Walnut Creek Magazine Best of 2017

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50+ OF YOUR FAVORITES

NOVEMBER/December 2017

Community Partner

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RED BOX

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Our annual Reader’s Choice Awards celebrates the things you love about the city. From stylish pet accommodations and racy party dresses to eyelash extensions and steaks grilled to perfection, we present 50 of your local favorites.

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in this issue

best of 2017

TALK OF THE TOWN 15 READY OR NOT

33 DYNAMIC FORCES

The next big one is coming. Here are some ways to prepare at home for an earthquake.

Meet four Walnut Creek innovators who are leading the charge to set the city’s cultural agenda.

20 BOOKS

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New releases from Bay Area authors.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

23 ON THE HORIZON

53 WHERE & WHEN

A historic and culinary landmark gets a retail makeover; Broadway Plaza adds new retailers to its mix; Walnut Creek lures two new wine bars; Millennials are moving on; Dr. Jill Biden keynotes EBWC.

Happenings and events for your holiday calendar.

28 ICE ICE BABY Walnut Creek’s outdoor rink is back, strap on your blades of glory.

58 DINING GUIDE

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30 ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR RESERVATIONS There’s no place like a good restaurant or luxe hotel for a lavish holiday feast.

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Great places to eat and to drink in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo, and Pleasant Hill.

65 FLAVORFUL & FESTIVE Bay Area chefs share seasonal holiday recipes.

Introducing

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BEST OF WALNUT CREEK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 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 Sophie Johnson Kathryn G. McCarty Fran Miller Alison Negrin Anneli Rufus Rob Stankus Dale Tafoya Alix Wall operations intern David Kessler Kessler Communications, Inc. Walnut Creek Magazine PO BOX 5550 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 (925)212-5146 publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com No print or online material from Walnut Creek Magazine may be reproduced without written consent. walnutcreekmagazine.com

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Publisher’s Note A FEW

HOLIDAY

F AV E S

DRY SHAMPOO Holiday hair stays fresh and full with a dusting of Aveda’s Shampure. Find it at Thirteen Salon.

CHOCOLATE SHOES Luxe and sweet, these leopard-print stilettos by Norman Love Confections are a Neiman Marcus exclusive.

BUTTERY BITES Beguiling flavor and texture lies in every taste of Cici’s Italian Cookies. Delicate, flaky, and beautifully packaged, they’re a special treat. Available at Enroute Market.

From the stone fruit saturated in the sunshine at local farmers’ markets to the downtown district flanked by the golden hills of Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek does not lack for things to shout about. It would probably take a couple months of non-stop eating to savor the tastes of the countries that have exported their national cuisines here. Then there is the shopping. When we asked our readers to weigh in on the number one thing they like about Walnut Creek, shopping at Broadway Plaza got the top spot. Probably because it’s a great place to people watch, find a perfect gift, slip on the latest styles, and sip cocktails.

In this issue, we shine an editorial and photographic light on the legion of reasons to love Walnut Creek. The winners listed were selected by our loyal Walnut Creek Magazine readers who voted with a fervor like never before.

It’s hard to believe another year has flown by while we’re still trying to work on our list of resolutions. Did you stick to your workout routine? Eat vegetables more often? Purchase season tickets to Center Rep? One resolution that’s easy to keep is giving back. You just have a find a non-profit to partner with that speaks to your inner cause.

Whether that’s feeding the hungry, helping children learn how to read, or standing with women against domestic violence, this is the best of time of year to jump in. Happy Holidays!

TAKEOUT FOOD Sur La Table celebrates the season with cooking and carryout ornaments bound to delight.

FAUX FUR THROW Sleek channel shearing accentuates the rich silky fur in this cozy Restoration Hardware classic.

Pam Becker Kessler publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com LET’S CONNECT

ON THE COVER Best Burger The quest to find the best burger is a mighty one. A variety of spinoffs to this meaty American classic can be found on most restaurant menus. THE COUNTER takes the win for an eighth year in a row. An unwavering focus on quality and consistency gives this burger bistro an edge. Perfectly grilled grass-fed patties are effortlessly melted with cheese, slathered with sauce, and piled high with your choice of toppings on homemade buns. thecounterburger.com.

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Contributors

COMING up...

WINTER 2018

THE HEALTH & BEAUTY ISSUE What are the latest diet and beauty trends?

Deborah Burstyn is a Walnut Creek-based freelance journalist who has worked as a staff writer for The Washington Post, Newsweek, the Contra Costa Times and the California wine industry.

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.

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.

Rob Stankus is a marketing communications consultant, a 20year Walnut Creek resident, an avid community volunteer, and a supporter of schools, youth soccer, local arts, and pretty much everything Walnut Creek.

kathryn G. mccarty has been part of the Bay Area theatre scene for over 20 years. Her award-winning plays have been performed in NYC, LA and Chicago.

LYNN CAREY worked for 35 years at the Contra Costa Times newspaper group, including the Oakland Tribune and the San Jose Mercury News. She started the Times Book Club, hosting more than 100 author galas at the Lesher Center. Carey is currently working on her own novel.

Find out from culinary professionals, wellness & fitness experts, and local physicians.

PLUS

Spiritual Retreats, Green Wine Tours, and so much more!

FOR EDITORIAL &ADVERTISING INFORMATION

publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com

(925) 212-5146

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GET YOUR

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FEEDBACK

Have something to say? Post a note on our Facebook page or send it to publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com. Comments may be edited.

HOMELESS DAYCARE CENTER PURSUES TEMPORARY RELOCATION IN VACANT KFC DOWNTOWN

that the people from Trinity Center were more concerned with the transient population than their neighbors.

The meeting would have been a lot less contentious if they had reached out in advance to the people that will be impacted.”

When the City Planning Commission approved Trinity Center's request for a Conditional Use Permit to create an adult day care facility at 1271 S. California Blvd., the community spoke out on social media.

decide that street life is not for them anymore and move into housing.”

“There are 100's of kids in the area that will be exposed to many more homeless people who suffer from illnesses and substance abuse. I am not against the shelter, but Walnut Creek is big, and other areas would be safer.”

“I've toured Trinity with my kids. It’s a great service. What concerns me is that it closes at 5pm so people have to figure out where to sleep. I'm worried about its proximity to local schools, The Habit & Yogurtland, popular hangouts for kids.”

“I think that's wonderful! And it's close to where the homeless hang out.

Maybe with this support, some will

“I ABSOLUTELY do not support this.

My son at 8 years old had a terrible experience with a homeless person one block from this location. The result was over a year of counseling.

I agree with the idea, but not the location.”

“I sat through the entire four hour planning meeting. My take away was

“It’s temporary, and someone with space is offering it free. The homeless are all around us—on the streets or near the creek. I think we need to stop pretending this isn’t happening in our community. I applaud those stepping up to provide a place for Trinity’s services to continue until their new facility is finished.”

“I have two small children. I like the pedestrian-friendly nature of our downtown. This proposal makes a walkable area off limits to people who would otherwise frequent it.”

“Contra Costa County is one of the most affluent in California. It’s a sad state of affairs that two homeless people died of exposure on the streets of Walnut Creek. We can do better.

Trinity helps do that. We can do this, we can help these people.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Trinity Center provides homeless, displaced, and poor persons in the community with showers and laundry services, employment and housing assistance, medical care, and meals. Construction is scheduled to begin on ST. PAUL’S COMMONS—a 45 unit affordable housing project with ground floor space for Trinity Center—in early 2018. Hall Equities, the development firm that owns 1271 S. California, donated use of its vacant property until St. Paul’s Commons is completed in 2019.

An appeal has been filed with the Walnut Creek City Council who will review the permit approval December.

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ARE YOU PREPARED? | VIC STEWART’S SAYS GOODBYE | WHAT’S IN STORE | RESIDENTIAL RENTS SOAR

ready or not

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THE NEXT BIG ONE IS COMING

he fires in Napa, and the hurricanes in Houston and Puerto Rico, provide grim reminders that we too face ever-present danger living in earthquake country. We may have survived the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck 28 years ago, but the next one that comes along could be far stronger.

We have to be ready. ➤

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talk/preparedness

People who study earthquakes are making plans for the next Big One. Carrying around memories of Loma Prieta that struck San Francisco in 1989, and more recently the massive quake that struck Mexico City, they know that at any moment a cataclysmic earthquake could strike the Bay Area, causing thousands of deaths, vast physical damage, and massive disruption.

What to Do “Drop, cover, and hold” remains the most effective personal response to a quake. If you’re indoors, drop to the floor, get under a desk or table, tuck into a ball, and grab onto something. If there’s no desk, stand in a corner (not in a door frame).

When outside, seek an open area away from trees, buildings, and power lines.

On the road, pull over and stay inside your car.

This is not a worst-case scenario — it’s an inevitable one. Over the relatively young life of California’s landmass, thousands of quakes have rocked the area. Deep within the earth lie specific seismic zones, which periodically experience volatile tectonic plate activity. The West Coast happens to be located on top of one of the most active areas. And while Loma Prieta fueled quake tracking efforts, not much progress has been made since then.

What’s the most important supply?

Make an emergency kit, and be sure to check and replace your supplies throughout the year, as needed. The number one most important thing is water. You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days. Keep in mind that your water heater is a great source for clean water in an emergency.

Today, scientists at the Southern California Earthquake Center (scec.org) are working on “seismic weather reports” to predict and forecast earthquakes in geographic areas, much the same way you look up the possibility of rain. But until these prediction technologies are developed, your best defense is preparedness.

What happens if a major quake hits and a young child is down the hall?

Think of it like the “oxygen-mask rule” on an airplane— secure your mask before assisting others. Keep hard-soled slippers or shoes by your bedside. If you must get to your kids’ rooms, stay low to the ground. Always secure heavy furniture to the walls and never hang objects above cribs or beds.

If a disaster happens in the middle of the day, how can we prepare as a family?

Create a family communications plan.

Since there is a strong likelihood that phone and cell lines in local networks will be busy or down, have family members contact a friend or relative who lives out of town. Text or call this person to let them know you are safe. Choose multiple meeting places. Different disasters may require you to go to different places. Kids do drills in school all the time. Do evacuation and earthquake drills at home, too. Learn how: Be Prepared California, cdph.ca.gov.

What is commonly overlooked? Talk to your kids’ schools about emergency plans. You should know their evacuation locations. Learn how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main shut-off locations in your home.

