Top Rated Ethnic Restaurants in Walnut Creek- No Filipino Restaurant

This posting is inspired from my many meal time conversations about Filipino Food here at THD. I have resided here in Walnut Creek for 2 years and have been to several ethnic restaurants downtown. However, I was curious what ChatGPT has to say, and here it is...     

Downtown Walnut Creek is a vibrant melting pot of ethnic flavors—here’s a list and guide to some of the standout restaurants bringing delicious diversity to the neighborhood:

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🍛 Indian

• Methi (1251 S. California Blvd): A standout newcomer, Methi serves authentic North Indian fare—rich curries, fluffy naan, and flavorful biryanis. Described as a “hidden gem” with “good, authentic Desi food,” it’s become a go-to for Chicken Tikka Masala and veggie samosas theheritagedowntown.com+8Restaurantji+8Eater SF+8.

• The Essence (1512 N. Main St): Opened in late 2023, this restaurant aims to modernize classic Indian dishes in a stylish downtown setting Beyond the Creek.

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🍣 Japanese & Sushi

• Tatsu Sushi (near Broadway Plaza): A local favorite adored for its top-tier sushi, free gyoza and miso soup, and fresh fish. Reviewers call it “hands down my favorite sushi spot in the Bay Area” Restaurantji.

• Thai Thani Oishi (2892 Ygnacio Valley Rd): A hybrid Thai-Japanese eatery — patrons rave about its fresh sashimi, sticky rice with mango, and Red Curry. It holds a solid ~4.1 Google ratingSFGATE+8thaithanioishi.com+8RestaurantJump+8.

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🍜 Thai

• Kacha Thai Bistro (1665 Mt. Diablo Blvd): A sleek, modern Thai option downtown, known for creative takes on traditional dishes like Pad Thai and curries walnutcreekdowntown.com.

• Andaman Thai (downtown): Praised for its robust menu—Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, yellow curry—and welcoming vibe. The mango sticky rice after dinner is a must-try .

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🫒 Mediterranean / Middle Eastern

• Lokanta (Locust St): A recent addition serving Mediterranean/Greek-inspired dishes. Cozy and community-focused, with wine specials that make Monday and Tuesday nights appealingRestaurantJump+15walnutcreeklifestyle.com+15walnutcreekdowntown.com+15.

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🇧🇷 Brazilian

• Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (just off Main): A churrasco-style gem with attentive service—rated 4.6/5 with “superb” reviews—and plenty of options for vegetarians, too Restaurantji.

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🇵🇪 Peruvian

• Parada (downtown): A popular Peruvian spot by Chef Carlos Altamirano, offering ceviche mixto, yucca fries, and standout lomo saltado—a flavorful escape from the usual fare Eater SF.

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🇮🇹 Italian

• Montesacro Pinseria (downtown): A stylish dining experience focusing on Roman-style pinsa and Italian cocktails. Highlighted as one of Walnut Creek's best new restaurants in 2025 San Fran Secrets+1Restaurantji+1.

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📊 Culinary Pulse

• Walnut Creek’s downtown/dining district hosts 150+ restaurants, with an uptick in foot traffic—around 6 million visitors annually at Broadway Plaza alone—prompting a surge of new openings like Lokanta, The Essence, and more SFGATE.

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🍴 Why Downtown Walnut Creek Shines

1. Walkable & Diverse – You can hop between Indian, Japanese, Thai, Mediterranean, and Brazilian all in one evening on foot.

2. New & Noteworthy – The dining scene keeps evolving—newcomers like Methi and Lokanta keep it fresh.

3. Community Vibes – Many spots, like Lokanta’s community table and cozy bistros, invite lingering conversations over good food.

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Pro Tips for Your Tour

• Make reservations on weekends, especially at newer, buzzed-about places.

• Look for lunch and happy-hour deals, like Lokanta’s half-price wine on Mondays.

• Try shared plates in places like Parada and Methi to sample multiple dishes and flavors.

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In summary, downtown Walnut Creek is a small but mighty hub for global cuisine—each restaurant adding its own spice to the culinary landscape. Whether you're craving saffron-rich curries, sushi artistry, Peruvian tang, or Roman pinsa, you'll find a delicious adventure just steps from Broadway Plaza.

Personal Note: As mentioned above, there are more than 150 restaurants in the downtown area dining district, but not a single Filipino restaurant. I know there are several Filipino restaurants nearby, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton and of course Oakland.    

