Sacramento Magazine April 2021

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JOON MARKET NEW LOCAL EATERY

STREET CAPTURES OUR CULTURE THROUGH A LENS

FUN ON ZOOM VIRTUAL SOCIAL LIFE

Towns IN THE FOOTHILLS

HISTORY • SHOPS • CAFES • MUSEUMS • AND MORE SACMAG.COM APRIL 2021

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FOCUS ON THE FACE Dr. Kenneth M. Toft is considered Sacramento’s expert in facial plastic surgery. Focusing entirely on the face, Dr. Toft has a reputation of giving patients natural appearing results with a quick recovery utilizing the most modern techniques available. Dr. Toft uses his expertise to minimize the signs of surgery so his patients can return to their active lifestyle looking refreshed, youthful and balanced. Not ready for surgery? Dr. Toft also personally performs all fillers, Botox®, Dysport®, and Photofacial treatments. In addition, a licensed Medical Esthetician can provide expertise in corrective peels, Dermasweep treatments, and pharmaceutical-grade skincare. If you are considering facial plastic surgery or would like to attend a informational seminar, make an appointment with “the expert” in Facial Plastic Surgery, Kenneth M. Toft, M.D.

Kenneth M. Toft, M.D. 959 Reserve Drive • Roseville • (916) 782-TOFT (8638) • www.ToftFacialSurgery.com

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patient — stage iv cancer

The cancer research that kept love alive

The region’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center After being diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, newlywed Thomas relied solely on his wife — who wouldn’t let him give up hope — and his physician, who wouldn’t give up on finding the answer. Using advanced clinical trials and cancer research, a team of UC Davis Health specialists discovered a way to keep Thomas’s real-life love story alive.

Visit us online and learn more about Thomas’s story.

18 clinics in 10 communities | 150 specialties | Routine check-ups to breakthrough surgery

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April Table of Contents / Staff Box / Editor’s Note / Contributors

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DOWN ON MAIN STREET We explore 25 small towns in the foothills.

By Krista Minard

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THE SOUL OF SACRAMENTO These images captivated a local photographer as he wandered the city.

Photography by Brian Johnson

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ZOOM FUN How some people virtually packed a room.

By Diana Bizjak

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Contents On-screen fun )

The 916 22 GO FISH

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Hank Shaw’s new book

24 MY POOL IS YOUR POOL Share the water

25 CLASSES FOR WANNABE FARMERS Explore life in the field

25 READY TO ROLL Bike and scooter share

26 SUSTAINABLE SAC Say it ain’t so, Joe . . .

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Through a street ) photographer ,s lens

Wellness

Bravo

29 KEEP IT MOVING Get out of your chair

87 LISTEN UP Music recommendations

Nest 71

Taste

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ Easy-breezy living

93 TAKEAWAY LESSON Joon Market in East Sac

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94 BAKER BONANZA Flour power

94 GETTIN’ SCHOOLED Ernesto Delgado and the CIA

96 DINE Restaurant guide

Reflect

Musician Heather Evans )

102 PANIC AT THE BANK When trust came up short

ON THE COVER Nevada City

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

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GET THE DIGITAL EDITION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE OR VIA THE APP

WWW.SACMAG.COM/DIGITAL-EDITION

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The Daily Brief Newsletter

Get an update on Sacramento sent to your device each weekday. We’ll send you the latest news on food, events and more.

 SACMAG.COM/NEWSLETTERS

SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

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PUBLISHER Dennis Rainey EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Krista Minard ART DIRECTOR Gabriel Teague E D I TO R I A L MANAGING EDITOR Darlena Belushin McKay DINING EDITOR Marybeth Bizjak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sasha Abramsky, Luna Anona, Daniel Barnes, Diana Bizjak, Cathy Cassinos-Carr, Ed Goldman, Jennifer Junghans, Angela Knight, Elena M. Macaluso, Reed Parsell, Kari L. Rose Parsell, Anna Quinlan, Steph Rodriguez, Thea Marie Rood, Mari Tzikas Suarez, Catherine Warmerdam, Sara E. Wilson ART GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debbie Hurst

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Alves, Gary and Lisa Ashley, Beth Baugher, Francisco Chavira, Debbie Cunningham, Wes Davis, Terence Duffy, Tim Engle, Kevin Fiscus, Aniko Kiezel, Ryan Angel Meza, Tyler and Christina Mussetter, Rachel Valley A DV E R T I S I N G NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER Lisa Bonk

If you’re 45 or older get screened for colon cancer now.

This disease can be very treatable when caught early.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman or if you have no symptoms.

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ADVERTISING MANAGERS Duffy Kelly, Victor Obenauf, Carla Shults SENIOR ADVERTISING DESIGNER John Facundo MARKETING & WEB DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA Dan Poggetti MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Nicole Kern C I R C U L AT I O N CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers

Jamie Foxx for Stand Up To Cancer. Photo By G L Askew II PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Stephen Rice SALES OFFICES

Stand Up To Cancer is a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

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SACRAMENTO 231 Lathrop Way, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 426-1720

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TO S U B M I T M AT E R I A L STORY IDEAS Have you spotted something appropriate for editorial coverage in Sacramento Magazine? Please submit as much information as possible about the subject to Darlena Belushin McKay at darlena@sacmag.com. Keep in mind that we maintain a relatively strict local boundary— Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties— and our lead times run long, with most issue lineups completed four months prior to publication.

WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS If you are interested in contributing to Sacramento Magazine, please send information to (writers) Krista Minard, krista@sacmag.com or (photographers and illustrators) Gabriel Teague, gabriel@sacmag.com. Include a cover letter, résumé and links to previously published work.

ADVERTISING Interested in advertising or a digital media package? Please contact Dennis Rainey, dennis@sacmag.com.

ALSO PUBLISHED BY SACRAMENTO MEDIA LLC:

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

UCP’S 2021

Humanitarian of the Year SACRAMENTO’S PREMIER HUMANITARIAN EVENT

Arlen Orchard is the former General Manager & CEO of SMUD. He served as the utility’s CEO from 2014 to 2020 and is an avid member of numerous boards and local nonprofits.

Asked why he supports community organizations: “… it allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself – giving back actually feels good. It will give you views into our community that you might never otherwise have.”

Join UCP in honoring his leadership in our community at our virtual 2021 Humanitarian of the Year Event.

Arlen Orchard

Former Chief Executive Officer and General Manager

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, May 20, 2021 Virtual Live Streaming Event 6:30 p.m. Zoom Pre-Parties 7:00 p.m. Live Streaming Event

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.UCPSacto.org or contact: Alex Kineret, Project Manager, Development and Marketing Ph: 916-283-3817 Email: akineret@ucpsacto.org

FUNDING THE FUTURE OF TODAY’S CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. #UCPHUMANITARIAN | UCPSACTO.ORG

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Editor’s Note

Exploring the Foothills

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he small-towns story was first planned for the January issue, so I started my field research on a late-October Tuesday. At first, everything seemed OK. In Placerville, restaurants were open for limited indoor seating. But, then, on an early-November weekday, several locked doors in Jackson and Sutter Creek listed only weekend hours. Some places were “closed until further notice.” As I contemplated how to report a story with such limited possibilities, COVID cases began rising. Sacramento plunged into the mostrestricted tier. We could not in good conscience tell our readers to take their purple-tier breath into yellow-tier zones, masked or not. We delayed the story.

Rescheduling it meant starting over with research, this time on Fridays and weekends. Still, I met challenges—what websites said often didn’t remain true on the street. Window signs contradicted reality. “Open Thursday through Sunday,” yet there I stood on Friday, rattling a locked door. Phone numbers were disconnected. Social media announcements didn’t hold up. What I saw in February didn’t pan out on fact checking in March. Business owners I spoke to were thrilled we’d be covering them. Other locals, not so much. “You can’t park there,” I heard, then came the mutter: “F’ing tourists.” Or from another one, “Thank you for at least wearing your mask. A lot of people don’t.”

Attitudes toward pandemic precautions varied. In Nevada City, people wore masks on the street, and Grass Valley’s natural foods store ran an outdoor line to keep the indoor population down.

In Auburn, a sign on a restaurant flouted county mandates by inviting diners indoors (during outdoor-dining-only times) and citing inconsistencies in rules for regular folks and those for the governor. In Angels Camp, when I reassured one business owner that my story would include a reminder to people to wear their masks, the response was: “We’re rural. No one cares about masks here.” In another town, a shopkeeper who displayed a prominent “no public restroom” sign told me they welcome visitors and desperately need the tourist revenue, but “we really wish people wouldn’t pee in our yards.” (Word to the wise: In most towns, you’ll find public restrooms near central parks or city halls. With luck they’ll be open.)

So it goes in pandemic times. It’s the wild, wild West out there, so travel with an open heart and flexibility in mind—and your mask at the ready. It’s beautiful on the back roads, with emeraldgreen hillsides and clouds fluffing up behind the trees. Enjoy the journey.

AND THERE’S MORE . . .

Watch For It— Next month, the issue will include the Our Wedding special section, with stories about pandemic trends that will likely last forever, how to choose a dress (from the owner of a new bridal shop), great sweets for the big day and plenty more.

The Daily Brief—Sacramento Magazine’s free newsletter goes to email subscribers every weekday. Catch the latest updates in dining, arts and entertainment, wine, recreation, health (including daily COVID case counts) and more.

You’ll also find links to other community resources and social media posts that have caught our eye. Subscribe at sacmag. com/newsletters.

KRISTA MINARD krista@sacmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Battey

Photographer Mike Battey felt right at home at Joon Market. “Owners/chefs Saba and Seth are a perfect example of great humans chasing after their dream of providing (others) a place to relax, eat well and leave feeling nourished inside and out,” he says. Mike moved to Sacramento a couple of years ago from New England, and he says just about everything about the West is a fascinating story that he strives to capture with camera in hand.

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

Brian Johnson

“My experience shooting this collection of photos was an amazing short journey,” says Brian Johnson, who photographed “The Soul of Sacramento” for this issue. His specialty is street photography, and the idea for this project came from his daily wanderings, his venturing into places typically outside his regular routes. “No matter how big or small anything or anyone is,” he says, “it’s all worth freezing time to show who or what’s going on around the city.”

Derek Moore

“There are a lot of great bands and artists here in our area,” says writer Derek Moore, a radio broadcaster who’s been on the air in Sacramento for nearly 25 years. “If you are looking for good, newer, local music, we’ve got you covered.” For this issue, Moore talked to area tastemakers about local artists they’ve enjoyed listening to during COVID19. You can listen to Moore’s podcast, “The Show with Derek Moore,” on Spotify and his adult alternative Internet radio station at Array107.com.

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i n s i d e: Go Fish, Eat Fish / Farmer School / Pool Share / Coffee Woes

Growing the Biz Plant Daddy Co. proprietors Luke Swanson (seated) and Jake Dill told us a few months back that they were having a wild time keeping up with the demand for houseplants during the pandemic. Everyone, it seems, has wanted some pretty new greenery to spruce up their at-home workspace. One solution: Grow! The guys opened a new Plant Daddy location on S Street in late January in the beautiful exposed-brick space that used to be Beatnik Studios. On-site you’ll find Plant Daddy Co. offices, The Vulva Witch retail space, lots and lots of lush plants and, quite possibly, a friend so new he missed the photo shoot: Otter the dog! 723 S St.; (916) 4758261; plantdaddyco.com create + gather SACMAG.COM April 2021

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Go Fish

In his new book, local blogger Hank Shaw tells all about our finny friends, from how to catch ’em to how to cook ’em.

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BY MARYBETH BIZJAK

ocal chef and cookbook author Hank Shaw has made a name for himself in the food world with an award-winning blog (Hunter Angler Gardener Cook) and four cookbooks. To date, his books (with names like “Hunt, Gather, Cook” and “Buck, Buck, Moose”) have mostly focused on the hunter part. But on May 1, he’ll release a new tome, “Hook, Line, and Supper,” based on his lifelong obsession with catching, cooking and eating fish. Here, he talks about his love of angling, where to buy the best fish in Sacramento and why you should steer clear of tilapia.

WHY HE PREFERS FISHING TO HUNTING: One, it’s more accessible.

in August. Most people here fish for them in September and October.

You can literally walk on a party boat and go fishing. Another nice thing is WHERE TO BUY FISH LOCALLY: My you can throw fish back. You can’t top recommendation is Sunh Fish. unshoot birds. When you’re hunting, They don’t carry everything, but their you’re all in. It controls selection is curated, so everything you’re thinking whatever they have is good. about. With fishing, you can “YOU COULD FISH IN Sacramento Natural Foods THE SACRAMENTO be noisy, have a conversaCo-op is similar; I’ve never AREA EVERY MONTH tion, drink a beer. There’s had bad fish from the OF THE YEAR.” that freedom to not be comco-op. Whole Foods is pletely absorbed. pretty good. And the Asian markets are very, very good HIS FAVORITE WAY TO FISH: The if you know what a quality fish looks style I’m best at is some variation of like. They’ll have pristine fish next to deep-drop bottom fishing, usually ones that probably should be thrown with bait. You’re trying to coax the out. Finally, if you’re shopping at a fish to bite. If you have experience, regular supermarket, ignore the fish you can really, really fill a bucket. I section and go to the freezer section. almost always outfish the people Most things in the fish box have been around me. It’s all in the touch. frozen already. It’s just been thawed.

WHERE HE FISHES LOCALLY: I

HIS FAVORITE SPECIES TO FISH FOR: I would probably say tuna.

usually fish out of Emeryville or the ports. It’s all done offshore on a party boat. It’s like a bus, except everyone’s fishing. If you’re friendly and open, it’s a great way to meet new people and learn things.

They’re challenging. They’re big, they’re strong, you’re offshore, the waves are high. And if you get into them, it can be mayhem in a minute.

ON FISHING IN SACRAMENTO: You

M O ST OV E R R ATE D FI S H FO R EATING: Tilapia. It’s basically ined-

could fish in the Sacramento area every month of the year. January to February, it’s steelhead, a sea-run rainbow trout that can live in fresh and saltwater. They come up in rivers here to spawn. There’s striped bass in spring and fall. Sturgeon are always here, too, but they’re best in colder months. Shad run up the American and Sacramento rivers from May to June. And salmon start showing up

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

ible. I call it the Soylent Green of fish.

I have eaten good tilapia, but it was tilapia I caught myself in the Gulf of Mexico. The farming practices for tilapia and most shrimp are so foul, I won’t eat them.

You can order signed copies of “Hook, Line, and Supper” through Hank Shaw’s website, honest-food.net, for $30 plus shipping.

Hank Shaw at the American River

Excerpted from “Hook, Line, and Supper: New Techniques and Master Recipes for Everything Caught in Lakes, Rivers and Streams, and at Sea” by Hank Shaw. Copyright 2021. Excerpted with permission by H&H Books.

Sailing on a party boat, sometimes called a head boat, is like riding on a bus where all the passengers are fishing. You pay your fare, and you’re in. You can often rent rods and tackle, too, and the deckhands will fillet your fish for you afterward. The wonderful thing about these boats—and they’re all over the country, wherever there are large bodies of water to fish and cities nearby—is that you meet every sort of angler. I’ve fished with Chinese immigrants and old-timers both black and white, with an expert retiree who fishes every week and newcomers who didn’t know how to bait a line. I’ve fished with Southerners and Northerners, foreigners and locals. If you’re an affable angler with a gift for gab and a willingness to trade stories, there’s a world of learning available on these humble cruises, an intercultural goldmine of tips and lore about how to catch the fish you’re after and how to cook them when you get home.

From my Chinese fellow anglers, I learned about steamed fish. Sounds boring—until they let you in on the part where you drizzle roaring-hot chili oil over the fish at the table. A venerable Korean War vet was the first to school me in the importance of temperature when frying. (If you’ve read my first book, “Hunt, Gather, Cook,” this is the same guy who taught me about oyster toads.) I first heard about wrapping fish in banana leaves from an old Cuban who fled Castro to come work as a clerk in Newark, N.J. This was my real schooling. Far more than the algebra and the Latin I was forced to take, this is the education I remember.

I later took a job as a deckhand aboard the Laura Lee, out of Captree, near Bay Shore, Long Island. The Laura Lee still fishes, too. I worked just a single summer on that boat, but what I learned there has stayed with me to this day—patience (especially on those half-day trips where inexperienced fathers would tell their sons wildly incorrect information about fishing) and pain tolerance. (I lost track of how many times I was accidently hooked by a customer.) But I was meeting people from everywhere and of all kinds, and learning all the way. tim engle

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Residence pool for rent in Newcastle

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My Pool Is Your Pool Share your pool and everybody can get in.

How’s this for an elevator pitch: Airbnb for swimming pools. That’s the idea behind Swimply, an app that enables people with swimming pools to rent them out to strangers by the hour.

“It works just like Uber or Airbnb,” says local entrepreneur Sonny Mayugba, who met Swimply’s founder while working at a venture capital firm and recently became vice president of revenue for the startup. “On the host side, you have this asset that you can put on the platform and rent out. On the guest side, you’re getting access to these underutilized assets.”

It was probably only a matter of time before swimming pools joined the sharing economy.

A pool is basically an expensive hole in the ground, requiring lots of maintenance and upkeep.

And once the novelty of owning a pool wears off, many people don’t use it very often. So why not share it with others—for a profit?

Swimply has thousands of active hosts in the United States and Australia, with more than two dozen in the Sacramento region. Rental prices range from $15 to $75 per hour; local offerings run the gamut from a lap pool in Folsom to a resort-style mega pool in El Dorado Hills complete with waterfalls, diving rocks, a water slide, kiddie pool, swim jets and a cave. Some pools come with a hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, lounge furniture or a private changing room. One pool, in Mather, even offers a five-hole putting green, basketball court, cornhole, pingpong, darts and mini fridge. Party time!

Swimply renters use their borrowed pools to swim, of course, but also for photo shoots, business meetings, birthday parties and date nights. Like people who rent out rooms in their homes through Airbnb, Swimply hosts are often naturally hospitable types who enjoy sharing their surroundings. And the money ain’t bad: The company’s two top hosts each cleared more than $40,000 last year, says Mayugba. “In the Sacramento area,” he notes, “some people are making thousands a month.”

With its everyone-in-the-pool ethos, Swimply has made a splash in the media: Last year, its 22-year-old founder appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank” trying to raise capital. (The Sharks didn’t bite.) And comedian Bill Maher recently joked about the company on his HBO show “Real Time”—something about not wanting a stranger’s kids peeing in his pool. What a party pooper.

—Marybeth Bizjak

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Classes for Wannabe Farmers

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, THE CENTER FOR LAND-BASED LEARNING

may still have a few spots left in its spring Explorer Course, a six-week session that offers people interested in farming an introduction to the field. The onceweekly program will run from May 22 to July 3 and feature online classes, a farm tour and a hands-on field session.

The program is an entry-level course, suitable for people interested in farming as well as those who are considering farming as a career. The cost is $950. The two-and-a-half-hour sessions will be held on Saturdays. A second session of Explorer Course will be offered in late summer, Aug. 21 to Sept. 25.

The Woodland-based Center for Land-Based Learning offers a variety of educational programs, apprenticeships and hands-on projects. Its highly regarded California Farm Academy, an intensive seven-month-long program for people already committed to a career in farming, is currently on hiatus because of the pandemic.

For more information on how to apply for the Explorer Course, email California Farm Academy director Sri Sethuratnam at sri@landbasedlearning.org. For more information about the Center for Land-Based Learning and its programs, go to landbasedlearning.org.—MARYBETH BIZJAK

Ready to Roll The pandemic hasn’t stolen all our fun: Electric bikes and scooters from four operators—Lime, Spin, Bird and Razor— are still the zippiest way to get around Sacramento and are for rent throughout the central city following a brief hiatus last year.

