Restaurants
by John M. Zukoski on August 25, 2011 | 
8 Comments | Topics: Restaurants
After months of waiting and anticipation, Guy Fieri recently soft-opened Johnny Garlic’s restaurant at the thriving Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, CA. Judging by the crowd that congregated during a recent Sunday lunch, Johnny Garlic’s newest location is off to a fantastic start. Much like Guy Fieri’s hair and personality, every detail at the latest Johnny Garlic’s in Dublin is “turned up to 11″ on a scale of 10. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly and passionate about Johnny Garlic’s. The flavors are sensational and unlike anything diners will find at other restaurants in the Tri-Valley.
A-list servers like Nikki and Chase are quickly becoming guest favorites because of their commitment to Guy Fieri’s vision. All of Johnny Garlic’s servers are expected to memorize each and every ingredient in the dishes, including the made-from-scratch sauces. The servers also have to know by heart Guy Fieri’s inspiration for each creation. This deep understanding helps the Johnny Garlic’s team provide recommendations on food-wine pairings and offer advice to those with particular food allergies.
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by John M. Zukoski on August 19, 2011 | 4 Comments | Topics: Local Businesses · Restaurants
The most successful chain restaurants in and around Dublin, CA are really good at pushing buttons. They are able to push the pleasure buttons of diners with an artful combination of fats, salts, and sugars to create an alchemy of flavor that humans have evolved to crave and seek out whenever possible. While some restaurants offer alternative “fit and healthy” menus with reduced calories, saturated fats, and sodium, many restaurants like Applebee’s and The Cheesecake Factory lure diners in with their wonderfully decadent belly buster dishes. Some local eateries offer entrees and desserts that in some cases completely surpass the recommended daily allowance of 2,000 calories, 20 grams of saturated fats, and 2,400 milligrams of sodium.
The 1,520 calories from Applebee’s Provolone Stuffed Meatball with Fettuccine still leaves room for a few more calories to fuel customers through the day; however, the 43 grams of saturated fats means that guests will be reduced to a diet of carrots and figs in order to stay under 2,000 calories. For those who still have room for dessert, Cold Stone Creamery tips the scales with their 2,010-calorie Peanut Butter and Chocolate Shake that also packs 68 grams of artery-spackling saturated fats.
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by John M. Zukoski on August 3, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Local Businesses · Restaurants
Coco’s Bakery in Dublin, CA has come a long way. Back in April, Coco’s revamped its interior to take full advantage of the abundance of natural lighting at their location and updated its furniture and light fixtures to give this classic restaurant a more contemporary look. Located on the corner of Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road across from Safeway, Coco’s sits in prime view of all the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s historic retail district.
Along with a new look-and-feel, Coco’s has also completely refreshed its menu. Coco’s offers a core menu filled with traditional breakfast favorites, Angus beef and turkey burgers, and a wide variety of salads such as the savory and spicy Asian Chicken Salad. The core menu also features freshly baked artisan bread sandwiches like the Coco’s Veggie, Meatball, and California Chicken Ciabatta. The Coco’s Fit & Lively entrées are all under 600 calories and packed full of flavor. Items like Chicken Bruschetta & Fresh Spinach, Bistro Salmon with Fresh Tomato Basil, and the Southwest Angus Sirloin have captured the imaginations of many guests, as Coco’s strives to set itself apart from the competition.
Coco’s also has a seasonal menu based on whatever fruits are in season to complement the rich offerings on its core menu. The current summer fruit selection includes peaches and blueberries. Guests will be amazed at the wonders the chefs at Coco’s can create with these two perennial fruit favorites. Coffee lovers that are looking for a mild brew and low acidic content will enjoy Coco’s exclusive fair trade organic coffee, which is available by the cup at the restaurant or by the pound to take home. The Dublin Coco’s also has a solid selection of value-priced wine brands to choose from with favorites from Fetzer, Bogle, and Kenwood that mom and dad can enjoy while the kids gulp down juice, soda, or milk with their dinner.
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by Around Dublin Team on July 22, 2011 | 50 Comments | Topics: Development · Opinions · Restaurants
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse recently filed an application to open at the new Fallon Gateway shopping center in Dublin, CA. According to Dublin’s Economic Development Director Linda Smith-Maurer, the latest BJ’s will open next to the Target currently under construction. BJ’s hopes to have construction completed by as early as February 2012. The Target in East Dublin remains on track to finish in October 2011.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse had previously considered two other locations in Dublin. One potential site was next to the former Mervyn’s building, and the other was adjacent to Dublin Toyota. BJ’s imminent arrival promises to be a huge boost for Fallon Gateway and should attract other restaurants and retailers to the highly-anticipated shopping center.
