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Health & Beauty Hot Trends in 2019 DESTINATION SPAS Luxe spots to unwind & rejuvenate
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in this issue
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WINTER 2019
destination spas A trio of chic Southern California resorts offer havens of calm when you need to unplug and tune out the world for a few days—and they’re pet-friendly too.
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in this issue
WINTER 2019
15 Talk of the town Seasoned commercial real estate expert weighs in on future development trends. Latest business openings and closings in the East Bay. Co-working spaces offer an alternative to a multi-year lease. Lindsay Wildlife seeks bigger facility for rehabilitation.
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books by bay area authors A round-up of the best releases coming out this spring.
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the mating game Modern romance in the age of too many apps and disappearing acts.
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eat + drink
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From mushrooms to CBD to chickpeas, food and beverage experts predict the year’s hottest trends. Green’s celebrates its vegetarian legacy. Cauliflower—recipes and revelations from a cruciferous crop
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dining guide Our definitive resource to eating and drinking at the area’s top restaurants for delicious meals at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond.
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where & when Happenings, events, art, theater, festivals, and music for your pleasure and your calendar.
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WINTER 2019 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 Lynn Carey Lou Fancher 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
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CONTRIBUTORS
COMING up... THE SPRING 2019 ISSUE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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.
Lou Fancher is a San Francisco Bay Area writer. In addition to Walnut Creek Magazine, her work appears in a wide range of online and print publications. A children's book author and illustrator, she has over 50 books in print.
jessica freels is a freelance photographer who loves to celebrate the community through her lense. A longtime Bay Area resident, she lives in Walnut Creek with her son Jake and dog Violet.
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.
kathryn G. mccarty has been part of the Bay Area theatre scene for over 20 years. Her award-winning plays have been performed in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Deborah Burstyn is a freelance journalist who has worked for The Washington Post, Newsweek, the Contra Costa Times and the California wine industry. A longtime Walnut Creek resident, when not writing you can find her in the open space or a museum.
INSIDER’S LOOK AT COMMERICAL/ RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS SHADELAND’S TRANSFORMATION CAPITAL COOL: SACRAMENTO SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING RESTAURANT REVIEWS AND MORE…
Contact US: publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com
(925) 212-5146
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WINTER 2019
DIALOGUE / connect with us Top Instagram Posts and Online Conversations
ELUSIVE SNOW Our top Instagram post this winter is by @vincentjamesphotography who captured the snow on Mt. Diablo from Walnut Creek. Want to see your photo in print? Tag us @walnutcreekmagazine with your best shot.
CALL FOR CALM
We love our gas-powered leaf blowers, but are they becoming a health hazard? Concerned residents are buzzing about the need for a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. They point to increased noise and air pollution in and around the downtown. C.A.L.M. (Citizens Appeal for Leaf blower Moderation) recently launched a campaign on Change.org to ban gas-powered leaf blowers in Walnut Creek to “improve health, air, and quality of life.” Residents weighed in with their feedback online. ◆ ◆ ◆
Our guys use a blower and put every bit in our green container. If there’s excess, they put it in burlap and take it away. Takes 15 minutes. Raking everything would take forever. –SM the roof created a serious trip hazard. I upgraded to a 2-stroke gas blower and with the additional power, I can keep my distance from the roof ‘s edge. –SS We hear them multiple times a day, Monday-Saturday, on our street. It's too much. –AA “What other tool do you want to take away from a hardworking landscaper? His weed wacker? Do you realize a typical landscaper works 15 houses a day? The only way to do this is with a highly efficient tool like a gas-powered blower or expect to pay more for landscapers. –BS
I don't understand why it has become standard practice for properties to be blown weekly. Why are blowers used outside of fall leaf drop season? Electric ones could be used the rest of the year. –EC
Electric blowers are much slower, less effective, and send lots of stuff into the air. I would support time limits. Not too early and not too late. –CH
As a handyman, I clean gutters. Last year I used an electric blower but getting the cord around
One word: Rake. Remember it. It's what we used before we got too old. –RW
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I own an electric blower, but it only lasts about 30 minutes on the lowest setting before I need to change the batteries. –CG I can deal with my neighbor’s gardener making noise for ten minutes if it helps him get his work done. It helps keep the neighborhood looking good. –LC I understand we want our yards to look clean, but if you have a big backyard, perhaps leaving the leaves there in the winter would be more beneficial for your plants. –MM
CORRECTION In our Best of 2018 issue, we misspelled the name of the person who owns Salon Hanover, Krystal Kerkezian is the correct spelling.
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Drive Out Hunger
from the publisher We live in interesting times. According to a recent study by Mediakix, the average person will spend more than five years and four months of their life scrolling through the social media abyss. It’s a shocking figure, especially when you put it in perspective: 1,945 days or 46,680 hours. In that same amount of time, you can fly to the moon and back 32 times or walk your dog close to 100,000 times. On the other hand, the average person will spend only 395 days of their life socializing, in person with real people. And when we’re looking for love, it’s online too. In this issue, we decided to explore the world of online dating with people who are playing the modern mating game. What we found out gave us reason to pause, laugh, and applaud.
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ROCK OUT HUNGER g a l a d i nner & a uct i on
Online dating is only one of the 2019 trends revealed on our pages. We talk with a local commercial real estate “mogul” who is perfectly suited to predict development, business, and lifestyle trends across multiple sectors. We dive into the world of beauty, work, food, drinks, and culture. Then after all that stress, we take you on a journey to some seriously cool destinations that will primp, pamper, and please you when it’s time for that ultimate escape—especially from the digital world. One of our greatest assets is the environment. We continue to pay tribute to the surroundings, wildlife, and clean air that make living and working in Walnut Creek a daily reason to celebrate.
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Pam Becker Kessler publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com
ON THE COVER Photography by ALEXXA GRACE
835 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA 94553 925-293-4792 loavesfishescc.org
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Celebrating the beauty, resilience, and strength of women through fine art and fashion photography, award-winning photographer Alexxa Grace has received national acclaim for her work. A longtime Bay Area resident, Grace resides in Walnut Creek and contributes periodically to Walnut Creek Magazine.
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talk
of the town
Photography by Jessica Freels
DEVELOPMENT TRENDS | COMING ATTRACTIONS | CO-WORKING CULTURE | LINDSAY WILDLIFE SEEKS MORE SPACE
Commercial Real Estate Mogul Issues Forecast
Walnut Creek’s urban core will flourish, smart buildings are on the rise
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By Lou Fancher ith 40 years in the industry and more energy than most 25-year-olds, 64-year-old Del Beccaro is highly qualified and unafraid to offer bold predictions about commercial real estate in Walnut Creek and the East Bay. His career began in 1977, moving up the ranks at Grubb & Ellis before operating his own development company from 1983 to 1992. Re-entering full-time brokerage, Del Beccaro was the East Bay manager at Colliers, then spent seven years at Transwestern before moving to TRI Commercial East Bay as Regional Manager at the end of 2018. He has leased or sold over three million-square-feet of real estate representing clients that include UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, California Bank & Trust, Mechanics Bank, Wells Fargo, among others. ➤
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Photography by Lisa Duncan
talk
Del Beccaro weighs in on what to expect in the commercial real estate arena for 2019 and beyond Office and apartment rental rates will continue to rise, but at slower rates. Few new office buildings will be constructed, but “hotels are on fire” and residential multifamily projects are on the rise. Highend retail will flourish in the city’s urban core: big box retail in suburban, outer locations will die. Oh, and say “good bye” to surface-level parking lots as e-commerce and robust employment rates pump demand for just-in-time warehouses, mixeduse residential developments, and more restaurants and retail. “Surface parking lots are an endangered species; by 2025 you won’t see them,” says Del Beccaro. “The parking lot across the street from Casper’s Hot Dogs, Kaiser owns it, and you can imagine a building on it. The one across from Va de Vi on Mt. Diablo Boulevard has a proposed condo project on it.” Del Beccaro also suggests that the city’s new North Downtown Specific Plan—a
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general guideline for developers to follow when planning future projects in the plan’s specific zoning area—encourages auto dealerships that have prime real estate to move. “It pushes them north of Ygnacio Valley Road in order to upscale the sites. They can’t be forced to sell, but if you give them a crazy price to leave, they might think about it,” he says. Want more? The odds of a recession in the next 18 months? Del Beccaro places it at 60 percent. “We’ll have a correction, and with that—and Walnut Creek’s restricted height limits for new construction—you won’t see new office buildings in the city over the next three years. They don’t pencil out.” Builders need to balance a $5 per-foot classic office product, versus a $3.50 per-foot for apartments. “That’s why the only cranes you’ll see in Walnut Creek or Oakland are at new residential projects. The housing demand is so intense that people are still looking for sites to build.”
