Preview of N. Main/Mt. Diablo Restaurant Project

February 21, 2012 8:30 am

All drawings copyright Robert Becker

Now that B.H. Development has been awarded the N. Main/Mt. Diablo parking lot project in downtown Walnut Creek, you’re probably wondering what it’ll look like. Brian Hirahara, the owner of B.H. Development sent over some conceptual renderings of the future restaurant. This is the same developer who brought the restaurant Sasa to Walnut Creek, as well as The Corners project across the street which features Tiffany’s and the upscale tapas-style restaurant Va de Vi.

With this background in mind, it looks like the bar component to this new restaurant will be more similar to the bar at Va de Vi, in other words more upscale compared to other bars/lounges in the city that have been having problems lately.

Anyway, take a look at the outdoor dining concept in this next rendering. Note the butterfly windows which is a cool concept. The diners sitting outside are facing Commercial Lane, which I imagine will be renamed to something more appropriate in due time.

This is the view at the corner looking down Mt. Diablo Blvd. Note the benches, glad those will be going in as well.

See more drawings including an aerial view after the jump

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Judging Restaurant Lounges – 1515

February 16, 2012 11:30 am

1515 is a Dudum-owned restaurant and lounge located in downtown Walnut Creek at 1515 N. Main St. The drinks and dinner menu can be viewed here. I’ve seen an outdoor fireplace and TV which look cool. Any fans of this place?

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New Sign for Vanessa’s Bistro

February 14, 2012 11:30 am

Vanessa’s Bistro 2, the Vietnamese tapas-style restaurant located in downtown Walnut Creek, recently replaced their sign and got rid of the “2”, although it looks like it’s still in their name officially. I think it looks cool using the distressed metal for the backing.

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Judging Restaurants – Lark Creek

February 13, 2012 11:30 am

Lark Creek is located in downtown Walnut Creek at 1360 Locust St. From their website:

Lark Creek^® Walnut Creek is located in historic downtown Walnut Creek. The atmosphere is light and airy, with American country charm, sidewalk seating, an exhibition kitchen, and the new Oakville Room seating up to 36 guests for private functions. The changing menu, created by Chef Scott Wall includes seasonal, farm-fresh American fare featuring traditional and updated recipes. Produce, meats, poultry, fish, and other products from local ranchers, growers, and fishermen. Housemade desserts; local and regional wines.

In addition to the Walnut Creek location, they also own Yankee Pier in Lafayette. You can see there menu here. I haven’t been back in a couple of years, any fans?

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LIFT Lounge & Grill Alcohol Service to be Cut

February 8, 2012 7:30 am

According to a tweet by Elisabeth Nardi from the Contra Costa Times, the Walnut Creek City Council denied an appeal by LIFT Lounge and Grill in downtown Walnut Creek and so alcohol service has been cut back to 11:30pm. This shouldn’t come as a surprise based on the numerous fights that have broken out over the years at similar bars in downtown Walnut Creek.

This seems like a reasonable response based on all the issues LIFT has had in the past. Did the city council make the right move or should LIFT have been allowed to serve alcohol until 12:30 like usual?

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Now Open: Dragon’s Pond in Downtown Walnut Creek

February 7, 2012 11:30 am

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, a new Chinese restaurant has opened up in downtown Walnut Creek focusing on Hunan and Mandarin cuisine, Dragon’s Pond, located at 1353 Locust St. across the street from Lark Creek restaurant. The offical grand opening will happen as soon as they can get a permanent sign but it’s still open now for business. They also have a restaurant in Livermore. I received an email from one reader who wrote:

FYI, I went to the new Dragon’s Pond on Saturday night and was impressed. Family run, attention to detail, the decor is really nice including the bathroom! Food was fantastic and great wine list.

Here’s a view of their bar:

I had a chance to speak with the manager who told me they’re focusing on healthy fare by not using any additional MSG and keeping it low sodium compared to typical Chinese restaurants. And because they cook everything to order, they can make things as spicy or as mild as you want. They will validate public parking tickets for up to 2 hours, and offer 10% off for seniors.

If anyone has eaten here please let us know how it was. I’m looking forward to trying this out.

*As far as the previous Vietnamese restaurant Da Lat is concerned, the owners decided to focus on their other restaurant in Marin.

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Judging Restaurants – Daphne’s Greek Cafe

February 6, 2012 11:30 am

Located at 1813 Ygnacio Valley Rd. in the Rancho San Miguel area of Walnut Creek in the Ygnacio Valley shopping center, Daphne’s Greek Cafe also has locations in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon. You can see their menu here.

I believe this is the first restaurant I posted about in Walnut Creek outside of downtown. I need to get out there more often. My go-to Greek (Mediterranean) place downtown is Pomegranate as well as occasionally Babalou’s. Question, how do you pronounce Gyro? I pronounce it “jai-roh”. Is that wrong?

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Friday Question of the Day – Favorite Pizza

February 3, 2012 11:30 am

Downtown Walnut Creek has plenty of pizzerias:

and Lafayette shall not be forgotten:

So the Friday Question of the Day is about pizza. Everyone loves pizza right? Well, almost everyone I imagine. As much as I love the atmosphere at Skipolini’s or Pinky’s, if we’re going on taste I’m going to have to go with Pizza Antica in Lafayette hands down.

So what is your favorite pizza joint in Walnut Creek or Lafayette? If I’ve missed any please comment and I’ll add them in as well.

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Battle of the Diners – Hubcaps vs. Mel’s Diner in Walnut Creek

February 1, 2012 8:30 am

Mel’s Diner – Walnut Creek

Hubcaps Diner – Walnut Creek

Both Hubcaps (menu) and Mel’s Diner (menu) are located within walking distance of each other in downtown Walnut Creek. Mel’s offers music jukeboxes to listen to. Hubcaps is decorated with automotive paraphernalia to please both children and adults alike. I tend to go to Hubcaps and usually get the Polish sausage with cole slaw. Which one do you prefer?

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Judging Restaurants – Ottavio

January 31, 2012 11:30 am

Ottavio, an upscale Italian restaurant located at 1606 N. Main St in downtown Walnut Creek, opened a few years ago when the French restaurant Le Bistro closed. I’ve had some great meals here. You can see their menu here. Any fans?

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