Show each family member how to use the fire extinguisher. And don’t forget your pets! They may not be allowed in emergency shelters. Check with your local Red Cross Chapter for more information. —PK ➤

Sign up for emergency notifications. Walnut Creek is part of Contra Costa County’s emergency notification system. Register to receive emergency alerts to your cell phone and email address. Go to cwsalerts.com.

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HOW WALNUT CREEK WORKS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Sadly, when a catastrophe strikes, there won’t be enough police officers or firefighters to respond to every need. That’s where Walnut Creek’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) comes in.

BY GAYLE VASSAR In 2004, Walnut Creek became the first city in Contra Costa County to offer CERT training (Richmond had a similar program, called REACT, already in place.) Other cities soon followed, and today nearly every city in the county has an active CERT program.

Volunteer members of CERT are trained to work together and to safely respond to the needs of neighborhoods following a disaster. They also play a vital role serving as the eyes and ears for the city’s Emergency Operations Center.

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Walnut Creek’s CERT program is coordinated by Emergency Preparedness Manager Megan Stephenson with the help of an all-volunteer CERT Leadership Team.

To cover the needs of the entire city, Walnut Creek created eight CERT areas; seven are loosely based on elementary school attendance boundaries; the eighth is Rossmoor. If disaster strikes, team members assemble at the closest staging area, set up a command post, and establish radio communications with the city’s operations center. From there, CERT search and rescue teams fan out into

surrounding streets to assist the injured and to relay vital information back to the Emergency Operations Center.

While there are hundreds of trained and active members in Walnut Creek, many more volunteers are needed to keep the community safe. CERT classes combine lecture and hands-on training: search and rescue techniques, disaster medical operations, and team organization.

DETAILS: Classes begin April 2018. There is a $25 program fee. To learn more, go to walnut-creek.org/CERT.

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good reads

Books by Bay Area Authors by lynn carey

Artemis: A Novel Andy Weir

(Crown/Random House, November 2017) When Weir wrote “The Martian” in 2011, it was created chapter by chapter on his website, inviting comments from fans. But work on the Mountain View author’s second novel, “Artemis,” has been kept under wraps, until now. This time the action is on the moon. Artemis is the only city and it’s tough going if you aren’t a rich tourist or eccentric billionaire. Jazz Bashara is neither, so she dabbles in a bit of smuggling and finds herself in the center of an evil conspiracy.

Where the Past Begins: A Writer's Memoir

Troublemakers: Silicon Valley’s Coming of Age

(Ecco, October 2017)

(Simon & Schuster, November 2017)

Amy Tan

Amy Tan did not want to write a memoir, no way. So her longtime editor, David Halpern, suggested she start by writing essays about her writing process. The result is a memoir from the bestselling author of “The Joy Luck Club,” among six other novels, in which the San Francisco author dives deep into her past and uncovers family secrets. According to fellow memoirist Mary Karr, it is “the best new memoir in a decade.”

The Happiness Hack Ellen Petry Leanse

Leslie Berlin

(Simple Truths, November 2017)

Some of us remember when we used pen and paper to get a point across, or even a rotary phone. The story of how we got from there to here is told by historian Berlin, who introduces the men and women of the late 1970s who became Silicon Valley pioneers. Berlin, who lives on the Peninsula, chronicles the early days of the Internet and microprocessor in his new novel about the people who changed the world.

San Francisco’s Leanse has been at the center of the tech industry for 35 years, including the early days of Apple and Google. She recognizes that the hi-tech devices meant to simplify our lives are actually causing us the most stress.

While tossing away a smart phone or iPad is probably not realistic, Leanse shares insights to help us reclaim some of the calm and focus of our pregadget lives, and to manage our tech habits while staying connected and finding happiness.

The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner Daniel Ellsberg (Bloomsbury, December 2017)

One of history’s most famous leakers has written a candid memoir detailing the contents of the Pentagon Papers which he slipped to the New York Times in 1971. Activist Ellsberg, who now lives in Kensington, had a front row seat as a nuclear strategist who contributed to the classified study on the conduct of the Vietnam War. More thriller than memoir, Ellsberg examines the state of our current nuclear policies and offers suggestions on how to avoid a global catastrophe.

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On the Horizon

Happenings, announcements, and things to know about

walnut creek

depot building A historic and culinary landmark is getting a retail makeover Instead of knocking it down, John Herrington is repurposing half of his famous VIC STEWART’S steakhouse into a five-tenant retail building. Architecture for the new project, designed by William Wood Architects in Danville, reflects the building’s history as a train depot, purchased from the City of Walnut Creek by Herrington in 1971.

As part of that deal, the railroad station was relocated from S. Broadway and Mt. Diablo to its current home on S. Broadway at Newell Avenue. There, Devil Mountain Brewing Company occupied the building until 1989, when Vic Stewart’s turned it into a swanky dining destination, heralded for its steaks, wine list, and meals in the original 1901 train cars.

Today as Vic Stewart’s closes its Walnut Creek doors, there are many factors in play—the city’s demographics are changing, with an emerging young population who favor hip fast-casual food over formal white tablecloth meals, and prefer culinary experiences designed for the whole family, including their kids.

Although the building has undergone multiple renovation and restoration efforts, many design and architectural features of the original depot remain today. As required by the City of Walnut Creek Planning Department, an architectural history evaluation of the property was conducted by the Orinda firm WSA, A PaleoWest Archaeology Company, which revealed the structure does not meet historical preservation criteria or eligibility for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR).

Plans are in the works for maintaining some of the existing structure, adding close to 1,500-square-feet of new space, and creating five commercial units comprising 7,620-feet of retail space. And the 1901 rail cars that served so many happy diners? They will be moved to an unspecified off-site location or purchased by local history buffs. –PK

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on the horizon

WHAT’S IN STORE AMAZON BOOKS opened its 13th brick and mortar store, this time in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza shopping center.

Stocked with a hyper-curated collection of 3,800 titles, plus gadgets and other products, the tech giant used its data-mining research to predict what customers will buy. Adding some muscle to the food and financial tenants at The Agora is FIGHT CLUB, a kickboxing and strength training fitness studio. And Minneapolis-based LIFE TIME FITNESS is rumored to be in negotiations with Broadway Plaza to bring its luxury health club brand to the vacant site adjacent to Zara.

Napa’s HERITAGE EATS announced plans to join Walnut Creek’s fast casual revolution with a summer 2018 opening in Broadway Plaza. Its globally-inspired menu touts tacos, wraps, and “the best falafels in the Bay Area” according to ZAGAT. Before then, look for BAYGREENS to open at Olympic Plaza in the former Chicken N’ Waffles space with breakfast paninis, salads, and fresh juices on the menu.

Walnut Creek is getting its first taproom and whiskey bar, HOPS & SCOTCH, at the Avalon apartment complex on Treat Boulevard.

Also coming to Avalon is US CRYOTHERAPY a whole-body cooling treatment (-180 degrees) meant to alleviate inflammation and increase circulation.

wine and bocce ball bistro, is coming to Main Street by the folks who brought San Francisco The Hidden Vine. And taking the place of the former Tommy Bahama store on Mt. Diablo is a Napa favorite, BOUNTY HUNTER WINE BAR & SMOKIN’ BBQ. Concord debuted a new shopping, dining, and entertainment plaza on Diamond Boulevard called THE VERANDA. It’s stellar roster of tenants, some open and others coming soon, include Whole Foods Market 365 (with juicer Urban Remedy and plant-based Next Level Burger inside the 29,200-square-foot grocery store). TJ Maxx, Lunchbox Wax, Cost Plus World Market, and Sleep Number, plus two Walnut Creek hot spots, Residual Sugar Wine Bar and Coffee Shop, also signed leases.

Thirsty? Two distinctive new wine bars are opening downtown. SORVO, a

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Send us an email: publisher@walnutcreekmagazine.com

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on the horizon

Residential Rents Soared in 2017 The October 2017 SF Bay Area Metro Report from Zumper, an apartment search engine, found that rents surged 12.2 percent in Walnut Creek year-over-year, while Mountain View had the fastest growing rent up 15.6 percent, and Petaluma climbed 14.7 percent. California’s one-bedroom median rent was $1,699 compared to San Francisco’s $3,480. In Walnut Creek you can expect to pay $2,390 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Millennials Moving On A new report released found that 83 percent of Bay Area renters say they plan to leave the region, with two-thirds of those citing the high cost of living here as the factor that will push them out. Conducted by the online housing site Apartment List, the study polled 24,000 renters in 50 metropolitan areas nationwide.

"Often, young, educated workers flock to expensive metros to work for a few years after college or graduate school, but don’t plan to settle down permanently," the survey found.

"Additionally, the rising cost of living may be putting additional pressure on renters to move out of coastal metros.” In San Francisco, 63 percent of renters–the highest of any metro in the country–cite the high cost of living as the reason they want to relocate.

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HOT MESS Serving up a mix of recipes and hilarious essays, Hot Mess Kitchen: Recipes for Your Delicious Disastrous Life is a witty, guide to hosting events with ease. With tips like “How to Throw a Fabulous Dinner Party Without Having an Anxiety Attack” and recipes for “Quarter-Life Crisis Queso,” in their new cookbook Bay Area authors Gabi Moskowitz and Miranda Berman show you which knife to use when chopping an onion, and wiping the mascara off your face.

GAME ON! East Bay Women’s Conference Announces Keynote Speaker Highly regarded during her tenure as Second Lady of the United States, DR. JILL BIDEN will keynote the 13th Annual East Bay Women’s Conference on March 5, 2018.

Dr. Biden’s message of dedication, endurance, and service above self is expected to inspire, support, and embolden the conference’s more than 550 attendees. This dynamic and inspiring day-long conference is the brainchild of Walnut Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau Vice President, Marcie Hochhauser. For tickets, go to walnut-creek.com.

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talk

ICE ICE BABY!

The holiday season is here, so strap on your blades of glory Here are some of the coolest ice rinks around the region.

DOWNTOWN WALNUT CREEK ON ICE Celebrating its 12th season in Civic Park, Walnut Creek’s partially-enclosed outdoor ice rink is the place to get your skate on in the East Bay. Family skate night returns on Tuesdays when $35 buys a family of four admission and rentals. Other fun includes dance performances and skating with Frosty. November 10 – January 15, 1375 Civic Drive, walnutcreekonice.com.

BOARDWALK HOLIDAY ICE New this year, ice skate by the sea at this covered outdoor pavilion filled with holiday lights and decorations. The amusement park’s main plaza has been transformed into a winter wonderland with rides, games, and festive foods. November 11– January 7 (closed between Christmas & New Year’s) Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, beachboardwalk.com.

