HEIGHT LIMITS IS IT TIME TO ALTER MEASURE A?
CANNABIS CRAZE COMING OUT OF THE GREEN CLOSET
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU’RE PRICED OUT?
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SUMMER 2018
local adventures Whether you’re new to the area or a Nor Cal native, our guide will take you to places with towering peaks, breaking waves, and astonishing views. But let’s face it, we only scratch the surface of things to do in this spectacular place we’re lucky enough to call home.
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TALK OF THE TOWN
EAT + DRINK
General Manager Kevin Cabral weighs in on the secret to ClubSport’s continued success. A retail tour of what’s hot in stores right now. Find out how senior citizens are benefitting from marijuana. Read some new Bay Area books.
Hawaii’s signature seafood makes a big splash. Poke places continue to pop up all over the place. Travel on the Silverado Trail to Calistoga for a weekend getaway. Abundant varieties of tomatoes are cropping up at local farmers’ markets. Check out local chef’s savory recipes.
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28 on the horizon Is it time to adapt Measure A height restrictions for future growth and new employment opportunities?
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DINING GUIDE A definitive resource to eating at the area’s top restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond.
32 priced out Longtime residents find it increasingly difficult to afford living in Walnut Creek.
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63 WHERE & WHEN Happenings, events, art, theater, festivals, and music for your pleasure and your calendar.
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SUMMER ISSUE 2018 Publisher Pam Becker Kessler Editor Lauren Kessler Art Director Carrie Wallahan website Cale Finta Photography Rachel Capil, Alexxa Grace, Bob Brittain, Jessica Freels, Sarah Grunder, Scott Hein, Josh Isaacs, Kyle Luman, Brian Murphy, Anne Rabe contributing writers Deborah Burstyn, Lynn Carey, Aziza Jackson, Sophie Johnson, Kathryn McCarty, Fran Miller, Alison Negrin, Robert Stankus, Dale Tafoya, Ani Tascian operations intern David Kessler Kessler Communications, Inc. Walnut Creek Magazine PO BOX 5550 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 (925)212-5146 email: info@walnutcreekmagazine.com
No print or online material from Walnut Creek Magazine may be reproduced without written consent. walnutcreekmagazine.com
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY
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Dialogue wildlife
COYOTES IN OUR BACKYARD One of summer’s hottest topics on the Walnut Creek/Alamo Nextdoor feed began with this post: “Please be aware: there are a pair of coyotes walking around. They showed no fear!”
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“One came to our fence, 20 minutes later he brought back his friend. Based on how high one jumped, I see how they can jump six-foot fences.”—RO “All I remember is one jumped really high and tried hard to coax our dog through the fence.”–SK “These look different than the coyotes that killed chickens and cats on Milton. Why are they so aggressive this season? Some look like they have crossbred with dogs.”–PK “I would rather deal with a rodent problem than have a coyote come into my yard, attack and kill one of my pugs. I can hire a pest control person, but I can’t replace a family member.”–KB “Back when I grew up here, coyotes were overpopulated and attacking pets. One time they attacked my large breed dog. So I’ve never really cared for them. “–KM “I have no issues with deer, turkeys, rabbits, and lizards, but I do have compassion for my neighbors that have been traumatized from losing their pets. The little dogs who used to enjoy romping in their fenced back yards, now live a restricted existence because opportunist coyotes are prowling our streets.–KB “The only threat to public safety is the coyotes, not law abiding citizens with guns/bows. People have a right to protect their family. Watch someone’s infant child get killed by one and I’m sure you’ll think differently.”—JC
Resources for learning how to live with coyotes: Lindsay Wildlife Experience (lindsaywildlife.org) Project Coyote (projectcoyote.org) California Department of Fish and Wildlife (wildlife.ca.gov)
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Publisher’s Note
Multifaceted is the best way to describe this issue. Like every issue of Walnut Creek Magazine, this one aims to address your diverse interests and showcase the latest trends. We treat you to a guide of our favorite adventures but it barely breaks the ice, because when it comes to things to do in the Bay Area, the possibilities are endless. There's no denying that the social scene in Walnut Creek gets better and better. Hot new restaurants, high-end shopping, and stellar performances at Lesher Center for the Arts. Add to that a temperate climate (other than when it’s 90) and miles of trails in the foothills of Mt. Diablo to hike and explore, and it’s hard to find a better place to live, work, or play. This allure has not been lost on developers who are paying top dollar for real estate investments here, also attracted to the city’s access to BART and freeways. Hotels, health clubs, and high end apartments are growing in number, all of which has generated a fresh conversation about the future of Measure A. Is it time to poll voters and find out if the decades-old measure that restricts height limits on buildings is appropriate today? Where do you stand on Measure A? We talk to Jay Hoyer, CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce to find out why it’s such a hot topic in town. As the city’s culture continues to change, it is impacting some long-time residents who are getting priced out. With only 450 rental units designated as low-income housing and waiting lists years long, combined with a rising senior population and no rent control, where do you go when you can no longer afford to call Walnut Creek home? Local officials weigh in on the affordable housing crisis and the limited resources that exist to deal with it in the public domain. We also talk to Kevin Cabral, General Manager of ClubSport, Walnut Creek's top hotel, spa, and health club, and take a tour of all the poke places popping up downtown. This issue, like so many others, features a multifaceted range of subjects to think about, share, and enjoy.
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Contributors
COMING up... FALL 2018 TIME TO TRAVEL
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.
Aziza Jackson is a native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles. When not writing or editing, you can find her dancing at a concert, visiting art exhibits or taking walks around the San Francisco Bay with her Yorkie.
Ani Tascian is a freelance writer and essayist who has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. She’s currently teaching a memoir class at Berkeley Adult School and is working on her own memoir, Objects Closer Than They Appear.
josh isaacs is one of the Bay Area's premier freelance photographers. A wedding specialist, he is also known for corporate, real estate, and private party work.
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.
LYNN CAREY spent 35 years at the Contra Costa Times newspaper group where she started the Times Book Club, and hosted more than 100 author galas at the Lesher Center for the Arts. A Lafayette resident, Carey is currently writing her own novel.
COASTAL COMFORTS BACK TO SCHOOL WELLNESS MENDOCINO MAGIC LAFAYETTE’S FOOD SCENE AND SO MUCH MORE!
