FALL 2017
Weekend Getaways AMAZING PLACES TO TAKE A BREAK
Sunsets, Sea Otters, Epic Eats & Stylish Resorts
Changing Appetites
RESTAURANT OWNERS WEIGH IN ON INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Lace ’Em Up
HEAD OUT ON A SCENIC HIKE
A Suburban Landscape PAIRS PERFECTLY WITH GRAPES
WALNUT CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU AND WALNUT CREEK DOWNTOWN PRESENT
2017
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 11AM–6PM
Locust Street between Mt. Diablo Boulevard & Civic Drive
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with International Music
HARVEST STAGE
Mustache Harbor, Sons of the Souls Revivers, Tumbledown House & Karl Lebherz Band
KINDER PLATZ Children’s Activities
AUTO BAHN ROW MICROBREWS & GOURMET FOOD EXHIBITORS PARKING GARAGES
1350 Locust Street, 1625 Locust Street, 1390 Broadway Convenient public transportation includes BART & the FREE WC Trolley WWW.WALNUTCREEKDOWNTOWN.COM/OKTOBERFEST PRESENTING SPONSORS
SPONSORS
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winter 2017 / walnut creek
Produced by Labadie Productions • San Jose, CA • www.LabadieProductions.com
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FALL 2017
weekend getaways Escape from the East Bay to one of these distinctive destinations where hip hotels, chic restaurants, and fantastic adventures are waiting for you.
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in this issue
FALL 2017
15 EAT DRINK
TALK OF THE TOWN 15 CHANGING APPETITES
47 BELLY UP
Restaurant owners weigh in on industry challenges and changes to the workforce.
Brush elbows with locals at these popular spots.
20 RIDING SHOTGUN
50 WILD OAK
A front row seat in a WCPD squad car on a Saturday night.
25 ON THE HORIZON Broadway Plaza adds new retailers to its lineup; Whole Foods 365 and IMAX anchor Concord’s new Veranda retail complex; Downtown Apartment Hotel gets approved; Walnut Creek tops retirement list.
Vineyards complement this suburban landscape.
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53 WHAT’S IN SEASON Fall’s signature squash is not only for carving and pies.
56 DINING GUIDE Great places to eat and to drink in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo, and Pleasant Hill.
29 BAY AREA HIKES Five rejuvenating treks with moderate elevation and spectacular views.
32 BOOKS New releases from Bay Area authors.
34 COUNTY SAYS NO TO NORTHGATE Community speaks out on movement to create a new school district in Walnut Creek.
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ART & ENTERTAINMENT 63 WHERE & WHEN Happenings and events for your fall calendar.
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FALL TRAVEL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 Publisher Pam Becker Kessler Editor Lauren Kessler Art Director Carrie Wallahan website Cale Finta Photography Alexxa Grace Bob Brittain Jessica Freels Sarah Grunder Scott Hein Josh Isaacs Kyle Luman Brian Murphy Anne Rabe contributing writers Deborah Burstyn Caroline Cabral Lynn Carey Sophie Johnson Kathryn McCarty Fran Miller Alison Negrin Anneli Rufus Dale Tafoya Alix Wall operations intern David Kessler
Kessler Communications, Inc. Walnut Creek Magazine PO BOX 5550 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 (925)212-5146 publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com No print or online material from Walnut Creek Magazine may be reproduced without written consent. walnutcreekmagazine.com
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FEEDBACK
Have something to say? Post a note on our Facebook page or send it to publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com. Comments may be edited.
A NEW OBSTACLE IN THE WAY OF HEATHER FARM’S AQUATIC FACILITY
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WHEN CITY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED OVER THE SUMMER THAT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAD BEEN PULLED FROM THE RENOVATION OF CLARKE MEMORIAL SWIM CENTER TO FUND A PROJECTED CALPERS DEFICIT, WE ASKED OUR FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS TO WEIGH IN.
would be great to have water slides, more diving boards, and nicer locker rooms.” –DS
“Clarke Memorial Pool has a rich legacy of elite athletes who have trained or competed there, including Olympic swimmers such as Mark Spitz, Matt Biondi, and Sylvia Berenki, to name only a few. Today, the Walnut Creek Masters Swim Team is recognized as one of the strongest master’s aquatics programs in the country. This is a legacy that needs to be fostered, not left to die on the vine.”—GR
“I supported the building of the pool when I lived in Walnut Creek, it’s a great asset for the city. Sadly, the city council is only interested in building more high density housing to increase the tax base, not in the recreation of children.” –JM
“If you compare the pool to the San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park, it desperately needs an upgrade. It
“The frills and cost of water features and slides are not needed. That’s what Waterworld is for.”—GT
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“Maybe pay to play? Why don’t those who use it pay? Most residents don’t use it so they might not want to support it financially.”—SH
“They remodeled the pool at Larkey Park and it turned out awesome. They should do the same at Clarke Swim Center.”—DS
“Having worked there as a lifeguard and swim instructor I would be devastated to see the aquatics programs go away. This pool is a staple to the Walnut Creek Community! We have to make it work!”—JC It’s seriously disheartening. We have Olympians coming out of that pool. We have people coming from other cities to swim in the master’s program. We have high schoolers training to be the fastest swimmers in the country.”—JF “The CALPERS payment was a surprise? Money should not have been spent to re-do the Larkey Park pool if money was so tight. Clarke Swim Center serves so many more people.”—LK “I am a member of the Walnut Creek Aquatic Foundation. We are circulating a petition for support of the pool. Anyone interested in signing can visit our website at wcaquatics.org.” –SM
From the Publisher
A FEW
FALL
F AV E S
PLAIDS Bright plaids of the 70s crafted into classic coats and statement booties.
PUMPKINS Cozy autumn ambiances created from candle scents in a blend of spices.
COTTAGES Dreamy overnight stays on Tomales Bay at Nick’s Cove.
Living here is a luxury. Even after 20 years in Walnut Creek, I’m still amazed by the rural vibe on my suburban street despite the booming development all around. Not only is our neighborhood walkable to the downtown shopping, theater, and dining scene, but it’s also surrounded by a stunning landscape rich in wildlife and miles of open space and hiking trails. Plenty of weekends are spent on comforting rituals—walking downtown with my dog Sadie, backyard gardening, stocking up at the farmers’ markets, and a standing Sunday night date with HBO. But it’s also our easy access to exploring so much more that makes living in the heart of the East Bay so desirable. I love to get out of town and discover our great Golden State. My travels have taken me from the shores of Del Mar to the forests of Mendocino. Thank goodness I work in a field that gives me a professional pretext for digging up forgotten or under-the-radar spots. In this issue, we take you to three distinctive destinations—South Tahoe, Palo Alto, and Monterey—each with its own special charm. Wander a canyon. Take in the stunning views. Have a beer on a rustic deck. All bark and no bite? Take the dogs with you. These hip hotels, delicious food, and ridiculous sceneries will remind you why you live here. And there’s no plane ticket required.
PURPLES Dark nails polished in rich hues of violet and eggplant.
OTTOMANS Glorious little seats covered in plush fabrics and shaggy furs.
Pam Becker Kessler publisher @walnutcreekmagazine.com
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Contributors
COMING up... BEST OF 2017 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS A CELEBRATION OF ALL THE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT OUR CITY!
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.
Deborah Burstyn is a Walnut Creek-based freelance journalist who has worked as a staff writer for The Washington Post, Newsweek, the Contra Costa Times and the California wine industry.
Sophie Johnson is a Walnut Creek native with a diverse background in food and technology. When not writing, she can be found walking Bay Area streets and trails, meeting new people, and sharing their stories.
LYNN CAREY worked for 35 years at the Contra Costa Times newspaper group, including the Oakland Tribune and the San Jose Mercury News. She started the Times Book Club, hosting more than 100 author galas at the Lesher Center. Carey is currently working on her own novel.
jessica freels has been taking photographs since she was eight years old. Her passion is sports photography because it gives her a chance to spend time with her son. A long time Bay Area resident, she resides in Walnut Creek.
kathryn G. mccarty has been part of the Bay Area theatre scene for over 20 years. Her award-winning plays have been performed in NYC, LA and Chicago.
VOTING BEGINS 10/1/17 GO TO
WALNUTCREEKMAGAZINE.COM
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES POWER COUPLES AND SO MUCH MORE…
FOR EDITORIAL &ADVERTISING INFORMATION
publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com
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talk
of the town
RESTAURANT SCENE | BUSINESS BUZZ | SCENIC HIKES | BAY AREA BOOKS
changing appetites RESTAURANT OWNERS WEIGH IN ON CHALLENGES FACING THEIR INDUSTRY
W
BY SOPHIE JOHNSON ith the change of seasons comes new restaurants—but it also means the passing of others. There are a lot of reasons for a restaurant to throw in the proverbial towel: anything from a bad concept to a lukewarm welcome, chef shuffles, landlord and leasing issues, redevelopment, too much competition, or simply running its course. ➤
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talk/restaurants
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH ISAACS Ben Shavar Buttercup Grill, Rocco Biale Rocco’s Ristorante, Joe Stein Sunrise Bistro, Rodney Worth The Worth Group Kevin Weinberg WC Yacht Club, Zack Scott Havana, Parry Tong Postino, Susan Rizer Corner’s Tavern, Dave Wright Extreme Pizza
In late July, shocked Lark Creek Walnut Creek customers were greeted with papered restaurant windows and a sign on the door with a simple message, “Thank you for your patronage over the years! We have decided to close our doors.” Once the darling of Chef Bradley Ogden’s gastronomic empire, Moana Restaurant Group—the company which owned Lark Creek—cited high rent, revenue losses, extreme competition, and increased wage demands as the reasons behind the closure. Commentators on social media bemoaned Lark Creek’s outdated menu and white table cloth style, as well as a menu that fell short of expectations. Others are still reeling from the loss of a restaurant that put Walnut Creek on the Bay Area culinary map.