WINTERFEST Great America welcomes winter with a month-long celebration of ice skating in front of the amusement park’s iconic carousel, magnificent displays of

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décor, a massive tree covered in more than 7 million LED lights, and live holiday shows. Scrumptious fare is served at numerous dining locations. November 24– December 30, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, cagreatamerica.com.

HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT EMBARCADERO CENTER Celebrating three decades of holiday spirit, this rink bills itself as the largest outdoor skating venue in the Bay Area. Located in Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center, and across the street from the historic Ferry Building.

November 3 – January 7, San Francisco, embarcaderocenter.com.

ICE RINK IN UNION SQUARE A holiday tradition in the heart of San Francisco’s premier shopping district, this outdoor rink sits in the middle of one of the city’s iconic plazas, surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season. November 1 – January 15, 333 Post Street, unionsquareicerink.com.

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ICE RINK Experience a winter wonderland in Golden Gate Park and learn how animals survive in some of the planet’s coldest environments. Indoor snow flurries, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and a new outdoor ice rink make for an exciting holiday destination.

November 22– January 7, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco, calacademy.org.

GLOBAL WINTER WONDERLAND This luminous, multicultural theme park fills 17-acres of Cal Expo with a massive display of glowing structures modeled after famous landmarks like France’s Eiffel Tower and Japan’s Mount Fuji. In the middle of it all, take a spin on the outdoor ice rink, then feast on noodle bowls, tacos, and gyros. November 11– January 7, Sacramento, globalwonderland.com.

*Check with individual venues for admission pricing and ice skating times.

! s y a d i l o H y p Hap

Walnut Creek’s Boutique Senior-Living Community

ebrating we're cel n with a the seaso l!

-In Specia e v o M 8 1 0 2

Make a deposit on a unit before January 1st and The Heritage Downtown will donate $1,000 to the Charity of your Choice.

Embrace your next stage in life alongside others who appreciate our superb amenities: Savory Restaurant-Style Dining, Pool & Spa, 24-Hour Fitness Center & Classes, Social & Educational Events, plus so much more!

In-Home Care Assistance lets you can age-in-place from 62 to 122!

1785 Shuey Avenue | Walnut Creek | CA 94596

925.943.7427 TheHeritageDowntown.com

Call to learn more about our One-of-a-Kind, Wellness Certified, Retirement Living Rental Community! winter 2017 / walnut creek

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talk

WHERE TO EAT OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS 'Tis the season for reservations. There’s no place like a good restaurant or a luxe hotel for a lavish holiday feast.

BY FRAN MILLER

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Claremont Club & Spa

The Ritz-Carlton

Spectacular San Francisco Bay views are included with your elaborate brunch at the Claremont Hotel. This iconic Bay Area resort rolls out the red carpet for its guests.

Holiday festivities include: Afternoon Tea, Brunch with Santa, Gingerbread House decorating, Menorah Lighting, Christmas and New Year’s breakfast buffets, Christmas Eve dinner, and a New Year’s Eve dinner and party. fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley.

Always a Bay Area favorite, San Francisco’s Ritz-Carlton’s tree lighting ceremony ignites the Nob Hill night on November 30th, when Santa and a little helper from Make-AWish® illuminate the hotel’s famed 40-foot tree. Opulent weekend holiday teas are served with delicious treats and petite sandwiches, while performances by Stretchy the Elf, Holly Berry, and the giant Ritz Teddy Bear entertain guests young and old. ritzcarlton.com. ➤

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specialty liquor stores

best prices in town Enjoy a wonderful day in the wine country

WINE TOURS • SAN FRANCISCO TOURS WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • CONCERTS SPORTING EVENTS • AIRPORT • CORPORATE

925-634-7303 finesselimo.com Over 20 years experience TCP 9438

Locally-Owned for Over 25 Years

Large Selection of Signature Spirits & Premium Wines Newell Liquors 1270 Newell Avenue 925-295-0225

Olympic Liquor 2400 Olympic Boulevard 925-934-8450

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talk Fairmont San Francisco For more than a century, San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill has delighted visitors with awe-inspiring holiday splendor. The hotel is world-famous for its delectably majestic, two-story Gingerbread House, built from thousands of gingerbread bricks, gallons of royal icing, and hundreds of pounds of candy. A 23-foot Christmas tree welcomes all who enter the grand lobby for a holiday feast or gingerbread tea. fairmont.com/san-francisco.

Lafayette Park Hotel Santa makes a stop at this East Bay gem during the annual Teddy Bear Tea. Bring your little one and a favorite teddy bear for finger sandwiches, sparkling sweets, hot chocolate, and teas. Other holiday temptations at the hotel include a splendid Christmas Day Grand Buffet in the Independence Hall and George Washington ballrooms. lafayetteparkhotel.com.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel

If you need an extra spring in your shopping step, the Top of the Mark’s 12 Cocktails of Christmas menu takes an edge off the season’s madness. Relax, unwind, and soak in the sparkling city lights and breathtaking views from this penthouse lounge located on the hotel’s 19th floor. Christmas brunch is accompanied by live piano music. holidaysatthemark.com.

Latke’s at Saul’s Delicatessen Wondering where to get your latke fix without getting out a potato grater? Saul’s in Berkeley dishes up Jewish deli classics and seasonal comfort fare. Eat in or take out your Hanukkah feast— latkes, brisket, pierogis, and kugel are all on the menu. December 14,15,16,22,23,24,25 (weather permitting) Saul’s does its “latke tent” and fries potato pancakes outside, then serves them with a dollop of applesauce and sour cream. On December 25 from noon-3pm, latkes come with an eight-piece Klezmer band. saulsdeli.com.

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dynamic forces Wa l nut C r e e k h a s al ways be e n home to i n n ovator s.

P e o p l e w h o l e a d the char g e w i th or i g i n al i d e as an d a n unwave r ing co mmi tme n t to the i r pr ofe ssi on al g oal s.

F r o m a n a nim a l a d vo ca te an d tour i sm champi on to a ci vi c supe r star a nd co ns e r va tio n tra il b l aze r , me e t four i n f l ue n ti al l ocal l e ad e r s w h o a r e d o ing th e ir p a r t to se t Wal n ut Cr e e k’ s cul tural ag e n d a. ➤

B Y R O B S TA N K U S A N D D E B O R A H B U R S T Y N

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dynamic forces

Elena Bicker E x ecut i v e D i rector , Tony L a R ussa ’ s A n i m al R escue F oundat i on

S

he got her first dog, Sam, when she was six. Part lab, part poodle, he was a mutt in those days before the labradoodle became a designer dog. Sam provided comfort and consistency to a Marine’s daughter who grew up attending eight schools across the country. Always the “new kid,” she was painfully shy. Coming home every day after school to a wagging tale and unconditional love provided her first insight into the power pets have to soothe and ease the hurt in life.

As Executive Director of Walnut Creek’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Elena Bicker has outgrown her shyness but not her passion for pets. A California native and St. Mary’s College graduate in business administration, Bicker was selected for a prestigious opportunity in GE Capital’s Management Development Program.

The company’s community-minded culture encouraged employee volunteerism, and soon Bicker found herself at a fundraiser for animals hosted by baseball legend, Tony LaRussa, who asked her to join his team.

At that time ARF had one employee. She resisted at first, becoming a volunteer and a puppy foster. But after taking a six-month sabbatical from GE to assist ARF with organizational strategy and sustainability, there was no turning back. Bicker joined ARF in 1998

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as Director of Marketing and in 2006, became Executive Director.

For Bicker, her role at ARF isn’t work. It’s not just a career. It’s a lifestyle choice that matches business skills with passion. She’s encouraged to see pets increasingly elevated in society for their many benefits—companionship, health, and unconditional love—a firm believer that when people are paired with pets, everyone wins.

That’s the message Elena Bicker spreads in the community and across the country. ARF’s work on a national level stretches coast to coast. Nowhere was this more evident than during the recent natural disasters when ARF disaster response teams mobilized vets, volunteers, vehicles, and a chartered plane to evacuate animals from the path of Florida’s Hurricane Irma and the Sonoma wildfires.

But when asked what she’s most passionate about, Bicker points to Pets for Vets. Her flagship program takes abandoned dogs off “death row” then trains and assigns them to veterans struggling with PTSD, who often need a psychological boost just to get through the day.

There’s no hiding the pride Bicker has for ARF and her team, or the impact they’ve had on the lives of animals and people. Today, ARF has a staff of 100 who re-homed over 2600 pets last year, and more than 37,000 since its inception. Now that’s an accomplishment to bark about. —RS

Scott Slocum R e g i onal D i rector of S ales & Market i n g , Walnut C reek Con v ent i on & V i s i tors B ureau

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alnut Creek? A destination for business groups, meetings, and corporate events?

With San Francisco, Napa or Monterey nearby? When Scott Slocum joined the Walnut Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) in 2015 as its first Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, his primary objective was to develop convincing answers to these tough questions. It didn’t take him long.

An East Bay native, raised in Danville, Slocum understood the amenities that draw so many to make Walnut Creek their home, could have the same appeal to meeting planners looking for a unique location for their group. Drawing on his education at Cornell University and tourism background, which includes senior sales and marketing roles at the Claremont Resort & Spa, Berkeley’s Hotel Shattuck Plaza, and The Orchard Hotels on Union Square, Slocum saw a growing trend among groups to find interesting, smaller town alternatives to the same old big cities.

In Walnut Creek, groups could find a vibrant, accessible, and clean downtown filled with first-class restaurants and shopping, walkable streets, all just a BART ride away from San Francisco. The story was easy to write. Getting the story out and noticed by meeting planners across the country has taken a little more work.

Operating as a staff of one, with support from the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and local hotels, Slocum is leading the charge to elevate Walnut Creek’s visibility, promote its features and benefits, and get on meeting planners’ “short lists” of locations to host events. Ultimately achieving his goal of increasing

Photography by Josh Isaacs hotel occupancy rates, local business spending, and generating sales tax revenue.

To accomplish this, he’s on the phone with planners across the country, online with an aggressive #meetinwalnutcreek social media hashtag, and on the road attending trade shows. Plus, he’s working with local groups on events like the Forma Gym Turkey Trot, Walnut Creek on Ice, the Downtown Holiday Stroll and others to encourage participants to attend and spend the night.

Slocum says the work is starting to pay off. There are fewer “Where is Walnut Creek?” questions when he’s doing his outreach and more groups filling local hotels. His ad campaign, crowning the city as the “Jewel of the East Bay,” is getting recognition from the media and from travelers greeted by the slogan on a billboard at the Oakland International Airport.

