Beyond the Creek

New Chef and Weeknight Supper Menu at Corners Tavern in Walnut Creek

June 26, 2014 11:30 am

From a press release:

Corners Tavern, the contemporary American gastropub nestled in downtown Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza, has appointed Gavin Schmidt as Executive Chef. Gavin has been with Corners Tavern since its inception and was instrumental in shaping the original and subsequent menus. Gavin’s resume prior to Corners Tavern is like reading a page from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100: Coi, Campton Place, Fifth Floor, Aqua and Elisabeth Daniel; restaurants where his roles varied from Sous Chef to Executive Chef.

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Kitchen of the Day

June 26, 2014 8:30 am

In May the Lafayette Juniors held their annual kitchen tour and I have been highlighting kitchens from the tour; check out the farmhouse, Cape Cod, ranch homes and now featured is a Happy Valley rustic kitchen.

The purpose of the kitchen tour is to help raise funds for local non-profit organizations and a couple of weeks ago the Lafayette Juniors distributed close to $50,000 to this year’s beneficiaries including First Place for Youth, STAND!, SEED, the Lafayette Library, and Twin Canyon Camp.

More info about this rustic home:

The rustic home was a complete tear down and remodel. The home’s rock exterior makes it feel like a true eclectic traditional home. The kitchen opens up to both the family room and outdoors for easy entertaining. The large island, steam oven, convection oven, and built-in hutch are some of the many highlights of this kitchen. The Warwick inset cabinet doors add extra space to the cabinets and drawers as well as a handsome feel to the entire kitchen.

Shaded terraced area with pond in back:

More photos of the inside after the jump…

Family room opens to kitchen:

Built-in Miele Espresso machine:

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“It’s Not a Wine Dinner, It’s a Beer Dinner” Dinner at Walnut Creek Yacht Club this Evening

June 25, 2014 4:30 pm

“It’s Not a Wine Dinner, It’s a Beer Dinner” Dinner:

Walnut Creek Yacht Club
1555 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
Wednesday, June 25th, 2014
6:00pm | $65

Local Brew from Schubros Brewery in San Ramon

Join us as we welcome Brewmaster Mike Johannsen. Mike will be on hand to talk with us about their brews their brewery, and craft brewing.

Gather on the Aft Deck 6:00
Dinner at 6:30

Appetizers
Cherry Rye Nico
Maine Rock Crab Stuffed Red Potatoes
sierra jack, candied jalapeño, roasted garlic
Bay Shrimp & Sweet Yellow Corn Fritters
spicy cherry onion dip
Moroccan Swordfish Meatballs
nico braised lentils, mint, lemon zest

First Course
Las Trampas Pale Ale
King Salmon Pastrami Gravlox Salad
mâche, shaved red onion, pickled fennel
golden tomato, swiss cheese, rye croutons
rubenesque dressing

Main Course
680 IPA

Meyer Ranch Beef Brisket
ipa braise, red potatoes, cippolini onions
grilled yellow zucchini, balsamic syrup
parmesan, roasted heirloom carrots
chef kev’s horseradish-beer mustard, pretzel rolls

Dessert
Diablo Dark

TCHO Chocolate & Toasted Walnut Tart espresso pastry, spiced rum whipped cream
toffee cream anglaise

$65 per person
tax and gratuity are not included
family style seating and service

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Sunol Ridge Restaurant and Bar Opens in Walnut Creek

June 25, 2014 11:30 am

1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek

Last month I noted that Sunol Ridge Restaurant and Bar would be opening soon in downtown Walnut Creek and they are now open. Previous posts show the front of the restaurant but as you can see the side entrance to their patio looks amazing as well. Check out their menus below (click the menu for a larger view).

Diablo Dish recently reported that the chef has switched to Frank Jordan, who “worked as chef de partie for Top Chef Season Six–winner Michael Voltaggio at his West Hollywood restaurant, Ink”.