LABOR The number one challenge is the labor shortage. In a time of low unemployment, finding qualified applicants for physicallydemanding jobs, who are willing to make modest wages, is becoming increasingly difficult. Chef Kevin Weinberg of Walnut
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Creek Yacht Club says, “We used to run an ad on Craigslist and hundreds of resumes would come in. Now, I’m lucky to get one a day and then hope they show up for the interview.” With plenty of new buildings going up in Walnut Creek, Weinberg says the local construction industry has attracted restaurant workers with higher wages. Another reason for the labor shortage are delivery jobs in the gig economy— UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Munchery and so many more—which present new sources of income and the allure of entrepreneurship. And Walnut Creek has a lot of restaurants. Zack Scott of Havana sees it all around him, as downtown retail spaces are converted from selling goods to selling food. “A dress shop can do business with two employees, but a restaurant needs 20 just to operate. The hours of operation are longer, the parking spaces required for workers are out of control, and pretty soon, you have too many problems to fix.”
Some have pursued creative solutions. Joe Stein of Sunrise Bistro only hires at the bottom of the ladder, and then promotes from within. “I hire dishwashers and hosts from local culinary programs such as the one at Mt. Diablo High School.” Joe has an inside track on these graduates, as his mother, Sunrise co-owner Cindy Gershen, created a curriculum and training program at Mt. Diablo focused on sustainable hospitality. Another place for restaurants to find culinary talent is at the Diablo Valley College’s Culinary School. Chef Rodney Worth, whose portfolio includes Danville’s The Peasant and The Pear says, “Some nights my teenage son runs my pizza line.” Worth also offers current employees cash bonuses for referrals stating, “My best people come from my current staff.” Susan Rizer of Corner’s Tavern agrees. Her dedicated workforce has been built from both employee and patron referrals.
WAGES The minimum wage is going up across the nation. And while all service ➤
event scene
destination walnut creek IMAGES COURTESY OF ORANGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Back Row: Sean Peach WC Marriott, David Burri Embassy Suites, Kevin Cabral ClubSport, Scott Slocum WC Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tyronne & Patrick McMichael Denon & Doyle, Fran Peco ClubSport, Heidi Harris WC Marriott, Lucy Giovanna Watts President of MPINCC
Meeting planners and travel professionals converged at RENAISSANCE CLUBSPORT in September for an MPINCC (Meeting Professionals International Northern California Chapter) business mixer. The event, which drew industry leaders from across the West Coast, showcased Walnut Creek as a meeting destination for groups of all sizes. To the sounds of DJ Denon & Doyle, guests danced, connected, sipped, and savored. Renaissance ClubSport is one of Walnut Creek’s top hotels for overnight travel, meetings, banquets, and corporate team building. Marriott Walnut Creek and Embassy Suites partnered on the event.
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talk/restaurants industries are affected, the living wage movement in California affects restaurants disproportionately. Weinberg has calculated that the .50 cent increase stipulated to begin in 2018 will cost his business $40,000. With narrow two to three percent profit margins common, wage increases can spell disaster for small restaurants. But make no mistake, all of the owners at our roundtable feel strongly that their loyal staff deserves fair compensation, but wage inequality is a looming issue. The restaurant industry has long struggled to shrink the pay gap between front-of-house and back-of-house staff. Kitchen line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers typically earn a set hourly rate, whereas front-of-the house servers earn minimum wage plus tips. Some restaurants pool tips, but most do not, since the State of California prohibits owners or managers from requiring tipped staff to share tips with non-tipped staff. This means the sharing gratuities is left to the discretion of the servers. Rocco Biale of Rocco’s Ristorante sees a changing future, “The pay discrepancy between the four walls of a restaurant is unsustainable. On top of the minimum wage, servers often get $30 or $40 an hour more. A cook, working just as hard, will expect similar pay.” Raising food prices on menus may seem like an obvious solution, but that’s a slippery slope. Do diners really want to pay $25 for a burger? Biale, along with others in the California Restaurant Association, are pushing for a state-wide adjustment to the language of the minimum wage laws to include tips. Forty five other states do just that. Another option being explored is tacking on service surcharges to checks similar to other hospitality sectors like hotels, airlines, and rental cars. Others point to a tiered minimum wage system based on job function or experience. “Why should a high school teenager get the same rate of pay starting off as a long-time prep-cook who has years of work history? If things don’t change, we will be left with either a Chipotle/ Panera model or super high-end dining. No one solution fixes the issue, but it helps close the gap, saves businesses, and keeps people employed,” says Biale.
STOMACH SHARE Within just a few blocks of Locust street, where Lark Creek once prevailed over the downtown dining scene, over the past couple of years Broderick, Sauced, Limon, Lokanta, Momo’s, Rooftop,
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Slice House, and Teleferic Barcelona—to name only a few— have opened. An oft-cited Ohio University study reported that 60% of restaurants close in their first year; 80% close within five years. Insiders debate these numbers, but the food business is undeniably tenuous. As public as many of Walnut Creek’s closures have been, openings have far outnumbered them. This points to a bubble. For our panel, there are just too many tables and not enough bellies. “People keep opening restaurants using their trust funds or the backing of big corporations. I sold one of my restaurants in Blackhawk and closed another in Napa this year. There are plenty of people eating out, but Walnut Creek is flooded,” says Worth. “When True Food opened, it hit me, but we’re lucky because we get Broadway Plaza foot traffic,” says Corner’s Rizer. Ben Shavar, whose family has owned five East Bay Buttercup Grill restaurants for decades, sees change as inevitable, “We are in a bubble and before it pivots, it’s going to be painful.” A restaurant moratorium by the City of Walnut Creek isn’t likely, but the owners were instructive in how other local towns thwart over-extension. Danville charges a parking fee to builders of large restaurants meant to deter a boom & bust cycle. Napa has a water main fee that prevents property owners from converting a retail shop into a grub hub. “Once a space becomes a restaurant, it generally stays a restaurant,” Jay Hoyer, CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce says. “Spaces sometimes go from retail to restaurant, but not usually the other direction.” Liquor licenses are a common way that cities limit the number of restaurants and bars. The City of Walnut Creek has long struggled with its dual identity as a safe residential community and a vibrant East Bay dining and entertainment destination. When new liquor licenses are granted, they come with a 10 or 11 pm last call clock, while older establishments, like Mr. Lucky’s, are grandfathered with late night hours, even on week nights. Zach Scott of Havana says, “This town is now a city. We need a more vibrant nightlife. Due to the convenience of Uber and Lyft, we are losing customers to Oakland and San Francisco.” With more new restaurant openings on the horizon—Pacific Catch, Gott’s Roadside, Bay Green Salad, Take One Pizza and Bounty Hunter among others—the question remains, can Walnut Creek continue to sustain unlimited restaurant growth? The answer depends on the size of your stomach.
“We are in a bubble and before it pivots, it’s going to be painful.”
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talk/city revealed
RIDING SHOTGUN
A FRONT ROW SEAT WITH THE WCPD BY caroline cabral With visions of car chases and mesmerizing arrests racing in my head, I expected a Saturday night in the squad car to be full of adrenaline rushes and adventures. Instead, this is what I found. 2200 Hours: Patrol Sergeant Lee Harrington
2300 Hours: Officer Gareth O’Brien
I waited nervously outside the Walnut Creek Police Department, arriving at 9:45 PM for my scheduled 10:00 PM ride along. I was meeting with Sergeant Lee Harington who would show me around the department before I went out in the field. He was dealing with graveyard shift staffing changes after a busy day. One incident involved a man found intoxicated inside his car in a parking lot. Since he was not driving, the man was not issued a DUI. However, he was drunk enough to be taken into custody.
A police officer for three years, Officer Gareth O’Brien moved to Walnut Creek from his Dublin, Ireland home in 2002, and worked in the insurance field for ten years before joining the force. “I always wanted to be a cop, and this is a great city to work for,” he said. “America’s been good to me and good to my family. I wanted to give back, and what better way than working for a city I really like?”
Given the hot weather, the rear window of the police car was partially rolled down for air. Presented with an escape route, the man tried to climb out, shattering the glass as he dove from the car, and hitting his head on the pavement. He was rushed to the hospital. When something like this happens, “everything stops,” said Harrington. Detectives respond to the scene while other officers are posted at the hospital to stand guard. “It’s police work, you never know what’s going to happen.”
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As we patrolled his beat, classic rock from The Bone played on the car radio. We drove through a dark city, both of us surprised to find no one out on a Saturday night. Officers who work the graveyard shift typically handle traffic stops, pedestrian stops, the bar scene, calls from dispatch, and crimes in progress. We pulled up to a bar where O’Brien and the security guard had a friendly exchange. “I get to know everyone. If you’re chatty and personable they see you as a person—not just a uniform,” he explained. ➤
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talk/city revealed 2400 Hours: The Radio Call The night had been quiet until dispatch radioed that a man was found sleeping on private property. We responded and met another officer at the scene. The two officers woke the man and asked for identification. After confirming that he had no priors, they asked him to vacate the property. The man made it 20 feet before sitting back down. Still on private property, he said he was feeling “a bad vibe.” O’Brien told him to leave or face arrest for trespassing, so he left. Back in the car, O’Brien explained the department’s “Ask, Tell, Make” policy. First, an officer asks for the suspect’s cooperation. If this doesn’t work, the officer tells the subject what needs to happen or what will happen. If the response still remains uncooperative, the officer makes the arrest.
0100 Hours: Officer James Davis
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We returned to the station where I met Officer James Davis who had worked as a police officer in Louisiana for eight years, prior to relocating to Walnut Creek two years ago. He was trying to lift finger prints off a lap top shell that had been left for collateral at a store along with a fake ID and fake bank cards. The person had taken an $8,000 bicycle for a test ride and never came back. “You ever watch the show CSI?” asked Davis. “This is nothing like that.” To lift prints, the laptop was dusted with a fine, black dust nearly impossible to remove. As he worked, we talked. Davis moved to Walnut Creek for a ‘good opportunity’ and a new environment. He said the city is less busy than New Orleans with fewer violent crimes. “After so many years, it starts to wear on you emotionally and physically.” Recalling that he wanted to be a cop since he was a little boy, Davis was inspired by TV shows like Miami Vice: “I used to think those guys were so cool. They got to wear cool clothes and drive fast cars. Being a police officer is different than shows and movies, and the cars aren’t even fast,” he joked.