Unfortunately, the upside-down demand curve means people who make $60-120,000 per year often can’t afford the new apartment rents. In Walnut Creek, Del Beccaro places rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $3500-5000 per month. “That figure cascades down to the older, ten to twenty-year-old stock at $2-3000 per month. People on average are spending 40 percent of their income on housing. They’re climbing a steep demand curve.” During his career, Del Beccaro has also represented the cities of Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Clayton, and Concord in real estate deals. The Danville resident and his wife, Denise, have been married for 35 years and have three adult children and two grandchildren. He holds a B.A. in philosophy from Stanford University. At any given time, Del Beccaro serves on five local boards. “Yup, it’s always five,” he says. “I’m in my business phase now, ➤
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As long as business is booming and employment remains strong, Del Beccaro expects the city’s multipurpose residential construction momentum to continue, so I’m on the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, the California Jobs & Housing Coalition, and various transportation task forces. When he was in the “arts mode,” Del Beccaro served in positions related to real estate development; supporting new construction projects for California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda, the Walnut Creek Library, and a Boy Scout building in Pleasant Hill. Turning a keen eye to predictions farther off, Del Beccaro says advanced manufacturing involving robots will increase the value of introducing downtown projects like four-story, computerized, smart, seismically-sound warehouse buildings. Asked about a new downtown supermarket, he says it’s unlikely. At the apartment/hotel project under construction on the former McDonald’s site, Del Beccaro and his firm, Tri-Commercial, represent the ground floor leasing. “I don’t foresee a new supermarket there or anywhere. Downtown supermarkets don’t exist. They can’t pay the rent; they have low margins. We’re looking for restaurants and high-end merchandise.” Safeway, he notes, in years past had plans to build a second story. The cost and details of construction, including relocating the parking lot to the top of the building, were complicated. "Walnut Creek will sooner or later get what Rockridge has: an existing site converting from one story to two, but Safeway won’t buy a new, original site.” In the meantime, with the real estate market approaching the top of its cycle—meaning investment values and rents are reaching a plateau—investors are climbing on the fence. “Everybody is cognizant of where we are in the real estate and the investment cycle. The power question now is when is the next recession? Is it in 2020? People are debating and sitting tight because most invest or buy with expectations that prices will go up.” As long as business is booming and employment remains strong, Del Beccaro expects the city’s residential construction momentum to continue, along with his own.
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On the Horizon
Happenings, announcements and things to know about
Goodbye Styrofoam A proposed ordinance bans the product countywide Ten out of 19 cities in Contra Costa County have already banned the use of food and beverage containers made from Polystyrene (also called Styrofoam.) A proposed ordinance extends the ban countywide—to all unincorporated communities.
MAGIC FOREST A tribute to one of the Earth’s greatest treasures
One-hundred-foot-tall trees tower over ferns, chaparral, and wildlife in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park, giving us a glimpse into the history of the ancient coast redwoods that once thrived all over the East Bay hills, before construction in the late 1800s replaced them with homes and buildings. Now, thanks to a century of conservation, they’re coming back. To celebrate these magnificent trees, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and Save the Redwoods League unveiled a new exhibit that teaches us how to protect the forest. “The coast redwoods are one of the greatest natural treasures in the East Bay,” said EBRPD General Manager Robert Doyle. “For years, we’ve been working to pay homage to their past.” Details: Redwood Regional is open 365 days a year. To learn more, go to ebrpd.org and savetheredwoods.org. 20
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The nonbiodegradable, nonrecyclable product breaks down into micropieces, creating more trash than alternatives. Once it begins breaking down, Styrofoam is almost impossible to clean up; its small pieces turning into a health hazard for many aquatic species and the water supply. The county is required to reduce trash in its waterways to follow its Municipal Regional Permit. Hearings are currently underway, followed by a Board of Supervisors vote in May. cccounty.us
FINE FREE Contra Costa County becomes first library system in California to eliminate fines Say goodbye to overdue book charges. In January, the Contra Costa Library system eliminated late fees on borrowed materials at all 26 of its branches. “This is an opportunity to restart your relationship with the library,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. Over 650,000 cardholders borrow more than 7 million items annually. Of those, 118,450 had their cards blocked due to fines. “Families are staying away from the library because it’s too expensive for them,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “We don’t want people to choose between putting food on the table and reading.” Overdue library material fines and replacement charges make up about 2% of revenue. Patrons are still expected to return library materials on time; a replacement fee applies 30 days after due date. ccclib.org
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on the horizon
CITY REVEALED
A fourth quarter 2018 retail vacancy report, prepared by commercial real estate firm John Cumbelich & Associates, points to a low 4.2% vacancy rate in the city’s core. But when broken down by district, the number jumps to over 10.5% in the historic downtown. “If these landlords have deep pockets and large property portfolios, it may make more financial sense to claim a tax loss on the vacant property than to rent it at a non-optimal value,” says one unnamed city source. As a growing number of vacancies dot the downtown, city officials are considering ways to encourage landlords to expeditiously find new tenants. One proposal is to impose a vacancy tax that penalizes owners who leave properties empty for an extended period.
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Photography by Charlie Wheaton
Should WC tax empty storefronts?
WHAT’S IN STORE Closings are a major theme at the beginning of 2019. So far, we’ve waved goodbye to Yankee Pier, Scout & Molly, Threads Consignment, Michael Kors, Gymboree, Edwards Luggage, Little Tibet, Le Cheval, and Pomegranate, to name only a few. Walnut Creek and Lafayette are not alone—independent retailers and restaurants across the Bay Area face mounting pressures from high rent, increased competition, and online commerce.
Le Cheval and remodeling begins on Burma 2 in the former OIC-Bowl restaurant space.
Despite this trend, no sooner does one door close than another one opens. Haute couture bridal designer Riki Dalal consummated a five-year lease at Main Street Plaza (in the former Scout & Molly boutique) near Sunrise Bistro. Yogaworks brings its vinyasa flow to the plaza this spring, relocating from across the street into a section of vacant Tuesday Morning. Innovation Gateway to Travel opened in the former Edwards Luggage store at Broadway Plaza, as Burma Unique leases
Five years after launching in Walnut Creek, Lottie’s Creamery took its artisanal flavors to Palo Alto last June, and soon they’ll be scooping in Danville.
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Tony Sohi, owner of Walnut Creek’s Silk Road and Danville’s Santorini, is taking his Middle Eastern cuisine to Lafayette opening Lavosh in the former Rustic Tavern. Celebrating a community passion for art, collective popup, JPG @ The Bank, opened an art gallery in the vacant Wells Fargo on Mt. Diablo in Lafayette.
Stunned by the sudden closure of both Ici shops in Berkeley, sweet relief is on the way for ice cream devotees. According to Berkeleyside, two of San Francisco’s frozen favorites, Humphry Slocombe and Milkbomb Ice Cream, are making debuts in Berkeley. Looks like another “Cream craze” is about to begin.
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Co-Working Spaces
When signing a lease or working out of your home won’t cut it anymore
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by deborah burstyn or local entrepreneurs and freelancers, basic business needs like renting office space and investing in technology can present major financial obstacles. Co-working companies rent out shared office space to a range of clients looking for an alternative to a multiyear lease.
