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SHADELANDS TRANSFORMATION Business Park Evolves into Community Hub NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT Historic Almond-Shuey
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DESIGN CAPITAL COOL Sacramento Emerges as Hip Destination
ISSUE
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO CALIFORNIA'S RESTAURANT INDUSTRY Local Owners Weigh In CONQUERING JANE DOE: KRISTEN LEWIS CUNNANE SHARES HER EMPOWERING STORY
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RENAISSANCE OF A BUSINESS PARK Slowly but surely, Shadelands is becoming a community hub for hipsters, seniors, business and health professionals, students, artists, dancers, gardeners, and athletes.
STEPS AWAY FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT.
WALNUT CREEK'S PREMIER ACTIVE SENIOR COMMUNITY INTRODUCING OUR NEW VITALITY PROGRAM! The Heritage Downtown has partnered with sports specialist Nancy Rolnik MD and Live2B Healthy fitness trainers to keep our residents healthy and active with cutting-edge technology, daily onsite customized fitness classes, and farm-to-table meals at our onsite restaurant Newton’s.
Learn more about our commitment to healthy, active senior living. Schedule a tour today.
Call for a Complimentary Dinner, Fitness Class, or Lesher Event ticket.
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SPRING 2019
13 TALK OF THE TOWN
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Former Cal swim coach and Walnut Creek resident Kristen Lewis Cunnane shares her inspiring story. A look at new businesses opening in town. Meet the hosts of Walnut Creek’s award-winning cable tv show. Changes Salon stays ahead of the curve for 35 years. American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop gets a makeover.
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ON THE HORIZON Downtown development soars to new heights. Here are ten projects to keep an eye on.
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CAPITAL COOL After major revitalization, Sacramento's food and entertainment scene is drawing crowds.
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WHERE & WHEN A curated guide to Bay Area events, performances, concerts, museum exhibits, festivals, and much more.
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NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT Despite its location on the edge of the city, historic Almond-Shuey is a haven for comfort and community.
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EAT + DRINK Rising costs, cultural shifts, and labor challenges are reshaping California’s restaurant industry. Local restauranteurs weigh in. Despite the shifting market, more eateries continue to open. Plus, big salads, the best places to pile on a heaping plate of greens, chef recipes, and more.
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DINING GUIDE A definitive resource to the top spots for eating and drinking in Walnut Creek and neighboring cities.
EVENTS
2019 Mark Your Calendars & Come Join Us!
CALENDAR FIRST WEDNESDAYS May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4 WALNUT CREEK UNCORKED June 20 MUSIC & MOVIES UNDER THE STARS August 16, September 20 OKTOBERFEST October 19 TRICK OR TREAT October 25 WALNUT CREEK ON ICE November HOLIDAY STROLL December 6 spring 2019 / walnut creek
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SPRING 2019 PUBLISHER Pam Becker Kessler EDITOR Lauren Kessler ART DIRECTOR Carrie Wallahan WEBSITE Cale Finta PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Freels Sarah Grunder Scott Hein Josh Isaacs Kyle Luman Jon Milavec Brian Murphy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deborah Burstyn Lynn Carey Lou Fancher Sophie Johnson Kathryn McCarty Fran Miller Alison Negrin Peggy Spear OPERATIONS INTERN David Kessler KESSLER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. WALNUT CREEK MAGAZINE PO BOX 5550 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 (925)212-5146 Email: info@walnutcreekmagazine.com No print or online material from Walnut Creek Magazine may be reproduced without written consent. WALNUTCREEKMAGAZINE.COM ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON MILAVEC THE ORCHARDS WALNUT CREEK
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SATISFYING DINERS WITH HEALTHY FOOD SINCE 1981
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Spring Finds WHEN THE WEATHER GETS WARMER, IT’S TIME TO GET OUTSIDE
ROCKING WAVE LOUNGER Outdoor patio comfort with a modern vibe. Sleek steel tubular frame fits almost anywhere. $149.99, target.com
ECLECTIC VILLA PLANTERS Weathered-finish gives these terra cotta pots a vintage European look. $199 and up, potterybarn.com CAPRICE MOD PLATTER It looks like hand-painted ceramic, but this beauty is made of melamine. Perfect for outdoor dinners. $19.99, crateandbarrel.com
ROYAL GARDEN GLOVES Almost too pretty for digging in the dirt, artwork from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Lindley Library covers these cushioned gloves. $38, anthropologie.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER HAPPY SPRING! I love this season—blooms about to burst, rich green grass, emerald hills, cool temps, and lots of sunshine. It’s good dog walking weather too. Hanging out with my little Sadie is one of life’s greatest joys. She loves a good adventure, whether it’s romping around a five-star resort or frolicking downtown. We find so many hidden treasures, like the Almond-Shuey neighborhood we’re shining a light on in this issue. It’s one of the hidden jewels that makes Walnut Creek such a great place to live. Our neighborhoods are the core of this city—its character and sense of community. Its where we form bonds, educate our kids, and work together for the common good. As urbanization continues, at a rapid pace, it’s a pivotal time for Walnut Creek. How much development is too much? How many apartment buildings do we need to meet state standards? Should our city council slow things down? These are questions to consider and reasons to get involved as it becomes harder and harder to travel around town. This issue is packed with content. I hope you take the time to read it and reflect on the trends and issues presented on our pages. You’ll meet courageous Kristen Lewis Cunnane, learn about the latest developments, take a tour of Shadelands Business Park, and find out from a prominent group of local restaurateurs about the challenges they face to stay in business. It’s a season of change. Cheers!
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CONTRIBUTORS
COMING UP... FOOD & FASHION HOT LOOKS FOR SUMMER
LOU FANCHER is a San Francisco Bay Area writer. In addition to Walnut Creek Magazine, her work appears in a wide range of online and print publications. A children's book author and illustrator, she has over 50 books in print.
PEGGY SPEAR is a longtime Bay Area writer who recently launched her freelance career. She raised her family in Walnut Creek’s Northgate area and was thrilled to write about the changing face of Shadelands Business Park for this issue.
JOSH ISAACS is one of the Bay Area's premier freelance photographers. A wedding specialist, he is also known for corporate, real estate, and private party work.
JON MILAVEC is a veteran photo and video producer. His passion is storytelling and capturing compelling visuals of people, places, and things. As a new transplant to the East Bay, he and his wife are enjoying the climate and natural beauty of the region.
FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER is a freelance travel and feature writer who enjoys exploring Northern California destinations, eating great food, and sharing her finds with readers.
KATHRYN G. McCARTY has been part of the Bay Area theatre scene for over 20 years. Her award-winning plays have been performed in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
FAST CASUAL FOOD WOMEN TO WATCH WINE COUNTRY WEEKENDS SUSTAINABLE BACKYARDS CHEF PROFILES AND MORE…
CONTACT US: publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com
(925) 212-5146
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FIND OUR MEDIA KIT AND AD RATES ONLINE @ WALNUTCREEKMAGAZINE.COM
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OF THE TOWN
Photography by Josh Isacs
COMING ATTRACTIONS | RAPID URBANIZATION | CITY CABLE TV | RETAIL BY DESIGN
CONQUERING JANE DOE KRISTEN LEWIS CUNNANE SHARES HER EMPOWERING STORY ABOUT SURVIVING SEXUAL ASSAULT
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BY LOU FANCHER or decades, Kristen Lewis Cunnane hid the memories of her teenage years from her parents, her friends, her husband Scott, and most significantly, herself. Now in a newly released memoir, Undoing Jane Doe (Sunbury Press), the Walnut Creek resident and former assistant Cal swim team coach tells her shocking story as a sexual assault survivor. Although there are few trophies displayed in her home, it is common knowledge in the sport-centric Bay Area that Cunnane, 37, was an award-winning multi-sport athlete. In college, she served as captain of the UCLA swim team, while earning an undergraduate degree in history. ➤
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jumped out of the window and broke her leg to prevent getting caught by Cunnane’s parents.
Cunnane went on to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Trials and earned a master’s in education from Cal. Hired as an Assistant Swim Coach, she rose in the ranks to become Associate Head Coach at Cal under Teri McKeever. Cunnane held this position between 2009 and 2015, during which time Cal won four NCAA championships. She retired in 2015 from coaching but continues to privately train top-tier aquatics athletes. Her husband, Scott Cunnane, is a Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney. Together the couple have three children. At the family’s dining room table, Kristen sat down with Walnut Creek Magazine to tell her story. “I was 12 years old. There was a coach and middle school PE teacher, Julie Correa, who I really liked—and she rewarded me with prizes like Slurpee’s, bagels, a baseball hat, special attention, and other things. She told me not to tell anyone because other students might get jealous. By the time she did bad things and touched my private parts, I had already gone along with her prizes and treats.” Correa made sure the relationship with Cunnane intensified gradually, a practice common to sexual predators, known as
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“grooming.” The PE teacher “promoted” Cunnane to teaching assistant (TA) and built her a makeshift locker in her office to increase interactions. Meetings before classes or meals after games were a “natural” reason for a TA and a coach to spend time together. A school trip to Washington, D.C. provided another opportunity for Correa to corner Cunnane. As the predatory relationship escalated, Correa secretly rented an apartment where the two could meet. Throughout, she courted, bullied, bribed, and eventually threatened the safety of her victim. Locked into a situation she thought impossible to escape, barely into her teen years—and overwhelmed with shame— Cunnane found the courage to end the relationship after four years. Correa, who was 26 at the time, outwardly appeared to be a happily married woman who was respected in Moraga as an esteemed swim coach and PE teacher. Meanwhile, the “other’ Correa was sexually assaulting a teenage girl and threatening to kidnap her or “take care of” her family if she told anyone. In her determined pursuit, Correa went so far as to sneak into Cunnane’s home where she hid in a bedroom closet and waited to molest Cunnane. At one point, she
Shockingly, says Cunanne, another teacher at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate also emerged as a sexual predator. Dan Witters, a popular science teacher, also “did things” to Cunnane and other girls. “I would tell Julie Correa. I knew what he was doing wasn’t ok. I was a teen: I just wanted my life back, to play sports, to get good grades. I didn’t want to be thinking about Mr. Witters abusing girls or Julie abusing me.” Correa told Cunnane she had filed a complaint with the administration, but did no such thing. Witters, who was alleged to have abused several girls at the Moraga middle school over seven years, also had a dangerous past in another district. Unknown at the time, in 1994 former Los Perales Elementary School principal Bill Walters failed to report child molestation allegations against Witters. During a job suspension and investigation related to a lawsuit brought in 1996 by two students, Witters committed suicide. But unlike that case, no other students came forward with sexual assault allegations against Correa and the tragic story of her toxic abuse lived deep in Cunnane’s mind. After years of suppressing the memories, the dam finally burst in 2010 when the USA Swimming abuse scandal revealed top officials in the national organization failed to pursue complaints of sexual abuse involving coaches and hundreds of athletes. Cunnane began to unravel; plunging into depression, unable to sleep, eat, work efficiently, or stop crying, even though she was not a victim in the case. ➤
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Photography by Josh Isacs
"If a teacher had shot me in the arm, there would have been no secrets. It would have been obviously illegal. That’s what I want sexual abuse to be; not Jane Doe, not shameful."
