Music up. Windows down. Endless adventure as far as the eye can see. (And out here, that's about a bajillion* miles.) If you're looking to escape the crowds and hit the road this fall, come check out the Silver State's side of the Sierra.
HIGHWAYSTILL
Welcome to wider and open-er.
...just fewer brake lights
*Give or take...
50
Welcome to wider and open-er.
Music up. Windows down. Endless adventure as far as the eye can see. (And out here, that's about a bajillion* miles.) If you're looking to escape the crowds and hit the road this fall, come check out the Silver State's side of the Sierra.
Surprised this is in Nevada? Scan to find this unexpected spot. We'll see your UN-expectations...and RAISE them.
Surprised this is in Nevada? Scan to find this unexpected spot. We'll see your UN-expectations...and RAISE them.
HIGHWAYSTILL
*Give or take...
...just fewer brake lights
50
1200 ATHENS AVENUE, LINCOLN, CA 95648 • 877-468-8777 • I-80 TO HWY 65, LEFT ON SUNSET THUNDERVALLEYRESORT.COMGamblingproblem?Call(800)522-4700. #liveoutLOUD A world-class casino filled with endless excitement matched with an incredible resort create the most desirable Northern California getaway. Experience big-hitting slots, tables loaded for action, thrilling live poker, award-winning dining, and a hotel that exceeds all expectations. Get ready for a spectacular new entertainment locale: The Venue at Thunder Valley! Coming early 2023! your four diamond destination
www.ardenhills.club You don’t need to leave town to leave the world behind.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 7 Table of Contents / Staff Box / Editor’s Note / Contributors September 36 CITY LIVING Life thrives in these downtowndevelopments.housing By Tony Bizjak 48 APPLE HILL HIGHLIGHTS It’s not just about the fruit. By Sena Christian 52 AN URBAN WINE TOUR City tasting rooms fill your glass—and your soul. By Carrie Boyle ) Lucid Winery susan yee
8 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022 Contents 95 36 ON THE COVER The 916 20 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS FOR WELLNESS Work with your body 21 WHAT’S YOUR GAME? Sky River Casino 22 BOOKS, BONES AND TAXIDERMY The Altar Room 23 T WO FOR TEA North Fork Chai 23 SUSTAINABLE SAC E-bikes 27 Bravo 89 VAN GOGH IN A NEW LIGHT West Sac exhibit ) Taste 96 GOOD JUJU Small plates and cocktails 98 BE YOND THE MIMOSA J.J. Pfister 98 THREE CHEERS L’Apéro les Trois 99 DINE Restaurant guide Reflect 106 THINKING BIG Fruitridge Drive-in 96 tyler mussetter Nest 85 KEEP TAHOE BLUE (AND GREEN AND GOLD) Cabin reimagined Touch therapy )Urban living The rooftop at The Frederic Wellness 27 HE ALING HANDS Sports cuppingmassage,andmore Juju Kitchen & Cocktails)
FROM YOUR FIRST CALL, TO YOUR LAST POST-OPERATIVE VISIT… WE VOW TO TREAT YOU LIKE PART OF OUR FAMILY
At Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery we understand that making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a big one, which is often associated with a little anxiety. We want you to feel warm and welcome, and will do anything we can to make you feel at home. Our greatest asset at Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery is the dedicated team of caring professionals who make up our staff. Through this cohesive group we deliver meticulous, gentle, and compassionate care to our patients and strive to exceed their expectations.