In downtown Walnut Creek, Victory Workspace offers a coworking environment for self-employed people, and corporate employees who work remotely, as well as freelancers who crave a sense of community. “This place is my corporate culture,” says Jon Welch, who works as a benefits administrator for a company in Wisconsin but prefers living in California. Based on a monthly membership starting at $195, which escalates based on amenities chosen, Victory provides a variety of options—community tables, cubicles, and private offices. There
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are conference rooms with AV equipment and small secluded rooms for private conversations. Your business name can appear on the office directory and members never have to worry about whether the printer is out of ink. As owner and founder, Victor Mataraso takes care of member’s office needs, including a sense of community. “Here you can have co-workers even though you don’t work for the same company,” he explains. “There’s a community aspect to it. We foster that spirit by hosting business education, networking, and social events.” Mataraso started off in 2002 with Reliable Receptionist: a phone answering service for business people. In 2012, he decided to expand into a co-working space. He folded his enterprise into Victory Workspace and the receptionists now greet visitors in addition to answering the phones. In 2017, Victory doubled in space to its current 6,500-square-feet above Locust Street. ➤
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talk
“There are plenty of places where you can find Wi-Fi and a desk. But for a lot of people that isn’t enough. They want something less isolating and a way to present themselves professionally,” Mataraso says. The co-working space provides additional benefits to its members. For example, instead of putting your home address on the internet or business cards, you can use Victory’s address and be indexed by Google there. You can have your own mailbox in the lobby and the receptionists will receive packages for you and forward your mail. If a monthly membership is not your thing, they also offer flexible options to access the workspace for a day or a week. Aly Sharp, who is married with three small children and lives in Walnut Creek’s Saranap neighborhood, started working out of Victory when she left her corporate job to be a consultant. “When I am in my house, I see dishes, I see laundry, and I see toys that need to be tidied up. Coming here, I am at work. If I was at home, I’d never get anything done.” Because she works around her kids’ schedules, Sharp appreciates the 24/7 access Victory provides with a phone app that allows members to come in anytime. While entrepreneurs and freelancers make up the bulk of Victory’s membership, Mataraso says the number of corporate employees has recently increased. “If you want to recruit talent and you tell them they must commute two hours, that is not an attractive offer. But give them a relatively small budget and they can work here. This shift in how and where people work is occurring globally. It’s a fascinating trend.”
OPEN DATA DAY A day of civic hacking Join us at Victory Workspace for a day of civic hacking! We will use publicly available data sets to analyze social problems and help local governments improve the quality of life in our communities. Open Data Day is a global celebration of freely available data that can be used for the public good. Details: March 2, opendataday.org.
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Lindsay Wildlife Experience Stretches Its Wings The city’s “hidden gem” seeks a new executive director and possibly, a new home
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By Lou Fancher
usiness is booming at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the wildlife museum and hospital operating in Walnut Creek’s Larkey Park since 1993. This means the nonprofit, whose mission is to connect people with wildlife and to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals, is literally bursting at the seams of its 28,000-square-foot home.
A 25-year lease with the city, which owns and rents the facility to Lindsay for one dollar per year, expired in early 2018 but was temporarily abated by a five-year extension. Even so, as close to 100,000 visitors participate annually in the center’s exhibits, activities, and programs—and nearly 6,000 animals are examined or treated at its wildlife hospital—space is at a premium. ➤
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“A lot of our rehab takes place offsite. We don’t have the facilities to let an eagle fly. Volunteers do home care for orphaned opossums and baby squirrels. Frankly, the number of people who can do this is shrinking. People are downsizing and don’t have big backyards anymore,” explains Board President Dr. Rosanne Siino. Regulations issued by California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife have also changed, restricting the conditions under which people can support the museum through home care. A museum membership upsurge and the popularity of its school programs have also increased the pressure for more space. “It’s gotten frustrating,” says Siino. “What we like to do, we can’t do anymore. This has led us to say we need a bigger rehab hospital where animals can fully heal before we release them. That can’t be in people’s backyards. We need to level up to provide.” “Leveling up” has been a part of Lindsay’s history ever since its inception over sixty years ago in the garage of educator Alexander “Sandy” Lindsay. What started as a space full of locally collected specimens, and the occasional wild animal, developed into summer classes and neighborhood hikes. In 1955 the Diablo Junior Museum Association formed, including a governing board of directors. Outgrowing the elementary school in which it was housed and finding the City of Walnut
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Creek expanding its park system, in 1965 the museum moved into the water pump house in Larkey Park. The city operated the Lindsay for the next 16 years, until the museum became an independent nonprofit in 1986. Two years later, a $7 million capital campaign resulted in construction of Lindsay’s current home. Exhibits and classes for all ages, birthday parties, teen activities, adult date nights, 70 animal ambassadors, guest lectures, and the rehab hospital round out current services. “We’d love to stay in Walnut Creek because our history is here, but we’re constrained now,” says Siino. The museum is engaged in a search for a new executive director, after the 2018 departure of Cheryl McCormick. “We’ve done pretty much the same thing for 63 years. Now, given climate change, habitat loss, and our mission, we want someone who can deliver broadly.” Siino says the search is not delaying Lindsay’s efforts to better utilize the Larkey Park space or relocate part or all its operations. “We want to be a gem, but we don’t want to be hidden,” she says. “It’s an expensive area with prices skyrocketing.” Siino says the East Bay MUD property adjacent to the park could be on the table, as well as offers from other municipalities. “Most people care how we will preserve and expand this great habitat shared by people and animals.”
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FACE TIME Meet the star of your new skincare regime. Its oil-free formula clears and prevents acne with retinoid gel; the former prescription-only ingredient now available OTC. Find it at your local drugstore. target.com
good reads
Books by Bay Area Authors by lynn carey
The Woman in Black
A Fire Story
Rare Bird Books (March 2019)
Abrams ComicArts (March 2019)
Erik Tarloff
Chance Hardwick was considered the greatest young movie actor during Hollywood’s Golden Age. An unknown teenager from the Midwest, he started acting in New York, and later became a Hollywood film star beloved by millions…until he tragically died. Years later, a famous producer and film historian gather together Hardwick’s family, friends, enemies, lovers, and colleagues to figure out his story. Who was he really? Berkeley author Eric Tarloff has written for the big and little screens telling Hollywood tales.
Brian Fies
When the Tubbs fire destroyed their Santa Rosa home, Fies and his wife lost everything except for what they could fit in their car. The next day at Target, the former news reporter found himself in the art supplies aisle, where he bought paper and pens and began inking his experience and posting it online. His cartoons went viral, with more than a half-million people reading his story within the first week after the devastating tragedy. For his book, Fies has expanded the original webcomic to include environmental insights and stories of others.
Swimming for Sunlight
The Atlas of Reds and Blues
Allie Larkin
Devi S. Laskar
Artria (April 2019)
Counterpoint (February 2019)
The story opens with a woman bleeding in the driveway after being shot by police during a prejudice-driven raid on her home. Down on the ground, the American-born daughter of Bengali immigrants thinks about her life—games with her sister, visits to India, work in a newsroom before she had three daughters. Throughout her time in the American South, the woman had been asked “where are you from?” but they were never satisfied when she said “here.” A native of North Carolina, Laskar’s debut novel was inspired by a terrifying raid on her own home. She now lives in the Bay Area.
Katie, an aspiring costume designer, had a true love, unfortunately it wasn’t her husband. Her love was her faithful rescue dog. When they divorce, she gives up everything in order to keep the pup and moves in with her grandmother in Florida. Katie discovers Nan had a colorful life as a mermaid performer with a cast of women with whom she’s lost touch. She helps her find them and they begin to plan a reunion show. Katie will make the costumes, but she needs to get over her fear of water—an anxiety shared by her pet. This is Larkin’s third novel; she lives in the Bay Area with her faithful dog, and husband.
The Old Drift Narwal Serpell
Hogarth (March 2019) This genre-mixing saga of three intertwined families begins in 1904 on the banks of the Zambezi Rivera and travels through the century and into the future, concluding in the 2020s. Not only does she tell the history of a nation, but Serpell manages to weave in love, politics, family, and friendship, peppered with a big douse of humor. Critics are calling the San Francisco author’s debut novel a stunning achievement, comparing her work to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Toni Morrison, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Edwidge Danticat.