If the idea of sharing wheels with strangers gives you pause, fear not. City rules put in place to prevent the spread of COVID require that the fleets be disinfected twice daily.

All personnel who handle the bikes must wear personal protective equipment during cleaning and maintenance, and riders are of course encouraged to wash their hands before and after use.

Proper etiquette (and the law) dictates that riders should be mindful of where they ride and park. That scooter whizzing past you on the sidewalk? It should be ridden in the bike lane. Bikes, on the other hand, can go on sidewalks when that’s the safer option, but riders should be mindful that pedestrians have priority there. And whatever you do, don’t deposit your device in the middle of a walkway. That’s like leaving your dirty socks on the bathroom floor, except in this case it annoys all your neighbors, not just your spouse.

“Shared bikes and scooters are required to be parked at or deployed to bike racks or city-designated park zones,” explains Valerie Hermanson, a transportation planner with the city of Sacramento.

Electric bikes and scooters are a hoot to ride once you know the rules. They’re also a small-scale but critical mode of transportation that’s kinder to the environment than automobiles, says Hermanson. “Bikes and scooters play a really important part in Sacramento’s transportation mix,” she explains, because they can take the place of cars on short trips. Approximately one-fifth of all household trips are vehicle trips of a mile or less, according to a federal survey.

“If we can shift some of those mile or half-mile trips to be powered by foot, bike or scooter rather than petroleum, that’s going to have a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions each year,” says Hermanson. And besides, when’s the last time you got a little thrill driving your Toyota around the neighborhood anyway?

—Catherine Warmerdam SACMAG.COM April 2021

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S U S TA I N A B L E S A C

Say It Ain’t So, Joe . . .

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BY REED PARSELL

he good news is that a cup of hot coffee helps hundreds of millions of people wake up every morning.

The bad news . . .

Yes, because this is a column about sustainability, where many a desire or tradition comes to die, there is something to be said against coffee. Sorry about that.

Coffea plants, which are classified as both shrubs and small trees, are native to high-altitude, tropical and subtropical regions. They flourish, in a natural way, under a canopy of larger trees. When they are part of an ecological system, not in the lead role but as a character actor, they contribute to the health of other plants and help furnish the kind of environment in which animals can flourish, as well.

However, the tremendous thirst for coffee—more than 1 billion earthlings imbibe, if you can wrap your getthem-warmed-up hands around that—prompts many coffee growers to maximize their output, environment be damned. Forests are cut down and coffea plants are grown in rows, under full sun.

As Salon put it a few years ago in an article titled “Our Coffee Addiction is Destroying the Environment”: “Think of human factory workers, who thrive with reasonable amounts of fresh air and sunlight-derived vitamin D, but are rather packed into windowless fulfillment centers for optimal profit and efficiency. Plants and people aren’t the same, but the logic is.”

According to “The Environmental Impact of Coffee Production: What’s Your Coffee Costing the Planet?” on the Sustainable Business Toolkit website, more than 2.5 million acres of forest have been razed to make room for coffea plants. And that’s just in Latin America.

“Remarkable biodiversity values are at stake,” Victoria Moore writes in the story. “Latin America’s tropical forests are critical ecologically for protecting atmospheric dynamics, water quality, and wildlife species.”

More coffee beans are produced per acre on such farms, but chemicals used to increase output have a devastating effect, as does the process of removing the beans from the coffee “cherries,” and the roasting, packaging and distribution of the addictive product.

“Ecological impacts result from the discharge of organic pollutants from the processing plants to rivers and waterways, triggering eutrophication of water systems and robbing aquatic plants and wildlife of essential oxygen,” Moore adds. (Eutrophication means waterways become so dense with nutrients that dense plant life grows and less oxygen is available for fish and other animal life.)

Is tea any more sustainable? It appears so, as at least one report claims that coffee’s carbon imprint is five to seven times worse than its small-bagged rival. But for those of us who prefer the taste of coffee to tea, is that enough reason to make the switch?

You go first.

How can you feel better about retaining your coffee habit (assuming you’ve now given it more critical thought, thanks to this downbeat sustainability column)? You can buy shade-grown (in a natural setting or one created for the purpose), fair-trade (locals hired, livable wages paid) and organic. Find such options at most local grocery stores and at some coffeehouses, where baristas can explain the company’s bean sourcing and help you make more environmentally sound choices about what you’re drinking.

Meanwhile, when you buy coffee on the run, use a refillable metallic cup. Every gesture toward “green coffee” helps.

More than 2.5 million acres of forest have been razed to make room for coffea plants.

And that’s just in Latin America.

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

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Woman: Sergio Pedemonte of yourhousefitness.com; dog: Aaron Clinard

0 4

2 1

Wellness i n s i d e: Tips for getting more motion into your day

Keep It Moving Don’t let telework tank your resolve to keep active. Experts and locals weigh in on ways to keep going the distance when you’re going nowhere.

—By Elena M. Macaluso

debbi e h u r st SACMAG.COM April 2021

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Wellness

F

or many people, the shift from going into the office to working from home has been a good thing. There’s no commute. There’s potential to save money on gas, not to mention wear and tear on cars. And it’s just darn more convenient—you can put away dishes during a break or even, dare we say it, get in a quick catnap.

However, there can be drawbacks in terms of activity. It might not seem like that big of a deal, missing out on those walks to and from the car with your co-workers during lunch, or even walking to the bathroom, which in some cases might have been all the way down the hall. But those losses add up to less opportunity to move, which over the course of time could be detrimental to your overall health.

“I am extremely concerned,” says Harinder Dhir, M.D., who works in the occupational medicine department and is the complementary and integrative health representative at Kaiser Permanente Roseville. “Humans are made to move. We were hunters and gatherers. If you don’t move your muscles, you are going to get atrophy or weakness.”

“Movement helps overall health, and in general, healthy people are able to fight off disease easier,” says Josh Stonier, co-owner of CrossFit Loco Ocho in Sacramento.

Regular exercise is good. We’ve got some suggestions for how to incorporate some of that into your daily telework life. We also provide ideas on simple ways you can bring more movement into your day.

START YOUR DAY WITH A SUN SALUTATION: “It physically and mentally ener-

gizes you and awakens your body,” says Dhir, who adds that you can do this classic series of yoga postures any time of day or even as a warm-up to your workout.

STAND UP ALREADY: It seems like sit-

stand or stand-up desks were just catching on when we were launched into the new normal. “Standing at your workstation provides an opportunity to squeeze in more movement,” says Stonier. Sit-stand risers can run you several hundred dollars, but if you work on a laptop computer, Stonier says you may be able to prop it up to get the height you need. “Get a couple of encyclopedias or books. Usually 10 or 12 inches above your standard desk height is enough. Just make sure it’s ergonomically comfortable,” says Stonier, who made it a point to “stand up until lunchtime” when he worked in an office. “Do it for an hour,” he says. “It’s better than nothing.”

If the standing desk is not an option (or not appealing), consider setting your watch, fitness tracker or a good old-fashioned timer to alert you every 30 minutes or so to stand up and (bust a) move.

BECOME A MANUAL LABORER: Activities

such as dusting shelves, doing laundry, even cooking all get you up, moving and, for the most part, on your feet. “You should do as many daily activities as you can,” advises Dhir. “Work in the garden, clean the garage, even opening jars—that is your grip strength,” he says. Stonier agrees. “It doesn’t have to be fancy,” he says. “It can be as easy as raking the leaves.”

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MASTER THE STAIRS: Clearly, this is not

an option for everyone, but if you live in a two-story dwelling, those stairs might be your movement messiah. “I moved my home office from the kitchen counter/ kitchen table to my son’s room, which is upstairs at the far end of the house,” says Margo Fowkes, who runs her own consulting business from her home in Loomis.

“Every time I want coffee or a snack, I have to go up and down the stairs.” Nikki Patel, an accountant who works from home in Sacramento, also uses the stairs to her advantage. “I must go up and down the stairs at least 20 times a day, grabbing tea, a snack, letting the dog out, etc.,” says Patel.

Want to take it up a notch? “Carry something up and down the stairs, or try skipping a step for more of a lunge uphill,” says Stonier. Or do like Dhir and run up the stairs. (OK, let’s not get too crazy now.)

DON ’T BE IDLE : Dhir does

part of the time, finding time to work out can be a challenge—unless you involve the kids. “Kids love doing burpees or even squats or anything imitating what their parents do,” says Stonier. “We have a number of clients whose kids joined in our Zoom workouts last summer and it was a lot of fun for everyone. All parents were stoked and excited to share that experience with their littles.” Another reason to involve the kids: You are modeling good behavior. “Our children are watching,” Stonier reminds us. “This is an opportunity to inspire, motivate and teach our next generation to be strong and healthy human beings.”

Have fur children? Get them involved, too. Don’t just stand there during a game of fetch; get running. We know one local woman who runs up and down the stairs with a laser pointer in an effort to get her overweight cat to shed some pounds.

(Truth be told: The woman is running more than the fat cat.)

CHALLENGE YOURSELF— Experts such

as Stonier hesitate to prescribe catchall workouts without knowing the health background and abilities of the parties involved, but challenging yourself in some capacity—after getting clearance from your doctor, Dhir notes—is good for you.

“Try to get yourself out of breath once a day,” says Stonier. “Try to break out into a sweat once a day.” He also suggests testing yourself: “Can you touch your toes?

Can you touch your big toe to your nose?

Can you reach to the top shelf with both arms? Can you squat in a chair without using the arm handles?”

“CARRY SOMETHING UP AND DOWN THE STAIRS, OR TRY SKIPPING A STEP FOR MORE OF A LUNGE UPHILL,” SAYS JOSH STONIER.

squats while brushing his teeth.

Josh Stonier “I just make it a routine,” he says.

FIND A FITNESS BUDDY: RememPatel incorporates them, too. “I do ber that friend at the office? The one you squats when I’m talking on the phone or always took your morning break with to do sun salutations when I need to stretch, get coffee or walk around the block? Just which I would never have done at the ofbecause you are no longer at the office fice,” says Patel. “I feel like I’m moving together does not mean you can’t still momore now than I did when I worked at tivate each other. “Set yourself a chalthe office.” Barry Pitluk, a sales manager lenge,” says Stonier. “‘Did you get your who works out of his home in Sacramensquats in today?’” to, jogs in place while on the phone or Katie Kite-Arba, a K-8 school counwatching TV. “Yes, I do jog in place while selor who works from her home in Sacrain a meeting,” he admits. mento, joined a women’s accountability group that her friend, fitness trainer TayINVOLVE THE KIDS: With many schoolage children distance learning at least lor Nicole, set up. Together, they com-

SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

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pleted a six-week challenge, meeting as a group via Zoom once a week. “There were about 10 of us from all over the U.S.,” says Kite-Arba. “During the Zoom sessions, we talked about our challenges and triumphs for the week.”

DANCE—BECAUSE NO ONE’S WATCHING: Dhir puts on some music—anything

from the ’50s through the ’80s—and starts dancing. “I’m not a “TRY TO GET good dancer,” he YOURSELF OUT OF admits, but that BREATH ONCE A DAY,” doesn’t stop him.

SAYS STONIER. “TRY “You just dance for TO BREAK OUT INTO A 10 minutes and SWEAT ONCE A DAY.” it feels so good.”

Dancing might not be your thing, but you get the picture: Do something you like. As Dhir points out: “You don’t have to get on a treadmill.”

BREATHE: OK, breathing might not be

movement per se, but “breathing is important,” says Dhir, who recommends alternate nostril breathing, a yogic breathcontrol practice. “Research shows that it increases heart rate variability,” he says.

The higher your HRV, which is the measure of time variations between heartbeats, the healthier you are.

INVEST IN SOME HOME EQUIPMENT— OR NOT: Sure, you can set up you own

mini gym in your home to the tune of a few thousand dollars, but if that is not in the budget, buying a few simple items will do the trick. Dhir recommends a yoga mat, dumbbells/hand grips, foam roller, exercise ball, resistance bands and maybe a bar for pull-ups. If even that seems out of the budget, don’t forget the power of your own body weight—pushups, wall sits and the aforementioned squats are all good activities. Stonier recommends getting creative. “Fill up a backpack with books or rocks, or cart around a gallon of water,” he says. “A gallon of liquid weighs eight pounds.”

KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND: There

might not be much to plan for right now, but that is going to change, and you’ll want to be ready for it. “Part of my job is to try to inspire people to make the change for themselves and to stay on it so that they can go outside and enjoy life,” says Stonier. “The goal isn’t to excel at the gym; the goal is to live life and enjoy things.

We weren’t meant to sit at a computer all day. We need to move.”

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The Sacramento region is fortunate to have health care professionals who continuously strive to attain ever-higher levels of patient satisfaction through a blend of the latest technologies and careful listening.

The following medical professionals stand out in our community.

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Daniel L. Monahan, M.D. FOCUS: Our goal is to help people enjoy better self-esteem, happiness, and health by treating unwanted varicose veins and spider veins. Dr. Monahan is Board Certified in General Surgery and Phlebology and specializes in vein disorders. EDUCATION: UC Davis, BA, Zoology, 1976. MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Hawaii, 1981, M.D. MEMBERSHIPS: American Venous Forum; American College of Surgeons, American College of Phlebology. PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Marrying my wife, adopting my kids. Spearing a 100+ lbs. grouper while free-diving in Baja. (These are ‘gifts’ more than ‘achievements’.)

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Published a research project which changed the understanding of varicose veins and treatment. INNOVATIONS: I treat varicose and spider veins in stages, reducing the amount and cost, resultant problems and improving results. All the most current knowledge and technology are used in our evaluation and treatment of patients with venous disorders. BEDSIDE MANNER: Patients frequently say ours is the friendliest medical office they have ever been to. We treat people personally, with compassion, and the best possible evaluation and treatment. OFF HOURS: Golf, fly-fishing, reading. CHARITABLE WORK: Long-time member of the area YoungLife committee; participate in YoungLife activities.

ADVICE: People may think the treatment of vein disorders is purely for appearance or just for vanity. But how you feel about yourself is much more than “cosmetic.” It’s meaningful, confidence boosting and part of an overall health equation.

Reach out for a consultation. You’ll be glad you did.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Monahan Vein Clinic 1211 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Ste.120, Roseville (916) 791-8346 (VEIN) • Veinfocus.com

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3/12/21 4:17 PM

Health Care Professionals A Special Advertising Section

David Kaufman, M.D., FACS Drew Davis, M.D. Plastic Surgery

FOCUS: Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery is focused on aesthetic plastic surgery with an emphasis on breast enhancement, body contouring and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. We also offer an array of non-surgical options for aesthetic improvement. EDUCATION: Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Davis are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kaufman received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and subsequently attended Stanford University for his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency. He is, however, most proud of his time at the U.S. Naval Academy and his active duty service as a Navy SEAL. Dr. Davis attended medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and also, completed his residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. WHAT SETS THEM APART: A combination of exceptional training, extensive experience and a passion for excellence differentiates Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery. Supported by a team of caring, fun and energetic professionals, our goal is to make patients feel confident they are in the right place. For that reason, we strive for patients to feel like “extended family” and to be excited about the prospect of self-enhancement. OFF-HOUR ACTIVITIES: Both Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Davis are family men who love spending time with their wives and young children—preferably playing and exploring outdoors. CHARITABLE WORK: Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Davis work closely with Medical Missions for Children to provide life-changing surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates in the developing world. Dr. Davis is also a volunteer surgeon for ReSurg International. CHECK US OUT: Still a single location practice, we invite you to visit us at our newly built, state-of-the-art, Folsom office.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 1841 Iron Point Road, Folsom • (916) 983-9895 • www.thenaturalresult.com

+HCP.indd 33

3/12/21 4:17 PM

Health Care Professionals A Special Advertising Section

Jamie Funamura, M.D., M.P.H. Pediatric Otolaryngology

FOCUS: Offering personalized care for children with ear, nose and throat conditions. EXPERTISE: Highly trained with expert skills in airway, hearing, sinus, sleep and swallowing issues, particularly in infants and young children. RESEARCH/ACADEMIC INTERESTS: Early hearing loss identification and treatment, and improving health outcomes for children with complex ear and airway issues.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Dr. Funamura is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology. EDUCATION: Stanford University; USC Keck School of Medicine; UC Davis Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery; Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School Pediatric Otolaryngology.

CONTACT INFORMATION 2521 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento • 800-2-UCDAVIS (800-282-3284) • health.ucdavis.edu

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3/12/21 4:17 PM

Health Care Professionals A Special Advertising Section

Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern CA Suzanne L. Kilmer, M.D.

FOCUS: Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery specializing in lasers, injectables and CoolSculpting. With over 40 lasers and devices onsite, we have the ability to provide comprehensive care that is customized to the individual patient. EDUCATION: Medical DegreeUCD School of Medicine. Internship, Residency, Chief Resident–UCD School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology. Clinical & Research Fellow in Cutaneous Laser Surgery-Harvard Medical School Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine. AFFILIATIONS: American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), American Academy of Dermatology, AMA, AOA Medical Honor Society. HONORS: Elected to American Dermatological Association 2011.

Elected to ASDS Board of Directors 2009. ASLMS: Board of Directors 1998-2001, President 2002, Secretary 2015-2018, Presidential citation for excellence in research and education with cutaneous lasers 2010, and Ellet Drake Lectureship Award 2009. Honoree Sturge Webber Foundation 2008. ASDS Iron Surgeon 2014 GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Three wonderful children.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: First female president of ASLMS. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Unsurpassed patient care and groundbreaking research including over 120 FDA clinical trials that have led to innovations in the treatment of wrinkles, scars, vessels, excess fat, birthmarks, tattoos and hair removal including the landmark studies for Laser Resurfacing, Thermage, Fraxel and Coolsculpting. CHARITABLE WORK: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Physicians for Hope, New Beginnings: Radiation Mark Removal Program. ADVICE: The truth always wins.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 3835 J Street, Sacramento • (916) 456-0400 • lasercenter@skinlasers.com • www.skinlasers.com From L to R: Rebecca Sprague, NP-C, Susan Silva, M.D., Suzanne Kilmer, M.D., Vera Chotzen, M.D., Marla McClaren, M.D., Anne Zhuang, M.D.

+HCP.indd 35

3/12/21 4:17 PM

Health Care Professionals A Special Advertising Section

Kenneth M. Toft, M.D. Toft Facial Surgery FOCUS: Dr. Kenneth M. Toft is considered Sacramento’s expert in facial plastic surgery. EDUCATION: He began his surgical training at Stanford University, continued his studies as a Clinical Instructor in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA, and has been the Medical Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mercy San Juan Medical Center for thirteen years.