But the work to build the Walnut Creek meeting brand has just begun. Slocum is developing partnerships with nearby communities to co-market the region, as well as identifying creative venue options to overcome the city’s lack of large meeting and event spaces.

And by engaging the community at large, Slocum hopes Walnut Creek residents will promote their town as a meeting destination to their employers, associations, and other groups. Because when Walnut Creek businesses win, Slocum says everyone wins. –RS

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Photography by Josh Isaacs

dynamic forces

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gayle vassar CO MM U N I C AT I O N S & O U T R E AC H M A N AG E R , C I T Y O F WA L N U T C R E E K

t was supposed to be a one to two-year career stop, a stepping stone on the way to her “next great job.” Now 18 years later, as she approaches retirement from her position as the City of Walnut Creek, Communications & Outreach Manager, Gayle Vassar readily admits to her shortsightedness – this was that great job.

Vassar came from the Contra Costa Times, where she covered local news from almost every angle—as a reporter, editor, and manager for 11 years. When approached by then Public Information Officer Brad Rovanpera for a newly-created Assistant Public Information Officer position with the City of Walnut Creek, the job description included “a little bit of everything” including website management, so Vassar didn’t apply. Rovanpera pursued and soon Vassar was writing scripts for a new monthly TV show, growing youth programs, and supporting a range of communication initiatives.

She quickly realized that civic communication has the power to do more than just inform, it has the power to connect local government with its citizens and create bonds for an even better community. While rightfully called “Walnut Creek’s head cheerleader,”

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Vassar considers the two programs she has nurtured and grown over the years – the Citizen’s Institute and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) – to be her proudest accomplishments.

Citizens completing the Institute get a rare look behind the curtain and see how city departments operate, connect first-hand with city employees, and form a much-need pool of volunteers. The other jewel in her crown, CERT, was started by Vassar in 2004. Organizing and training over 2000 citizen first-responders since its inception, CERT exemplifies her unwavering commitment to solid city and citizen relationships.

Other noteworthy notches? The Centennial Celebration, the Heather Farm Dog Park, the most-watched government YouTube channel in the state, and the first-rate WCTV channel.

After 18 years of constant planning, organizing, and scheduling around endless deadlines, Vassar’s retirement plans are mostly un-planned. More hours volunteering at ARF, more travel, more time with her two cats and two dogs, more cooking at home. And time to reflect on an experience, and career, for which she is thankful every day. –RS

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seth adams L A N D CO N S E R VAT I O N D I R E C TO R , S AV E M T. D I A B L O

aking a hike is on the day’s to-do list for Seth Adams, the Land Conservation Director of Save Mt. Diablo. Not for fun, though. Adams is heading to McGee Ranch in Danville for another look at a proposed residential development in the foothills. Thanks to his complex negotiations with the developer, the city, and the residents, the project will consist of 30-developed-acres with 400-acres remaining open space. “It’s turned out to be a great relationship. We can now support this development because it will result in 94 percent open space,” Adams says. “The area around Diablo and Green Valley roads is an incredible open space corridor. Due to the work we’ve done, it will be protected.”

space in 1988, to one with 33% preserved today. A pragmatist, Adams believes that as communities increase in population density, the amount of open space also needs to increase for balance.

In a nutshell, this is what Adams does. While most with his business acumen would be brokering deals for Wall Street, Adams negotiates for Mother Nature. His efforts have helped Contra Costa move from a county with only 12% of its land preserved for open

Once considered a mere “watchdog environmental group,” Save Mt. Diablo recently received national accreditation as a land trust, due to the conservation efforts of Adams and his team, who work tirelessly to protect views, ecosystems, and recreational areas. “ ➤

Adams helped Save Mt. Diablo protect 110,000 acres on Mt. Diablo from development; a giant step forward from the 6,788 acres protected in 1971, when the organization was founded. Yet another 70,000-acres remain vulnerable. “We are ground zero in this area for development pressure. It’s not happening in Marin County; it’s happening here. Save Mt. Diablo is committed to protecting the quality of life here. Without us, Walnut Creek would not be Walnut Creek,” said Adams.

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dynamic forces We decided to raise money to directly acquire land and turn it over to the state park system,” he says. But the park system was backlogged in maintaining the land it already owned. So Save Mt. Diablo became a land trust to manage its purchases. “Acquisition is a one-time thing but stewardship is forever,” Adams says.

Although its headquarters are in Walnut Creek, Save Mt. Diablo monitors development and restores habitat lands within an area that stretches from I-680 on the west to the Delta on the east, and from I-580 up to the Carquinez Strait. But the organization’s relationship with Walnut Creek and its vast network of trails and open space is unique. “Walnut Creek backs up to Mt Diablo,” Adams says. “One of the communities with the closest relationship to the mountain is Walnut Creek. Everything we do ends up benefiting Walnut Creek.”

TREAT YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE TO A RELAXING TREATMENT! spa packages & gift cards available

Adams helped Save Mt. Diablo protect 110,000 acres on Mt. Diablo from development; a giant step forward from the 6,788 acres protected in 1971, when the organization was founded.

He takes pride in his many accomplishments: preserving tens of thousands of acres, helping to create urban limit lines, connecting trails to parks, re-introducing peregrine falcons to Castle Rock Park, doubling the size of Lime Ridge and connecting it to Shell Ridge. His personal favorite is the Perkins Canyon Trail east of Clayton. “Half a mile from the trailhead, there’s a big beautiful meadow and a creek.”

Adams, who celebrates his 30th anniversary with Save Mt. Diablo in March, says he’s “lucky to have gotten involved at a time when Mt. Diablo was becoming one of the biggest conservation stories in the Bay Area.” Walnut Creek residents and scores of others, who have benefited from his lifework, would say we are the lucky ones. –DB R Spa is located in Renaissance ClubSport and is open to the public.

Enjoy complimentary parking and use of our luxurious amenities including whirlpools, steam rooms, and saunas.

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Call R Spa to book your appointment: (925) 942-6379 2805 JONES RD. WALNUT CREEK

Pizza

mens attire

Hostess gifts

handbags

yoga

eyewear

playground

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burrito

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E R

RIBS

public art

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shoe repair

breakfast

R A H

B D UR AN ST , R YN, PAM KESSLE

date spot

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N A R F

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L IL M

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Best OF WC

SHOP

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Handbags

Second-Hand Shop

Shoe Repair

Ask a fashion queen where to buy a handbag, and she’ll tell you NORDSTROM Walnut Creek. Few department stores have the breadth of handbag staples as this upscale Broadway Plaza retailer. What makes this first-floor handbag department superlative, however, is its flair for the extravagant, the quirky, and the classic. From Gucci’s extravagant and kinetic designs, to the timeless lines of Longchamp totes, and everything in between, Nordstrom satiates every price point, look and desire. nordstrom.com

Bargain-priced pre-owned couture and other high-end designer goods fill the racks at LABELS LUXURY CONSIGNMENT, the crème-de-la-crème of consignment shops. Glam suits, furs, cocktail frocks, and formal gowns along with chic jeans, sweaters, coats, shoes and purses by designers like Christian Louboutin, Coach, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Hermes, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel are among the surprising finds here. labelsluxury.com

Did you ever have one of those days when the heel on your Cole Haan collapses, the strap on your Burberry bag busts, and the wheels on your Louis Vuitton luggage jam? Enter the downtown repair-everything-rescue team, with most services rendered within a few days and emergency repairs performed as needed. Attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship have customers praising A-1 SHOE REPAIR on Cypress Street as a superior fashion salvage operation year after year. a1shoerepair.com

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Jewelry Store Walnut Creek’s shopping district is flush with gorgeous stores and gemstones, but when it comes to fine baubles, SPITZ JEWELERS stands out. From diamond studs to thick gold rings to high-end watches, this family owned and operated business has been serving the East Bay for more than 70 years. Trusted for a long legacy of value, service, and quality, their skilled jewelers can create anything your heart desires, whether it’s a sparkling 4k diamond engagement ring or red ruby pendant necklace. spitzjewelers.com

Photography by Jessica Freels

Florist

Pet Lodging

JR Cude heads to the San Francisco Flower Mart bright and early three mornings each week to select the freshest blooms for his masterpieces at FLOWER BOWL. This familyowned florist has created botanical designs for Bay Area clients celebrating special occasions for more than 60 years. From monochromatic color schemes to striking tropical arrangements, bouquets are made to order with seasonal blooms and breathtaking artistry. flowerbowlflorist.com

When an out-of-town trip comes up, and your furry friend can’t tag along, owners who want the best for their pets turn to WUNDERBARS PET HOTEL. Here your pooch can lounge in style or play with wild abandon. Single room rates include playtime, gourmet dry food, and cozy comfy beds. Kind and caring staff are on the premises 24/7 at this family-owned pet hotel where nightly turn-down service comes with cookies, and lots of hugs and kisses. Plus the beds are changed daily. wunderbarspethotelinc.com

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Best OF WC

Running Shoes Want to save your knees and your ankles? Shop at ATHLETIC OUTPOST. No one else in town attentively applies biomechanics to match the right sports shoe to your feet. Owner Tim Kreton and sales manager Shannan Kral, both runners themselves, built buzz about their Bonanza Street business by helping people pound the pavement without pain. Coaches shepherd their star athletes here and physical therapists, podiatrists, and orthopedists send patients. Plus, they customize insoles on the spot. athleticoutpost.com

Bike Shop MIKES BIKES has a simple mission – to get as many people pedaling as possible. That means its staff of cycling enthusiasts will find the right bike for your favored route and terrain whether road, mountain, or electric. Located in the Mercer, the store offers free bike repair and maintenance clinics, or let one of their experienced techs get you

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up and riding. Check their event calendar for organized group rides. mikesbikes.com

Dry Cleaners Even small adjustments in your life can have far-reaching environmental benefits. Consider dry cleaning. You paid a mint for those designer slacks, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave a trail of toxins to keep them clean. DUTCH GIRL CLEANERS on Mt. Diablo Boulevard has been keeping East Bay residents looking good since 1978 with non-toxic, odorless dry cleaning solvents, leaving clothes soft and fresh. And their complimentary valet pick-up and delivery service removes one item from your errand list. dutchgirlcleaners.com

Eyewear Tucked away in an office park off of San Miguel Drive, this under-the-radar boutique wins for its trove of eyewear ranging from cutting-edge independent

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designs to hard-to-find frames from around the globe. With fab images by Italian photographer Attilio Ruffo on the walls, OCCHI EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE has a gallery vibe. Curated frames from fashionable brands like Mykita, Blackfin, and Swissflex are displayed like works of art.