1841 Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA 95630 916.983.9895 TheNaturalResult.com EXPERIENCE THAT LEADS TO GREAT RESULTS
10 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 Regional Wine Special Section With helpful regional maps and local winery listings, our guide will give readers the information they need, whether they’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway. It begins on page 65. In this issue and online / September 2022 SACMAG.COM 220706_TMPL_OnBlue_SacMag_2.25x4.875_PROD.pdf 1 7/10/2022 7:53:10 PM
QUAILPOINTE,FAIROAKS—916.631.7151 FOUNTAINSATROSEVILLE—916.774.9772 LOEHMANN'SPLAZA,SACRAMENTO—916.282.4700 ELKGROVECOMMONS,ELKGROVE—916.686.6785 WILLOSALONS.COM Q F L E W BEAUTYWITH PURPOSE Sacramento's premier Aveda Lifestyle Salons offering 100% vegan, plant based hair care. NamedBestHairSalon Newguests—ReceiveacomplimentaryBotanicalRepairTreatmentwithyourfirstservice! bySacramentoMagazine
12 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 PUBLISHER Dennis Rainey EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Krista Minard ART DIRECTOR GabrielEDITORIALTeague MANAGING EDITOR Darlena Belushin McKay DINING EDITOR Marybeth Bizjak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sasha Abramsky, Luna Anona, Mark Billingsley, Diana Bizjak, Cathy Cassinos-Carr, Ed Goldman, Dorsey Griffith, Jennifer Junghans, Angela Knight, Elena M. Macaluso, Reed Parsell, Kari L. Rose Parsell, Bill Romanelli, Thea Marie Rood, Nora Heston Tarte, Mari Tzikas Suarez, Catherine Warmerdam, Sara E. Wilson ART GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debbie Hurst CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Alves, Gary and Lisa Ashley, Mike Battey, Beth Baugher, Francisco Chavira, Debbie Cunningham, Wes Davis, Terence Duff y, Tim Engle, Kevin Fiscus, Aniko Kiezel, Ryan Angel Meza, Tyler Mussetter, Stephanie Russo, Rachel Valley, Susan Yee ADVERTISING NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER Lisa Bonk ADVERTISING MANAGERS Duff y Kelly, Victor Obenauf, Carla Shults SENIOR ADVERTISING DESIGNER John MARKETINGFacundo&WEB DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA Dan CIRCULATIONPoggetti CIRCULATION MANAGER Barbie PRODUCTIONBaldwin PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Stephen Rice SALES OFFICES SACRAMENTO 1610 R Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA info@sacmag.com95811 RabinovitzSusan Owner 1111 24th St. #103 (Near K St. around the corner from Tres Hermanas) (916) 346-4615 • littlerelics.com Little Relics Midtown owned and operated, Little Relics provides artisan and fine contemporary jewelry as well as custom and full-service repair. At the helm and leading the circus, Susan Rabinovitz, trained with Masters from around the world (over 1,000 hours with mentors) earned certified recognition as a Graduate Jeweler, Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Susan, also, had the esteemed privilege to be the only female competitor in Stuller’s International Battle of Benches, 2019. In an effort to continuously provide quality service, Susan is currently accepted and attending GIA, Graduate Gemologist Program (eta completion fall 2022). Mon.—Tues. 11-5:30 • Wed. 11-3 Thurs. 11-5:30 • Fri. 11-5:30 • Sat & sun by appt WWW.SACMAG.COM/DIGITAL-EDITION GET THEEDITIONDIGITAL NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE OR VIA THE APP
MANSION APARTMENTS 1517 H Street 916-975-6197 1801L APARTMENTS 1801 L Street 916-252-1267 Leasing!Now themansionliving.com 1801l.com
14 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 PUBLISHED BY SACRAMENTO MEDIA LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo FOR ISSUES OF THE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS To establish a subscription or make changes to an existing subscription, please call (866) 660-6247 or go to sacmag.com/subscribe. SINGLE COPIES AND BACK ISSUES To purchase back issues, please call (866) 660-6247. TO SUBMIT MATERIAL 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 visit sacmag.com/advertise PRINTED BY JOURNAL GRAPHICS A MEMBER OF SACRAMENTOVERIFICATIONCIRCULATIONCOUNCILALSOPUBLISHEDBYMEDIALLC: Top 1.5% of all Agents & TeamsTanyaSalesIndividualsTransactionIndividualsNationwideBvSidesByVolumeCurry Sierra Oaks Office TCurry.GoLyon.com(916)DRERealtor®01375328698-9970
IRG’s Calacatta Cremo Marble Uncovered in Italy, this unique marble is identified by a softer, creamier background accented with rich golden veining. This classic can be particularly dramatic when used in more modern design. THE stone 916.387.0481destination. Sacramento 415.657.0280 Brisbane 925.829.1133 Dublin www.marblecompany.com Discover more at IRG.
