Jon wanted to treat his parents who live at Walnut Creek to a nice dinner that’s not too far away. Walnut Creek is a pretty suburban town east of Berkeley surrounded by hills. Its downtown has a huge “lifestyle center” (aka upscale mall that’s outside). We’re unfamiliar with the restaurant scene there (I just remember there’s a giant cheesecake factory) nor it’s known for foodie hunts. After some research I came up with Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar, a place that does “international tapas.”
Grilled rosemary lamb skewers – lamb sirloin marinated with lemon, garlic and thyme, topped with tapenade. It’s pretty good but not very memorable.
duck confit scented with star anise, hoisin plum sauce, and steamed petite buns. Obviously a Chinese-inspired dish. The duck was well cooked and tasted very Chinese. Duck always go well with hoisin sauce. It was a favorite of the table.
pommes frites -crispy kennebec potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
seafood sampler: ceviche of cod, prawn cocktail with spicy louie sauce, seared ahi with wakame & charmoula, and octopus poki. I like the octopus a lot, it’s Korean-inspired and the sauce is kim-chi.
We also got heirloom tomatos with mozzerla cheese (fresh tasting) and cheese plate.
Huckleberry bread pudding – cinnamon anglaise and huckleberry compote. Good!
We were pleasantly surprised by the food, considering my bias against restaurants located in malls (same feeling as how we would feel about the restaurants at Old town and 3rd street promenade), it’s a satisfying meal. If you find yourself shopping at Walnut Creek downtown, this is the best to be!
Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar
1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Tags: Duck, international, Lamb, small plate