This impressive pedigree is backed up with exceptional results. WHAT SETS HIM APART: Focusing entirely on the face, Dr. Toft has a reputation of giving patients natural appearing results with a quick recovery utilizing the most modern techniques available. Dr. Toft uses his expertise to minimize the signs of surgery so his patients can return to their active lifestyle looking refreshed, youthful and balanced. Not ready for surgery? Dr. Toft also personally performs all fillers, Botox®, Dysport®, and Photofacial treatments. In addition, a licensed Medical Esthetician can provide expertise in corrective peels, Dermasweep treatments, and pharmaceutical-grade skincare. If you are considering facial plastic surgery or would like to attend an informational seminar, make an appointment with “the expert” in Facial Plastic Surgery, Kenneth M. Toft, M.D. CONTACT INFORMATION: 959 Reserve Drive • Roseville • (916) 782-TOFT (8638) www.ToftFacialSurgery.com

+HCP.indd 36

3/12/21 4:17 PM

Kendall Homer, D.M.D. Eric Grove, D.D.S. FOCUS: General Dentistry, including cosmetics, implant restoration, and emergency dental care. EDUCATION: Dr. Homer completed his B.A. at Sacramento State and earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Washington University. Dr. Grove received a B.S. from Pacific Union College and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Drs. Homer and Grove belong to the ADA/ CDA/SDDS. Dr. Grove is also an active participant in the SDDS. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. Homer’s and Dr. Grove’s patients’ appreciation is evident in client loyalty, with 40-year plus patients bringing their children and grandchildren in for treatment. CHARITABLE WORK: Dr. Homer supports Save Ourselves, an organization that provides counseling and peer support to people living with breast cancer. Dr. Grove has participated in overseas dental mission trips and also participates in the Smiles for Big Kids program in Sacramento. FREE ADVICE: Studies have linked diabetes, heart disease and stroke to gum disease. Oral health is a significant part of overall well-being.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kendall Homer D.M.D. / Eric Grove D.D.S. 9216 Kiefer Blvd., Suite 5, Sacramento (916) 363-9171 www.grovehomerdentists.com dentist@grovehomerdentists.com

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3/12/21 4:17 PM

Down on Main Street

25

By Krista Minard

SMALL TOWNS IN THE FOOTHILLS

W

e’re surrounded by Sierra foothills, where small towns teem with history that hearkens back to Gold Rush days. Anchored by preserved Main Streets, these towns call up the past with sweet old neighborhoods, 19th century homes and commercial buildings now housing museums and current-day businesses. Modern energy brings great coffee, farm-to-table dining and rich arts and culture—and shopping that’s more eclectic than utilitarian. We chose 25 towns within seven counties, all within reach—no farther than 120 miles from Sacramento, no higher than 3,000 feet—and with wonderfully walkable historic hubs. We do not even attempt to cover it all, so go for yourself—for the day or, if inns are ready to welcome guests, the weekend—and discover your own treasures. From what we’ve learned, small-town businesses are eager for visitors. Be respectful. Mask up, bring your own hand sanitizer, keep your 6-foot distance and be gracious if something you hoped to see turns out to be closed or tightly limited on access. The basics these days.

PHOTOS: Gabriel Teague

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

• MAP: Ricardo Berumen Borrego

Downieville

Nevada City Grass Valley

YUBA CITY

LAKE TAHOE

Colfax

Auburn

Georgetown

Newcastle Loomis

Coloma Placerville

SACRAMENTO Plymouth Amador City Ione

Volcano Sutter Creek Jackson Mokelumne Hill

San Andreas Murphys Angels Camp Columbia

STOCKTON

Copperopolis

Twain Harte Sonora

Jamestown

SACMAG.COM April 2021

39

NEVADA COUNTY

Nevada City

This picturesque foothill town has preserved its historic downtown to such charming proportions that it’s impossible not to walk a little slower as you wander along the wooden sidewalks. It’s busy with visitors and residents, with most of the activity on Broad Street and its side streets, and packed with history, arts and culture, and shopping and dining opportunities. It’s got all the small-town staples: inns in old mansions, at least one bookstore, third-wave coffee, galleries that show local artists’ works, the old Miners Foundry and someplace to get a fancy piece of chocolate to perk up a mid-afternoon slump.

Broad Street

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

FUN TO SAY AND SEE—Kitkitdizzi is a native plant—also known as Mountain Misery— that carpets the forest floor here in the West.

It’s also the name of a retail outlet in Nevada City with art and other goods for a carefully curated home: textiles, ceramics, wall art, lighting, candles, nectars, plus jewelry and clothing aplenty.

WATCH FOR IT—The National Exchange

Hotel is undergoing renovations and expects to open with new grandeur later this year.

PUT IT IN YOUR HAT—

The Hat Store has an incredible selection of headwear: fedoras, top hats, straw sun protectors, ball caps, cowboy hats.

CHOCOLATE FIX—Cacao Cafe

by Choquiero is what dreams are made of: all chocolate.

It’s got more than 300 chocolate varieties from throughout the world, all stuff you can feel good about: fair trade, free of emulsifiers and junk. Plus the shop is gorgeous, with deep, rich woods and bright colors, and the drinks list includes “cacaoccinos,” cacao espresso and cacao elixir shots.

National Exchange Hotel

PEACEFUL READING — Harmony Books is a favorite because of its location in the assay office, with its hardwood floors, exposed brick and a fireplace, and because you can browse without feeling hovered over. The collection, which includes literature, nonfiction, gardening, sustainability, art and lots more (yes, children’s, too), is made up of new releases as well as old ones.

FIRE UP THE PIZZA—At Three Forks Bakery & Brewing, the pizza—with dough made from organic wild yeast and topped with meats, cheeses and veggies sourced locally if possible—is wood-fired to crispy, chewy goodness. It’s not just the pizza that makes Three Forks special, but the muffins, scones and daily breads. (The Sunday loaf: olive, walnut, lemon zest and herbes de Provence.)

EAT YOUR VEGETABLES —Although

Cacao Cafe by Choquiero

Closed on Sunday—In many of the smallest towns, lots of businesses close on Sundays. If you go for the weekend, explore town on Saturday and save Sunday for hiking or biking.

it’s not vegan or vegetarian, Ike’s Quarter Cafe serves some of the best plant-based dishes around. The plant-centered burger selection, for example, includes ones made from beets, mushrooms and tempeh. Ike’s strawberry spinach salad, by the way, is legendary.

Ike's strawberry spinach salad SACMAG.COM April 2021

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NEVADA COUNTY

Grass Valley Sister city to Nevada City, Grass Valley has its own identity, too, with a bustling downtown district that these days has an impressive outdoor dining and drinking stretch (along Mill Street, which has been closed to traffic). It’s not just restaurants, wine bars and breweries in here, but shops and galleries, too.

HISTORIC AND NEW—The 28-room Holbrooke Hotel has recently reopened

after an 18-month, multimillion-dollar renovation, bringing the property up to date with modern amenities while preserving its historic flavor. The restaurant, bar and lobby on the main floor, rich with dark wood and upscale Western style, invite visitors to relax on a lush leather curved-arm sofa, sink into one of the extremely high wingback chairs or pull up a stool at the bar. Original stone and brick walls remain throughout, as well as period pieces including clawfoot tubs and pedestal sinks in the guest rooms. Rates start at $165.

TASTY PASTY—Grab one of these stuffed

delights—a Grass Valley staple, it turns out— from Marshall’s Pasties or Grass Valley Pasty Co. At the latter, the traditional Cornish pasty, the Cousin Jack, comes loaded with skirt steak, potatoes, onions, turnips and parsley.

You won’t be hungry the rest of the day.

Mill Street

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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021

IN THE KITCHEN —Bakers, home

chefs and foodies will love Tess’ Kitchen & Culinary, which is three levels of gadgets, appliances, cookbooks, pots and pans, aprons and potholders, boards and knives, mixes, sauces, oils, vinegars, spices and lots of pastry shaping and decorating supplies.

SIERRA COUNTY

Downieville

Tess' Kitchen & Culinary

ART EXHIBIT—On second Saturdays at the Art Works Gallery, visitors can learn from artists who hold demonstrations and answer questions. Some 30 visual artists present their works at this artists cooperative, and displayed pieces include ceramic, textiles, metal, sculpture, photography, painting, glass and mixed media.

STYLISH AND FUN —Yuba Blue, in the old Grass Valley Hardware building, has racks of cute tops and underthings, a wall of women’s jeans, and a section of household merch, including linens, books about cooking and décor, pillows, lamps, signs, garden goodies; plus another section full of bath bombs, lotions, hair doohickeys and a blending bar.

About an hour’s drive beyond Nevada City, Downieville sits deep in at the confluence of the Yuba and Downie rivers. Two bridges— the Durgan and the Jersey—cross the water, leading from a tiny commercial district to residences and inns against the mountains.

Downieville is a hub for mountain bikers (host of summertime’s Downieville Classic race and festival) and white-water rafters.

Dogwood blooms beside the rivers in springtime and monkey flowers line the moist canyon walls. Business hours can depend on a variety of factors, including weather, season and the pandemic, but if possible, meander through the Downieville Museum—housed in a circa 1852 building and packed with collections from the Gold Rush and logging and mining eras. Near the courthouse, grab a self-guided walking tour of Downieville’s historic points of interest, including the Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows, sure to strike a chill.

GLUTEN-FREE GOODIES —

Corvus Bakery maintains a massive menu of gluten-free scones, muffins, hand pies, breads—and doughnuts on Saturdays.

INDULGE YOUR INNER ROCK STAR —Open since 1975, Foggy

Mountain Music might have more guitars than it has square footage.

Not just guitars, but drums, ukuleles, banjos, flutes, horns, keyboards . . . and the beat goes on. Just up the street: Clocktower Records.

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PLACER COUNTY

Auburn Just 33 miles from Sacramento, Auburn’s Old Town comprises a couple of streets anchored by the gorgeous courthouse (and a candy-striped firehouse with a witch-hat roof) and a park that hosts a Saturday farmers market packed with Placer County-grown goods.

NOT JUST COFFEE—

At The Pour Choice, more than 25 taps grace the marble bar, dispensing coffee, craft beer (including ones brewed in town) and kombucha. A favorite Pour Choice specialty: the North Fork Chai Latte, created with locally made chai concentrate.

STABLE OF ARTWORK—Auburn Old Town Gallery showcases

works by 50+ local artists in the old Empire Livery Stable building.

BIG ASS OMELETS —Edelweiss serves up four-egg omelets all day.

The menu lists 51. End of story.

LUNCH STOP —The obvious choice: Auburn Alehouse, in the 1856 American Block Building, with an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, small plates, specialty entrées such as beer-braised short Edelweiss omelet ribs or hand-battered fish tacos. On tap: house brews. Across the street, sister property The Annex serves a mean brick-oven pizza. Or travel a couple miles down Lincoln Way to the East Auburn part of downtown and experience the massive beer garden at The Station Public House, where the Sriracha bacon jam and blue cheese (yes, both!) on the ultimate burger will send taste buds dancing.

HISTORY LESSON —The bottom floor of the courthouse makes up the Placer County Museum; it’s filled with the Placer County gold collection, a display of American Indian artifacts and other items.

Admission is free once it opens back up.

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Old Town Auburn

Newcastle

Unless you’re there to pick mandarins in winter or do some tasting out on the Placer Wine & Ale Trail, a visit to Newcastle revolves mostly around the packing sheds, which have been converted to restaurants and shops.

Newcastle Packing La Fornaretta Sicilian Sheds Artists Gallery and Studio maintains at least a dozen working artists’ spaces. At Newcastle Produce, pick up a shepherd’s pie or enchiladas to heat up at home later, or a coffee (Temple) and scone for right now. Besides produce, the store carries a collection of locally made candles and soaps, and all kinds of culinary goodies, including fun pasta, chocolates, brittle and spices. Also in the sheds: a cheese shop, wine shop, pizzeria and La Fornaretta Sicilian restaurant. Less than a mile away, across Interstate 80 behind Denny’s, North Fork Chai Co. has scones, quiche, avocado toast and, of course, chai.

Loomis

Among the fruit murals of Loomis, plenty of spots are open for a bite, mostly on Taylor Road.

REDS BISTRO —Open for dinner, Red’s partners with local farmers to create seasonal dishes, including a bone marrow appetizer, celery root and apple soup, steak frites and a fried soft-shell crab sandwich.

LOOMIS BASIN BREWING GASTROPUB & SMOKEHOUSE—Sit on the expansive patio for the ribs, tri-tip,

brisket, brats, wings and other barbecue, and don’t skip the housemade root beer.

FLOWER FARM INN —A lovely compound

at the intersection of Horseshoe Bar and Auburn-Folsom roads, Flower Farm has many facets, including a farmhouse inn and event center, café, nursery and gift shop, and wine tasting room (Le Casque).

TAYLORS —Burgers, hot dogs, fries and 300+ flavors of handspun milkshakes grace the menu at this old-fashioned joint.

Colfax

This rural town, along the route of the Central Pacific Railroad (the western portion of the first transcontinental railroad) and now an Amtrak stop, is tiny but charming, with a historic downtown. The restored Colfax Passenger Depot houses the city’s Heritage Museum and the chamber of commerce. The Main Street strip includes the Colfax Farm & Country Store— always good for local creations such as honey, soaps, wind chimes, jewelry and supplies for animals large and small (from hay bales to cat toys). At Grandma C’s Kitchen, grab a peanut butter cup brownie. Lumenaris Crafts and Games sells puzzles, models, felting kits and, yes, games. The pizza at Main Street Pizza/Basement Wines features house-made dough and sauce; the place pours an extensive selection of local craft beer, hard ciders and wine, too.

SMITHVILLE COFFEE & BREW—Watch for this new coffeehouse to open soon in the former Loomis Smog Station space on the corner of Horseshoe Bar and Taylor roads, bringing specialty coffee, protein smoothies, beer and wine and healthy grub.

HIGH-HAND NURSERY & CAFE—Dine among the nurs-

ery’s greenery for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The menu includes Benedicts, omelets, sandwiches, salads and pizzas.

BLUE GOOSE PRODUCE—In

a fruit packing shed, it’s like a step back in time for local produce in season, as well as dried fruit, nuts, honey, sauces, eggs and meat from area pastures.

High-Hand Cafe

BRU —Grab a cup of coffee here and know your purchase goes

toward Everyone Matters Ministries, which helps families facing homelessness.

THE FEATHERED NEST—Beyond the eateries, located in a chic, barnlike building on Taylor Road, The Feathered Nest offers 10,000 square feet of retail space filled with a beautifully curated selection of furniture, kitchen wares, home accessories, oversized baskets, gifts and more.

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EL DORADO COUNTY

Placerville One of the larger small towns in the foothills, Placerville is bisected by Highway 50, a rest stop for travelers between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Its downtown district—rife with storefronts, restaurants, museums—is anchored by the Bell Tower, a monument to the city’s volunteer fire department, and a gathering spot for events today. Walk this Main Street and you’ll be treated to some of the finest 1850s architecture in the foothills.

HANGMAN’S TREE—Was it many men? Three particular men? His-

tory isn’t clear, but we do know Placerville used to be called Hangtown because of vigilante justice meted out here in the form of an oak tree and a rope. A dummy (dubbed “George” by locals and regarded as offensive by many) hangs from a branch at 305 Main St., where a historical marker reminds us of days best left behind.

Combellack-Blair House

HOUSE THAT’S PRETTY AS A PAINTING —Less than a half mile

off Main Street, the Queen Annestyle Combellack-Blair House, on the National Register of Historic Places and now a private residence, was built in 1895. Famous artist Thomas Kinkade, who grew up in Placerville, included the house in one of his paintings of a Christmas scene.

IF THEY DON’T HAVE IT, YOU DON’T NEED IT—Placerville Hard-

ware is the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, and if you need it, there’s a good chance they have it. Nuts, bolts, screws, tools, cookware, cords, hoses, gifts, gold pans, fishing poles—such a plentiful inventory, it’s delightfully overwhelming. Customer service is personal, and the store itself charming with hardwood floors and nuts and bolts bins. Allow yourself time to browse.

PIE IN YOUR FACE—Sweetie Pie’s

Main Street, Placerville

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is an institution. An institution in a cute old house at the end of town.

It’s open for breakfast and lunch, but that’s not really why you go. You go for the 20+ types of pie. Selection varies daily, but we promise you’ll see something you like. Not into pie?

Get a cookie or a cinnamon roll.

HEY, IT’S A GREAT DAY—Modern

dishes that capture the flavors of the season, say the folks behind Heyday Cafe (owners Ben Carter and Kris Mayes, chef Nick Bolen and manager Christian DellaPenna), and that seems about right. We had the freshest greens and veggies in the spinach/butternut squash salad, house-made sausage on wood-fired pizza, and Skuna Bay salmon seared just so and served with rosemarysmoked cauliflower puree.

OLD STONE MUSEUM —The

Fountain & Tallman Soda Works structure houses the Placerville Historical Museum, which has been closed throughout the pandemic, but the building itself dates back to 1852 and is a fabulous example of rustic Victorian masonry. When the museum opens back up, don’t miss an opportunity to appreciate gold flakes and soda glass as well as lots of other El Dorado County memorabilia.

BRING IT HOME—A beautiful and high-style interiors store, Brass + Oak showcases designer Molly Fitzpatrick’s favorites: furnishings, rugs, pillows, lamps, dishes, blankets, vases and other accessories.

Brass + Oak

ANOTHER GOOD MEAL—Going

light? Get the pink peppercorn ahi salad at Bricks Eats and Drinks.

Hungrier? The Mamarosa (filet mignon tips with creamy vodka marinara sauce and basil and cheese tortellini). On the off chance those dishes have fallen off the menu, you’re safe with just about anything.

It’s that good—and a Smokey Sunset with tequila, mezcal, pineapple, lime and mint goes down too easy.

Coloma

The American River flows beside this historic site, beneath a narrow automobile and foot bridge, skirting the spot where it all began for these little towns in 1848: the (James) Marshall Gold Discovery Site and (John) Sutter’s Sawmill. Coloma has been preserved as a state park, with remaining buildings and interpretive signage throughout depicting where buildings stood and where they’ve gone (most, it seems, burned up). The blacksmith shop still operates. The Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe, located in the Old Schulze House, serves coffee and bagels, sandwiches and salads; ingredients come from nearby Bee Love Farms. (Its hours have been spotty during the pandemic.) Plan for several hours in Coloma—time enough to thoroughly explore the park and read all the fascinating stories. Best option: Take a guided tour, $3 apiece, and let a docent tell you all about it. As part of your trip, stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse & Café in nearby Lotus (white-water rafting central!) for a hand pie or other goodie; the seasonal raspberry latte tastes yummy, too.

Georgetown

Take a drive through the hills and into the pines to this little brick-laden Gold Rush town located on The Divide, a spot of land between the South and Middle Forks of the American River. At the Main Street Mercantile, a museum pays tribute to the area’s logging and mining past with replicas, photographs and other memorabilia. The mercantile also maintains room after room of goods old and new from more than 50 vendor booths.

Admire the Old Georgetown mural next to the volunteer fire department station. See the work of local artists at Art on the Divide Cooperative Gallery, sit down to a fried chicken dinner at Georgetown Hotel & Saloon (whiskey at the bar feels right), and don’t skip breakfast and a stiff coffee from the itty-bitty Corner Kitchen. Also, The Divide gastropub, with an interior like an old mining cave and featuring reclaimed wood from 2014’s King fire, serves massive burgers, Georgetown Saloon ribs, mac and cheese and a darn good Reuben.

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AMADOR COUNTY

Sutter Creek

The quintessential little foothills town, pretty and clean, Sutter Creek welcomes visitors for walking, wine tasting and antiques shopping. A number of inns make turning it into a weekend a good possibility. The whitewashed Sutter Creek Auditorium has a collection of well-spaced tables and chairs out front; visitors can sit there with a coffee or some takeout.

Next door, the Creekside United Methodist Church maintains a Little Free Library (looks like an old phone booth) well-stocked with novels and children’s books. Help yourself!

SAY CHEESE—A pic-

nic supply stop, Sutter Creek Cheese Shoppe is both a cheese counter and tasting room for Miller Wine Works. Grab some cheese, grab some wine, a jar of olives, box of crackers, a few nuts.

In non-COVID times, the cheese tasting experience is impressive.

STILL PROVIDING —Sutter Creek

Provisions continues its weekend hours with Chef Tim (Blankenship)’s ever-changing pantry menu—watch for chicken chili, his own take on okonomiyaki (traditionally a Japanese pancake, but in this case a waffle; a recent one was made with smoked onion and cabbage and topped with hot sauce, white barbecue sauce, allium ash and scallions) and wontons, among other inventive fare. The bottle shop is open as well.

