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The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating are in parentheses. if there are more stars than dollar signs, consider it a good value. for more restaurant reviews, visit ContraCostaTimes.com/restaurants or InsideBayArea.com/restaurants.
Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe, 1805 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 510-251-9400, iamrudy.com. Rudy’s — named after a song by the Clash — serves fare as American as MTV and BLTs. this is comfort food at its most comfortable, with tasty burgers, BLTs with avocado, grown-up milkshakes and more delights for Fox Theater-goers and regular Joes alike. $. (H H ½ on 8/12/11)
Oyama Sushi, 3651 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. 925-283-6888; oyama-sushi.com. this new Japanese restaurant offers two dozen types of nigiri/sashimi and a wide array of beautiful and imaginative rolls, with pan-Asian flair. $-$$. (H H ½ on 7/29/11)
Sakoon, 357 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-965-2000, sakoonrestaurant.com. this modern, upscale Indian restaurant is a good choice for special occasions when the atmosphere is as important as the food. New executive chef Alex Xalxo offers a blend of traditional Indian dishes and Western-style dining with a backbone of Indian flavors and technique. $$. (H H ½ on 7/23/11)
Ottavio, 1606 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-930-8008, ottavio-osteria.com. this stylish osteria offers authentic Venetian flavors and plenty of delights, from Bellini cocktails to pappardelle with fava beans and artichokes, wild boar ragu and various seafood dishes. $$-$$$. (H H H on 7/22/11)
Disco Volante, 347 14th St., Oakland. 510-663-0271, discovolanteoakland.com. Amusing cocktails, great food and live music make this casual, eclectic eatery — the name is a nod to a James Bond villain’s yacht — a fun first date venue. Don’t miss the avocado tacos, house-made sausage on a pretzel bun and buttermilk panna cotta. $-$$. (H H H on 7/8/11)
Ippuku, 2130 Center St., Berkeley. 510-665-1969, ippukuberkeley.com. this upscale izakaya and kushiyaki-ya offers a vast sochu selection, authentic bincho-grilled yakitori and small plates — including a chicken tartare-like tori yukke — that are tailor made for noshing as you sip and socialize. $-$$ per small plate. (H H H on 6/17/11)
Quattro, four Seasons Hotel, 2050 University Ave., Palo Alto. 650-470-2889, fourseasons.com/siliconvalley. this sophisticated menu, full of Italian influences and seasonal ingredients, is well-matched to the restaurant’s sleek, airy and artful interior. Pastas are a great mix of the familiar and innovative; the Sunday suppers, $25 for three courses, have to be one of the best prix fixe deals in the Bay Area. $$$.
(H H ½ on 6/11/11)
Federicos Tapas and Wine Bar, 30971 Courthouse Drive, Union Landing Shopping Center, Union City. 510-441-0900, federicoscafe.com. An independently-owned restaurant in a sea of chains, Federicos offers diverse, fresh, global flavors in a setting that evokes a little tango-dancing, Latin vibe. Don’t miss the ceviche, chicken mole tacos, eggplant tower and signature ravioli. $ for small plates. (H H H on 6/3/11)
Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle Drive, Santa Clara. 408-980-6400; birksrestaurant.com. on weeknights, big crowds gather at this classic steakhouse for the mesquite-grilled steaks and daily happy hour. on weekend evenings, the mood is much more subdued, perfect for diners looking for a quieter, relaxed atmosphere. $$-$$$. (H H ½ on 5/28/11)
Pear Street Bistro, 2395 San Pablo Ave., Pinole. 510-741-8875, pearstreetbistro.com. this upscale neighborhood bistro offers a warm, welcoming vibe, vibrant bar scene and some great small plates and dinner specials. Don’t miss the mini-BBQ pork shanks and slaw. $$. (H H ½ on 5/20/11)
Homeroom, 400 40th St., Oakland. 510-597-0400, homeroom510.com. this playful eatery is all about mac ‘n’ cheese, with nine varieties of that comfort food fave, plus other nostalgic delights, including homemade Oreos. low prices, a relaxed vibe and a great little wine list — plus menus sporting paper airplane instructions — add up to a very fun night out. $. (H H H on 5/6/11)
