Sample the Finest Fare in Walnut Creek For a Cause

The gourmets will be walking, cantering and then galloping Thursday in downtown Walnut Creek.

In a unique (or perhaps not — if it becomes a "first annual") fund-raiser for the Peek Outreach program of the Diablo Ballet, the Gourmet Gallop lets diners proceed at their own pace to enjoy complimentary samples from the top shelf of Walnut Creek cuisine. That's seven restaurants in a six-block radius.

Peek Outreach is a Diablo Ballet program bringing dance company professionals to under-served Contra Costa County schools for education and stirring performances.

The gallop, at $40 a ticket, begins with wine tastings and food samplings at We Olive and Residual Sugar, and proceeds on to culinary offerings at Walnut Creek Yacht Club, Massimo Ristorante, Eleve Restaurant, Caffe Delle Stelle, CU Sushi, Oi-C Bowl and Silk Road. The gallop goes from 5 to 8 p.m.

Diablo magazine is a sponsor of the Gourmet Gallop.