FOR EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION WALNUTCREEKMAGAZINE.COM
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WHAT'S HOT | CANNABIS CRAZE | BOOKS | MEASURE A | HOUSING CRISIS
family factor
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the secret of clubsport's success By AZIZA JACKSON photography by jessica freels
t could easily be said that Kevin Cabral rarely gets a moment to himself—except on his bike ride to and from work. He greets guests by name with a smile and a firm handshake in the lobby on the way from the front desk to his office. He asks associates in the restaurant about their weekend as he cuts across the fitness center to check on things in Kids World. ➤
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talk of the town
With a blissful day spa, lavish fitness center, boutique hotel, indoor/outdoor bistro, cabanas, bocce ball courts, and a childcare center all under one roof, Cabral takes great pride in his role as general manager of Walnut Creek’s Renaissance ClubSport. “I’ve been here for about 15 years,” says Cabral. “And I feel every single one of them,” he laughs. Although Cabral has only been general manager for three years, his career in the hospitality industry has spanned nearly twenty. “I started with Leisure Sports in Pleasanton,” he says. “Then I had my first kid and decided it was time to work closer to home.” Cabral studied recreation administration at Humboldt State University and sold commercial printing, before getting his start as an activities director at ClubSport in Pleasanton. “I worked there for four years and when this facility was built, I transferred here,” he says. “I was part of the opening team, so it was cool.” But it’s the work/life balance that makes all the difference for Cabral. “I have two kids, a daughter Caroline who is a junior in college, and a son James who’s going off to college next year. They both worked here. First in childcare. Then my daughter became a camp director before moving
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on, and my son works here as a valet. I brought my kids to work; they went through camps,” says Cabral. “It really says something special about this place that I was able to spend so much time with my kids. My wife Shannon commutes to the city, so I was the drop-off and pick-up dad. I’ve seen all my kids’ sporting events and dance recitals. I haven’t missed one.”
This family-friendly approach to business, he says, is what keeps the club’s associates, members, and guests loyal to ClubSport. “Our company prioritizes employee training and puts people first.” Working with associates, growing associates, and retaining associates is a top priority for Cabral.
With about 385 associates spread between the spa, the health club, the restaurant, and the hotel, Cabral has been successful in building long-term relationships which he attributes to a positive work environment, competitive wages, and a multitude of employee perks. “We’re a family-owned business. Our associates have a voice and feel appreciated. It totally sets us apart.”
As Minnesota-based Life Time Fitness enters the Walnut Creek market at Broadway Plaza, concerns over competition, traffic, and parking congestion have been expressed by Forma Gym, among others. But Cabral doesn’t seem to mind. “Lifetime has moved into a lot of our other markets in Southern California and Oregon,” he says. “There’s talk of one opening in Dublin, which is near our club in Pleasanton. So for us, it’s coming. I know there is some talk about traffic and parking issues in downtown Walnut Creek. I feel like if it goes downtown, that’s where it happens. We’ll have to just stay on our toes. Competition will keep us sharp, and we’re competitive people.” Renaissance ClubSport is also facing increased competition in the hotel market, with a new Marriott Residence Inn and Hilton Garden Inn opening in Walnut Creek, and at least three other hospitality projects in the works. But Cabral’s outlook on the future of ClubSport is still as bright as it was 15 years ago. He says that it’s the people who make his property standout and relationships that have been built over the years will be hard to mimic for newcomers to the market. “We care and respect our members and guests, and we hope they feel that,” says Cabral. “Our members are just good old Walnut Creek ‘How are you doing?’ people.”
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Kate Spade crossbody chic $248.00, Nordstrom
Sleek wine cooler $39.95, Crate and Barrel
WHAT’S HOT A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ITEMS IN STORES NOW
Nail it in teal blue, $10.50, Changes Gold metallic cowboy boot $169.99, DSW
Tea towel, $12.95, Paper Source
Eco-friendly embroidered pillowcase covers $49.50, Pottery Barn
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Copper stainless steel coffee maker by Cuisinart $165.00, Sur La Table
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what's hot Quickest car in the world. Top speed 620 mph. The Roadster, $200,000, Tesla
Grunge red lips by Nars $28.00, Sephora
Infinity aviator sunglasses $360, Tiffany & Co
Solid wood replica of a classic game. $375, Restoration Hardware
Sicily scalloped appetizer plates $39.95Williams Sonoma
Decorate with driftwood $98, Anthropologie Simple, stylish, and filled with compartments. TUMI Rivas backpack $395, Edwards Luggage
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talk/cannabis
Coming out of the green closet seniors have joined the cannabis craze
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week after finding a lump in her breast, my mom Iris and I were sitting in a Kaiser conference room with a team of doctors discussing a healing plan. Each phase of the treatment plan had harmful implications: surgery could lead to infection, radiation results in burning and fatigue, and chemo sounded terrifying. We felt like we were in skilled hands but also overwhelmed, confused, and uncertain of our choices. Some of mom’s Rossmoor friends, who were cancer veterans, praised marijuana
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BY SOPHIE JOHNSON
as a way to endure the nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation. We made an appointment with a medical marijuana doc and took the first step in understanding the powerful plant. It was a bewildering experience. As a flower child of the 60’s, Iris had not smoked pot in over 40 years. We were intimidated by the terminology spouted by the physician—THC, CBD, hybrid, sativa, indica, tincture, edible. It only got worse at the dispensary. East Bay cannabis educator, Laura Light, shares a similar story. “When my mom was diagnosed with leukemia, she had to
take 10-15 drugs a day to deal with her health issues. I decided to get a medical marijuana card, visited a dispensary, got educated, experimented, and soon my mom’s sleep apnea and pain subsided.” Prop. 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, made California the first state in the country to legalize medical cannabis. The law allowed patients suffering from serious illnesses like AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, arthritis, and anorexia to obtain a physician’s recommendation and a cannabis prescription. Light says there is a huge education gap between the world of conventional medicine ➤
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talk/cannabis
With the approval of Prop 64, California voters helped bring weed out of the shadows and into the storefronts. While its stigma remains, marijuana use is slowly gaining acceptance, particularly among seniors and among women. Rossmoor, Walnut Creek’s prominent retirement community, boasts over 1,000 members in its “Cannabis Club.”
Treat your body to a CBD Herbal Massage at Changes Salon & Day Spa. Widely known as a natural anti-inflammatory, CBD-infused oil encourages pain relief and relaxation. It is non-psychoactive and may help with fibromyalgia, arthritis, muscle pain, tension, spasms, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and insomnia.
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Since the passage of Prop. 64, not one city (to date) in Contra Costa County has permitted a retail marijuana dispensary to open. The Walnut Creek City Council approved a “medical deliveryonly” ordinance that permits two delivery services to legally operate in the city. A budding group of medical professionals are working to educate the community. “Cannabis was widely used for pain in pre-prohibition eras; it was a standard in the medicine cabinet,” says Radical Health’s COO Rebecca
Byars. “Due to prohibition, we lost decades of research on its benefits.” Radical Health educates and treats patients with cannabis who are suffering from chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other serious health conditions.
“The average age of our patients is 76. They want to get off the pharmacology cycle and stop taking drugs with side effects. Marijuana has few side effects and a low rate of addiction. Plus, it works.” Byars’ business partner, Eloise Theisen, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, along with the American Cannabis Nurses’ Association, is leading the
charge to educate health care professionals about marijuana. “Patients need expert advice on what to purchase at a dispensary from their doctor. The ‘budtenders’ at local dispensaries know the products, but they aren't clinically trained about serious health conditions and drug-to-drug interactions,” says Byar. She says the amount a patient takes, or the dose, is also critical. “Seniors don’t want to get high. Most need only 2-5mg of a CBD/THC combination in a spray or tincture for results.” Unquestionably there is a need for more research, but marijuana’s effects are clearly less harmful than those associated with tobacco or alcohol abuse. “I take a tincture every day to help regulate my hormones. I’m close to menopause and it helps balance my moods and fight inflammation. Now I have a life-pleasure that is my right and my joy,” says Light.
