Restaurant news: Zheng Long to re-open as The Door! The San Franciscan to close

One of our favorite neighborhood "joints" is about to re-open. A new sign is up outside the former Zheng Long on South Main Street, across the street from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. The new sign states the restaurant will be called The Door.

A peek inside shows that the renovations are almost complete and that the restaurant is just awaiting the arrival of furniture.

For those who follow downtown Walnut Creek's restaurant scene, and are fond, like my family, of Asian cuisine, we all suffered a huge loss back in May 2008 when an accidental fire destroyed the interior of the pan-Asian restaurant.

The building has been undergoing renovations since then, with the restaurant set to re-open sometime by the end of this year.

Well, it looks like it will be re-opening soon. With the same owner, Steven Chen, according to a license on file with California's Alcoholic Beverage Control. Just a different name: The Door.

Don't know what will be on the menu, but we're hoping it is reminiscent of what we so much enjoyed at Zheng Long.

Meanwhile, a Crazy reader reports that The San Franciscan on North Main Street will be shutting its doors this weekend. We heard this closure was coming. We just didn't know when. Our reader says that the new restaurant going in will be--Asian-themed! Indeed, the state ABC says that an eatery called A Modern China Cafe has been issued a license to open there.

We remember that an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, Three Seasons Bistro, operated in that space at 1525 North Main Street, before being replaced by The San Franciscan.

Some downtown restaurant news: new openings and a liquor license violation for one happening spot

Just in time for the holidays:

--Vanessa's Bistro 2, at 1329 N. Main Street, is open, in the former Tokyo Lobby spot. It bills itself as "Vietnamese tapas with a French twist." Some selections from the menu: Spicy Atlantic salmon tartare, vodka molasses marinated pork loin, and Dijon mustard and black peppercorn marinated rack of lamb with sweet potato croquette (with a port wine, bing cherry reduction).

--The other new "modern" Vietnamese restaurant in downtown, Eleve Restaurant, does not yet look open, though it looks awfully close. It is in the stylishy renovated two-story 6,000-square-foot building at the corner of North Main Street and Civic Drive.

--The other new Asian restaurant coming to town--and on Main Street and with a small plates focus--is Sasa. It will serve what is known as Izakaya Japanese cuisine, which is drinks and food in a "casual" but sophisticated atmosphere. Sasa is to go into the historic 1910 brick front building that long ago housed the Walnut Creek Meat Market. The building is being renovated to house dining indoors and out.

--And more new Asian on Main: The sign on the former San Franciscan says that the Modern China Cafe will be opening in that spot "soon."

--I've also heard from a friend that the popular Alamo delicatessen, the Brass Bear, has also opened on North Main. The Brass Bear has been a "mainstay" in Alamo for around 30 years.

--Over on Locust Street, the spot that once housed the Ephesus kebob lounge, and then a place called Class, now has a new sign atop it. It is now calling itself "Lift." Huh? Well, if nothing else, the business needs to fix that splintered woodwork that hangs over its door. And maybe work on its, uh, curbside appeal.

--The Persian-food fan husband of a friend is absolutely excited about the opening of Alborz on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, in the former location for Tin's Tea House.

--Finally reporting this hiccup for popular restaurateur Tony Dudum of 1515 Restaurant and Lounge. I remember noticing from a City Council agenda report that agents with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control had paid a visit to 1515 on July 23. The police noted that the ABC found that 1515 was serving liquor past its closing time of 12:30 a.m. Ironically, Tony Dudum and his dad Jack Dudum were, at that exact time, filing an appeal with the city to have their hours for serving alcohol extended past 12:30 a.m. They wanted to stay open until 1:45 a.m. The City Council in September gave them an extra half hour. Well, according to state ABC records, 1515 Restaurant had its liquor license "suspended" for 15 days; but in lieu of a suspension of serving alcohol, 1515 agreed to pay a fine of $3,000.

In an e-mail to me, Tony Dudum explains that "there was an honest misunderstanding between the city, the ABC, and myself. I am in excellent standing with all agencies."