Hudson, 5356 College Ave., Oakland. 510-595-4000, hudsonoakland.com. this stylish New American-style brasserie boasts a seasonal, Italian edge with a menu of wood-fired pizzas, and wonderful pastas and entrees. Perfect for date night, with an inviting lounge and artisanal cocktail list, but families are warmly welcomed too. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 4/22/11)
Casbah Mediterranean Kitchen, 1770 First St., Livermore. 925-243-1477, casbahexotic.com. this family-friendly neighborhood cafe specializes in flavorful, inexpensive Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, from gyros to samosas and kebabs. Vegetarians will be particularly delighted by the array of choices. Adding to the fun: Belly dancers perform Thursdays and Sundays. $$. (H H ½ on 4/15/11)
Zen, 2642 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill. 925-287-8899; zenrestaurantca.com. this small, smartly decorated restaurant on the border of Pleasant Hill and Martinez offers fresh, affordable Chinese food but needs to punch up the flavor on its Pan-Asian offerings. $$. (H H ½ on 4/8/11)
Dio Deka, 210 E. Main St., Los Gatos. 408-354-7700; diodeka.com. with the ink hardly dry on its Michelin star, Dio Deka has a new chef on board — Marty Cattaneo, from Manresa and Napa’s Ubuntu. Cattaneo’s new menu, which includes tempting mesquite grill and more classically Greek dishes, makes this one of Silicon Valley’s top places to dine. $$$-$$$$. (H H H on 4/2/11)
Forno Vecchio, 680 Main St., Pleasanton. 925-425-0099; FornoVecchio.com. this family-owned Italian restaurant offers a warmly enthusiastic welcome and some great dining options, including a tasty Italian Wedge salad with crispy pancetta and crumbled Gorgonzola, and divine gnocchi. $$. (H H H on 3/25/11)
Scratch, 401 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-237-3131; scratchmtnview.com. if spirits and cocktails are your thing, Scratch will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. this upscale restaurant also serves consistently good, classic American food, with some Mediterranean flavors. $$$. (H H ½ on 3/21/11)
Nex, 2442 Webster St., Oakland. 510-238-8224; nexoakland.com. From the cool Parisian-like warehouse interior to the lovingly prepared brick chicken, slow-cooked entrees and fantastic wood-fired pizzas, everything at this Italian-inspired bistro is a winner. $$$. (H H H ½ on 3/11/11)
Paesano Ristorante Italiano, 350 W. Julian St., San Jose. 408-217-9327; paesanolittleitaly.com. this homey Sicilian restaurant, the first in the San Jose little Italy revitalization, serves up classic fare from Palermo, including calamari fritti, house-made ravioli, seafood and veal dishes. $$. (H H ½ on 3/5/11)
Frances, 3870 17th St., San Francisco. 415-621-3870; frances-sf.com. Chef Melissa Perello turns fresh, seasonal ingredients into something exquisite, yet decidedly unfussy at this chic restaurant, which has made best-of lists from coast to coast. Her bacon beignets are deservedly famous, but the rest of the menu delights too. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 3/4/11)
Eleve, 1677 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-979-1677, eleverestaurant.com. Understated decor in earth tones, a chic bar, specialty cocktails and wonderful Vietnamese food add up to a great dining experience. Don’t miss the Cubed Filet Mignon, which rivals Slanted Door’s famous Shaking Beef. $$. (H H H on 2/11/11)
Station One, 2991 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650-851-4988, station1restaurant.com. Named for the old fire station in which it is housed, Station 1 is a charming restaurant, with a sophisticated three-course, prix fixe menu ($49) that emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal, organic ingredients. $$$$. (H H H on 2/5/11)
Grand Tavern, 3601 Grand Ave., Oakland. 510-444-4644; grandtavern.net. this utterly unpretentious gastro pub is all about good food, fabulous cocktails and warm service in a setting that feels more like someone’s quirky old house than a restaurant. The emphasis is on comfort food, made from organic, local ingredients — and the cocktail list is longer than the menu. $-$$. (H H H on 2/4/11)
Flea St. Cafe, 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park. 650-854-1226; cooleatz.com/flea-st-cafe. Jesse Cool’s classic cafe remains true to its original mission of local, organic, seasonal dishes made with impeccably fresh, high-quality ingredients. Vegetarians will be delighted too. $$$. (H H H on 1/23/11)
