Picture yourself in a cozy, dimly lit establishment, with a glass of exquisite wine in hand, surrounded by friends or like-minded enthusiasts. Now, imagine a wine bar that takes this experience to a new level – The Library Social Club is the latest sensation to grace Walnut Creek. It is a combination of an above ground speakeasy and a wine bar. JB Balingit, chef and owner of the Hideout Kitchen in Lafayette, started a wine club in 2020 in a room at the Hideout Kitchen aptly named “The Library”, which kept his customers connected along with outside dining, events, and concerts during the pandemic.
JB shared that he wanted to expand the library concept through opening a spot in Walnut Creek along with including Leo and Eddy Negrette as partners, who are like brothers to him. The interior design is a culmination of antiques, cozy seating vignettes, assorted textured and colored pillows, eclectic furniture, and a visual feast of unique artwork. JB’s mission is to serve world class wines paired with unquestionable hospitality and have their guest’s experience be memorable.
The wines offered at The Library Social Club are procured from boutique wineries with an interesting story to tell and take their guests on a journey. They range from the Petaluma gap, Livermore, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Alexander Valley to Paso Robles. JB enjoys Gruner Vetliner, which reminds him of growing up in the Philippines and swimming in a lake that was near an active volcano. Gruner Vetliner has notes of ash, minerality, citrus and white pepper.
JB wears many hats including chef and takes meticulous attention to the recipe development and execution of each dish to further elevate the wine tasting experience. His philosophy is to bring out the best in the food and wine through emphasizing the contrasting flavors by finding the least dominant flavor in the food and most relevant flavor in the wine. He especially adores the meatballs & polenta paired with a glass of Vinho Verde from Portugal, and I completely concur. The wine list has been carefully curated by JB, Leo, and Eddy along with a food menu that changes quarterly. Since they have been open for about three months, I believe we will be in for a treat with the upcoming menu. JB’s current favorite pairing is the smoked salmon crudo and a glass of Chablis with its citrus fragrance, minerality, and high acidity.
My husband and I visited a few weeks ago for our 25th wedding anniversary before our dinner reservation at La Sen. We had the pleasure of being hosted by Benjamin. He took the time to ask us about our wine preferences and gave us a taste of four different wines to choose from. He was warm, engaging, knowledgeable and completely authentic. We enjoyed the mascarpone toast with truffle honey and almonds which elevated the wine tasting experience.
Be sure to experience the quote embedded on the wall at The Library Social Club that JB created – “Wine is like music. Sometimes you need the calmness of smooth jazz or the richness of neo-soul. Some days it’s a complex orchestra or some good ol’ rock & roll. As long as you dance to the music, we’ll keep your glass full.”
JB shared that his next restaurant venture will be called Finders Keepers located at the old Hideout Kitchen location since it will be moving to the former Cooperage location in Lafayette. Finders Keeper will be a dinner house with Filipino inspired food and cocktails – I can hardly wait to try it. The Library Social Club offers a unique wine club with three levels and special perks with each. Check out their website at www.librarysocialclub.com to learn more. I encourage everyone to book a reservation to experience true hospitality, unique wines, and savor delightful food with an urban, cozy vibe right here in Walnut Creek.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally, she is the President & Founder of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www.crossettsearchgroup.com) She is the President of California Recruiters and a board member for Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is Food, Wine and Enter taining. She publishes a fo od blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and cook great food.
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