Main Street, Sutter Creek

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EAT UP —A great spot for a muffin, house-

made pie or a big burger (beef or portobello) on a toasted bun or locally made ciabatta roll, Buffalo Chips also has ice cream, house-made marshmallows and darn good coffee.

FUN STORE—Makers on Main is full of amusing California-made merchandise including bottle openers shaped like owls or yogis, potholders with sassy sayings, oneof-a-kind jewelry and home décor, spices, candles and other gift items.

GARDEN BEAUTY—A sweet indoor-outdoor garden and home shop, The Antique Gardener carries plenty of plants as well as a plethora of gardening supplies, books, baskets, home and yard décor, pots and soaps, all beautifully displayed.

TASTE OF THE TOWN —Sut-

ter Creek is home to numerous tasting rooms that pour Amador wines. Tucked in between the shops and restaurants, in The Antique Gardener alpha order: Baiocchi, Bella Grace, 1850, Feist, Le Mulet Rouge, Miller, Scott Harvey, Sera Fina 2, Sierra Ridge, Simply Bubbles, Uphill and Yorba. Many maintain primary operations out on the back roads, but in Sutter Creek, it’s all within walking distance. Right now, most tasting is by reservation only, so check websites and call ahead to make an appointment.

Plymouth Main Street is tiny, home to Taste and Rest—an awardwinning restaurant with the mushroom cigars and 16room boutique inn respectively, owned by super-hosts Mark and Tracey Berkner (who also own Volcano Union Pub). Across the street, Amador Vintage Market plans to reopen this spring, back to creating salads and sandwiches perfect for a wine-country picnic. The Pokerville Market out on Highway 49 can fill your picnic basket as well, or you can stop off at Marlene & Glen’s diner and get stuffed—massive omelets, waffles and “flapjacks,” burgers and melts. For craft beer, check out Amador Brewing Company, also on the corner of Highway 49 and Main Street. Then, it’s into the wine country: Some 30ish wineries, many of them award winning, populate the adjacent Shenandoah Valley, bucolic with rolling vineyard views. Amador Vintners website (amadorwine. com) gives a detailed map. (Some of our must-stops: Andis, Helwig, Rombauer, Jeff Runquist, Sobon, Story and Wilderotter.) It’s important to make tasting reservations, as that’s the pandemic way. Zin is the sig-

nature varietal, but many other reds, whites, pinks and sparklings grace the inventories and tasting options.

While you’re in the Shenandoah Valley, enjoy your picnic lunch on the grounds of the Amador Flower Farm, where the acres of gardens showcase some 1,200 varieties of daylilies, which bloom each spring and summer.

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AMADOR COUNTY

Jackson The largest city in Amador County, Jackson has all the conveniences of home—supermarkets, chain coffee, good cell coverage—as well as a downtown Main Street that’s very walkable.

You’ll find an old jail site, an Odd Fellows Hall, churches (including St. Sava Serbian Orthodox, dating back to 1894, and touchstone for the Serbian-American community in town), and shops and restaurants behind original storefronts.

AMADOR COUNTY MUSEUM —This 15-room

classic Greek Revival home was inhabited by one of Jackson’s settlers, Armistead C. Brown, in the 1850s and includes a Gold Rush exhibit, Native American and Chinese collections, a Victorian bedroom and parlor, and other artifacts, including fashions and furnishings from the past.

SERBIAN TREATS —Grab a morn-

ing bun or turnover to have now, and definitely get a loaf of sourdough for later. The Blue Door Bakery, also known as the Serbian Bakery, creates its small-batch baked goods from scratch. Go early or go without; also, cash only.

BOOKS AND VIDEOS, USED AND RARE— Hein & Company, in the Krabbenhoft building, houses more than 650,000 volumes of used and antique books, plus some DVDs, CDs, video games, artworks and other collectibles. Say hello to bookstore cat Emily, an elderly girl who loves a little gentle petting.

Main Street, Jackson

OLDIES BUT GOODIES —At Antiques Downstairs, more than 15 vendors sell their wares, including dishes, Depression glass, home furnishings from any era, signs, vintage art and clothing, and the list goes on.

EYES BIGGER THAN STOMACH —Train

Town Candies has more taffy and Pez than you can imagine, along with Necco wafers, Tootsie Rolls, Sugar Babies, Bottle Caps, gummies, candy sticks, chocolate bars, retro packs of gum . . . oh, and a fudge and ice cream counter.

THOUSANDS OF GADGETS —The Biggest Little Kitchen Store has culinary equipment hanging from the ceiling, and shelf after shelf of whisks, spatulas, knives, napkins, sauces, spice grinders, pots and pans, the strainer you didn’t know you needed.

BEER AND BURGERS —

And sandwiches, steaks, onion rings, fries and plenty of other brewpub fare graces the menu at Brickhouse Brews. Opt for the pesto fries if you love basil.

Hein & Company

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Train Town Candies

Amador City First the really bad news: Andrae’s Bakery has closed. But there’s good news in this tiny city on a bend along Old Highway 49: Small Town Food + Wine is open, and so are the wine-tasting rooms, antiques shops and Made in Amador, where Amador County-created goods (jewelry, jam, scarves, candles, bath salts) line the shelves and tables. At Dreamy Whites Atelier: vintage French farmhouse furniture and accessories. Nancy’s Gifts is a small space, packed tight with locally made clothing and jewelry. Alley + Main, with exposed brick, has linens, antiques and watering cans. Victorian Closet carries dresses, hats and jewelry going back to the Civil War. Taste some wine (and enjoy a bite to eat) at Holgate Hill. On the road’s bend, the Imperial Hotel overlooks the tiny burg, and the adjacent Bellflower Home & Garden Annex includes two indoor shops stocked with antiques and a yard crowded with metalwork pieces such as roosters, dragons and horses.

Ione

Volcano In this little town (pop. 100 or so) 3 miles from Daffodil Hill (reminder, everybody: Daffodil Hill closed “indefinitely” two years ago), many of the community’s original buildings still stand. Life’s lively here, though, with the Sizemore Country Store (the general store’s been going since 1952 but is under new ownership) serving up soups and burgers and sometimes running their barbecue in the central lot nearby. If it’s roaring, grab a tri-tip sandwich, meat piled up on a roll from Kneading Dough Bakery. (The breads! The cookies!) The St. George Hotel, three stories with wooden balconies, is rumored to be haunted. Check out the graves of two miners; headstones stand at the center of town adjacent to a hydraulic mining nozzle left over from days gone by. Old Abe, a bronze cannon smuggled in during the Civil War to deter rebel sympathizers, stands on its original wooden cart in a shed. After your history lesson, grab a bite from the Volcano Union Pub & Inn— the Union Mac & Cheese has broccoli and bacon.

St. George Hotel

Main Street in Ione is very small, with City Hall, the community church, a veterans’ memorial, “Iron Ivan”— the Old No. 7 steam locomotive—and lots of historic buildings. What Ione is perhaps best known for: Preston Castle, a 120-year-old former reform school that is the site of one of the nation’s best “haunted houses” each October. As COVID restrictions loosen, the castle hopes to reopen for tours, and when it does, by all means, take one. It’s a spectacular place, reputedly haunted, with closets, staircases and hidden rooms to stoke your imagination. Also in Ione, Clos du Lac Cellars (formerly Greenstone) is a French country chateau-style winery with lush grounds for picnicking.

Preston Castle

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CALAVERAS COUNTY

Murphys Oh, what fun you’ll find in Murphys, with its tree-draped Main Street packed with winetasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, bed-and-breakfasts, even a floral shop with a white bird in a white cage you can see through the window. Down the hill behind Main Street, the community park that typically hosts events—including First Friday summer music and dancing, the Calaveras Grape Stomp and Murphys Day of the Dead—is a nice spot to picnic by Murphys Creek, sit in the gazebo or run the kids at the playground.

WHAT A PLACE!—About a mile outside of Murphys Community Park

IN THE ICEBOX—Opened in March 2020, Fathom Thiss Design and Bloodroot Apothecary share the moss-shingled Hansel-and-Gretellooking historic icebox building. Creak open the wooden door. Lining the walls: handmade goods and beaded jewelry from artist Brittany Cockshott and body oils, salves, tinctures and other medicinals from herbal practitioner Emily Flynn.

MURPHYS HISTORIC HOTEL—Ulysses S. Grant slept here sometime after the joint opened in 1856, according to the guest ledgers still on site. It survived a town-razing fire in 1859 and still stands as a friendly resting spot for weary travelers. The saloon will throw you back to the wild, wild West, with taxidermy staring you down and a one-plank bar that’s been there since 1856.

downtown, Ironstone Vineyards beckons with beautiful grounds (so many daffodils in springtime!), an outdoor gold mining museum, wine caverns, a barrel-lined breezeway and, of course, wine tasting.

TASTING ROOMS —More than 20 tasting rooms populate Murphys downtown, including NewsomeHarlowe (outdoor fire towers), Four Winds, Lavender Ridge, Villa Vallecito, Twisted Oak, Milliaire (creekside Villa Vallecito patio), Hovey (which shares spacious outdoor tables with Murphys Pourhouse) and La Folia (an amusing hat shop as well). See the tasting rooms link on visitmurphys.com for information about each winery and to link up to make reservations.

ALCHEMY CAFE—The menu lists innovative dishes such as ahi niçoise salad, lump crab bacon mac and cheese, and lamb kamoon, but here’s what you must order: Gold Nugget bread. It’s ciabatta with corn, scallions, jalapeños, garlic and a couple kinds of cheese, and so very soft and warm.

BOOKS ON MAIN —Every small town needs

a bookstore, and this one sells books—new and used—as well as candles, bath salts, sage bundles, pencils and other book-nerd merch, some with delightfully unexpected sayings: for example, a bath bomb for Grammar Police says “smells like your annoying.”

SWEET WINDOW—JoMa’s Ice

Cream walk-up window is open, dispensing cones piled high with such interesting flavors as Salty River of Gold and Jiminty Cricket.

GET DRESSED UP —The mother-daughter team behind Jane & Jean boutique, Sue Richmond and Laura Cashara, opened a second location, Jane & Jean Etcetera, which allows the original location to devote all its space to hand-selected boutique womenswear, while Etcetera stocks childrenswear, lingerie, accessories and even a few gift items for men.

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LONG LIVE MURPHYS IRISH PUB —

This past year has been an especially rocky road for Murphys Irish Pub, which closed under one ownership in March 2020 and opened under another in August.

Jessica and Anthony Delaney, who had been closely involved with the pub under previous ownership, purchased it and plan to continue pouring Guinness and local craft beer and wine and serving Irish pub food, including shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash.

San Andreas Looking for Main Street in this county seat of Calaveras County? It’s a tiny little thoroughfare off Highway 49 just downhill from Gooney’s Bar & Grill. In fact, start at Gooney’s with fish and chips and a craft beer, and admire the restored building and old photos. The rest of San Andreas’ Main Street is the Calaveras County Museum Complex, which has been closed for COVID but is still a fascinating walk back through time—a courthouse, hall of records, jail yard and the remaining portions of the Odd Fellows and Masonic halls dating back to 1856.

Main Street, Murphys SACMAG.COM April 2021

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CALAVERAS COUNTY

Angels Camp Famous for its association with Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” inspired by a tale he reportedly heard at the Angels Hotel in 1865, Angels Camp is also known as Frogtown. Explore the shops and restaurants in historic downtown—this is a busy Main Street, and the pandemic hasn’t completely stopped new business. Several new restaurants have opened in the past few months, and the boutiques and antiques stores have mostly stayed open.

VINO METATE CAFE—Spanish varietals at Vino Metate wine bar include albariño, Spanish cava

(sparkling), tempranillo and Monastrell, and tapas choices could be soup (such as asparagus-leek); a grazing plate with Spanish cheeses, almonds and olives; wraps (the Cadiz has tuna, pepperoncini, shallots, celery, lettuce, pickles and aioli); or Spanish tortilla egg casserole (all made with veggies).

FLOWER POWER —Much more than

a florist, Blooms and Things graces a tucked-back corner off Main Street, and its bright storefront (complete with “flower zone” parking sign) teems with whimsical metalwork sculptures and an open roll-top door to the workshop.

TURNERS WILD WEST—Also known as the Western Wear Emporium, Turners stocks all your Western wear essentials: cowboy hats, boots, jeans (Wranglers, for sure), bandanas, belts with big buckles, knives, jewelry and plenty of Angels Camp merch.

CRAFTY CHICKS —A stylish boutique packed with modern home décor, women’s clothing, cards, signs and bath and body items, Crafty Chicks is one of those little shops where you could stay all day. Every shelf or rack reveals something else sure to warm your home or your heart.

LEMON TREE BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP —This inviting little yellow coffeehouse opened in October 2020 and serves bagels and toast with toppings (avocado, cream cheese, almond butter, bananas . . .), whole fruit smoothies with boosters such as fresh ginger and turmeric root, and—of course—coffee. Beans come from Gold Country Roasters. Breads come from Todd’s Bread in Murphys.

Copperopolis Named for the copper discovered here before the Civil War, Copperopolis lies in Calaveras County off O’Byrnes Ferry Road about a dozen miles from Angels Camp. Near Lake Tulloch and a flat-top ridge called Table Mountain, it’s perhaps best known for its public golf course. A retail and community center just off downtown—the Square at Copper Valley—is anchored by a brand-new inn, the 29-room Gateway Hotel, which occupies the clock tower building. Other businesses in the square include Gold Dust Pizza, Copper’s Ice Cream & Candy, Baldi’s (eatery and coffeehouse), Griff’s BBQ & Grill, The Tipsy Frog wine tasting bar and the recently opened Rawk Boutique.

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Mokelumne Hill

Main Street, Angels Camp

Take a quick swerve off Highway 49 down into Mokelumne Hill and you’ll see a charming library with outdoor bookshelves, the Hotel Léger building (closed, but imposing as a reminder of Gold Rush days), Moke-A-Java coffeehouse, Renegade Winery (with a patio strung with market lights), Petroglyphe Gallery, Whoopsie Daisy for candy and party goods, and The Hippie Closet for all your tie-dye needs. Make sure you stop at the WHOA sign.

PICKLED PORCH CAFE—Brand new,

Pickled Porch Cafe dishes up sandwiches and salads in a house with a wraparound porch that’s perfect for pandemic dining. We happened by on grand opening day, and the line stretched out the door.

CASCABEL MEXICAN RESTAURANT—

Cascabel Mexican Restaurant

This mother-andson-run restaurant brings inventive Mexican cuisine to Angels Camp, with menu items such as fried avocado with bacon-jalapeño aioli, chicken with green mole sauce and quesabirria (corn tortillas with cheese and goat meat).

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TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Sonora

Twain Harte

A tiny community off Highway 108, Twain Harte offers an interesting mix of activities, including golf and mini golf, all in the central town area, along with a membership-only lake—some local inns can extend privileges to their guests. Restaurants include El Jardin Mexican, The Rock of Twain Harte (pub food and pitchers on a lively patio under the pines), Little Cottage Café (cornmeal apple-cinnamon pancakes, scrambles, house-made brownies), Sportsman Café (housemade sausages are a breakfast specialty) and Caffe Blossom (espresso and pastries). At Nest & Nursery, find home and garden décor, gifts, plants and . . . fly-fishing supplies, and Earthly Essentials stocks natural living essentials, including oils, incense, crystals, locally made jewelry and clothing made of natural fibers.

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In Sonora, the seat of Tuolumne County, churches and circa-1850s architecture abound, including the gorgeous Red Church, as the St. James Episcopal Church is called by locals. At the Tuolumne County Courthouse, still in use, courtroom seats have hat racks beneath them. A few blocks beyond the courthouse, the Tuolumne County Museum and History Center keeps a good-size gold collection and shows you what jail cells looked like back in the day. Hit The Candy Vault for an ice cream cone or some old-fashioned penny candy, Sonora Brewing for a local craft beer and a burger. (Sit outside on the main drag.) At Love Couture, peruse women’s and children’s clothing and accessories—the latest trends, and good prices, too. Revive Coffee is an oh-so-cool space with an arresting distressed wall; organic coffee and tasty pastries are served here. Aloft Art Gallery relocated from above The Candy Vault to the Baer’s building, giving an incredible opportunity to showcase artwork from any of its cooperative artists in the former clothing store display windows.

When it’s time for a drink, the brilliantly lighted bar at Emberz brings to mind crazy cocktails, but make sure to order this, too: Baked Emberz—melted Swiss and Gruyere cheeses with white wine and garlic oil, with accompanying crostini and olive tapenade. Clean up your act down the street at Amala Detox & Tea Lounge—go for a cleansing tea, an ionic foot soak or a session in the infrared sauna.

Jamestown

The first place gold turned up in Tuolumne County, Jamestown has buildings on its Main Street dating back to the 1870s.

Take the Walk of Fame from downtown to Railtown 1897 (a state park celebrating Western railroading and the film industry), and see medallions commemorating movies and television shows filmed in the area (including “Little House on the Prairie,” “Petticoat Junction” and “Unforgiven”). At The Service Station restaurant, a Jimtown roll makes for a mighty good sandwich or burger, and the back patio provides dog-friendly dining. The Joyful Heart Garden Center is a combination nursery, gallery and gift shop. Off Main Street, Nest & Nook Boutique—which opened in October 2020—is filled with new and upcycled items including furniture, artwork and home décor, much of it in a rustic, farmhouse style. Finally, for the ride home, the Frosty shack at the edge of town pulls a towering soft-serve cone—a mini has two domes, a large goes five high.

Colum bia State Historic Park In this working Gold Rush-era town, prices are modern day, but the rest takes you back to the 1850s. Columbia has the largest collection of Gold Rush-era structures in the state—livery stable, saloon, schoolhouse, Wilson-McConnell residence, City Hotel, Wells Fargo building and others. Dip a candle, pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, sip sarsaparilla, watch a blacksmith work.

To really learn the ins and outs, take a free, docent-led, one-hour town tour as soon as they’re available.

Railtown 1897

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THE SOUL OF S PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN JOHNSON

EVERY CITY TELLS A STORY. In Sacramento’s case, that tale encompasses riparian landscapes, diversity, history, murals, music and a little grit.

Our photographer meandered the streets, alleys and trails of our city to capture these sights using black and white film.

Midtown Farmers Market

Midtown Farmers Market

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F SACRAMENTO

Discovery Park

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Outside of Crepeville in midtown

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Discovery Park

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wn

K and 10th streets

Midtown Farmers Market

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Midtown Farmers Market

Folsom Boulevard Flea Market

Sacramento River near Freeport

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Old Sacramento Waterfront

Outside EnRich Salon in midtown

Sacramento Antique Faire

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ZOOM FUN IT’S VIRTUALLY POSSIBLE TO HAVE A PARTY, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT READY TO PACK A ROOM JUST YET.

BY DIANA BIZJAK

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ARTWORK BY JEFF DREW

hen shelter in place first descended upon us a year ago, the thought of hopping in front of the computer for a cocktail hour with friends via Zoom sounded modern, cool and resourceful. Soon we were learning how to use Zoom for practically every social interaction: distance working, distance learning, even distance parties and weddings.

But Zoom quickly became a drag. There’s no denying that gazing at a grainy, poorly lit image of your friend while sitting in the same sweatpants you’ve been wearing for three days in a row is no replacement for being together in person. Make that especially so after a long day of sitting in interminable work Zooms and wondering why your co-workers still haven’t learned how to use the mute button. Zoom fatigue is real.

But here’s the thing: Zoom itself isn’t boring, nor are any of the other video chat platforms we’ve all come to simultaneously depend on and resent. If anything, Zoom and its ilk have provided a way for us to connect with each other in new and creative ways. For specifics on how to pull off a memorable Zoom, we’ve gathered up a few standout ideas from locals.