An experienced staff provides honest feedback on your best look. iloveocchi.com

Alterations Arachne in Greek mythology was

such a skilled weaver that jealous Athena transformed her into a spider. Here in this Newell Avenue atelier, the only things being transformed are ill-fitting new clothes and beloved old clothes into flattering well-tailored ones.

Customers for decades have relied on ARACHNE’S THIMBLE to do impeccable work on men’s as well as women’s wear. From simple hems to complicated alterations and repairs, garments can be stitched to look as good as new and sometimes even better.

1487 Newell Avenue

Party Dresses Whether it’s a prom, or a weekend in Vegas, nothing says party like a show stopping frock. And no one has a better designer dress collection than NORDSTROM. With savvy styles and super service, it’s the top shopping spot to find the perfect fit for any occasion, whether you’re 8 months or 80 years old. For even better service, try on a personal stylist. nordstrom.com

Place to Buy a Car Wheeling and dealing for a new car is never easy, but there are actually salespeople who care about your needs. Customers come from far and wide for the attentive service at MERCEDES-BENZ OF WALNUT CREEK. With one of the Bay Area’s largest inventories of the luxury German brand, this Parkside Drive dealership is committed to putting you in a custom C-class. And depending on your desired level of decadence, they can equip your Benz with hot stone massage seat options and special blends of interior scents. mbofwalnutcreek.com

Men’s Attire It would be enough to find a local retailer with a good men’s clothing selection, but after MACY’S consolidated its stores at Broadway Plaza, its first floor men’s department has become a massive shopping extravaganza. Long a destination for preppy sportswear, Gant, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfinger remain staples. Flattering jackets, plaid shirts, and designer jeans capture a trendy vibe. Need a tuxedo, they sell them too. From top to bottom, beanies to shoes, Macy’s is the store men love. macys.com

Hostess Gifts When you need a special gift for a friend fretting over turkey dinner or cocktail party canapes, give them a token of gratitude from WISH. Mother-daughter team Susie and Sasha stock their Boulevard Way boutique with a potpourri of whimsical plates

and pillows, scented seasonal candles, and our favorite “Housewives of WC” wine glasses. Part of the fun is exploring the bounty of treasures in vignette-themed rooms, where you just might find a fabulous faux fur vest for yourself. wishwalnutcreek.com

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Best OF WC

EAT Restaurant (Date Spot & Patio) In a city bursting with great places to eat, it’s a feat to be named Walnut Creek’s top spot.

Is it the gourmet cuisine, the craft cocktails, the alluring lounge, the stunning views, or the lively atmosphere that gives ROOFTOP the edge? One thing is certain, there’s no place like it in town. While the “top of the city” patio is pretty

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dramatic, the food gives reason to gaze at your plate. Braised short ribs are accompanied by celery root parsnip puree; miso glazed sea bass is served on a bed of baby bok choy and shitake mushrooms. Finish with decadent piece of lava cake for a memorable date. rooftopwc.com

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Wine Bar

Ribs

Come for the pours, stay for the vibes. Both oenophiles and wine novices love the unpretentious atmosphere at this awardwinning wine bar. A stellar list, which balances global finds and California innovators, always surprises. Informed and passionate employees help guide guests at RESIDUAL SUGAR through hundreds of bottles, all available by the glass or on tap. The new outdoor patio adds much needed space to sip and savor an artisanal cheese and charcuterie plate. rswine.com

Barbecue lovers converge at SAUCED for great food, fun, and a bit of southern charm. Owners and cousins Barrett Gomes and Brenden Scanlon serve up some of the tastiest slow-cooked ribs in town. Creativity is evident in their decadent sides: jalapeno cheese grits and mountains of tater tots topped with cheddar, bacon jam, sour cream, and jalapenos. Test your trivia on Tuesdays, play a little Bingo on Wednesdays, or watch your favorite team on the overhead screens. saucedbbqandspirits.com

Fried Calamari

Curry

This fish house has it all— great seafood, excellent service, and a spirited atmosphere. After work, locals gather at WALNUT CREEK YACHT CLUB for the happy hour prices and fried calamari, which many say is the best in the East Bay. Pristinely fresh Monterey Bay calamari is cut fresh then fried with Cajun spices and onion, served piping hot with sliced lemon and a delicious house made creole remoulade. If you’re nice, they’ll give you some fresh sourdough bread on the side. Wash it down with a martini, or two. wcyc.net

If you’re craving comfort food with an exotic twist, curry’s the way to go. Winter nights call for a piping hot dish at BOMBAY INDIAN RESTAURANT made from a savory mix of onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic. Add your pick of protein: boneless chicken, Australian lamb, tilapia fish or jumbo Indian prawns. Walnut Creek Magazine readers rave about the creamy coconut chicken curry, a house specialty. Try it with a side of naan, and raita salad to cool the curry’s fire. bombayindianwalnutcreek.com

Steak No one cooks a steak quite like RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE. Grilled to perfection in 1,800-degree broilers, and slathered with butter, a steak here is a thing of beauty.

Filets, ribeyes, and NY strips taste best when accompanied by grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, and potatoes au gratin. The swank interior, with its second floor wrap-around windows, sets a glamorous mood. And large martinis certainly add to the sultry vibe. ruthschris.com

Burrito This fast-fresh build-your-own burrito chain derives its name from the classic Lynrd Skynyrd rock anthem. FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO gets its fame

from plant-based Tex-Mex style cuisine that replaces pork with tempeh—a blend of squash, zucchini, and fresh corn in roasted tomato and chipotle salsa. Pairing well with cilantro lime rice and black beans, Freebirds packs it in their big burritos with mixed greens and guacamole.

The location in Sprouts shopping center on Geary Road is one of 90 in the U.S. with grilled chicken, steak, and pork carnitas burritos on the menu too. freebirds.com

Salad When your day calls for a bowl of produce, and maybe some bacon, cheese and crunchy things, LETTUCE serves it big and

Falafel

bold. Salads are made to

The affordable menu and casual atmosphere at BABALOUS attracts foodies looking for a Middle Eastern diversion. A highlight here are the falafels—seasoned chickpeas ground to a paste then shaped into Ping-Pongsize balls and deep-fried.

Delicious alone or inside a lavash wrap topped with yogurt, tahini, onions, and chili sauce. For maximum pleasure add feta cheese, cucumbers, and silky hummus. Rich baba ganoush and lemony tabbouleh work well on the side. babalous.com

topped with house-made

order, hand-tossed, and dressings. Customer favorites include the Big Cobb, Pink Lady, and Sonoma.

But the real showstopper is the Napa Salad—organic spring mix with field berries, rosemary chicken, toasted sugar walnuts, and honey balsamic vinaigrette.

A consistent focus on good food at a great value makes this restaurant a winner year after year. lettucerestaurant.com

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Photography by Jessica Freels

Breakfast If you have to get out of bed, the promise of breakfast at this local favorite may be the motivation you need. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or taking your toast alone, SUNRISE BISTRO is the place to start the day strong. At this bustling Botelho Drive eatery, the food is made fresh every day from scratch. Giant breakfast burritos are topped with house made salsa, poached eggs cover corned beef or brisket sweet potato hash, and plump pecan pumpkin pancakes are stacked piping hot. East inside or on the patio, if it’s sunny outside. sunrisebistrocatering.com

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Best OF WC

Sweet Spot If you’re not paying attention, you could easily walk past the tiny LOVE+ CHOCOLATE shop on Main Street and miss out on a chocolate fix. Just like its name suggests, the quaint candy shop is the passion project of owners Kristy and Kent Lincoln who want to satiate every sweet tooth in town with premium, hard-to-find European confections. Pop in for a piece of Leonida's Belgium chocolate hazelnut fudge or coffee ganache. loveandchocolateshop.com

Chinese Live large on a small budget at MODERN CHINA CAFE. Locals come to this Asian eatery for the sumptuous small plates menu, available at any table all evening long. Try an order of green onion pancakes, seaweed salad, honey walnut prawns, and lemongrass pork ribs. Enjoy your meal with a craft cocktail at one of the outdoor fire pit tables. On a chilly winter night, switch out the salad for a steaming bowl of miso soup. Modern China’s kitchen stays open late making this a great spot for a bite after a movie or show downtown. modernchinacafe.com

Pasta Prepare to feel like you’re part of the family at this charming Broadway bistro.

Pastas and sauces at BENVENUTI RISTORANTE are made from scratch—pure comfort wrapped in a cozy blanket of primo ingredients.

Plump pillows of gnocchi come smothered in creamy pesto; hand cut ribbon pasta and Bolognese sauce revel in the pappardelle ragu; fresh seafood

stars in an impeccable fettucine.

Solid and flavorful, nothing has changed at this restaurant once called Salvatore, except its name. benvenutiwc.com

SushI In a town full of amazing eats, sushi is no exception. There are plenty of fusion fried rolls to go around, but when it comes to

pristine sashimi and luxe ingredients like Uni, belly albacore, and roe, SASA stands out. Chef/ owner Philip Yang focuses on sustainability, serving a variety of fresh sea-friendly options at his hip, historic restaurant on Main Street. Savor it with a chilled glass of sake. sasawc.com

Thai At this contemporary bistro, quality ingredients and family recipes unite in Thai food magic.

A knock-out dish at KACHA THAI is pumpkin curry; sweet chunks of pumpkin, shrimp, and sole filet in a comforting bowl of spicy, creamy curry.

Another good choice is Pad Thai; crushed peanuts, egg, and shrimp, mounted atop a pile of flat rice noodles. Daily specials add to the innovative menu. kachathai.com kachathai.com

Latte Art Its timing was fortuitous.

COFFEE SHOP has quickly become the go-to downtown gathering place for hipsters, millennials, or anyone who just loves a good cup.

Its cult-like following craves the creatively prepared cappuccinos and lattes foaming like works of art. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or sipping alone, Coffee Shop will help you start the day strong. coffeeshop411.com

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Best OF WC Beer Selection It’s a golden age for beer lovers.

The country is experiencing an unprecedented revolution as beer drinkers consume complex blends crafted by local brewers. Modeled after European bottle shops, quality crafts emerge from 18 changing taps and hundreds of fresh bottles at OL BEERCAFE & BOTTLE SHOP. Its cozy vibe and stalwart selection make this little bar a popular destination. beer-shop.org

a veritable temple of meats and cheeses. This old-school Italian deli has been assembling made to order sandwiches for decades. It’s hard to go wrong with the #6 3/4; roasted turkey topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted red bell peppers, and lettuce then drizzled with olive oil, balsamic and seasonings.