The scandal gave Cunnane the courage to come forward and report Correa to the Lafayette police. An investigation began, followed by a trial and a guilty verdict, and in 2011, a judge sentenced Correa to prison for the maximum term of eight years. In her quest for justice, Cunnane was forced to contact Correa after ten years and get her to incriminate herself on police-recorded telephone calls. The recordings provided critical evidence for the prosecution at trial. “The calls were gut wrenching. It took hours and weeks of calls for Julie to trust me again.” In December 2011, at the end of a grueling trial, Julie Correa was sentenced in Contra Costa County Superior Court. Released in March 2019, she will forever remain a registered sex offender. “We were told to think of eight years as a big number and we’d done well to get that. Since the #MeToo Movement, people say Correa should have gotten triple that sentence. Still, it makes me proud because it means our society is
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changing and beginning to understand sexual abuse.” A subsequent civil lawsuit Cunnane brought against the Moraga School District resulted in a settlement of $2.85 million—$1.78 million of which went to Cunnane. The most frequent question Cunnane is asked—and writes about in her riveting book—is why she didn’t report the abuse to her parents, older brother, close friends, or school officials. “I always say my parents and friends aren’t the reason this happened but they’re the reason I survived. I desperately wanted another victim to come forward. That’s what people don’t realize; when you say something your whole life changes. Your parents are devastated…I was terrified.” Cunnane says she finally decided to tell her story to the police because it was more important to empower other sexual assault victims than to protect herself from disbelievers. By giving up anonymity, Cunnane sends a crucial message to children that there are people who will protect them and speak up for them.
Sadly, Cunnane’s tragic story is founded in stark reality: research shows victims of childhood sexual abuse underreport crimes by as much as 73 percent, and many victims never tell anyone (Broman-Fulks et al, 2007). Statistics from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center show one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old—and only 12 percent of the abuse will be reported. A 2010 report form the Australian Childhood Foundation reveals another fact: one in three adults do not believe a child reporting sexual abuse, even though over 90 percent of children’s reports prove credible. Survivors are ten to thirteen times more likely to commit suicide, according to a 2001 study (Plunkett A, O’Toole B, Swanston H, Oates RK, Shrimpton S, Parkinson P) and facts from Darkness To Light, a national nonprofit devoted to child sexual abuse prevention (https://www.d2l.org). Eventually diagnosed with PTSD, Cunnane says her husband is her rock. “The positives of this awful thing on my marriage outweigh the negatives. I saw people for who they are. I learned Scott is a hero who will show up even on my worst days.” Scott shares similar views. “I find it almost strengthening because it puts emphasis on being honest and true,” he says. “Once you go through something hard, you find other things you expect to be hard, are not so hard. It’s obviously challenging and emotional, but we’re going through it, together.”
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On the Horizon
HAPPENINGS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SIDEWALK SALES CALIFORNIA’S NEW ORDINANCE LETS VENDORS SELL THEIR WARES
See How the Garden Grows NEW VISITOR AND EDUCATION CENTER MARKS A MILESTONE
The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery is getting ready to swing open the doors to its new Coit Family Visitor & Education Center featuring 1,000-square-feet of executive office space for staff and an elegant, beamed gathering space designed for special events, dry-gardening classes, and kids camps. The nearly $5 million project heralds a new era for the iconic garden that spent decades functioning out of a small portable trailer. When it opens June 26, the center adds a new wedding venue to the city’s repertoire, with seating for 80 guests.
You may have purchased homemade soaps from the disabled man on Main. Soon you may see more sidewalk vendors: selling art, jewelry, gadgets, and even hot dogs. Under California’s new statewide ordinance, SB946, vendors can sell their goods on public property, with a license, if their activity does not impact public health and welfare. City officials are working on local guidelines.
“This was the first project I took on as Executive Director seven years ago,” says volunteer Gretchen Bartzen. “We’ve been working on it ever since.” Bartzen, and Co-Executive Director Billie Hopper, also a volunteer, were tasked with fundraising. Thanks to heavy hitters like Phillip Bancroft, Ken & Dona Coit, Sharon & Barclay Simpson, and William Kerr, as well as a multitude of smaller donors, 95% of the construction costs were raised. Despite the challenges, Bartzen says it’s been “a labor of love” to build a visitor center that carries on Ruth’s mission of teaching gardeners how to grow exotic drought-tolerant plants. For more information, go to ruthbancroftgarden.org. –Peggy Spear
When an In N Out Burger was proposed along N. Main Street at 2nd Avenue, residents said “no” to another fast food restaurant in the area citing traffic, noise, and congestion. Now the same local developer, who owns the property, wants to build an Amy’s Drive Thru, but a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission for a drive-thru restaurant is required to get it approved. Amy’s, best known for its frozen foods, canned soups and chili, entered the restaurant business in 2015 when it opened Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park. A healthy fast food concept, Amy’s is widely recognized for its sustainable building practices—the use of upcycled materials, a living roof, and solar panels. Its’ drive-thru business has seen great success, leading to expansion plans in Walnut Creek, Corte Madera and at the San Francisco International Airport.
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Amy’s Kitchen proposes new drive-thru restaurant in Walnut Creek
“We are proposing to bring our next-level vegetarian fare to Walnut Creek,” said Dave Wolfgram, President of Amy’s Drive Thru Restaurants. “We are focusing on providing the neighborhood with delicious and affordable organic food in a beautiful, community-oriented restaurant where all feel welcome.” Wolfgram added that while most Amy’s customers dine in, the drive-thru option is popular with young families, seniors, and those with limited mobility.
CAN VEGETARIAN FAST FOOD WIN OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
Amy’s Kitchen has been a leader in organic food movement since its founding in 1987 committed to offering convenient food made with homestyle cooking methods at an accessible price. This story is evolving, stay tuned.
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
WHY DOES WALNUT CREEK HAVE SO MUCH TRAFFIC?
WHAT’S IN STORE Edgy fitness studio, TruFusion, founded by celebs Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, is coming to Walnut Creek. Opening at Plaza Escuela, the group yoga fitness hybrid is expected to offer 35 classes a day. Just Be Yoga picked up the keys to new Locust Street digs where owner Jennie Wendell plans to transform the former Diane’s Beachwear space into an indoor/outdoor Zen studio. Broadway Plaza is adding wellness to its retail mix. Construction is underway on Lifetime Fitness, a four-story, 75,000-squarefoot “athletic resort” featuring a fitness center, rooftop pool, basketball courts, spa, yoga and Pilates studios, and restaurant. More downtown yoga studios are rumored to be on the way. Stay tuned.
The Pollan family wants you to eat more vegetables. UC Berkeley and Harvard Professor, Michael Pollan, renowned for his 2006 novel “The Omnivores Dilemma” has released a new cookbook with his siblings, “Mostly Plants” (April 2019, Harpers Collins.) In it, easy to prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free recipes teach you how to cook delicious food for all kinds of diets—Crispy Kale and Potato Hash with Fried Eggs; Tandoori Chicken and Vegetable Sheet Pan Supper; and Roasted Tomato Soup with Gruyere Chickpea “Croutons”.
Situated at the intersection of Highways 680/24, Walnut Creek has the enviable economic status of a regional hub. It’s reputed for upscale shopping, auto dealers, global cuisine, top-notch medical care, and a broad spectrum of financial institutions and professional services. While more people are living here than ever before, is the relatively small growth in population size (estimated at 350 per year) the only reason for increasing congestion? In its 2018 Economic Market Study, the City of Walnut Creek identified a significant workforce trend that sheds light on the traffic story.
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PEOPLE LIVE & WORK IN WC
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PEOPLE LIVE IN WC, BUT COMMUTE OUTSIDE FOR WORK
52,000
PEOPLE COMMUTE TO WORK IN WC, BUT LIVE OUTSIDE THE CITY These numbers reveal that most of the city’s workforce commutes here each day and thousands of others are commuting elsewhere. Add to this some other key factors: the city’s “hub” location makes it a good cut-through to avoid highway traffic; the “gig economy” and on-demand delivery services have added vehicles to the roads; 30,000+ Walnut Creek residents living in areas defined as “The County” are not counted in city studies; limited parking and increased fees at BART stations are driving people back into their cars.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Share your opinions and ideas. Email us: info@walnutcreekmagazine.com.
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RAPID
WALNUT CREEK IS CHANGING RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES
Once rural Walnut Creek changed into a vibrant suburban center decades ago. Now another transformation is taking place as the city turns into an ever-evolving suburban-urban blend taking on characteristics of a big city—mass transit, restaurants, retail, apartments—while trying to maintain a sense of place. Here are some of the latest projects continuing to put Walnut Creek on the map as a metropolitan hub.
1380 NORTH CALIFORNIA
CYPRESS STREET AND CALIFORNIA BOULEVARD On the property that was once served McDonald’s cheeseburgers, construction is underway on a six-story, 150,000-squarefoot “Apartment/Hotel” that includes 10,000-square-feet of ground floor retail, 77 apartments, 20 ‘hotel’ rooms (short-term furnished studio rentals) and underground parking. The developer, Align Real Estate, plans to connect the mixed-use building to Locust Street with a paseo or walkway.
1532 MT. DIABLO BOULEVARD BETWEEN LOCUST AND MAIN STREETS In late January we learned the same developer digging at 1380 N. California, Align Real Estate, presented preliminary plans to the Design Review Commission to build a four-story “downtown trophy project” on the former WC Automotive site adjacent to 1500 Mt. Diablo. Envisioned as indoor/outdoor California living, the proposed project includes 30 condominiums, 9000-square-feet of ground floor commercial space, and a rooftop restaurant, public lounge and speakeasy bar. Subterranean parking will be all valet. The developer also wants to activate Commercial Lane, a central downtown delivery hub, into a pedestrian-friendly pathway like Maiden Lane in San Francisco.