Table 24, 2 Theatre Square, Suite 153, Orinda. 925-254-0124; table24orinda.com. this new entry on the Lamorinda dining scene combines California comfort food with a relaxed setting — classic burgers, buttermilk fried chicken sliders, pizzas and healthy fare. It’s family friendly too, with two children’s menus, one for “littles” (ages 9 and younger) and one for “middles” (ages 10-16). $-$$. (H H H on 1/21/11)
Bravo Bistro, 1050 Contra Costa Blvd., Concord. 925-363-4443; thebravobistro.com. Elegant decor, artistic and flavorful dishes — crab fritters, savory pastas and exceptional desserts — and warm service add up to an unforgettable meal. $$. (H H H H on 12/31/10)
Zut! on Fourth, 1820 Fourth St., Berkeley. 510-644-0444; zutonfourth.com. this high-quality neighborhood restaurant offers a mixture of cozy, filling Mediterranean-inspired main dishes, including braised pork shank and roasted mushroom risotto, on trendy Fourth Street. $$. (H H H on 12/24/10)
Nonni’s Bistro, 425 Main St., Pleasanton. 925-600-0411; nonnisbistro.net. this small bistro, run by Icelandic chef Jon Magnusson, boasts classic European fare — steak frites, coq au vin — with a streak of Scandinavian savoir faire, including house-smoked salmon and a marzipan dessert. $$. (H H ½ on 12/17/10)
Plum, 2214 Broadway, Oakland. 510-444-7586; plumoakland.com. Daniel Patterson’s new restaurant is spectacular on every level, from the truly inventive, small-plates cuisine — tender slices of roast pork, resting on golden pools of delicate squash puree, for example, or a smoked white chocolate parfait — to stunning decor and impeccable service. $$. (H H H H on 12/10/10)
Chef Jon Lee, 1250 Newell Ave., Suite J, Walnut Creek. 925-935-9335; chefjonlee.com. this little place boasts an exceptional blending of Italian and Pacific Island flavors with traditional Asian cuisine. The food is dynamite, from the sticky crunchy chicken to the baby back spareribs smothered in Lee’s fusion marinade sauce. $$. (H H ½ on 12/3/10)
Osteria Coppa, 139 S. B St., San Mateo. 650-579-6021; osteriacoppa.com. The emphasis here is on high quality Cal-Italian food in an unpretentious setting. Superb pastas and seasonal entrees, including a wonderful Chicken al Mattone and a slow-cooked pork with polenta, by a chef who hails from San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Quince. $$-$$$. (H H H on 11/27/10)
Jules Thin Crust, Livery and Mercantile, 820 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville. 925-743-2790; julesthincrust.com. These organic, wafer-thin, oblong pizzas bear little resemblance to their Italian cousins, but their fresh toppings, hormone-free meats and intriguing flavor combinations — such as Brie, sliced pears and mozzarella, or fig jam and Gorgonzola — delight. There are gluten-free options, too. $. (H H H on 11/19/10)
Hachi Ju Hachi, 14480 Big Basin way, Saratoga. 408-647-2258. Simple, clean flavors and an eye for flawless presentation make this small but utterly authentic Japanese restaurant truly memorable. The menu includes vegetarian, grilled, steamed, stewed, claypot, sushi and rice entrees — make sure to sample the nightly specials. Children are welcome. $$-$$$. (H H H H on 11/13/10)
Zaki Kabob, 1101 San Pablo Ave., Albany. 510-527-5452; zakimedcuisine.com. The interior may look as if it were decorated by a team of Middle Eastern grandmothers, but the food is top-notch: wholesome and delicious. Don’t miss the crispy rotisserie chicken with basmati rice, flavorful sirloin kebabs and roast lamb stew — wash them down with some refreshing, bright green, mint lemonade. $$. (H H ½ on 11/12/10)
Wayfare Tavern, 558 Sacramento St., S.F. 415-772-9060; wayfaretavern.com. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s new restaurant is all about comfort classics, and something’s here for everyone. An open kitchen downstairs gives Florence fans a chance to watch him in action, with a front-row seat at the chef’s counter. great atmosphere with friendly, engaging servers, and the fried chicken is tops. $$-$$$. (H H ½ on 11/5/10)
