One expects California to deliver the best. Napa Valley wines now arguably better than French and Italian wines. Apple leads with their signature IPad, IPhone, IPod devices. And the best café in the world? If you guessed Caffe California in Walnut Creek, California, you would not be wrong. 25 miles east of San Francisco, it is a Goan-owned café since June 1 of this year. One would expect a café around Lake Geneva or on Avenue des Champs-Élysées to top the “best on the planet” list but Caffe California is definitely Olympic Gold medal status.
The Moniz family (Melanie, Tony, Nathan, Jeremy) took an existing café and in a few months delivered a culinary experience that is five-star. The reviews are in and they reflect the must-visit nature of the place. Filomena Giese was the first Goan to visit the café when it opened under Moniz ownership on June 1. Visiting with her husband John, she called it “an extraordinary eatery with world-class service”. The staff assisting the Moniz family are friendly and most welcoming: Maria Negrete, her brother Arnulfo Negrate, Socorro Ontiveros, and Viridiana (Vivi) Montano. Here is what other customers have written. Shilla Almeida writes “I was recommended their signature Tijuana Torta with roast beef, avocados and salsa - it was delicious!! I loved the relaxed atmosphere and enjoyed a freshly made mocha from their espresso bar”. 3-year old Aidan says the food is “yummy”. Acaria Almeida describes her visit “I had the lunch special of the day - tilapia with a cup of brown rice - it was a perfect light lunch entree for the health conscious. Tasty and wholesome, it was enough to keep you going for the rest of a productive work day at the office”. Sr. Frederica Britto (visiting from the UK) says it was definitely worth the visit and the hour’s drive from San Jose. 9 year-old Liam says it is a fun café for kids with lots of space and a cool patio. Lydia Pinto says she loves the Goan touch with some menu items. The café is open during the week for breakfast and lunch (closed for dinner and on weekends except for private parties and by arrangement). Details are at http://www.caffecalifornia.com/. Address: 100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 120, Walnut Creek, California, 94596. Phone: 1-925-932-1675. An eclectic menu to please ever taste bud: soups, salads, sandwiches, specialty coffees with daily creative lunch specials. The ambiance, décor, food preparation and presentation, friendly staff, attentive management, affordable prices, outstanding location (right next to BART), prompt service, repeat and long-time customers, all the right ingredients for a memorable experience. Caffe California is the best of the best, or to use a food phrase - the créme the la créme. Bon appétit.