ST. PAUL’S COMMONS
1860 TRINITY AVENUE
Construction on Resources for Community Development’s (RCD) 45-unit low income apartment complex and community center is taking shape. The mixed-use development is a collaboration between St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, affordable housing leaders, Contra Costa County, and the City of Walnut Creek. When complete, the project will provide a crucial affordable housing resource for retail, restaurant, and service industry workers. A key partner is the Trinity Center, a non-residential program serving the homeless and the working poor which will operate a center on the ground floor. The project is on target to open in October.
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URBANIZATION 1716 LOFTS
1716 N. MAIN STREET AT CIVIC DRIVE Described as a “pet-friendly boutique apartment building” with 42 units and 2900-square-feet of ground floor commercial space, when finished the project will include onsite parking for 100 cars, a rooftop barbecue deck, and private courtyards.
WALNUT CREEK TRANSIT VILLAGE
YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD AND CALIFORNIA BOULEVARD Frank Arthur, founding member of WC Transit Lifestyle Associates, began work on the Walnut Creek Transit Village in 1999 and continues as a principal with Brad Blake of Blake Griggs Properties. Built in phases, once complete the Village will include close to 600 residential units. Phase One on Pringle Avenue breaks ground this summer on construction of 358 units and 15,000-square-feet of retail space. Amenities include a community lounge and co-working space, pool and spa, rooftop deck, dining room, children’s play room, bike repair lounge, fitness center and underground parking. Phase Two on the corner of California and Ygnacio, will contain 238 residential units and 12,000-square- feet of retail space. It’s anticipated to break ground in 2020. Besides apartments, the Transit Village will feature shops and restaurants with public plazas and 775 stalls for resident parking.
VAYA
207-235 YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD @ 680 OFF RAMP Another Blake-Griggs apartment complex opens this summer directly across the street from the future WC Transit Village. The 178-unit building features a pool, rooftop deck with outdoor kitchen, community garden, yoga space, fireplaces and ample private parking. Access to the complex is on Lacassie Road.
NOMA APARTMENTS
1910 N. MAIN STREET (ACROSS THE STREET FROM TARGET) Currently home to Fuddruckers, construction is expected to begin this summer on a six-story, 135-unit apartment building, with 7,000-square-feet of street level commercial space. Eleven of the 135 apartments are reserved for very low-income households allowing the developer to take advantage of state density bonus laws and exceed density and height limits on the site.
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CREEK CURRENTS
Hosts Ruby Lopez & Brendan Moran
CATCH THE CITY’S STYLISH AND AWARD-WINNING CABLE SHOW BY LOU FANCHER
I
f you live or work in Walnut Creek, it’s likely you know about the city’s abundant highend retail, easy-access outdoor trails, and strong arts programs. As an engaged citizen, you may have caught a city council meeting, served on one of the highly-respected local school boards, or supported a nonprofit organization. Even so, you might have missed Creek Currents, a city-produced, in-depth quarterly television show recently honored by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors for excellence. It’s directed, filmed, and edited by a talented in-house duo—multimedia specialist Liz Payne and video production technician Matt Bolender. Payne’s storytelling expertise includes projects for Discovery Channel, Home and Garden TV, and History Channel. Bolender started his television career working for the San Francisco Giants. “He also keeps the signal on the air,” says Payne. “We run the station right outside of the council chambers in City Hall.”
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The show’s two-track design features stories about Walnut Creek’s lifestyle and newsier behind-the-scenes segments about city government told by dynamic hosts Ruby Lopez and Brendan Moran. Lopez brings broadcast experience as emcee for the Warriors’ show Back to Back. She also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, races in autocross car championships, and is recognized as a Latina voice for young girls. Moran is best known as a member of the TechTV show The Screen Savers (now a G4 television program Attack of the Show!) and has a following for his work covering the video gaming community. Whether it’s segments that cover restaurant openings and cultural events, or sit-downs with city officials, the chemistry and the banter between
Lopez and Moran has become a highlight of the show. Moran recalls his entry onto the show. “Oddly enough, I was perusing Craigslist. I can’t tell you why, because I don’t ever do that. I didn’t prep. I just went in, read some scripts, and I got the job.” His favorite stories are about locally-owned businesses, “When I can go into their shop and bring more people through their front doors, I feel like I’ve done my job.” In the future he hopes to address issues like housing and development. “I think there’s an audience for that. How high is too high for construction? Are there too many apartment buildings?” Lopez adds, “We do stories about resources that benefit people’s lives, like seniors who knit items for children in the hospital. ➤
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talk
"The seniors tried to teach me how to knit, but I can’t knit, so instead we danced together,” she says. Naturally Lopez has other skills, like “getting down and dirty” on a community service day story, even jumping into dumpsters to haul garbage. “I get to be myself, interact, and do wild things. Bike tours, dancing, anything that gets me on a trail or active in the community, I love that. As well as stories that feature underserved children, the city’s history or diverse cuisine. Payne says the most popular topics are sports, restaurants, Bedford Gallery shows, and stories about the open space and the police department. “People love stories about dogs, too, the K-9 piece we did was really popular.” For Moran, the primary discovery is a more complete picture of Walnut Creek. “It’s an international growing city, that maintains its small-town vibe.”
DETAILS: Watch on Comcast Channel 28 (Channel 26 in Rossmoor,) Astound Channel 29, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 or on the City of WC YouTube channel. Creek Currents airs on Walnut Creek TV at these times: Mon. 9am, 8pm and 11pm/Tues. 7:30am, 3:00pm/Wed.6:30pm/Fri.1:30pm/Sat. 11:00pm/Sun 6:00pm.
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Ahead of the Curve CHANGES FLOWS FOR 35 YEARS
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BY LOU FANCHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH ISAACS
onnie Waters opened her award-winning day spa and full-service salon on Broadway and Lincoln in 1984. Starting at 1,000-square feet, expansion has come sporadically during her 35-year tenure at Changes Salon & Day Spa. Today, the inviting 10,000-square-foot wellness center achieves flow and harmony from its ever-changing interior design that complements the hair and nail salons, the gift shop, the massage rooms, an Aqua Terra Room with a 16-foot water wall, men’s and women’s locker rooms.
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Behind the scenes, ahead-of-the-curve Waters and her 60-person team deliver high quality experiences and innovative products. Waters, who at age 18 opened her “little nail salon on Main Street,” is a forward thinker. As the youngest child in a family whose seven children were born in seven years, “with no twins,” she learned to hustle early on. “As the youngest, you eat fast, and you run fast to keep up with everybody else. After my parents divorced, my mother remarried a military man, so we moved a lot.” At age 17, she and one of her brothers grabbed backpacks, hopped in an old pickup truck, and headed to California. “We came to visit my father and never left,” Waters says. ➤
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After starting out as a manicurist, she discovered the business component was thrilling. “I bought out my partner. What’s unique is that I started out as a tiny but full-service salon— hair, nails, skin care, massage, retail. It’s the same today, we just do it on a much bigger scale.” Downtown rental rates were far less expensive three decades ago, which helped Changes remain in business long enough to establish a solid clientele. Five years ago, when her landlord stated it was time to move because a boutique hotel was planned for the location, Waters and her husband, Dennis Winslow, purchased a nearby building. “Ultimately, the plan changed and we stayed in our original location, but we hung onto the Locust Street property. Now, it houses Limon and Lokanta, so we’re landlords who stay current on downtown rentals.” Most important to Water’s is staying relevant. “If I’m not growing, I’m dying. We know that’s part of the universe: grow or decline is true of everything on this planet.” For Changes this means new services like the CBD Herbal Massage and expanded retail products. Waters networks with other spa owners and relies on trade publications, podcasts, videos, and conferences to stay on top of beauty trends. Constantly scaling up the design of her business, Water’s latest updates reveal rich jewel tone painted walls, eclectic art, warm woods, simulated natural stone flooring, and a variety of lighting styles—from dramatic glows in the spa to bright natural light in the slick nail salon and gift shop. Looking to the future, Waters is grooming her daughter, Riley Glowatch, to take the helm at Changes. “I want her to know all the moving parts and pursue her dreams, so we’ll see. I’d stay on as a consultant because the truth is, I love this business. Keeping my finger in the pot will be a win-win.”
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Photography by Josh Isaacs
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Downtown’s Discovery Shop
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UPLIFT YOUR LEFTOVERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE
hoppers at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop on Locust Street rarely leave emptyhanded. Even the most retail resistant customers succumb to high-end, bargain priced temptations like a sparkly designer black cardigan ($10), never-worn private label pumps ($20), a men’s leather bomber jacket ($25), a Tone Fitness exercise ball ($10), or a 47-piece Pfaltzgraf dishware set ($50). Clothes are a cut above the average thrift shop; jewelry and artwork too. Plus, all proceeds from the sale of donated goods goes to the American Cancer Society. Store manager Victoria Zerbs says a recent cosmetic refresh shifted the store’s tired, yellow-orange color scheme to contemporary blues and grays. “We tore out old carpeting that was on top of even older carpeting and put in pseudo-hardwood
BY LOU FANCHER flooring.” Updated lighting fixtures, a sleek new color palette, and brick-textured wall accents give the shop a boutique vibe. The contemporary look and constant rotation of new, high quality merchandise are vital to the store’s survival. Amid the city’s cutthroat consignment competition, Zerbs says a new Goodwill Store, Thred Up, and multiple other nearby consignment shops create extra pressure. “Then there’s apps and ebay that make it easy to buy or sell online.” Zerbs, whose background includes visual merchandising at Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin, knows that customers who stop in regularly, often daily, or drive from more than 25 miles away, are attracted to the boutique’s trendy current merchandise. Items highest in demand are household goods, jewelry, and women’s clothing. Zerb’s savvy team of volunteers learn how
to price designer fashion. “Most of our volunteers have been here for years, so customers know them. They trust them for information on goods, advice putting an outfit together, and feedback on how a dress fits.” Zerbs interviews all volunteers in person. “I like to see if they’re a good fit for working with the public. They have to be friendly and professional at all times because they’re the face of the American Cancer Society. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t had a family member or hasn’t been touched themselves by cancer,” says Zerbs. While it's challenging to stay in the game at a prime downtown location, Discovery Shop's quality goods, retail design, low prices, and compelling cause keep customers coming back for more.
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getaway Photography by Carlos Eliason / "Piglet" by Artist Jeff Koons
CAPITAL COOL
CALIFORNIA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY EMERGES AS A HIP TRAVEL DESTINATION BY
Sacramento’s majestic white capital dome will always sustain its lure for the civicsclass set, but these days it’s the Downtown Commons (DOCO) district and hip mid-town food scene that are drawing crowds. There’s no time like the present to check it out.