Here’s a guide to some of the top Filipino restaurants and spots across the East Bay—places worth visiting whether you're craving comforting homestyle dishes or innovative Filipino-inspired bites:

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🍽️ Oakland & Berkeley

FOB Kitchen (Oakland, Temescal)

Located on Telegraph Avenue, FOB Kitchen—founded by chef Janice Dulce—delivers vibrant, island-inspired Filipino food in a welcoming, queer women–owned space. Their silog brunch, pancit, lumpia, and pork adobo are crowd favorites—served with warmth and style KQED+15Eater SF+15Eater SF+15.

Lucky 37 (Oakland)

A local gem spotlighted by the SF Chronicle, Lucky 37 offers crowd-pleasing dishes like sticky-sweet wings and chicken adobo. The spot is praised for making Filipino flavors feel both comforting and accessible San Francisco Chronicle.

🎉 East Bay Suburbs

Isla Grand Restaurant & Bar (Pleasant Hill)

Opened in Oct 2024, Isla Grand embraces Filipino Pampangan traditions with festive service and live entertainment. It’s known for big family gatherings, celebratory atmospheres, and vibrant late‑night crowds Eater SF.

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🍞 Bakery & Take‑Out Favorites

Starbread (San Pablo, near East Bay)

A beloved Filipino bakery chain, Starbread is famous for its señorita bread—sweet, buttery rolls with a custardy center that steal the show at gatherings Eater SF+1Food & Wine+1.

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🍽️ Culinary Range Across the East Bay

According to Eater San Francisco, the Bay Area hosts a full spectrum of Filipino dining: from turo‑turo steam‑table joints and food‑truck flavors to upscale, modern adaptations. Oakland and the East Bay are increasingly recognized for sizzling sisig, crispy lechon, comforting silogs, savory sinigang, and more The Infatuation+2Eater SF+2San Francisco Chronicle+2.

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🌟 East Bay Filipino Food Highlights

Style	Recommended Spot(s)	What to Order
Casual homestyle	FOB Kitchen, Lucky 37	Adobo, pancit, silog
Family-style feast	Isla Grand	Pampangan specialties & live music
Bakery & snacks	Starbread	Señorita bread, ube treats

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✅ Tips for Exploring

• Brunch & silogs: Seek out spots like FOB Kitchen for hearty breakfast-style plates ($10–$15).

• Large gatherings: Isla Grand is the go-to for festive Filipino-style family dinners.

• Sweet fix: Starbread’s pastries make a great grab-and-go contrast to savory meals.

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Why East Bay Stands Out

• Cultural diversity: With a significant Filipino-American presence, communities in Oakland, Pleasant Hill, and beyond support eateries rooted in authenticity.

• Growing scene: From traditional turo-turo counters to buzzy restaurant bars, the Filipino food scene in the East Bay is evolving rapidly.

• Something for everyone: Whether you're craving casual or celebratory, the options span comforting to creative.

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🚗 Planning a Filipino Food Crawl?

Start in Oakland (FOB Kitchen → Lucky 37 ), then head out to Pleasant Hill for a festive evening at Isla Grand. Finish with a stop at Starbread for a sweet end!

Here’s a detailed breakdown of pricing and special menus at two standout Filipino restaurants in the East Bay: I have been to the following two restaurants and I highly recommend these 2 places if you have the desire for Filipino food. 

🌴 FOB Kitchen (Telegraph Ave, Oakland)

Pricing Highlights DoorDash+3FOB Kitchen+3FOB Kitchen+3:

• Small plates (“Pulutan”): Shanghai Lumpia and Veggie Lumpia are $13 each; Ensalada Talong at $12.

• Pulutan entrees: Lechon Kawali is $13; Sticky Wings are $15.

• Brunch & silog: Tocino Silog $17, Tortang Talong Brunch $16, Longanisa Hash $18.

• Mains: Pork Adobo $20; Sinigang Baboy $26; Bistek Steak $32.

• Vegetarian & vegan sides: Pancit and Tolang Talong around $15; Kabocha and Brussels Sprouts $8–$10.

• Desserts: Turon and Suman each $12; Affogato $9.

• Bar drinks/cocktails: Non-alcoholic mocktails $6–$10; cocktails $15 each Uber Eats+8Restaurant Guru+8FOB Kitchen+8Allmenus+3fob-kitchen.cuba-cafe.com+3Seamless+3.