Thank you to the sponsors of Sacramento Magazine’s Best of Sacramento Party, held in mid-August at Drake’s: The Barn in West Sacramento: Tahoe Blue Vodka (presenting sponsor), Audacy, CapRadio, PBS KVIE, Chriswell Home Improvements, J.J. Pfister Distilling, Destination Aesthetics, Total Beauty Experience, UC Davis Health, Wyoming Whiskey, Highland Park Whiskey, The Bridge District, Willo Aveda Salon, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Mike’s Camera, Niello, California Family Fitness and Celebrity X SacramentoCruises.Magazine’s free newsletter, The Daily Brief, goes to email subscribers every weekday. Catch the latest updates in dining, arts and entertainment, wine, recreation, health (including COVID case counts) and more. You’ll also find links to other community news and resources and social media posts that have caught our eye. Subscribe at sacmag.com/newsletters.
Susan Yee “It was a Iexperiencepeoplecoolstory.imagesSusansaysexploringpleasurewinebars,”photographerYee,whoshotforthewine“Seeingalltheandcreativewayscraftaspaceandwasfuntocapture.alsoreallylovethenaturalwine movement; it’s such a fun avenue to explore, taste-wise! My personal favorite from the whole assignment was Ro Sham Beaux—the transition from day to night, and how the vibe changed from chill wine bar to happening place with music and a live DJ!”
Tyler Mussetter “I found it interesting to see how each subject from the story found their way to living in Sacramento,” says Tyler Mussetter, who photo graphed the downtown living story in this issue. “Each community was much more tight-knit than I imagined. I had a great time visually telling each individual’s story and display ing their interior style. Downtown Sacramento is lucky to have a variety of unique venues for its citizens to call home. Seeing each different living style was my favorite part of this assignment.”
Editor’s Note W
City Living hile we were working on this issue, I spent a week in the Midwest, where I got the opportunity to visit two big cities on the Great Lakes: Chicago and Detroit. It’s always eye-opening to observe the similarities and differences between other cities and Sacramento, and with Tony Bizjak’s story about our vibrant downtown lifestyles in mind, I found myself paying even more attention than usual. We only passed through Detroit—saw the riverfront and a few downtown skyscrapers and that’s about it—but we spent a few days actually living in Chicago. We stayed at an Airbnb in the Pilsen neighborhood on the Lower West Side. It reminded us a bit of parts of midtown or downtown Sacramento. We had a bottom-floor flat in a several-story house, across the street from a Catholic grade school in the largely Latino neighborhood. A walkway to the house from our alley parking spot skirted a small patch of grass and a fire pit. Murals decorated alleyways and building exteriors throughout the area. On our last day there, a fundraiser took over the block, bringing in a stage (for live music), barbecues, tables and chairs, coolers. We could walk to the corner for huevos rancheros for breakfast, to the tortilleria down the street, to third-wave coffee, to thrift stores and bars and the Pink Line train station—which zipped us straight into downtown Chicago. There, we took an “architecture” boat tour on the Chicago River and learned about the big buildings, many of which are “luxury condos” with rooftop pools, penthouse living spaces and doormen. But it’s different from Sacramento—bigger, denser, fancier. We saw less evidence of life outdoors there, probably a reflection of the weather and lack of year-round access. After all, Chicago winters run a lot colder than Sacramento ones, and summer rains douse the streets in a way Sacramento rarely sees even in winter. “Wow—you think our roof at home would hold up to this?” I shouted one warm afternoon, watching the street fill up outside our Airbnb beneath skies that crackled and roared. We didn’t count, but I can pretty much guarantee that Chicago has fewer wine bars than Sacra mento. (See Carrie Boyle’s story in this issue.) In fact, at nearly every restaurant we visited, Califor nia wines dominated the list. It seemed silly to have flown into a different time zone, then order something from Lodi. In our travels in four states—Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan—we saw a sign for one winery. I did a little digging and it seems more wineries do exist, but there’s no place quite like California. It’s nice to be home.
