Bobby D Duncan in front of his restaurant.

Out of Louisiana bringing barbeque Creole and Cajun comes Robert Duncan — chef and owner of Bobby D’s, a carnivorous cornucopia, a get it catered, take it out or eat it there, down home endeavor. He learned cooking from his 102-year-old grandmother. Grandma taught him right. Good ingredients go in and everything comes out right.

T-shirted, simple, dignified Bobby D stands behind the standup counter, writes down a take out order, clips it to the stainless steel wheel for the cook and calls out: “Crab cakes, blackened catfish, half rack pork.”

The crab cakes come covered with a crispy crust. The fork releases the savory flavor of the tasty bits of crab as it is in heaven. The blackened catfish evokes visceral thrills. At one of the simple serviceable tables a skinny kid gets on the outside of five of the seven pork ribs. “Meaty and firm, but easy to chew” is his verdict. Get the barbeque sauce on the meat or on the side. Nice touch.

The place smells like meat. It arrives in big plastic platters. $8 to $16. You get jalapeno or regular corn bread or bread. Choose two sides from many.

“Yams — fried okra — collard greens — red beans and rice — more ….”

No corporation-dispatched, standard-themed cutesy venue here — we’re talking local owned and operated. But the best reason is the food served in this well-fluorescent-lighted clean place with the kitchen open to the dining room.

“Chicken manifestations …”

Get wings, or get it fried, barbequed or grilled or blackened in a salad. Tuesdays Felicia McDaniel and nephew Jamari take out takeout chicken after teaching Zumba at Delta Park. Half chicken for him, quarter for her.

“Pulled pork — tri-tip — Louisiana hot link sandwiches …”

And on and on as the attentive, not gushy waitress brings it on. The windows face Louisiana. Eating is the aesthetic. Check this: no checks and no pay by swipe or blink, but an AnyTimeMoney machine lets you slot your card because it’s cash only.

“Seafood gumbo — blackened shrimp — poh-boys — hush puppies …”

The sugar bowls are the traditional fluted heavy glass with a metal top. Drink from a hefty plastic glass with Coke writ on the side.

“Lemonade — soda pop …”

Get a dessert; pack it if you can’t handle it.

“Sweet potato pie — four layer red velvet cake — peach cobbler …”

Bobby D’s is at 1635 A Street in Antioch. Call them at 925-775-4025. Or better yet, just drop by. It’s open late morning to late evening.

Julio and Connie Garcia recently opened El Porton Azul at 317 E. 18th Street in Antioch.

By Teresa A. Klein

Imagine moving to a new town not knowing a single person. It is a daunting and stressful experience for anyone. Now add in the factor of opening a restaurant – an endeavor you have always dreamt of but never reached – in a part of town that is known as “not the best.” Pretty brave.

In March 2011 that’s just what Julio and Connie Garcia accomplished. They followed their dream, took a leap of faith and opened El Porton Azul, an Italian restaurant at 317 E. 18th Street in Antioch.

“I believe dreams can come true and now we are here,” said Connie. “We moved here not knowing anyone and opened our first restaurant.”

Julio is a trained chef and does all the cooking while Connie runs the front end and shops for supplies, including fresh vegetables daily. “Sometimes I drive all the way to San Jose so we can have things fresh,” said Connie. “You can tell the difference in the taste of our dishes.”

All the meals are created when ordered and made from scratch. It is a classic Italian menu that includes pasta dishes, calzones, sandwiches, pizza and more. They also serve breakfast, opening at 8 a.m. daily. Monday-Thursday they close at 11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday they close at 1:30 a.m.

For about 15 years Julio worked in New York in Italian restaurants, then moved to California, where he met and married Connie. Now, five years later, they have reached a goal a longtime in the planning – opening a place of their own.

But Julio and Connie do want to be clear they are an Italian establishment, not Mexican. The history behind the name is that the business has been owned by Connie’s brother for a few years and was formerly a Mexican restaurant. Since they already had a license and permit they just decided to keep the name. “But we are Italian food,” Connie emphasized.

While Julio is proud of his 20 years of experience as a chef, the Garcias want their place to be more than just a stop-off to eat. “We want to help change the neighborhood with activities and fundraising,” said Julio. “We want to help give back to Antioch, such as raising money to bring back the Fourth of July fireworks.”

“We want El Porton to be a family place where people can come, especially the teenagers to keep them off the streets,” said Connie. “We want it to feel like home.”

The restaurant is decorated with photographs, paintings and other original artwork. Connie and Julio are open to people in the community bringing their artwork to the restaurant. The have set up a corner for poetry readings and karaoke on Sunday night. On Fridays there is live music and Saturdays are Salsa nights. Kids eat free on Tuesdays, and every night from 5-8 p.m. is happy hour in the bar. The Garcias are open to other events as well, so if you have a community idea let them know.

“We have a nice patio too,” said Connie. “I would like to set up free tutoring for the kids after school. We would need volunteers to do that.”

While Julio and Connie did not know anyone when they moved to Antioch just three short months ago, they already have regular customers who know their names. They have big plans to be a cornerstone in the community and making what some consider a not-so-great area of Antioch a bit better. “Antioch is beautiful,” said Connie. “Someone has to be the change, so we will.”