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e m a G g n i t a M e Th Modern romance in the age of too many apps and disappearing acts
M 34
By Lynn Carey
Dating apps are now the norm for singles looking to connect. We know they work for casual flings, but what about for long lasting love? To find out what’s happening in the online dating sphere, we asked some local singles to weigh in.
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Dating Dispatches Stories from the frontlines
KAYLAN, 37
An old school matchmaker just might be the answer Online dating is mainstream. Millions of singles use apps and websites to find a partner. It can be exhilarating for a few dates, a few months, a few years, or a lifetime. But sometimes, just when you think things are going great…it can be a nightmare. “Yes, I’ve been ghosted,” says Kaylan Jones (not her real name), who lives in Walnut Creek. “The most recent time was with a guy I’d met on Bumble who I’d been dating for two months. We got along great, had good chemistry, and communicated well together.” When he went on a business trip overseas, he texted daily through WhatsApp. And then suddenly, he went dark. “We were supposed to get together on a Sunday when he got back. I texted him several times, but nothing.” For those who have been out of the dating game for a while,
“ghosting” is abruptly cutting off communication with a romantic interest. While disappearing from a relationship is not a new phenomenon, the Internet and social media have made the trend much more commonplace. When your relationship is based on texting, it’s easy to disappear. Kaylan finally heard from the guy several days later with the old “It’s not you, it’s me” line. And oh, he was dating someone else. “It’s so common now,” she sighs, and getting old after four years of active online dating. As a dynamic entrepreneur and owner of a salon in Lafayette, Kaylan has little time to meet men. Her journey started with Tinder, then eHarmony, and now Bumble. “I even paid $1,800 for a concierge matchmaking service, Tawkify. I kept getting guys who complained they were broke from remodeling their house and couldn’t afford to go out. How are we going to date? And how can you afford a dating service?”
One of the biggest problems with the men she meets online are the lies and deception. “It says right on my profile that I want to settle down and have children, but after a few months they admit they really don’t want kids.”
ROSE, 26
The right emoji can boost your odds of success
sparks after three dates, I usually cut it off.” She vets potential dates by talking and texting. Rose says you can tell a lot about a person by texting. "They need to show some personality. Like, if he doesn’t use emoji’s, he’s probably boring. If he’s bland at texting, that’s usually how he is in person.”
SEBASTIAN, 26
Rose Smith of Lafayette, (not her real name) right swipes on Bumble with some success. “I think it’s the best app because the girls reach out to the boys,” she says. Rose says she’s also been ghosted by men she thought she had a connection with. “I think everyone’s been ghosted. And I hate to say it, but I’ve also been the one to ghost if it’s not going anywhere.” Her advice for putting the brakes on is to be straight up. “I’ll just say, ‘It’s been nice, but I don’t see this going any further.’ If there are no
It’s all about the dating app
After a long-term relationship ended two years ago, Sebastian (not his real name) tried them all—Tinder, Bumble, The League, Coffee Meets Bagel. He wasn’t making good connections, and The League was stuffy and superficial. “I was getting bored. Casually hooking up with people was not very satisfying,” he says. Sebastian, who just moved from the East Bay to Portland for medical school, was ghosted by dates, and did some ghosting himself. ➤
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talk “Mostly I did it because I was new at it. I didn’t know how to say, ‘you’re not my type’ at first, but later I learned how to say, ‘We don’t have a great vibe, but I wish you luck.’” Then he tried Hinge. “It’s cool. It gives you icebreakers to put in your profile.” That’s how he met his girlfriend. “Her statements were funny and interesting. Her smile seemed genuine and something about her eyes really caught me.” Their first date was in a dive bar in Richmond. “We talked a lot about life, medicine, and which birth control is most effective. Dumb nerdy stuff like that.” Three weeks later, he stopped looking for other prospects online. “That’s it. No more!”
ARI, 27 Why not?
For the last five years she’s mostly been in long-term relationships, but when she’s not, Ari turns to online dating sites. “Bumble is
exhausting, having to message everyone first. And now guys are catching on that strong, independent women are willing to do all the work and they get to be super lazy about it!” Tinder is free, she says, so it casts the widest net. “Anyone can get on and message the weirdest things. I call it the Facebook of dating apps. People only put forward the good stuff.” Case in point, a date with a guy she met on Tinder. “We texted for a week and I felt like I knew him, but when we met it was zero chemistry. Like, ‘ew, just the sound of your voice is annoying.’ At the end, he kissed the top of my head, just like my dad. OK, done.” She ended up ghosting the guy, which is easy to do when you mostly communicate by text. On dates, Ari doesn’t have a problem hooking up. “I work at Planned Parenthood, so talking about sex is no big deal. It’s important to me, so I don’t see the point of wasting time with a guy if it’s not good.” Hinge is her
Decoding the lingo of love
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favorite site and where she met her current boyfriend. It paints a truer picture of a person, she says. First attracted to her man because he looked cute and easygoing online, Ari says his sense of humor and status as a medical school student sealed the deal, since she plans on going to nursing school. After a few weeks of dating, they became exclusive. “But I’d already stopped going on Hinge after the second or third date.”
LYNN
It's never been easier to swipe your next soulmate When our adult kids’ friends gathered at our home over the holidays, it gave me a chance to delve into their love lives. “So,” I said to the extremely handsome and eligible young men at the table. “Dating anyone?” Shrugs and nods. “Online stuff?” I asked. “Mother!” my daughter hissed. Two of them nodded. “Bumble?”
They shook their heads, and both said, “Hinge!” Thanks to the proliferation of online dating apps: OKCupid, Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, eHarmony, Hinge, Match, and Bumble, there are plenty of places to look for love. There’s Zoosk and Plenty of Fish. What about that person who looks hot at Philz every morning? He/ she might be on Happn, an app that uses GPS to let you know if you have a fit in the vicinity. Looking for a hook-up? Try Grinder, Growlr, or Scruff. Do you want someone from an Ivy League school? The League might be your thing. If you own a three-legged blind Cocker Spaniel and want a partner with one too, there’s probably an app for you. Have you heard about Farmers Only? It’s not a joke. Neither is Gothic Match, Ugly Schmucks, Mullet Passions, or DiaperMates. All real apps. And if you’re just tired of the whole scene, there’s Settle for Love, where users “embrace imperfection” from the utter exhaustion of it all and just settle down. Back to the kitchen table, I forced the two men to show me their Hinge profiles. “Bad hair,” I told one. “It looks like you’re wearing a toupee.” “I’ll delete it,” he promised. “And the geekiest thing you do is watch Jeopardy?” I said to the other, “That doesn’t sound that geeky. Can you come up with something funnier? He just smiled. “I’m doing just fine with it the way it is.”
Destination SpaS A trio of gorgeous Southern California getaways—and they’re dog-friendly too
π
California has some of the best wellness retreats in the world; a bounty of impeccable resorts that cater to every need. They pamper you, nourish you, and pour you flutes of Veuve. There are sparkling pools, relaxing spas, lavish suites, and fancy shops to browse, all in chic settings. When you’re ready for a little self-indulgence, here are some luxe sanctuaries for a weekend escape.
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LA QUINTAπ RESORT & CLUB Dazzling destinations dot the lush Coachella Valley, where a stunning calm soothes the soul. First opened in 1926, legendary La Quinta Resort— now part of the Waldorf Astoria family — has a storied history as a Hollywood hideaway. With decades of experience, the seasoned staff know how to indulge and to pamper their guests. Poolside casitas sit against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains on forty-five gorgeous acres. Inside the Spanish-style bungalows, you’ll find plush beds, flat screen TV’s, Ferragamo toiletries, and Keurig coffee makers. Outside cool off in one of resort’s 41 pools or play a round of golf on a PGA West championship course. Tennis, yoga, and pickleball add to the fitness mix, as do miles of paths for invigorating morning walks.