16 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022 AND THERE’S MORE . . .
KRISTA MINARD krista@sacmag.com
CONTRIBUTORS Carrie Boyle Co-founder of River City Wine Week, Carrie Boyle has spent more than 20 years in the wine industry. She has been a general manager for a national wine and spirits retailer, owned wine shops, and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. She has judged wine competitions, made wine, taught wine classes, orchestrated large wine events and traveled to wine regions around the world. For the urban wine story, she says, “I discovered the new wine bars and wineries are actively promoting in-person connections through the vehicle of wine.”
IT’S OPEN ENROLLMENT. CHOOSE THE CARE THAT CHANGES YOUR STORY. EVERYTHINGCHANGEDSTRENGTHNOKARLAPATIENT–EAR,NOSEANDTHROAT With an enlarged thyroid gland closing off her throat, Karla’s health, ability to swallow food, and overall quality of life steadily declined. Deprived of her passion, Karla chose to seek help from UC Davis Health, where she found the team of ear, nose and throat specialists who surgically removed the growth and helped restore her life once and for all. Find a UC Davis Health doctor you connect with today. ChooseHealth.ucdavis.edu
SACMAG.COM September 2022 19 inside: Staying Well / Altar Room / Tea From Two / E-Bikes09 22
Spirit Wings With a series of seven small sculptures placed along a 1-mile stretch of K Street downtown, the Spirit Wings project honors Sacramento’s original wetlands and native people. The sculptures, cre ated by local artist Garr Ugalde, show transforma tion from bird to human in flight. Megan Blackwell and Phil Tretheway concepted the project and, with support from the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Metro EDGE, Downtown Sacramento Partnership and DOCO Merchants Association, unveiled it in late July. Walk the mile and see if you can spot all seven sculptures. (Hint: Start near Seventh and K.) information, go to spiritwings916.com.
For more
The 916 ernest karchmit
SALT THERAPY Heavenly Salt Therapy 3325 Folsom Blvd.; heavenlysalttherapy.com
FITNESS STUDIO her Elevated 1900 28th St.; herelevated.co As a fitness studio for women that feels less like a gym and more like a community of wellness, support and love, her Elevated makes this promise: You enter with any mood, and you always leave feeling great. The studio offers small and intimate strength and cardio classes designed for multiple levels of fitness, plus yoga on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
Monthly pass: 2 classes per week $110; 3 classes per week $140
WORK WITH YOUR BODY IN ONE OF THESE LESS-CONVENTIONAL WAYS. LUNA ANONA
Slow down and relax at this co-ed bathhouse alone or with friends. (But keep your voices down and conversations peaceful: It’s a house rule.) The communal space offers a warm soak, a cold plunge for the daring, and a sauna.
Perhaps the cure for feeling salty these days is to just . . . add more salt. With salt therapy, you enter a salt room, sit back in a chair and put your feet up—or not. You can also lie there and play in the salt. Regardless of your approach, the room fills with tiny salt particles, and all you have to do is breathe. Salt room enthusiasts say the practice helps them feel better, reduces stress and headaches, improves skin, increases energy and promotes better sleep.