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THROW A RAGER When midtown resident Melissa Granville realized there was no way she could safely celebrate her birthday in person last April, she was undeterred. “Typically, I would go to a bar or club,” she says, “so instead I reached out to Ms. Manners, a DJ friend of mine, to see what it would cost to have her DJ my birthday party over Zoom.”

She posted invites on Facebook and Instagram, asking friends to “dance, get drunk, and get weird.”

In lieu of presents, she requested her friends donate to a local organization for refugees and raised nearly $500.

On the night of the party, Granville got into her Zoom account early to welcome guests while the DJ played music on Twitch, another livestreaming platform. Over the span of two hours, nearly 30 guests joined in on the dancing, and they could request songs through the chat box. What could have been an awkward bust was a hit. “The secret was I just had to make it engaging,” says Granville. “Had I just shown up and sat in front of my screen, I would not have been modeling what I wanted people to do and enjoy.”

HOST A GAME NIGHT

Not everyone has the confidence or desire to break out a few dance moves in front of their webcam, so for the two-left-footed, there’s always game night.

Elyssa Rodriguez found her social life transitioned well to Zoom when paired with Jackbox, a party game system. Using Jackbox is as simple as downloading an app that allows each player to use their phone or tablet as their controller. While initially envisioned to be

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played in person, the app translates well to distanced games and can be set up alongside a Zoom session. The games available on the app are often irreverent and potentially naughty.

“It’s super fun,” says Rodriguez, who used it to stay in touch with friends and family. “I thought it wouldn’t work as a distanced thing, but it’s actually great. You just have to play with people who you think are funny.”

And one more thing: “It helps to have a drink or two.”

SEE LIVE THEATER When City Theatre at Sacramento City College was forced to shut down production last March, director Christine Nicholson looked to her art as a way to cope. “We started doing Zoom play readings because people were just trying to connect in some way,” she says of her theater group.

Soon, she and her colleagues were recording plays on Zoom and uploading them to YouTube. By the time she mounted a production of “Much Ado About Nothing” with City Theatre, these Zoom shows were polished (enough), with props, shared backgrounds and stage directions.

B Street Theatre likewise found that putting on free Zoom shows allowed it to continue to entertain and offer a sense of escape to the community. Its content diversified: B Street now offers concerts, a variety show, discussions with artists, acting classes and readings of short plays designed for Zoom.

For anyone considering launching their own virtual stage performances, Nicholson has a tip: Don’t take it too seriously. She provided audience members with bingo cards listing various tech screw-ups that might occur.

“You want it to be dynamic and be its own thing rather than a pale version of either theater or film,” she says.

Lyndsay Burch, a director at B Street, agrees that audience participation is key. For every show, the chat function remains on so audience can interact with staff and provide feedback. At the end of each show, actors and staff stick around in the Zoom to talk to lingering audience members.

“We don’t have the resources of movies or TV, but we do have the feeling of family and community and connectedness,” she says. “It’s very different from just turning on Netflix.”

SUPPORT THE FINE ARTS In terms of ambitious Zooms, few have gone bigger than Verge Center for the Arts, which managed to transform its yearly Sac Open Studios Program, typically a two-weekend event in which more than 250 local artists open up their studios to visitors, into an online event.

Verge ran an intensive summer course in social media management for participating artists and created an online directory that pointed patrons to the artists’ work and websites. It then posted 15-minute video interviews with each artist, which are still up online. The artists set up hours each day when they went live so people could virtually drop in to their studio. Some artists were initially shy. “It’s awkward to suddenly grab your phone and be like, ‘Hey, everybody, I’m here whether you want to see me or not,’” says Liv Moe, Verge’s founding director.

“But the great thing was this online version of the program was more substantive than visiting the studio, where someone might just walk in, look at the wall and walk out.”

The event was so successful in the online format that Verge plans to do a hybrid version of the event in 2021.

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HAVE A LAUGH

We can probably all agree that comedy felt a little dead this year, and for good reason. But not everyone gave up on having a laugh. Brian Crall, founder and manager of Sacramento Comedy Spot, was ready to pivot online but also noticed a little problem with socially distanced comedy. “Stand-up and improv on a Zoom just isn’t very cool,” he says.

Through trial and error, he and other local comedians found the type of humor that does work on Zoom: game shows, bad movie re-

views and shows that offer opportunity for viewer interaction. The Comedy Spot mounted its own versions of “Hollywood Squares,” “The Newlywed Game” and other trivia games, all online for free.

Audience participation—through answering questions in the Zoom chat box—drives viewership, with guests Zooming in from across the country. “People feel like it’s a bright spot,” he says. “We all need to laugh to get through this.”

SKIP THE DD Zoom happy hours were rampant last March but cooled off once we all realized we shouldn’t be plowing through a bottle of wine every night. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still occasions for hitting the vino in front of the webcam again.

Crystal Basin Cellars, located in Camino and with a tasting room in Folsom, offers wineblending sessions with its winemaker/owner, Mike Owens. Participants are mailed a half bottle of each of his varietal wines along with a graduated cylinder, then follow along with Owens over Zoom as he offers instructions on how to make and tweak a blend. “Everybody’s taste is so individual that the blending allows people to bring out what they really like,” he says.

Likewise, Casino Mine Ranch, a Plymouth-based winery, has found a way to keep people tippling on Zoom while still offering a unique experience. It’s gone beyond virtual tastings to offer a series of cookalongs, which recently saw Casino Mine pairing its wines with fried chicken as taught by N’Gina Guyton of South and pizza by Brad Cecchi of Canon. The winery ships the wine and the recipes, and participants source the ingredients, then hop on Zoom.

“There’s something special about it being in the comfort of your own home,” says Mackenzie Cecchi, Casino Mine’s chief of staff. “It feels really good to get together on this weird level and get our hands dirty.”

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GET COMPETITIVE Sometimes all it takes to have a successful Zoom hang is a little friendly competition.

Midtown resident Corrine Hawes teamed up with her friends to put on a Zoom beer pong competition. What sounds like a logistical nightmare was anything but. “We threw this together in a day,” she says.

In all, about 25 people entered the tournament. Brackets were established, and players were put into Zoom breakout rooms with a 10-minute cap per game. The rules were loose: Set up half a beer pong table and use whatever drink you’ve got. When players were eliminated, most remained in the Zoom to watch through to the final game.

“People seemed to like that it was active," says Hawes. "They weren’t just sitting and staring a screen.”

Jason Tormey also realized that he could rally his friends together by way of tournaments. Every evening during the start of the first lockdown, Tormey took to Instagram Live to broadcast marble races, creating different divisions based on midtown neighborhoods. His friends took bets as he expanded to brackets and championships (first the Boulevard Park Tournament, followed by the Handle District Conference Tournament). “A lot of my friends were bummed that March Madness was canceled, and they wanted their fix,” he says.

Within weeks, Tormey had anywhere from 100 to 200 people watching each night. “I’d read out people’s comments, do polls beforehand and announce the fan favorite, and do pre and post shows.”

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SOME OTHER OPTIONS Get fit with friends with one of the live online workout classes offered

by Nephesh Pilates, Physique Dance Studio and DFX Pilates.

Tap into your inner artist with one of The Painted Cork’s virtual paint-and-sip classes.

Host a dinner party by dropping off ingredients and recipes at your friends’ doors.

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Learn a language with online classes from Alliance Française and Casa de Español.

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Host a movie night while staying distanced by using Zoom, Houseparty, Gaze, Squad, Scener or any of the other video-sharing platforms.

EXPAND YOUR MIND For people looking to learn something new, there are educational opportunities aplenty via Zoom. Sutter’s Fort partnered with a longstanding parks organization called PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) to provide Zoom webinars and one-on-one “walking” tours. It also launched its own YouTube channel featuring videos geared toward homeschooling and hands-on activities for kids. For museum manager Alison Parks, the online programs are all about equity. While in-person tours weren’t free and were largely limited to schools in the nearby area, the online content is available to anyone at no cost, meaning children and history buffs can participate regardless of location or income. “It has been such an honor to be able to reach these communities and schools that we normally would never reach,” she says. Sutter’s Fort now holds the record for most views out of any PORTS curriculum. Not bad for a Zoom field trip program born out of a global crisis.

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THE FEATHERED NEST The Story of Home

Design Services Gifts 10,000 SQFT of curated furnishings

Let us help design your story

3264 Taylor Road in Loomis 916.633.2711 info@thefeatherednest.store thefeatherednest.store

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i n s i d e: Easy-breezy living

California Dreamin’ Designer Marin Wilson throws open the doors to the modern farmhouse she created for her family.

—Mari Tzikas Suarez

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t’s a major moment for many designers: designing your own home from the ground up. Except when Marin Wilson of Marin Design Co. dreamed up her growing family’s home in Davis more than four years ago, she was not a designer; she was a social worker. “It was very overwhelming for me,” she reveals.

“I was pregnant, we were raising our teenage son, and we had taken the whole house down to one stud.”

But as soon as they broke ground, Wilson started down an entirely new path.

“The whole process prompted me to ask myself, What do I love? What passion do I have?” After completing her home, she enrolled in proper design courses that would propel her into a new career.

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Sitting room (opposite, above): “I moved a lot as a kid, so art was always a constant for me,” Wilson says. “I make sure everything on our walls and shelves is meaningful.”

Sitting room (opposite, below): “I love that my kids get to live in a house that was so thoughtfully designed for them,” says Wilson.

“Their rooms are small, but they have a large living space to enjoy.”

Dining room (above): Dining room cabinets house dishes, entertaining wares and antique pieces passed down from grandparents.

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Nest

Today, she’s juggling multiple Sacramento-area clients at a time and, of course, enjoying the comforts of her own designs.

The family’s California room, with its indoor/outdoor living, has been a huge highlight for the family, which includes husband Marcus, three sons (Daniel, Declan and Nash) and three dogs. “It is a beautiful, functional space for us,” says Wilson. “Any time there is nice weather, we open the doors, let the fresh air in and let the kids play.” It’s also where she drinks coffee in the morning and daydreams about what additional work she wants to do to the house. “I never stop. My husband gets so annoyed with me. Doing it for other people is a lot easier.”

Indoor/Outdoor (top): “Everything was designed around the concept of the California room,” says Wilson. This indoor/outdoor space features large iron sliders and a screen, so that it can be fully opened up yet also enclosed.

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Bathroom (above): The “bird bath,” as Wilson calls this bathroom, adds a “special little pop” to the house.

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Although thethe information is believed to be accurate, isis not warranted you should uponpersonal it without personal Affiliated verifireal real estate agents are independent ractorcont sales associates, notemployees. employees. ©2021Coldwell Coldwell Banker . All All Rights Rights Reser ved.Coldwell Coldwell Banker and the not warranted andand you should not rely not uponrely it without verification. cation.

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The Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act the Equal Opportunity Act. CalRE License #01908304.

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SHINGLE SPRINGS | $1,699,000 This beautifully maintained cape cod style custom home boasts 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, office, gym and library. This incredible 25.45 acre parcel, zoned RE5 is all usable with barn, arena and direct access to riding trails from property.

Debi Ambroff 916.425.9930 debi.ambroff@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01017131

SHINGLE SPRINGS | $1,395,000 Country estate with 2 homes on 1+ park-like acre. Main home with 5 bedroom and 2.5 bath. Wrap-around porch & deck area w/hot tub. Open kitchen, separate living & family rooms. Modular home with 2 bedroom and 2 bath, gated entrance & attached garage.

Matthew Thomas 415.342.7293 matthew.thomas@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01334223

SACRAMENTO | Price Upon Request Beautiful 3br/3ba Land Park Tudor with 3 fireplaces, formal living room, dining room, family room with French doors, spacious kitchen with wood cabinets, master bedroom with master bath and a private yard with fountain.

Sue Olson 916.601.8834 sue@sueolson.net | CalRE #00784986

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COVER PROPERTY

EL DORADO HILLS | $1,100,000 Exquisite 5br/4ba El Dorado Hills home with a deck, master suite balcony, a swimming pool with a waterfall and spa and owned solar. Enjoy a cozy fireplace, nice large loft and a large private yard.

ELK GROVE | $899,000 An entertainer's dream! Spectacular 5br/4.5ba w/lots of natural light, travertine and wood floors, 20’ ceilings in living room & arched doorways throughout. Stunning backyard w/solar heated pool, spa & water features.

Dale Apodaca 916.308.6161 Dale@HomesAtSac.com | CalRE #01233424

Sidney Poritz 916.500.1522 sidney@poritzrealestate.com | CalRE #01848054

IONE | $850,000 Sprawling 3br/4ba home w/chef’s kitchen & amazing master suite w/spacious walk-in closet & spa-like bath. All bedrooms w/en suite bathrooms. Huge, 3,500 sq ft fully insulated, lift-ready shop. Paid solar & 2 AC systems.

ROSEVILLE | $789,900 Welcome to this five bedroom, three bath newer home with over $200K in updates. Features includes custom woodwork throughout, first floor bedroom, bonus area, and a detached and luxurious office space in the backyard.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Steve Ostrom 916.308.2446 Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com | CalRE #01344154

SACRAMENTO | $789,900 This impeccable maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features refinished hardwood floors, updated kitchen with breakfast area, 1 tastefully updated bathroom and a professionally landscaped yard with a covered back patio.

FAIR OAKS | Price Upon Request 5br/3ba w/1.33-acre country dream in the peaceful neighborhood of Fair Oaks w/magnificent picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Steffan Brown 916.717.7217 steffan@steffanbrown.com | CalRE #01882787

Rose Lucas 916.261.6886 | CalRE #01235628 Mark McDonough 916.245.0562 | CalRE #02016066

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ELK GROVE | $745,000 Spacious country living in Sheldon Hills. Completely remodeled kitchen & upgraded flooring. Open great room. Winding paths & firepit, 2 stall barn, riding easements & irrigated pasture. Nearly 800 sq ft workshop.

SACRAMENTO | $739,000 Charming and updated East Sac Tudor offers a bright living room with fireplace, large formal dining room, chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 2 large bedrooms, modern bathroom and cozy backyard.

Betty Brody 916.300.5202 betty@bettybrody.com | CalRE #01415304

Elise Brown 916.715.0213 eliseivesbrown@gmail.com | CalRE #01781942

SACRAMENTO | $719,000 This 3br/3ba home features a living room with a fireplace and original hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy the remodeled kitchen with modern appliances, a formal dining area and a master leading out to the back patio.

ELK GROVE | $695,000 4br/2.5ba with approx. 2,500 sq ft of living space. Hardwood floors.

Formal living/dining. Kitchen w/granite counters, island & SS appliances.

Owner’s suite w/office area. Large patio, lake views & deck w/boat dock.

Tim Stein 916.806.9685 tim.stein@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01322397

Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810 Mark@MarkDRealty.com | CalRE #01394970

SACRAMENTO | $695,000 Charming 3br/2ba River Park ranch cottage. Spacious living room w/fireplace, separate family room & updated kitchen w/granite. Backyard covered patio.

ROSEVILLE | $650,000 4br/2.5ba single-story home with solar-heated pool, breakfast nook, gas log fireplace, covered patio, raised planter boxes, and near schools & shopping.

Annette Seaborn 408.859.5881 aseaborn@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01348743

Kim Frkovich 916.532.1157 kim.frkovich@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01365584

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SACRAMENTO | Price Upon Request Welcome to this one-of-a-kind Curtis Park Bungalow with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, hardwood floors, original fireplace mantle & built-in cabinetry.

It offers wonderful natural light from front-to-back & a cozy porch.

IONE | $639,000 4br/3ba remodeled home has soaring ceilings, double doors and full of upgrades. Newer cabinets in kitchen, bathroom and the upstairs hall. Glass tile backsplash in bathroom. Newer gutters and drainpipes and more.

David Vasquez 916.601.3619 david.vasquez@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01848985

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

LINCOLN | $625,000 Welcome to this four bedroom, three bath Twelve Bridges home! You will love the gourmet kitchen, cozy family room and bonus room. There is a romantic master suite, three-car garage and large yard with mature landscaping.

SACRAMENTO | $625,000 This original 3br/1ba home offers curb appeal, wood floors, living room with fireplace, formal dining room, kitchen with eating area, a large unfinished basement & spacious yard.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Sue Olson 916.601.8834 sue@sueolson.net | CalRE #00784986

WINTERS | $615,000 Come & discover this 4br/2ba home w/tons of upgrades. From the curb appeal, the tasteful interior finishes & the wonderful design makes this a must-see home! The great room overlooks the private backyard.

CITRUS HEIGHTS | $575,000 Lovely 2 story, 4br/3ba home sits on a large lot on a peaceful cul-de-sac with a nice curb appeal. The second story offers a bonus room with a full bath. Other features include newer floors, dual pane windows & more.

Ed Corominas 916.599.9389 Ed@EdCorominas.com | CalRE #01095218

Kelly Okimoto 916.335.3185 kelly.okimoto@cbrealty.com | CalRE #02086789

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SACRAMENTO | $574,888 Charming 2br/1ba bungalow in East Sacramento with a low-maintenance backyard ideal for entertaining. Enjoy the functional kitchen with breakfast nook

ROCKLIN | Price Upon Request Stunning four-bedroom home with modern touches! The home features a chef’s kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances, & opens to the family room. Beautiful master suite with custom window treatments & tub.

Mindy Watkins 916.600.7701 mindy.watkins@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01949964

Michelle Thompson 916.804.2981 michelle.thompson@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01850154

TRUCKEE | $569,000 Peaceful mountain townhome looking out to the forest. This charming end unit has natural light, great room w/vaulted wood ceilings, wood floors, gas stove and a kitchen w/granite counters & stainless appliances.

ROCKLIN | $560,000 This gorgeous four bedroom, three bath home has a modern farmhouse feel with many upscale touches. The great room has a custom fireplace and opens to the gourmet kitchen. The romantic master suite with a luxurious bath!

Lynn Richardson 530.412.0706 lynn.richardson@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00937210

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

FAIR OAKS | $550,000 Welcome to this OWNED SOLAR home with RV/boat access, a built-in pool and spa on nearly a quarter acre. You will love the separate family and living room, formal dining room and wonderful kitchen. Outside has a sun deck!

RANCHO CORDOVA | $550,000 This beauty has five bedrooms plus a den, three baths and a three-car garage.

You will love the chef's kitchen, cozy fireplace and downstairs bedroom/bath.

Upstairs is the master suite! Outside has a nice covered patio.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

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IONE | $550,000 This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has an open floor plan and is loaded with upgrades. The huge master bedroom has a beautiful bathroom and custom window shutters. Enjoy the outdoor kitchen, solar heated pool plus a fire pit.

IONE | $539,000 Beautiful ranch-style country home w/extra wide wraparound porch.

3br/2.5ba. Approx. 2,200 sq ft. Open great room. Fantastic game room.

Paved driveway. Property fenced & cross fenced. Covered storage area.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

YUBA CITY | $525,000 A separate workshop, three-car garage, built-in pool and RV access are just a few of the great amenities found in this single-story three bedroom gem! Enjoy an enlarged great room style concept with a gourmet kitchen!

EL DORADO HILLS | $525,000 The ultimate lifestyle living for the active adult! This incredible cottage styled home features a bright great room and a chef inspired kitchen w/stainless appliances, primary suite w/low maintenance yard w/view.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Ed Corominas 916.599.9389 Ed@EdCorominas.com | CalRE #01095218

ELK GROVE | $524,900 4 bedroom, 2 bath beauty features vaulted ceilings, formal living room, dining room, family room w/fireplace, gourmet kitchen w/quartz counters & beautiful appliances & master suite. Large backyard w/covered patio.

WEST SACRAMENTO | $499,000 Modern home in private area of Rivermont. Spacious & open w/3br/2ba.

Updated kitchen w/granite counters, ss appliances, pantry & dining bar.

Family room w/fireplace. Covered patio, turf grass, no back neighbors.

