with simple sides and an honest flair. Try the ricotta-stuffed ravioli Anna or herb-grilled lamb chops; they capture this menu’s extraordinary simplicity. Tucked into one of Livermore’s older neighborhoods, Terra Mia promotes the valley’s local wines and offers a full bar, house-made desserts, and real espresso. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. 2 3 4 $$ Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard
39 S. Livermore Ave., 449-7000, uncleyuatthevineyard.com. Uncle Yu’s has brought Chinese food to Livermore wine country with the opening of Uncle Yu’s at the
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Vineyard. It’s a surprising concept, especially for us Chinese food– lovers who have one hand wrapped firmly around a Tsingtao. But not for Uncle Yu’s, where sommelier Nicholas Liang has been advocating Sino-vino pairings at the Lafayette and San Ramon restaurants since the start. So enjoy a lovely Alsatian white while you check out the spinach dumplings—soft noodlelike wrappers exploding with screamingly fresh spinach, shrimp, and chicken. Or, try the crisp-roasted free-range chicken, with its intriguing ginger, five-spice, and red chile– flecked sweet sauce. Desserts are imported from France and Italy, and will have you asking why sorbets and chocolate made here often aren’t as good. Service is friendly and efficient. Lunch and dinner daily. Also in Lafayette and San Ramon. 2 3 $$
Zephyr Grill & Bar 1736 First St., 961-1000, zephyrgrill.com. Zephyr’s all-day menu lists some 26 main courses—40 when you include salads and sandwiches. Check your mood, and choose potato-wrapped halibut (faux fancy but fine) or a reasonable mac and cheese. While descriptions tend to promise more than they deliver, there are some hidden deals, as in a sashimi appetizer with inch-thick slabs of seared tuna, and a lemon cheesecake that, while huge, says finesse, not factory. Tall, window-side booths can feel intimate or claustrophobic,
depending on the company, so hang close to the bar if you want to sense the scene. Either way, choose a Wednesday, when bottles of Livermore wine are half off. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 3 45 $$$
PL E A SA N T ON Alberto’s Cantina 435 Main St.,
462-2316, albertoscantinapleas anton.com. Families and sports fans flock to this downtown Mexican restaurant and bar, which makes up in comfort eats what it may lack in authenticity. Generously portioned entrées hit the spot—such as Dana’s mini burrito, which is anything but small, stuffed with rice, beans, meat, veggies, and cheese, and topped off with enchilada sauce, guac, and sour cream. A fresh filet of red snapper comes with four preparation options, including the muy caliente Diablo-style, with tomatoes, garlic, and chile de árbol. Unfortunately, the carnitas, labeled “Alberto’s Favorite,” were disappointingly dry. The restaurant has plenty of quirks, such as “market price” guacamole and street vendors who are allowed to roam the tables, hawking roses and balloon art. The large covered patio out front is heaven on nice evenings, and the bar boasts widescreen televisions and 260 tequilas. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun.
2 3 4 $$
Baci Bistro and Bar 500 Main St., 600-0600, bacibistroand bar.com. This corner café, with its high ceilings, large windows, and dark wood furniture, is a pleasant spot for lunch on a sunny day. Italian-American fare and standard California cuisine, such as field greens topped with Gorgonzola and
walnuts, make up the menu. On our visit, the Caesar salad had a satisfying crunch and a zippy dressing sparked by cracked black pepper, which our waiter ground table side with a foot-long pepper mill. The quantity of an entrée of linguini carbonara with mushrooms could easily provide four traditional Italian servings of pasta, and we found the dish heavily sauced. Still we enjoyed its rich flavors and al dente noodles. Bold domestic wines, such as La Crema Chardonnay, balance the hearty fare. Lunch and dinner daily.