0200: Back on the road After sealing the laptop in an envelope and locking it in a locker, we hit the road to finish out my night. As he drank an energy drink, we drove around the quiet city. The bars had closed, so our eyes were peeled for anyone needing help getting home safely. Davis praised Uber and Lyft for the lack of DUIs in the city. “The goal,” he said, “is to work smarter, not harder.”
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I asked him what he liked most about being a police officer. “I like being a role model and giving young, black, males someone to look up to. We need diversity in law enforcement. More women, more people of color, and more diversity to represent the people we’re serving.” As we drove through Broadway Plaza, someone was in a fountain looking for coins. We pulled over and Davis said, “You’re messing up people’s wishes.” The man said his wish hadn’t come true and was released after promising not to fish in the fountain again. With no other calls, we patrolled the city. “The best thing to do is be proactive—ride around and make your presence known.”
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On the Horizon Happenings, announcements and things to know about
between the lines Finding that prized curbside spot in front of your favorite downtown restaurant can be a challenge. So can eating your meal fast enough to beat the two-hour meter time limit. But if you’re willing to walk a block or two, parking just got a whole lot easier. The City of Walnut Creek recently launched a new program that encourages parking at underutilized meters. All you have to do is look for meters with purple poles. Then park your vehicle for $1 an hour; up to 10 hours at a time. Download the ParkMobile app to add meter time.
retirement town
Walnut Creek boasts an unbeatable quality of life, but it’s also an expensive place to live. For many seniors—who make up over 35% of the city’s population—it’s worth it. The city boasts 22 parks and 2,704 acres of sprawling hills and a walkable downtown speckled with high-end shops like an Apple Store and Tiffany & Co. More than 900 productions and events are presented annually at the Lesher Center for the Arts. And there's a pleasant mix of fine dining, organic eateries, and greasy spoons. In a recent report titled “Best Cities to Retire” in California, WalletHub ranked Walnut Creek #15 on the list of the most retirement-friendly. The analysis of more than 250 cities in the state used quality of life, health care, and activities for seniors as key measurements.
Shop Talk
Adding stores and restaurants to its lineup, BROADWAY PLAZA announced some names of retailers on the way. Maker’s Market, which sells handmade goods from local craftspeople, is testing out a storefront across the street from Nordstrom. Amazon Books is coming this fall, followed in 2018 by Saje Natural Wellness, Free People, jewelry company Alex and Ani, and b8ta — a store designed to let people try out and buy tech products. Napa’s Heritage Eats is bringing its globally inspired, fast casual menu of wraps, bowls, and pita pockets to the plaza next year. And if that’s not enough, Apple’s massive 13,242-square-foot, one story building with glass walls, could open as early as February. Concord’s giant multi-use retail center, THE VERANDA, is scheduled to open in late October on Diamond Boulevard. The 30-acre development includes open-air shopping and dining, a luxe IMAX theater with bar service and reclining chairs, a seasonal ice skating rink, and 20,000-square-feet of office space. A star attraction is Whole Foods 365, a new discount brand from the upscale grocer, the first of its kind in the Bay Area.
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on the horizon WAT E R , WAT E R When EBMUD raised water rates after a super wet winter, many wondered why. At a Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Civic Affairs meeting last month, John Coleman, Director of East Bay Municipal Utility District explained that frequent breaks in the 4800 miles of pipeline, as well as repairs on the aging water delivery system were the main reasons for the rate hike. He also said we are out of the drought, the EBMUD reservoir is at 100% capacity, and another wet winter is coming our way.
NEW DIGS Approval of the six-story, 150,000-square-foot mixed use APARTMENT HOTEL at 1380 N. California Boulevard has reached its final phase. After four design revisions required by the developer, Align Real Estate Group, the Planning Commission approved the project which includes ground floor retail, 77 market rate apartments, 20 hotel rooms, and underground parking. One of the major changes to the originally proposed project was a requirement to add a third level of underground parking.
House Hunting? You need big bucks
According to a new report by the California Association of Realtors, homebuyers in California need twice the income to buy a house as they did in 2012. The second-quarter report looked at affordability throughout the state, and found that only 29 percent of California households could afford to buy a $553,260 median-priced home. CAR cited higher housing prices and shrinking inventory, as the state, and particularly the Bay Area, continues to struggle with a worsening housing crisis. "The situation has grown more dire in the nine-county Bay Area," the Sacramento Bee reported. "The minimum required income has climbed to $179,390 while the median price has climbed to $895,000 for the region."
CRAVING CRUSTACEANS?
Dungeness crab fans mark your calendars. The statewide recreational season is slated to open November 4 this year, followed by the commercial season a week or so later, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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PROVIDING QUALITY MEDICAL AND SURGICAL EYECARE FOR OVER 75 YEARS Eye Physicians
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eyephysicianseastbay.com
5
of the
Best Bay Area Hikes BY DEBORAH BURSTYN
You’re ready, right? Crazy summer heat has subsided; air is cooler but comfortably warm. Holiday season madness is a couple months away. Time to get outside and take in some breath-taking beauty. As our famed John Muir said, “Keep close to nature's heart...and break clear away once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” You can get a rejuvenating boost from a one to three-hour hike. No need to climb a mountain or spend a week trying to do it; plenty of Bay Area trails offer easy to moderate elevation and spectacular views. Here are five of our favorites in and around Walnut Creek. Make sure to hydrate. ➤ fall 2017 / walnut creek
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talk/hikes WALNUT CREEK — Moderate. Shell Ridge Loop. About 2 miles. You’ll forget you’re wedged between Ygnacio Valley Road and downtown Walnut Creek once you’re in the Open Space surrounded by native grasses, valley oaks, and gently sloping Mt. Diablo foothills. Marshall Drive dead ends at the trail head next to Indian Valley Elementary School. (Just don’t attempt to go at school start or dismissal time when the road is bumper to bumper with parents.) Follow the trail straight out as it gently dips and curves. Once you pass a bench on your left, be prepared for a steep ascent as the trail forks to the left. At the top, you can either turn right and descend on a parallel path, and go back the way you came. If you turn left and follow the trail, it curves around the other side of the hill—with spectacular views of Benicia – ending back at Marshall Drive. If you’ve worked up an appetite, downtown restaurants are minutes away.
ALAMEDA COUNTY — Moderate. Sunol Regional Wilderness Park, Canyon View/Little Yosemite Loop. About 3 miles. Hidden in the hills between Diablo Valley and Silicon Valley is a wonderful hiking trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall known as Little Yosemite. Although not exactly Yosemite, it’s a scenic gorge full of boulders and falls. To start, look for a wooden footbridge over Alameda Creek in the meadow near the Visitor Center. Cross the bridge, turn right, and follow signs for Indian Joe Nature Trail. It’s all uphill from here; pause to take in the breath-taking canyon views. The trail drops as you near the falls. From there, it’s an easy downhill stroll on paved Camp Ohlone Road back to the footbridge. To make a day of it, head into historic downtown Niles on your way home for antique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
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talk/hikes SAN FRANCISCO — Easy. Kennedy Drive to Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park. 3 miles one way. This is a lovely hike the length of Golden Gate Park from the Haight Ashbury to the sea. Try to go on Sunday when Kennedy Drive is closed to vehicles. Park along the Panhandle and cross Stanyan Street on foot to enter Golden Gate Park on Kennedy Drive. As you walk along the paved walkway, many of the Park’s Victorian splendors—the dazzling white Conservatory of Flowers and the Grecian columns adorning Spreckels Lake—come into view. There’s the De Young Museum’s modern metallic Hamon Observation Tower, the Rose Garden, the Bison Paddock complete with a herd of grazing bison, and two full-size Dutch windmills. Then you hit the beach. To your left is the historic Beach Chalet Restaurant and Brewery. To your right is a Safeway and the 5 Fulton bus which will take you back to Stanyan, if three miles is all you’ve got.
MARIN
— Easy. Tennessee Valley Road Trail. 3.4 miles out
and back. This trail is a small slice of Marin Headlands tucked into Mill Valley and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s easily reached from the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit off 101. Tennessee Valley Road turnoff is on the left. The trailhead begins at the parking lot and meanders along a stream through a valley that opens onto Tennessee Cove, a pocket beach surrounded by dramatic rocky outcroppings. For a unique dining experience after your hike, head to the nearby Pelican Inn. You’ll think you’ve wandered into a Thomas Kinkade painting.
PENINSULA — Moderate. Mill Ox/Jackson Flats Trail. 5 mile loop. Sometimes you just want redwoods and ferns—an immersion into mystical primordial green. This hike delivers. Be warned, the first 30 minutes of the trail are nonstop elevation through scrub forest. Not for the faint of heart. Then turn right onto the flat and placid Old Butano Fire Road with sweeping views. Follow the Jackson Flats Trail back down through the redwoods. You’ll come out at the Visitor Center. Turn left and walk a short way back to your car. When you exit the park, you can drive straight into the parking area for Pescadero State Beach. About 20 miles north on Highway 1 are the popular Half Moon Bay seaside eateries Sam’s Chowder House and the Miramar Beach Restaurant.
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good reads
Books by Bay Area Authors by lynn carey
Nothing
The Best of Us
(Greenwillow/Harper Collins, September 2017) Nothing happens in Berkeley’s Barrows latest book. It’s just two normal 15 year old girls who are best friends. They live with their parents and they go to school. No ghosts, like in her “Ivy + Bean” series. No Nazi’s, like in Barrows’ bestselling “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” When one of the girls decides to write down everything that happens during sophomore year, it turns out their lives aren’t exactly boring. It’s funny, silly, and complicated. And that’s not nothing.
(Bloomsbury, September, 2017) Lafayette’s Maynard thought she was done with marriage. Then in her late 50s, she met Jim, who also thought he was done with marriage. They had a whirlwind romance and got married. Most known for her bestselling “Labor Day” and “At Home in the World,” Maynard was resolute to remain independent. But after only a year of marriage, Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The story chronicles their relationship, and the disease they battled together for two years.
Annie Barrows
Joyce Maynard
World Gone Missing
Laurie Ann Doyle
(Regal House, October, 2017) These twelve stories, set in and around San Francisco, reveal what happens to people left behind when loved ones go missing (physically or emotionally). Newlyweds searching for a brother who didn’t come home; a successful businesswoman obsessed with a high school friend; a man selling his ex-wife’s car and finding an unexpected love; a woman meeting her son’s birthmother. This is a debut collection for Doyle, who lives in Berkeley and teaches writing at UC Berkeley and The Grotto.