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good reads
Books by Bay Area Authors by lynn carey
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win
The Second Life of Ava Rivers
(Simon & Schuster, July 2018)
(Razorbill, August 2018)
Jo Piazza
After a shocking and divisive presidential election, Charlotte Walsh leaves her high-paying Silicon Valley job, and with her husband and three kids in tow, returns to her downtrodden Pennsylvania hometown to run for Senate. Charlotte is blindsided when her opponent smears her name, forced to decide if its worth it. San Francisco’s Piazza is known for writing “The Knock Off” and “Fitness Junkie.”
A River of Stars Vanessa Hua
Faith Gardner
(Ballantine, August 2018)
Vera River’s life in Berkeley was idyllic with her fraternal twin sister, Ava, and their brother and parents. Then when she was six, Ava went missing; leaving the family in despair. When Vera is about to start college, a young woman shows up in a local hospital and claims to be Ava. But where was she all these years? A mix of true crime and family drama, this is the second young adult novel by Richmond’s Gardner.
A young factory worker in China fell in love with her boss, got pregnant, and is holed up in a secret maternity home in Los Angeles. The boss is thrilled to soon have the son his wife was unable to give him. When a new sonogram shows something unexpected, the worker hijacks a van and flees to San Francisco’s Chinatown. What she doesn’t know is that babydaddy is following close behind. San Francisco’s Hua has won numerous awards writing about Asian refugees.
The Long-Lost Love Letters of Doc Holliday David Corbett
(Black Opal, August 2018) Doc Holliday enthusiasts probably know that the former dentist, who took part in the shootout at the O.K. Corral, had a secret love. It was his first cousin who became a nun. Their correspondence was allegedly burned…or was it? Vallejo’s Corbett spins a yarn of people who allegedly gained possession of Doc’s love letters and tried to sell them on the black market. The scheming characters end up in a standoff reminiscent of another shootout a century earlier.
The Winter Soldier
Daniel Mason (Little Brown, September 2018) After 11 years, the author of “The Piano Tuner” and “A Far Country” debuts a new novel featuring a Viennese medical student who enlists in World War I, expecting to be posted at a well-organized field hospital. Instead, he ends up in a remote outpost in the Carpathian Mountains overrun by typhus. All the doctors have fled, and there’s only one nurse. Palo Alto’s Mason takes readers on a journey from Imperial Vienna to the Eastern Front.
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Wine & Whiskers
Specialty Wines and Beers ~ Hors d’Oeuvres ~ Silent Auction
Saturday, September 8, 2018 • 5 - 8pm Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation 2890 Mitchell Drive • Walnut Creek Sample fine wines, beers, and appetizers from Pine Ridge Vineyards, Bennett Lane Winery, Il Fornaio, Calicraft Brewing Co., Nothing Bundt Cakes, and more!
$100 per person This event will sell out—reserve today at:
arf.ejoinme.org/wineandwhiskers Questions? Contact kbaptista@arflife.org or (925) 296-3118.
summer 2018 / walnut creek 27 All proceeds support ARF’s life-saving programs
On the Horizon
Happenings, announcements and things to know about
MEASURE A HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IS IT TIME TO ADAPT FOR THE FUTURE?
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By Aziza Jackson
he Chamber of Commerce has composed a task force of Walnut Creek leaders new and old, to discuss what a possible repeal of Measure A would look like for the future of the city. Originally passed on March 12, 1985 as the Building Height Freeze Initiative, the measure prohibits the construction of buildings over six stories, or 89 feet in height. A key piece of legislation, it was enacted to prevent the proliferation of tall buildings and the potential for increased congestion. “Measure A has been an important part of Walnut Creek for 33 years,” says Chamber President Jay Hoyer. “Nobody’s saying eliminate it, we’re saying let’s take a look at these rules and what it could mean for the next 30 years.” Hoyer says he hears a lot more about Measure A from the business community than residents, who he believes are the most impacted by its restrictions “I don’t think my neighbors are getting together for coffee and talking about Measure A,”
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he says. “The business community bumps into it regularly.” According to Hoyer, Measure A is as a relic of the past that stands in the way of the kind of commercial development that could bring more diversity to the city. New career opportunities, he believes, are in the tech and corporate sectors, not necessarily in the retail and car dealership businesses that have been a staple for economic development in the city. “Measure A, in and of itself, is a measure that’s restricts heights, that’s all it is. But at times it seems larger than life when folks discuss it.” says Hoyer. Walnut Creek resident Tom O’Brien, makes it clear that he is just as opposed to repeal of the measure today as he was six years ago. “I live in the Almond/Shuey area, a tiny enclave of single family homes and duplexes downtown,” he says. “The scale and character of the neighborhood were the reasons why I saved money for twenty years to buy a home here. Our Measure A height limit is basically all that’s preventing our
on the horizon neighborhood from being bulldozed and built over with six-story and higher apartments and condos.” O’Brien asserts that the height limitations imposed by Measure A reflect the values of the city’s residents past and present. “No developer has been willing to bet that the voters feel any differently. Measure A took away the council’s authority to raise height limits,” says O’Brien. “For anyone who values the scale of their neighborhood—not just downtown—think twice before voting to overturn Measure A.” Sandra Meyer, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Walnut Creek, says there’s been no recent official poll on Measure A to gauge the community’s response to a possible repeal. “It’s never been challenged by a developer,” she says. Meyer says there have always been conversations around repealing Measure
A, considering it was adopted at a time when there was exponential growth in the city, in a large part due to the construction of the BART station in 1973. After 32 years of planning and 11 years of construction, the BART station was believed to be a beacon for employment growth in the city, Meyer explains, however the development that occurred ended up being dramatically denser than what already existed in the area. The Golden Triangle was the hotbed for commercial development in the area, ushering in a wave of almost six million square feet of growth in the decade that followed. According to Meyer, concentrations of six, eight, and 12-story buildings began to develop where there had historically been only one and two-story buildings. This rapid growth, combined with the city’s plans for major retail and office development in downtown Walnut
Creek, ignited a grassroots effort by residents who called themselves “Citizens for a Better Walnut Creek,” to place restrictions on the height of buildings and to cease major commercial expansion. From there, Measure A was born. Hoyer says the task force formed a couple of months ago seeks to merely open a discussion among city leaders about the city’s future and how Measure A would impact it. “A concern is that Walnut Creek has developed wonderfully in many ways, says Hoyer, “But when we think of our kids graduating from college where do they go?” Hoyer believes that any discussion about Measure A needs to be put in the context of what residents want for the city’s future generations. “We’re all concerned about change, but we like it where we’re at. We can’t look at this from a rearview widow, we have to look at it through a windshield.”
