ContraCostaLive.com GOOD EATS for May 20, 2026 — Ricky Ray Ricardo’s Debut Edition
Ricky Ray Ricardo!
The Cuban Bandleader — May 20, 2026
Ricky Ray Ricardo has put down the baton and picked up a fork. He has arrived in Contra Costa County in a good jacket — the one that still fits — and he is here to eat. His wife told him not to go out on an empty stomach. He went out on an empty stomach. He does not always listen. But he always eats well. Qué barbaridad (kay bar-bar-ee-DAD — “good heavens”) — this week’s lineup is something. The orchestra is ready. Let us begin.
🌟 This Week’s Special Guest 🌟
Mediterranean Chicken & S’more Brownie Sundae — $15
Ay Dios mío (eye dee-ohs MEE-oh — “oh my God”) — lemon chicken, yellow rice, olives, tzatziki, red pepper hummus, and then a S’more Brownie Sundae arrives at the finish. Fifteen dollars. Ricky Ray Ricardo owns three dinner jackets. Two still fit. He wore one tonight, and it was worth it. He briefly considered calling his wife. She would have walked in, ordered something that was not on the menu, convinced the chef it should be, and left with his card. The sundae was finished in peace. Some victories are quiet. The name? Lazy Dog, Concord.
Lazy Dog
Mediterranean Chicken — $15
Grilled lemon chicken breast, yellow rice, tomato-cucumber-feta salad, kalamata olives, tzatziki sauce, red pepper hummus — and it comes with a personal S’more Brownie Sundae or Banana Pudding. The kind of plate where everything on it earns its place. The dessert is not an afterthought. It is a closing number. The bandleader is already planning his return.
Location: 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA
Phone: (925) 849-1221
Hours: Mon–Thu: 11am–11pm | Fri: 11am–12am | Sat: 10am–12am | Sun: 10am–11pm
Veal Saltimbocca — $38.95
Smothered with prosciutto and mozzarella in Marsala wine, served with pasta and fresh vegetables. Coño (KOH-nyoh — “good grief”) — prosciutto, mozzarella, Marsala, all working together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. My wife made veal one time. The smoke alarm went off, the neighbor came over, and somehow she ended the evening with his grandmother’s recipe and a standing invitation to Sunday dinner. I am still not clear who won. This kitchen knows exactly who won. Everything on this plate is intentional. Magnifico.
Cap’s Restaurant
Location: 144 Oak St, Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: (925) 634-1025
Hours: Mon–Tue: 4–9pm | Wed–Sat: 11am–3pm & 4–9pm
Surf & Turf — $89
Petite filet mignon with Bordelaise sauce and a 10–12 oz. lobster tail. Asiago au gratin potatoes, asparagus, beurre monté. Ay, qué bueno (eye kay BWEH-no — “oh, how good”). I took my wife to a seafood restaurant once. She sent the lobster back. It came back different. She said better. The chef came out of the kitchen to thank her personally. I had the fish. This plate needs no improvements and no suggestions. It arrives correct. Come here and let it.
Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill
Location: 1 Marina Plaza, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: (925) 775-4862
Hours: Mon–Sat: 11am–9pm | Sun: 11am–8pm
New York Steak — $24
10 oz. NY steak with dinner salad and choice of side. Escúchame (eh-SKOO-cha-may — “listen to me”) — ten ounces, a salad, you pick your side. My wife reads a menu like a suggestion. She has never once ordered a thing as written. She makes substitutions with such confidence the waiter begins doubting his own menu. This place does not require negotiation. It gives you a great steak and lets you go home. Ricky Ray Ricardo finds this deeply healing.
Vinnie’s Bar
2 Crab Enchiladas — $24.60
Real crab. Sour cream, onions, rice, beans. Available all day. Virgen santa (VEER-hen SAHN-ta — “holy mother”) — real crab. My wife once attempted enchiladas. By the end of the evening we had apologized to two neighbors, returned a casserole dish to a woman in Walnut Creek, and my wife had somehow been invited to teach a cooking class. I ate cereal. These enchiladas required none of that. Just real crab and people who know what they are doing. I do not ask questions anymore. I eat. I survive.
Celia’s Mexican Food Restaurant
Hold’em, $5 Blackjack, 3 Card Poker — Daily, 7 Days a Week
Twenty-two HDTVs, Hot Spot Lottery, scratchers, shuffleboard, and a digital jukebox. Oye (OH-yeh — “hey, listen”) — I took my wife to a card room once. She did not know the rules. By the second hand the dealer was asking her questions. By the third, two players had switched seats to be near her. I drove home alone. She got a ride with the pit boss. Come play. Enjoy yourself. And por favor, compadre (por fah-VOR, com-PAH-dray — “please, my friend”) — gamble responsibly. The bandleader speaks from experience.
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.
🎺 The Bandleader Has Taken the Stage
Ricky Ray Ricardo is just getting started. Check back every week for new reviews — and if you want to see a familiar face return to the kitchen, let Frank know.
GOOD EATS
A ContraCostaLive.com Production