Last night I had dinner at Metro in Lafayette. It’s the second time I’ve been there. The first time they had a duck confit on the menu that was ridiculous. How ridiculous you may ask? When the guy came and asked about dessert we both said “can we have the duck for dessert?” That’s an amazing dish. Last night the duck wasn’t on the menu, but a Croque Monsieur was and so was a Bucatini with sausage. Both dishes were excellent. My friend Harry ordered the spicy fries and we spent a goodly amount of time figuring out the amazing spice concoction.  (We nailed it)  Service was very attentive, just like the last time. This place is a little jewel in a strip mall. The owner is a sommelier so the wine list is interesting and well priced. We had the Tempranillo by the glass and for the first time in a long time I could say that a by the glass wine was both good and well priced. Stop by, they bring a certain sophistication to their house that’s nice to see in Contra Costa County.

Friday afternoon, I fell asleep on the BART train, missed my stop and ended up at the end of the line in Pittsburg.  While it messed up my Friday plans, it allowed me to see the mountain from out there on Highway 4.  The view coming back from that side is amazing.  It it was a mistake worth making.  I hope the weather continues to hold, it’s just been gorgeous in Contra Costa County.

Tonight it’s March Madness up at the Pleasant Hill Wine Merchants.  If you haven’t been up to this place, they know wine.  No, they KNOW wine.  And they’re really nice people.  Here’s their blurb for tonight:

Fri March 21 & Sat March 22 March Madness! Come and taste our best picks of the month Tasting Fee $10 ($5 Wine Club Members) Special feature Friday night only: Dechen Designs — Treat yourself to a taste of luxury with our high-quality, hand-woven Cashmere (pashmina) wraps from Nepal. Freshen up your wardrobe with our hot & trendy silk scarves with matching handbags from India!

Sunday March 23rd – closed for Easter Holiday

Heather Farms is having their Easter Egg hunt tomorrow.

Saturday, March 22nd, 10:15 a.m. Walnut Creek Spring Egg
Hunts, Heather Farm Park 301 N. San Carlos Dr. @ Ygnacio
Valley Road, and Larkey Park, 2771 Buena Vista Ave. Walnut
Creek, FREE  This hunt is divided into two parts, Preschoolers to
5th graders and disabled children will be at Heather Farm Park
and there will be another hunt for Preschoolers through fifth
graders at Larkey Park.  Note: Larkey Park is on the other side of
the 680 from Heather Farms.  Depending on how your kid likes
crowds, you might consider the Larkey Park Location.

Saturday, March 22nd, 8:00 – 9:45 a.m. (just before the Egg Hunt)
Walnut Creek Breakfast with the Spring Bunny, $5 adults, FREE
for kids under 12, There will be a pancake breakfast with the
Spring Bunny at the Heather Farm Community Center. 

My favorite brunch location is Patrick David’s in the Livery in Danville.  Don’t know if they’re doing a special Easter brunch or not, it’s best to drop a dime on them first, but if you go there be sure to order that warm chocolate souffle.  It’s possibly the best dessert in Contra Costa County, and I’m not a chocolate fan.  Scott’s in Walnut Creek has a special Easter brunch, call early, they’re always crowded and with good reason.

And we’ve got a decent weather report for the weekend so it’ll be a great time to take a hike around the mountain, or a ride or a run or a nice 18 holes.  Have a great weekend everyone!

I’m in the real estate industry. I’ve been working in Northern California most of my life. The basis for every metes and bounds description up here is Mt. Diablo base and meridian. It didn’t seem like that big of a deal until I moved out into her shadow. She is an majestic mountain. She looms large over this whole area. A friend says “if you get lost, just drive towards Mt. Diablo and you’ll find your way”. I did and I have. You can too.