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A “pro-pet” resort, dogs get the royal treatment with their own beds, bowls, and treats. At American bistro Twenty6, sit on the sunny patio and schmooze with other pets and their owners during weekend brunch. It’s easy to disconnect for a few hours at the resort’s full-service day spa sipping tea in a private garden before your skin or body treatment. A standout is Spa La Quinta’s Citrus Escape—a salt and sugar neck-to-toe vitamin-infused body scrub that leaves you invigorated. A full body Vichy shower follows along with a heavenly massage. Dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Morgan's, is a must. Craft cocktails and savory seasonal cuisine make for a memorable evening at this distinctive restaurant. With boutiques, bars, and bistros all within easy walking distance, it’s easy to spend a weekend inside La Quinta’s swanky walls.
RANCHO BERNARDO INN π When it comes to healthy living, San Diego’s North County has always been ahead of the curve. It’s home to some of the world’s best surfing, golf, and all the beaches you need, plus a laid-back vibe. A short distance inland, take a retreat at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Spanish Colonial-style buildings and well-manicured gardens cover this sprawling resort, where a friendly staff, a divine spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course welcome travelers. Relax by the spa’s sunny saline pool or a secluded cabana before your treatment. Lounge with a little bubbly and fresh salad from the chef’s onsite garden. Rancho Bernardo’s signature Made Fresh Daily uses locally grown herbs and produce in a stimulating full-body massage and scrub treatment that includes foot and hand reflexology. Spacious suites look out over the sprawling golf course from private patios. For a post-spa refreshment, head to The Veranda, an alfresco Mediterranean restaurant on the resort’s terrace that welcomes four-legged furry companions. After a weekend of romping around, pets go home with a personalized water bowl and a bag of treats.
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travel
MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH π Fifty miles south of LA on a beautiful bluff over the Pacific sits Montage Laguna in all its splendor— stunning views, fragrant coastal air, feather-top beds, soaking tubs for two. This holistic retreat pampers with fresh cuisine, long beach walks, and spa detox experiences. Each of the 250 chic guestrooms has a private oceanfront balcony to take in the breathtaking ocean after a leisurely soak in imported French bath salts. One of the many pleasures here is a wellness journey at Spa Montage: 20,000-square-feet of bliss to lounge, steam, workout, or swim before or after at treatment. Detox begins with a Body Firming Wrap that exfoliates with essential oils and energizes with by a deep cleansing clay body mask while a spa aesthetician massages your face and neck. Relax on the private pool deck with a seasonal meal; the spa has partnered with celebrity health coach and holistic nutritionist Kelly LeVeque to create menus for healthy regimens. Activities at Montage run the gamut, you can take surf lessons, snorkel, paddleboard, jet ski, sail, or play tennis or golf. A staircase leads down to the beach, for brisk morning walks with your dog. Make time for a swim in the Olympic-size mosaic pool before packing up for home.
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eat + drink 2019 Trends | Innovative Vegetarian Cuisine | What’s in Season | Dining Guide
TOP
Foodies predict how you’ll be eating and drinking in 2019
TRENDS
Every year new trends grab hold of the national dining scene. Many of the predictions for 2019— more vegetables, cocktails with less alcohol, CBD in everything—point to a sustainable, restorative time. Comfort foods take on healthy twists: cauliflower pizza crust, chick pea pasta, and black bean desserts. For our report, we turned to the New York Times, the food industry, and San Francisco hospitality PR firm Andrew Freeman & Co, all of which release well-researched food and beverage trend reports. One thing is certain, it’s going to be a tasty year.
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( 2019’s Top Ten ) 1. CBD/HEMP IN EVERYTHING It wasn’t so long ago that CBD was little-known outside of the medical marijuana community—now it’s in everything from cold brew coffee to craft cocktails. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient derived from cannabis, is credited for relieving pain, anxiety, and depression. And now that a decades-long ban on industrial hemp has been lifted—the fiber of the cannabis plant extracted from the stem— expect to see hemp derived products in cooking oil, milk, protein powder, and flour.
2. MUSHROOMS Magically appearing in a wide variety of places—teas, desserts, jerky, burger blends, and cocktails—thanks to the umami flavor and health properties of mushrooms. Consisting mostly of water, at around 22 calories a piece, they’re loaded with nutrients, surprisingly satisfying, and a great meat substitute.
3. VEGAN “MEAT” Plant-based “meat,” including the Impossible Burger, is showing up on menus across the country. And this alternative meat trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon as diners continue to eat less red meat, or abandon animal protein altogether, whether for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.
4. OAT MILK Forget almond milk. Oat milk is growing in demand because it’s more sustainable and less water-intensive than other non-dairy milk products. Creamy, nut-free, and packed with protein, oat milk is primed to see massive sales in 2019. Expect to find it on the bar at your local coffee shop.
5. CHICKPEAS Fun, fresh, flavorful, and healthy— the chickpea inspires plenty of creativity. Milkshakes, pasta, even dark chocolate hummus for dessert, chickpea dishes are becoming a menu standby. And they are gluten-free.
6. GLOBALLY INSPIRED FLAVORS As more and more home cooks (and chefs) look to spice up their chicken and fish with bold flavors, expect to taste more Middle Eastern and African herbs and spices. Even McCormick got on board with the trend, releasing spice blends including berbere and harissa earlier this year.
7. FERMENTED FOODS Gut-healthy foods that aid in digestion like kimchi, kombuchas, sauerkraut, and pickles are easy ways to ingest probiotics, and most likely, you’ll be eating more of them. As this obsession grows, and food waste becomes part of more people’s consciousness, pickling, canning, and salting will turn into
regular hobbies for a whole new generation.
8. ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE We’re dining in a warmer world and menus are reflecting it. From increased demand for sustainable protein options (including seaweed) to an increased awareness regarding seafood choices, restaurants are adjusting their menus to reflect “clean eating.” Chefs will begin to experiment with new species of fish and sea vegetables, as more diners consider eating species other than salmon, tuna, and halibut.
9. BETTER BEVERAGES Consumers want to eat better— and drink better. New drinking trends include all-natural ciders, wines with lower alcohol content, and pick-me-ups for digestive enhancement. At the bar, look for Prosecco, craft Vermouth, and botanicals in mixed drinks.
10. TEA TIME Cheese tea, a creamy import from Taiwan, will go mainstream. Green or black tea, sipped through a cap of cream cheese blended with cream or condensed milk, is served either sweet or slightly salty. It’s already a hit in San Francisco, where they make it with Meyer lemon and mascarpone.
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eat + drink
GREEN’S
T 44
At this celebrated vegetarian restaurant, even the view can’t compete with the food
by Pam Kessler
he burritos at La Taqueria. The English cut at House of Prime Rib. The roasted chicken at Zuni Café. The shaking beef at Slanted Door. The Dungeness crab at Swan Oyster Depot. The dim sum at Yank Sing. The pizza at Golden Boy. Perennial classics that are quintessentially San Francisco. But did you know the city also pioneered vegetarian cooking and the farm to table movement in 1979 when the San Francisco Zen Center opened Greens at Fort Mason Center?
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Called “the restaurant that brought vegetarian food out from sprout-infested health food stores and established it as a cuisine in America” by the New York Times, Green’s remains one of the most acclaimed vegetarian restaurants in the world. Delicious seasonal produce, sourced locally from the Zen Center’s Green Gulch Farm and other organic, northern California farms, is transformed into sweet and savory delights under the direction of Executive Chef Annie Somerville and her team. ➤
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eat + drink
FOOD CHANGE
Public Art urges people of all ages to take part in the movement for clean, delicious food A bold new photo mural installation, under the arches of San Francisco’s landmark Ferry Building, celebrates the local farm to table movement with its immersive design and vibrant colors. Launched in January by CUESA (the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture), the multifaceted Food Change project champions farmers, advocates, and everyday people who are making positive change in our food system and engages others to take part in the food of future through online resources, talks, and farm tours. To learn more, go to thefoodchange.org.