Other favorites include the #1 Italian Sub, #2 Cesar, and #7 Reuben. Ask them to toast your ciabatta bread. moruccisdeliwalnutcreek.com

Pizza One of the newer entries on the Walnut Creek pizza scene, SLICE HOUSE has quickly become a favorite thanks to Chef Tony Gemignani’s hand-crafted pies and "ancient grain" crusts made from flour, spelt, whole wheat, semolina, and sprouted grain. Pizza toppings run the gamut ranging from “grandma-style” classics (pep-

peroni, sausage) to the esoteric Cal Italia (fig jam, prosciutto, four cheeses, and a balsamic reduction.) slicehousewalnutcreek.com.

Deli Sandwich Satiate your craving for a loaded sandwich at MORUCCI’S DELI,

and dark chocolate trail mix. Add an assortment of wine, cheese, flowers, and baked goods to the mix and you’ve got ingredients for the good life right there in your cart. Staff are plentiful, knowledgeable, and friendly. traderjoes.com

Grocery Dinner party or weeknight dinner, school lunches or movie snacks, TRADER JOE’S wins for its selection of foods a notch above ordinary. Favorites here include olive oil chips and popcorn, meatloaf and enchiladas,

Farmers’ Market The WALNUT CREEK DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET is the winning spot for stocking up on fresh food.

Over 40 vendors line Locust Street every Sunday with a luscious array of locally grown fruits, colorful veggies, fresh meats, extra virgin olive oil, and farm fresh eggs. Bring a canvas bag to carry your bounty, grab a coffee, and sample savory baked goods. Purchase some fragrant fresh-cut flowers and vegan soaps.

Listen to live music while you shop. The market is open year-round, rain or shine. cccfm.org

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Place to Workout Why do people love FORMA GYM? It’s a chic stylish gym that manages to feel homey. It’s a big gym that manages to feel intimate and welcoming. There are outdoor and indoor workout spaces, a pool with cabanas, and hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Founded by Robert Jackson, who started out as a personal trainer, Forma prides itself on high octane personal trainers and fitness classes that cover the gamut—barre, stationary cycling, qi gong, tai chi, Pilates, yoga, boot camp, TRX suspension, and Zumba. formagym.com

DO Yoga Studio Hot yoga is hot right now. And at COREPOWER, they’ve made it cool. The Denver-based chain takes a serious workout approach to yoga, so don’t expect to meditate. Classes leave you dripping, with rooms of varying temperatures for devotees who believe high degrees open and strengthen the body. Beginners get a cooler flow in Vinyasa yoga, and if you want an extra-challenge, use free weights in Yoga Sculpt. Classes at this Main Street studio are designed to strengthen your core. corepoweryoga.com

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Best OF WC Spray Tan

Barbershop

Spray tanning may be the final frontier for natural organic beauty products. And Amy Staubitz has conquered it. Her Bolt Lane business, AURORA ORGANIC SPRAY TANS, specializes in tanning formulas from natural, ecocertified pigments that give your skin a sun-kissed glow. What’s more, Aurora’s spray tanning spritzes are oil-free, alcoholfree, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, vegan, and dermatologist approved. Custom blends match any complexion. auroraorganictantan.com

While most old-school barber shops have morphed into unisex salons, DI MAGGIO’S remains. Its red and white barber pole spins in silent vigil on Main Street. Inside, haircuts remain as classic as the basic décor. Professional barbers wield scissors and buzzers with a precision that has earned them a loyal clientele. Venerable owner Sal Di Maggio, a cousin of Yankee great and one-time Marilyn Monroe hubby Joe Di Maggio, still greets every customer. This is your father’s barbershop, your grandfather’s too, and that’s what makes it awesome. 1379 N. Main Street

Place for a Meeting Talk about a building fulfilling its mission. The WALNUT CREEK LIBRARY, which opened in 2010, was envisioned as a community space for learning and meeting, as well as a print and digital media center. Today groups of six to 16 reserve the upstairs Las Trampas Room complete with conference table, whiteboard, and LCD flat panel screen. Others snag one of four smaller rooms that grace this downtown gem. All available to cardholders at no cost. wclibrary.org

Apartment Complex: THE MERCER Rising above California Boulevard is THE MERCER, a distinct apartment community in the heart of the city, symbolizing Walnut Creek’s new downtown neighborhood.

Residents here love the city’s walkability: five minutes to BART, Lesher Center for the Arts across the street, and mere blocks to Broadway Plaza’s retail mecca. But luxe living comes with a price: a 2 bedroom, 2 bath is advertised on The Mercer’s site for $3,130 - $4,210 per month. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, a courtyard pool cools on hot days. prometheusapartments.com

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Public Art

Community Event

Watch out Fountainhead, the BULLMAN WITH BULLDOG is in town! The city welcomed the whimsical, life-sized sculpture with a series of selfies, Instagram posts, and a lot of fanfare. Donated by local developer, Brian Hirahara, the cast bronze “humanimal” sculpture captivates from its post on the corner of Main and Mt. Diablo.

A longtime art aficionado, Hirahara commissioned the piece by artist Gerald Heffernon to grab people’s attention and put a grin on their face. He appears to have succeeded.

If anything is certain, it’s that people love to come together and dance, party, and drink at summer festivals. In Walnut Creek, the annual ART & WINE FESTIVAL brings out the crowds—some 100,000 over two days—who fill the grassy lawns at Heather Farm Park listening to live music, sipping premium wines and craft beers, and celebrating the start of summer. Produced by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, this community event is truly a stand out. artwinefestivalwc.com.

Botox Personal attention, a discreet and welcoming environment, and knowledgeable specialists keep SKINSPIRIT at the top of the aesthetic skin care game.

Located at The Mercer, the med spa gets rave reviews for its facial treatments. Whether you’re a longtime Botox fan or a firsttimer, the pros here will reveal the possibilities of this favored injectable treatment that leaves clients looking relaxed and refreshed. skinspirit.com.

Singles Scene Forget the dating apps. Head to 1515 RESTAURANT & LOUNGE for the best singles scene in town. An eclectic mix of ages means there’s someone for everyone at this popular spot.

A warm and inviting vibe makes it a great place for people watching, but don’t be surprised if it’s the tasty food and cocktails that keep you coming back for more. 1515wc.com

Hair Salon This vibrant salon on Locust Street brings an LA vibe to Walnut Creek.

Owner Elizabeth V keeps her team on top of the latest color, cut, and style trends with frequent visits to SoCal’s top celebrity hair icons. A Master Colorist trained in Los Angeles, Elizabeth opened STEM SALON in 2012 with some of the East Bay’s top talent.

Together they have a built a stellar reputation for giving client’s great looking hair. stemsalon.com

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Best OF WC

Public Park We have some great parks here. If you’re looking for one to take your kids or your camera, head to CIVIC PARK. Its tranquil swath of green lawn with majestic trees, rose garden, and quaint gazebo sit in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the downtown.

Some of the city’s most treasured events happen here: Christmas Tree Lighting, Fourth of July concert, Movies Under the Stars, Walnut Creek on Ice, and Turkey Trot. Plus there’s a playground, picnic tables, and a footbridge to the Iron Horse Trail. This park is a great place to explore and enjoy an authentic Walnut Creek vibe. 1375 Civic Drive

Facial & Massage

Lash Extensions

Nestled high above Cypress Street, WOODHOUSE DAY SPA is the definition of relaxed elegance. Open only two years, this private retreat is making a mark for its invigorating skin care treatments. A signature is the Minkyti, an age-defying facial that oxygenates the skin with nutrientrich seaweed products. Massage therapies begin with a foot cleansing ritual and essential oil treatment. The Woodhouse Four-Handed Massage combines two therapists who choreograph movements across the body during 80 minutes of bliss; the Deep Sleep Massage melts away stress with a calming tea ritual and the gentle sound of rainfall. walnutcreek.woodhousespas.com

Women bat their lashes for ICANDY, the extension gurus who give an everyday look a bit of glamour. From bambi to bombshell, depending on the length, color, and curvature you choose, extensions are waterproof and last about a month. After that, it’s time for a fill and touchup. Owner Shareen Malik built her lash business in Beverly Hills where she mastered the art of extensions working on some of Hollywood’s top stars. icandysalon.com

Mani/Pedi In a town with a plethora of salons, DIVA NAILS on Mt. Diablo

Boulevard nailed it. The shop can handle most requests, whether rhinestone tips or matte ombré polish, but it’s the little extras that set Diva apart.

Customers rave about the paraffin wax treatment, included with pedicures at no extra charge. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments ensure top-level service.

1952 Mt. Diablo Boulevard

Place for Kid’s Birthday Party Ahoy, matey! There’s a big pirate ship, a pint-sized climbing wall, and a bounty of colorful slides. Add swings and bridges for a fabulous birthday party surprise.

A soft bouncy surface ensures happy landings and rainbow-hued canvas awnings protect kids—and their parents—from sun and rain. This 30,000-square-foot, all-abilities playground at HEATHER FARM PARK is a coveted place for a party.

Ygnacio Valley Road & San Carlos Drive.

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where & when g e taway s | art | e v e n t s | t h e at e r |

p e rforma n c e s

QUINTESSENTIAL COUNTRYSIDE What are you waiting for?

As the wine country welcomes back visitors in the wake of historic wildfires, the “LITTLE BOOK OF BIG EXPERIENCES” is your manual to viticulture adventures. Packed with discounts on wine and food pairings, tours, and lodging at extraordinary places like Beringer, Hall, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer, and the just-opened Las Alcobas hotel, this guide to the “good life” valued at $1000, is yours for only $100. Get one at experiencesthelena.com. ➤

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where & when

ART & CULTURE

HO, HO, HO

Photo by Odell Hussey Photography, Courtesy of the Oakland Museum of California

SURREAL SCULPTURE

Alicia McCarthy, Untitled, 2015

Immerse yourself in a whimsical world where imagination and reality blur at the world premiere of NATURE’S GIFT by FriendsWithYou—the LA-based fine art collaborative who create larger-than-life sculptures in a rainbow of color. Internationally recognized as pioneers in the field of experiential art, their work has delighted people from South Korea to New York City. Through January 21, Oakland Museum of California, omca.org.

There’s nothing like seeing thousands of Santas in one place at one time.

