ContraCostaLive.com GOOD EATS — August 12, 2026
Stevie Ray Ahhhnold: Get To Da Table!
August 12, 2026
I’ll be BACH for seconds. Today we PUMP UP the appetite, we CRUSH the hunger, we do not skip risotto day. Let’s get into it before I flex through my sleeves again.
🌟 This Week’s Special Guest 🌟
You call THIS spicy? I’ve BEEN in spicier places! I once did a workout in Death Valley wearing a WOOL SWEATER — this eggplant is a WARM HUG by comparison! But I RESPECT it. I respect the HEAT.
Dumpling and Noodle House
Eggplant & Garlic Sauce — $13.95
This flavorful hot & spicy stir-fry is a tasty way to eat all your vegetables. Across the street from Park & Shop, this is a low-key casual diner cafe serving unpretentious but tasty food — known for dumplings and fresh noodles.
Cheese Quesadilla — $10
Melted cheese, crispy tortilla — good, GOOD. But you want to be STRONG? You ADD THE CHICKEN BREAST, four dollars, for FOUR POUNDS OF MUSCLE — best deal in Concord. Sour cream and salsa on the side, this is RECOVERY FUEL. Do you even quesadilla, bro?
Vinnie’s Bar
The Sampler Platter — $22.65
Quesadilla, nachos, chimichangas, hot wings, jalapeño poppers — ALL ON ONE PLATE, for $22.65! I said ‘That’s EVERYTHING.’ They said ‘That’s the POINT.’ Mariachi Thursday, 6pm — dos margaritas for me and mi amigo. I don’t speak Spanish but my LIVER does! Come. Eat. Everything.
Celia’s Mexican Food Restaurant
Risotto Primavera — $19
Shallots, broccoli, zucchini, parsley, arborio risotto, heavy cream, topped with Asiago — this is not a dinner, this is a MASTERPIECE. And you eat it with a FREE MARINA VIEW! Look at the water while you eat the cream! This is balance. This is life.
Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill
Location: 1 Marina Plaza, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: (925) 775-4862
Hours: Mon–Sat: 11am–9pm | Sun: 11am–8pm
Seafood w/ Spinach Risotto (Lunch Special) — $24.95
Lunch, Wednesday through Saturday, 11 to 3 — this is a WINDOW, and you must not miss the window! Set lunch menu, seasonal specials — they rotate the specials like I rotate my muscle groups. Seafood and spinach risotto? This is protein and this is greens. Get in the window.
Cap’s Restaurant
Lunch special served Wed–Sat, 11am–3pm.
Location: 144 Oak St, Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: (925) 634-1025
Hours: Mon–Tue: 4–9pm | Wed–Sat: 11am–3pm & 4–9pm
Hold’em, $5 Blackjack & 3 Card Poker — 7 Days A Week
Twenty-two HD TVs. Giants, A’s, Warriors — every day. And you can also GAMBLE while you watch?! This is not a bar, this is a PROPER neighborhood destination. I go all in on the Warriors and all in on the wings. Come back, 19th Hole. You will be back.
19th Hole Casino and Sports Bar
Location: 2746 W. Tregallas Rd, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: (925) 757-6545
Hours: Mon–Fri: 11am–2am | Sat–Sun: 10am–2am
Please gamble responsibly. Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
🗳️ Who Hosts Good Eats Next Week?
Ahhnuld wants to know who’s next — and he’s already got a one-liner ready for whoever it is. Click a name. Frank gets the email. Done.
Returning Favorites
🔪 Billy Ray Ramsey
The Angry Chef
💅 Joannie Ray Rivers
Can We Talk?
😩 Rodney Ray Valentine
The King of No Respect
New Challengers
🎭 Pacino-Ray
HOO-AH, It’s a Meatball
🎸 Jack Black Ray
The Rock-Opera Foodie
🤠 Wayne Ray
The Duke of Dinner
Most votes wins. Tie goes to whoever makes Frank laugh first.
GOOD EATS
A ContraCostaLive.com Production