Citra Grill Opening in Walnut Creek

November 9, 2011 8:30 am

Diablo Magazine reports that Citra Grill will be taking over the Diva boutique at the corner of Locust and Olympic Blvd, across the street from the movie theater. They write:

It’s an interesting concept from first-time restaurant owner Ramin Behtash, a longtime high-tech veteran from Silicon Valley. Behtash plans to have five centerpiece items on the menu—halibut, shrimp, chicken, steak, and vegetables—that will be flame grilled on bamboo skewers and served on fresh-baked bread.

The public notice of application to sell alcoholic beverages was posted prominently.

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Pinky’s Pizza to Reopen

November 8, 2011 4:21 pm

As Crazy in Suburbia reported today, Pinky’s Pizza will be reopening this Friday, having closed their original location in 2008 across the street from Trader Joe’s on S. California Blvd. When I dropped by today I got a couple of photos, and although all the windows were blocked out, I peeked in the back entrance and could see the pizza dough being stored in the refrigerators.

Apparently Pinky’s was a real institution back in the day, and having visited a few times a few years ago I can attest to the unique feel the place has. Being originally from New York I can’t say it’s the best pizza I’ve ever eaten, but if atmosphere counts I’d say it was pretty darn good.

Pinky’s Pizza is located at 2085 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek, across from the post office:

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“Vesu” Restaurant Review

November 8, 2011 8:30 am

Previously I posted a snapshot of the new Cypress restaurant, replacing Vesu which closed in April. Pursuitist recently reviewed the building and interior that Vesu used to occupy, before going under in April, now replaced by Cypress. The architecture and interior shots are quite amazing such that’s it’s hard to believe it closed so quickly.

Two things about the review that stood out are:

The Vesu Restaurant was designed by Arcsine Architecture and Bellusci Design and is located in the center of a small town called Walnut Creek near San Francisco, California.

I’d hardly consider Walnut Creek, with a population over 60,000 with Nordstroms and Macy’s a few blocks away a small town.

Also, take a look at the last photo in the review to see “VESU” embedded in the countertops. That seems like such a shame considering how quickly it closed. I wonder if Cypress was able to reuse them?

Diablo Magazine reported that Cypress was opened by Rick Delamain, who worked at Le Virage, a French restaurant in Walnut Creek for 18 years. Longtime Walnut Creek residents will remember Le Virage as it was considered quite the restaurant back in the day, but recent residents will also know Le Virage, for a different reason. Does anyone care to take a guess why?

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Chipotle in Lafayette Open

November 7, 2011 8:30 am

Chipotle has been open in Lafayette since September, and it looks like it’s a popular place judging by the amount of traffic. Along with the new Whole Foods supermarket, that strip is definitely getting more foot traffic compared to before. It’s interesting how both chains existed in Walnut Creek before migrating over to Lafayette.

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Cypress Restaurant at Night

November 3, 2011 11:30 am

Cypress, located at 1388 Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek, opened on September 6, taking the place of Vesu, which closed rather quickly. The remodel on the outside that Vesu did originally is quite cool, and last night you could see a pianist playing right through the curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a packed and lively scene despite being a weekday.

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Gourmet East Bay 2011 Sold Out

November 2, 2011 4:30 pm

For those who waited to sign up for the 2011 Gourmet Easy Bay event on Saturday, November 5, unfortunately it’s sold out. Although they mention it’s possible to get on the waitlist, it looks like that option is now gone as well.

It runs from 7 – 10 pm in Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek and features top restaurants from around the East Bay. From the sponsor’s website:

Thirty of the top restaurants throughout the East Bay will be featuring premier tastings; wineries from Livermore, Napa, and Lodi will feature tastes of great wines, premier spirits vendors will be pouring signature cocktails and more! We’re thrilled to announce this year’s entertainment will be provided by Northern California’s premier party band, Pop Fiction. From Donna Summer to Journey to Lady Gaga and everything in between, Pop Fiction delivers non-stop dance hits and packs dance floors wherever they go.

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Caffe Delle Stelle becoming Cafe of the Stars

October 31, 2011 4:30 pm

Remember Caffe delle Stella on the corner of N. Main and Lincoln, next to Prima’s? Well, I’ve been asking around and it looks like it’s being replaced by a new restaurant called, Cafe of the Stars. When I peeked through the black mesh covering I did see some nice butterfly doors similar to Prima’s so this could be a nice remodel.

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Taqueria Mexican Grill is being Remodeled

October 28, 2011 10:30 am

Word on the street is the Mexican restaurant Taqueria Mexican Grill is being remodeled. Unfortunately it looks like they failed to get permits for both the awning removal and the interior. Without the green awning the building looks completely different. At first glance I thought it was a completely new building. I’m curious to see how this turns out. Da Lat, the Vietnamese restaurant next door has apparently closed.

Update: Taqueria Mexican Grill had a soft opening starting yesterday, so drop in and try one of their burritos. They moved the registers to the front, put in new countertops and flat screen TVs among other changes. According to the manager the official opening will probably be in early November as soon as the permits are approved.

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Da Lat Vietnamese is Closed

October 28, 2011 8:30 am

The building that housed both Da Lat and Cinco de Mayo (formerly Taqueria Mexican Grill) is quite changed without the awning (more on that in another post), but word on the street is that Da Lat has closed. I’ve eaten there several times and thought it was pretty decent.

Update: I’ve confirmed that a Chinese restaurant is opening up at this location.

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Door of the Day

October 26, 2011 11:30 am

This is the side door of restaurant Sasa, possibly the coolest door in all of downtown Walnut Creek. The whole building is really quite beautiful.

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