Va de Vi

Whether it’s lunchtime or dinnertime, Walnut Creek’s Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar is always bustling like the downtown in which it is located. For Sam and me,  Va de Vi has come to signify a special occasion restaurant where we’ve celebrated Sam’s birthday, our engagement and, most recently, his return from a three-week trip to Pakistan.

Every time we dine at Va de Vi we are thrilled with the creativeness of the chef and outstanding quality of the food.The menu follows the small plates concept, so nibbling and sharing is the name of the game. I really like the small plates concept because the focus is on the taste of the food rather than shoveling down a plate of food that could serve two or three people.

When Sam and I last went to Va de Vi,  we ordered two entrees and a vegetable: beef carpaccio, rosemary lamb kebabs and sauteed summer squash with tomatoes.

As Va de Vi is also a wine bar, they have a diverse selection of wines from all over the world. Even if you know what wine you want to order, take a minute to read the humorous wine list. Sam and I enjoy a sparkling rose, whose  varietal, vintner and region I have unfortunately forgotten (I could point to it on the list though!).

When it comes to dessert, there is no need to pick just one item: the dessert tasting for two features four different sweet nibbles such as creme brulee, profiteroles, bread pudding and chocolate souffle. A cup of Va de Vi’s strong, piping hot coffee completes a fabulous meal.