FLOAT THERAPY Capitol Floats 3513 Broadway; capitolfloats.com
Floating: the act of becoming a human buoy in a soundproof, pitch-black tank filled with about a foot of salt water. The water and room are about the same temperature as your skin, so after a while, you don’t sense the environment, either. For an hour, you’re on a stationary journey, free of push notifications. People who float report profound relaxation, enhanced creativity, better sleep and pain relief.
Monthly pass (2 floats per month): $99 Memberships
Unlimited monthly pass: $129 BATHHOUSE Asha Urban Baths 2417 27th St.; ashaurbanbaths.com
The 916 20 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
Monthly
Unlimited monthly pass: $295 SLOW YOGA The Summer Moon 2910 Franklin thesummermoon.comBlvd. This yoga studio’s classes reflect the time of day. Mornings are for “sun practices,” or vinyasa- and hatha-based classes that are warming, breath-centered and fluid. Evenings are for “moon practices,” or nurturing and slower classes that reflect the energies of yin, restorative and nidra. For yogis who are used to practices peppered with chatarungas and handstands, yoga nidra can be a welcome change of pace: You settle in a comfortable reclined position for a guided meditation that brings clarity and calm.
Monthly unlimited pass: $111
CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY The Joint Chiropractic Multiple thejoint.com/sacramentolocations
Pilates is the exercise that looks like it’s done on an ancient torture table. (It’s called a reformer.) Created by Joseph Pilates, the practice is meant to restructure and re-pattern bodies prone to sitting and slouching into ones that are uniformly strong and functional. Devotees say you will experience breakthroughs and feel muscles that you never knew you had. As underdeveloped muscles become stronger, chronically overused and tense muscles that have been com pensating are able to release. $299 for 4 classes per week, or up to 16 classes in 30 days
Move over, there’s a new casino in town. And this one is the closest option for gaming fiends in Sacramento. Sky River Casino, which broke ground off Highway 99 at Grant Line Road in Elk Grove in early 2021, opened its doors in mid-August. It’s 15 miles from downtown, and the first casino to open in Sacramento County. The 100,000-square-foot space doesn’t skimp when it comes to its main attraction: gambling. It has 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and a high-limit room. It’s also an entertainment destination, and a foodie one, too: The Market at Sky River includes 12 food and beverage venues, including Au relia Taqueria, Butchers Burger, CA99 Hot Chicken, Chickie and Tony’s pizza, Fukuro By Kru, Global Eats, Indulge, Koi Palace Express, Ocean, Roli Roti, Sky River Java and Upper Barrel wine bar. In all, there will be 17 food and beverage options.
Climbing is a mental and physical exercise that’s a little bit different from any other type of work out. For example, how often do you think about the muscles in your fingers and forearms? (After your first session, you will find yourself think ing about them often.) While many bouldering enthusiasts use the gym as practice for climbing real rock formations, plenty of others just enjoy the bouldering gym environment. Unlike top rope, which requires you to have a belay partner, bouldering can be done solo due to the lack of equipment. Bouldering is done only 8 to 15 feet from the ground. When you’re done, just hop off onto a thick mat. One month prepaid: $120; monthly recurring membership: $83/month plus $100 EFT fee
What’s Your Game?
—NORA HESTON TARTE
for Wellness
SACMAG.COM September 2022 21 mariah quintanilla
Chiropractors are licensed health care professionals who emphasize the body’s ability to heal itself. Using quick and gentle joint manipulations as well as sustained pressure and stretching, chiropractors can help provide relief from muscle pain, joint pain and conditions like arthritis, sci atica or scoliosis.