eVe, 1960 University Ave., Berkeley. 510-868-0735; eve-berkeley.com. this intimate restaurant near Berkeley’s arts district puts the emphasis on seasonal, handcrafted, neo-artisanal American fare, served in double-course small-plate portions. Don’t miss the desserts, including a glazed chocolate cream atop mini carrot cakes with honeycomb crunch and cocoa streusel. $$$. (H H ½ on 10/29/10)
Alborz, 1829 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. 925-944-9009. this Persian restaurant boasts authentic dishes — including Joogeh Kabob and grilled Cornish game hen marinated in lime juice, saffron and olive oil — and a warm, even opulent ambience, with silk rugs covering the floors and huge, romantic paintings on the walls. $$. (H H ½ on 10/15/10)
Revival Bar & Kitchen, 2102 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-549-9950; revivalbarandkitchen.com. dark colors and stylish decor make a chic setting for artisanal farm-to-table, cuisine, with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients, unusual flavor combinations and house-made sausages and pates. plus, the location — right in the heart of Berkeley’s arts district — can’t be beat. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 10/8/10)
Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, 60 Crescent Drive, Suite a, Pleasant Hill. 925-849-6195; jacksrestaurants.com. It may look upscale, but the Marcovici brothers’ restaurant blends family-friendliness with tasty American cuisine and Mediterranean flair, including a tender pork chop with zesty heirloom tomato-basil relish and a butterscotch creme brulee. Add in patio dining and a nice children’s menu, and it’s a winner. $$. (H H H on 10/1/10)
The Corner Modern Thai, 6635 Alhambra Ave., Suite 214, Martinez. 925-280-9998. this family-owned Thai restaurant is a tranquil little neighborhood place, with dark-wood floors and warm hues. try the Bangkok street food section of the menu, particularly the sweet basil and chicken with crisp green beans. The tom yum soup, pad thai and Panang curry are also good. $. (H H ½ on 9/17/10)
Sasa, 1432 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-210-0188; sasawc.com. this stylish new izakaya restaurant focuses on bold, flavorful Japanese-influenced small plates. The interior is seductive — lush greenery, a waterfall and tables inlaid with sliced agate gemstones. And what arrives on those tables is equally so: chicken “lollipops” in a sweet and spicy soy caramel sauce, halibut tempura sticks and farm-to-table seasonal fare. $$. (H H H on 9/10/10)
Maria Maria, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville. 925-820-2366; mariamariarestaurants.com. Chef Roberto Santibanez leans toward nuevo Mexican dishes with modern flair. The restaurant is known for its fish tacos — and top-notch margaritas — but you can also order tacos stuffed with slow-braised duck and smothered in a roasted tomato-habanero cream sauce. $$. (H H ½ on 8/27/10)
Saison, 2124 Folsom St., S.F. 415-828-7990; saisonsf.com. Chef Joshua Skenes’ Saison offers adventuresome palates an unforgettable dining experience — an eight-course, New American tasting menu ($98) of stunningly delicate, impeccably executed dishes you likely won’t encounter anywhere else in the Bay Area. $$$$$. (H H H ½ on 8/20/10)
The Door, 1448 S. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-930-8088; thedoorrestaurant.com. with dark woods, sultry reds, dimmed lights and a raised communal table, the interior design of this modern-Pan-Asian restaurant — with small plates, Asian entrees and an off-hours street bites menu — sets a crisp tone that says, “Bring a date, not a toddler.” $$. (H H ½ on 8/13/10)
Laurus, 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 925-984-2250; laurussf.com. this Mediterranean-style bistro exudes effortless serenity and sophistication, with a color scheme of soothing taupes, crisp whites and framed botanical prints. Everything is good, but don’t miss the halibut with spinach, tomatoes and a couscous and orzo pilaf, or the Meyer lemon cheesecake. $$$. (H H H ½ on 7/23/10)
Sailor Jacks, 123 First St., Benicia. 707-746-8500. just about every seat at Benicia’s newest restaurant offers gorgeous views of the water and Carquinez Bridge, and a completely remodeled interior adds to the comfort. Sailor Jack’s has a seafood emphasis so expect clam chowder, garlic vodka prawns and similar offerings. The Chocolate Seduction Cake is fantastic. $$-$$$. (H H H on 7/16/10)