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FRAN MILLER
DOCO Major revitalization projects have completely changed the city’s landscape. The newly finished Downtown Commons, or DOCO, brought life to Sacramento’s historic streets. Its Golden 1 Center, a state-of-the-art arena that houses the Kings, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and a dazzling restaurant and entertainment scene are showing off some newfound swagger and big city pizzazz. Credit goes to Vivek Ranadivé, the Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who purchased the Sacramento Kings in 2013 and promised the team a new arena. He delivered with a venue so technologically and environmentally advanced that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver calls it the ‘new gold standard of the league.’ ➤
getaway Boasting 1.5 million acres of active farmland, the Sacramento region has prime access to fresh ingredients, and artful chefs are taking notice. Nearly all the food at Golden 1 Center is locally sourced from within 150 miles, establishing the venue as the nation’s preeminent farm-to-fork arena. Add to that the world’s largest video board and a mission control command center that quickly handles transportation, security, and food issues, and there is no better spot to experience NBA action. Ranadivé’s promise for extraordinary guest experiences extends beyond basketball games to live concerts. Golden 1 Center, and its stellar sound and video systems, has attracted some of the biggest names in the music business—Bruno Mars, The Weekend, Jay-Z, James Taylor, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and John Mayer. Turn your visit into a luxurious getaway with a stay at the swanky Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. The palatial, light-filled lobby, done up in sophisticated palettes of gray and cream, is one of the most stylish stays in town. If you’re lucky, you might even come head to chest with a visiting NBA player who use the hotel as home-base when in town. Rooms are spacious, beds are plush, and amenities luxe. A rooftop pool lounge transforms into Revival Bar at night; an urban hot spot for live music, crafted cocktails, and small plate fare. Next door, Punch Bowl Social, a sprawling restaurant and entertainment space brims with bowling, bocce, pinball, and karaoke. Other DOCO eateries include Bay Area-fave Sauced BBQ, Estelle Bakery & Patisserie, Burger Lounge, and Pressed Juicery. Shoppers find much to love at Macy’s and Urban Outfitters. A brand-new Century Theaters complex screens the latest hits. Adjoining these attractions is an outdoor pedestrian mall and plaza featuring public art, like Jeff Koons ‘Piglet’ sculpture at the arena’s entrance. Traditionalists will be appeased by views of the capitol’s golden dome, seen glistening in the sunlight from varied DOCO vantage points. It’s within easy walking distance, meaning you can take a tour and make it back in time for tip-off.
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getaway BEAST & BOUNTY
DOWNTOWN AND MID-TOWN EATS THE BANK: This revitalized multi-level, 30,000-squarefoot culinary concourse, formerly a bank, is the second oldest bank building west of the Mississippi River. Now home to a variety of eateries and drinking establishments, initially ranging from pizza pies and poke bowls to lobster rolls and hearty burgers. Its original vaults, seen only by a privileged few for decades, are open to the public as an underground taproom. 7th and J, across from the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
CAMDEN SPIT & LARDER: This modern, London-inspired eatery is dedicated to showcasing the pristine ingredients of the surrounding region with its bold design, bustling bar scene, and prime private dining facilities. 555 Capitol Mall #100, one block from DOCO MULVANEY’S B & L: Located in a historic 1893 firehouse with original brick walls and soaring ceilings, Mulvaney’s specializes in hand-crafted, farm-to-table New American cuisine utilizing the bounty of neighboring growers, ranchers, brewers, and winemakers. 1215 19th Street
THE BANK Photography by Eddie Rodriguez
THE PORCH: This hidden vegan haven serves comfort cuisine. Okra, collards, tomatoes and beets are griddled and deep fried into flavorful plates. French toast dipped in banana-coconut batter is served with vegan whipped cream. Add stellar cocktails and this is a great place to veg out. 1815 K Street
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BEAST & BOUNTY: A minimalist chic environment serves as the backdrop for an eclectic herbivore and carnivore menu, clever cocktail menu and extensive wine list. Plus, you can play bocce ball out back. 1701 R Street
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where & when
COMEDY | MUSIC | THEATER | ART | FESTIVALS | DANCE
A CURATED GUIDE TO BAY AREA EVENTS, PERFORMANCES, CONCERTS, ART SHOWS AND MUCH MORE.
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CLUSTERFEST
Experience your favorite comediennes like never before. Laugh, eat, drink, sing, play, or just do your thing, at this three-day comedy and music festival. Now in its third year, Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest returns to Civic Center Plaza and Bill Graham Auditorium for an unhinged weekend of fun. Amy Poehler & Friends, John Mulaney, Patton Oswalt, Issa Rae, Chris Redd Sinbad are among the headliners. June 21-23, San Francisco, clusterfest.com.
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where & when
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QUEER CALIFORNIA
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Oakland Museum of California explores California's LGBTQ+ history and culture in Queer California: Untold Stories. This major exhibition focuses on the diversity of queer identities and social activism through contemporary artwork and historical artifacts. Through August 11, museumca.org.
KISS MY AZTEC
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PICNIC IN THE PARK
San Francisco’s weekly romp, Presidio Picnic, is a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon—Off the Grid food trucks, music, lawn games, yoga, and more. Main Parade Ground, The Presidio, SF, offthegrid.com.
Join the Cancer Support Community on their 5th annual Hope Walk benefitting the organization’s free programs of support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. May 18, Heather Farm Park, WC, 8:30am-12:30pm, hopewalkbayarea.net.
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This fresh, musical comedy by Berkeley Rep fuses salsa, Latin boogaloo, hip-hop, gospel, funk, and merengue, with an inspired mash-up of Elizabethan dialect and modern slang to celebrate, elevate, and commemorate Latin culture. May 28-July 14, berkeleyrep.org.
HOPE WALK
RENT
The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece, Rent, returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary production. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship reminds us to measure our lives by the only thing that truly matters—love. June 14 – 23, Golden Gate Theatre, SF, shnsf.com.
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WC FIRST WEDNESDAYS
On the first Wednesday of each month, Cypress Street comes to life with a street festival full of live music, dancing, food trucks, wine and beer, kids’ fun zone, games, and chef demos. June 5, Vybe Society; July 3, Mustache Harbor; August 7, Cut Loose; September 4th, The Michael Beck Band; 5:30pm-8:30pm, walnutcreekdowntown.com.
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ECLECTIC MINIMALISM The UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) presents a new abstract art exhibition, Looking: The Art of Frederick Hammersley, featuring the abstract artist’s works in photography, painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and early computer art. Through June 23, bampfa.org.
where & when
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GREEK FEST
Enjoy the best of Greek culture at with food, drinks, music, and dance at the 47th Annual Oakland Greek Festival. May 17-19, Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland Hills, oaklandgreekfestival.com.
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WOODY GUTHRIE
Tap your feet to the music in Center Rep’s Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie. With songs like “This Land is Your Land,” Guthrie, America's greatest troubadour, transformed folk music into a vehicle for social protest. May 17-June 23, WC, lesherartscenter.org.
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SECOND SATURDAY’S
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This pet-friendly, open-air market features artisan vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and lots of good food. True to its name, Second Saturday is held every month on the waterfront. 11am-5pm, Jack London Square, Oakland, visitoakland.com.
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RHINOCEROS
From Tony Award–winning director Frank Galati comes the satire Rhinoceros, an entertaining comedy about power, conformism and mass culture. May 29–June 23, Geary Theatre, SF, ACT-sf.org.
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Cal Shakes opens its theatrical season with a classic Shakespeare tale of love, royalty, fairies and magic. May 22-June 9, Bruns Theatre, Orinda, calshakes.org.
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STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM
Thirty years after Tiananmen, fourteen contemporary artists and art collectives reflect on the complexity and responsibility of remembering moments of global, cultural, and political upheaval in Present Tense 2019: Task of Remembrance. Through December 21, Chinese Culture Center (CCC), SF, cccsf.us.
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MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Five-time Grammy Award-nominee Michael Feinstein returns to Feinstein’s at the Nikko with “It Might as Well Be Spring” on May 9-12. Other artists appearing at Nikko’s this spring include Tom Reardon (May 16-17), Lindsay Mendez (May 18-19), and Judy Carmichael (May 31June 1). feinsteinsatthenikko.com.
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where & when
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BEAUTIFUL
Carole King penned the soundtrack of a generation, including “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” The musical, Beautiful, that celebrates this talented artist returns to San Francisco for another stunning run. May 28 – June 9, Golden Gate Theatre, shnsf.com.
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COMEDIC CHAOS
Patricia Pitpitan stars in the local musical, Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, a tale of women in 1980’s Madrid whose relationships with men lead to a tumultuous 48 hours of passion and confusion paired with an irresistible Spanish beat. May 30-June 22, Lafayette, townhalltheatre.com.
20 CLAUDE MONET
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Claude Monet’s beloved water lily paintings are on display at Monet: The Late Years, a rare look at his radical late career as a forebear of modernism. Through May 27, San Francisco, deyoungmuseum.com
PUSHING WEST
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad, Oakland Museum of CA presents Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell, a collection of prints documenting the social consequences of technological history by one of the 19th century’s epic photographers. Through September 1, museumca.org.
Water Lilies
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VANITY FAIR
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From acclaimed playwright Kate Hamill comes Vanity Fair, a rollicking new stage adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic 19thcentury novel that pops with 21st-century spirit. Ambitious Becky Sharp may not have been born with wealth or status, but she’s determined to attain both—at any cost. Through May 12, Strand Theater, SF, ACT-sf.org.
THE JUNGLE
In a riveting performance by an international cast, including actors from refugee backgrounds, The Jungle tells the story of a self-governing society that emerged as Europe’s largest unofficial refugee camp in Calais, France. Through May 19, Curran Theatre, San Francisco, sfcurran.com
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22
AMERICAN PSYCHO
Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, the play tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street banker with impeccable taste and unquenchable desires. With its electric score, this musical satire paints a picture of how consumerism and misogynistic attitudes took over the 80’s corporate world. May 17-June 8, San Francisco, rayoflighttheatre.com.
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neighborhoods
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NE
BOR H G I
HOOD SPOT LIG HT
THE
ALMONDSHUEY
THIS RESIDENTIAL ENCLAVE HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE 1920S AND IT’S STILL A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE.
