Walnut Creek and The Levies

After a hellacious year of ups and downs, we needed a serious vaca.  So we hopped a two-hour flight to Wine Country and stopped off to see one of my very besties Michelle, and her husband Dave in Walnut Creek.  For our first night's dinner they took us to Elevé: an upscale Vietnamese eatery located in oh-so-quaint downtown Walnut Creek.  I was a little skeptical since Vietnamese doesn't usually pair with "delicious" in my head...and PJB has nightmares of tripe that his college roommate made him eat.  I knew Walnut Creek and the Levies wouldn't do us wrong, so we decided to jump in head first.

To start the evening off, PJB had a Martinez (gin, vermouth, maraschino, bitters, and hand-cut ice) while Dave, Michelle and Yours Truly all ordered a Moscow Mule off of the restaurant's handcrafted cocktail menu. I can't wait to make this at home...{recipe to come}

Moscow Mule: Vodka, Lime, Ginger Syrup, Mint

We choose a few items from the menu to share:
Shrimp Spring Rolls soft rice paper, lettuce, cucumber, mint, vermicelli and peanut sauce
Classic Imperial Rolls crispy wrap, chicken, shrimp, earwood mushrooms, sweet onions, cilantro, nước chấm
Five Spice Chicken pan roasted half chicken, spring salad
Wok-Tossed Flat Iron Steak sliced black angus beef, eggplant, japanese dry peppers, ginger
Braised Eggplant sweet onions, spicy plum sauce
Garlic Noodles with peanuts
Bottle of Malbec, Atamisque (Argentina), 2007 ~ we are in wine country
And lastly, a decadent chocolate cake to celebrate our 5-year anniversary.

All in all, my first taste of Vietnamese was surprisingly delightful.  I think it's too early to say you'll find me at the corner Pho Cafe in Mesa, but I will certainly be looking for an Elevé-esque eatery in Phoenix.  Or just impose on our friends to take us in and eat there again.

We capped the night off at Sasa, a hip small-plate asian restaurant/bar also in downtown Walnut Creek.  I had a Spiced Pear Martini...I am also making this one at home for sure {recipe to come}


Left to Right:
Spiced Pear Martini: Vodka Infused Ginger Cinnamon Syrup, Pear Puree, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice
Prosecco

We headed home and as you can imagine, slept very soundly from all the good food and drink.  The next morning we grabbed a bagel and Starbucks from the shopping center just across the way from the Levies' beautiful home, and headed down to Sonoma to begin Day 2 of our no-wine-left-behind excursion.

Christopher's

We took my dad to Christopher's for his 65th birthday dinner this year.  In the moment we waited for our hostess, we saw The Chef himself making his way from the Crush part of the restaurant back to the kitchen.

We were seated and began deciding the best way to conquer the French inspired menu.  First things first though...and second...

Grey Goose Lemon Drop

We ordered the escargot...after all miss this is France!  Well, perhaps just a restaurant with a French flare.  Well seasoned and oh-so flaky and buttery, it disappeared before I could even snap a photo.  Je suis désolé mes amis...you'll have to see it for yourself when you order it for an appetizer.

J'adore the de-constructed Caesar salad.  Chef Christopher does a fantastic Caesar dressing, and if you're an anchovy lover, get excited--you'll get all you'll ever need on your plate.  And if you're like me, that's where they'll stay ;)

De-constructed Caesar Salad

And now for the main event.  All four at our table opted for red meat with the likes of steaks, burger, and lamb.  We also indulged in some sides that were just too good to pass up: mac n cheese, spinach, and duck frites.

Last but not least, we topped off our birthday dinner with two desserts.  The Chocolate Tower came with a celebratory sparkler and a Happy Birthday message that was the perfect end to our food fest.

Chocolate Tower and Lemon Tart

Christopher's was a great place for a celebration dinner.  We also had plenty of leftovers to enjoy over the weekend...check out the menu here.  I am definitely heading back to Crush for happy hour.

The Garage

If you find yourself hungry in North Phoenix, you MUST stop into The Garage at 16th Street and Bethany Home.  I cannot get enough of this place.  It has a small, simple menu that never ceases to satisfy my craving for good food.  The first time I visited this little-known gem, the waitress told me this restaurant is the first business venture of a brother and sister...and boy have they nailed it.

The Garage is named for the building's surprising origin: the restaurant used to be an actual garage.  But you would never know it.  With the clean, modern design, the wall decor of wheels holds the only hint of what this joint once was.

Lounge Area in Front

I visited my new favorite go-to today for lunch, and have photos of our experience to share:  Grilled cheese made with buttery brioche and seasoned waffle fries; Spicy chili with all the trimmings; and Flatbread du jour with chorizo, havarti, cilantro, red onion, bacon and red jalapenos.

The Garage offers plates for around $10, and has a full bar with flat-screen televisions and outdoor seating.  Daily happy hour specials do not include food, but do include $1 off draft beer and $2 of wine glasses...and the ambiance is perfect for a post-work unwind.

And of course, don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth right next door at Cupcakes By Design.  Ms. Sharon Beatty founded this quaint little cake shoppe in 2009, and lucky for me, just down the street from my office.  Stop in and check out the enticing variety of gourmet, handcrafted and good-to-the-last-crumb delights.  Your taste buds will thank you.