What's In Store Latest scoop on leasing deals and retail rumors
Starbucks joined the colorful mix of coffee cafés downtown—Peet’s, Coffee Shop, Philz—in a prime corner location at Calfornia and Locust. At the Lyric, Michigan-based Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea opened a spacious new place to sip and savor hot and cold drinks.
Adding wellness to the brands at Broadway Plaza, Lifetime Fitness is building a 73,162 square-foot health club featuring a rooftop pool, bar and lounge, salon, spa, and restaurant. Trendy footwear and clothing company, Van’s, is opening on Olympic in the space vacated by Free People who moved to Broadway Plaza. ➤
Fresh off its run in Los Angeles, Candytopia is bringing its Instagram-worthy marshmallow swimming pool to San Francisco this fall. Curated by Hollywood Candy Queen Jackie Sorkin, the three-month event celebrates sugary delights through interactive art installations in over a dozen environments.
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on the horizon Situated between Neiman Marcus and Crate and Barrel, Apple opened a stunning new 13,242-square-foot stateof-the-art retail store with transparent glass walls and a spacious public plaza. Main Street Kitchen emerged from remodeling with a hip new atmosphere and a space double in size. A Vietnamese place, Mangosteen, is planning to serve Pho from the former Kanishka’s space on Bonanza. Celebrity Chef Frank Miller joined the Bourbon Highway team where he’s doing some seriously delicious things: truffle lobster mac, Louisiana fish fry, and creole glazed candied salmon salad. Company coming to town? At a recent Design Review Commission hearing, Hall Equities Group previewed plans for construction of a 105-room Hyatt Place Hotel on the corner of Ygnacio and Civic. According to the San Francisco Business Times, Growers Square, an office complex on California, sold for $458 per square foot. Investors are increasingly finding Walnut Creek attractive for investment due to its proximity to BART and freeways, say commercial realtors.
VACANCY TAX Will levying a tax drive landlords to lease vacant properties? It’s a scenario that plays out in cities across the country. A small business closes, the storefront is left empty for months—even years—until it eventually gets replaced. Levying a vacancy tax encourages building owners to lease, develop, or sell their properties before a short-term vacancy turns into blight. Walnut Creek’s historic downtown struggles with some long-term vacancies. On one prominent corner of Locust Street, three former restaurants remain shuttered. Behind-the-scenes conversations suggest a city vacancy tax policy may be the only remedy. Cities opting for this solution report varying degrees of success. Stay tuned.
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talk/housing
Priced Out As the city struggles to find solutions, where do you go when Walnut Creek has been your home for twenty years? BY ANI TASCIAN
Imagine the unimaginable. Your husband’s longstanding small business begins to attract fewer and fewer customers until he’s forced to close. You’ve never worked outside his business and at age 58, you take a job as a nanny. Then, in short succession, you lose your home and your husband to lung cancer. He doesn’t have a retirement fund. Neither do you. Suddenly, you’re a renter, just as all the tech companies roll into town. Real estate prices seem to double over the next ten years, affecting your adult children as they buy their first homes. Your kids can’t afford to help you financially. This was not at all how you imagined life at 70. And yet many senior renters find themselves in a similar predicament today in the Bay Area. According to the City of Walnut Creek, 65% of seniors cannot afford to pay 30% of their income
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for a one-bedroom unit. Walnut Creek’s 2017 Housing Affordability Survey reveals 52% of respondents agree that there is not enough housing in the city to meet the needs of the community, and 69% believe the available housing is not affordable. In official circles, the “g-word” or gentrification is only whispered. It’s a hot and controversial topic, particularly in a prodevelopment community. But the process of renovating rundown buildings and creating an environment for the influx of more affluent residents is the definition of gentrification. While upgrading can improve the quality of a community, it also has the effect of forcing, established residents and businesses out to seek lower cost housing and shopping. According to the city’s Housing and Development Department, although there are approximately 12,000 rentals in Walnut Creek, from 2011 to 2017 rents have risen 55.1%, leaving many low-income senior renters, and others, with limited options. Only 450 apartments in the city are slotted as low-income and they’re full. And waiting lists are impossibly long or just plain closed. ➤
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talk/housing Iman Novin is running for a seat on the Walnut Creek City Council. Novin is a developer of affordable housing for seniors, families, teachers, and others who are priced out of the Bay Area. He’s also a renter who concedes that the people he helps couldn’t afford the rent he pays. “Over half of the population in Walnut Creek is costburdened, which means they pay over 30% of their income for housing. Half of that half are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50% on housing."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH ISAACS
Walnut Creek has the highest percentage of seniors in the county. “We need more wraparound services to help connect seniors with resources. I believe in housing first. We’re only meeting 3-4% of low-income needs in the city right now. The best cities are diverse. It’s important to know our history, to keep our seniors in Walnut Creek, to know where we’re headed,” says Novin.
Tina Rios at Montego Place Apartments has been in the affordable housing industry for over ten years. “I just received a phone message from someone who has been on the waiting list for an apartment here for three years,” she says. When asked if rent control would help she says, “Rent control only helps if you don’t leave your apartment. Once you leave, the price goes up. Affordable housing is better.” Margot Ernst, Housing Program Manager at City of Walnut Creek laments, “There’s not much in our power. What’s in the power of public domain is the ability to create more affordable housing, but our funding is just not there. We’re also trying to incentivize developers to create affordable housing. There are no quick solutions, unfortunately. This is a state-wide problem.” One example of the city’s efforts is St. Paul’s Commons, a 45-unit affordable housing project on Trinity Avenue. And there’s some hope on the national level. Senator Kamala Harris recently introduced the Rent Relief Bill to provide a tax credit to people whose income is under $125,000 and who pay in excess of 30% of their gross income towards housing.
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It’s difficult to pick up and move when you’ve lived, worked, and raised your children in the same town for decades. A long-time small business owner and Walnut Creek resident who’s struggling to keep up with increasing rents told the East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO), “It’s scary, I don’t know where we’ll go...we’ve contributed to the community for 22 years. We would be devastated to have to leave.” Anne Wong, Assistant Planner at the City of Walnut Creek Community and Economic Development Department says, “The lack of affordable housing and rising housing costs affects many in our community and has increasingly become a tragedy that is growing throughout the Bay Area. This is a concern in Walnut Creek and to the City Council and one of their top four priorities. We sincerely hope that we can come together as a region and as a state, to find more progressive and permanent solutions to the affordable housing crisis.”