By Pam Kessler l Photography by Josh Isaacs
At the heart of Walnut Creek are its neighborhoods—a patchwork quilt of areas that create the social fabric of our community. If you’ve been meaning to get acquainted with the unique pockets of Walnut Creek, and its diverse residential portfolio, this is your chance. Join us on an insider’s tour of Walnut Creek. In each issue we will spotlight a different neighborhood, the series begins downtown in one of the city’s oldest hamlets. ➤
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neighborhoods
WEST DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN Seven years and 55 community meetings later, the City of Walnut approved the West Downtown Specific Plan, establishing development guidelines over the next 25 years for the area bounded by the Walnut Creek BART station at the north, California Boulevard at the east, Olympic Boulevard at the south, and I-680 at the west. The plan focuses on reducing traffic, increasing walking and biking downtown, adding multi-use residential projects, and preserving the Almond-Shuey neighborhood. Key elements include: little pockets of parks and open space; an urban, car-free environment; dense development with a net increase of 2400 apartment units across the plan area (900 of which are already constructed or approved) and a new 176-room hotel. Andrew Smith, Senior Planner City of Walnut Creek, who led the West Downtown Specific Plan process said, “We see the plan area north of the Almond Shuey in the Lacassie Trinity area as the hub of multi-family growth. We also anticipate many of the one-story strip buildings along Mt Diablo will be replaced with mixed-use development up to six stories.” Smith also believes that ultimately the West Downtown will be a model for healthy sustainable living.
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N
estled between Trinity Avenue, California and Mt. Diablo boulevards, the historic Almond-Shuey neighborhood feels like a small town in a big city. It’s a place where you’ll find big backyards, homes built between the 1920s and 1940s, polished front porches, fragrant roses, secret gardens, and plush tree-lined streets. Despite its location just steps away from the bustle of downtown, the Almond-Shuey remains a tranquil residential district. People who live here revel in living a short walking distance to the vibrant arts and dining districts downtown, and easy access to BART.
Once a housing hub for workers at the walnut and fruit canning plants, it has evolved into one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods. A primarily single-family home community, peppered with duplexes and townhomes, and the Heritage Downtown Senior Living Community, properties rarely go on the market here. Instead it’s common to see homeowners updating their diverse architectural styles as evidenced by the many makeovers.
neighborhoods
CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN Helena and Jeremy Lamb left Scotland in 1988 in search of sunshine. They landed in Concord, raised their two children, and sent them off to college. This is where their empty nest story begins: the couple decided to ditch suburbia and move to a walkable community close to dining, shopping, and entertainment. Walnut Creek’s Almond-Shuey neighborhood was the right fit. After a year of substantial renovations, the Lamb’s transformed their 1940’s bungalow into a 1600-square-foot contemporary craftsman incorporating a modern aesthetic while preserving its mid-century character
Soaring ceilings in the front great room lead to beveled glass doors that open to a long hall and balcony connecting to the outdoors. A retractable sun roof introduces light into the rich wood, stainless steel, and green granate kitchen. Attention to detail and fine craftmanship are evident throughout the house. A master bedroom suite offers privacy and an enchanting view of the lush backyard. ➤
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neighborhoods
Stairs lead to the basement level where an informal entertainment room and glass doors add daylight and access to the backyard. The spacious multi-level backyard integrates with the house providing the ideal indoor-outdoor California living environment. A poured-concrete slab provides a nice surface for outdoor dining, while different materials,
sculpture, and plantings define distinct spaces in the garden. Helena, who works at Foothill Middle School, comes home every afternoon and opens the doors. "It's really calming after working with kids all day to come home to this house and this community," she says."It’s a sanctuary."
LEGACY HOME ARTWORK BY JO ANN HANNA
This historic 1924 English Tudor-style house on Shuey Avenue was originally owned by Maude and Dr. Harry Silver. The couple operated a general store before purchasing the Contra Costa Courier-Journal in 1921. The couple published the weekly newspaper for 22 years, then sold it in the 1940s to Mr. New-
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some who later sold it to Dean Lesher and renamed it to The Contra Costa Times. The Silver home changed very few hands over the decades; Fred and Betty Champion purchased it in the late 1940s and lived there until 2004. It remains inhabited to this day. Source: Legacy Homes and Their Stories By Sally Bronson Ingraham
A Shade in the
Right Direction ❱❱
THE RENAISSANCE OF A BUSINESS PARK BY PEGGY SPEAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH GRUNDER AND JON MILAVEC
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shadelands
â?ąâ?ą 46
Longtime Contra Costa resident Steve Montoya reminisces about the days when he used to pick walnuts in Shadelands Business Park. Chamber of Commerce CEO Jay Hoyer remembers when parents used the empty roads to teach their kids how to drive. And most locals remember when the business park had a 40 percent vacancy rate and a collection of empty buildings.
walnut creek / spring 2019
A couple of blocks away, a similar scene is unfolding at Mike Hess Brewing in The Orchards shopping center where customers gather around a firepit to watch sports events on the big screen outdoor TV. Nearby, people stream into
the row of restaurants for a quick meal—or to carryout food to one of the tap rooms. Burger Lounge, California Fish Grill, Jack’s Urban Eats, and Mod Pizza are among the fast-casual, grab-and-go dining options. As vibrant as the Shadelands has become over the past five years, the crown jewel of the park’s renaissance, the Shadelands Sports Mall, opens this summer in the cavernous space that once housed the venerable Contra Costa Times. When completed, the 285,000-square-foot sports facility spread over 11-acres, will be a sports complex like no other in the United States. In fact, if the vision of developer and CEO of Hall Equities Group Mark Hall is realized, the Sports Mall will become the anchor of a lifestyle community in the Shadelands. ➤
PHOTO BY TAYLOR JIMENEZ
THE TENANTS Today Shadelands is transforming into a community hub—as seen best by the lively atmosphere at Calicraft Tap Room on Mitchell Drive. Here young parents sip beer while their children frolic on the lawn as medical professionals, softball players, and teachers spread out in adirondack chairs. “We’re seeing a new life, an office life, an active life, and most importantly, a communal life,” says Blaine Landberg, owner of the popular tap room. Landberg plans to expand CaliCraft’s footprint by adding bocce courts and an outdoor theater, all solar powered.
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shadelands Hall, who owns 44-acres of Shadelands property, completed Phase One in 2016 with the opening of the Ultimate Fieldhouse, a premiere basketball training facility that has hosted the likes of Steph Curry, who runs youth camps there. But it’s Phase Two that will become the heart of the Sports Mall, and maybe even Shadelands itself. Hall’s high-tech,105,000square-foot COPA Soccer Training Center with its massive indoor turf and futsal fields, is the centerpiece of the Sports Mall. The space also hosts Encore Gymnastics, American Swim Academy, Mike Murphy Baseball, Vibe Volleyball, Sparta Taekwondo, Raga Yoga,
Genius Juicery, and the administrative offices for Walnut Creek Soccer Club as tenants. Hall is currently eyeing a couple of locations nearby for a hotel and a parking structure with a pedestrian bridge to the Sports Mall as well as an onsite eatery. Outdoor community performance venues are also planned to highlight the work of students at nearby Contra Costa School for the Performing Arts (CCSPA). Adjacent to the Mall, construction has begun on Trellis, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility designed to complement the medical services already available in Shadelands at Kaiser, Bass, John Muir Orthopedics, and UC Benioff Children’s Hos-
pital. And a block away behind the new Safeway, Sequoia Living is developing Viamonte, an upscale, amenity-rich, 200unit senior community offering independent and assisted living, as well as memory care. Keeping the community rooted in its rich agrarian past, the UC Master Garden thrives on the corner of Shadelands Drive and Wiget Lane. The public garden is maintained by expert volunteers who offer public demonstrations and donate all the food they grow to local non-profits. On Saturdays, foodies head to the Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market off Wiget Lane. Operated by the California Farmer’s Market Association (CFMA), the market is renowned for its top quality fruits and vegetables, grassfed beef, fresh fish, flowers, eggs, local honey, and artisan specialties. On the corner of Mitchell and Oak Grove, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) recently broke ground on its innovative Pets and Vets Center. The new
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7,893-square-foot venue will serve as a safe space for veterandog teams to gather, learn, train, and socialize. It will also function as a national training facility for shelter-to-service dog training programs and partner with shelters across the nation.
THE TECHNOLOGY Soccer is the star attraction at the mega sports center where state-of-the-art technology will help athletes achieve maximum physical and mental potential. “We’ve designed a sports facility where the focus is not on league and tourney play, but rather on technology and skills development,” says Hall. “Participants will receive intense training and hard data they can use to improve their game. There’s not a lot of data that comes out of soccer, not like baseball.” During international reconnaissance trips for the Sports Mall, Hall developed a passion for soccer, which culminated in the purchase of two professional United Soccer League (USL) teams. ➤
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shadelands
The biggest stamp of approval comes from the business owners according to attorney Angela De La Housaye, chair of the PBID. A recent survey found an almost 90 percent approval rating. “They are very enthusiastic,” she says. And De La Housaye is excited about the vacancy rate: only 19.7% percent.
“Soccer is the biggest sport in the world and the largest spectator event on earth,” he says. “It bridges nationalities, ethnic groups, and religions – it’s all encompassing and it’s enthralling.” Currently, Hall is working with the City of Concord to develop a huge soccer complex with stadium seating for 18,000 fans. He’s also kicking off a youth Academy team to compete with top teams throughout the West, including the San Jose Earthquakes youth players. Fees for individual soccer training are expected to range from $90 a month up to $1,500 a month. “We are providing a path for professional play,” Hall says. “But we’re also teaching basic skills.” Hall sees youth athletics as the next big wave in consumer activity. As large retailers like Toys R Us and Sears close at indoor shopping malls and leave large
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vacant property gaps, opportunities exist for sports training centers like the Sports Mall to take their place.
THE COMMUNITY Shadelands tenants we talked to for this story view the Sports Mall and other development as a boon for the community. Neil McChesney, director of CCSPA says, “We’re enjoying the renaissance here,” adding that his 450-student performing arts school will soon grow to 750-students, graduating its first class this spring. The school is a nice addition to the neighborhood, since it is just a few blocks from the Center for Community Arts. The new name reflects the many art-related activities and classes that happen there, including music, dance, painting, ceramics and even a preschool. “Shadelands was here and no one knew what to do with
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it,” says Calicraft’s Lundberg. “With forward thinking by the Chamber and by the City of Walnut Creek, it was re-zoned to meet the needs of people living in the northeast area of Walnut Creek.” And for those that don’t live nearby, Hoyer points to the free Shadelands shuttle bus, which runs a loop up Oak Grove to the Pleasant Hill BART station and transports 100,000 riders a year. The city and the Shadelands Property Improvement District (PBID) are now looking at other transportation options like walking, biking, and scooter—yes scooter— paths.