Karen Tolliver-Jones 916.825.8465 karen.jones@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01743516

Doug Reynolds 916.494.8441 DougReynoldsRealEstate@gmail.com | CalRE #01734464

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ROSEVILLE | $479,900 Newer build with upgrades in a gated community is an entertainer's dream. The master suite has 2 walk-in closets, dual sinks, walk-in shower & soaking tub. Enjoy the gorgeous stone patio, gas firepit & fountain.

IONE | $475,000 4br/2.5ba immaculate home has a beautiful backyard w/large swimming pool, pavilion and lots of decking to relax on while soaking up the sun. This well cared for, newer home has a spacious kitchen & a great room concept.

Jared Cartwright 916.936.0090 jared.cartwright@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01979225

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

SACRAMENTO | $475,000 This beautiful home sits on a peaceful cul-de-sac away from the main road. It features 2 beds and 2 full bathrooms with a meticulous floorplan complete with an upgraded kitchen plus bright and spacious livable areas.

JACKSON | $465,000 This 3br/2ba home features an open concept with two separate living rooms, a central fireplace, Bocce ball court atop a hill, front and backyard decks and expansive views of the Mother Lode and the Sierra Nevada.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

Thanh Velez 408.209.4102 thanh.velez@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #02081558

SACRAMENTO | $459,900 Larchmont Riviera 3br/2ba remodeled mid-century gem. Great room and a modern euro kitchen. Waterproof luxury vinyl flooring. Updated baths. Dual pane windows and newer A/C unit w/Nest. Fruit trees, patio, Xeriscape.

RANCHO CORDOVA | $450,000 Beautiful 3br/2ba property features upgraded porcelain tile flooring, a loft upstairs, one-half bathroom downstairs, beautiful kitchen with island, relaxing master suite, covered courtyard patio & 2 car garage.

Sean David Jones 916.203.0885 sean.jones@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01860814

Tecca Wysk 916.205.8973 tecca.wysk@camoves.com | CalRE #01308218

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IONE | $445,000 This 3br/2ba home has beautiful hardwood floors, an open floor plan, a large kitchen with granite counters & master bedroom with a lovely master bathroom. Enjoy the backyard with beautiful views and a covered patio.

ANTELOPE | $440,000 This four bedroom, three bath home features a family room with a cozy fireplace, formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen with a breakfast nook, a downstairs bedroom/bath and an expansive patio in the backyard!

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

IONE | $429,000 This beautiful 4br/2ba home sits on a huge lot! The lot has plenty of room for an additional garage, shop, RV parking, swimming pool or all of the above. The kitchen has a nice view of the backyard.

IONE | $400,000 This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, sparkling clean home has so much character. The builder added extra windows, a nice fireplace and a tray ceiling. The home is located on the 13th tee with beautiful views of the golf course.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

IONE | $399,888 Newly constructed 2br/2ba home with an office, near the Lake. Gorgeous kitchen w/shaker cabinets & quartz countertops. Spacious office. Crown molding throughout & perfect finishing touches for a classy farmhouse feel.

SACRAMENTO | $399,000 This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath is a great house to call home. It features refinished hardwood floors, newer paint, arched doorways, central heat & air and tons of charm. Located close to shopping, restaurants & more.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Sidney Poritz 916.500.1522 sidney@poritzrealestate.com | CalRE #01848054

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SACRAMENTO | $390,000 This single-level home offers excellent value and is priced just right! The move-in ready four bed, two bath home enjoys an open kitchen, backyard patio and is convenient to many amenities. Come see it before it's gone.

ELK GROVE | $375,000 Gorgeous 3br/2.5ba home has been marvelously updated. It features a kitchen with Italian tile floors, quartz countertop & glass tile backsplash.

Other features include ceiling fans, updated bathrooms & fresh paint.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

SACRAMENTO | $360,000 This newly updated home has three bedrooms and two baths. You will love the kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an island. There are multiple ways to access the backyard with a patio and fresh landscaping.

SACRAMENTO | Price Upon Request Charming Oak Park bungalow features 2br/1ba with many original including wood flooring, built in hutch in dining room, breakfast nook, pantry, enclosed back patio & 1/4 basement. Enjoy low maintenance landscaping.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

SACRAMENTO | $215,000 Inviting 2 bedroom condo located in a peaceful gated community features vaulted ceilings, indoor laundry, large master bedroom with en suite bathroom & a spacious balcony. On-site amenities include pool, spa & dog park.

ROCKLIN | $549,000

ELK GROVE | Price Upon Request

Adorable 3br/ba ranch style home in Rocklin features an updated kitchen with a large livable space, laminate floors and private backyard.

Great 4br/2ba single story featuring 2 livable spaces, formal dining area, granite countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, newer lighting & so much more.

Tim Comstock 916.548.7102 tim.comstock@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01879462

Jacqueline Nance 916.300.6510 capcityjacq@gmail.com CalRE #02027555

Destiny Slothower 916.806.2207 d.slothower@yahoo.com CalRE #01883204

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ELK GROVE | $539,900

ELK GROVE | Price Upon Request

GRASS VALLEY | $479,000

SACRAMENTO | $449,000

4br/2ba w/an open & light floorplan with lots of upgrades. Great sized kitchen, oversized patio w/pull down sunshades, good sized bedrooms & more.

Immaculate 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. Newly remodeled kitchen. Waterproof core flooring. Lots of storage. Oversized backyard with sport pool.

3br/2ba Alta Sierra home w/great layout, possible 4th bed or office, many fruit trees, large deck and great curb appeal.

Enjoy the charm of this 2br/1ba home w/hardwood floors, dual pane windows, central heat & air, crown molding & charming built-ins throughout the home.

Kim Carlson 916.595.9932 kimrealtormom@yahoo.com CalRE #01847324

Rachael Nurenberg 916.410.7141 rachael.nurenberg@cbnorcal.com CalRE #02070735

Nic Williams 916.287.1257 nic.williams@cbnorcal.com CalRE #02038381

Leticia Santana 916.835.9327 leticia.santana@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01893056

FAIR OAKS | Price Upon Request

SACRAMENTO | $429,000

RANCHO CORDOVA | $365,000

NORTH HIGHLANDS | $350,000

Adorable Fair Oaks home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room & family room with fireplace.

Enjoy the large backyard with a built-in pool.

2br/1ba home in the coveted Tahoe Park area boasts a built-in dining area hutch, fireplace, hardwood floors, Tudor style windows & private backyard.

Charming large ranch-style home in a well-established and desirable neighborhood nearby the American River recreational Parkway and lots of schools.

Work and play in this cozy, mid-century North Highlands home. This one-story property features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a bonus room.

Kari Whitney 916.628.4973 kari.whitney@cbrealty.com CalRE #01725445

Leticia Santana 916.835.9327 leticia.santana@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01893056

Steve Rich 916.798.8429 s.rich@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01066398

Julie Gilmore 916.622.5833 julie.gilmore@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01951978

RANCHO CORDOVA | $350,000

RANCHO CORDOVA | $350,000

IONE | $325,000

LODI | $182,500

Lovely 3br/1ba home in a great location w/a shed, a covered patio, landscaping, RV access, central heating & air & a spacious backyard.

3br/2ba home offers 1,200+ sq ft of livable space and features a living room, separate dining/family room with fireplace & sliding door to the patio.

3br/1ba, solar home has a nice open concept.

The kitchen and bathroom have been updated.

The back yard is huge with several fruit trees.

Roomy, lower level 2br/1ba condo in gated complex w/pool. Has attached garage w/washer/dryer hookups. Great location close to schools & shopping.

Barbara Silva 916.718.6244 barbsilva@comcast.net CalRE #00986087

Timothy Pantle 916.834.6376 Tim@TimPantle.com CalRE #01377493

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01987204

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com CalRE #01987204

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ADVERTISEMENT

VISIT GRASS VALLEY “Grass Valley named one of the best places in Northern California to start a business”

www.downtowngrassvalley.com • www.grassvalleychamber.com

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just an hour from Sacramento, off HWY 49, is the Grass ValleyNevada City Cultural District which spans two vibrant, scenic and well-preserved historical cities. You’ll find antique shops and boutiques, used bookstores, eco shops, and art galleries, many offering one-of-a-kind treasures, goods and wares made by local artisans and crafters. Enjoy the local cuisine, plus award-winning wineries and breweries. While here be sure to visit Nevada County’s many historic buildings, museums, state parks and sites offer an intriguing look into the region’s fascinating history.

VISIT NEVADA CITY “One of 8 California small towns to visit right now” - SF Chronicle

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Jeffrey LaTour

Listen Up

i n s i d e: So many music recommendations

Singer/songwriter Terra Lopez is “a force,” says CapRadio’s Nick Brunner.

Local tastemakers share their favorite music from local artists.—Derek Moore

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s we head out of the first quarter of 2021, there is some optimism as we get closer to the possibility of seeing live concerts again. COVID has hit promoters, venues, bands and artists especially hard over the past year.

But in that time, we have been graced with some amazing material from Sacramento’s own.

We asked local tastemakers to give us their thoughts on bands and artists that you should be paying attention to and, perhaps, helping in these times.

Music is available everywhere, unless otherwise noted.

Pat Martin is a legend in Sacramento and has been at 98 Rock as the midday jock since 1988. His is the longest-running radio show in Sacramento’s history.

Deftones: “Ohms” (album)—“Last September, just before the release of the new Deftones album, ‘Ohms,’ I interviewed Sacramento’s Abe Cunningham (drummer and original founding member). I asked him about the title. ‘Is it an electricity reference, or is it a meditative thing?’ His answer? Both. In other words, it means anything you want it to.

“The Deftones are not a rock band. They are artists who happen to express themselves, very much collectively, through the medium of music. And this new album is no exception. It’s a musical journey, with astounding dynamic range, going from a whisper to a roar before you even knew what hit you. Powerful stuff. “‘Ohms’ is not a one-listen record. Although it’s unmistakably Deftones, it’s deep in its subtle nuances of their ever-changing art.

“Even the artwork is cool. It’s a set of mysterious eyes comprised of 12,995 dots.

You can buy a dot, with your photo appearing as the dot you purchased and viewable online. Proceeds go to UC Davis Children’s Hospital.” deftones.com/adopt

Deftones

Nick Brunner has been in Sacramento for years now and is currently CapRadio’s assistant program director/modern music director. He hosts “Hey, Listen!,” two hours of new music discovery on Saturdays.

Rituals of Mine: “Exceptions” (single)—“Terra Lopez is a force. When she isn’t writing music, she’s going hard on socially conscious art installations, podcasts, DJing livestreams to benefit food banks. Her latest record is soaked in synths, deep bass drops and quick, lyrical delivery.”

Igwe Aka Rituals of Mine

Nate Curry: “Check Up On” (single)—“I love that Floppy’s copy shop is a major set piece (in the video). It’s a little haunting to see the video cut from its psychedelic, blue-sky backdrop to the same (Floppy’s) corner during the social-justice protests from last summer.”

Mediocre Cafe: “Bunko’s Party” (single)—“It’s easy to find snarky indifference at the center of so many indie rock records, so when someone pulls off genuine, cynicism-free sentimentality, it feels special.”

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Nate Curry

Deftones: Tamar Levine; Rituals of Mine: Jeffrey LaTour

Igwe Aka: “Not The Hills” (single)—“Aka moved to Citrus Heights from Nigeria as a child. . . . It’s way more rock forward than the work I’m used to hearing from the artist. He can blend genres together in a way that sounds effortless.”

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Justin Nordan

has been an event producer for years, and for the past eight he has booked talent and produced events for Concerts in the Park. He’s the director of business development at Lyte, a technology platform for fans to safely buy, sell and exchange tickets for live events.

Lee Bannon: “The Big Toy Box 3” (album)—“After a name change to Dedekind Cut in 2015, he is back as Lee Bannon and doing what he does best: drop funky instrumental hip-hop beats that remind me of J Dilla. This album was released in December and has 30 tracks. It’s intense to get through, but worth every second.

Whoarei: “Love Spectrum” (album)—“Probably best known for being a producer on the Grammy Award-winning Kendrick Lamar album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly,’ this Sacramento native also put out an amazing album in 2020. It’s smooth, intentional and full of texture and emotion.

Easily one of the most underrated musicians in the industry.”

Destiny Molina: “Love, D” (album)— “This album follows the blurred lines of today’s R&B genre. It twists and turns, and allows me to fall into the sound, without giving away what sound or track will happen next.”

Whoarei

Destiny Molina

Destiny Molina: John Novotny

Lee Bannon

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Katie Knipp has been an indie blues/Americana performer for almost 25 years, and she’s blessed with soulful vocals and a great ability to mix several genres into her roots-rock vibe.

Her sixth album, “The Well,” is out now.

Element Brass Band: “Cali Got a Brass Band” (album)—“Nothing moves me more than a traditional New Orleans brass band. Energy! Fun! Fonk!

(Not to be confused with ‘funk.’ ‘Fonk’ has the ‘stanky’ addition that puts it on another level.) How can you not dance or be in a good mood when you hear this?”

The Pressure Lounge: “Pertinent Groove” (EP)—“This super fun, funky EP gives me a Jamiroquai vibe without taking itself too seriously. I always like to know what Joshua Krage is putting out, because aside from great music, he is always putting out the good supportive vibes on social media.

Element Brass Band

Heather Evans: “Do Better” (single)—“A beautiful song that is reflective of our trying times. Heather inspires me with how quickly she can crank out a song. It has just the right amount of emotion and vibe without being ethereal or willowy, like many female artists tend to succumb to.”

The Pressure Lounge Heather Evans

journalist who has written for Sacramento News & Review, Edible Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine and CapRadio for nearly two decades.

Clevers: “Hazel & Oak” (single)—“Post-punk three-piece Clevers released its self-titled album this past May at a time when the world looked so different. Music venues were closing, shows were canceled, and as someone who can’t picture a life without live music, Clevers’ LP really helped me ride that melancholy. Songs like ‘Hazel & Oak’ and ‘Insight’ showcase Shannon Betker’s dreamy guitar riffs and cooing vibrato that create such catchy melodies. Then there’s the thumping bass work of Stephanie Espinosa as it dances alongside Jenny Klug’s steady, heartbeat-like percussion.”

Clevers

Paul Willis: “Wonderland” (album)—“Local hip-hop artist, educator Paul Willis

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and community organizer Paul Willis recently dropped another solid hip-hop album with ‘Wonderland.’ Each track takes listeners through Willis’ memories growing up in Boston with his storyteller-like cadence backed by a talented lineup of Sacramento artists like A Tribe Quartet, who create the lush musical backdrop for songs like ‘Jackson Square,’ with its jazz and Latin vibes.”

Element Brass Band: Jason Pierce; The Pressure Lounge: Elle Jaye; Heather Evans: Nate Castillo; Clevers: Will Toft

Steph Rodriguez is an award-winning

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i n s i d e: Market Makers / Cottage Bakers / School Daze

Wellington Wednesdays During COVID-19, many people have simply burned out on cooking at home.

That caused local chef J.D. Snead and his wife, Amber Nunnally, to have an inspired idea: to create a take-andbake BEEF WELLINGTON. Snead lightly sears a 7-ounce filet mignon, wraps it in prosciutto and mushroom duxelles, and encases it in puff pastry.

The customer brings it home, pops it in a 425-degree oven for 30 minutes and ends up with an entrée, big enough to feed two. The Wellington is available every Wednesday at $42 a la carte, $55 with mashed potatoes and vegetables. To order, text Snead at (916) 889-6611. debbi e cu n n i ngh a m SACMAG.COM April 2021

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Saba Rahimian and Seth Helmly

Crispy chicken sandwich

Tabouli, hummus and marinated bean salad

Focaccia

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Seth Helmly preps baguettes for the oven.

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Takeaway Lesson A young couple brings a market mentality to their food business.

BY MARYBETH BIZJAK

T

hough it’s been devastating to the restaurant industry, the pandemic has also delivered some delightful surprises. All during this difficult year, new businesses have popped up (and old ones have revamped themselves), proof of the ability of entrepreneurs to invent new and imaginative ways to feed us.

Take Joon Market in East Sacramento. A pair of 31-year-olds—Saba Rahimian and Seth Helmly—opened the small, mostly takeout eatery late last year, while the pandemic was still in full swing. Living in Austin, Texas, the couple had come to Sacramento last March for a family wedding and made a spur-of-themoment decision to stay when COVID -19 unexpectedly shut everything down.

Rahimian (a Sacramento native) and Helmly (a Texan) met while working at Austin’s highly regarded farm-to-table restaurant, Emmer & Rye. During quarantine in California, they rented an Airbnb in Los Angeles and popped into Gjusta, a bakery/ cafe with a market that sells provisions— things, like bread and charcuterie, that people can bring home and use to make a meal. They’d often talked about opening their own restaurant someday; the experience at Gjusta crystallized their vision.

“When COVID happened, we got clarity,” Rahimian explains. “We can’t put things on a plate, so let’s create specialty items that can be taken away.”

Joon Market has a concise daytime menu of sandwiches, salads, dips and sides. Rahimian and Helmly place a strong emphasis on using grains, produce and meats from small, local farms, and their food is thoughtful and interesting. The crispy chicken sandwich is a schnitzel-style chicken breast served on a hoagie roll with house-made chow-chow pickles, green garlic mayo and locally grown lettuce. Persian chicken salad is made with smoked chicken and pickled radishes. The yogurt in the yogurt dip is cold-smoked, then blended with smoked carrots and harissa.

Helmly got heavily into breadmaking at Emmer & Rye, and he makes all the breads at Joon Market. Working with a local stone flour mill, he geeks out on heirloom wheat varieties, using Øland flour (made famous

by Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant) for his

baguettes, and whole-grain flour made from Maparcha poulard wheat (softer than durum wheat) for his focaccia. To produce steam when baking baguettes, he soaks river rocks in water, a young chef’s MacGyver move when there’s no money in the budget for a professional steam-injection deck oven.

Helmly also butchers all the meats, then cooks them on a rotisserie smoker behind the market. On Fridays and Saturdays, a smoked protein—it could be whole ducks one week, pork ribs the next—is available for dinner by preorder.

Rahimian, who used to operate a Sacramento food truck called Granola Girl, makes the shop’s cookies, scones and granola. Her sweets lean toward the savory: Cardamom lends an unexpected note to her brown-butter oatmeal cookie, the snickerdoodle is made with lemon and fennel, and a peanut butter and jelly cookie is topped with a slick of mouth-puckeringly “WHEN COVID tart fruit compote.

HAPPENED, WE GOT “I like a balance beCLARITY. WE CAN’T PUT tween salty, spicy and THINGS ON A PLATE, sweet,” she says.

SO LET’S CREATE As the pandemic SPECIALTY ITEMS THAT shows signs of easing CAN BE TAKEN AWAY.” up, Rahimian and — SABA R AHIMIAN Helmly have taken baby steps toward on-site dining by opening up the restaurant’s patio and adding a few picnic tables to the front lawn. Eventually, they plan to expand the menu with more in-house offerings, along with takeaway provisions like house-made preserves, cured meats, loaves of bread and tortillas.

Although the couple got engaged last August, getting a restaurant up and running hasn’t left them much time to plan a wedding, which is set to take place in 2022. In the meantime, they’re working hard to establish Joon Market in perhaps the most challenging business climate imaginable. But if there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s this: People have to eat, and there are plenty of creative people willing to feed them.

