Archive for October, 2011

We have such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in the San Ramon Valley that it is easy to forget some of the really good experiences we have had in the past. I knew it had been years since Sylvia and I had been to the Walnut Creek Yacht Club and another visit was certainly overdue.

As a result, we found ourselves seated at a table by the window early on a recent Friday evening, where amazingly, we had managed to snag a parking space right outside. Parking is never easy in Walnut Creek and although they have a small lot, it was already overfull when we arrived.

As soon as you enter, you know that this is a popular place. The small bar area at the front was crammed with the lively early evening crowd and the restaurant area was just starting to fill up as we sat down. Reservations here are essential.

The décor is undeniably nautical. Lots of varnished wood, ships flags and even the front half of a mounted shark coming through the wall above the bar. It all creates a great ambiance.

But we came for the food as much as the surroundings and the menu is extensive, so having settled in with a bottle of very reasonably priced Duckhorn Chardonnay, then came the decision making time.

For an appetizer, we shared a portion of calamari, always a good test of seafood restaurant. We were not disappointed. Fried in a light batter and super-fresh with pieces of onion mixed in. And more than enough for two to share.

The main course offered an interesting option which is to effectively build your own dish. There is a choice of nine fish, nine sauces and 5 sides  and the price of each fish (which can be plain grilled, blackened or sautéed) includes your choice of two sauces and a side dish. I chose to have grilled sea bass with a ginger, soy, sesame sauce and spicy calypso fruit salsa with a side of 3-cheese potato gratin. This turned out to be a great combination.

Sylvia ordered Petrale sole from the specials menu and this was also cooked to perfection. Sole is one of our favorites and the Yacht Club’s version completely lived up to expectations.

Both of our portions were of such generous size that we had to pass on dessert, despite being tempted by  their vanilla bean crème brulee. And all of their desserts other than ice cream are made in house.

So as you can see, we had a very satisfying visit to the Walnut Creek Yacht Club. You can read much more about them on their web site at www.wcyc.com. And there really is more to read about. I didn’t even get around to talking about their raw bar or their outside patio.