Issues remain at the business park. Not everyone is crazy about how The Orchards turned out, especially the public art on the corner of Oak Grove and Ygnacio Valley Road. The deep water-collecting planters scattered throughout the shopping center’s parking lot have proven very dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Then there is the lack of a full-service restaurant with wait staff at the plaza, something that was promised in initial discussions with neighbors. Of course, traffic presents a challenge, always a constant in Walnut Creek. Hoyer says city officials are talking about calming mechanisms on Mitchell Avenue in front of the Fieldhouse and CCSPA. With the Sports Mall opening and a large elderly population moving in at Viamonte, the same traffic measures may be required on Shadelands Drive. But for now, residents can watch history in the making as the old walnut orchard and lonely business park transforms into its own vibrant community.
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RESTAURANT OPENINGS | BIG SALADS | SPRING GREENS | CHEF RECIPES | DINING GUIDE
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO CALIFORNIA’S RESTAURANT INDUSTRY? Rising costs, cultural shifts, and labor challenges are changing the way we eat out.
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BY PAM KESSLER AND FRAN MILLER
hefs, restaurateurs, real estate brokers, and others in the industry have marveled at the growing restaurant bubble in recent years. But now it’s beginning to burst as seen by the ongoing rash of Bay Area restaurant closures. Notably Jardinière and Elite Café in SF, Spenger’s in Berkeley, Camino in Oakland, Momo’s and Le Cheval in WC, Shed in Healdsburg, Redd in Yountville, Yankee Pier Lafayette, and the list goes on across California. ➤
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eat + drink Many factors contribute to why a restauranteur decides to say goodbye: high rent, fierce competition, lack of foot traffic, outdated concept. But in 2019, restaurant owners overwhelmingly point to increasing payroll costs. With narrow two to three percent profit margins common, wage increases can spell disaster for chef-owned, small independents. Walnut Creek Magazine sat down with a prominent group of Bay Area restauranteurs who openly shared their perspectives.
LABOR
California is experiencing a huge labor shortage: a construction boom, a government crackdown on immigration, and new ways to supplement income with better paying jobs in the gig economy. Chef Kevin Weinberg who with his partner Ellen McCarty have owned Walnut Creek Yacht Club for the last 22 years says, “We used to run an ad on Craigslist and hundreds of resumes would come in. Now, we’re lucky to get one a day and then hope they show up for the interview.”
WAGES
“The biggest challenge is rising wages,”
says Rocco Biale who has owned his popular pizzeria, Rocco’s Ristorante, for over 20 years. “California is one of only seven states in the nation that requires employers to pay tipped employees full state minimum wages.” This means as the minimum wage continues to climb annually (currently at $11/$12 per hour) to $15 by 2022, most servers will be making $35/per hour. “If California legislated a ‘tip credit’ like 45 other states, we would be able to pay a lower hourly wage to tipped staff and increase the money paid to employees in the back of the house,” (washers, cooks, hosts, food runners, and cashiers.) “On top of that,” says Biale, “California’s minimum wage increase prohibits restaurants from counting tips as wages, but owners must pay payroll taxes on the tips. And staff must count tips as income.”
PAY GAP
The industry has long struggled to shrink the pay gap between front-of-house and back-of-house staff. Prep cooks and dishwashers typically earn a set hourly rate, while servers earn minimum wage plus tips. Some restaurants pool tips, others
share tips, others add a service charge to the check. While raising menu prices may seem like an easy solution, it’s not. “What customer is going to pay $25 for a burger?” asks Rolla Ghaben, who with her family, owns 16 restaurants around Northern California, including Broderick in Walnut Creek and Batch & Brine in Lafayette. “The pay discrepancy in a restaurant is unsustainable,” says Biale. “On top of the minimum wage, servers often get $30 or $40 an hour more. A cook, working just as hard, expects similar pay.” “The restaurant marketplace today is unlike it's ever been,” says Weinberg. “There are so many issues—pressure on payroll, lack of qualified employees, labor disputes. It's difficult to make a profit, to comply, to make staff happy. It's draining my creativity as a chef. And, just as society is squeezing out the middle class—it’s the same with restaurants. The nice, mid-range, full-service restaurants will disappear, and the no-service counter model will take over.” ➤
RESTAURANT OPENINGS After a two-year search, the vacant, city-owned former Lark Creek space landed a new tenant. A German-style beer garden and restaurant, Bierhaus, (with locations in Mountain View and Oakland), is expected to open this year. Look for schnitzel, sausage, warm pretzels, and craft beer on the menu.
Got Buzz? Email us your restaurant news at info@walnutcreekmagazine.com.
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Recently closed Momo’s will emerge as a Brazilian Steakhouse. Opening their fourth location, Galpao Gaucho offers
a globally-inspired menu, 17 selections of carved meat, and a 40-item salad bar. Nearby, fast-casual spots continue to crop up. At the Lyric on Locust, Blaze Pizza is bringing its “ready in 3minutes” custom topped pies to town. A few doors down, Burgerim, a rapidly expanding franchise chain, is opening in the former Thirteen Salon (now on Broadway) next to Mr. Lucky’s.
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eat + drink faster than our revenue; every year our profit margin is squeezed. Plus there are 50 to 60 percent more bars and restaurants in the area than there were a few years ago. We’re all fighting for the same customers."
APPS & SOCIAL
The hype cycle is instant and constant with Instagram, Yelp, Facebook, Twitter, and TripAdvisor promoting endless ways to eat and drink—and sometimes offering damaging critiques. Add to that the lure of convenience. More and more people are finding it easier to stay home, watch Netflix, and order from a delivery service.
SERVICE CHARGE RISING COSTS
California’s increasing minimum wage has also hit suppliers (linen companies, meat distributors, among others) causing raw material costs to go up. The Trump administration’s crack down on immigration has led to a limited workforce and Bay Area rents have doubled in the last decade. John Burns, who owns The Cantina in Mill Valley, has spent 45 years in the restaurant industry as owner of California Cafe and Blackhawk Grill. "It has become more and more difficult to find employees, let alone pay them. I've always been able to finagle the P & L, but rising employee costs are simply not sustainable." The pie is getting cut into smaller and smaller pieces. Dave Homer, who purchased Danville’s Pete's Brass Rail 13 years ago says, "Our costs are going up
Lauren and Arash Ghasemi of Main Street Kitchen & Bar recently completed a stunning makeover of their downtown restaurant, doubling its size, and adding a 20% service charge to diner’s checks. "We've had hard core pushback on the service charge, but people are starting to get it,” says Lauren. “Customers feel an element of control is lost, but if there is a problem with service, we take it off the tab. The costs associated with running a restaurant with quality ingredients are expensive. How do we make a profit while serving really good food?"
SUSTAINABILITY
Fast-casual restaurants are on the rise. The full-service model is on the decline. Restauranteurs are looking for creative ways to sustain their businesses like increasing catering, reducing full-service floor space, expanding counter service and carry-out. Ben Shavar, who owns
and operates five Buttercup Grill locations with his family says, "It's probably the most challenging the business has ever been in 30 years. Everything ties together—it's a confluence of events—plus, it’s crazy the number of new restaurants opening. The established brands have the market share and the new players are fighting to take away their patrons. The industry is like a dam that is starting to show cracks.”
SPIKING LABOR COSTS NATIONAL TRENDS & DATA At the New York Restaurant Industry Conference in March, Bloomberg Intelligence reported new research: “Roughly two-thirds of restaurants in areas where the minimum wage was raised, labor costs jumped 3% to
9%; another 16% report a jump of 9% to 12%.” 73% of restaurants have raised prices — 46% by 5% and 37% by 5% to 10%. 9% of restaurateurs have been forced to close. Three out of five (59%) restaurants have cut staff hours, and 31% have eliminated positions.
BY THE NUMBERS From ramen and poke to cioppino and pasta to steaks and fried chicken, the options are almost endless when it comes to places to eat in Walnut Creek. The numbers don’t lie. According to business license data at City Hall, the city boasts 232 eating/drinking establishments of which 118 are located downtown.
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CRUNCH YOUR WAY THROUGH ONE OF THESE LEAF-PACKED BEAUTIES. YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU.
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It can be argued that California is the country's salad capital. Many restaurants in the city offer terrific salads, but are they big salads? Do they tower above their plates? Here are ten eateries that have mastered the art of the big salad. ➤
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eat + drink COBB AT BRODERICK Any time a salad has as much meat and cheese as lettuce, it’s a winner. Half an avocado, a fistful of blue cheese, and a whole lot of bacon. Let’s get it straight, this is not a health food.
NAPA AT LETTUCE When your day calls for a big beautiful bowl of produce, the Napa Salad is a showstopper— organic spring mix with field berries, rosemary chicken, toasted sugar walnuts, and honey balsamic vinaigrette.
TUNA NICOISE AT TENDER GREENS Sushi-quality fish, haricots verts, and niçoise olives create a salad with salty goodness. And because salad isn’t just for lunch anymore, eat it for dinner and sip a glass of wine. It’s the best way to get your fiber and fermented fruit juice in one serving.
ROASTED VEGGIE AT SUNRISE Get your motor running. Sliced Mary's chicken breast, roasted veggies, salsa, and fresh greens top a wheat tortilla. Give it a little twist and try on their house Green Goddess dressing. So delish you’ll want to drink it.
ROADHOUSE AT BUCKHORN Tourists tote home the famed charred seasoned tri-tip in their suitcases. It also makes meaty magic on top of a bed of mixed greens, veggies, bleu cheese crumbles and sweet walnuts tossed with a decadent honey basil vinaigrette.
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SIGNATURE AT BAYGREENS It’s all about eating your greens here. Organic kale takes centerstage in this toss with spinach, chicken, cabbage, quinoa, chickpeas, feta cheese, spicy peppers, and peanuts with house-made lemon tahini dressing.
SALAD BAR AT WHOLE FOODS Shovel a pile of produce in your box, load it with whatever your little heart desires. We like toasted tofu, marinated mushrooms, pickled onions, beets, artichokes, chicken and a few croutons. Lightly douse in dressing. The sky is almost the limit.
CHINESE CHICKEN AT NORDSTROM After years of being on the menu, this salad has built quite a following. A tasty mix of julienned bell peppers, bok choy, oranges, and chicken mixed in tasty dressing. To top it off, there are crispy fried wonton strips.