Flag of the People’s Republic of China stolen from front of Chinese restaurant

The infamous red flag hanging in front of OI-C Bowl Chinese Kitchen and Bar on Main Street, which I featured in a widely discussed post March 24, has been stolen.

Walnut Creek police say the theft was reported at around 5 p.m Thursday.

The theft occurred about two weeks after a man called the restaurant to complain that “Chinese democracy is not good," the restaurant’s manager told the Contra Costa Times. The manager also said that taking the flag would be a somewhat complicated endeavor. The thief would have to unscrew the flagpole from the wall in order to remove the flag. The bracket was accessible only from a second-floor balcony.

The manager complained to the Times that the theft was discrimination.


In my post, I did not say whether I thought it was right or wrong for the flag to be flying. I explained that a reader contacted me to raise questions about the appropriateness of a flag flying in downtown Walnut Creek. The reader referred to it as a “communist China flag,” then said, “Yeah, I understand it’s Chinese food, but come on! How ‘bout an American flag next to it at least?”

Frankly, I didn't have a position on whether the flag should fly or not. I was just interested in hearing what others thought.

I also went off on my own political/philosophical/historical tangent, considering: whether communism is the big bad threat to the United States that it was in the Cold War or actually a discredited ideology; whether China is really all that communist any more or just plain authoritarian; whether Americans feel threatened by China's formidable economic heft; whether it’s all that wrong for a Chinese restaurant to fly a flag representing the nation of its menu’s origins, when Italian, Mexican, and French restaurants fly flags, colors of their flags, and symbols of their national origins all the time. (Of course, I haven’t seen any Vietnamese flags flying in any Vietnamese restaurants I’ve been into lately. They all seem to go for the theme harkening back to their oppression under French colonialism. Go figure.)

One reader raised an interesting objection, describing his parents as suffering under the Communist Party regime that runs China. That reader found this flag offensive. Interesting viewpoint. Worth considering, I think.

Meanwhile, neighbors of the restaurant told the Times they were not offended by the Chinese flag, and the restaurant’s manager says she plans to replace it.

A couple things I want to add:

First, I regret that in my original post I didn't contact the restaurant's owners to ask them why they chose to fly the flag. I should have. I apologize to them and to readers.

Second, from the timing, it sounds like the person calling the restaurant to complain about the flag did so after my post appeared. Who knows whether he saw my post, or he had simply noticed the flag like anybody else walking or driving along Main Street?

But third, in no way do I condone anyone stealing this flag. Just because I wrote about it on my stupid blog doesn't mean I think this local business should be harassed in a criminal way.

Pho's Saigon Noodle House is open; Newell Avenue's second Vietnamese noodle restaurant

Is it time for a Walnut Creek Vietnamese noodle shop smackdown? What with two Vietnamese noodle restaurants within about a block of each other?  

Pho Saigon opened last week in the space in Newell Place that formerly housed Taxi's. It is  part of a chain of Vietnamese noodle houses, and is named for the classic, casual Vietnamese dish, pho (pronounced "fuh"), which typically consists of white rice noodles served in a clear broth, along with variations of seasonings, vegetables, and meat.

Pho Saigon is a long time coming (I snapped this photo in July). A Yelp reader heaps praise on it, nearly a week following its grand opening last Thursday: "Woo hoo! Just what Walnut Creek needs, authentic Vietnamese food. ... The menu is extensive with pho, rice dishes and drinks. They served us chrysathemum tea and even had spicy bun hue. ...A little more expensive than your typical hole in the wall pho shop but worth it. Their " small bowl" is actually a large at most other restaurants.

However, another Yelp reader said: "This is exactly what Walnut Creek does not need. Although I don't like all of them, there are already plenty of Vietnamese restaurants across all different niches and pricepoints in Walnut Creek and based on my experience with Pho Saigon, I don't expect any of them to be worried."

Ouch.

One of those other Vietnamese restaurants is another noodle shop, R&J Noodle east on Newell Avenue in the Terrace Shops.