Holiday revelers gather each year in San Francisco’s Union Square for SANTACON, a spirited salute to the season. All Santas in full suits welcome.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive. December 9 at noon, santacon.info.

CONSERVATION ICONS From wolves, sharks, and golden eagles to human impacts on habitat and climate change, a new LINDSAY WILDLIFE SPEAKER SERIES tackles these topics, and conveys conservation and planet-saving actions. “These speakers are an inspiring reminder of why the human connection to wildlife is so vitally linked to our own survival as a species.” says Lindsay’s Executive Director Dr. Cheryl McCormick. Upcoming events: 12/16 Dr. Doug Bell, East Bay Regional Parks; 1/6 Dr. John McCosker, California Academy of Sciences; 2/10 Dr. Walt Koenig, Cornell University Ornithology Lab, lindsaywildlife.org.

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EMPOWERED ART Bedford Gallery celebrates remarkable Bay Area women making their mark in abstract art with large-scale paintings and multimedia installations. ABOUT ABSTRACTION shines a cultural spotlight on women, their power, and influence in society and reveals the sheer talent of these emerging and established artists. Through December 17, Bedford Gallery, WC, bedfordgallery.org.

Since 1983, we have been feeding millions of meals to thousands of hungry people Contra Costa County.

Your school, church, business, or civic group can help feed the hungry. We need volunteers and donations!

Contact Us: (925) 293-4792 • loavesfishescc.org

MODERNISTS Marking the centenary of Rodin’s death in 1917 and Gustav Klimt’s in 1918, KLIMT & RODIN examines the diverse connections between these artists and their impact upon the art world. While Rodin is widely regarded as “the father of modern sculpture,” Klimt was a groundbreaking painter and a founding member of the modernist movement. Through January 28, Legion of Honor, San Francisco, legionofhonor.com

Legendary Fresh Food

Serving Breakfast and Lunch Daily Enjoy our Healthy Comfort Food Mon-Sat 7:00AM – 3:00PM Sunday Brunch 7:00AM – 3:00PM

(925) 930-0122

1559 Botelho Drive, Walnut Creek sunrisebsitrocatering.com

Darlene BaxtER Agent Baxter Insurance Agency

SUGAR AND SPICE Everything is pink at the ICE CREAM MUSEUM, from a climbable floor-to-ceiling wall of bubble gum steps to strawberry sundaes. Most of the art here is interactive, and unlike other museums, snapping photos is encouraged. After making tidal waves on social media, this colorful museum extended its San Francisco stay until February 2018. Signup for tickets at museumoficecream.com.

2216 Morello Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925.270.1991 business • 925.915.9337 cell dbaxter@farmersagent.com License # 0G53463 Auto • Home • Life • Business • Workers Compensation

Buon Vino

PEACE, LOVE AND HARMONY Founded in 1986, award-winning OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR is a treasured East Bay institution with members from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds renowned for stirring audiences with their exuberant harmonies.

Elevate your voice and spirit at their annual holiday concert.

December 2, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, oigc.org.

Share Your Appreciation and Love This Holiday Season!

Host a Private Party at Buon Vino in our Event Room.

Give the Gift of Wine with a Custom Label!

1545 Locust Street buonvinoinc.com

925-322-8920

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where & when

on stage

BY KATHRYN G. McCARTY

Enjoy a magic carpet ride with ALADDIN in this thrilling Broadway musical, based on Disney’s animated film classic, about a young man granted three wishes by a Genie. Unforgettable beauty, comedy, and a very special lamp reveal a world with infinite possibilities. Through Jan.7, Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, shnsf.com.

Tony Award-winning theatre groups Berkeley Rep and Minneapolis’ Guthrie, join forces to produce the powerful drama WATCH ON THE RHINE, an all-too-timely examination of moral obligation, sacrifice, and what it means to be American.

When the houseguest of a Nazi sympathizer threatens a wealthy matriarch, her family discovers the extent they’ll go to for what they believe in. Nov. 30 – Jan. 14, Roda Theatre, Berkeley, Berkeleyrep.org.

Attending a performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a perennial family tradition for Bay Area families, and both Center Repertory Theatre and American Conservatory Theatre offer beautiful adaptations of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic embellished with seasonal music, dance, and spectacular ghostly effects. Humbugs not allowed.

Dec.1-24, ACT’s Geary Theatre, San Francisco, ACT-sf.org; Dec.7-17, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, lesherartscenter.org.

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Set in a bitterly cold 1864 Washington DC Christmas Eve, the warm and deeply moving A CIVIL WAR CHRISTIMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION weaves together stories from fictional and historical characters on both sides of war. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel’s holiday show features period music while it examines the strength and spirit of a country divided. Nov.30 – Dec.16, Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette, townhalltheatre.com.

on stage Grammy® winners Steve Martin and Edie Brickell light up the winter sky in BRIGHT STAR, a musical love story set in the American South in the early 20th century. Nominated for five Tony Awards last year, this rich tapestry weaves deep emotions and beautiful melodies into a celebration of the strength of family.

Nov. 28-Dec. 17, Curran Theatre, San Francisco, sfcurran.com.

Marco Ramirez, award-winning writer of Orange is the New Black and Sons of Anarchy, pens THE ROYALE, a story inspired by legendary boxer Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight world champion, and one of America’s first celebrity-athletes. In this stylized drama, set in the Jim Crow era, Ramirez’s protagonist fights in the ring and on the streets. Through Dec. 3, Aurora Theatre, Berkeley, auroratheatre.org.

Chicago’s legendary comedy troupe, The Second City, delivers a healthy dose of seasonal satire in Berkeley Rep’s THE SECOND CITY’S DYSFUNCTIONAL HOLIDAY REVUE. Film classics, family dinners, and Christmas carols are all fodder in this fast-paced revue exploring our dysfunctional desire to deck the halls with a perfect dose of holiday cheer. Dec. 5-31, Berkeley Repertory’s Mainstage Peet’s Theatre, Berkeley, berkeleyrep.org.

Bid farewell to 2017 with the BIG FAT-YEAR END KISS-OFF COMEDY SHOW XXV, featuring Will Durst and his merry band of pranksters, in a hilarious play about the year’s major news events. For a quarter of a century, these Bay Area comics have delighted audiences with their uproarious collection of standup, sketch comedy, songs, and improvisation. Dec. 30, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, lesherartscenter.org.

Ring in BELLES, a southern-fried comedy by the writers from the television sitcom “Golden Girls” and “Dearly Departed.” Hot flash Honey Raye, and her sisters Twink and Frankie, may not be in the most festive moods, but audiences will enjoy a jolly old laugh as they fight to rescue Christmas from utter chaos. Dec. 1-9, Martinez Campbell Theatre, Martinez, onstagetheatre.org.

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walnut creek M

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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.

ACGfNcOP North Locust Street, Between Giamona and Lacassie

AMERICAN

BREAKFAST JOINTS / BURGERS / SALADS / BARBECUE

OPEN YEAR ROUND

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.

ACGfNcOP

BUCKHORN GRILL: When it comes to big salads, Buckhorn is a star. Casual and comfortable, the downtown eatery serves fresh veggies and grilled meats in satisfying combinations.

1171 Locust St., 945-7676, buckhorngrill.com.

Market Hours: 9am-1pm

BUTTERCUP: At this family- run restaurant, it’s all about savory

FREE

DECEMBER

3, 10 & 17

GIFT WRAPPING OF MARKET GOODS!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• /CCCFarmersMrkts • www.cccfm.org

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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.

MOMO’S: Adding to the wood-fired pizzas, crispy calamari, and house burgers on the menu are twists on French classics like duck liver mousse and steak frites. Warm and spacious, this is the place for a special business lunch or romantic date night.

1444 N. California Blvd., 935-1545, momoswc.com.

MOOYAH: It’s a franchise with a load of personality. Take your kids to this colorful burger joint and let them build their own burger and eat it with a side of fries. 1815 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 280-5555, mooyah.com.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE: New Yorks, rib eyes and filets

are served on sizzling 500-degree plates cooked to perfection.

Round out the meal with spinach au gratin and potatoes Lyonnaise at this swanky steakhouse. 1553 Olympic Blvd., 977-3477, ruthschris.com.

STANFORD’S: Happy hour is hot here with steak bites, flatbreads, and burgers on the menu. This is the place to take a shopping break and sip a signature cocktail. 1330 S. Main St., 944-0895, stanfords.com.

SUNRISE BISTRO: The emphasis here is on fresh, healthy food.

For breakfast try the sweet potato hash or yogurt pancakes. At lunch, you can’t go wrong with a chicken salad sandwich or big salad. 1559 Botelho Dr., 930-0122, sunrisebistrocatering.com.

THE COUNTER: Upscale burger joint where they make it the way you want it, from exotic to classic, and top it with your favorites.

Plump patties range from beef, bison, turkey and mahi mahi.

1699 N. California Blvd., 935-3795, thecounterburger.com.

THE ORIGINAL HICK’RY PIT: This diner is known for its honest American food served all day with a heaping side of hospitality.

House specialties are barbecue ribs and homemade pies. 1495 S. Main St., 935-7450, hickrypit.com.

ASIAN

CHINESE / VIETNAMESE / JAPANESE / THAI / FUSION DRAGON POND: Executive Chef Xiao creates Hunan and Mandarin delicacies. House favorites include Mango Chicken, Honey Walnut Prawns and Salt & Pepper Calamari. 1353 Locust St., 926-0278, dragonpond.com.

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A FREE APPETIZER WITH PURCHASE OF ANY ENTRÉE*

Reservations: 925/938-8700 2805 Jones Road Walnut Creek, CA 94597 renaissanceclubsport.com *EXPIRES 12/31/17

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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.

OI-C BOWL: Delicious Chinese food served in a spacious setting with outdoor patio. Spicy Szechuan cuisine, big noodle bowls and Bento Box lunch specials. 1616 N. Main St., 287-8118, oicbowl.com.

PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO: This large Chinese restaurant

manages to feel intimate with an interesting menu that draws on multiple Asian cooking styles. Try the lettuce wraps and Dan Dan noodles. 1205 Broadway Plaza, 979-9070, pfchangs.com.

PLEARN THAI: Regulars pack the tables for the succulent flavors in the barbecue meats, pan-fried eggplant and curry prawns. Save room for the heavenly batter-fried bananas topped with coconut ice cream. 1510 N. Main Street, 937-7999, plearnthaipalace.com.

SASA: Upscale Japanese izakaya with dazzling décor and

decadently fresh fish. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is served with an array of sake.1432 N. Main St., 210-0188, sasawc.com.