Key notes:

• Brunch/silog plates are hearty and range $16–$20.

• Full bar menu includes vibrant island-style cocktails.

• Laid-back mid-price range (small plates ~$12–15, mains ~$18–32).

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🎉 Isla Grand Restaurant & Bar (Pleasant Hill)

Pricing Overview Zmenu:

• Appetizers: Pancit Bihun Guisadu ~$25; Kari-Karing Beef Brisket ~$40.

• Signature dishes: Chicken Inasal ~$22; Boneless Bangus Sinigang $31.

• Seafood, soups, and stews: Tinola ~$27; Oxtail or beef brisket soups ~$36 each.

• Party trays / Bilao: “Sulit Bilao” family bundles (price varies by size; group serving).

• Silog plates & rice dishes: Served with garlic rice, egg, soup, soda — typically $22–$30+DoorDash+11postmates.com+11Uber Eats+11.

Specials & Deals:

• Birthday Month Free Offer: One-month birthday treat.

• All‑Day Happy Hour & Early Bird specials (details available in-store) islafilipinorestaurant.com+1Uber Eats+1.

• “Sulit” deals: Portion-special combos listed on menu (“Sulit Bilao,” “Ala Carte”).

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📝 Compare & Choose

Feature	FOB Kitchen	Isla Grand
Style	Casual, small plates & brunch	Family-style, larger communal meals
Price Range	$12–$32 per person	$25–$40+ per entrée, group platters
Bar Program	Cocktails & mocktails available	Bar and banquet setups
Deals & Specials	Brunch-focused	Birthday freebies, happy hour, bundles

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✅ Tips for Dining

• FOB Kitchen: Ideal for date brunches or small group bites. Try their brunch silogs ($16–$18) and cocktails ($15).

• Isla Grand: Great for dinners with friends/family—book for shared "Sulit Bilao" or order hearty solo platters like sinigang or beef brisket ($27–$40).

  I have been to the two restaurants above. If you love Filipino Food, these 2 places are a must for your dining pleasure.

Why is Kopi Luwak so Expensive?

This posting is inspired from our recent mealtime conversation here at THD. I heard about this coffee while vacationing in the Philippines, but here's a detailed explanation why it is the most expensive coffee in the world.   

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☕ Why Is Kopi Luwak Coffee So Expensive?

If you’ve ever browsed the world’s most luxurious coffees, you’ve likely come across Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee. With prices soaring from $300 to $600 per pound, it begs the question—why is this coffee so incredibly expensive?

While the flavor profile and novelty certainly play a part, the real reason lies in the labor-intensive, rare, and ethical complexities behind the beans—especially when it comes to the wild-sourced variety.

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💩 1. Labor-Intensive Collection Process

Kopi Luwak gets its unique character from an unusual source: the Asian palm civet, a nocturnal animal native to Southeast Asia.

• These wild civets roam the forests freely, choosing only the ripest and best coffee cherries to eat.

• After digestion, the coffee beans are excreted, partially fermented and stripped of their outer pulp.

• Then comes the hard part: workers must manually search the forest floor for these precious droppings, often walking for hours to collect a handful of beans.

This meticulous foraging process is both time-consuming and physically demanding, contributing significantly to the high cost.

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🌿 2. Rarity of True Wild Kopi Luwak

Not all Kopi Luwak is created equal.

• True wild-sourced Kopi Luwak is incredibly rare.

• In contrast, much of the coffee sold under the name comes from captive civets, kept in cages and force-fed cherries—often in inhumane conditions.

What makes wild Kopi Luwak so special?

• The civets naturally select only the highest-quality cherries, enhancing the flavor.

• The limited quantity available from wild civets makes the product extremely scarce and sought-after.

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🧼 3. Careful, Extensive Processing

Once the beans are collected, the journey is far from over. Each bean must go through several careful stages:

• Thorough washing and sanitation (for obvious reasons!)

• Drying and fermentation

• Roasting by skilled artisans, who must preserve the unique flavor developed through the civet’s digestive enzymes

This multi-step process further elevates the labor cost and price tag.

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🌍 4. Exotic Appeal + Small Supply = Sky-High Prices

Let’s not forget the curiosity and prestige associated with drinking one of the world’s rarest coffees.

• For some, it’s a bucket-list experience.