Survivor Cafe: The Legacy of Trauma and The Labyrinth of Memory Elizabeth Rosner (Counterpoint, September, 2017) What can we learn from tragedy? Berkeley’s Rosner, whose “Speed of Light” was translated into nine languages, addresses this question on a nonfiction journey that begins at Buchenwald Concentration Camp, with her Holocaust survivor father. It’s impact caused Rosner to carry forward the stories of other survivors who experienced monumental events— from Nazi death camps in Germany to the Killing Fields in Cambodia to descendants of African American slaves— so they are never forgotten.
In the Midst of Winter
Isabel Allende (Atria, October, 2017) During a snowstorm in Brooklyn, a 60 year-old professor hits the car of a young undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. The accident becomes the catalyst for a love story when the young woman shows up at the professor’s home seeking help, and he turns to his neighbor, a woman from Chile, for advice. Allende, who lives in San Rafael, weaves scenes from current-day Brooklyn with Guatemala in the recent past, as well as 1970s Chile and Brazil. Issues of immigration and domestic violence mingle with passion, spirituality, and humor, in the vein of Allende’s “The House of the Spirits.”
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talk/education
COMMUNITY SPEAKS OUT ON NEW SCHOOL DISTRICT Since the 1970’s, multiple efforts have been made to form a new school district in Walnut Creek, without winning results. The most recent led by Northgate CAPS was shot down by the County. Advocates for a Northgate Unified School District plan to appeal to the state. BY CAROLINE CABRAL
“I
won’t pretend that Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSU) is perfect,” says Peter Gaughan, a recent Northgate High School graduate and outspoken supporter of MDUSD. “But I’ve seen the growth, and I’ve seen the change. Things like music are coming back. More sports, more artistic outreach, it’s getting better,” he says. Gaughan attributes much of his academic success to the district’s size and flexible intradistrict transfer policy which allowed him to attend Meadow Homes Elementary, Sequoia Middle School, and Northgate. Although his feeder pattern high school — the school assigned to a
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neighborhood based on the resident’s street address — was Mt. Diablo, during open enrollment, Peter’s parents were able to register him at Northgate. “It’s really about having choices,” he says.
IS MDUSD TOO BIG? When it comes to district size, not everyone in the MDUSD shares the same point of view. As evidenced by the 6000 plus signatures on a recent petition, a substantial number of residents support Northgate CAPS—Northgate Community Advocacy for Our Public Schools— the grassroots movement formed to create a new school district in Walnut Creek. Northgate Unified School District
(NUSD), would consist of approximately 4,600 students who live in the attendance areas for Northgate High, Foothill Middle, and Walnut Acres, Valle Verde, and Bancroft elementary schools. With 56 schools and 31,000 students under the MDUSD umbrella, proponents of NUSD seek greater local control of their children’s education.
SECCESSIONIST MOVEMENT OR A DISTRICT REALIGNMENT? Others consider the petition a secessionist movement designed to create a district for affluent students. Former Mayor Robert Simmons, who supports NUSD’s community-based education platform and a school board composed of local Walnut Creek ➤
Best
of WALNUT CREEK
2 0 17
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN WE CELEBRATE THE THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT WALNUT CREEK! VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 1ST GO TO WALNUTCREEKMAGAZINE.COM
walnut creek M
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talk/education parents, believes the use of words like “secessionist” rather than “district realignment” are fueling the debate. “With NUSD, you get five local school board members who are directly accountable to the community and its’ needs,” says Simmons. “Northgate is a small piece of the big MDUSD puzzle which has vast problems in other cities that require greater attention.”
“What really concerns me most is the feeling of neighbor versus neighbor,” says Walnut Creek City Council member Kevin Wilk.
Northgate junior Lucy Katina spoke at meetings and rallies in support of MDUSD. “The new district has to recognize that their intent is different than their impact. Segregation has no place in any educational environment.” Katina says her opinions have been silenced by supporters NUSD. “They are so willing to dismiss the voices of students and students of color. Teachers have encouraged me to speak. They’ve listened to my concerns,” she says. “It feels like they’re on my side fighting for me and other students.”
Meg Honey is one of those teachers. As an MDUSD parent, AP HisI’d like for the rhetoric to be tory teacher, and Northgate alumni, Honey has led discussions about more subdued. The schools need the proposed district changes in community support.” her classroom. “Our young people are smart and want to engage,” she says. “They engage in thoughtful, fact-based conversations. As an educator, I’ve worked my entire career cultivating safe spaces for all viewpoints.” Honey is concerned about the financial impact NUSD will have on specialized student programs like music, art and technology, as well as special education.
“If this does go to a vote,
GOING FORWARD Linda Loza, a leader in the NUSD movement says, "We can see that the district is devoting much energy toward indoctrinating students on this complex matter of district governance, so we are not surprised by vocal student supporters of MDUSD's status quo. However, we don't think it’s fair to use students as pawns in this matter.” Loza says. “The very loud voices of the opposition are drowning out the voices of community members and teachers who support NUSD, but who are afraid to speak out.”
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Another parent requested anonymity because she doesn’t want her daughter singled out at school. “MDUSD’s priority is not the students or the community, it’s about their bottom line. The students were only shown one side,” she says. “It would be great to teach kids not what to think, but how.” “What really concerns me most is the feeling of neighbor versus neighbor,” says Walnut Creek City Council member Kevin Wilk. “If this does go to a vote, I’d like for the rhetoric to be more subdued. The schools need community support.” Simmons agrees, “I’m disappointed in some of the rhetoric; it is not reflective of our community, identity, or our shared values.” In a recent letter to the East Bay Times, former Mayor Gwen Regalia describes efforts over the years to create a new district. “From 1975-1982 a proposal was made to place all people with a Walnut Creek address into a new Walnut Creek Unified School District. A petition was signed by 12,000 voters from all five affected districts, but it failed twice at the State Board of Education. No reason given. At that time, the Concord side of Lime Ridge had not been developed, so no students would have been displaced. Population of minority students and parental income were not factors. A similar effort in 2003 did not receive even a full hearing. A great deal of effort and research has gone into the proposal now on the table. The main theme is still community identity and having a say in educational goals.”
At a public hearing on August 29, after hearing eight hours of testimony from both the petitioners and MDUSD, the County Committee on School District Organization voted against the petition by Northgate CAPS to create a new school district. Despite this fact and a minimum two year wait to be heard on the matter, Northgate CAPS intends to bring their proposal before the State Board of Education. If the State agrees to hear the matter, they will then determine if the proposal merits a vote by the MDUSD.
D N E K E WE S Y A W A GET
TH ERE’S AN ADVENTURE WAITI NG FOR YOU Here is your essential guide to hip hotels, chic restaurants, and hidden places in South Lake, Palo Alto, and Monterey that will remind you why you live here. Now head out the door ➻ BY FRAN MILLER & PAM KESSLER fall fall 2017 2017 // walnut walnutcreek creek
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Tahoe South IT'S NOT JUST A PLACE FOR GAMBLING ANYMORE
South Lake Tahoe is stepping up its game. For years, despite its casinos and big name entertainment attractions, South Lake has played second fiddle to the rustic charm of North Shore. But a recent $500+ million revitalization and refurbishment effort of hotel properties, retail spaces, and restaurants is elevating South Lake’s profile. The overall aesthetic is a bit more refined and a bit more welcoming than in year’s past, and at the center is ridiculously beautiful scenery and a glistening blue lake.
STAY The Landing Resort & Spa
Discerning travelers will appreciate this five-star boutique lakeside resort. Its 77 guest rooms were constructed in 2013 on the former Royal Valahalla hotel site. Thoughtful amenities include marble bathrooms with heated floors, plush terry robes, Keurig coffee service, and European furnishings. Most rooms view the lake and come equipped with gas fireplaces, private decks, and cozy down comforters. Across the street, Lakeside Marina’s beach is the place to soak up the sun or grab a water taxi to South Shore’s dining, shopping, and gambling scene. At Jimmy’s, the swanky eatery located within the resort, be sure to check out the award-winning wine cellar featuring 250 labels from around the world. Grab a bottle and sip with a savory rack of lamb or filet. 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard, thelandingtahoe.com.
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weekend getaways
Coachman Hotel
Baby boomers may remember the Coachman as the Green Lantern Motel. A major remodel retains the motel-style, but sleek rooms now feature luxury linens, fully stocked mini bars, and even complimentary lip balm. The check-in desk doubles as a craft beer bar and opens onto a lobby seating area with an outdoor fire pit where guests can enjoy complimentary s'mores. A pool and Jacuzzi soothe sore muscles after hiking or skiing. Morning yoga is offered on the outdoor deck, followed by a complimentary breakfast of makeyour-own Belgian waffles and Stumptown Coffee. The hotel is centrally located, just a few blocks from the “strip,” the lake, and nearby Edgewood golf course. 4100 Pine Boulevard, coachmantahoe.com.
Beach Retreat & Lodge
If being on a sandy beach is your thing, you can’t beat the lakeside location of this comfortable property with breathtaking views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rooms have a nautical vibe; be sure to snag one on the lake so you can to watch the sun rise or set, or catch a sneak peek at a beach wedding. Perched on a 1,000 foot pier, the Boathouse restaurant is a favorite among locals for its fresh seafood and craft cocktails. After dinner, grab a seat by a glowing fire pit or take a dip in the heated, outdoor pool. 3411 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, tahoebeachretreat.com.
DO Adventure Park Take the Gondola up Heavenly Mountain Resort for a thrilling experience on zip lines, ropes, and tubing courses at Epic Discovery. Set in the forest about halfway up the mountain, Epic Discovery is an adventure seekers paradise with individual alpine and mountain coaster rides on tracks that wind through rock formations at speeds up to 55mph. 4080 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, skiheavenly.com. Balloon Ride This hot air
balloon ride launches and lands on a boat. Guests are served a light continental breakfast enroute to the midlake take-off site, then glide around in a big balloon. When it’s time to land, the balloon drifts down, the boat slips under it, and happy voyagers toast with champagne. laketahoeballoonscom.