HIGH MAINTENANCE AT MORUCCI’S If it’s good enough for a ciabatta roll, it’s good enough for a bowl. Fresh mozzarella, tomato, bacon, egg, avocado, kalamatas, peppers and turkey top a bed of romaine.
TOSSED AT TRUE FOOD Dr. Weil’s diet has taken Walnut Creek by storm. Fans feast on the anti-inflammatory menu featuring mixed green salad topped with a piece of grilled fish.
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spring salads Spring is the season of green. As the warm weather approaches and produce begins to reach its peak, farmers’ markets, grocery stores and restaurant menus are packed with rich green things: fresh fava beans, green garlic, asparagus, peas, and lettuces. Full of flavor and nutrients, tender salad greens such as peppery arugula, lemony sorrel, and delicate mâche are a sign of spring's arrival. Enjoy them at their freshest in these delicious salad recipes.
ARUGULA SALAD WITH FUJI APPLE AND GOAT CHEESE By Chef Debbie Shavar, Buttercup Grill Salad 2 cups arugula leaves 1 large fennel bulb, tough outer leaves removed, thinly sliced 1 large Fuji apple, thinly sliced ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles Dressing 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon finely diced shallot 1 tablespoon honey Pinch of salt & pepper Put all ingredients in Mason jar and shake! Directions Toss arugula, fennel, and Fuji apple in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss until all ingredients are coated. Add goat cheese and toss gently. Serves 4-6.
Ingredients 1 scoop ricotta cheese, preferably Bellwether Farms Sheep’s Milk Ricotta 1 minced piece of a preserved lemon or Meyer lemon zest to taste Bunch of your favorite greens (arugula, pea tendrils, sunflower sprouts) seasoned with a good olive, salt, and pepper. Bunch spring vegetables, (fava beans, peas, asparagus) 1 tablespoon+ thinly sliced spring onions Mint leaves, minced Directions In a bowl, toss greens and blanched spring vegetables (If you add peas, blanch 45 seconds, asparagus 21 seconds, fava beans 1 minute.) Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces. Squeeze on fresh lemon juice, a little more olive oil and toss. Sprinkle on sliced onions and garnish with mint. Season with salt and pepper.
CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD From Nordstrom Friends and Family Cookbook Ginger-Sesame Dressing 1 cup canola oil 3 tablespoons Asian sesame oil ½ cup rice wine vinegar ½ cup sugar ¼ cup soy sauce 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
FRESH GREENS WITH MEYER LEMON & RICOTTA CHEESE By Chef Ty Pearce, Sunrise Bistro “I wait all year for this salad, it’s so simple and so good!”
Directions In a small bowl, whisk together canola oil, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, mustard and pepper until blended.
Salad 4 cups canola oil for deep-frying 1 package wonton wrappers, cut ¼-inch strips Salt and pepper 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 large red bell pepper, sliced 1 carrot, sliced 3 ribs bok choy, cut into ¼-inch crescents 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless cooked chicken breasts, sliced 1 can mandarin oranges 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 10 ounces mixed baby greens ½ bunch cilantro 1 cup slivered almonds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Directions To fry wontons, pour canola oil to a depth of 3 inches in a saucepan. Heat until it bubbles. Add small batches of wontons, fry until light golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, drain on paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Toast almonds in a small skillet over medium heat until lightly golden brown. Repeat with sesame seeds. In a large bowl, place peppers, carrots, bok choy, chicken, oranges, romaine, baby greens, and half of the fried wontons. Drizzle on 1 cup of dressing and toss. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro, wontons, almonds and sesame seeds.
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½ cup crumbled Roquefort cheese 2 tablespoons chopped chives 1 cup (approximately) Original Cobb Salad Dressing
ASPARAGUS CITRUS SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE By CCCFM, Sunday Farmers’ Market WC Ingredients 1 pound asparagus, cut in 1-inch pieces 1 bunch pea shoots, sliced thin 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar ½ cup goat cheese 1 Meyer lemon 1 orange 3 stalks of thinly sliced spring onion Salt and pepper to taste Directions Sauté asparagus and onions in 2 tablespoons of oil for 3-4 minutes until bright green. Cool vegetables to room temperature and toss in a salad bowl with pea shoots. Grate peel from lemon and orange into salad bowl. Remove remaining peel, slice orange into bowl. Squeeze juice of half lemon into salad. Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil and rice vinegar. Toss and garnish with crumbled goat cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
SPRING STRAWBERRY SALAD By Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market Saturdays at Shadelands Ingredients 1 bag fresh spring salad mix 1 basket fresh strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup crumbled feta ¼ cup chopped almonds or toasted walnuts 1 small red onion thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Directions Toss all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.
HOLLYWOOD’S ORIGINAL BROWN DERBY COBB SALAD From disneyblog.com Salad 1/2 head lettuce, about 4 cups 1 bunch watercress 1 small bunch chicory, about 2 ½ cups ½ head romaine, about 2 ½ cups 2 medium peeled tomatoes 6 strips of crisp bacon 2 breasts of boiled chicken 3 hard cooked eggs 1 avocado
Directions Cut lettuce, half watercress, chicory and romaine in fine pieces and arrange in a large salad bowl. Cut tomatoes, bacon, chicken, eggs, and avocado in small pieces and arrange, along with the crumbled Roquefort cheese, in strips on the greens. Sprinkle finely cut chives over the Cobb salad and garnish with the remaining watercress. Just before serving mix the salad with the Cobb salad dressing. Dressing ¼ cup water ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons salt ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon dry English mustard 1 small clove garlic, finely minced ¼ cup olive oil ¾ cup salad (canola) oil Directions Blend all ingredients together, except oils. Add olive and salad oils. Mix well. Blend well again before mixing with salad. If dressing is too oily, add water. Makes 1½ cups.
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DINING GUIDE WHERE TO EAT NOW EDITED BY ANNELI RUFUS
These listings include advertisers and non-advertisers at the discretion of Walnut Creek Magazine. We suggest that you phone the restaurants ahead for reservations, current hours, and days of operation. All listings are in the (925) area code, unless noted otherwise. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please write to us: Dine, Walnut Creek Magazine PO Box 5550, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or email us at info@walnutcreekmagazine.com.
AMERICAN
BREAKFAST JOINTS / BURGERS / SALADS / BARBECUE BUTTERCUP: At this family- run restaurant, it’s all about savory homemade meals. Besides big breakfasts, Buttercup dishes up lunch and dinner. And on Fridays, they serve Matzo Ball soup. 660 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 932-2763, buttercupgrillandbar.com
CORNERS TAVERN: Upscale comfort food served in a spirited
local FARMERS’ MARKETS ALAMO Alamo Plaza Every Sunday, 9am-2pm alamoplazashoppingcenter.com BENICIA First Street, Between B&D Thursday, 4pm-8pm beniciamainstreet.org CLAYTON Diablo Street, Main & Center Saturday 9am-1pm pcfma.org MORAGA Moraga Shopping Center Every Sunday 9am-1pm cafarmersmkts.com
atmosphere. Get communal around the 30-seat bar or hang out in the lounge alcoves with mussels, sliders or garlicky shrimp. Great collection of craft beers. 1342 Broadway Plaza, 948-8711, cornerstavern.com.
DANVILLE Railroad & Prospect Saturday 9am-1pm pcfma.org
DENICA’S: There’s a lot to love at this north Walnut Creek restau-
ORINDA Orinda Village Saturday 9am-1pm cccfm.org
rant starting with the mouthwatering pastries lining the bakery’s shelves. Other show stoppers include Benedict four ways and big salads. 2280 Oak Grove Rd., 945-6200, denicascafe.com.
HERITAGE EATS: Locally-sourced fresh ingredients transformed
into flavorful wraps, bowls, salads, and tacos. The Med Falafel Wrap stuffed with quinoa tabbouleh, slaw, cucumber, and tzatziki is a must. 24 Broadway Lane, BP, 475-5222, heritageeats.com.
LETTUCE: A salad emporium that loads farm-fresh produce into
generously sized classics and creative new inventions. Locals love the Napa and Pink Lady salads. 1632 Locust St., 933-5600, lettucerestaurant.com.
MOOYAH: It’s a franchise with a load of personality. Take your kids to this colorful burger joint and let them build their own burger and eat it with a side of fries. 1815 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 280-5555, mooyah.com.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE: New Yorks, rib eyes and filets are
served on sizzling 500-degree plates cooked to perfection. Round out the meal with spinach au gratin and potatoes Lyonnaise at this swanky steakhouse. 1553 Olympic Blvd., 977-3477, ruthschris.com.
WALNUT CREEK North Locust Street Sunday 9am-1pm cccfm.org DIABLO VALLEY Shadelands Business Park Saturday 9am-1pm cafarmersmkts.com CONCORD Todos Santos Plaza Willow Pass & Grant Tuesday 10am-2pm Thursday 4pm-8pm pcfma.org
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SAUCED BBQ: With dozens of tv screens and as many craft beers on tap, Sauced is the place for watching games, while indulging in a heaping pile of nachos. Order the juicy brisket or tender ribs, it’s all good, especially with a side of buffalo blue fries. 1410 Locust St., 433-5957, saucedbbqandspirits.com.
WHERE down the ROAD MEETS around the GLOBE Locally-sourced ingredients transformed into innovative wraps, bowls, salads, tacos and more! California Fresh • Global Flavors
SUNRISE BISTRO: The emphasis here is on fresh, healthy food. For breakfast try the sweet potato hash or yogurt pancakes. At lunch, you can’t go wrong with a chicken salad sandwich or big salad. 1559 Botelho Dr., 930-0122, sunrisebistrocatering.com. THE COUNTER: Upscale burger joint where they make it the way you want it, from exotic to classic, and top it with your favorites. Plump patties range from beef, bison, turkey and mahi mahi. 1699 N. California Blvd., 935-3795, thecounterburger.com.
$5 Off
Purchase of $10 or More Valid until 6/30/2019 Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, limit one offer per person, per visit
925-475-5222 • heritageeats.com • Open Daily 24 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek Near Nordstrom inside Broadway Plaza
THE ORIGINAL HICK’RY PIT: This diner is known for its honest American food served all day with a heaping side of hospitality. House specialties are barbecue ribs and homemade pies. 1495 S. Main St., 935-7450, hickrypit.com. TRUE FOOD KITCHEN: Always packed, Dr. Weil’s culinary venture is a hit here. The grass-fed burger is one of the best in town, so is the beet bruschetta, squash & ricotta pizza, and seasonal salads. Organic, gluten-free ingredients are used in the cocktails. Broadway Plaza, 952-7314, truefoodkitchen.com.