Sign up for more affordable housing information in Walnut Creek here: http://www.walnut-creek.org/ departments/community-and-economic-development/ housing-programs/affordable-housing-interest-list More housing resources: Satellite Affordable Housing: https://www.sahahomes.org/
LOCAL Adventures THINGS YOU SHOULD DO AT LEAST ONCE
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You just moved here—anywhere from two weeks to two years ago—but you’re still telling people at parties that you’re originally from somewhere else. Dump the home team and get your local on. The world outside your car windows—towering peaks, breaking waves, and heavenly views— summon you to go explore. You’ll be glad you did. Because even if you actually grew up here, you probably cannot say you’ve done it all. There’s always more. Kick it up a notch and check a few more adventures off your list. Our guide will take you from newbie to native.
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BY THE WALNUT CREEK MAGAZINE TEAM
late summer summer 2018 2018 // walnut walnut creek creek
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NOSH AT MORUCCI’S
GET SOME AIR It’s physically challenging and a great form of exercise. Designed for both beginners and experienced boarders, the Skate Park at Heather Farm is well-made—good obstacles, rails, ledges and bowls—for gnarly drop-in skateboard action. Helmets and pads are required.
This Italian deli attracts all kinds— suits, punks, construction workers, athletes, seniors—who come from miles around for the food. A Saranap neighborhood landmark, Morucci’s claim to fame are delicious deli sandwiches. Everyone has a favorite here. Prices are good too.
Close to Home
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HIT AN A’S GAME
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BIKE OFF-ROAD
Extensive trails, distinctive rock formations, and a 3,849 foot summit, Mt. Diablo State Park welcomes cyclists with off-road challenges. Enter the gates at North Gate Road in Walnut Creek or at the South Gate in Danville and cycle through one of the Bay Area’s ecological treasures and take in some serious views.
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Sure the San Francisco Giants have AT&T Park and all its splendor, but the real deal for hard core baseball fans is happening at Oakland A’s games. Wear anything green and cheer on the home team chomping coliseum dogs and garlic fries. Free giveaways, fireworks, craft brews, plus the National Anthem.
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GO ON A FOODIE BIKE CRAWL
There's nothing better than finishing a ride on the Iron Horse Trail with a beer or a great meal. Whether you're biking finesse is that of a daily commuter, an intense tourer, or a weekend dabbler, you have to eat. Between Walnut Creek and Danville there are some great spots—Peasant’s Courtyard, Katrina Rozelle, Sideboard—to stop for a bite or a sugar rush. You'll get a nice ride in and go home with a full belly.
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KNOW YOUR HISTORY Tour docents talk about Dr. Claude Leech, who delivered Walnut Creek babies from the house on Main Street that is now Modern China. And they tell you that the city's original horse barn, ironically, is now Pottery Barn. These fun facts and more are shared by Walnut Creek Historical Society volunteer guides on 90-minute monthly tours spotlighting some of the city’s 60 heritage sites.
11 CIRCLE THE RES A walk around this man-made lake is open enough to give you a sense of the wilderness, and suburban enough to get the kids home in time for their naps. The 2.7 mile paved trail that circles Lafayette Reservoir is easy for strollers. For a little extra adventure, pack a picnic or rent a paddleboat. Whether on a date or a family outing, gliding on the calm waters is a lot of fun.
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Do the Dog Park Walnut Creek’s pooch-friendly playground, in the back of Heather Farm Park, is an oasis of furry fun divided into areas for big and little pets. Chances are you’ll see a lot of dogs joyfully zooming across the lawn, unfettered by a leash, lapping up the scene. It’s pretty social for people too. While the dogs romp, owners carry on conversations about their pets.
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local adventures
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HIT A CONCERT World-class music, fine wine, exceptional food and breathtaking scenery are a winning combination at Wente Vineyard concerts where upcoming performances include: 8/16 Phillip Phillips & Gavin DeGraw; 8/23 Steve Martin and Martin Short; 9/26 Bad Company.
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DEVOUR A BIG SALAD Tourists tote home Buckhorn Grill’s famed tri-tip in their suitcases. It also makes meaty magic on top of mixed greens, veggies, bleu cheese crumbles & sweet walnuts in the Roadhouse Salad. Crunch your way through the pile of onion rings that top this beauty.
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TOUR A NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE America's only Nobel Prize winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, lived in Northern California at the height of his writing career. Drawn to the climate of the San Ramon Valley, he purchased a 158-acre ranch near Danville where he wrote his most memorable plays. Today O’Neill’s Tao House is a national park that attracts visitors from all over the world.
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You’ll quickly forget about the bustle downtown on a hike in the open space surrounded by native grasses, valley oaks, and golden slopes. Marshall Drive dead ends at the trail head next to Indian Valley Elementary School. Follow the trail straight out as it gently dips and curves. At the top of the steep ascent, turn left and check-out spectacular views of Benicia.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB BRITTAIN
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Hike Shell Ridge
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local adventures
14 GATHER IN THE GARDEN Bliss out in a peaceful ode to the flora and fauna of desert lore at Ruth Bancroft Garden, internationally
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Not only does the city host world-class art exhibits at Bedford Gallery, but a public art collection of more than 30 works. On 90-minute monthly tours, get up-close and personal to works by Stephen DeStaebler, Yoshio Taylor, Bruce Beasley, Beniamino Bufano, and Patrick Dougherty. You can also download the app and wander the streets on a self-guided tour.
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Mediterranean plants and fascinating collection of succulents. A visit to this WalPHOTOGRAPHY BY jim fidelibus
Explore Public Art
renowned for its massive
nut Creek gem will leave you inspired and ready to dig in the dirt.
local adventures
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXXA GRACE
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SEE A SHOW From political satire to Tony-winning musicals, to ballet to children's theater, the Lesher Center for Arts delivers top-quality and diverse performances in 800 live shows every year.
MORE IDEAS TO GET YOU EXPLORING
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Snag a seat for craft cocktails at Rooftop. Check out the views of Mt. Diablo and the town below. You'll feel like you're above it all.
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Step into a salon, browse boutiques, grab a latte’ and people watch on Main Street.
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Test drive a Maserati.
SIP WINE
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Grab a table under the ancient oak tree out back, order a flight of wine and an eclectic assortment of small plates. Then relish in quintessential Walnut Creek. Va de Vi Bistro is one spot not to skip.
Take a staycation at Renaissance Clubsport—poolside service, cabanas, health club, nice rooms. Make a reservation.
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Play golf at Boundary Oak.
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Taste craft brews at Calicraft.
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Experience the lives of early pioneers at Borges Ranch.
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WANDER A RETAIL MECCA You can spend an entire day popping in out of the shops at Broadway Plaza. Drop the guys off at Art of Shaving. Take a lunch break at True Food Kitchen for a healthy meal. Pamper yourself at Aveda, Soma Intimates, Kiehl’s, and Sephora. You name it, you’ll find it here: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Lululemon, Apple, Tesla, Amazon Books, Crate and Barrel, and many more.
Meet a 44-year-old turkey vulture at Lindsay Wildlife Experience.
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Shop for fresh food at a farmers’ market.
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Smell the roses at The Gardens at Heather Farm.