Boat It’s a 30 minute jaunt by water from South Shore to Emerald Bay; one of the most photographed places in the world. Rent a boat or take a tour with Lake Tahoe Cruises. From the Bay it’s easy to see Vikingsholm, a grand estate constructed in the 1860s as the first summer home on Lake Tahoe. Come ashore and relish in the splendor of its Scandinavian architecture. zephyrcove.com. ➤
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weekend getaways
EAT Evan’s American Gourmet Café
Call ahead if you want to snag one of the 11 tables at South Tahoe’s most celebrated restaurant. Continental cuisine is served in a vintage cabin surrounded by towering pines. 536 Emerald Bay Road, evanstahoe.com.
Verde Mexican Rotisserie Delicious food that’s flavorful and clean in burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. Famous for their free-range rotisserie meats. 2012 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, restaurantmeyersca.com.
Sprouts Natural Foods CaféThis is
the place for a morning detox of fresh fruit smoothies and veggie-packed breakfast specials. 3123 Harrison Avenue, sproutscafetahoe.com.
Beacon Bar & Grill
Order a signature Rum Runner and grab a seat on the big, outdoor wooden deck. Located right on the beach at historic Camp Richardson, this is the place for a good time and deep-fried calamari. 1900 Jameson Beach Road, camprichardson.com.
Lakeside Beach House Grill
Cool and casual, head here in your bikini and boarding shorts. The menu is simple—burgers, fish n chips, and salads—and its right on the sandy beach. 4081 Lakeshore Boulevard, tahoesouth.com.
Zephyr Cove Resort First built in 1900, this Tahoe classic offers lodging in rustic cabins, but attracts most visitors for its mile of sandy beach and cocktails at the Sunset Bar and Grille. 760 Hwy. 50, Zephyr Cove, zephyrcove.com.
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Palo Alto There’s more than tech in Silicon Valley
Just an hour drive south, Palo Alto buzzes with an energy and spirit that is palpable. While it’s easy to categorize Palo Alto as merely the home of technology and Stanford University, there’s far more to explore. Its proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific Ocean allows for soul-soothing coastal pleasures. And luxe hotels that cater to weekday business travelers love to spoil their weekend guests. Whether exploring University Avenue and the Stanford campus, plugging-in at Hanahaus, or relaxing poolside, it’s time to put Palo Alto on your radar.
Stanford Park Hotel
Directly across the street from Stanford Shopping Center and its premier shops, this lodging oasis is steeped in collegiate spirit, luxurious accommodations, and elevated service. Behind the elegant exterior lie quiet garden courtyards, fountains, and secluded private spaces. Borrow a Linus bike and ride downtown, work-out in the fitness center, or relax by the tree-lined pool. Savor an espresso on the front porch or enjoy complimentary wine tastings. The hotel’s Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar has an inviting local vibe, serves oysters on the half shell, and mixes craft cocktails. 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, stanfordparkhotel.com.
The Clement
No detail is overlooked at this all-inclusive, haute haven located directly across from Stanford’s campus. Its butler-style service caters to demanding mid-week business travelers, but weekenders receive the same ‘six-star’ experience. Food, drink, snacks, and cocktails are included with your stay and available 24/7, including an ever ready supply of Kara’s cupcakes and Tin Cup Creamery ice cream. ➤
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weekend getaways
Twenty-three spacious suites offer sophisticated comfort: Matouk linens, Frette towels, stocked refrigerators, stone-lined bathrooms, large soaking tubs, and in-mirror televisions. Chic shops and top dining spots are within walking distance.711 El Camino Real, theclementpaloalto.com.
Four Seasons
Nestled at the rear of a large business park off of University Avenue, the gleaming Four Seasons Hotel pays tribute to its corporate travelers, welcoming Silicon Valley high rollers with Caffe Umbria coffee and freshly baked pastries by day, and cocktails and charcuterie by night. Come Friday, the Four Seasons rolls out the red carpet for weekend guests with an oyster bar and resident DJ. Fill your day with a work-out in the hotel’s fitness center or schedule a private yoga session. Book an afternoon massage at the serene spa or simply relax by the rooftop pool, where attentive staff cater to your every need. Don’t miss dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant Quattro, featuring modern northern Italian cuisine. 2050 University Avenue, fourseasons.com.
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DO Explore the stately traditional homes, beautiful gardens, and tree-canopied streets of Steve Jobs’ Crescent
Park neighborhood.
For the ultimate Silicon Valley-esque experi-
Visit the Tech
Museum, the Computer History Museum, or see the famous HP Garage, considered the birthplace of the Silicon Valley.
ence, head to HanaHaus on University Avenue—a 15,000 square foot community workspace where creatives gather to socialize and share ideas. The Peninsula’s first Blue Bottle Coffee outpost is located here.
Hike the Stanford Dish, named for the site’s 150-foot diameter radio telescope. Choose the 3.7 or 5 mile loops, the rewards are panoramic views of the Bay and the Stanford campus.
Wander the gloriously landscaped 2.5 acre
EAT
Gamble Gardens and discover its his-
toric property and architecture. Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center features collections spanning 5,000 years, including one of the largest exhibitions of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris—200 works in all.
Tamarine Even on Monday nights long lines form at the door of this venerable Vietnamese hot spot. Favorites include crab and garlic noodles and minted jalapeno chicken. 546 University Avenue, tamarinerestaurant.com.
weekend getaways
Rangoon Ruby A Mark Zuckerberg favorite, this Burmese eatery combines Indian, Chinese, and Thai cuisines. A house classic is tea leaf salad: roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, yellow split peas, fried garlic, dried shrimp, and fermented tea leaves. 445 Emerson Street, ragoonruby.com.
Bird Dog A stylish bistro that marries California and Japanese cuisine as evidenced by the best-selling grilled avocado filled with a sweet and tangy ponzu. 420 Ramona Street, birddogpa.com. Nobu A sensation the world over, Nobu (and its Yellowtail Sashimi) recently made a Silicon Valley debut. Located in the Epiphany hotel, the setting is chic, the food stellar, and the drinks potent. 180 Hamilton Avenue, noburestaurants.com. Evvia The sister restaurant to San Francisco's Kokkari, this Palo Alto hot spot serves sophisticated Greek fare to the Silicon Valley glitterati. Fabulous fish, savory roasted meats, and sunsoaked vegetables are perfection in simplicity. 420 Emerson Street, evvia.net.
Monterey The famous aquarium is not the only draw in this picturesque seaside town Long before John Steinbeck glorified the sardine factories of Cannery Row, Monterey was a rugged coastal outpost. Founded by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra and Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá in 1770, the onetime hunting grounds of the Ohlone Indians served as the capital of the Spanish province Alta California. A couple of hours south of the East Bay, today’s Monterey attracts tourists from all over the world, who are lured by the world-famous aquarium, abundant coastal sea life, and humbling views of the Pacific Ocean. Despite the tourism, this former mission town has managed to preserve its historic character, lending to its unassuming charm. ➤
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weekend getaways
STAY Monterey Plaza Hotel
Well-appointed and far enough away from Cannery Row to escape the tourist action and sleep soundly at night, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is known as the ‘grand dame of the bay.’ Traditional in its décor, the hotel’s large-yet-cozy lobby welcomes with a genteel graciousness. Bay facing rooms come equipped with binoculars for the best in harbor seal and otter spotting. The newly renovated Vista Blue Spa offers European-style services inspired by the seasons like the ‘Bliss on the Bay’ body treatment – a dry brush scrub followed by a lavender body polish and nourishing massage oils. Oxygen Infusion Facials are also a standout; hydrating and plumping the skin. Don’t miss a meal at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar, where the fish is the freshest, the cocktails are creatively crafted, and the views are unparalleled. 400 Cannery Row, montereyplazahotel.com.
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Cannery Row
The InterContinental
Sleek and elegant, the InterContinental welcomes honeymooning couples with as much fervor as vacationing families. Visitors love its location in the heart of Cannery Row where vibrant art galleries, boutiques, and candy shops line the streets. Perched above the waters of the bay, rooms and suites feature fireplaces, mini bars, and plasma televisions. Live orchids enhance the luxurious marble bathrooms with separate shower and soaking tubs. Work off the day’s indulgences at the hotel’s fitness center, schedule a massage at the on-site spa, or swim a few laps in the second floor pool. The famed Monterey Bay Aquarium is less than a block away, where it’s easy to get up close and personal with all kinds of ocean life. After a day of activity, dine at the hotel’s C Restaurant & Bar, where every table and booth are poised to take advantage of spectacular bay views. 750 Cannery Row, ictheclementmonterey.com.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
Though not technically in Monterey, this family-friendly resort in nearby Marina sits directly on the edge of Monterey Bay. No other hotel in the area provides this proximity to the beach. Featuring 60 bungalow style rooms, some directly on the sand, this hidden gem has something for everyone: a large central pool and hot tub, sand volleyball court, spa services, miles of beach, complimentary wine and cheese each evening, plus nightly beach bonfires. The recently opened Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette, overseen by executive chef David Baron—previously of Casanova and Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn—further makes this a destination not to be missed. 3295 Dunes Drive, Marina, thesanctuarybeachresort.com.
From Sardines to Sanctuary There’s always been good fishing in Monterey, but a silver tide of sardines made Cannery Row famous. In the 1920s people came from all over to work in the canneries and on the fishing boats. By 1945, they were catching more than people could eat— 250,000 tons a year. Then in the mid-sixties, the tide turned, sardine catch dropped dramatically, and most of the canneries closed. Today the Monterey Bay is part of the nation’s largest marine sanctuary—a stretch of ocean that runs from San Francisco to San Simeon—276 miles of shoreline and 4601 square nautical miles of ocean that outsizes the Grand Canyon. Close to two million people visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium each year to learn about its kelp forests and rich habitats brimming with sea otters, star fish, white sharks, humpback whales, sea turtles, and hundreds of species of fish. The ecosystem is special here, be sure to respect the rules. To learn more, go to montereybay.noaa.gov.
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weekend getaways
DO One of the country’s most popular destinations, the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a front row seat to ocean life. Watch penguins and otters enjoy a mid-day meal, touch a jellyfish, and learn about issues affecting the ocean’s health.