ASIAN
CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION DRAGON POND: Executive Chef Xiao creates Hunan and Mandarin delicacies. House favorites include Mango Chicken, Honey Walnut Prawns and Salt & Pepper Calamari. 1353 Locust St., 926-0278, dragonpond.com. KOJA KITCHEN: This Korean-Japanese fusion fast casual chain gets high marks for barbecue short ribs and Kamikaze fries. They also do salads and bowls. 1550 Olympic Boulevard, 448-8218, kojakitchen.com. MIXED GRAIN: Authentic Korean comfort food. Try the bibimbap, a big bowl of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables and creamy egg. Nine condiments accompany every meal, including spicy cucumber and seaweed salad. 1546 Bonanza St., 938-5959, mixedgrain.com. KEVIN’S NOODLE HOUSE: Classic Vietnamese pho noodle
bowls take center stage at this affordable, upbeat spot perfect for lunch or dinner. Tasty fish cakes and spring rolls are good bets for appetizers. 2034 N. Main St., 933-4746, kevinsnoodlehouse.com.
PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO: This large Chinese restaurant
manages to feel intimate with an interesting menu that draws on multiple Asian cooking styles. Try the lettuce wraps and Dan Dan noodles. 1205 Broadway Plaza, 979-9070, pfchangs.com.
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ASIAN
CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION PLEARN THAI: Regulars pack the tables for the succulent flavors in the barbecue meats, pan-fried eggplant and curry prawns. Save room for the heavenly batter-fried bananas topped with coconut ice cream. 1510 N. Main Street, 937-7999, plearnthaipalace.com. SASA: Upscale Japanese izakaya with dazzling décor and decadently fresh fish. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is served with an array of sake.1432 N. Main St., 210-0188, sasawc.com.
VANESSA'S BISTRO: During happy hour, prices at this popular Vietnamese spot drop to $6 for most small plates and cocktails including green papaya prawn salad, petrale sole fish tacos and crispy Saigon rolls. 1512 Locust St., 891-4790, vanessasbistro2.com.
CALIFORNIA
PASTA / FISH / ORGANIC PRODUCE A’TRIO: Lively restaurant-lounge inside the Walnut Creek
Marriott turns out delicious California cuisine with a Mediterranean flare. 2355 N. Main St., 934-2000, marriottwalnutcreek.com.
1515 RESTAURANT LOUNGE: Always bustling for cocktails, flavorful pastas and fresh fish, the heated outdoor patio is a good place to people watch. 1515 N. Main Street, 939-1515, 1515wc.com. CITRUS: This hip restaurant inside Renaissance Club Sport, features Pacific Rim dishes and California classics. Sunday brunch is a weekend ritual. 2805 N. Jones Rd., 938-8700, renaissanceclubsport.com.
MAIN STREET KITCHEN: Farm-fresh ingredients grace the menu here. Standouts include fish and chips with house cabbage slaw, and fried green pickles come with a lemon aioli. 1358 N. Main St., 933-1001, mainstkitchen.com. METRO: In a seriously chic space with a huge outdoor patio,
the kitchen turns out international fare from diverse organic ingredients. 3524 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 284-4422, metrolafayette.com.
sweet Savory salty spicy
the johnny cash burger
THE PEASANT'S COURTYARD: A casual spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in a charming outdoor courtyard. Pancakes, ribs, burgers and calamari. 3195 Danville Blvd, Alamo, 362-0088, thepeasantscourtyard.com. VA DE VI BISTRO: With its sophisticated vibe and al fresco din-
ing, the restaurant's sips are accompanied by small plates--bite size burgers, pasta, and seafood. 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 979-0100, vadevi.com.
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BURGERS, FRIES & COMFORT FOOD SCRATCH COOKING • CRAFT BEER & COCKTAILS LU N C H • D I N N E R • W E E K E N D B RU N C H
1548 Bonanza Street, Walnut Creek, (925) 945-6960 BRODERICKROADHOUSE.COM spring 2019 / walnut creek
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ITALIAN / PIZZA IL FORNAIO: Italian food so innovative, you’ll forget it’s a chain. Lovely dining room with outdoor seating in the heart of downtown shopping. 1430 Mount Diablo Blvd., 296-0100, ilfornaio.com. MASSIMO: Upscale atmosphere with a piano bar and food from Northern Italy. Just across the street from the Lesher Center for the Arts, Massimo's offers good small plates and pasta. 1604 Locust St., 932-1474, massimoristorante.com.
MONTECATINI RISTORANTE: An Italian restaurant with staying power; it opened the day of the big earthquake in 1989. The traditional menu features excellent seafood, pastas and veal. 1528 Civic Drive, 943-6608, montecatiniristorante.com.
POSTINO: In a romantic, fireplace-studded, brick building, executive chef Stewart Beatty and his team create elegant dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients. 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-8700, postinorestaurant.com. PRIMA: Everything’s made fresh on the premises at Chef Peter
Chastain’s acclaimed contemporary Italian restaurant. His flavorful risottos and light gnocchi will have you coming back for more. 1522 N. Main St., 935-7780, primaristorante.com.
ROCCO’S: This is the place for pizza aficionados. The meaty Dominator and vegetarian Dante’s Inferno are house specialties, along with heaping pastas and salads. 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 947-6105, roccospizzeria.com. SKIPOLINI’S: Fans flock here for the family vibe and can't- miss pies. The Martinelli. Legend has it the Prego pizza brings on labor. 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100, skipolinispizza.com. 54 MINT FORNO: Burrata cheese is showcased here in a delicious appetizer with roasted peppers. They also make a mind-blowing lasagna. 1686 Locust Street, 476-5844, 54mintforno.com.
MEXICAN EL CHARRO: A Lafayette favorite, the margaritas are magic accompanied by chips, salsa and “cheese dip.” From fish tacos to burritos, this restaurant has served generations of locals. 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 283-2345, elcharro1947.com. MARIA MARIA: This beautiful Mexican restaurant is known for its creative dishes like creamy duck tacos and mole short ribs. 1470 N. Broadway, 946-1010, mariamariarestaurants.com. CINCO DE MAYO: This authentic downtown taqueria, popular for its seafood and good prices, attracts an eclectic mix of diners. They also serve up some seriously good fish tacos. 1372 Locust St, 954-1050, cincodemayorestaurant.com.
MID-TO-FAR-EAST GYROS / GREEK SALADS / KABOBS
BABALOU'S: Great food at great prices. The Middle Eastern menu is seductive for vegetarians and carnivores alike—with aromatic meats and a tempting display of salads served in a brightly muraled room. 1645 Bonanza St., 930-8000, babalous.com.
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JACK’S: This restaurant has a warm vibe and big bar. Souvlaki and spanakopita honor the owners' Greek heritage; an eclectic international menu featuring pasta, steak and breakfasts. 60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, 849-6195, jacksrestaurants.com. SILK ROAD: Good food served in a sunny patio setting. House
favorites are kabobs, gyros and falafels, but save room, you can make a meal from the appetizer plate served with piping hot pita bread. 1440 N. Main St., 932-9090, silkroadwalnutcreek.com.
SEAFOOD
YOUR
t u C n l a W•••••••••••••••r•e••e••k
SCOTT'S: Elegant surroundings, attentive service and good food. They also do a lavish Sunday brunch, catering and social events. 1333 N California Blvd., 934-1300, scottsrestaurants.com.
WALNUT CREEK YACHT CLUB: The restaurant’s specialties — killer cocktails and phenomenal fish —attract barflies and foodies alike. 1555 Bonanza St., 944-3474, walnutcreekyachtclub.com.
SOUTH AMERICAN PERUVIAN / SPANISH / BRAZILIAN PARADA: While the menu offers a diverse selection, the ceviche is
a must. Rotisserie chickens are also a big seller, along with mac n cheese. 7001 Sunne Lane, 448-8118, paradakitchen.com.
SABORES DEL SUR: Chilean cuisine reigns at this eatery. You can't go wrong the robust empanadas stuffed with meat or vegetarian fillings inside flaky pastry dough. 3003 Oak Rd., 954-8300, saboresdelsursf.com. TELEFERIC BARCELONA: Walnut Creek's Spanish hot spot serves tasty bites along with fresh paella and steak in a stunning atmosphere. 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 451-9576, telefericbarcelona.com.
DELIS / CAFÉS
SALADS / SOUPS / SANDWICHES CREPES OOH LA LA: Thin pancakes made the Parisian way, poured
on a hot griddle and spread to thinness. Range of toppings for sweet and savory palates. 1548 Locust St., 944-5790.
GENOVA: Italian meats, fresh ravioli and sauces. Take a number; fans line-up for the fresh sandwiches at lunch. 1105 S. California Blvd., 939-3838 and 2064 Treat Blvd., 938-2888. genovadeli.net.
MORUCCI'S: Fans travel from several towns away for these savory
sandwiches. Try the 6 3/4: turkey, tomato and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta, pastrami or the popular chicken Caesar sandwich. 1218 Boulevard Way, 939-2426.
MR. PICKLES: This little sandwich shop serves up flavor-packed sandwiches at great prices. Big enough to split, bread is baked fresh and packed with your favorite fillings. 1991 N. Broadway, 280-5510, mrpicklesinc.com.
ACGfNcOP North Locust Street, Between Giamona and Lacassie
OPEN YEAR ROUND Market Hours: 9am-1pm
ACGfNcOP Juicy
Cheeries
•••••• M��e
Markets ••••••
Orinda on Saturdays
22 Orinda Way (in front of Community Park)
April-November • 9am-1pm
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• /WalnutCreekFarmersMarket @walnutcreekfarmersmarket www.cccfm.org
spring 2019 / walnut creek
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LAST LOOK
Illuminating
WATER LIGHT PUBLIC PLAZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH ISAACS While we may bemoan the changing landscape of Walnut Creek, the new developments do have their benefits, including making the city more interesting with pieces of eye-popping public art. At the Lyric Apartments on Locust Street, artist Jason Middlebrook created a dynamic abstract mosaic mural, measuring 15-feet high by 35-feet wide, from hundreds of hand-cut glass and ceramic tiles. Jets shoot graceful arcs of water across the surface enthralling little kids, while teens take advantage of the illuminating backdrop for posts to their social media feeds. Visitors to the public plaza find tables and chairs for relaxing in the sun and reflecting on the mosaic wall. –PK
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walnut creek / spring 2019
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walnut creek / spring 2018
SPRING 2019
THE DESIGN ISSUE
WALNUT CREEK MAGAZINE