JOON MARKET 5401 H St.; (916) 389-0025 joon-market.com

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Baker Bonanza Sacramento is flexing its flour power thanks to a proliferation of independent and cottage bakers who are wowing customers with everything from designer birthday cakes to picture-perfect pies. While these accomplished bakers may not have a storefront you can visit (they instead offer a variety of pick-up, pop-up and delivery options), they deserve a spot in your bakery rotation.—Catherine Warmerdam

WHO: Lieschen Moller of Lizzy’s Bakehouse KNOWN FOR: Hearty artisanal breads. The

WHO: Andrea Johnson of Plum Patrol Bakery KNOWN FOR: Cakes, cookies, pies and

breakfast pastries. Johnson, who has baked for high-end restaurants and large-scale production facilities, says customers go nuts for her citrus crinkle, a butter cookie with lemon and orange zest and a crunchy vanilla craquelin top. “It’s so popular that I have to keep it on my menu year-round,” says Johnson.

WHERE TO ORDER: plumpatrolbakery.com

WHO: Duane Wilson and Jeremy White of Delta Hand Pies KNOWN FOR: Sweet and savory fillings (think

Pink Lady apple or Japanese curry with sweet potato and winter squash) encased in a buttery crust. Delta Hand Pies was born when Wilson, who started with a hand pie recipe from his mother, took his business idea to White, owner of catering business Acoustic Events. “It’s a comfort food that everyone can appreciate,” says White. “Having something warm and savory or sweet inside of a crust is a fun thing.”

WHERE TO ORDER: deltahandpies.com

WHO: Jane Anderson of Jane Dough Sweets KNOWN FOR: Boxes of playful cookies dotted

with breakfast cereals such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles and Cap’n Crunch. “I like to play around with a bunch of different ingredients and make it fun and not so serious,” says Anderson, whose Fruity Pebble semifreddo, an original creation from her tenure at Ella Dining Room & Bar, won praise from the Michelin gods.

WHERE TO ORDER: IG @janedoughsweets; janedoughsweets @gmail.com

WHO: Jesse Wen of Red Modern Sweets KNOWN FOR: Cookie boxes and high-tea

catering featuring delectable trays of mini cakes and sandwiches. Wen incorporates tea and floral elements into her baked goods, including her beloved Earl Grey brown sugar cookies. Her cheesecake cookie sandwiches are the stuff of legend. “My baked goods aren’t as sweet as most desserts,” says Wen, “and the cheesecake is very light, almost like a whipped cream.”

WHERE TO ORDER: redmodernsweets.com

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Ernesto Delgado

Gettin’ Schooled What would drive a successful veteran of the restaurant industry to enlist in the cooking world’s version of boot camp, culinary school? “That’s the No. 1 question I get asked,” says Ernesto Delgado, owner of three of Sacramento’s most respected eateries, Mayahuel, La Cosecha and Mesa Mercado. “The answer is simple: to make my restaurants better.”

Delgado, who had never trained formally as a chef, got the itch to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena around the time Sacramento’s food scene started attracting attention from outsiders. “When the Michelin Guide came to town, that got me thinking: How could I make a restaurant of that caliber?” Delgado asked himself. “I felt very confident as a restaurateur, but I wanted to lead from the kitchen because I realized the more prominent restaurants are chef-driven.”

The rigor of the CIA was an education, to be sure. In fact, Delgado found himself taken aback by the taxing curriculum. “I truly expected it would involve a lot of learnERNESTO DELGADO GOT ing in school and going to a lot of THE ITCH TO ENROLL AT restaurants and wineries, but it was THE CULINARY INSTITUTE nothing like that. It was a lot of homeOF AMERICA AROUND work, learning about the cuisine of THE TIME SACRAMENTO America and how it has evolved, learnSTARTED ATTRACTING ing about food science, food safety, the ATTENTION FROM THE entire food system, menu planning, MICHELIN GUIDE. recipe development. It was very difficult.”

Delgado rounded out his book learning with an externship at Farm at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa. “It was the most challenging experience that I’ve ever had,” admits Delgado, who had to juggle his kitchen job at Farm and his demanding restaurateur duties in Sacramento.

The experience was an empathy builder. “I really could understand my chefs and my line cooks and what they go through,” he says. “I was scared every day because of the pressures that they put on the students, and that made me think about what my line cooks and all my team members go through on a daily basis to produce something excellent for our guests.”

Delgado, who turned 50 when he graduated from the CIA this past winter, declares that finishing culinary school has made him a new man. “It’s truly a huge life change for me. I feel like I have a new romance because it’s all about learning something new every day,” he says. “My aim right now is to jump into the kitchen and apply what I learned to all my restaurants. Maybe I’ll get that Michelin star one day. It’s definitely a goal.”

—CATHERINE WARMERDAM

Plumb Patrol Bakery: Stacey Doyle; Jane Dough Sweets: Rachel Seva

rotating selection of loaves includes English muffin toasting bread, pain au levain with whole-grain spelt, apricot semolina and a to-die-for German-style, seed-studded pan loaf called Dinkel Vollkornbrot. “I love the challenge of baking bread,” says Moller, who first learned the art from her mother and honed her craft through classes at the Artisan Baking Center in Petaluma.

WHERE TO ORDER: lizzysbakehouse.com

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Dine When this issue of Sacramento Magazine went to print, most restaurants were closed for indoor dining.

Meanwhile, many were offering takeout. Before heading to a restaurant, call or check its website to make sure it’s open.

ARDEN ARCADE ABYSSINIA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT If you can’t decide on one of the Ethiopian stews, served here with injera bread, opt for a grand sampler that includes four different stews, along with spicy red lentils, split yellow peas, collard greens and cabbage. 1346 Fulton Ave.; (916) 481-1580. L–D. Ethiopian. $$ CAFE VINOTECA Come here for some of the loveliest Italian cuisine in the city. 3535 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 487-1331; cafevinoteca.com. L–D. Italian. $$$ LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY Go for the ice cream, all made on the premises and used in shakes and towering sundaes. 2333 Arden Way; (916) 9208382; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $ PLAN B The menu is compact, with a handful of appetizers and several wonderful salads. Plan B’s claim to fame is its stellar mussels, offered six ways. 555 La Sierra Drive; (916) 483-3000; planbrestaurant.com.

D. New American/French. $$–$$$ TEXAS WEST BAR-B-QUE This no-frills establishment serves slow wood-cooked meat in big portions.

Dig into the tender Western-style pork spareribs and beef brisket or the smoky chicken. 1600 Fulton Ave.; (916) 483-7427; texaswestbbq.com. L–D. Barbecue. $–$$

AUBURN CARPE VINO The welcoming restaurant is one of the region’s best-kept dining secrets. Look for specialties such as halibut with peas and turnips, chicken liver mousse, and arugula and fava bean salad with strawberries. 1568 Lincoln Way; (530) 823-0320; carpe vinoauburn.com. D. New American. $$–$$$ KATRINA’S CAFE This Auburn institution serves some of the best breakfast fare in the region. The menu includes sturdy dishes such as chili con carne omelet and French toast topped with strawberries. 456 Grass Valley Highway; (530) 888-1166; katrinas-cafe.com.

B–L. American/breakfast. $

BROADWAY ANDY NGUYEN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT This bastion of Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine serves food that is fresh and flavorful. 2007 Broadway; (916) 736-1157; andynguyenvegetarian.com.

L–D. Vegetarian/Asian. $ KATHMANDU KITCHEN At this family-owned restaurant, order the lal maas (lamb curry with chili sauce) or chicken saagwala (stir fried chicken, spinach and curry). 1728 Broadway; (916) 441-2172; kathman dukitchensacramento.net. L–D. Indian/Nepalese/ vegetarian. $ REAL PIE COMPANY At this homey shop the pies are made with seasonal fruit sourced from local farms.

In addition to dessert pies such as jumbleberry and

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Mixed sashimi from Kru butterscotch banana cream, you can order savory pot pies, shepherd’s pies and dishes like mac and cheese.

2425 24th St.; (916) 838-4007; realpiecompany.com.

L–D. American. $ SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE Choose from an array of appetizers and hot items along with crowd-pleasing side dishes and pizza. This high-quality takeout food can be a real lifesaver on nights when you’re too busy to cook. 915 Broadway; (916) 732-3390; sellands. com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$

more are served with traditional accompaniments such as cornbread, coleslaw and baked beans. The food, simple and hearty, arrives on disposable plates at this casual eatery. 7305 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 974-1881. L–D. Barbecue. $$ MATTEO’S PIZZA & BISTRO The pizza is excellent with a crust that attains that chewy-crispy-airy trifecta. You also can order pasta, steak or a burger.

5132 Arden Way; (916) 779-0727; pizzamatteo.com.

L–D. Pizza/American. $$

CAPAY

CITRUS HEIGHTS

ROAD TRIP BAR & GRILL This family-friendly joint serves up classic roadhouse fare, from salads and burgers to chops. 24989 State Highway 16; (530) 796-3777; roadtripbg.com. B–L–D. American. $–$$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden Arcade.” 7910 Antelope Road; (916) 729-4021; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

CARMICHAEL D’MILLER’S FAMOUS BBQ Ribs, hotlinks, tri-tip and

SAM’S CLASSIC BURGERS At this drive-up burger shack, the shakes are great and the burgers wonderfully straightforward. 7442 Auburn Blvd.; (916) 7237512. L–D. Burgers. $

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feature chewy-crusted pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and substantial entrées such as pan-seared chicken breast with mashed potatoes. 1431 R St.; (916) 9309191; cafebernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $ CAMDEN SPIT & LARDER Chef Oliver Ridgeway opened this swank brasserie in a modern building near the Capitol. It appeals to lobbyists, lawyers and legislators with its gin-forward cocktails and a menu that’s an interesting mash-up of British chop-house classics, English schoolboy favorites and elevated pub fare. 555 Capitol Mall; (916) 619-8897; camden spitandlarder.com. L–D. Steakhouse. $$$–$$$$ DE VERE’S IRISH PUB Don’t head to de Vere’s if you’re seeking a quiet evening—the raucous, high-energy pub is noisy and packed with revelers. The wood bar (imported from Ireland) is enormous, and the food is high-quality pub fare. 1521 L St.; (916) 231-9947. deverespub.com. L–D. Irish pub. $$ ECHO & RIG Located in the lobby of The Sawyer hotel, this outpost of a Vegas steakhouse is sleek and unstuffy. In addition to standard cuts like filet, NY steak and rib-eye, you’ll find butcher cuts such as hanger, bavette, skirt and tri-tip. 500 J St.; (877) 678-6255; echoandrig.com. B–L–D–Br. Steakhouse. $$$ FOX & GOOSE PUBLIC HOUSE This tavern plates up some of the best breakfasts in town, along with pub staples like beer-battered fish and chips, a Cornish pasty or Welsh rarebit. 1001 R St.; (916) 443-8825; foxandgoose.com. B–L–D. English pub. $ FRANK FAT’S Downtown Sacramento’s oldest restaurant, Fat’s is is well known for its steaks—especially Frank’s Style New York Steak—and its brandyfried chicken. This is Chinese cuisine at its most sophisticated. 806 L St.; (916) 442-7092; frankfats. com. L–D. Chinese. $$$

Echo & Rig’s burger

CURTIS PARK PANGAEA BIER CAFE While it’s known as a beer cafe and bottle shop, this casual spot also serves up tasty bar food, including a burger that has taken home top honors more than once at Sacramento Burger Battle.

2743 Franklin Blvd.; (916) 454-4942; pangaeabier cafe.com. L–D. American. $$

DAVIS BURGERS AND BREW The casual, publike restaurant uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and serves an interesting selection of beer. 1409 R St.; (916) 442-0900; burgersnbrew.com. L–D. Burgers. $ CREPEVILLE This bustling creperie serves many variations on the crepe theme, from entrée to dessert.

330 Third St.; (530) 750-2400; crepeville.com.

B–L–D. Crepes. $ THE HOTDOGGER A well-loved Davis institution, The Hotdogger dishes up a delectable assortment of frankfurters and sausages. 129 E St.; (530) 753-6291; thehotdogger.com. L–D. Hot dogs. $ THE MUSTARD SEED Dinner selections feature elegant California cuisine, and range from crab-stuffed Idaho trout to shrimp and sun-dried tomato risotto.

Wines are reasonably priced and exclusively from California. 222 D St.; (530) 758-5750; mustardseed ofdavis.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$ OSTERIA FASULO This restaurant has a beautiful outdoor courtyard bordered by trellised grapevines.

The menu is proudly Italian, with wonderful pastas and robust meat dishes. 2657 Portage Bay East; (530) 758-1324; osteriafasulo.com. L–D. Italian. $$$–$$$$

YAKITORI YUCHAN This busy little restaurant focuses on skewered grilled meats, seafood and vegetables. Most items are meant to be shared; be sure to have an adventurous palate and a group of foodloving friends. 109 E St.; (530) 753-3196; yakitori yuchan.com. D. Japanese. $–$$ ZIA’S DELICATESSEN This casual, Italian-style deli makes hot and cold sandwiches, salads and hot entrées such as lasagna, penne with creamy tomato sauce and tortellini with pesto-cream sauce. 616 Third St.; (530) 750-7870; ziasdeli.com. L. Deli. $

DIXON CATTLEMENS This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone and cowboy steaks, plus all the trimmings: shrimp cocktail and loaded potato skins. 250 Dorset Court; (707) 678-5518; cattlemens.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$

DOWNTOWN BAWK! CHICKEN & BAR Along with crispy chicken coated with a red spice mix that kicks it up a notch, you can order salads, oysters on the half shell and collard greens. 1409 R St.; (916) 465-8700; bawk friedchicken.com. L–D–Br. Southern. $$

GRANGE RESTAURANT & BAR Located in The Citizen Hotel, Grange proves that a hotel restaurant doesn’t have to be pedestrian. The menu changes frequently and spotlights some of the area’s best producers. 926 J St.; (916) 492-4450; grangerestaurantandbar.com.

B–L–Br. Californian/American. $$$$ MAGPIE CAFE This restaurant has a casual, unassuming vibe, and its hallmark is clean, simple fare that tastes like the best version of itself. 1601 16th St.; (916) 452-7594; magpiecafe.com. B–L–D. Californian. $$ MAS TACO BAR Tasty little tacos are the headliners at this casual eatery. They come with all sorts of delicious fillings: braised short rib, Korean fried chicken, banh mi shrimp and roasted cauliflower. You can also get Latin-flavored rice bowls, salads and starters. 1800 15th St.; mastacobar.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$ MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR This hip sushi bar serves its sushi with a side of sass.

There are three sushi bars and a dense menu of appetizers, rice bowls, bento boxes and sushi rolls. 1530 J St.; (916) 447-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE Morton’s oozes Special Occasion, and red meat is the star here. 621 Capitol Mall; (916) 442-5091; mortons.com/sacramento. D. Steakhouse. $$$$

BURGERS AND BREW For description, see listing under “Davis.” 1409 R St.; (916) 442-0900; burgers nbrew.com. L–D. Burgers. $

SHADY LADY SALOON The charming faux speakeasy is an excellent place to meet up with friends for a round of cocktails and a first-rate meal on the patio.

1409 R St.; (916) 231-9121; shadyladybar.com. L–D. American/Southern. $$

CAFE BERNARDO The menu offers straightforward fare guaranteed to please just about everyone. Breakfast includes huevos rancheros and eggs Bernardo, drizzled with hollandaise sauce. Lunch and dinner

URBAN ROOTS BREWING & SMOKEHOUSE At this brewery, a smoker turns out succulent meats—brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage—in the tradition of the great barbecue houses of Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

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Dine Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, yams and poblano cheese grits. 1322 V St.; (916) 706-3741; urbanrootsbrewing.com. L–D. Barbecue. $$ ZIA’S DELICATESSEN For description, see listing under Davis. 1401 O St.; (916) 441-3354; ziasdeli.com. L. Deli. $

EAST SACRAMENTO CANON With Michelin-starred chef Brad Cecchi at the helm, this breezily chic restaurant offers globally inspired sharable plates. Much of the menu is vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, but you can also order from a small selection of hearty meat, poultry and fish dishes. 1719 34th St.; (916) 469-2433; canoneastsac.com. Global/New American. D–Br. $$$–$$$$ CELESTIN’S Gumbo is the signature dish at this charming restaurant specializing in Creole and Cajun cuisine. It comes in six varieties, but the pièce de resistance is the namesake Celestin’s gumbo, chockfull of chicken, sea scallops, wild shrimp, rock cod and sausage. 3610 McKinley Blvd.; (916) 258-4060; celestinsgumbo.com. L–D. Cajun/Creole. $$ CLUBHOUSE 56 The food is classic sports-bar fare: burgers, sandwiches and apps such as tacos and jalapeño poppers. The place is convivial, Sacramento’s very own Cheers. 734 56th St.; (916) 454-5656; ch56 sports.com. Br–L–D. Sports bar. $$ JUNO’S KITCHEN AND DELICATESSEN This tiny eatery serves some of the best sandwiches in town. Owner Mark Helms also offers an intriguing selection of salads and “pan” dishes such as shrimp mac ’n’ cheese.

But you can’t go wrong with the smoked trout sandwich or the grilled chicken sandwich. 3675 J St.; (916) 456-4522; junoskitchen.com. L. Bistro. $ KRU Kru turns out exciting Japanese fare, and there’s a craft cocktail bar, outdoor patios and an omakase bar. 3135 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 551-1559; krurestaurant. com. L–D. Japanese. $$$–$$$$ OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR At this casual Italian eatery, there are hot dishes and cold salads behind the glass cases, ready for the taking. But the stars of the menu are the freshly made pastas and woodoven pizzas. There’s also a full bar serving Italiantheme craft cocktails. 3145 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 8228720; oboitalian.com. L–D. Italian. $$ ONESPEED Chef Rick Mahan, who built his stellar reputation at The Waterboy in midtown, branched out with a more casual concept at his East Sac eatery.

The open bistro has a tiled pizza oven that cranks out chewy, flavorful pizzas. 4818 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 706-1748; onespeedpizza.com. B–L–D. Pizza. $$ ORIGAMI ASIAN GRILL This fast-casual eatery serves Asian-flavored rice bowls, banh mi sandwiches, salads and ramen, along with killer fried chicken and assorted smoked-meat specials from a big smoker on the sidewalk. 4801 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 400-3075; origamiasiangrill.com. L–D. Asian fusion. $–$$ SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see listing under Broadway. 5340 H St.; (916) 736-3333; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$ STAR GINGER ASIAN GRILL AND NOODLE BAR Offering affordably priced dishes inspired by the street foods of Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore, this restaurant serves a spicy Thai chicken soup that is a delicious bargain. 3101 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 231-8888; stargingerrestaurant.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $ 3 HERMANAS Come for hearty, classic Mexican fare such as ensalada norteña and camarones a la diabla.

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Yakisoba from Aji Japanese Bistro 3260 J St.; (916) 382-9079; 3hermanasonj.com.

L–D–Br. Mexican. $$

EL DORADO HILLS AJI JAPANESE BISTRO This restaurant offers an innovative menu of Japanese street food, interesting fusion entrées, traditional dishes such as teriyaki and tempura and sushi. 4361 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 941-9181; ajibistroedh.com. L–D. Japanese/ sushi. $–$$ BAMIYAN AFGHAN RESTAURANT Must-order dishes include mantoo (dumplings filled with spiced ground beef) and skewered, charbroiled leg of lamb.

1121 White Rock Road; (916) 941-8787; afghancuisine. com. D. Afghan. $$–$$$ MILESTONE This eatery serves great takes on comfortfood classics like pot roast and fried chicken. It’s straightforward, without pretense or gimmickry.