Adventures by the Sea offers a variety of ways to explore land and sea. Rent a bike and follow the rocky shores of Pacific Grove’s coastline all the way to famed 17-mile drive. Or grab a paddle, hit the Bay, and kayak alongside harbor seals. Cannery Row may attract the biggest crowds, but a walk along the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf—is a must. From here you can hop on a boat to go whale watching. If your wanderlust beckons beyond the Bay, take a drive to Pacific Grove, known for its Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where migrating monarch butterflies seek shelter every winter. Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the crown jewel of the California State Park system. Stop for dinner at Passionfish where foodies flock for the truffle butter scallops.
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EAT Named Monterey County’s number one steak house for 45 years running, The Whaling Station features tuxedoed wait staff, classic cocktails, pastas, seafood, and every cut of beef imaginable. 763 Wave Street, whalingstation.net. Enjoy casual California cuisine on the protected outdoor patio at Beach House at Lover’s Point. Catch the early bird sunset bargains of sand dabs almandine and bacon wrapped meatloaf. 620 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, beachhousepg.com.
Located in a historic landmark, stylish Restaurant 1833, dishes new American fare that is hearty yet elegant, and the vibe is welcoming. 500 Hartnell Street, restaurant1833.com. Charming Bistro Moulin serves classic French dishes in an intimate setting. House specialties include escargot and coq au vin. But the real showstoppers are the gnocchi doused with a heavenly cream sauce. 867 Wave Street, bistromoulin.com. The thirty seven beers on tap at
Cannery Row Brewing Co. are paired with classic pub fare: sliders, corn dogs, cheddar bacon biscuits, and a whole lot more. During NFL season, they do breakfast. 95 Prescott Avenue, canneryrowbrewingcompany.com.
eat & drink BEHIND THE BAR | SUBURBAN VITICULTURE | PUMPKIN SEASON | CHEF'S RECIPES | DINING GUIDE
Strawberry Blossom at Lokanta
belly up
Brush elbows with locals at these popular spots PHOTOGRAPHY BY jessica freels
Walnut Creek is notorious for its profusion of bars and restaurants. Behind the success of many of these establishments are bartenders who cater to the crowds. ➤
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eat/drink
Rustic wood panels and Asian murals adorn the walls at Vanessa’s Bistro where happy hour happens every day from 3-6pm. It’s a delicious deal with great prices on drinks and savory small plates, all under $10. Bartender Anthony Lopipero welcomes customers from behind his friendly sixstool bar. “The intimacy is a luxury,” he says. “I know many of my regulars by name. Lopipero compares bartending at Vanessa’s to being back in high school. “It’s like hosting a party every night,” he says. “I walk down the street and get waves and hellos. It reminds me of my days in the hallways of high school.” His favorite part of the job is taking care of regulars, and the occasional professional athlete like Joe Montana and Draymond Green. “I love the energy here,” says Lopipero. “Our customers mirror the city. There’s a mixed crowd that ranges from young to old. Favorite drink? “The 680 corridor is obsessed with oaky, buttery Chardonnay.”
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A couple doors down, mixologist Casey Carr shows off his talents making Elderflower Collins, French Martinis, and Strawberry Blossoms at the lively Lokanta Grill & Bar. “On weekdays, we’re pouring for the business crowd at lunch and foodie couples at dinner,” says Carr. “On weekends, we’re packed. Entire families come in and people show up in party mode. Most of them are seeking a profound cocktail experience. They can drink.” The experiences behind the bar can be colorful, fun, and challenging. Carr, who has poured Cabernet for Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, says the biggest issue behind bartending in Walnut Creek is meeting customers’ expectations. “I shake them up as fast as I can,” he says. “Nothing is more difficult than a demanding customer during rush hour,” says Carr. “When I’m stressed and someone is polite, I make an extra effort to satisfy them. Being loving goes a long way.” From its tiny watering hole on Olympic, Hawaiian-themed Tiki Tom’s is not much from the outside, but it’s got great vibes inside. On late night weekends, a snake line of customers wait outside for pupu platters and flaming cocktails. “You have to multitask and be quick or you’ll drown behind the bar in this city,” said Deeba Ebrahimi, one of the bartenders at Tiki Tom’s. With some of the best shopping in the region across the street at Broadway Plaza, patrons here run the gamut. Weekdays are filled with neighborhood regulars, but weekends are a different story. That’s when the bar is packed with people from all over. Ebrahimi says bars bring the community together. She loves seeing the locals drop by to hang out, have a drink and relax. “We draw a mix of middle-aged regulars during the day and a younger crowd at night. New faces are always coming in. People are respectful in this city.” — Dale Tafoya
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Wild Oak
Vineyards complement a suburban landscape – a perfect pairing with our Mediterranean climate
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W
PHOTOGRAPHY BY jessica freels
alnut Creek’s legacy as a viticulture region dates back to Pre-Prohibition times when grapes were the single largest moneymaker for local farmers. With topography and conditions much like neighbor Napa, Walnut Creek’s temperatures are moderated by its hilly terrain and cooling fog that rolls in during hot summer days. ➤
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wild oak
YOUR
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OPEN YEAR ROUND
Market Hours: 9am-1pm
Each week in
October,
come in costume! •••••• M��e Markets ••••••
Orinda on Saturdays
22 Orinda Way (in front of Community Park)
April-November • 9am-1pm
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When Colleen Wheaton, and her husband Chris, purchased their well-appointed Tuscan style home a decade ago, the one-acre property beckoned for completion with plants and trees to accent the natural surroundings. For Wheaton, the choice to integrate vineyards into her backyard landscape was an easy one. Aesthetically, the grape vines seamlessly fit in with the existing property design and offered a practical way to fill the half acre of hillside adjacent to the open space. “I did some research and learned that Syrah grapes can withstand heat and typically make full-bodied wine,” says Wheaton. “I love to garden and cook, so it made perfect sense to landscape with grape vines.” Planted near an orchard containing pomegranate, peach, plum, pear, lemon, orange, apple, and cherry trees, the 115 vines add warmth and enhance the inherent beauty of the property. Wheaton says it takes about seven years for the grapes to reach winemaking maturity but “they were a great source of juice and sorbet when my kids were little.” Now at the ten year mark, her vineyards produce 400 pounds of grapes annually which are crushed by her winemaker, David Sullivan, then loaded into barrels for aging, and eventually yield about twelve cases of wine. The growing process from grape to glass is a methodical one—vines are pruned back in January, then left alone until March. As the weather warms, the grapes are sprayed with Sulphur every other week, and deleafed a bit to avoid mold and pests. During the summer, the vines stay hydrated from a sophisticated drip irrigation system while monitored for sugar levels. When the Syrah reaches “25 brix” they are ready to harvest. Wheaton says one of her biggest challenges is wildlife. “The raccoons can wipe out a vineyard overnight. The turkeys love to eat grapes at sunrise and sunset.” In a region that can experience scorching temperatures, a harvest schedule can quickly change. When Walnut Creek’s temperatures exceeded 110 degrees over Labor Day weekend, it meant an unexpected, early harvest of the grapes. “You have a small window of time to work with,” says Wheaton. “Miss it and you have raisins.” Friends and family help out at harvest time. “It’s all hands on deck. We handpick the grapes, then put them in tubs for winemaker Sullivan, who picks them up the same day, and takes the harvest away for fermenting and barrel aging.” Afterwards, the vines get a big dose of fertilizer and two straight hours of irrigation, then depending on the weather, the water is turned off and the vines are “left alone” until January. And when the holidays roll around, a few lucky people get Wild Oak Wine. –PK
What's in Season
PUMPKINS
From Asia to the Middle East, Mexico to the United States, cuisines the world over use pumpkin in a dizzying variety of ways. Pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin chili — the options are endless. Save the large ones for carving; use the small sugar pumpkins for cooking. They’re sweeter and fleshier. For many recipes, canned “solid pack” pumpkin works just as well as fresh. ➤
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eat/drink
Pumpkin seeds When you carve your pumpkin in October, rather than tossing the seeds, roast them for a tasty, nutritious snack. Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Baked, roasted, or eaten raw, they’re low in calories and rich in proteins. Rather than roasting on an oven tray, try pan-frying. The hot skillet puffs up and browns the seeds. Add sweet or salty seasonings, depending on your craving. Roasting Directions: Separate seeds from pulp; rinse and drain. Heat a skillet on the stove for a few minutes, until it feels hot. Add a little olive or vegetable oil. Place pumpkin seeds in heated skillet. Stir continuously until they start to brown. Place in a bowl and toss with desired seasonings— sea salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
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PUMPKIN TZIMMES By Chef Alison Negrin A wonderful accompaniment to a fall feast, this sweet stew pairs well with roast chicken or brisket of beef. Ingredients 1/3 cup olive oil 2 1/2 cups chopped onions 8 large carrots, sliced 2 1/2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced 3 large apples or pears, cored and sliced 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots 1 1/4 cups orange juice 1 T. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. salt (or to taste) Directions Preheat oven to 350º F. Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté onions over medium heat until translucent. Add carrots
and pumpkin. Continue to sauté until golden. In a mixing bowl, combine onion-carrot mixture with all remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Transfer mixture to a large, oiled, shallow baking dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top begins to turn slightly crusty.
PUMPKIN AND SWEET POTATO CURRY By Monterey Bay Certified Farmers’ Markets This healthy vegetarian dish is beautiful to serve and delicious to eat. Ingredients Curry Sauce: 3/4 can coconut milk (reserve remaining 1/4 can) 3 cloves garlic 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander 2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. turmeric 2 T. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. fish sauce 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1 1/2 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. sugar Vegetables: 1/2 cup water Vegetable oil, as needed 1 large sweet potato or yam, cut into chunks (2-3 cups) 3-4 cups peeled pumpkin, cut into chunks 1/4 can coconut milk 2-3 whole kaffir lime leaves (available at Asian stores) Handful fresh cilantro 1 cup chickpeas Salt and pepper to taste Additional lime juice, soy sauce and sugar, if desired 1/2 cup dry roasted cashews, chopped coarsely
Cooked jasmine rice Directions Place curry sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth and well combined. Coat a medium sized saucepan with a little vegetable oil, then pour in curry sauce. Add 1/2 cup water plus lime leaves, stirring to combine. Place over mediumhigh heat and bring to a boil. Add pumpkin and sweet potato chunks. When curry starts to bubble, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add chickpeas and simmer a few more minutes. Adjust seasonings, add lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar to balance flavors. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with coconut milk and sprinkling of fresh cilantro and cashews. Serve with jasmine rice.