1 3 4 $$$
Barone’s 475 St. John St.,
426-0987, baronespleasanton.com. Around the corner from the hustle of Main Street, its burbling fountain marking time, Barone’s makes one long for an old-fashioned shrimp cocktail or veal parmigiana. (Oh, and could I take a look at the dessert tray?) This dinner house’s elegant, well-loved dining room is staffed by smooth, smartly dressed servers. Its busy bar offers live music on the weekends. And, on summer Thursdays, the 500-seat outdoor patio becomes Tri-Valley headquarters for drinking, dining, and dancing. Barone’s menu pays homage to Continental cuisine with souped-up American and Italian fare. Start with scoozi (Gorgonzolastuffed flatbread), smoked salmon, or the prosciutto salad, followed up with house-made ravioli, swordfish, or pepper steak. The upscale wine list favors California heavyweights. Dinner daily. 2 3 4 $$$$
Blue Agave Club 625 Main St., 417-1224, blueagaveclub.com. You have to hand it to Blue Agave for keeping it real. What other Mexican restaurant in this area has so consistently provided genuine Mexican delicacies such as earthy cuitlacoche “truffles” on plump, succulent shrimp, and chicken enjococado, a tender chicken breast baked in a sour cream sauce? Even sangrita, the Mexican version of V8, is available to accompany a tequila aperitif. A gorgeously grilled skirt steak stars in a platter that includes chicken mole of several subtle layers of sweetness and spice, chile relleno, grilled green onion, and guacamole. Accompanying black beans couldn’t be more savory, but the rice was mushy. Calamari came dredged in an interesting, mild chipotle seasoning, but the seafood was rubbery. Tequila sauce shone on a rustic flan, and the chocolate ice cream was satisfyingly deep and dark. The outdoor patio is heaven. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 3 4 $$$ Chianti’s Ristorante 436 Main St., 484-3877, chiantis ristorante.com. Chianti’s is a date place. Dazzling desserts (check out the halved mini pineapple with sorbet) and precious appetizers, such as the artfully arranged smoked salmon or the shrimp and scallops served in an emeraldgreen basil pesto sauce, are served by a somber, not-quite-stuffy staff. Beautifully arranged plates inspire amorous appetites in the cozy dining room. Entrées of veal scallopini or fresh halibut float on tangles of angel hair pasta soaked in a buttery piccata-style sauce. The menu is huge—too big, really. With so many Italian restaurants within a block, Chianti’s might do better
stressing a few romantic, housemade dishes. The wine list, with tempting by-the-glass options from Chianti and the Livermore Valley, seduces like perfume. Lunch and dinner daily. 1 3 $$
Eddie Papa’s American Hangout 4889 Hopyard Rd.,
469-6266, eddiepapas.com. Not too hip, not too cool, this affordable American hangout hits just the right notes with its warm, welcoming service and dishes born in the U.S.A. The family-friendly menu is as long as a cross-country road trip, but—spiked with historical tidbits and a full page of classic cocktails— it’s worth the ride. Enjoy jambalaya, a Reuben, or boneless Southern fried chicken (complete with lumpy mashed potatoes) in a spacious, skylit dining room cozily ringed with booths and folksy black-and-white photos. Steamed lemon cake or a treat from the ice-cream fountain are worth a splurge, but remember, a shock of spun sugar comes with the check. Cotton candy with cloth napkins pretty much sums up the Eddie Papa’s experience. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.–Sun.