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local adventures
Just Far Enough
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TRAVEL ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE You may have driven it hundreds of times, but to really experience its grandeur, take the time to stroll across the bridge. Considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the 1.7 mile span was built in one of the country’s most unforgiving stretches of water—where the San Francisco Bay connects to the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
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Break the Waves Even when shrouded in fog, Stinson Beach is Marin County’s go-to sandy retreat. Once you survive the hairpin turns on Highway 1, this quaint town rewards surfers, sunbathers, and their dogs, with three and half miles of sandy beach and ample free parking. Insider tip: head out early to avoid heavy weekend traffic.
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GET CULTURED
The art world pivoted when the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) opened its doors in 2016. Considered the largest modern art museum in the United States, the building boasts 170,000-square-feet of galleries filled with contemporary works, media art, and a collection of post-war German masterpieces. Free admission for 18 and younger.
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Hop on a Trolley It only takes $7 to ride up and down San Francisco’s city hills in a cable car. When you’re done, stop by the San Francisco Cable Car Museum to learn more about their inner workings and view cable cars dating back to 1873. Museum admission is free.
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VISIT A COASTAL CARNIVAL With its throwback charm and population of surfers, students, hippies, and Silicon Valley refugees, Santa Cruz is a great escape. From the tip-top of the Ferris Wheel at the Beach Boardwalk, you can hear the rickety rumbles of the 1920s wooden Giant Dipper and see the sand below quilted with bright towels.
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Launched to support local artists and entrepreneurs, Treasure Island’s Treasure Fest has become Northern California’s largest monthly (last weekend of month) gathering of artists, collectors, designers, and crafters. With a rotating line-up of 40+ food trucks, it’s also a great place to feast.
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GO ON AN ISLAND OUTING Undoubtedly the Bay’s largest, Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda offers superb views of San Francisco. Sandy and shallow, water sports run the gamut here—swimming windsurfing, kiting and kayaking. If you go on the first Sunday of the month, hit the Alameda Point Antiques Faire before the beach.
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36 WALK THE BAY BRIDGE This is one for your bucket list. The east span of the OaklandSan Francisco Bay Bridge is 4-miles each way. Access the pedestrian path on Shellmound Street in Emeryville, near the IKEA store or at the corner of Maritime Street and Burma Road, just outside the Port of Oakland. Pack a backpack with plenty of sunscreen and water.
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Check out Heavenly Views If you’ve never been to Angel Island, it’s time to go. The San Francisco Bay’s most famous island— the one that isn’t a prison—is a treat. The ferry ride alone is worth the trip, but the island itself is full of history, beauty, and wonderful treks. Be sure to bring binoculars for views of all five bridges and San Francisco’s striking skyline. 44
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA DUNCAN
PROMENADE PIER 39 Sunsets are glorious here, especially with a glass of chardonnay and a plate of cracked crab. Popular tourist attractions, like Aquarium by the Bay and the San Francisco Carousel, can be found here, but it’s the hordes of barking sea lions that steal the show. Since 1989, the Pier 39 marina has been home to thousands of sea lions who bark on the docks and thrive on the abundance of food in the Bay.
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local adventures
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Sample artisan foods and farm fresh cheeses inside the historic Ferry Building. Fill a pink box with dim sum in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Grab an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Café. Eat pizza and pasta on Columbus Street. Take home fresh fish from the mongers at Fisherman’s Wharf. The options are endless.
39 EXPLORE A MAGIC FOREST One-hundred-foot-tall redwoods hover over Jurassic ferns and protected native trout in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park where miles of trails wind through the foggy forest. Crowd are sparse here so there’s plenty of peace and quiet in the tranquil landscape of this 1,830-acre park. It’s 20 degrees cooler than Walnut Creek, so dress in layers.
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TRAVEL UP
Sather Tower (1914), known to most as the Campanile, is probably UC Berkeley's most famous symbol. Visible for miles, it stands 307 feet tall. An elevator ride up-38 stairs—to the observation platform reveals spectacular views of the entire Bay Area and of the campus. The Campanile houses a 61-bell carillon.
Still Looking for Things to Do? 41
a grasp on the basics— how to paddle, how to pop up on the board, and how to lean into the ride. You'll be hanging ten in no time.
Make plans to go to Burning Man.
42 Ice skate on the rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.
43 Treat yourself to a Ghiradelli Chocolate hot fudge sundae.
44 Jump on trampolines at House of Air inside The Presidio.
45 Tour San Francisco in a GoCar. With over 200 points of interest loaded into the GPS, these little yellow two-seaters point the way and tell stories while you’re driving.
46 Learn to surf Take a lesson or two in Pacifica and get
48 Catch the dollar Sunday races at Golden Gate Fields.
49 Grocery shop at Berkeley Bowl.
50 Walk on the pier at Nick's Cove, then devour some crab cakes.
47 Taste the heart of Tomales Bay by slurping up its sustainable oysters.
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eat + drink SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD | CALISTOGA GETAWAY | TOMATO SEASON | DINING GUIDE
Poke It’s All the Rage Hawaii’s signature seafood makes a splash BY PAM KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA FREELS
First there was fro-yo. Then cold pressed juice. Now poke. Made from marinated raw fish, this refreshing sashimi-style salad is among Hawaii’s most iconic dishes. If you haven't heard of poke (pronounced POH-kay) before, that's about to change. ➤ 46
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A
wave of new restaurants serving the Hawaiian street food have opened in Walnut Creek, bringing with them the next phenomenon in fast-casual dining. And with bowls ranging from $10 to $20, it’s a relatively inexpensive lunch or late-night working meal. If you’re concerned about quality— it is raw fish, after all—chefs and restaurant operators say consistent consumption means it won’t sit for more than a day.