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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 BACK FORTY TEXAS BARBECUE: Meat is king here - from steak and sliced brisket to chicken and ribs, much of it cooked according to Austin-style family recipes.100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 935-1440, backforty.us. BUCKHORN GRILL: When it comes to big salads, Buckhorn is a star. Casual and comfortable, the downtown eatery serves fresh veggies and grilled meats in satisfying combinations.1171 Locust St., 945-7676, buckhorngrill.com. 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 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.
DENICA’S: There’s a lot to love at this north Walnut Creek
restaurant 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.
KATY'S KREEK: With 12 kinds of Eggs Benedict, a full bar and brunch served every day, this is the place to satisfy your cravings. If your taste buds prefer the sweet, Katy's is famous for its blintzes and Swedish pancakes. 1680 Locust St., 946-0949, katyskreek.com. 56
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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.
MOMO’S: Adding to the wood-fired pizzas, crispy calamari, and
house burgers on the menu are twists on French classics like duck liver mousse and steak frites. Warm and spacious, this is the place for a special business lunch or romantic date night. 1444 N. California Blvd., 935-1545, momoswc.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.
STANFORD’S: Happy hour is hot here with steak bites, flatbreads, and burgers on the menu. This is the place to take a shopping break and sip a signature cocktail. 1330 S. Main St., 944-0895, stanfords.com. 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.
AMERICAN 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.
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. LE CHEVAL: Renowned for its classic Vietnamese cuisine, sample the shrimp rolls, vermicelli salads, lemongrass chicken, clay pots or the sweet curry seafood special. 1375 N. Broadway, 938-2288, lecheval.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. NAMA SUSHI: This casual sushi spot in a north WC strip mall is
always packed with raw fish fanatics craving the chef’s creative rolls, fresh fish and Japanese fare. 1502 Sunnyvale Avenue, 932-9540.
OI-C BOWL: Delicious Chinese food served in a spacious setting with outdoor patio. Spicy Szechuan cuisine, big noodle bowls and Bento Box lunch specials. 1616 N. Main St., 287-8118, oicbowl.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.
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 Viet-
namese 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.
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A FREE APPETIZER WITH PURCHASE OF ANY ENTRÉE*
Reservations: 925/938-8700 2805 Jones Road Walnut Creek, CA 94597 renaissanceclubsport.com *EXPIRES 10/31/17
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CALIFORNIA
PASTA / FISH / ORGANIC PRODUCE A’TRIO: Lively restaurant-lounge inside the Walnut Creek Marriott turns out delicious California cuisine with a Mediterranean flare. Flatbreads, salads, tasty burgers and salmon. Live music on weekends. 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, fea-
tures Pacific Rim dishes and California classics. Sunday brunch is a weekend ritual with Bloody Mary’s on the patio. 2805 N. Jones Rd., 938-8700, renaissanceclubsport.com.
CHOW: Always packed with locals, the menu offers plenty of comfortable choices from sandwiches to brunch fare. An adjoining market sells organic greens, and fresh meats. 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, 962-2469, chowfoodbar.com.
MAIN STREET KITCHEN: Farm-fresh ingredients grace the menu here. Standouts include fish and chips with house cabbage slaw. Burgers are made from grass-fed beef and fried green pickles come with a lemon aioli. 1358 N. Main St., 933-1001, mainstkitchen.com.
MDine-in MCarry-out MCatering MBanquets MSaloon
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. 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.
LEGENDARY TEX The way it was meant to be.
VA DE VI BISTRO: With its sophisticated vibe and al fresco dining under an old oak tree, the restaurant's sips are accompanied by a sampling of small plates--bite size burgers, pasta, risotto, and seafood. 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 979-0100, vadevi.com.
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. MONTECATINI RISTORANTE: An Italian restaurant with staying pow-
925-935-1440
100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill backforty.us facebook.com/backforty
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er; 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.
PINKY’S: Perfect for birthday parties and post-game feasts, Pinky’s is a Walnut Creek tradition. Simple, affordable and comfortable, the pizzeria has remained true to its vision since opening in the 1960’s. 2085 N. Broadway, 939-5000, pinkyspizzawc.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, white sauce topped with red peppers, cayenne chicken and fresh spinach, is a house favorite. Legend has it the Prego pizza brings on labor quicker than you can say "more pepperoni, please." 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100, skipolinispizza.com. 54 MINT FORNO: Burrata cheese is showcased here in a delicious
appetizer with roasted peppers and on the Campana pizza with arugula. They also make a mind-blowing lasagna from fresh pasta layered with ragu, béchamel and mozzarella. 1686 Locust Street, 476-5844, 54mintforno.com.
MEXICAN EL CHARRO: A Lafayette favorite, the margaritas are magic accom-
panied with 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, mole short ribs and spicy sweet chile rellenos. Start your meal with guacamole and margaritas. 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. Grilled or fried they come on a plate with refried beans and rice. Chicken, beef, pork, and veggie tacos are only $2. 1372 Locust St, WC, (925)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.
sweet Savory salty spicy
the johnny cash burger
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 fall 2017 / walnut creek
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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 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: For over 15 years, WCYC has been cultivating customers with its lobster and crab feasts, fresh oysters, and fresh fish. The restaurant’s specialties — killer cocktails and phenomenal fish —attract barflies and foodies alike. 1555 Bonanza St., 944-3474, walnutcreekyachtclub.com. YANKEE PIER: Bustling seafood house has an East Coast vibe and a
menu featuring fresh-shucked oysters, an array of grilled fish, popcorn shrimp, and beer-battered clams. House-made desserts and full bar. 3593 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 283-4100, yankeepier.com.
SOUTH AMERICAN Peruvian / Spanish / Brazilian
O F B U R G E R.
©2017 MOOYAH FRANCHISE, LLC.
A B E T T ER B R E E D
PARADA: While the menu offers a diverse selection, the ceviche is a must. Fresh fish is marinated in lemon juice and chilies and served with toasted corn nuts and spiced sweet potato. 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 north Walnut Creek eatery. You can't go wrong the robust empanadas stuffed with meat or vegetarian fillings inside fresh, flaky pastry dough. 3003 Oak Rd., 954-8300, saboresdelsursf.com. TELEFERIC BARCELONA: Walnut Creek's newest Spanish hot spot serves tasty bites known as pinxtos, ahi tuna swabbed in wasabi sauce, along with fresh paella and steak in a stunning atmosphere. 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 451-9576, telefericbarcelona.com.
1815 Ygnacio Valley Road, Ste D • Walnut Creek, CA 94598 Across from Heather Farms 925.280.5555 • Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm 60
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LIMON: Famous for their rotisserie chicken, ceviche, and paella, the food here takes diners on a delicious journey of Latin discovery. 1524 Locust Street, limonrotisserie.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. Two WC locations: 1105 S. California Blvd., 939-3838 and 2064 Treat Blvd., 938-2888. genovadeli.net.
KINDER'S MEATS: Specialties at this family-run favorite include marinated ball tip, tequila-lime ribs, and barbecue chicken doused in signature sauce. 1831 Ygnacio Valley Road and 1293 Parkside Drive, kindersmeats.com. 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.
sweets, treaTs and bakeries
Happy hour AT FUEGO TEQUILA GRILL
authentic MEXICAN FOOD ✶ nfl sunday ticket ✶ FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS DAILY
happy hour Mon-Sat, 2-6pm
1359 Locust Street, Walnut Creek (925) 891-4023 fuegotequilagrill.com
CREAM: The winning combination of ice cream sandwiched between two warm cookies can't be beat. Neither can its superfriendly price of $3 or creative combos like double chocolate chip with peanut butter. 1372 N Main St., 891-4041, creamnation.com. GUANTOS: Unique ice cream flavors are made from fresh fruits and ingredients. Cones are stuffed with scoops of avocado, banana, pistachio, Nutella and tequila ice cream. 704 Bancroft Road, 9371350, guanatosicecream.com. LOTTIE'S CREAMERY: Scoops are packed with fresh ingredients at this ice cream parlor, where everything, including the cones, is made in-house. 1414 Main Street, 472-0723, lottiescreamery.com. NOAH'S BAGELS: Neighborhood deli serves fresh-baked bagels, sandwiches and home-style soups. Two Walnut Creek locations: 1930 Mt. Diablo Boulevard and 730 Bancroft Road, noahs.com.
SAN FRANCISCO CREAMERY: Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, serving up ice cream and toppings the old fashioned way. 1370 Locust St., 926-0228, sanfranciscocreameryco.com. SWEET AFFAIR BAKERY: Sandwiches are legendary here, so are
the morning buns, cream cheese croissants and array of muffins, cakes and cookies that make this a mainstay for over 30 years. 1815 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 944-1910, asweetaffairbakery.com.
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BUEN PROVECHO! At Lafayette’s new Barranco, it’s all about enjoying your meal Carlos Altamirano, chef and owner of a collection of restaurants dishing up some of the best Peruvian food in the Bay Area—notably Walnut Creek’s Parada Kitchen—opened a new downtown destination in Lafayette. At Barranco, named after his favorite district in Lima known for its seafood and tapas, Chef Altamirano conveys the spirit of his heritage in creative cuisine. Here he shares a recipe for cebiche; raw fish “cooked” in a citrusy marinade.
CEBICHE By Chef Carlos Altamirano Serves 4-6 A savory appetizer or delicious light lunch, cebiche—also spelled ceviche—is typically served with potatoes and corn. Ingredients 1 ½ pounds fresh halibut (or other white fish), cubed 1 sweet potato, boiled, peeled, and sliced ¼ red onion, finely sliced 1 cup choclo (large kernel Peruvian corn) 1 tablespoon sugar Leche de Tigre marinade ¾ red onion, finely sliced ½ aji Amarillo pepper, pureed ½ garlic clove, finely chopped 12 lemons, juiced 2 tablespoons coriander, finely grated Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Boil choclo with sugar in enough water to cover and cook until tender; drain and let cool. In a small bowl, combine all marinade ingredients; mix well. Add fish; mix well. Transfer to desired serving dish and garnish with sweet potato and choclo.