2 3 4 $$
Faz Restaurant and Catering
5121 Hopyard Rd., 460-0444, fazrestaurants.com. Faz Poursohi’s success with Mediterranean food in the Bay Area may be unmatched. In this Pleasanton venture, he has added American favorites to his well-known Italian and Middle Eastern specialties. Mesquite-grilled hamburgers and a 12-ounce New
York steak are solid choices, as are the various kebabs. Try the brick oven–roasted half-chicken served with buttermilk mashed potatoes. And what could be more American than an iceberg lettuce salad with blue cheese? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; brunch Sun. Also in Danville. 2 3 4 $$
Fontina Ristorante 349 Main St., Ste. 150, 462-9299, fontinas. com. Fontina’s menu spans the spectrum of Italian favorites: spaghetti puttanesca, veal scaloppine, linguine vongole. Dinners start with crusty sourdough and spicy balsamic dipping sauce. Mushroom ravioli is a rich, flavorful concoction—soft, tender pasta enclosing shiitake mushrooms and served in a plain brown-butter sauce. Desserts are tempting, particularly a velvet chocolate cake. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 4 $$$ Forno Vecchio 680 Main St.,
425-0099, fornovecchio.com. The recipes may be ancient (forno vecchio means “old oven”), but twentysomething chef-owner Nicole Skillings, a California Culinary Academy graduate and the former head pastry chef at Garibaldis in San Francisco, brings a youthful energy to her Main Street eatery. Start with a cone of truffled fries, and move on to one of Skillings’ soups or gnocchi osso buco. Better yet, see her pastry skills at work in the delicate salmon baked in a buttery crust. All the desserts we ordered were gorgeous, but the budino (a warm chocolate cake) was the standout. The interior’s pillars and Romanesque sconces set a courtly tone, yet there’s no need for designer Italian duds: It’s a casual affair. Lunch Tues.–Sat., dinner Tues.–Sun. 1 3 $$
Gay Nineties Pizza Co. 288 Main St., 846-2520, gayninetiespizza. com. Always hopping with birthday parties and post-soccer-game festivities, this Main Street pizzeria and pasta house is the quintessential family restaurant. The secret of Gay Nineties’ signature pizzas is the bread—the housemade sourdough is aged and cold stored for five to seven days before cooking. The oldest pizza parlor in the Tri-Valley, the mainstay’s atmosphere is cozy and unique—a far cry from the ubiquitous pizza chains sprinkled throughout suburbia like so much pepperoni. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Hap’s Original 122 W. Neal
St., 600-9200, hapsoriginal.com. Spotted easily from Main Street by its neon horse-and-cocktail sign, Hap’s steak house has been around since the 1950s and retains an old-fashioned, neighborhood charm, with friendly service and a cozy dining room. Complimentary crudités and Hap’s namesake salad topped with walnuts, Gorgonzola, and honey-chili vinaigrette made for refreshing starters—but the New England lump crab cakes were chewy and bland. The filet mignon with brandy peppercorn sauce (one of five sauce choices for all steaks) was tender and juicy—and when paired with a seasonal side dish of grilled artichokes with whole-grain dijon mustard aioli dip, it was, well, bliss. Crème brûlée topped with chocolate sauce made for a sweet but ho-hum finish. Next time, we’ll skip dessert for another steak. Dinner daily. 2 4 $$$$
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DINING LISTINGS Lokanta
443 Main St., 223-8074, eatlokanta.com. A Turkish word meaning “neighborhood bistro,” Lokanta is at once exotic and familiar. This lively interplay between rustic and sophisticated is clear in the front dining room—where black granite tables meet whitewashed brick walls, and a clean open kitchen dishes up bean and barley salads, along with vodka-spiked salmon and skewered hanger steak. The skylit back dining room, however, makes for some of the best summer dining in the East Bay. Sit at the bar, or grab a pillow and a banquette table, and order grilled scallops, heavenly lamb shish kebab, and a glass of (Turkish) wine. It’s leisurely dining, so stretch it out with mascarpone-stuffed apricots and crunchy baklava. Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch.
