Maura Mixes it Up

cilantro, onion, and topped with fresh sour cream is rich and satisfying. The chicken soup, topped with onions, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño and fresh avocado, is most popular. Lighter fare like tostadas, salads and Caesar wraps offer fresh and healthy alternatives, as well.

The restaurant offers only certified Angus beef in its beef dishes, only chicken breast in its chicken selections, and only Alaskan cod in its fish dishes. The three bean options are, whole pintos, whole black beans and refried beans, and all are vegan. All produce is locally sourced, and the guacamole is made fresh daily. The flavorful fajita marinade is made on the premises. Even though Sandoval’s may be old-school, they can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences without sacrificing flavor.

A year ago Benicia’s restaurants struggled to remain in business, creating outdoor dining, takeout specials, and delivery service to survive. Sandoval’s was no exception. But early in the pandemic, Sandoval’s also began their take on “Happy Meals,” giving away the ingredients for a meal to twenty-plus staff families every Thursday. These meals were meant to provide food to feed her employees and their families once a week during these tough times. Sandoval’s gave away Holiday Happy Meals, as well, that also contained holiday treats, providing some much needed seasonal cheer. Thanks in part to a partnership with Valero, Sandoval’s was able to answer the call to provide meals to community volunteers and frontline workers during this difficult time. Sandoval’s also has a long standing reputation of community engagement with organizations like Soroptimist International of Benicia, Arts Benicia, and St. Paul’s Episcopal.

Currently, the front window at Sandoval’s is like a low tech bulletin board for passersby. Information regarding COVID tests, vaccines, and other community opportunities are listed there. The group of citizens that benefit from this pop-up bulletin board may not have access to computers, but they certainly need this information. Deanne encourages this type of community interaction, recognizing that each and every one of us deserves to be informed about the current health crisis. She also recognizes and gives thanks to the employees, providers, and customers who have allowed Sandoval’s to stay open through the years and especially through this difficult time. Deanne is an inspiration to us all. Our community is well served when business owners and others see beyond their personal interests and look out for all community members. A round of applause to you, Deanne!!

Spring in a glass

n Maura Sullivan

I found a gin for the light hearted drinker. When I say light hearted drinker, I mean the drinker who enjoys most spirits in a decorated tall glass. This drinker normally enjoys flavored vodka and predictably orders daiquiris or the classic mojito. You’re probably thinking, that’s not a light hearted drinker, that's just a beginner. I know.… but some habits never die. This gin is suitable for gin connoisseurs and would-be gin-haters, alike. Empress 1908 Gin.

The Empress is nothing but class in a glass. Not only will the natural indigo color hypnotize you, it will enlighten. When this beautiful gem is mixed with citrus, the color will change to a beautiful glowing blush color. Distilled from pea blossoms with added botanicals, this spirit gives off subtle aromas of lavender and orange peel. Everything about this gin reminds me of spring. It cannot be compared to the typical gin, which might conjure unwanted reminders of Pine Sol or pine tree car air fresheners. I promise, this will create nothing but good, refreshing memories.

Now let's get some spring into your glass. Empress Gin 1908 does have an amazing website full of great recipes, but I was inspired to try a recipe called The Bee Knees

The Bee’s Knees

You’ll need a shaker for this one.

2oz of Empress Gin 1908 (Safeway, Bevmo or Target) Half to ¾ of an ounce of honey Syrup 1oz of Fresh lemon juice. Yes, it has to be fresh!

Shake over ice, and pour into your favorite dainty glass. Enjoy your gem cocktail outside.

Join us for a Benicia mystery series. There will be clues as the story unfolds each month leading to an unexpected and terrifying conclusion. Welcome to “Picket Fences.” Picket Fences Picket Fences

Previously in Picket Fences …

Bruce and Angela made up after their quarrel over her past. Payton had gone to meet up with Xavier at a mysterious mobile home when they were interrupted by unwelcome guests.

n Darrell Mcelvane

With Payton in the closet, Xavier heads to the back of the trailer and squeezes under the built-in bunk bed. The two boys hear the men enter the trailer. Payton grips the cupcake in his hands, trying not to breathe loudly. Xavier looks out from under the old broken siding of the bed and can see three sets of feet. Payton hears one the men say, “This bastard better show up.” And then an older man’s voice, “Don’t worry he has to, he has no choice.” Another car pulls up outside, and a fourth man enters the trailer. “What’s the plan?” asks the fourth man. “We’re going to do it at the event …the F.A.C.T. fundraiser. That’s what she promised us,” says the older voice, “So that gives about a week?” Payton, stunned by what he’s hearing, lets out a gasp and claps his hand over his mouth, knowing he might have just given himself away. “What was that?” says the elderly voice, abruptly. Unbeknownst to the boys, the fourth man draws his gun, saying, “You said it was just us.” Xavier sees the men head toward the sound and go into the room where Payton is trying desperately to be silent. To get the men’s attention away from Payton, Xavier quickly takes off his watch and throws it into the front room. The gold watch hits the wall heater and makes a loud clang. All the men turn to follow the noise. Knowing they have only seconds, Xavier swiftly comes out from under the bed to grab Payton. “You okay?” Xavier whispers “Yeah ...yeah I’m good,” Payton replies. The two boys silently move to the back of the trailer and slip out of the window. “I want you to run to your car and get the hell out of here,” says Xavier. “What about you?” Payton asks with a tremble of fear in his voice. “I’ll be fine. Look, I’ll call you when I’m safe, okay?” Xavier says. The four men, having exited the front of the mobile home in their search and finding nothing, ambled back inside while the two boys put Xavier’s plan into action. Payton runs to his car and Xavier runs to his truck and the two-escape unseen by the four men. The fourth man steps into the trailer and notices the gold Rolex watch on the floor. He reads the inscription on the back, “To my loving son.” He grips it in his fist, the watch confirming his supposition that they were not alone.

Back at the Wingate home, Angela and Bruce stand around the kitchen island, snacking on overdone steak and enjoying each other’s company. Bruce leans in for a kiss and then takes his plate to the sink. Just then, Angela receives a text from Connie. With a sickening feeling, Angela is reminded of what she is facing and is jolted back to reality. Bruce comes from behind and puts his arms around her. ‘I’m going to take a shower,” he says. Still reading the text message, Angela says, “Yeah, I’ll be up in a minute.”

Outside, Payton pulls into the driveway. Still waiting for the call from Xavier, he sits for a while until the phone finally rings. “I’m good …I’m home. Are you okay? …Are you home?” Xavier asks. “I just pulled into the driveway and I’m good,” says Payton. They each breathe a sigh of relief. Payton asks, “Who’s trailer were we in?” “It’s one of my dad’s old properties,” Xavier answers. “I’ll meet you tomorrow at lunch. We need to figure out what to do next,” Payton says, getting out of the car and hurrying into the house. He is spotted by Hank Walker, Madalyn's husband, who is busy putting out the trash. “Hi, Payton,” Hank says, but his words fall on deaf ears as Payton rushes into the house.

Hank puts the can on the curb, pulls the phone out of his pocket, and begins scrolling through the text history. Not finding the text thread he wants to see, he dials a number. “I tried to see you tonight, but you won’t answer my calls. Please call back.” Hank hangs up the phone and heads into the house, closing the door behind him. .