Monthly pass (4 visits per month): $89 CLIMBING The Boulder Field 8425 Belvedere Ave. #100; theboulderfield.com
PILATES Humani Pilates 2760 21st St.; humanistudios.com
The casino has ties to Wilton Rancheria, a federally recognized American tribe of Miwok people based in Northern California. Boyd Gaming assists in management of the“Ourproperty.people have fought for decades to achieve self-sufficiency,” says tribal chairman Jesus Tarango. “We fought for tribal recognition, for our land and for this historicBenefitsproject.”tothe tribe include an immediate increase in job openings. 1 Sky River Parkway, Elk Grove; skyriver.com
While her offerings may seem peculiar, she says that during the pandemic she noticed people have grown more open. “People have had so much time with themselves that they’ve had time to think,” she says. What she offers at The Altar Room “is nothing new, but it’s new to them—and that’s fascinating.” 3045 65th St.; thealtarroom.com. Open Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and by appointment. Smith
Books, Bones and Taxidermy
“I already know that this location can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to choose from and a lot of old items in here, and so I encourage questions,” says Smith, who can be found counseling visitors in hushed tones as ethereal music hums in the background. She holds classes several times a year. In May, she taught History and Understanding of Hex & Banishing. Smith opened The Altar Room in midtown in 2016, then moved to the East Sac location in 2021. The business is a bit of a family tradition. Smith says her mother owned a similar shop in Elk Grove and later in Los Angeles. Her father used to practice taxidermy. Smith’s current space resembles her childhood home, which she says friends would liken to a museum. “I was very much brought up to respect things that were old or considered antique, or
YOU ’ LL FIND A BANQUET OF CURIOUS ITEMS: ALLIGATOR FEET, SNAKE BONES AND GOAT HAIR IN GLASS JARS; TINY BOTTLES OF ANOINTING OIL; SEASHELLS FILLED WITH “KEYS OF THE DEAD.”
—TESS TOWNSEND Shasta
The 916 22 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 ryan angel meza
Within the cavernous black walls of The Altar Room, you’ll find a banquet of curious items: alligator feet, snake bones and goat hair in glass jars; tiny bottles of anointing oil; seashells filled with “keys of the dead.”
She acquires items from a patchwork of sources: museums, estate sales, acquaintances. Animal bones and taxidermy may come from Smith’s own foraging or from specialists around the globe. A taxidermied crow perches by the register—Smith says she found him as roadkill. She recently sold a raven sourced by a woman in Iceland. “We had to wait long enough for her to find one dead,” she says of the raven, adding, “It takes time because I’m not calling someone up and saying, ‘Hey, can you go kill this for me?’”
what someone else’s family may have used,” she says. “And nothing old was deemed as garbage.”
A decorative vintage cash register exhibits an aging copy of “Witches and Their Craft,” one of many rare books sprinkled throughout the shop. Nearby stands a discarded church pulpit that store owner Shasta Smith estimates dates to 1900.
Joshua Hendrickson and Chelsea Bruce
LISA THIBODEAU
What if that bike did some of the work for you? Gave you a little nudge, as it were? In other words, what if that bike were manufactured with an electrified motor, or converted to have Bicycleone?stores throughout the Sacramento region sell e-bikes, and some also sell conversion kits and/or have technicians who can turn your old two- or three-wheeler (yes, “trikes” is what the adult versions are called) into an assistedpower machine. For example, The Electric Bike Shop in the Tahoe Park neighborhood (5704 Broadway) sells new e-bikes starting from about $800 and e-scooters ranging from $500 on up.
BY REED PARSELL S continued on next page
SUSTAINABLE SAC E-Bikes: Getting Up to Speed
SACMAG.COM September 2022 23 ometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge for people to pause what they are accustomed to doing and replace it with something more “sustainable,” i.e., something lighter on the environment. Take bicycles. Perhaps you own one, but it’s been gathering dust in your garage despite your good intentions to ride it on short outings rather than fire up your 1- or 2-ton vehicle with the roof on top and tailpipe belching greenhouse gases out the rear. Pedaling it a few blocks seems a bit inconvenient and just too much work.