Ready to give poke a shot? You have some options. There's Poke Bar on Locust. Just like neighbor Chipotle, a server helps build your bowl with scoops of rice or
lettuce (for the carb-conscious), a protein such as salmon or tuna, and toppings that run the gamut— edamame, avocado, seaweed, corn, carrots, and imitation crab. Bowls come in small, medium, and large. Ilovepokebar.com A similar build-your-own bar lures diners to Oke Poke. Customers can trick out their tuna, shrimp, or takotopped rice or noodle bowls with colorful add-ons like sweet onions, mango, spicy crab, ginger, cilantro, roasted sesame seeds and handcrafted sauces. Miso soup, poke burritos (seaweed wraps), and Hawaiian ice round out the menu. “It’s light and healthy, but it has so much flavor, you start to crave it,” says Oke Poke regular, Justin. okepoke.com
Main Street’s new poke and Boba tea spot, T4 and Poke, is found in the space formerly occupied by a candy shop. Select a signature bowl or build your own. Try one of their fried food creations—basil popcorn chicken, curly fries, or takoyaki (a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of batter filled with minced octopus (tako) and tempura scraps). ➤
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eat + drink Gary Zhu and Julie Ren’s Pokeatery on Newell Avenue dishes up sustainably-sourced seafood—ahi, yellowtail, salmon— in boxes loaded with rice, noodles, or greens and unlimited mix-ins. You can go half and half with brown rice and citrus kale here, and top it with Hamachi. They also do uala chips made from Polynesian sweet potatoes and kelp noodles. Add-ins range from pineapple, tempura, and cabbage slaw to masago, kukui nut, and kimchi. Dole whip is a hit on a hot day. pokeatery.com
At the Agora, Pacific Catch packs a punch with plenty of fresh fish. And poke. We like it best prepared simply—ahi tuna in a sesame-soy marinade paired with wonton crisps—to show off the flavor of the fresh sustainable seafood. They also do bowls—poke, seaweed, avocado, daikon salad, ginger, sesame seeds, shredded nori, and soy-wasabi sauce. pacificcatch.com
More poke places… Look for poke on the menus at Vanessa’s Bistro, Koja Kitchen, Walnut Creek Yacht Club, Lemonade, and Havana. Lafayette has Poke Go and Concord has Poke Salad, Fresh Box, and Sunfish Poke Bar. When Roll House opens on Main Street, the craze continues. –PK
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD? Scientists at Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch define it as “seafood from sources, whether fished or farmed, that can maintain or increase fish production without jeopardizing the structure and function of affected ecosystems.” Since there are serious concerns about the number of fish left in the sea, treat your palette to some new flavors: sablefish, sardines, arctic char, and albacore tuna belly instead of blue fin. seafoodwatch.org
by Fran Miller
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Weekend
G etaway
What to drink, eat and see on the road to Calistoga
Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail is home to some of the world’s finest wines. American Presidents like Ronald Regan poured Stag’s Leap’s rich reds at White House state dinners, while Silver Oak was the libation of choice by George W. Bush. Your prize at the end of the drive is Calistoga— revered for its hot springs and mud baths—plus a pristine collection of spas, eateries, and boutique resorts.
BIODYNAMIC BOUNTY Founded in 1988, the motto at Robert Sinskey Vineyards is “fine wines from organic vines.” A pioneer in eco-friendly farming and organic winemaking, the winery is renowned for its Zins, Pinots, and gourmet kitchen. Wine flights are paired with seasonal displays of grilled meats, pizzas, and cheeses.
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getaway
TROPHY TASTING Continue north on the Silverado Trail to Oakville Cross Road, home to legendary wineries like Silver Oak, Groth, Rudd, and Plumpjack. Taste the layered flavors in award-winning Cabs and Chards. Most wineries require reservations for tours and tastings, so pace your palate and plan ahead.
CAVE TOUR Just before reaching Calistoga, stop at Clos Pegase where estate wine, renowned architecture, and underground wine production make for a magical visit. On the Connoisseur Tour, guests explore the winery’s historic cave, learn about production and get an
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intimate tasting of current releases, library wines, artisanal cheese and charcuterie.
FOODIE FAVORITES HEALING WATER One of earth’s greatest gifts is the warm mineral water from its core—inspiring a Calistoga tradition of healing and renewal. Built in 1910, the centerpiece at Indian Springs Resort is an Olympicsized, 102-degree mineral swimming pool fed from four geysers. An onsite spa and plush bungalows make for a rejuvenating getaway. At Calistoga’s newest boutique hotel, UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, unwind in the dry sauna and steam room, then dip in the geothermal
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Rise and shine in the contemporary comfort of your hotel room, then head over to Solbar, at swanky Solage Resort, for a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes. Fueled by the carbs, you’re ready for a day of adventure. Bike riding, sun bathing, wine tasting; the day is yours for the taking.
hot springs mineral pool and whirlpool. Located just minutes from the quaint downtown, dining, shopping, and hot air ballooning are within easy walking distance.
In the heart of the city is charming Lovina where comfort food comes on plates of fresh ricotta with cherry jam, artichoke truffle-butter baked oysters, and hot salted caramel brownies topped with pistachio gelato.— PK
What’s In Season
it's TOMATO time Abundant varieties of Heirloom, Early Girl, and Cherry vine-ripened tomatoes are showing up at local farmers’ markets. Toss them into salads or bake them into savory galettes. Purée them in a refreshing gazpacho or classic sauce. Can, dry, or freeze them. Check with local farmers for the best variety to use in a particular dish. RECIPES ➤
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recipes
GAZPACHO By chefalisonnegrin.com
Ingredients 6 slices day-old French bread, crusts removed 4 lbs. vine-ripe medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1 cucumber, coarsely chopped 2 each red or yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped ½ medium onion, coarsely chopped 1/8 cup garlic cloves, chopped 4 cups tomato juice 2 T sugar 2 T paprika Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup sherry wine vinegar 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ handfuls fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped 1 lemon, juiced Garnishes: chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, hard boil eggs, lemon wedges Directions Soak bread in ½ cup of water for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess water. Place bread in a blender or food processor; add tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Puree ingredients until almost smooth, leaving a little texture. Pour vegetable mixture into a large bowl; stir in tomato juice, sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, vinegar, oil, parsley, and lemon juice. Refrigerate soup for at least 2 hours until well chilled; flavors will develop as it sits. Season gazpacho again with salt and pepper before serving. Serve in chilled bowls and top with desired garnishes.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO GALETTE By Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market Sundays Downtown
Ingredients Crust 1 ½ cups flour ½ tsp salt ½ cup butter, cold 5 T ice water 1 egg beaten and a 1 tsp water for egg wash Filling 3 ounces goat cheese 3 T unsalted butter 1 cup sweet corn, about 2 ears Sea salt and pepper 3 big or 4 small heirloom tomatoes Fresh thyme Olive oil Directions In a large bowl combine/mix flour and salt. Use a pastry blender, cut in
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cold butter. Add ice water, mix until it comes together. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead, then form into a round flat disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for one hour. “Roast” corn on a hot cast iron skillet by drizzling a small amount of olive oil on the shucked corn, and turning in the hot pan until char marks form on the kernels. Remove from pan and slice off cob. Flour a work surface and roll dough to 1/8-inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread goat cheese over dough leaving a 2-3” border. Sprinkle roasted corn on to goat cheese. Top with tomato slices. Drizzle with olive oil, pepper, sea salt, and thyme. Fold edges inward then brush dough with egg wash. Bake at 350 until golden; 30-40 minutes.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO & PEACH SALAD By Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market Saturdays at Shadelands
Ingredients 2 medium Heirloom tomatoes Handful of cherry tomatoes 1 nectarine, pitted and cut into wedges 1 yellow peach, pitted and cut into wedges A few slivers red onion 3 mint leaves, minced 1½ tsp sherry vinegar 2 T goat cheese Freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp extra virgin olive oil Directions Gently toss tomatoes, nectarine, peach, onion and mint in a bowl. Drizzle vinegar and olive oil on top and toss gently. Arrange on salad plates. Sprinkle with goat cheese and black pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil on top.
local FARMERS’ MARKETS ALAMO Alamo Plaza Every Sunday, 9am-2pm alamoplazashoppingcenter.com BENICIA First Street, Between B&D Thursday, 4pm-8pm beniciamainstreet.org CLAYTON Diablo Street, Main & Center Saturday 9am-1pm pcfma.org MORAGA Moraga Shopping Center Every Sunday 9am-1pm cafarmersmkts.com 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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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. 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. 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.