Up & Under Pub & Grill, 2 W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. 510-778-1313; theupandunder.com. this rugby-themed pub and grill, with its wood-paneled walls, pressed copper ceiling and historical photos, is casual and cozy. The menu boasts hearty sandwiches — pulled pork, quadruple cheese melts and classic burgers — as well as salads and seafood, all with rugby names. $-$$. (H H H on 7/2/10)
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill, 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. 510-208-5253; thelakechalet.com. An idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Merritt and outdoor seating on the dock make this a dazzling option for casual or special occasions, although the setting is a little more spectacular than the food. Don’t miss the refined, seared day boat scallops and soft herb gnocchi. or while away the afternoon on the dock with a house-brewed beer and ceviche. $$$. (H H ½ on 6/25/10)
Shutters Brasserie, 2018 Elkins way, Brentwood. 925-516-4131; shuttersbrasserie.com. a challenging location out near an industrial park doesn’t get in the way of a little culinary magic at this French brasserie, which specializes in bold dishes and local, organic produce. Don’t miss the pork chop, a rustic masterpiece made from naturally raised du Breton pigs, studded with ground peanuts and Cajun spices. $$$. (H H H on 6/18/10)
Modern China Cafe, 1525 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-988-8008; modernchinacafe.com. Eric Zhang’s new Chinese restaurant offers a near-perfect dining experience with impeccable service, delicious fare and striking decor that includes bold burnt-orange walls, chocolate-brown ceilings and prints of old Shanghai. try the appetizer platter, which includes a coconut prawn, spare rib, pot sticker and avocado onion spring roll. $$. (H H H ½ on 6/11/10)
Hibiscus, 1745 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 510-444-2626; hibiscusoakland.com. Bold Caribbean and Creole flavors are made original with California flourishes and lovely ingredients. Not to be missed are the phoulourie (split pea fritters served with, for example, tangy kumquats and parsley salad) and executive chef Sarah Kirnon’s famous crispy fried chicken. $$. (H H H on 5/28/10)
Summer Summer Thai, 5885 Hollis St., Emeryville. 510-658-3234. summersummerthai.com. this airy, serene Thai restaurant offers an abundance of curries, rice, noodle and wok dishes, plus light, creative wraps and rolls from the restaurant’s fresh bar. The emphasis is on local and sustainable ingredients, including organic tofu from Oakland’s Hodo Soy Beanery and Petaluma organic chickens and free-range eggs. The Curry a Trois is perfect for sharing. $$. (H H H on 5/21/10)
RN74, Millennium Tower, 301 Mission St., San Francisco. 414-543-7474; michaelmina.net/rn74. Named for a main tourist route in Burgundy, this wine-focused restaurant has an enormous selection from this region and French-inspired food. great design with a train station theme that is cool, not kitschy. First courses and bar snacks/sides seem to be the best options for food. $$$. (H H ½ on 5/1/10)
Gather, 2200 Oxford St., Berkeley. 510-809-0400; gatherrestaurant.com. Seasonal, organic food in such creative, intriguing flavor combinations, they’ll leave you yearning for more. half the menu is vegetarian and vegan, but even resolute carnivores will find themselves tempted by the vegan charcuterie platter — five gorgeous, flavorful vegetable medleys. also open for weekend brunch. $$. (H H H H on 4/23/10)
Commis, 3859 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-653-3902; commisrestaurant.com. this prix-fixe restaurant garnered its first Michelin star within four months of opening, and that reputation is well-deserved. Warm service, a world-class wine list and jazz-filled minimalist décor combine with outrageously wonderful, eclectic food — a Moroccan-influenced Slow Roast Lamb Saddle, for example, served on puréed white yams with spring onions, baby carrots and a spiced almond vinaigrette. $$$$. (H H H H on 4/2/10)