Sister-brother duo Chelsea Bruce and Joshua Hendrickson have created the perfect—not too spicy, not too sweet—cup of chai. Bruce, a culinary school graduate, had been tinkering with her family’s recipe for years while also honing her skills in pastry. The siblings took their chai concoction to the pop-up circuit to see if they had hit on a winner before making the leap and opening NORTH FORK CHAI , a small tea and coffee shop in their hometown of Newcastle. The idea to build a craft chai company came to Hendrickson as he was walking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. “I wanted to do something different and no one else was doing chai,” he says. Bruce had been thinking about the idea for more than 20 years. It made sense for the pair to stay in Newcastle, where their roots go back to the fruit rush of the 1920s and where they have inherited farmland. It’s a true family affair. Bruce, the oldest of five kids, handles the kitchen while Hendrickson, the middle child and a coffee lover, is the lead barista; two of their brothers also pitch in. They brew the chai concentrate in-house and bake all the pastries from scratch. New varieties of chai are always in the works, such as coconut chai, a golden chai made with turmeric, and seasonal flavors including pumpkin and gingerbread. The chai is distributed to small shops from Nevada to theIncoastline.justafew years, North Fork Chai has become a beacon of caffeine and friendly chatter in tiny Newcastle, where loyal customers drop in for egg sandwiches, avocado toast and Bruce’s wildly popular daily scones. There’s a graband-go case with seasonal items including homemade quiche and enchiladas, a selection of spices and sauces, and locally made gifts including rustic wooden spoons hand-carved by the siblings’ mom. An easy on and off from Interstate 80, the shop is base camp for steaming cups of tea and coffee (try the pumpkin chai and make it dirty!) as you head to hiking in Auburn or longer jaunts farther up the mountain. If you can’t make it in person, order an amber jug of chai concentrate ($17) and pair it with delicious chai-spiced granola for a cozy cold-weather breakfast. 661 Newcastle Road, Newcastle; (916) 663-3675; northforkchaico.com
Two for Tea
• They’re substantially lighter than cars, and thereby much gentler on roads—not to mention less noisy.
Last year, the California Bicycle Coalition (aka CalBike) pointed out that e-bikes “are 10 to 30 times more efficient than electric cars at fighting climate change,” they emit “40 to 140 times fewer pounds of greenhouse gases than a 30-mile-per-gallon gas car, assuming it is charged with California’s electric energy mix,” and “are incredibly costeffective. Most bikes cost less than a penny per mile to charge.”
Whether you feel safe riding a bike on today’s busy streets, with its large vehicles and too-oftendistracted drivers (i.e., they’re texting!), is another story for a different column.
• Their batteries tend to be long-lasting and recyclable.
Whether you’re staying at The Lodge at Tiburon or Waters Edge Hotel, you’re positioned to get out on foot or on bike to explore Tiburon by the Bay. There is nothing like the unspoiled beauty of Marin County. Hike through a redwood forest, dip your toes in the Pacific, explore quirky towns and soak up the singular Northern California vibe. Depending on your schedule, you can take a Golden Gate Ferry or a Tideline Ferry home to Tiburon by the Bay. In either case, the journey home is a wow part of the trip. The City lights behind you, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge lit up on either side of you, and Tiburon by the Bay in the distance. There’s nothing like it! Learn more at destinationtiburon.org
The 916 24 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
Financial factors also put e-bikes in a favorable light, even despite what might seem as a jolting purchase price. They don’t have a motor vehicle’s insurance, registration and maintenance costs. And as the website Green America explains in a recent post, “just fueling a round-trip commute to a job five miles away every weekday for a year can cost $300 or more just for fuel, not including parking fees and any additional fuel used for after-work errands and weekend driving.”
• They are versatile in where they can be used, including on some small paths and as a way to bypass traffic jams.
Change The Way You Bay
Set yourself up for a spectacular Northern California experience, all from your home base in Tiburon by the Bay. From here, enjoy the scenic beauty of Tiburon by the Bay and all of Marin County, the urban landscape of San Francisco, and even California’s premiere wine country.