4359 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 934-0790; mile stoneedh.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$ RELISH BURGER BAR This burger place offers so many enticing choices, it’s hard to avoid order paralysis. We’ll make it easy on you: Get the teriyaki burger. The beef patty is embellished with grilled pineapple, fried onions, Swiss cheese and teriyaki sauce. 1000 White Rock Road; (916) 933-3111; rel ishburgerbar.com. L–D. Burgers. $ SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento.” 4370 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 932-5025; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$ SIENNA RESTAURANT The menu includes a melange

of global cuisine, including seafood, hand-cut steaks, stone hearth pizzas, inventive appetizers and a stacked French dip sandwich. Sunday brunch includes unlimited mimosas. 3909 Park Drive; (916) 941-9694; sien narestaurants.com. L–D–Br. Global. $$–$$$

ELK GROVE BOULEVARD BISTRO This bistro is one of the region’s best-kept dining secrets. Chef/owner Bret Bohlmann is a passionate supporter of local farmers and winemakers, and his innovative food sings with freshness and seasonality. 8941 Elk Grove Blvd.; (916) 685-2220; blvdbistro.com. D–Br. New American. $$–$$$ LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden Arcade.” 8238 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 691-3334; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $ MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 8525 Bond Road; (916) 714-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ THAI CHILI This restaurant offers an entire menu just for vegetarians, plus interesting meat and fish dishes. 8696 Elk Grove Blvd.; (916) 714-3519; thai chilielkgrove.net. L–D. Thai. $$

FAIR OAKS SUNFLOWER DRIVE IN This casual spot serves healthful, wholesome vegetarian and vegan fare. Faves include the Nutburger, the egg salad sandwich and fruit smoothies. 10344 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 9674331; sunflowerdrivein.com. L–D. Vegetarian. $

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GREENHAVEN/POCKET SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ON THE RIVER Located in The Westin Sacramento, Scott’s has a large patio and a view of the river. Breakfast dishes include crab cake Benedict, and lunch entrées range from petrale sole to a prawn Caesar salad. For dinner, splurge on a lobster tail or choose a more modestly priced grilled salmon. 4800 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 379-5959; scotts seafoodontheriver.com. B–L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$

JACKSON LONE WOLF RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If classic steakhouse cuisine is your thing, try this nicely appointed restaurant at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort.

Enjoy a prawn cocktail or Caesar salad to start. In addition to steak, entrées include ribs, gumbo and salmon. 12222 New York Ranch Road; (209) 2239653; jacksoncasino.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$ STANLEY’S STEAKHOUSE This upscale restaurant, located inside the historic National Hotel, offers a traditional steakhouse menu and an extensive wine selection. 2 Water St.; (209) 257-2595; nationalhotel jackson.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$

LAND PARK RIVERSIDE CLUBHOUSE The busy kitchen focuses on a solid menu of American classics. Outside, there’s a waterfall and a tri-level fireplace. 2633 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 448-9988; riversideclubhouse.com. L–D– Br. American/New American. $$

Honey walnut prawns from Fat’s Asia Bistro and Dim Sum Bar

FOLSOM BACCHUS HOUSE WINE BAR & BISTRO With a seasonal menu packed with innovative, globally influenced dishes, this restaurant has plenty to choose from. 1004 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 984-7500; bacchus housebistro.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$$ BACK BISTRO A warm pocket of coziness and urban sophistication in a retail center, this place offers an appealing menu of casual nibbles and swankier entrées. But it’s the wine program that really knocks this charming little bistro out of the park. 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1201; (916) 986-9100; backbis tro.com. D. New American/Mediterranean. $$–$$$ CHICAGO FIRE Oodles of melted cheese blanket the pizzas that fly out of the kitchen of this busy restaurant. Here, you get to choose between thin-crust, deep-dish and stuffed pizzas. 310 Palladio Parkway; (916) 984-0140; chicagofire.com. L –D. Pizza. $ FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AND DIM SUM BAR This glamorous restaurant looks like a set from an Indiana Jones movie, with tall palm trees and an enormous golden Buddha atop a water fountain. The menu focuses on Asian cuisine, from Mongolian beef and Hong Kong chow mein to Thai chicken satay served with a fiery curry-peanut sauce. 2585 Iron Point Road; (916) 983-1133; fatsasiabistro.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$ LAND OCEAN The menu hits all the steakhouse high notes: hand-cut steaks, lobster, seafood and rotisserie, entrée salads and sandwiches. 2720 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 983-7000; landoceanrestaurants.com.

L–D–Br. New American/steakhouse. $$$ SAMUEL HORNE’S TAVERN At this friendly pub on Historic Folsom’s main drag, the ambience is purely

utilitarian, from the rough wood tables to the beer barrel seating. The menu focuses on suds-friendly fare such as chili, burgers and sandwiches. Yes. 719 Sutter St.; (916) 293-8207; samhornes.com. L–D. Pub. $–$$ SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ROUNDHOUSE This restaurant offers a solid menu of delicious seafood, from crab cakes and calamari to roasted lobster tail. 824 Sutter St.; (916) 989-6711; scottsseafoodroundhouse.com.

L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$ THAI PARADISE Standouts on the extensive menu include spring rolls, tom kha koong (coconut milk soup with prawns), green curry, spicy scallops and pad thai. Try the fried banana with ice cream for dessert. 2770 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 984-8988; thai paradisefolsom.com. L–D. Thai. $$

FREEPORT FREEPORT BAR & GRILL This casual restaurant is a favorite with rivergoers. The kitchen has a well–deserved reputation for its hearty sandwiches, pasta and rotisserie chicken. On warm days, dine outside on the lovely patio. 8259 Freeport Blvd.; (916) 6651169; freeportbarandgrill.com. L–D–Br. American. $–$$

TAYLOR’S KITCHEN Step inside the cozy space and you’ll notice the focal point is an open kitchen where the chefs prepare meats and produce sold at Taylor’s Market next door. 2924 Freeport Blvd.; (916) 4435154; taylorskitchen.com. D–Br. American. $$$

LINCOLN HIGH STEAKS This Thunder Valley Casino restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, offering up everything from an 8-ounce prime filet to a 26-ounce bone-in New York steak. The kitchen sources some of the best products in the country, and side dishes range from sweet potato casserole to five-cheese macaroni. 1200 Athens Ave.; (916) 408-8327; thunderval leyresort.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$ MERIDIANS Located in Sun City Lincoln Hills’ Orchard Creek Lodge, this restaurant offers comfort and reliability. The menu is American to its core, featuring classic dishes such as grilled porterhouse pork chop and pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. 965 Orchard Creek Lane; (916) 625-4040; meridiansrestaurant.com. B–L–D. American. $$$.

MIDTOWN

GRANITE BAY

BEAST + BOUNTY The heart of this chic restaurant is its open hearth, where meats and vegetables are roasted over a wood fire. The rib-eye, served over potatoes roasted in the meat’s fat, is meant to be shared. So is the pizza, thin and seductively charred.

1701 R St.; (916) 244-4016; eatbeastandbounty.com.

L–D–Br. American. $$$

HAWKS One of Placer County’s best restaurants, Hawks is known for its elegant cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu is full of delicious surprises, such as seared scallop and sea urchin. 5530 Douglas Blvd.; (916) 791-6200; hawks restaurant.com. L–D–Br. New American/French. $$$–$$$$

BRODERICK MIDTOWN This midtown outpost of West Sac’s divey Broderick Roadhouse serves the same fare, but in slightly nicer digs. The menu is dominated by burgers. Wings, fries and beer round out the bro-friendly menu. 1820 L St.; (916) 4699720; broderickroadhouse.com. L–D–Br. Burgers. $$ SACMAG.COM April 2021

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Dine ERNESTO’S MEXICAN FOOD This local favorite offers robust Mexican fare in an exuberantly cheerful environment. 1901 16th St.; (916) 441-5850; ernestos mexicanfood.com. L–D. Mexican. $ 58 DEGREES & HOLDING CO. This wine bar showcases an astonishing number of wines by the glass— all available in 3- and 6-ounce pours. There’s also an abbreviated menu of small plates designed to complement and enhance the wines. 1217 18th St.; (916) 442-5858; 58degrees.com. L–D. Wine bar. $$ HAWKS PUBLIC HOUSE At this sophisticated gastropub, the menu includes beautifully executed dishes like country pâté and baked rigatoni. The pastas are made in-house, and even the burger is top-notch. 1525 Alhambra Blvd.; (916) 588-4440; hawkspublichouse.com. L–D–Br. Mediterranean gastropub. $$$ HOOK & LADDER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Despite the barlike ambience and fun cocktails, Hook & Ladder is serious about food. 1630 S St.; (916) 442-4885; hookandladder916.com. L–D–Br. Californian. $$ KUPROS At this fun gastropub, head upstairs for a seat on the outdoor balcony, where you can tuck into fare such as steak frites or pot roast. 1217 21st St.; (916) 440-0401; kuproscrafthouse.com. L–D–Br. New American/gastropub. $$ LOWBRAU BIERHALLE This chic yet casual watering hole serves house-made sausages, duck fat fries and stand-out beers. 1050 20th St.; (916) 706-2636; low brausacramento.com. L–D–Br. Beer hall. $

PAESANOS Paesanos is a festive spot to settle in for a casual meal of pizza, pasta or salads with friends or family. 1806 Capitol Ave.; (916) 447-8646; paesan os.biz. L–D. Pizza/Italian. $ THE RIND At this cheese-centric spot, the menu includes variations on macaroni and cheese, cheese boards and creative grilled cheese sandwiches. 1801 L St.; (916) 441-7463; therindsacramento.com. L–D. American. $$ SAIGON ALLEY KITCHEN + BAR This hip restaurant and bar serves modern versions of Vietnamese street food. A big draw is the $3 happy hour, featuring snacks like fish sauce chicken wings, taro fries and sugarcane shrimp. 1801 L St.; (916) 758-6934; saigon alley.com. L–D. Vietnamese. $$ SAMPINO’S TOWNE FOODS This old-world Italian gem is part market, part deli, part restaurant. Everything’s prepared on the premises, from fresh pastas and sauces to sausages made in a handcranked grinder. 1607 F St.; (916) 441-2372; face book.com/sampinostownefoods. L–D. Italian. $$ SQUEEZE INN This fast-food place regularly tops polls for the best burger in town. 1630 K St.; (916) 492-2499; squeezeburger.com. L–D. Burgers. $ TAPA THE WORLD The patio tables on J Street are perfect for people-watching as you savor classic tapas along with a Spanish cava or tempranillo from the lengthy, exciting wine list. 2115 J St.; (916) 442-4353; tapatheworld.com. L–D. Spanish/tapas. $$ THE WATERBOY This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant produces perhaps the finest cooking in the

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Tapa the World’s paella region. You can’t go wrong if you order one of the lovely salads, followed by the gnocchi, ravioli or a simple piece of fish, finished with butter and herbs.

You’ll also find French classics such as veal sweetbreads and pomme frites. 2000 Capitol Ave.; (916) 498-9891; waterboyrestaurant.com. L–D. Mediterranean. $$$$ ZELDA’S ORIGINAL GOURMET PIZZA Their oldschool, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza routinely wins “best pizza” in local polls. 1415 21st St.; (916) 4471400; zeldasgourmetpizza.com. L–D. Pizza/Italian. $$ ZÓCALO This Mexican restaurant is one of the best places to while away an evening with friends over margaritas, and the wraparound sidewalk patio is one of the most popular spots in town. 1801 Capitol Ave.; (916) 441-0303; zocalosacramento.com. L–D– Br. Mexican. $$

NORTH SACRAMENTO SOUTHPAW SUSHI Famed sushi chef Lou Valenti, former owner of Lou’s Sushi, opened this new operation in 2019. Here, the rolls are simpler and the fish, simply first rate. 1616 Del Paso Blvd.; (916) 550-2600; southpawsushi.com. D. Sushi. $$$

LA VENADITA This menu at this taqueria includes street tacos, ceviche and an enchilada with rich mole sauce. It also boasts a full bar and an enticing menu of craft cocktails. 3501 Third Ave.; (916) 400-4676; lavenaditasac.com. L–D. Mexican. $$

OLD SACRAMENTO THE FIREHOUSE The outdoor courtyard is one of the prettiest in town, and its canopy of trees sparkles at night with tiny lights. The food is special-occasion worthy, and the wine list represents more than 2,100 labels. 1112 Second St.; (916) 442-4772; firehouse oldsac.com. L–D. Californian/American. $$$$ RIO CITY CAFE Located on the riverbank, the bustling restaurant offers stunning views of Tower Bridge. The menu changes seasonally and offers a wide selection of creative, solid dishes. 1110 Front St.; (916) 442-8226; riocitycafe.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$

PLACERVILLE

OAK PARK

HEYDAY CAFE The restaurant’s lunch menu offers salads, pizzas and sandwiches at this casual and inviting spot. Dinner entrées range from a coffeeglazed pork chop to citrus-marinated chicken. 325 Main St.; (530) 626-9700; heydaycafe.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$

FIXINS SOUL KITCHEN This bustling place serves up friendly Southern hospitality along with delicious Southern fare, including chicken and waffles, gumbo, catfish, and shrimp and grits. 3428 Third Ave.; (916); 999-7685. fixinssoulkitchen.com. B–L–D–Br. Southern. $$

THE INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT AND BAR The atmosphere here is lively and convivial on the patio.

The kitchen takes traditional dishes such as Southern fried chicken and gives them a twist. 629 Main St.; (530) 344-7645; independentplacerville.com.

L–D. New American. $$–$$$

Maddy Eccles

MULVANEY’S BUILDING & LOAN This topflight restaurant exudes the generous affability of its owner, chef Patrick Mulvaney. The menu is focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and the sidewalk seating and lush back patio are inviting. 1215 19th St.; (916) 441-6022; mulvaneysbl.com. L–D. Californian. $$$

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serves New American and global cuisine, with naan, ahi poke and rock shrimp risotto sharing the menu with an all-American burger. The spacious patio is a great place to grab a drink and listen to live music.

556 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2858; wildwoodpavil ions.com. L–D–Br. American/global fusion. $$$ ZINFANDEL GRILLE Open for more than two decades, Zinfandel Grille is an enduring dining favorite, serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, fish and other Mediterranean entrées. 2384 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 4857100; zinfandelgrille.com. L–D. New American. $$$

SOUTHSIDE PARK BINCHOYAKI Small plates of grilled meats, fish and vegetables are the stars at this izakaya-style restaurant. But you can also order ramen, tempura and other Japanese favorites. 2226 10th St.; (916) 4699448; binchoyaki.com. L–D. Japanese. $$–$$$ SOUTH In a town of great fried chicken, this spot may serve the very best of all. It’s moist, crunchy, and comes with braised greens and a flaky biscuit.

Other delights include a fabulous hamburger and sweet potato pie. 2005 11th St.; (916) 382-9722; weheartfriedchicken.com. L–D. New Southern. $$

TAHOE PARK BACON & BUTTER Lively and urban, the place is popular with fans of the flapjacks, biscuits and other breakfasty fare. 5913 Broadway; (916) 346-4445; ba conandbuttersac.com. B–L. Breakfast/American. $–$$

Loaded potato skins from Cattlemens

ROSEVILLE CATTLEMENS For description, see listing under “Dixon.” 2000 Taylor Road; (916) 782-5587; cattle mens.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$ LA PROVENCE RESTAURANT & TERRACE This elegant French restaurant offers some of the region’s loveliest outdoor dining. 110 Diamond Creek Place; (916) 789-2002; laprovenceroseville.com. L–D–Br. French. $$$–$$$$ MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 1565 Eureka Road; (916) 797-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN BISTRO The bustling restaurant is a local favorite, offering a great list of small plates and robust entrées. 1455 Eureka Road; (916) 783-3600; paulmartinsamericangrill.com.

L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$$ P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO The extensive menu offers dishes whose origins spring from various regions in China but that reflect a California sensibility. 1180 Galleria Blvd.; (916) 788-2800; pfchangs. com. L–D. Chinese. $$ RUEN THAI Simple and serene, Ruen Thai is a family-owned restaurant that offers a surprisingly large selection of fresh-tasting food. 1470 Eureka Road; (916) 774-1499; ruenthai.net. L–D. Thai. $ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE At this swanky dinner house, expertly cooked steaks are seared at 1,800 degrees. Don’t miss the cowboy rib-eye or the forktender filet mignon. 1185 Galleria Blvd.; (916) 7806910; ruthschris.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$

ZÓCALO For description, see listing under “Midtown.”

1182 Roseville Parkway; (916) 788-0303; zocalosac ramento.com/roseville. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$

SIERRA OAKS CAFE BERNARDO AT PAVILIONS For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 515 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2870; cafebernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $ ETTORE’S At this casual bakery/cafe, it’s hard to take your eyes off the dessert cases long enough to choose your savory items. But you’ll soon discover the kitchen’s talent extends to the wonderful pizzas, hearty sandwiches and burgers, and fresh salads. 2376 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 482-0708; ettores.com. B–L–D. Bakery/New American. $–$$ LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT Lemon Grass serves delicious, upscale Asian fare such as salad rolls, green curry and catfish in a clay pot. Everything tastes fresh, light and clean. 601 Munroe St.; (916) 486-4891; lemongrassrestaurant.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$$ ROXY RESTAURANT AND BAR The innovative New American menu is seasonal and locally focused, with many of the ingredients sourced from area farms and ranches. 2381 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 489-2000; roxy restaurantandbar.com. L–D–Br. American/Californian/steakhouse. $$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE For description, see listing under “Roseville.” 501 Pavilions Lane; (916) 286-2702; ruthschris.com. L (Fridays only)–D. Steakhouse. $$$$ WILDWOOD RESTAURANT & BAR This chic restaurant

MOMO’S MEAT MARKET This family-run business serves simply first-rate barbecue, smoked over wood in huge drums in the parking lot. Sides include pepper Jack mac ’n cheese, cornbread and deep-fried cabbage. 5780 Broadway; (916) 452-0202. L–D. Barbecue. $$

WEST SACRAMENTO BURGERS AND BREW For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 317 Third St., (530) 572-0909; burgersnbrew.com. L–D. Burgers. $ DRAKE’S: THE BARN Located in an indoor-outdoor structure along the river, Drake’s serves pizza, along with a few salads and appetizers. You can get table service on the patio, but, if you prefer something more casual, grab a lawn chair, find a spot at the sprawling outdoor taproom and order a pizza to go.

It’s fun galore, with kids, dogs and fire pits. 985 Riverfront St.; (510) 423-0971; drinkdrakes.com.

L–D. Pizza. $$ VIENTIANE RESTAURANT This dynamic spot offers some dishes you might not find at other Thai restaurants, such as garlic quail, deep-fried and lavished with pepper and garlic. 1001 Jefferson Blvd.; (916) 373-1556. L–D. Thai/Laotian. $ Subscription rates: $18 for one year, U.S. only. All out-of-state subscribers add $3 per year. Single copies: $4.95. Change of address: Please send your new address and your old address mailing label. Allow six to eight weeks’ advance notice. Send all remittances and requests to Sacramento Magazine, 5750 New King Drive, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098. Customer service inquiries: Call (866) 660-6247. Copyright 2021 by Sacramento Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice. Sacramento Magazine (ISSN 0747-8712) Volume 47, Number 4, April 2021.

Sacramento Magazine (ISSN 0747-8712) is published monthly by Sacramento Media, LLC, 231 Lathrop Way, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95815. Periodical postage paid at Troy, MI and additional offices. Postmaster: Send change of address to Sacramento Magazine, 5750 New King Dr., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098 SACMAG.COM April 2021

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Panic at the Bank After the stock market crash of October 1929, the American public grew increasingly nervous about the stability of the financial institutions they had trusted with their savings. Waves of anxious people started to withdraw their cash.

These “bank runs” continued until 1933, when newly elected president Franklin D. Roosevelt began a series of actions that eventually restored people’s confidence enough that they started making bank deposits again.

This Sacramento Bee photo from 1933 shows a run on the Sacramento branch of The Capital National Bank, at Seventh and J streets.

—Darlena Belushin McKay

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Center for Sacramento History, Sacramento Bee Collection, 1983/001/01707

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