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by John M. Zukoski on June 21, 2011 | 12 Comments | Topics: Local Businesses · Restaurants · Retail · Things To Do
Each year, Diablo Magazine asks their readers to help select their favorite East Bay hot spots. This year’s Diablo Magazine Best of the East Bay survey included feedback from nearly 12,000 readers living throughout the area, including Dublin, CA. After readers named their favorite businesses, Diablo Magazine staff paid many of the spots a visit and also added in a few editorial selections. In total, Diablo Magazine selected 151 winners, including reader picks, editor picks, and profiles of the East Bay’s best “stars and standouts,” which included Guy Fieri, Tom Hanks, and American Idol finalist Thia Megia.
Around Dublin favorite SnowFlake won for Best Icy Treat for its uniquely splendid Taiwanese shaved ice. “Yes, it looks like something Hello Kitty would think up, but the specialty of this tiny new Ulferts Center spot is a one-of-a-kind visual, textural, and taste experience,” shared Diablo Magazine staff member Ethan Fletcher. “Popular in Hong Kong (and Taiwan), it’s made with flavored ice (80 percent fruit, 10 percent whole milk, and just 10 percent water) that’s shaved into beautiful ribbons and decorated with fun accoutrement such as chopped lychee and popping boba gummy balls.”
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by John M. Zukoski on June 20, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Announcements · Restaurants · Things To Do
Cellar 9 Restaurant & Bar, the latest restaurant to open at Grafton Station in East Dublin, is finalizing preparations for its grand opening celebration on June 22nd. While details are still being worked out, co-owner Rose Thome confirmed that accomplished international pianist and vocalist Michael Denton will be performing live at Cellar 9′s grand opening extravaganza. In addition to the live entertainment, Cellar 9 will be offering complimentary appetizers during its happy hour between 5:00PM and 6:00PM. Cellar 9 will also be raffling off items that could include bottles from Cellar 9′s exquisite wine collection. “Everyone at Cellar 9 is looking forward to meeting our new friends in Dublin. Please come and join us on our big day,” said Rose.
As the first restaurant at Grafton Station to make itself accessible to pedestrian foot traffic on the Grafton Street side of the shopping plaza, Cellar 9 greets customers with an impressive entrance that features a cathedral ceiling. Behind the reception area is Cellar 9′s custom-rehabilitated bar, which is fully stocked with the finest wine selection in Dublin. As customers take a right turn toward the main dining area, they are treated to a clear view of Grafton Station’s other side and its unique water fountain.
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by Around Dublin Team on June 17, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Opinions · Restaurants · Things To Do
This Sunday is Father’s Day. Have you made brunch or dinner plans for Dad? If not, the Around Dublin Team has a few suggestions to accommodate different taste preferences and price points.
Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Walnut Creek offers a magnificent champagne brunch that usually includes a carving station, dessert bar, omelet station, and array of dishes showcasing Scott’s famous fresh seafood. Rebecca G. from Walnut Creek offers this bit of advice, “The outdoor terrace is magical! There’s lush greenery and a waterfall; it’s really beautiful! If you come here, try to eat outside.” Scott’s Seafood Restaurant is located at 1333 North California Boulevard in Walnut Creek.
Cellar 9 Restaurant & Bar in East Dublin is taking dinner reservations for Father’s Day. This family-run restaurant serves upscale American comfort food without the attitude. The wonderfully tender prime rib, large stack of babyback ribs, succulent meatloaf, and flavorful short ribs from Executive Chef Charri Feuille’s kitchen are all great ways to treat dad on his special day. Cellar 9 also offers a dinner menu just for kids at $7.00, so families will not break the bank over Father’s Day dinner. Cellar 9 is located at 4112 Grafton Street in the heart of Grafton Station.
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by John M. Zukoski on June 13, 2011 | 3 Comments | Topics: Development · Restaurants
Vito’s Express, soon to be the newest restaurant at Grafton Station, recently announced that the opening has been tentatively set for August. Vito’s Express had initially hoped to open in early June. “We’ve had a slight delay similar to most restaurants that are getting their facility ready,” said co-owner Scott Bolin. Once open, Vito’s Express will occupy the highly visible 1,500-square-foot pad that is closest to westbound I-580. The Grafton Station location will be the flagship restaurant of Vito’s Express chain.
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by Jimmy Huang on June 6, 2011 | 10 Comments | Topics: Restaurants
Liang’s Kitchen (梁媽媽家臺灣眷村美食) is coming to Dublin, CA at the Ulferts Center. The highly popular restaurant chain from Southern California has signed the lease for the restaurant space formerly occupied by AA Tofu House, which is on the other side of the walkway from Thai Basil Express. Liang’s Kitchen is keeping most of AA Tofu House’s tenant improvements intact, since everything AA Tofu House has done to the restaurant space fits beautifully with the theme of Liang’s Kitchen. Liang’s Kitchen has locations in Arcadia, El Monte, Irvine, Monterey Park, Rowland Height, and San Gabriel. The chain has also been expanding aggressively in the South Bay with new restaurants in San Jose, Milpitas, Fremont, and Cupertino. Liang’s Kitchen at the Ulferts Center will be the chain’s first venture into the East Bay.
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