1 3 4 $$$
Nonni’s Bistro 425 Main St.,
600-0411, nonnisbistro.net. After 15 years in Carmel running Bistro 211, Jon Magnusson has brought the silky, cold-smoked salmon he’s famous for to the Tri-Valley. Born in Iceland, Magnusson borrows freely from Italian, French, and American traditions, specializing in comfort foods with just a touch of California froufrou. Check out Nonni’s warm goat cheese crepes, capery bistro steak salad, and, of course, anything with smoky lox, made with sustainable Loch Duart salmon from Scotland. Attentive service, unpretentious plates, and a family-friendly spirit make Nonni’s—
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that’s Icelandic for “Jon’s”—a Main Street contender, although a lack of care in the kitchen (oily gnocchi, thin beef Stroganoff) showed in the opening weeks. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.–Sun. 1 3 45 $$$
Oasis Grille and Wine Lounge
780 Main St., 417-8438, oasisgrille. com. As this stylish Mediterranean restaurant expands into a neighboring space and adds a wine bar, the quality of the food holds up admirably. Check out the pumpkin borani appetizer, its dense orange flesh sautéed in olive oil, its sweetness set off by a garlic-yogurt sauce. Another starter, the hummus, is not of the ultracreamy variety but is wholesome, lemony, and balanced. The lamb chop kebab features tender, juicy meat that has had just the right brush with the grill. The chicken breast curry with peppers is a deeply satisfying mix of vivid flavors served over basmati rice, with a gorgeous aroma verging on cinnamon. The frosty milk pudding topped with rosewater and ground pistachios is creamy and delicate. Servers are competent and friendly. Lunch and dinner daily. 2 3 4 $$$
Pastas Trattoria 405 Main
St., 417-2222, pastastrattoria pleasanton.com. As the name implies, Pastas’ best dishes are, well, you get it. Here, pasta is flavorful and innovative yet has the comforting, not-too-rich taste of good home cooking. Hearty portions, like the plateful of the popular rigatoni napoletana (chicken, spinach, basil, garlic, and marinara with cream added), are hard to finish— especially after you’ve polished off bread sticks and bruschetta and a mista salad (spring mix,
Gorgonzola, and pecans tossed in vinaigrette). The restaurant is well known for its tiramisu, so if you’re in the mood for rich mascarpone cheese, you might want to hold back on the appetizers and send some of your entrée back to the kitchen for doggie bagging. Cozy patio dining is available for two, and the spacious, contemporary dining room can accommodate large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Also in Livermore. 2 3 4 $$
Redcoats British Pub & Restaurant 336 Saint Mary St.,
462-6600, redcoatspub.com. Redcoats British Pub stays true to its name with classic dishes from across the pond, such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and lager and lime, balanced out with California-style entrée salads and fried vegetable appetizers. Redcoats excels in the potato department, particularly with the bubble and squeak starter, a British hash brown dish of not-toosmooshed potatoes, cabbage, and peas served with a drizzle of horseradish sauce. Chipotle fries (another California twist) come smothered in an authentic spicy sauce, and the lamb hot pot—a delectable gravybased stew spiked with cinnamon— is topped with a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. The American side wins out in the dessert contest, with the moist apple crumble and rich chocolate chunk brownie leaving the dry bread pudding in the dust. Lunch and dinner daily.
2 3 45 $$
Sozo Sushi 2835 Hopyard Rd.,
484-5588, sozosushi.com. Sozo means creative in Japanese, and this neighborhood sushi bar in Pleasanton lives up to the name. There’s always a buzz in the dining
room, which is populated by regulars and decorated with a whimsical variety of lamps—red cylinders above the bar, round bamboo lanterns by the window, and square and oval ones on the wall. Sure, you could order the classics here: unagi (barbecued eel) or spicy tuna hand rolls. But why, when the menu boasts 30 “creative maki” rolls? Options range from the Marilyn Monroll—with shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, and a creamy sauce—to the Three Amigos—tuna, salmon, and hamachi paired with cucumber and avocado, and topped with a spicy sauce—to the Monterey—a mix of shrimp and jalapeños. Lunch and dinner daily. 1 3 4 $$
Stacey’s Café 310 Main St., 461-3113, eatatstaceys.com. With a fresh, contemporary vibe, Stacey’s dining room achieves that rare balance of relaxed and sophisticated. Now in its second decade, this café co-owned by Dilbert creator Scott Adams still presents menus containing puerile puns— “salmon chanting evenings”—in Comic Sans font, but perhaps it’s time to take the starch out of California cuisine. So just try to poke fun at Stacey’s dazzling ahi poke. Or, go ahead, complain about the crispy crab cakes. It will be hard to take you seriously. The kitchen executes demanding dishes, such as risotto, with flair. Choose the warm bar, the party room, or one of the heated patios; just be neither aloof nor cold (unless you want some killer gelato from The Latest Scoop gelateria). Lunch and dinner daily.
2 3 4 $$$
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