Menu:

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The Skull Show at Bedford Gallery through Aug. 31st in Walnut Creek

June 25, 2014 8:30 am

An amazing new exhibit called The Skull Show is being shown at the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek in the Lesher Center now through August 31st. This was really fun to check out, one of my favorites!

From their website:

Closing our season, the Bedford will narrow its focus to the physical and historical world of the skull. The Skull Show examines the role that skulls have played in the historical register, as memento mori, traditional religious icons, and vanitas themes in still life paintings. The Skull Show will also highlight the role the skull has played in the contemporary arts, exploring its appearance in counter cultures such as skate, surf, tattoo, as well as urban graffiti projects.

More photos of the exhibit after the jump…

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ZEBOP! Latin Rock – Tribute to Santana at Moraga Commons Park this Thursday

June 24, 2014 4:30 pm

Latin Rock – Tribute to Santana:

Moraga Commons Park
1425 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga
Thursday, June 26th, 2014
6:30pm – 8:30pm | Free

ZEBOP! consists of seven energetic musicians who take great pride in performing the music of Santana with passion and dedication. ZEBOP! has gained the attention of Santana fans as evidenced by their achievement of having been voted the Best Tribute Band in Northern California in the 98.5 FM KFOX Last Band Standing Contest. It is the dedication and wealth of talent that these musicians collectively contribute that makes the ZEBOP! experience a memorable one, keeping any crowd on their feet while moving to the music of Santana!

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American Kitchen Soft Opening in July in Lafayette

June 24, 2014 11:30 am

71 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette

The rustic, casual eatery American Kitchen is planning on a soft opening next month in July according to their Facebook page. As you can see in the photos their signage is up. Stay tuned…

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Bartlett Baron Men’s Fashion Moves Upstairs in Downtown Walnut Creek

June 24, 2014 8:30 am

1501 N. Broadway #260, Walnut Creek

Yesterday I noted that the women’s fashion boutique Bella Mar Boutique opened where Bartlett Baron Men’s Fashion used to be; they are now located in a very office-like space directly above on the second floor in the same building (see photo after the jump for the hallway viewpoint). As I was walking to their new location I felt as if I was going to my dentist’s office. Inside is a high end men’s fashion store that reopened 3 months ago.

From their website:

Bartlett Baron Mens Fashion has always taken pride in offering unique fashions that blend together classic and contemporary styles. With our move we have created a truly one of a kind destination that focuses on the most important person – YOU!

According to their website they are offering 25% off their entire collection through June 25th.

Photos of the inside after the jump…

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Ella the Musical Playing at Lesher Center in Walnut Creek June 25th – July 6th

June 23, 2014 4:30 pm

Ella the Musical:

Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Wednesday, June 25th – Sunday, July 6th, 2014

It’s a life lived out loud in this exhilarating new musical that weaves myth, memory and music to tell the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. It’s 1966 and the fabled songstress is preparing for one of the most important concerts of her career. Ella reflects on her life, her secrets and the love of music that made her soar. Featuring more than a dozen of her most famous hits, including They Can’t Take That Away From Me, How High the Moon, and That Old Black Magic, this swinging celebration is a must-see dazzling musical event for anyone who wants to fall in love with the magic and soul of Ella Fitzgerald all over again.

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Bella Mar Boutique Opens in Downtown Walnut Creek

June 23, 2014 11:30 am

1501 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek

A new women’s fashion boutique called Bella Mar Boutique has opened in downtown Walnut Creek where Bartlett Baron Men’s Fashion used to be on N. Broadway directly across from the Walnut Creek Library.

From their Facebook page:

Bella Mar is a women’s clothing boutique. We offer contemporary, sophisticated, unique apparel, and accessories. We provide fashion to set apart from the crowd.

Our buyers hand select pieces that are in trend and in season. Bella Mar will bring you designer fashion at a fraction of the cost of the overpriced designer labels.

Bella Mar’s purpose is to offer a total shopping experience, with individualized customer service, and fashion forward personal styling, while maintaining an approachable retail atmosphere.

Inside:

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