HOT DIET
A cross between the vegan and the paleo diets is all the rage A kitchen fire last summer forced the restaurant to close for a few months, yet Green’s reemerged as remarkable as ever before. When asked about the success of Greens, Somerville commented, "I really believe our stability is about goodwill. As food culture has grown, we've had greater access to the most incredible ingredients of all time. We can execute high-level dishes with all the exceptional produce we acquire. Guests feel welcome here, and the employees feel a part of something special. Being located within the Golden Gate National Recreation area is such a gift. People's lives are so busy, and they value these beautiful Bay Area open spaces more now than ever."
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Floor to ceiling windows reveal dazzling waterfront views that welcome guests at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Brunch is a favorite— homemade honey butter served with piping hot banana bread; pupusas filled with zucchini, serrano chilis, pumpkin seeds, cheddar and grilled salsa; ciabatta French toast, with mascarpone cheese, and Vermont maple syrup. Hand-crafted cocktails, like a lime cucumber margarita, complement the meal. Whether you’ve lived in the Bay Area for years, or just arrived for your first visit, put this Michelinguide restaurant on your bucket list. greensrestaurant.com -PK
Fad diets of the past have slowly fallen out of favor. In their place lifestyle diets have emerged, allowing people to sustain healthier eating habits. Eating whole, unprocessed foods is best. Devotees of the paleo or “caveman” diet consume foods our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fruit. Vegans eat grains, legumes, nuts, soy products, and vegetables. The Pegan Diet combines the best of paleo and vegan into one plan centered on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Here are its key components: Vegetables make up 75% of your plate. Eat beans sparingly, lentils are best. Eggs are a good source of protein. Hard boiled make a nice snack. Dairy is out unless you get it from goats or sheep, as are gluten and added sugars. Nuts, seeds (flax, chia, hemp, sesame, pumpkin), coconut, avocados, sardines, and olive oil are excellent sources of healthy fat. Consume grass-fed beef, poultry, and seafood in small portions.
WHAT’S IN SEASON CAULIFLOWER
It’s on restaurant menus roasted, pulverized into velvety soup, and pressed into pizza crust. You can eat it raw in salads or blanch it for slightly less crunch. Although white is the most recognizable of the bunch, cauliflower also comes in orange, green, and purple varieties. They tend to taste the same and thrive in the cool, wet, Californian winter climate. Like its green cousins— broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale—cauliflower is at its peak. ➤
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eat+drink
cooking with cauliflower This versatile, cruciferous crop can be puréed, riced, boiled, fried, pickled, and roasted. Cauliflower's mild flavor lends itself to a countless array of cooking methods, making it infinitely adaptable, and undoubtedly delicious.
›› PURÉED
›› FRIED
›› PICKLED
›› ROASTED
Cauliflower is an excellent choice for sauce or soup. It becomes incredibly creamy, even if there’s no dairy added. To purée cauliflower, simmer florets in chicken or vegetable stock until tender. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a blender, along with enough of the cooking liquid to blend. Less liquid will give you a thick purée for serving beneath roasted chicken or braised short ribs; more will give you a silky soup for topping with croutons and chopped herbs.
Deep-fried cauliflower is fantastic for obvious reasons and it doesn’t need to be battered or coated before being thrown into hot oil, deep fried, then tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce. To fry it, fill a medium pot about halfway with neutral oil and bring it to 375 degrees. Working in batches and using a slotted spoon, drop florets into the hot oil and fry until deeply golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove, drain and season with salt.
Pickled carrots, jicama, cauliflower, and string beans make a healthy snack. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, cauliflower can be pickled on its own in a simple vinegar brine. It easily absorbs aromatics, like mustard seeds, crushed garlic, and turmeric. Use small florets in place of cucumbers in any pickling recipe.
Roasting is probably the easiest and tastiest way to eat cauliflower; it produces a sweet and nutty flavor. Preheat oven to 425°. Cut 1 head cauliflower into florets; toss on a large baking sheet with 1 sliced medium onion, 4 thyme sprigs, 4 garlic cloves, and 3 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until almost tender, 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, toss to combine, and roast 10-12 minutes longer.
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eat+drink ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Grilled cheese 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated/shredded, at room temperature
Directions Cauliflower Crust Preheat oven to 450. Place rack in the middle of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with olive oil. In a food processor or blender, pulverize florets into rice. Transfer cauliflower rice (about 3 cups) to dish and microwave for 8 minutes, until cooked. Place cauliflower rice on dishcloth and twist to squeeze out
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SOUP By Walnut Creek Sunday Farmers’ Market Yield: 2 to 4 servings Ingredients 4 cups cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons olive oil divided ¼ teaspoon salt ½medium yellow onion minced 2 cloves garlic minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 ½ cup water ½ cup heavy cream (optional or make dairy free with broth) Salt to taste Directions Preheat oven to 425. Toss cauliflower in olive oil and salt. Place on a baking tray in a single layer. Roast, stirring once halfway through, until cauliflower is roasted, about 30 mins. While cauliflower
moisture. This is very important—rice needs to be dry to use as slices of bread. Transfer to a mixing bowl, add egg, mozzarella, salt, pepper and mix well. Spread cauliflower mixture onto the lined baking sheet and shape into 4 squares. Place in oven and bake for about 16 minutes until golden. Remove and cool 10 minutes before peeling off parchment paper (careful not to break them!) Sandwich Assembly Butter the top of each slice of cauliflower crust. Place in heated pan, buttered side down, sprinkle with cheese and top with another crust. Cook until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes.
is roasting, heat a pot over medium-low heat. Add olive oil followed by minced onion. Cook until onion is translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, cook another minute or so. Add water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Place water mixture and cauliflower in a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy!
CAULIFLOWER CRUST GRILLED CHEESE By Trader Joe’s Yield: 2 sandwiches Ingredients Cauliflower Crust 1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets (yields 3 cups rice) 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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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.
LETTUCE: A salad emporium that loads farm-fresh produce into
generously sized classics and creative new inventions. Locals love the Napa and Pink Lady salads. 1632 Locust St., 933-5600, lettucerestaurant.com.
MOOYAH: It’s a franchise with a load of personality. Take your kids to this colorful burger joint and let them build their own burger and eat it with a side of fries. 1815 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 280-5555, mooyah.com.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE: New Yorks, rib eyes and filets are
served on sizzling 500-degree plates cooked to perfection. Round out the meal with spinach au gratin and potatoes Lyonnaise at this swanky steakhouse. 1553 Olympic Blvd., 977-3477, ruthschris.com.
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SAUCED BBQ: With dozens of tv screens and as many craft beers on tap, Sauced is the place for watching games, while indulging in a heaping pile of nachos. Order the juicy brisket or tender ribs, it’s all good, especially with a side of buffalo blue fries. 1410 Locust St., 433-5957, saucedbbqandspirits.com.
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.
KOJA KITCHEN: This Korean-Japanese fusion fast casual chain gets high marks for barbecue short ribs and Kamikaze fries. They also do salads and bowls. 1550 Olympic Boulevard, 448-8218, kojakitchen.com. MIXED GRAIN: Authentic Korean comfort food. Try the bibimbap, a big bowl of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables and creamy egg. Nine condiments accompany every meal, including spicy cucumber and seaweed salad. 1546 Bonanza St., 938-5959, mixedgrain.com. KEVIN’S NOODLE HOUSE: Classic Vietnamese pho noodle
sweet Savory salty spicy
the johnny cash burger
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.
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 winter 2019 / walnut creek
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Innovative Italian Cuisine
B e f o r e o r a f t e r t h e t h e at e r , o r a n y t i m e
ASIAN
CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION PLEARN THAI: Regulars pack the tables for the succulent flavors in the barbecue meats, pan-fried eggplant and curry prawns. Save room for the heavenly batter-fried bananas topped with coconut ice cream. 1510 N. Main Street, 937-7999, plearnthaipalace.com. SASA: Upscale Japanese izakaya with dazzling décor and decadently fresh fish. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is served with an array of sake.1432 N. Main St., 210-0188, sasawc.com.
VANESSA'S BISTRO: During happy hour, prices at this popular Vietnamese spot drop to $6 for most small plates and cocktails including green papaya prawn salad, petrale sole fish tacos and crispy Saigon rolls. 1512 Locust St., 891-4790, vanessasbistro2.com.