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where & when
Danielle Lawrence, Ouroboros
festivals | movies | art | concerts | MUSEUMS | theater
ABOUT ABSTRACTION The Bedford Gallery kicks off its fall season with a show that celebrates 17 Bay Area women artists who have worked in abstract art for years. With a renewed spotlight on women, their power, and influence in society, including the arts, the exhibition celebrates emerging and established artists who have worked in abstraction for years. Through December 17, Bedford Gallery, WC, bedfordgallery.org. fall 2017 / walnut creek
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where & when
Drink, Dance, and Eat Oktoberfest Style
Lace up the dirndl dress and don the lederhosen for an all-day party on Locust Street fueled by delicious food and lots of beer. A Bavarian tradition for over 200 years, Walnut Creek’s festival boasts a bier garden, live music by top cover bands—Tumblehouse Down, Karl Lebherz band, Sons of Soul Revivers, and Mustache Harbor—an array of gourmet food booths, a pumpkin patch, and loads of fun activities for the kids. October 14, 11am-6pm, walnutcreekdowntown.com.
Rescue Me!
Before Hurricane Irma hit Florida, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) evacuated 400 animals from the Humane Society of Broward County and emptied the shelter of dogs, cats, and rabbits. GreaterGood.org jumped on board the charity-based flight by Wings of Rescue. Rescued animals were taken to ARF, East Bay SPCA, and Berkeley Humane for adoption. For more, go to arflife.org.
COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY Join hundreds of your neighbors on volunteer projects around Walnut
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Creek and help make the community shine. Clean a creek, paint a fence, work at a local school, park or public garden. Help set up for Oktoberfest, distribute emergency preparedness information in local neighborhoods, or work in the Lindsay Wildlife hospital. There is something for every age, skill level, and interest. October 14, go to walnutcreek.org/service to sign up.
FLEET WEEK Every year, San Francisco celebrates the men and women of the United States Armed Forces with three air shows and a parade of ships. Climb aboard amphibious carriers,
destroyers, and cruisers docked at the Embarcadero while you watch the Blue Angels twist and twirl through the sky. October 1-9, Festival Center at Marina Green, SF, fleetweeksf.org.
GRAND NATIONAL RODEO Saddle up! The Grand National Rodeo comes to San Francisco’s Cow Palace for two weekends of livestock expos, horse shows, and rodeos. There’s also a classic western BBQ, music, dancing, and mechanical bull rides. Two weekends, October 13-14 & 21-22, cowpalace.com.
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS This free three-day concert in Golden Gate Park features over 90 acts on seven stages, including performances by Conor Oberst, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, and so many more. Bring your dog, a picnic, and a bottle of wine. October 6-8, Golden Gate Park, SF, hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.
Since 1983, we have been feeding millions of meals to thousands of hungry people Contra Costa County. Your school, church, business, or civic group can help feed the hungry. We need volunteers and donations! Contact Us: (925) 293-4792 • loavesfishescc.org
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Alexander Calder’s sculpture Maquette for Trois Disques; photo: © Henrik Kam, courtesy SFMOMA
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SCALING UP
1559 Botelho Drive, Walnut Creek sunrisebsitrocatering.com
While best known for his hanging mobiles, Alexander Calder also created sizeable, standing sculptures with dynamic contours, soaring lines, and moving components. At SFMOMA’s Scaling Up exhibition, get a close up look at how Calder transformed handmade models into monumental sculptures. October 21–August 19, 2018, SFMOMA, sfmoma.org.
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YOU CAN HELP END HUNGER DIA DE LOS MUERTOS OMCA’s popular Days of the Dead Community Celebration features main stage performances ranging from contemporary popular music to folkloric dance, Mariachi to Aztec dance. An artisanal market highlights local apparel, craft, artwork, and food vendors. October 22, Oakland Museum of CA, museumca.org.
DONATE VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE foodbankccs.org
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local FARMERS’ MARKETS
where & when
ALAMO Alamo Plaza Every Sunday, 9am-2pm alamoplazashoppingcenter.com BENICIA First Street, Between B&D Thursday, 4pm-8pm beniciamainstreet.org
CREATURES OF THE NIGHTLIFE
CLAYTON Diablo Street, Main & Center Saturday 9am-1pm pcfma.org
At this festive Halloween costume party, the entire museum is transformed into a tribute to ‘80s horror movies complete with cocktail bars, live music, and lots of fun science exhibits that explore the depths of the sea at night. October 26, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, SF, calacademy.org.
MORAGA Moraga Shopping Center Every Sunday 9am-1pm cafarmersmkts.com DANVILLE Railroad & Prospect Saturday 9am-1pm pcfma.org ORINDA Orinda Village Saturday 9am-1pm cccfm.org 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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ARCHIE RAND: THE 613 PROJECT A notable painter and muralist from Brooklyn, Rand spent five years creating The 613, a monumental installation of 613 small canvas (20 x 16) paintings arranged in a 1700 square foot grid. The massive work reflects on the laws governing traditional Jewish behavior. San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum is the first in the world to debut Rand’s completed 613 work. Through October 22, thecjm.org
PUMPKINS & PLANTS Stock up for fall planting with drought-tolerants that thrive in our Mediterranean climate: salvias, succulents, and penstemons. Then head down to the hillside pumpkin patch and pick one or two off the vine. October 28, Gardens at Heather Farm, WC, gardenshf.org.
where & when
on stage
Fall Theater is here and the Bay Area’s lineup is glorious
BY KATHYRN G. McCARTEY
Acclaimed director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon blends the magic of Paris with the unforgettable songs of George and Ira Gershwin in An American in Paris. A young soldier and a beautiful French girl yearn for a new beginning after WW2 in this first-time national tour of the Broadway hit. Through October 8, Orpheum Theatre, SF, shnsf.com.
Shake, rattle and roll with iconic musicians Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash at the opener of Center Rep’s 50th Anniversary season. Million Dollar Quartet features their classic tunes and captures the moments when they first met in Sam Phillips’ Memphis studio in 1956. Broadway veteran Hunter Foster directs. Through October 6, Lesher Center for the Arts, WC, lesherartscenter.org.
Tony Award nominee John Douglas Thompson returns to American Conservatory Theatre to take on the role of Hamlet. Directed by Carey Perloff, Thompson plays one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters in this masterpiece about a man who finds his world upended. Through October 15, Geary Theater, SF, act-sf.org.
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where & when On a weeklong silent retreat in the woods, six disparate souls seeking answers find that staying quiet doesn’t necessarily bring inner-peace. Small Mouth Sounds, an acclaimed new comedy by playwright Bess Wohl, takes a wickedly sharp look at mindfulness and the wellness industry. October 11–December 10, Strand Theatre, SF, act-sf.org.
With music by Elton John, Billy Elliot, The Musical follows the inspiring journey of a boy who hangs up his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. Set in a northern mining town, the show portrays a young boy’s fight to make his dream come true. Directed by Jennifer Perry for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. October 13 – November 11, Lesher Center for the Arts, WC, lesherartscenter.org.
Charming and charismatic Dorante has but a single flaw. He is The Liar in a hilarious romance set in 17th Century Paris about a handsome scoundrel who wins admirers with witty wordplay. David Ives’ adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s 17th-century French comedy is directed by Michael Butler. October 20 – November18, Lesher Center for the Arts, WC, lesherartscenter.org.
From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new musical performance filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, and comedy. It’s a spectacular theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. November 1- January 7, 2018, SHN Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, shnsf.com.
Fantastic and wise, hilarious and sobering, Imaginary Comforts or The Story of the Ghost of the Dead Rabbit celebrates ordinary people making sense out of life in the midst of endless, comedic chaos. This world premiere by Daniel Handler, who writes under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket, is directed by Tony Taccone. October 5 – November 19, Peet’s Theatre, berkeleyrep.org.
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When the Duke appoints a devious leader to govern in his absence, the city’s brothels are shuttered and fornication becomes punishable by death. In its season finale, Measure for Measure, California Shakespeare joins forces with Santa Cruz Shakespeare to co-produce a dark comedy. Through October 8, Bruns Ampitheater, Orinda, calshakes.org.
Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff lends his style to Ain’t Too Proud—The Temptations, an electrifying new musical about the life and times of one of the greatest R&B bands. A cultural musical extravaganza, the show features hit songs and signature dance moves. Through October 8, Roda Theatre, Berkeley, berkeleyrep.org.
A passionate social worker fights to save baby Luna Gale from her dangerous home life in this poignant drama about how the system works when right and wrong is not self-evident. With different visions of justice, who decides what’s best? Through October 1, Aurora Theatre, Berkeley, auroratheatre.org.
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, an enchanting new pop musical, The Song of the Nightingale: A Musical Fairy Tale, written by the Bay Area’s Min Kahng, will delight the entire family and serve as a reminder that true beauty comes from within. September 28 – October 21, Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette, townhalltheatre.com.
In Blasted, a middle-aged man and a younger woman meet at a hotel for a rendezvous only to have their worlds collide. With her characters living in a state of siege, British playwright Sarah Kane weaves an unforgettable story of destruction, chaos, and love. Mature audiences only. Through October 22, Ashby Stage, Berkeley, shotgunplayers.org.
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event scene
las lomas car classic PHOTOGRAPHY BY jessica freels
The parking lot overflowed with the sights, sounds, and smells of collectibles, sports performance, hot rods, and exotic automobiles at the 2017 Las Lomas Car Classic, an event which raises funds for a safe and sober senior class “All-Knighter.�
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A last look
END HATE: A Human Banner Through civility, compassion, and respect for our planet, we are united AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID PAGE
On August 26, 2017, Women’s March Contra Costa County organized a remarkable community event in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park, and created a human banner “END HATE!” Their message: together we can combat divisiveness and come together as one nation committed to the pursuit of liberty and justice for all people. Women’s March Contra Costa is a local movement dedicated to empowering, educating, and mobilizing citizens of Contra Costa County to stand together in support of civil liberties and to protect the planet. To learn more, go to womensmarchcontracosta.org.
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INDULGE IN A REST DAY.
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FALL 2017
weekend getaways
walnut creek magazine