Nestled neatly on what I commonly refer to as "Restaurant Row" in Walnut Creek lies the Silk Road; one of Walnut Creek's Mediterranean/Greek restaurants. One of its finest if I might so add.
When you first walk up, the patio immediately catches your eye. They have live plants, fountains and perfectly-arranged seats and tables just waiting to be used. At the entrance, you will find a menu with prices and pictures... something I always enjoy seeing. It lets you answer several questions: 1. Can I afford this place? 2. What does the food look like?
Immediately, your mouth begins to water because you are seeing this spectacular food and realizing that you can totally afford it! Not only that, the restaurant is clean, well-decorated and wait, is that cool Mediterranean/Greek music I hear??? SOLD!
They let you sit anywhere you want. However, the moment you sit down someone is at the table with water, Greek flatbread, tabbouleh with balsamic vinegar and the menu. Though my waiter was your A-typical rough-around-the-edges Greek man, it was a much welcomed greeting. ;-)
Along with Italian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese food, Mediterranean/Greek food is among my list of favorites. One could say I have a distinct taste for it. Most would tell you that I will put anything in my mouth... and for the most part, I HAVE!!! I can admit that I am adventurous when it comes to food- and some Greek dishes can be quite adventurous.
I ripped a piece of the bread and dipped it into the little bowl and WHAM! The flavor hits your taste buds and you melt right where you sit. The bread is delicious! Cooked fresh on a wood burning stove, you can feel the flavorful flames licking your brain! Delicious start to what you will read was great meal.
The menu definitely has something for almost everyone. Meats, poultry, fish and vegetarian- sorry, no Vegan. Well, if you asked them to remove the yogurt from it, then you'd be fine. I sincerely believe that even the pickiest eaters would be able to find something magnificent.
I first ordered their "Combination Platter". This had humus, babaghanosh , tabbouleh & dolmas arranged neatly on a large platter... with LARGE portions. Along with that came a 14" diameter flatbread! WONDERFUL! All freshly made, the flavor hits you like a ton of bricks and you are speechless.
If you sit on the patio where I chose to, you can see the world passing by as you enjoy the fine cuisine. Steadily, there are people walking, bicycling and driving by; occasionally, looking over to see what you are eating and taking in your surrounding area on the patio one eye-full at a time. Me being a people-watcher, I was in my element. All this alongside the music and babbling fountains, causes the relaxation set in and you realize you are right where you need to be for that moment in time.
As if that platter of absolute heaven wasn't enough, I ordered the "Falafel Sandwich" to complete my personal feast. Greek flatbread wrapped around the fresh lettuce, tomato and onions topped off with tzatziki sauce is my newest love! I had to force myself to stop eating before I burst!
I was in awe: great décor, ambiance and food! I never knew this place existed and now my eyes were opened to the hope that there are still great places at which to eat that I have not yet imagined! This restaurant is on the top of my favorite list so far. You should make it a stop on your journey through this thing called "life".
When you do visit, I'll be the guy on the patio watching people walk by whilst I eat one of the best meals in town; because I know I'll be back! read more