CALIFORNIA
PASTA / FISH / ORGANIC PRODUCE piano bar • outdoor patio • private parties Lunch & dinner • special events
1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek 925-932-1474 • massimoristorante.com
MDine-in MCarry-out MCatering MBanquets MSaloon
A’TRIO: Lively restaurant-lounge inside the Walnut Creek
Marriott turns out delicious California cuisine with a Mediterranean flare. 2355 N. Main St., 934-2000, marriottwalnutcreek.com.
1515 RESTAURANT LOUNGE: Always bustling for cocktails, flavorful pastas and fresh fish, the heated outdoor patio is a good place to people watch. 1515 N. Main Street, 939-1515, 1515wc.com. CITRUS: This hip restaurant inside Renaissance Club Sport, features Pacific Rim dishes and California classics. Sunday brunch is a weekend ritual. 2805 N. Jones Rd., 938-8700, renaissanceclubsport.com.
LEGENDARY TEX The way it was meant to be.
MAIN STREET KITCHEN: Farm-fresh ingredients grace the menu here. Standouts include fish and chips with house cabbage slaw, and fried green pickles come with a lemon aioli. 1358 N. Main St., 933-1001, mainstkitchen.com. METRO: In a seriously chic space with a huge outdoor patio, the kitchen turns out international fare from diverse organic ingredients. 3524 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 284-4422, metrolafayette.com. THE PEASANT'S COURTYARD: A casual spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in a charming outdoor courtyard. Pancakes, ribs, burgers and calamari. 3195 Danville Blvd, Alamo, 362-0088, thepeasantscourtyard.com. VA DE VI BISTRO: With its sophisticated vibe and al fresco din-
925-935-1440
100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill backforty.us facebook.com/backforty
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ing, the restaurant's sips are accompanied by small plates--bite size burgers, pasta, 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. MASSIMO: Upscale atmosphere with a piano bar and food from Northern Italy. Just across the street from the Lesher Center for the Arts, Massimo's offers good small plates and pasta. 1604 Locust St., 932-1474, massimoristorante.com.
MONTECATINI RISTORANTE: An Italian restaurant with staying power; it opened the day of the big earthquake in 1989. The traditional menu features excellent seafood, pastas and veal. 1528 Civic Drive, 943-6608, montecatiniristorante.com.
POSTINO: In a romantic, fireplace-studded, brick building, executive chef Stewart Beatty and his team create elegant dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients. 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-8700, postinorestaurant.com. PRIMA: Everything’s made fresh on the premises at Chef Peter
Chastain’s acclaimed contemporary Italian restaurant. His flavorful risottos and light gnocchi will have you coming back for more. 1522 N. Main St., 935-7780, primaristorante.com.
ROCCO’S: This is the place for pizza aficionados. The meaty Dominator and vegetarian Dante’s Inferno are house specialties, along with heaping pastas and salads. 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 947-6105, roccospizzeria.com. SKIPOLINI’S: Fans flock here for the family vibe and can't- miss pies. The Martinelli. Legend has it the Prego pizza brings on labor. 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100, skipolinispizza.com. 54 MINT FORNO: Burrata cheese is showcased here in a delicious appetizer with roasted peppers. They also make a mind-blowing lasagna. 1686 Locust Street, 476-5844, 54mintforno.com.
MEXICAN EL CHARRO: A Lafayette favorite, the margaritas are magic accompanied by chips, salsa and “cheese dip.” From fish tacos to burritos, this restaurant has served generations of locals. 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 283-2345, elcharro1947.com. MARIA MARIA: This beautiful Mexican restaurant is known for its creative dishes like creamy duck tacos and mole short ribs. 1470 N. Broadway, 946-1010, mariamariarestaurants.com. CINCO DE MAYO: This authentic downtown taqueria, popular for its seafood and good prices, attracts an eclectic mix of diners. They also serve up some seriously good fish tacos. 1372 Locust St, 954-1050, cincodemayorestaurant.com.
MID-TO-FAR-EAST Gyros / Greek Salads / Kabobs
BABALOU'S: Great food at great prices. The Middle Eastern menu is seductive for vegetarians and carnivores alike—with aromatic meats and a tempting display of salads served in a brightly muraled room. 1645 Bonanza St., 930-8000, babalous.com.
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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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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: The restaurant’s specialties — killer cocktails and phenomenal fish —attract barflies and foodies alike. 1555 Bonanza St., 944-3474, walnutcreekyachtclub.com.
SOUTH AMERICAN Peruvian / Spanish / Brazilian PARADA: While the menu offers a diverse selection, the ceviche is a must. Rotisserie chickens are also a big seller, along with mac n cheese. 7001 Sunne Lane, 448-8118, paradakitchen.com. SABORES DEL SUR: Chilean cuisine reigns at this eatery. You can't go wrong the robust empanadas stuffed with meat or vegetarian fillings inside flaky pastry dough. 3003 Oak Rd., 954-8300, saboresdelsursf.com.
TELEFERIC BARCELONA: Walnut Creek's Spanish hot spot serves tasty bites along with fresh paella and steak in a stunning atmosphere. 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 451-9576, telefericbarcelona.com.
DELIs / cafés
salads / soups / sandwiches CREPES OOH LA LA: Thin pancakes made the Parisian way, poured
on a hot griddle and spread to thinness. Range of toppings for sweet and savory palates. 1548 Locust St., 944-5790.
GENOVA: Italian meats, fresh ravioli and sauces. Take a number; fans line-up for the fresh sandwiches at lunch. 1105 S. California Blvd., 939-3838 and 2064 Treat Blvd., 938-2888. genovadeli.net.
MORUCCI'S: Fans travel from several towns away for these savory sandwiches. Try the 6 3/4: turkey, tomato and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta, pastrami or the popular chicken Caesar sandwich. 1218 Boulevard Way, 939-2426. MR. PICKLES: This little sandwich shop serves up flavor-packed sandwiches at great prices. Big enough to split, bread is baked fresh and packed with your favorite fillings. 1991 N. Broadway, 280-5510, mrpicklesinc.com.
where & when
t h e a t e r | m u s i c | m u s e u m | f e s t i val s | h i k e s | ar t
Hottest Ticket in Town 1
HAMILTON
Blockbuster Hamilton is back in San Francisco for another six-month run, along with a new cast. The history telling musical about the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury has become a cultural phenomenon. Winner of eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, the show features a blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway to the tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. Come listen to American then, sung by America now. Through September 8, shnsf.com.
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where & when
2
ALTERED STATES
Guest curated by Heather Marx, Altered States features artists living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements from the environment to create their artwork. The show highlights our complex environment and offers a chance to slow down and reflect on it. Through March 31, Walnut Creek, bedfordgallery.org.
GET DANCIN’
The exuberance, romance, and beauty of dance is showcased in a fascinating exhibition featuring historical and contemporary prints, drawings, and photographs from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Live dance performances at BAMPFA complement the show on the evening of every full moon. Through March 31, Berkeley, bampfa.org.
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FALSETTOS
7
CHEESE FEST
William Finn and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical Falsettos, brings an all new production from Broadway about the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin, his wife, lover, about-to-be-BarMitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and the lesbians next door. It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the modern family. March 19-April 14, San Francisco, shnsf.org.
3
Barbara Morgan: José Limón, Mexican Suite, Peón, 1944
4
DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Monique Hafen stars in the title role of the Pulitzer Prize winning story, The Diary of Anne Frank, produced by Center Repertory Company directed by Timothy Near, it tells a true-life tale of hope during the Holocaust and captures the realities of eight people hiding in an attic in war-torn Amsterdam. Anne’s story of resilience lives on today. March 29 - April 28, Walnut Creek, lesherartscenter.org.
THE GREAT LEAP
Tony Award winner BD Wong stars in Lauren Yee’s ACT production of The Great Leap, a funny, urgent, and contemporary slam dunk sports drama. When a college basketball team from San Francisco is invited to China for an exhibition game in 1989, a smack-talking American coach prepares to take on his protégé—now bent on crushing the Westerners. March 6–31, San Francisco, act-sf.org.