Vanessa’s Bistro 2, 1329 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-891-4790; vanessasbistro2.com. Large paintings of Vietnamese open air markets create a sense of place at this offshoot of Vanessa Dang’s popular Berkeley restaurant, but the lovely flavor combinations — Vietnamese tapas with a French twist — make this a winner. try the shaking filet mignon salad and spicy lemon grass chicken. $-$$$. (H H ½ on 3/26/10)
Chez TJ, 938 Villa St., Mountain View. 650-964-7466; cheztj.com. Extraordinary flavors, flawless presentation and two very pricey prix fixe menus — the four-course Menu Gastronomique is $85 per person; the eight-course Tasting Menu is $120 — put this Michelin-starred restaurant in the “very special occasion” category. $$$$$. (H H H ½ on 3/20/10)
Prevot’s, 613 First St., Suite 100, Brentwood. 925-626-7461; prevots.com. Between the prix-fixe menu, the 18 entree options — including Veal and Prawns a la Grenobloise and other French and Italian dishes — an oyster bar, a separate tapas menu and a four-page sushi spread, you could spend three months eating nightly at Prevot’s and still not taste everything the restaurant has to offer. $$. (H H H on 3/12/10)
Meritage at the Claremont, 44 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. 510-549-8510; meritageclaremont.com. Glorious, palm-tree studded views of Berkeley and the Bay Bridge, a Tommy Bahama color palette and deep, dramatic booths set the scene for stylish, beautiful farm-to-table cuisine by executive chef Josh Thomsen. Silky soups and dishes such as seared sea scallops and roasted venison loin, offered in small-plate or entree portions, add up to a luxurious, satisfying dining experience. Don’t miss the chocolate souffle. $$$. (H H H on 2/12/10)
FOR CONTRA COSTA dance lovers these are the best of times. In the coming days, the county’s three most celebrated companies present enticing spring programs, including several new works by important Bay Area choreographers. But the most eagerly awaited piece is Smuin Ballet’s Bay Area premiere of Choo-San Goh’s “Momentum,” a signature dance by the late Singapore-raised Chinese choreographer who embodied the adventurous spirit of modern ballet in the 1980s.
A Baryshnikov protege, Goh earned a degree in biochemistry from the University of Singapore before devoting himself entirely to dance. a rising star of the Dutch National Ballet, he quickly showed tremendous promise as a choreographer and went on to a brilliant career with commissions from ABT, Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and particularly Washington, D.C.’s, Washington Ballet, where Mary Day recruited him as choreographer for the new company in 1976. before his life was cut short by AIDS in 1987, Goh developed a strikingly symphonic ensemble style, utilizing the entire stage and often erasing distinctions between principal dancers and corps de ballet. While wedded to classical ballet vocabulary, his sensibility seems inextricably linked to his Chinese heritage, though his work contains few if any overt Asian references.
Zoltan Peter, co-artistic director of Young Artists Ballet Theatre and Smuin’s longtime company teacher, was dancing for the Dutch National Ballet in the early 1970s and saw Goh’s initial efforts as a dancemaker. “His choreography was awesome,” Peter says. “Everybody was wowed. He was also a very good Balanchine dancer. His choreography is a great audition to Smuin. I know the dancers well, and I’m sure that Choo-San would be really pleased. “
Goh originally created “Momentum” for the Joffrey Ballet in the late 1970s, but he kept developing and refining the piece until 1983, when the pas de deux won the prestigious choreographic award in the International Ballet competition in Varna, Bulgaria. Set to Prokofiev’s lush Piano Concerto No. 1 in D flat, the non-narrative dance explores a series of unfolding relationships in response to the concerto’s kinetic rhythms and harmonic leaps.
“It has all his signatures: very sculptural, fast-paced and fluid musicality,” says Janek Schergen, Goh’s ballet master and now the sole repetiteur for ballets created by Goh. He started working with the Smuin dancers last month and spent several weeks teaching them the piece. —‰’Momentum’ is one of Choo-San’s perennials. everyone is asking for it. He used music that other people usually wouldn’t touch, and he could approach music in a way that was different from someone who counted eights. His background was remarkable, dancer and biochemist. He had a very educated mind.”
