Beyond the Creek

Diablo Magazine Food Awards & Food Issue Now Available

October 25, 2012 11:30 am

I received word from Diablo Foods editor Ethan Fletcher that the special November Food issue including the Food Awards is now available. Check out the Food Awards here, and the November issue here.

The awards are broken down into five areas, “The Perennials”, “Signature Dishes”, “New Restaurants”, “Top Chefs”, and Dining Destinations”. Walnut Creek and Lafayette (sorry Orinda and Moraga) restaurants were awarded:

The Perennials: Prima Ristorante, Va de Vi
Signature Dishes: Artisan Bistro (Pan-Seared Wild John Dory), Chevalier (Vol au Vent de Ris de Veau Braise au Madere et aux Morilles), Elive (Market Fish Curry Xao Lan), Ottavio (Gnocci di Ricotta con Sugo di Anatra Affumicata)
New Restaurants: Corners Tavern
Top Chefs: Steve Jaramillo (Metro)

I think Walnut Creek Yacht Club should have been on the Perennials list. Should anything else have been included or not? Also, check out this week’s Diablo Dish for lots of news and info on the East Bay food scene.

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Car of the Day

October 25, 2012 8:30 am

Spotted in downtown Walnut Creek, this is the smallest truck I have ever seen. Surely this is a custom job, right?

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Halloween Fun at Rheem Valley Shopping Center

October 24, 2012 4:30 pm

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La Gateau Elegant Bakery Opening in November

October 24, 2012 11:30 am

Back in August I noted that the Martinez bakery Le Gateau Elegant would be relocating to Walnut Creek, and I just received an email from the owner stating the relocation has begun in earnest:

Just wanted to update you, we have begun our relocation to Walnut Creek today. First with our oven being relocated as I am writing this. We expect to open in 2-3 weeks after final approvals from the Health Department and Walnut Creek building department . We are very excited to move our bakery, product and name to Walnut Creek!

So I would say the bakery should open sometime in November. By the way, during my jury duty stint in Martinez a couple of weeks ago I happened to walk past the original Le Gateau Elegant and tried a cookie which was very good.

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Album Cover of the Week

October 24, 2012 8:30 am

Spotted at my new favorite thrift store, Rainbow’s End in downtown Walnut Creek:

From 1959, Let’s Dance with David Carroll and his Orchestra

Does anyone remember when this was first released? Was it popular?

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Haunted House at Lafayette Community Center Oct. 28th & Oct. 30th

October 23, 2012 4:30 pm

Phoo by Flickr user Metal Chris

From the City of Lafayette website:

Please join us at the Lafayette Community Center in the Live Oak Room for a ghoulishly good time!

Friday, October 28 and Sunday, October 30

5:00-7:00pm (not too scary; parents accompany children 7 and under)

7:30-9:30 (very scary – for children 8 and over)

Ages 7 and under $3
Ages 8 and over $5

Sponsored by the Lafayette Youth Commission
Proceeds benefit the Lafayette Youth Commission Projects

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Ostrich Eggs For Sale at Lafayette Whole Foods

October 23, 2012 11:30 am

The amazing Lafayette Whole Foods, in addition to selling black water is now selling ostrich eggs for $49 a pop! They come from Tehachapi, CA (a couple of hours north of Los Angeles), home of the Indian Point Ostrich Ranch where you can take a tour to view the ostriches. How cool is that?

Now what do you do with ostrich eggs? Do use them in place of regular eggs? For example if a recipe says to use 6 eggs can you substitute one ostrich egg? Can you use them for Easter egg decorations? How many people would an ostrich egg omelet feed? By the way, the eggs next the ostrich eggs in the photo are actually duck eggs, which themselves are bigger than chicken eggs, so these are some HUGE eggs!

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Insignia Hair Salon Very Close to Opening in Downtown Walnut Creek

October 23, 2012 8:30 am

Back in April I noted that Insignia Hair Salon would be opening in the former Duxiana mattress store on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek, and based on the inside it looks like the opening will be happening any day now. A price-list is available here.

Their new website has more information about the owner Jessica Rae:

I’m a California Native and have lived and worked throughout the San Ramon Valley my whole life. For over 14 years, I have worked as a Stylist and Colorist in the Greater East Bay.

I’m highly skilled in precision cuts, color, and product knowledge, including specialiized training in: L’ Oreal Paris Professional Color, Redken Color and Haircut, Goldwell Color, TIGI Haircut, Pureology Haircut, Vidal Sassoon Academy, Great Lengths Extensions, Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, Express Blow Out, Yuko Hair Straighting, Brazillian Blow Out.

Insignia Hair Salon is located at 1530 Locust St in Walnut Creek.

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Howe Harvest Festival at Howe Homestead Park in Walnut Creek on Oct. 28th

October 22, 2012 4:30 pm

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From the City of Walnut Creek webpage:

Join the Open Space Division for history, harvest fun and Halloween! The annual Howe Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 28 celebrates the life of James Pomeroy Howe, who traveled the world as an Associated Press correspondent in the 1930s before settling down in Walnut Creek, with old-fashioned harvest activities. Plus, lots of Halloween fun for all ages, from pumpkin carving to the Spooky Trail. The festival is free, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2950 Walnut Bouelvard. For more information, call 925-256-3521.

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Habit Burger Grill Opening in Sprouts Shopping Plaza Oct. 31st

October 22, 2012 11:30 am

Back in September I noted that the Habit Burger Grill was opening soon in the Sprouts Shopping Plaza and according to a sign on their window they are officially opening on October 31st, “No tricks, only treats!” In addition there will be soft-opening times where 100% of the proceeds will go to the following charities:

Muscular Dystrophy Association – Oct. 28th (12-2pm)
Contra Costa Humane Society – Oct. 28th (5-7pm)
Contra Costa Food Bank – Oct. 29th (12-2pm)

Take a look inside, I think it’s going to look great from what I can tell. Definitely stop by for the pre-opening events so you can support these charities AND get some great food.

Since we’re on the topic of Habit Burger Grill, I have dropped by the downtown Walnut Creek location a couple of times recently and have not been able to eat there because it is PACKED. Lines out the door. I wish I had more time to wait but there’s always next time.

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