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5
Celebrate the art of cheese in all its delicious forms at the 13th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival—a weekend of North Bay farm tours, interactive seminars, wine & beer pairings, cheese tastings, lavish brunch, and a culinary competition. March 23-24, artisancheesefestival.com.
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where & when
HELLO, DOLLY!
Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in HELLO, DOLLY! — the universally acclaimed smash hit directed by Jerry Zaks. The gorgeous new production pays tribute to the work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion. Rolling Stones says, “If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic.” Through March 17, San Francisco, shnsf.org.
9 THE GOOD BOOK
Playwrights Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson examine the all-too-human formation of the most influential book in western history—the Bible. The Good Book weaves together stories about a devout young man, an atheist biblical scholar and the Bible’s journey itself—from ancient Mesopotamia to suburban America. April 25–June 9, Berkeley, Berkeleyrep.org.
10 VANITY FAIR
From acclaimed playwright Kate Hamill (2017 Playwright of the Year, Wall Street Journal) comes Vanity Fair, a rollicking new stage adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s 19th-century novel that pops with 21st-century spirit. Ambitious Becky Sharp may not have been born with wealth or status, but she’s determined to attain both—at any cost. April 17–May 12, San Francisco, act-sf.org.
11 KILL THE DEBBIE DOWNERS
Shotgun Player’s season opener, Kill the Debbie Downers! is inspired by Chekhov’s “Three Sisters.” Co-directors Mark Jackson and Beth Wilmurt infuse the work with music and movement to create an original exploration of the Russian writer’s lasting theme. March 21– April 21, Berkeley, shotgunplayers.org.
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UNSTOPPABLE
This year’s conference is about courage. Women of all walks of life attend this day long PBWC for inspiration, networking, and top-notch speakers in conversations about equal access to pay, promotion, and professional opportunity. April 23, Professional Business Women of California Conference, Moscone Center South, San Francisco, pbwcconference.org.
13 SPEAKER SERIES
Social media expert and founder of #ICANHELP, Kim Karr, joins Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s (MDUSD) Community Speaker Series with strategies for both teens, and adults, on how to handle online negativity, and mirror good online behavior. The event is part of the district’s effort to engage parents as partners in student education & development. March 26, College Park High, Pleasant Hill, mdusd.org.
14
BLACK REFRACTIONS
In the first travelling exhibit of its kind in 25 years, Black Refractions features works by more than fifty artists from the The Studio Museum in Harlem” that depict close to a century of creative achievements by artists of African descent. Through April 14, The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), San Francisco, moadsf.org.
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CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's amazing tale is San Francisco's golden ticket! A delectable treat for the entire family, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, this is your chance to experience Wonka like never before complete with original songs "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," and "I've Got a Golden Ticket." April 16-May 12, San Francisco, shnsf.org.
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where & when
16
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
COLLEGE NOTES
Top colleges and their award-winning a cappella groups come to WC for College Notes: Celebrating Bright Minds & Voices at the Lesher Center. This year’s line-up includes Claremont College’s After School Specials, Oregon Divisi, Northeastern Nor’easters, Berklee College of Music’s Pitch Slapped and Vanderbilt Melodores. March 8-9, draa.org.
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Charming Emma Curtin plays a 10-yearold latchkey kid searching her brownstone neighborhood for a pen, a story, and a community to help write a school report on The Brooklyn Bridge. This California premiere penned by Melissa James Gibson also stars Tom Reilly, Emma Curtin, Terrance Smith and Leticia Duarte. Through March 23, Lafayette, townhalltheatre.com.
19 HOME
Direct from acclaimed performances around the world, Obie award-winning artist Geoff Sobelle and his ensemble create an enchanting visual and immersive spectacle in Home. Residents from the past, present, and future frolic in an impromptu dance defying time and space and magically transform mundane tasks into glorious celebrations. March 22–April 21, Berkeley, berkeleyrep.org.
THE JUNGLE
17 ACTUALLY
Investigating the hot topics of gender, sex, and race politics, in her Bay Area premier of Actually, Anna Ziegler tells a story about our crippling desire to fit in. Two Princeton freshmen, one black and one white, spend a drunken night together only to end up immersed in a sexual misconduct investigation. March 8- May 5, Berkeley, auroratheatre.org.
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2nd SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT Join Mayor Cindy Silva on monthly tours spotlighting local non-profits, residential neighborhoods, and the open space. Whether you’ve lived in WC a lifetime or just moved to town, this is your chance to discover a side of the city you may not have seen before. Upcoming dates (9:00am-10:30am) March 9: Meals on Wheels, April 13: Shell Ridge, May 11, John Muir Medical Center, June 8 Shadelands. For meeting locations, go to walnut-creek.org.
walnut creek / winter 2019
DISCOVER DIABLO
Get out and explore the special landscape that surrounds us on a free public hike hosted by Save Mt. Diablo—the non-profit that protects the mountain. Held on a monthly basis, the open space adventures will spark a passion for discovering the natural lands in Walnut Creek’s backyard. savemountdiablo.org
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20
Meet the hopeful, resilient residents of The Jungle – a short-lived, self-governing society that emerged as Europe’s largest unofficial refugee camp in France and became a temporary home for more than 10,000 people. The international cast includes actors from refugee backgrounds who came through The Jungle. March 26-May 19, San Francisco, sfcurran.com.
Photography by: FACCHINO PHOTOGRAPHY
EVENT
26th ANNUAL FORMA GYM TURKEY TROT 2018 A Community Tradition Runners of all ages, shapes, sizes, and talents hit Walnut Creek streets on Thanksgiving morning to participate in a community 5K, 10K, 5K Wheel & Walk, or Kids’ Fun Run as well as to raise money for local non-profit organizations. Hosting over 7,000 runners and walkers, Turkey Trot has become the city’s largest event of its kind promoting health and wellness. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, the event raised over $43, 000 to benefit The Rollins Family Foundation, The Food Bank, Forma Kids, PEAK Education Foundation, and the Walnut Creek Education Foundation. Save the Date! Registration is already underway for the November 28, 2019 event. Go to formaturkeytrot.com.
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A look back l
MAIN & CYPRESS
Photo courtesy of: Walnut Creek Historical Society Archives
CIRCA 1953
Walnut Creek Comes of Age City officials struggled with traffic on downtown streets, which surged in 1951, after the opening of the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center. Main Street doubled as a highway for the steady stream of cars headed to the shopping plaza from Danville and Concord, which often came to a standstill on Saturdays and weekday afternoons. Community leaders acknowledged that street design was a primary cause of bottlenecks in the heart of the downtown. In 1954, the council drafted the $2 million Little Master Plan – a blueprint for street and traffic improvements—designed to relieve gridlock and open the downtown for additional retail expansion. As part of the plan, the council considered creating one-way streets, but local merchants opposed the idea. As sales tax revenue increased from $6 million a year in 1947 to a staggering $20 million by 1955, voters approved a $2 million bond measure to fund the Little Master Plan. Construction began in 1957 and brought about the creation of a new thoroughfare—Broadway—and the extensions of Cypress and Mt. Diablo to intersect with it. Broadway was built upon a concrete culvert that channeled the waters of Walnut Creek beneath it. The city’s congestion also sparked calls for construction of a new freeway, which finally began in 1957. Three years and $8.5 million later, the long-anticipated state highway (24/680) opened in 1960, marking a major transportation milestone for the East Bay and commuters to San Francisco. –PK *Source: “Walnut Creek An Illustrated History” by Brad Rovanpera
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walnut creek / winter 2019
where & when General & Pediatric Dentistry
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Tooth-Colored Fillings Lower Radiation Digital Xrays Custom Sports Guards Nitrus Oxide Available Most Insurance Accepted
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925-930-9390
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520 lennon lane suite A • walnut creek
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winter 2019 / walnut creek
New Patients Only. Offers are cash or your insurance may cover. Offers cannot be combined. Offers good until 3/30/2019
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winter 2019
health & beauty
walnut creek magazine