One reader on Yelp glowed about it: "I freaking love this place! The only bad thing I can say is that they are NEVER open! They have a great pork sandwich and their soup is incredible, my husband and I usually order both and end up taking home leftovers. The price point is totally reasonable for the amount of food they give you. I also like the owners, they are very friendly and hospitable...total mom and pop business, and I love that."

Other readers, however, were not so enthusiastic. "We've been here three times because we just can't shake that 'we really want this place to be good' feeling. The place seems like its family run, and the are really friendly. The prices are pretty typical of Walnut Creek, I would even say its better priced than most. Unfortunately the food is just kind of blah."

Well, dear Crazy readers, if you've been to either and want to submit your own reviews, please be my guest.  I expect I'll be giving both a try in the next few weeks. 

What's your favorite WC restaurant? Your favorite meal? Here are some of mine.

Yeah, yeah, I know the recession has put a damper on our budgets for dining out.

But sometimes, I just don't feel like cooking. Or I have a craving for a particular dish at a particular place.

Also, my husband and I don't spend a lot on other things, clothes, electronic gadgets. So, eating out is our one indulgence.

Actually I got to thinking about writing about Walnut Creek eateries week when I heard two more people rave about the new Lettuce restaurant on Locust Street, across from the Lesher Center for the Arts. I was stunned. Basically, it's a salad bar, I thought. How amazing can that be?

Well, all three people, who mentioned this restaurant, talked about its extensive selection for a build-your-own salad. One friend, who is a pretty discerning eater (she's worked as a chef and done food writing), said the ingredients were very fresh, creatively presented, and full of flavor. She also gave high marks to the soups. So, did someone else I know who works near by. Then, another friend said it's a great place to meet a pal for lunch. The food is good, and you can get in and out of there quickly. Yelp reviewers generally gave it good marks and describe it as "eco-friendly." One reviewer says: "The to-go menu reads 'Finest Quality Produce From Local Farm and Ranches.' " (Lettuce, 1632 Locust St., 925-933-5600).

As I reported earlier, another favorite eatery, Tin's Tea House on Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Tin's, the five-year-old sister establishment of the popular Tin's Tea House in Oakland's Chinatown, closed, was a favorite local source for dim sum.

My son and I went there the final weekend. The restaurant was packed! So, I doubt the restaurant was closing for lack of business. It didn't seem to be suffering a decline in the number of patrons, unlike other Walnut Creek restaurants. Our waitress said the owner was looking for another location over here in the 'burbs. (The original Tin's is in Oakland's Chinatown.) We were happy to hear that. The fact that the owner was looking for a new location also suggested that there had been some dispute with the landlord.

An especially annoying landlord dispute, involving what sounds like a particularly vexious landlord, also doomed Pinky's Pizza (which closed in August) and Sunrise Cafe and Bakery. For me, Pinky's provided my own lifelong standard. I grew up living in the neighborhood near Pinky's and even went to school with the brother of the former owner, Tom Beisheim. So, that's where my family would go out or from where we would order pizza. I still compare every pizza I eat--even when I was traveling in Italy--to what I used to get at Pinky's.

Here are some other favorites--but I'd like to get your take on yours:

Favorite special occasion restaurant No. 1: Lark Creek Walnut Creek. It feels both sophisticated but also comfortable with its light and airy decor. The servers are friendly and efficient. We're fond of the shredded barbecue chicken tamale pancake, the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and any of their grilled fish dishes. It is owned by Bradley Ogden, who began his restaurant empire with Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur. His One Market, across from the Ferry Plaza in San Francisco, just won a prestigious Michelin one-star rating. The empire also includes Yankee Pier seafood restaurant in Lafayette, which I have not yet been to. Lark Creek Walnut Creek is at 1360 Locust St., (925) 256-1234.

Special occasion restaurant No. 2: Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar. Be careful. You can spend a lot of money requested order after order of its well-regarded small plates. My husband loves to go to lunch here on a warm, sunny day, where you can sit outside on a deck in a rear courtyard, in the shade of an old oak tree. The only downside to eating lunch there, for me anyway, is that I won't order wine, because all be useless the rest of the days. And one of the joys of Va de Vi's is its wine-tasting, wine-flight menu. And, its pours for those wine flights are pretty generous. So pace yourself.