• For others, it’s about savoring a product that is both natural and artisanal.

• The combination of limited supply, exotic origin, and novelty factor pushes the demand—and the price—even higher.

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🚫 A Note on Ethics

A growing number of experts and coffee lovers are urging consumers to be mindful:
Much of the Kopi Luwak available today comes from caged civets subjected to unethical treatment.

If you’re going to indulge in this rare brew, look for:

• Wild-sourced certifications

• Ethical harvesting practices

• Small producers who prioritize animal welfare

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☕ In Summary

Kopi Luwak is more than just an expensive cup of coffee—it’s a story of nature, rarity, and painstaking labor. The high price is justified (in the case of wild-sourced beans) by:

• The intensive manual labor of locating and collecting wild civet droppings

• The limited supply and natural selection by the animals themselves

• The lengthy processing to ensure quality and safety

• The exotic mystique that appeals to coffee connoisseurs

Whether you're a curious coffee lover or a skeptical sipper, one thing's certain: Kopi Luwak isn’t your average morning brew.

Meanwhile, you can order Kopi Luwak on line. It is on Sale Now from $299 to $199 per Lb.    

Kaya Kopi Luwak starts it life at 4,000 feet (1,200 M) above sea level in the heart of the Pangalengan Highlands of West Java, Indonesia. There, wild and healthy Asian palm civets feast on only the ripest and highest quality arabica coffee beans available. After the civets do their work, our local staff collect and clean the beans before slow roasting them at 391 °F (199°C) to ensure the perfect body yet un-burned taste. We don't cut corners: we are organic, fair trade and environmentally conscious. 

Flavor Profile:

When Kaya Kopi Luwak hits your tongue you will immediately notice that it is remarkably smooth. It has a light, almost pillowy texture that floats in your mouth for several seconds after swallowing. Kaya Kopi is intensely aromatic and even more flavorful. You may taste and smell hints of citrus, jasmine, honey and/or chocolate depending on your batch and the current harvest season. 

https://www.kayakopi.com/kaya-kopi-luwak-16-ounce?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17180983183&gbraid=0AAAAADNd9n0wzXUeQUlB3GwyrfakMR4Ts&gclid=Cj0KCQjw953DBhCyARIsANhIZoZ5NfDB_1OSJb3lF_p2VQkjiivnUByA5yySjscL8D5BfFJXrW1P1gcaAgnkEALw_wcB

Meanwhile, here's an article on the Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/17/health/caffeine-heart-health-study-wellness?utm_source=cnn_Five+Things+for+Sunday%2C+July+13%2C+2025&utm_medium=email&bt_ee=XxTyBEZkyqsNRumXQTx2Dt%2BIWwxQdX43vTZ%2B%2BdV4sCRJGAvQXLaSlw4sfxsQv6cv&bt_ts=1752411637415

Lastly, my Photo For Today: 

Erotic mosaic stolen in World War II returned to Pompeii

The spicy piece may have once decorated a bedroom floor in a Roman villa.

I Became a Great Grand Father Twice This year

First great orandson-Graham Everett -One Month Old,  My second great grandson name is Beau David born July 7, 2025 (photo below)

I became a great-grandfather twice this year. My first great-grandson is named Graham Everett born May 4, 2025. My second great-grandson named Beau David was born 10 days ago. Both boys are the grandsons of my oldest daughter Dinah. Here are two poems commemorating these 2 events in the in the late stages of my life.   

Poem #1: Twice Blessed: A Great Grandfather’s Joy

Twice this year, the heavens smiled,
And sent us each a precious child.
First came Graham, bold and bright,
Born beneath May’s gentle light.

Then little Beau, with eyes like dawn,
Ten days ago, this world was drawn.
Two great grandsons now, new lives begun,
Both the seeds of my daughter’s sun.

Dinah’s line, now branching wide,
With love that time can’t dim or hide.
From father, to grand, to great I stand,
With tiny fingers grasping my hand.

In every coo and sleepy sigh,
I see the echoes of years gone by.
Legacy wrapped in newborn grace,
A future written on each face.

What joy it is, what gift, what pride,
To see life’s river deepen wide.
Graham and Beau, may you both know,
The love that through your veins will flow.

And as I watch your lives take flight,
My heart is full, my spirit light.
For in your laughter, dreams, and tears,
I live again through the future years.