Sadly, little of Goh’s work is available on video, and a recent search of YouTube turned up few offerings besides his early dances. given Goh’s stature, it’s hard to account for the fact that his work has been absent from Bay Area stages, particularly given the region’s large Chinese community. Let’s hope “Momentum” marks an auspicious new relationship for Smuin, and that other companies respond in kind.
The two pieces joining “Momentum” make up a typically diverse Smuin program, with the world premiere of “Requiem” by the company’s resident choreographer Amy Seiwert (set to Mozart’s haunting “Requiem”) and Smuin’s Fab four celebration “To The Beatles” (set to “Day Tripper,” “Sgt. Pepper,” “Come Together” and seven other classics).
Details: Smuin Ballet performs may 6-15 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F.; 415-978-2787; $20-$62. it continues may 20-21 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek; 925-943-7469; smuinballet.org.
THE DEVIL’S CHICKEN: Diablo Ballet’s spring program also features a treasure trove of dance, albeit on a more intimate scale, including George Balanchine’s pas de deux from “Apollo,” Sally Streets’ “Encores,” Tina Kay Bohnstedt’s “My Way,” the finale of KT Nelson’s “Walk before Talk,” and the West Coast premiere of the duet from San Francisco Ballet’s resident choreographer Val Caniparoli’s “Gustav’s Rooster,” a deliriously playful piece set to music by Hoven Droven, a Swedish band that specializes in instrumental hard rock arrangements of old Swedish folk tunes. He fell in love with the band’s music after seeing a KT Nelson dance using their tunes. one of the CDs he quickly purchased included “Gustav’s Rooster,” a piece dedicated to their producer’s pet chicken. after Tulsa Ballet premiered Caniparoli’s new dance in 2003, he sent a video to the band. they loved the piece, and let the choreographer in on the group’s dry Swedish sense of humor. “The Gustav’s rooster thing was a joke,” Caniparoli says. “Turns out that Gustav doesn’t have a pet. I love that I choreographed a dance based on a joke. what a great name! It’s one of the few ballets I’ve done off point.”
Presented at Walnut Creek’s Shadelands Arts Center Auditorium, Diablo Ballet’s performances are part of the company’s “Inside the Dancer’s Studio” series, which offers audiences an intimate setting and post-performance Q&a with the dancers. Shows are 7:30 p.m. may 6 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. may 7 at 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Tickets are $19-$36 at 925-943-1775 or diabloballet.org.
SEE COMPANY C: Company C’s spring program features three world premieres. Charles Anderson set his “Ballet Noir” to music by Tom Waits and Willie Nelson. James Sewell’s “Gamelan” features an Indonesian score, and Jodie Gates presents her ballet “Slip-Ring.” The program also includes Patrick Corbin’s “Psychedelic Sixpack” and Twyla Tharp’s “Surfer at the River Styx,” a giddy retelling of the classical Greek drama. Shows are 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco; and 8 p.m. may 13 and 2 and 8 p.m. may 14 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets are $13-$40 at 415-978-2787 in San Francisco and 925-943-7469 in Walnut Creek, or see companycballet.org.
BALLET ACROSS THE BAY: that city across the Bay is also known as the home of a little dance company. San Francisco Ballet has announced its 79th repertory season, and I’m already blocking out dates for 2012. Among the highlights are three full-length productions: the company premiere of John Cranko’s “Onegin,” the return of S.F. Ballet artistic director and principal choreographer Helgi Tomasson’s “Romeo & Juliet” and a new production of Tomasson/Possokhov’s “Don Quixote.” The company marks the 60th anniversary of its tremendously rewarding relationship with George Balanchine by presenting an all-Balanchine program. The season also includes world premieres by Edwaard Liang, Mark Morris, Ashley Page, and S.F. Ballet choreographer in residence Yuri Possokhov. But the season kicks off with an old friend, Tomasson’s sumptuous “Nutcracker,” which runs Dec. 9-27. For schedule details, see sfballet.org.
Contact Andrew Gilbert at .