Special occasion restaurants, No. 3, 4, and 5, the steakhouses: Vic Stewart's, 850 South Broadway, (925) 943-5666; Ruth's Chris Steak House, 1553 Olympic Blvd., (925) 977-3477; Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 287-0297. Actually, I've never been to any of these. Aren't the steakhouses pretty pricey? Readers, which ones have you been to? Which one of these are good and worth the price?

Asian delights: My husband and I lived in Asia for several years early in our marriage, so we're fond of most anything Asian.

We're love the Creek's two Vietnamese restaurants: Le Cheval Restaurant (my husband's favorite dish is the claypot), 1375 North Broadway, (925) 938-2288; and Huynh (the marinated beef in lemon dressing appetizer, topped with roasted peanuts and mint leaves, is amazing), 1512 Locust St., (925) 952-9898.

I'm also very fond of this Thai restaurant, Nalida Thai Kitchen, in the same strip mall as the Casper's at the corner of Newell Avenue and South Broadway. My husband and I specifically lived in Bangkok, and Nalida reminds me of those family-run restaurants that populated every block of Bangkok. The ingredients in the dishes taste fresh (good cuts of meat and fresh veggies) and the flavors are sharp and spicy. Authentic Thai food is hot, hot, hot, and good Thai food requires a careful balance between spicy, sweet, sour, salty. Most of the Nalida dishes acheive that, from laab diced beef salad, with its hot and sour sauce, to the yellow curry with its spicy sweetness. Nalida is located at 1250 Newell Ave., (925) 935-9335.

Breads of India has the most awesome, warm, pillowy naan. I'm so grateful our son shares our Asian food obsession. The chicken tikka (marinated in pomegranate, nuts, and herbs), curries, grilled shrimp, he loves it all. 1358 N. Main St., (925) 256-7684.

We also love sushi, but, actually, we haven't ventured to any sushi restaurants in town. Any suggestions?

Burgers: I always like a good burger. I miss Taxi's and Johnny Rockets. We've recently discovered The Counter, which, similar to Lettuce, has a build-your-own concept. In this case, it's build your own burgers. 1699 N. California, Blvd., (925) 935-3795. I've never been to Hubcaps, and I need to check out George's and Mel's. I heard that Bing Crosby's Restaurant and Piano Lounge had great burgers (and great cocktails) but I've never been there.

Favorite comfort food: Mac and cheese from Whole Foods Market. A couple weeks ago, I stayed home from work. I had that crud of a cold. I wanted to eat but all I craved was something soothing. The first thing I thought of was the macaroni and cheese they make and sell at Whole Foods. I stopped by at about 4:30 p.m., and it turns out that several other people had the same idea. There was a woman and her teenage son waiting in line in front of me, and the woman and I exchanged a laugh about our Mac and Cheese cravings. She said it was her family's favorite, too.

Treats: Chocolate crackle cookies, "gingeroo" cookies, and brownies from Walnut Creek Baking Company, 1686 Locust St., (925) 988-9222. Chocolate from Trader Joe's, especially the dark-chocolate caramels, and the almonds covered with dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt.

Replacing Taxi's in downtown Walnut Creek: what I hear is a yummy Vietnamese noodle shop

The banner out across our neighborhood's once beloved Taxi's hamburgers on Newell Avenue says: "Pho's Saigon Noodle Coming Soon. "

The sign doesn't say what "coming soon" means, but this new restaurant appears to be part of a chain of noodle houses, named for the classic, casual Vietnamese dish, pho, which typically consists of white rice noodles served in a clear broth, along with variations of seasonings, vegetables, and meat. A foodie friend, familiar with this chain, says it prepares food made with fresh, flavorful ingredients.

Let's hope so. While I miss Taxi's, I'm a fan of Asian food, and of Vietnamese, so I'm looking forward to giving this place a chance.