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Poem #2: To My Dear Great-Grandsons, Graham and Beau,

What a wonder it is to greet you both —
Graham Everett, who arrived with spring’s sunshine on May 4, 2025,
and Beau David, so fresh to this world, just ten days ago.

You are both blessings beyond measure,
little branches on a family tree
that has stood through years of love, hope, and dreams.

As your great-grandfather, I stand amazed —
not just at your tiny hands and sleepy smiles,
but at the miracle that life continues,
flowing forward through each of you.

You are grandsons of my beloved daughter Dinah,
and through her, you carry stories you’ve yet to hear,
strengths you’ll one day discover,
and a love that has traveled through generations to reach you.

My wish for you is simple yet deep:
may your days be filled with wonder,
your hearts with kindness,
and your journeys with courage.

In you, I see the future —
a future I greet with pride and joy,
knowing our family’s light burns even brighter
because you are here.

With all my love,
Your Great-Grandfather,
David, Your Super Lolo 

Meanwhile, here's 25 weird words writers secretly love! 

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How many of the above words have you used in your writings or heard readings? 

Lastly, my Photo of the Day

Embracing AI as a Nonagenarian

Embracing AI at 90+: How Technology Fuels My Creativity and Connection

At 90-plus years old, some might expect me to be winding down, content with memories of the past. But here I am, living proof that creativity doesn’t age — it evolves. Technology, especially artificial intelligence, has become my companion, my canvas, and my bridge to the world.

As a nonagenarian, I’ve witnessed the world transform — from handwritten letters to instant messaging, from libraries of books to the vast expanse of the internet. But what excites me most today is AI, a tool that feels less like a cold machine and more like an extension of my mind.

Rediscovering Creativity Through AI

Creativity for seniors is often constrained by the limitations of aging bodies — weaker hands, fading eyesight, or slower reflexes. But technology, and particularly AI, has leveled the playing field. I now write, generate visual art, compose poetry, and even draft thoughtful letters to my great-grandchildren — all with the help of intelligent tools.

AI assists me in organizing my thoughts, suggesting better words, or creating images that my hands can no longer draw. I feel like a painter with a digital brush, a writer with an endless vocabulary. Creativity is no longer about what I can’t do; it’s about what I can imagine.

Staying Connected — Beyond Physical Boundaries

Living alone as many in my age group do, the specter of isolation looms. But technology dissolves these barriers. Video calls, virtual communities, and even AI chat companions keep me engaged. I’ve connected with fellow enthusiasts around the world — some younger than my grandchildren — all sharing a passion for AI and its possibilities.

Through platforms like ChatGPT, I engage in conversations that stimulate my intellect. I use AI to help write my daily blogs, turning my reflections, wisdom, and stories into content that reaches family, friends, and even strangers who might need a spark of inspiration.

A Mindset Shift — Never Too Old to Learn

Some ask me: "Why bother with technology at your age?" My answer is simple — curiosity keeps me alive. Learning AI, understanding how machines can think, and exploring its ethical implications have not only sharpened my mind but given me purpose.

If anything, AI is teaching me that adaptability is the real fountain of youth. As my body slows, my mind soars — fueled by tools I never imagined in my youth.

My Message to Fellow Seniors

To my peers, I say: don’t fear technology — embrace it. Whether it’s using AI to compose music, write memoirs, or simply chat with someone when the house feels too quiet, these tools are gifts. Creativity doesn’t retire — it simply finds new ways to express itself.

And to younger generations: don’t count us seniors out. Some of us may have gray hair, but our minds are still very much alive — curious, creative, and connected. AI Technology has given me a second (or perhaps a third) wind, and I intend to use it fully.

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This is my story as a nonagenarian navigating the brave new world of AI. The future is not just for the young — it is for the young at heart.

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Personal Note: I have been using AI tools for the last 3 months. I am having fun. I have used it to create text messages, enhance/copy photos, convert text to videos and animate old photos, analyzed art and paintings, help self- diagnose and create a travel schedule. Half of my blogs are created with the help of AI technology. Some of my readers informed me that they prefer my writings without AI help. I disagree. I will continue writing with AI help and if you do not feel reading it, it's your loss and I will not be slighted.  

Meanwhile, here's 50 ironic inversions

Lastly, here's my photo of the Day: 

A Dark Red Hibiscus ( Gumamela) Flower- Photo Taken, Lafayette, CA 7-13-25