VANESSA'S BISTRO: During happy hour, prices at this popular 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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POSTINO: In a romantic, fireplace-studded, brick building, executive chef Stewart Beatty and his team create elegant dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients. 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-8700, postinorestaurant.com.

PRIMA: Everything’s made fresh on the premises at Chef Peter

Chastain’s acclaimed contemporary Italian restaurant. His flavorful risottos and light gnocchi will have you coming back for more.

1522 N. Main St., 935-7780, primaristorante.com.

ROCCO’S: This is the place for pizza aficionados. The meaty Dominator and vegetarian Dante’s Inferno are house specialties, along with heaping pastas and salads. 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 947-6105, roccospizzeria.com.

SKIPOLINI’S: Fans flock here for the family vibe and can't- miss pies.

The Martinelli, white sauce topped with red peppers, cayenne chicken and fresh spinach, is a house favorite. Legend has it the Prego pizza brings on labor quicker than you can say "more pepperoni, please." 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100, skipolinispizza.com.

54 MINT FORNO: Burrata cheese is showcased here in a delicious

appetizer with roasted peppers and on the Campana pizza with arugula. They also make a mind-blowing lasagna from fresh pasta layered with ragu, béchamel and mozzarella. 1686 Locust Street, 476-5844, 54mintforno.com.

MEXICAN EL CHARRO: A Lafayette favorite, the margaritas are magic 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.

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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.

Happy hour AT FUEGO TEQUILA GRILL

authentic MEXICAN FOOD ✶ nfl sunday ticket ✶ FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS DAILY

happy hour Mon-Sat, 2-6pm

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.

1359 Locust Street, Walnut Creek (925) 891-4023 fuegotequilagrill.com MDine-in MCarry-out MCatering MBanquets MSaloon

SOUTH AMERICAN Peruvian / Spanish / Brazilian 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.

LEGENDARY TEX The way it was meant to be.

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.

925-935-1440

100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill backforty.us facebook.com/backforty

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sweet Savory salty spicy

the johnny cash burger

DELIs / cafés

salads / soups / sandwiches CREPES OOH LA LA: Thin pancakes made the Parisian way, poured on a hot griddle and spread to thinness. Range of toppings for sweet and savory palates. 1548 Locust St., 944-5790.

GENOVA: Italian meats, fresh ravioli and sauces. Take a number;

fans line-up for the fresh sandwiches at lunch. Two WC locations: 1105 S. California Blvd., 939-3838 and 2064 Treat Blvd., 938-2888. genovadeli.net.

KINDER'S MEATS: Specialties at this family-run favorite include marinated ball tip, tequila-lime ribs, and barbecue chicken doused in signature sauce. 1831 Ygnacio Valley Road and 1293 Parkside Drive, kindersmeats.com.

MORUCCI'S: Fans travel from several towns away for these savory sandwiches. Try the 6 3/4: turkey, tomato and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta, pastrami or the popular chicken Caesar sandwich.

1218 Boulevard Way, 939-2426.

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

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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flavorful & festive

Seasonal Essentials

For a Delicious Feast

It’s time to gather around the table with steaming bowls of fresh homemade soup, succulent lamb shanks, delicious winter squash, and tender roasted vegetables. A bounty of seasonal ingredients come alive in comforting recipes from local chefs. ➤

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recipes

Holiday Recipes from Bay Area Chefs Stir constantly; cook until mixtures bubbles, 2-3 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil; reduce to simmer. Allow mixture to reduce while simmering, about 5 minutes. Add cream simmer for another 5 minutes. Add all the cheese, whisk until incorporated. Add salt to taste, 3-5 drops of Tabasco, and lemon juice. Pour over pasta and add crab meat, stirring to incorporate. Serve with toasted breadcrumbs and parsley.

ROASTED WINTER SQUASH & SPINACH SALAD DOWNTOWN WALNUT CREEK FARMERS’ MARKET

DUNGENESS CRAB MAC N’ CHEESE NICK’S COVE

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 1 pound Dungeness crab meat 2 pounds elbow macaroni ½ pound unsalted butter ¾ cup flour ½ gallon whole milk ½ gallon heavy cream 2 leeks, white part only, sliced 1 cup Point Reyes Toma cheese, shredded 1 cup Spring Hill Cheddar, shredded ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano,

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shredded Salt Tabasco Fresh lemon juice (¼ lemon) Parsley, chopped (for garnish) Toasted breadcrumbs (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS In a large pot bring three gallons of water to a boil. Add pasta and boil, 6-8 minutes.

Add to a large mixing bowl and set aside. In another large pot begin melting butter. Add leeks and sauté 5-10 minutes, until soft. Add flour.

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INGREDIENTS 1 (roughly 2lb) winter squash (butternut or acorn), cut into generous bite sized cubes 2 T Bistro Blends extra virgin olive oil with orange flavor ½ cup chopped walnuts 1 tsp butter 10 cups fresh baby spinach

Dressing 2 T extra virgin olive oil Drizzle of balsamic vinegar DIRECTIONS Toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and spread onto a parchment or foil lined baking pan. Season with salt and pepper. Roast on center rack in 400 degree oven. Turn halfway through roasting. Cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Toast walnuts in skillet on stove with small amount of butter. Cook on low heat for a few minutes.

Toss spinach with olive oil. Add squash, walnuts, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

CURRIED MUSHROOM AND SQUASH SOUP CHEF ALISON NEGRIN, CHEFALISONNEGRIN.COM

10 servings

INGREDIENTS 1 yellow onion, diced 1 cup sliced assorted fresh mushrooms (crimini, oyster, button) 1 T plus ¼ cup olive oil

1 tsp ground cumin 3 cloves chopped garlic 1 tsp curry powder 1 T fresh ginger, peeled and grated ¼ tsp dry mustard Pinch cayenne ¼ tsp cinnamon Salt and black pepper to taste 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery 1 ½ cups diced butternut squash 2 quarts low sodium chicken broth 3 oz. orange juice Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish Plain yogurt for garnish DIRECTIONS Toss squash with olive oil, ground cumin, salt and pepper.

Place on a sheet pan and roast in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft in ¼ cup olive oil. Add grated ginger and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Add curry powder, cayenne, mustard, and cinnamon, then carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Add roasted squash, orange juice, and chicken broth to cover. Cook for 1 hour. Soup can be pureed or served as prepared. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with yogurt on the side.

CARAMELIZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS BLUESTEM BRASSERIE FOR CUESA FARMERS’ MARKET

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 1-1½ quarts Brussels sprouts, split and blanched ½ cup dates, pitted and chopped 1½ cups pancetta, diced ¼ inch 1 T grapeseed oil 1 Fresno chili, seeded and minced 2 cups chicken stock

recipes

Banyuls wine vinegar ½ bunch tarragon, 1 T minced and the rest stemmed ½ bunch parsley, 1 T minced and the rest stemmed 2½ ounces Aleppo pepper Salt DIRECTIONS To blanch Brussels Sprouts: Set a pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, submerge halved sprouts in water for about 60 seconds, until bright green. Strain and plunge into ice water. Let drain overnight or for several hours in the refrigerator. In a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, cook pancetta until crispy. Remove and put aside.Add sprouts to hot pan and caramelize with grapeseed oil and pancetta fat.

Remove once caramelized and set aside. Add Fresno chilies and dates to pan and mash with back of a fork. Add chicken stock and simmer the sauce.

As chicken stock reduces, add vinegar, minced herbs, Aleppo pepper and sprouts, as well as some of the pancetta. Season with salt as needed.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH CREAMY POLENTA EXECUTIVE CHEF MIKE WARD, THE RESTAURANT AT WENTE VINEYARDS

Creamy Polenta 4 cups chicken stock 4 cups heavy cream or half & half ½ stick butter 2 cups yellow polenta 1 cup Parmesan Salt and pepper to taste Bring chicken stock and cream to a boil and add polenta. Stir constantly for thirty minutes.

When polenta is soft add

parmesan and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Braised Lamb Shanks Season 10 lamb shanks heavily with salt and pepper.

Sear on the flat top until you have achieved a nice golden brown. Set aside and cool.

Braising Liquid 6 quarts beef stock 2 quarts blended 74/40 canned tomato 8 jumbo yellow onions Blend stock and tomato together and season heavily with salt. Meanwhile, chop onions to a large dice and sear in a sauté pan until charred.

Sachet Make a sachet out of cheesecloth, fill it with herbs, and tie together with butcher’s twine.

2 T black peppercorn

2 T yellow mustard seed 2 T fennel seed 1 T clove 2 pieces whole nutmeg (crushed) 2 cinnamon sticks (crushed) ½ bunch thyme 1 bunch parsley 15 bay leaves 3-4 sprigs rosemary 2 heads garlic Place lamb shanks in pan with sachet. Place onions over shanks, then add liquid. Cook for 3 hours in a 280-degree oven, covered in foil with crimped edges. Cool shanks.

For best results, keep covered overnight so they retain their proper moisture and absorb flavors from herbs and spices.

Next day: discard solidified fat, reheat lamb braise until liquid again. Serve with creamy polenta.

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event scene

walnut creek on ice PHOTOGRAPHY BY josh isaacs

Ready. Set. Go. Skaters of all talent levels took to the ice during opening day at the winter rink in Civic Park. If you missed this chance to revel in the joy of gliding, not to worry, the rink is open daily until January 15, 2018.

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event scene

celebrate john muir health PHOTOGRAPHY BY rachel capil 3

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At this fourth annual gala, "Horray for Hollywood," the John Muir Health Foundation raised $1.7 million to support Trauma and Emergency services.

The sold-out gala was attended by more than 700 guests who enjoyed dinner, dancing, and a fabulous live auction.

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1. Kelly Roberts, Linda Womack, Vivian Wing, MD, Patty Haggen, and Yvonne Ng 2. Community Ambassador for the World Champion Golden State Warriors Adonal Foyle and Mistress of Ceremonies Ann Notarangelo 3. Gabriella and Sophia Seeno 4. David Griffith, MD, JMH President and CEO Cal Knight, and Russell Rodriquez, MD 5. David Goldsmith, Diane Goldsmith, Leah Branson and Adam Branson 6. Christian Kirman, MD and Carrie McCloskey, MD 7. Marie McGlynn, MD and Ravi Hundal, MD 8. More than 700 attendees helped raise $1.7 million to support John Muir Health's Trauma and Emergency Services 9. Lee and Ronie Huskins

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november / december 2017

the best of wc

walnut creek magazine