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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.
SAUCED BBQ: With dozens of tv screens and as many craft beers on tap, Sauced is the place for watching games, while indulging in a heaping pile of nachos. Order the juicy brisket or tender ribs, it’s all good, especially with a side of buffalo blue fries. 1410 Locust St., 433-5957, saucedbbqandspirits.com.
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. THE ORIGINAL HICK’RY PIT: This diner is known for its honest American food served all day with a heaping side of hospitality. House specialties are barbecue ribs and homemade pies. 1495 S. Main St., 935-7450, hickrypit.com. TRUE FOOD KITCHEN: Always packed, Dr. Weil’s culinary venture is a hit here. The grass-fed burger is one of the best in town, so is the beet bruschetta, squash & ricotta pizza, and seasonal salads. Organic, gluten-free ingredients are used in the cocktails. Broadway Plaza, 952-7314, truefoodkitchen.com.
ASIAN
CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION DRAGON POND: Executive Chef Xiao creates Hunan and Mandarin delicacies. House favorites include Mango Chicken, Honey Walnut Prawns and Salt & Pepper Calamari. 1353 Locust St., 926-0278, dragonpond.com.
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summer 2018 / walnut creek
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ASIAN
CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION 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.
KEVIN’S NOODLE HOUSE: Classic Vietnamese pho noodle
bowls take center stage at this affordable, upbeat spot perfect for lunch or dinner. Tasty fish cakes and spring rolls are good bets for appetizers. 2034 N. Main St., 933-4746, kevinsnoodlehouse.com.
PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO: This large Chinese restaurant
manages to feel intimate with an interesting menu that draws on multiple Asian cooking styles. Try the lettuce wraps and Dan Dan noodles. 1205 Broadway Plaza, 979-9070, pfchangs.com.
PLEARN THAI: Regulars pack the tables for the succulent flavors in the barbecue meats, pan-fried eggplant and curry prawns. Save room for the heavenly batter-fried bananas topped with coconut ice cream. 1510 N. Main Street, 937-7999, plearnthaipalace.com. SASA: Upscale Japanese izakaya with dazzling décor and
decadently fresh fish. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is served with an array of sake.1432 N. Main St., 210-0188, sasawc.com.
VANESSA'S BISTRO: During happy hour, prices at this popular Vietnamese spot drop to $6 for most small plates and cocktails including green papaya prawn salad, petrale sole fish tacos and crispy Saigon rolls. 1512 Locust St., 891-4790, vanessasbistro2.com.
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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. 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. 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 power; it opened the day of the big earthquake in 1989. The traditional menu features excellent seafood, pastas and veal. 1528 Civic Drive, 943-6608, montecatiniristorante.com.
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.
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MDine-in MCarry-out MCatering MBanquets MSaloon
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.
LEGENDARY TEX The way it was meant to be.
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
925-935-1440
100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill backforty.us facebook.com/backforty
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 58
walnut creek / summer 2018
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 accompanied 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.
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.
YOUR
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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.
ACGfNcOP North Locust Street, Between Giamona and Lacassie
OPEN YEAR ROUND Market Hours: 9am-1pm
ACGfNcOP SOUTH AMERICAN 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.
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.
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Fresh
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Peruvian / Spanish / Brazilian
Corn/
•••••• M��e
Markets ••••••
Orinda on Saturdays
22 Orinda Way (in front of Community Park)
9am-1pm
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• /WalnutCreekFarmersMarket www.cccfm.org
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DELIs / cafĂŠs
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 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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where & when ART
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EXHI B ITS
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THE A TE R
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events
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DANCE
Dian Pelangi (Indonesian, b. 1991) for New York Fashion Week, 2017. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
1
Contemporary Muslim Fashions is the first major museum exhibition to explore the diversity of Muslim dress codes around the world. The show explores how women who cover their heads, and those who do not, have become arbiters of style within their communities. High-end fashions, streetwear, and modest designs traversing cultures and religious interpretations. September 22-January 6, de Young Museum, San Francisco, deyoung.famsf.org.
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where & when
2 Bedford Gallery’s opens its fall season with Her Room/Her World a series of prints and paintings by New York artist Portia Munson. At the center is a large installation titled Pink Room, consisting of thousands of discarded pink products specifically created to appeal to women and girls. September 30-December 16, WC, bedfordgallery.org.
3 Revel in one of San Francisco’s ultimate foodie events, Eat Drink SF, showcasing a wealth of Bay Area culinary and beverage talent. Chef demos, wine tastings, swanky dinners, cooking classes, conversations, and of course plenty of sips and savors. August 24-26, San Francisco, eatdrinksf.com.
5 Smuin Ballet launches its 25th anniversary season with Dance Series 01, a program that pushes the boundaries of contemporary ballet. In a nod to his legacy, the performance includes Michael Smuin’s timeless Schubert Scherzo, an effervescent dance set to Schubert’s sprightly C-Major Symphony. September 21, Lesher Center for the Arts, smuinballet.org.
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4 Movies Under the Stars is back with live music and outdoor movies in Walnut Creek parks. Bring a picnic and a blanket, but sorry no pets. Movies begin at sunset. August 17, Moana/Civic Park; September 7, Lion King/Tice Valley Park; September 28, Jungle Book/Civic Park, walnutcreekrec.org.
where & when
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Adapted from the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III, The War of the Roses is a fast-paced theatrical depiction of two powerful families—the Houses of Lancaster and York—and their decades-long fight to rule. When political powers clash to create one of Shakespeare’s most monstrous monarchs, who will take the throne? Aug. 22- Sept. 9, California Shakespeare Theatre, Orinda, calshakes.org.
6 The fourth annual San Francisco Cheese Fest returns for two glorious days of all things cheese paired with samples of charcuterie, brews, cider, and wine to ensure a lively time. Ticket proceeds benefit the California Artisan Cheese Guild dedicated to the education and support of artisan cheese making. September 15-16, sfcheesfest.com.
8 With glorious staging and dazzlingly scenery, the Broadway tour of LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling tale of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. This uplifting story is a timeless testament to the human spirit. Through August 26, Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, shnsf.com.
9 August heats up with a hot lineup of performances at Broadway Plaza’s Summer Concert Series. August 16, Kalimba, Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire; August 23, Caravanserai, Santana Tribute; August 30, Bee Gee's Gold, Tribute. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30pm, bands begin at 7pm. broadwayplaza.com.
10 Ernest Hemingway’s classic tale of his life in 1920s Paris, A Moveable Feast, is Walnut Creek’s 2018 One City, One Book selection. The citywide reading event encourages conversations. To learn more about the programs planned this fall, go to wclibrary.org/one-city-one-book.
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summer 2018
50 local adventures
walnut creek magazine