To contact El Porton Azul about catering, events, reservations or activity ideas, call 925-753-1715 or e-mail elportonazul@live.com.

Mamaluke, led by singer Ron Nodder, plays Bases Loaded Friday, May 27 and again tonight, Saturday, May 28

Led by the versatile singing of Ron Nodder, Mamaluke will once again perform their variety of cover songs at Bases Loaded, in downtown, historic Rivertown, tonight, Saturday, May 28 starting at 9:00 p.m.  For more information visit www.BasesLoadedRestaurant.com Enjoy dinner before the band starts and watch the A’s game, on the 35 TV screens, too!

By Harry Stoll

Wine, dine, and unwind where the river flows, food arrives, glasses clink and everything clicks. Humphrey’s on the Delta is a haven from screeching brakes, honking and sirens, as you hear the sirens sing, “Take me to the river.”

For that first date, charm her or him, arrive here, with the light bouncing off the river in daylight or darkness, singing, “Night and day, you are the one”— ocean-going ships going to and from the ocean, their prows sending a vee shoreward — massed masts of the sailboats in the neighboring marina — the islands always greener on the other side. The wood tables and paneled walls gleam with a heavenly ebony hue, and the table settings are first rate.

Many first dates here result in a marriage, often right here. The banquet room holds 300 guests in its capaciousness.

Or it could be with your steady date, old friends or new acquaintances. Or a family reunion. Or a corporate event, or a glass of wine at the full bar while you avoid thinking about what it all means, and enjoy the momentousness of the venue with the river at your door and the sun saying goodbye in the silky evening air enveloping you.

This grandly-appointed place, was built by William Pelusi, who is fond of cetaceans. He owns San Leandro’s Blue Dolphin and named Humphrey’s after the humpback whale that got lost from his pod and went up river, passing Antioch in 1985 and 1991. See a wood carving of Humphrey as you approach the door and other water creature sculptures on an interior wall.

Eva Romero and her family bought the restaurant in 1995. They leased it out with an option to buy in 2009, but are now back in the swim, only recently re-opening. Eva, son Beto and daughter Cindy run things, and they are ecstatic about their return.

Jesse Zuniga, center, and family enjoy Mother's Day Brunch at Humphrey's.

To herald their return, the Romeros guarantee you only mouth-watering dishes, treats, and specials to leave you craving more. The menu includes plenty of beef — prime rib, filet mignon, New York cuts — and you can cry fowl with a variety of seafood.

Hours: Monday through Thursdays from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The parking is free in the generous-size lot. Humphrey’s on the Delta is at the Antioch Marina, 1 Marina Plaza, off of West Second Street near the scenic downtown. For lunch and dinner reservations call 925-778-5800. The Catering/Wedding Coordinator can be reached at 925-777-2065. The fax is 925-778-8304. E-mail humphreys.delta@yahoo.com or visit www.humphreys-antioch.com.

Owner Bill Byrnes is joined by his son Tim, Mr. Pickle, Mayor Jim and Susan Davis, his staff and representatives of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, as he cuts the ribbon to officially open his new Mr Pickle's Sandwich Shop.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

This past Monday, Mr. Pickle’s new Sandwich Shop in Antioch, held its official ribbon cutting with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. Representatives of the Chamber welcomed owner Bill Byrnes, his son Tim and staff to Antioch. Also on hand were Mayor Jim Davis and his wife Susan.

The ribbon is cut!

Everyone enjoyed some delicious sandwiches, chips, cookies and soft drinks on the house. They also serve salads, plus  you can also order your sandwich as a wrap. I’ve enjoyed their BBQ Melt chicken and cheddar cheese sandwich, their L’Michele turkey, jack cheese and cranberry sandwich, as well as their House Combo in a wrap. Mmmm.

You can too enjoy a free sandwich during their Grand Opening time, by getting their coupon in their ad in the print edition of the Antioch Herald (arriving inside the May issue of the Monthly Grapevine in your mailbox, starting, today) or by clicking on the “Ads & Coupons” link at the top of this page and printing out the page their ad appears. Buy one sandwich and two drinks and you get the second sandwich free!

They also have Mr. Pickle Gear for you to purchase and wear. So, stop by today and pick up a sandwich or two and say hello to Bill and Tim Byrnes and their staff. For more information visit www.MrPicklesInc.com.

Mr. Pickle’s is located at 4049 Lone Tree Way in the Bluerock Center in Southeast Antioch.

Owner Bill Byrnes works the register while his staff is busy preparing sandwiches.

Featuring Bruce Baum!

Plus A’s & Giants Baseball, Followed By Live Music, Tonight!

By Terry Karp, Proprietor

It’s Final Four Saturday, VCU vs. Butler at 3PM, followed by UConn vs. Kentucky at approx. 5:45pm. Come see if the controversial live mascot, Butler’s Bulldog, “Blue II,” bites anybody or intentionally leaves a puddle on the hardwood in attempt to make the VCU players slip!

After the game at about 9PM, it’s another live entertainment night by the popular band, MamaLuke! We have plenty of TV’s to show all the baseball games too! This should be another great night, so come out to Bases Loaded and catch all the fun! 400 G St., Downtown Rivertown Antioch!