The website Conserve Energy Future lists “13 Awesome Environmental Benefits of Riding an Electric Bike,” including:
“Just fueling a round-trip commute to a job five miles away every weekday for a year can cost $300 or more just for fuel, not including parking fees and any additional fuel used for after-work errands and weekend driving.”
• E-bikes that are charged from solar or otherwise green-generated power run on zero emissions.
• Unlike cars, e-bikes provide at least the option of exercise and the guarantee of outdoor air.
One of the top bicycle models, the Pegasus Premio E8 Diamond, has an electrified range of about 80 miles (human pedal power is always an option) and speeds along up to 20 miles per hour. It’s yours for $3,599, plus taxes. That price tag might knock some people off the saddle, but consider the benefits of using an elec tric bicycle instead of a standard automobile.
Fits-around-my-schedulecare. CalPERS members: This Open Enrollment, choose a plan that gives you access to Dignity Health. With more than 1,000 affiliated providers supporting our communities across more than 200 locations, Dignity Health has you covered with care that best fits where you are and whatever your day brings. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/CalPERSOE.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 27 0922 Wellness HandsHealing Bodywork practices have power to alleviate pain, improve mood and aid performance. inside: Sports massage, cupping and more wes davis
Tiffany Bedolla, CMT, founder and owner of Safe Space Bodywork
While falling under the scope of alternative medicine, these techniques are hardly secret or fringe: Nontraditional bodywork practices have been helping people with chronic and acute pain, sleep, mood, stress, anxiety and trauma for hundreds of years. Now, more than 30 percent of Ameri cans seek out modern applications of ancient remedies every year.
What to expect in a session: Prior to the session, you’ll have an intake conversation to explore what you’re seeking support with and what outcomes you’re looking for. When you arrive at the center, you’ll lie down on your back, fully clothed, with just one job: to relax. Using their hands, the practitioner rebalances the areas of the body where there are stuck emotions, imbalances and blockages, and may also provide a guided medita tion specifically tai lored to your needs.
l REIKI Sacramento Reiki Center 2528 I sacramentoreikicenter.comSt.
Perhaps the key to a better night’s sleep, straighter posture or a pain-free tennis swing is just a touch away. Here are a few options in the city.
W BY LUNA ANONA A
What’s different about it: “Reiki is different from other bodywork modalities hat do floating hands that guide energy through the body, the satisfying crack of a chiropractic adjustment, suction cups that reportedly draw metabolic waste to the surface, and the right amount of pressure in the right spot for the right amount of time all have inTheycommon?maybe able to reduce your pain and give you your life back.
Todd Neider, CMT, owner/founder of Active Bodywork, was in a bad head-on collision as a teen ager and tried every method and special ist to feel better, but the only thing that helped was the kind of massage that he offers today. A current triathlete, 100-mile bike racer and half-marathon runner, Neider attributes the longevity of his love for active recreation to massage therapy. “With most massages, you just lay there, but life happens with movement in three dimensions—so we move your body while we work on you to get to the fibers from every angle,” he says. While chiropractic care is already clas sified as alternative medicine, in-house chiropractor Scott Saberniak, DC, CFSC, is a bit of an alternative chiropractor him self: He still does adjustments, but he con siders himself more of a movement rehab specialist. The ideal client for Saberniak is someone who has been in repetitive pain and maybe tried other treatments or even chiropractors, but still hasn’t found relief. “In one session, you can definitely make some kind of improvement,” says Neider.
l CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS MASSAGE Active Midtown:Bodywork2131Capitol Ave., Suite 204 Arden Arcade: 2041 Hallmark Drive, Suite 2 activebodywork.com For those seeking: Pain relief, injury prevention, improved muscle function, improved blood flow and heightened threshold for muscle fatigue. How it works : Chiropractors use handson manipulations to joints, enabling the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Sports massage is a preven tive therapy that addresses muscle sym metry, tone and balance as well as range of motion. When soft tissue is manipu lated to reduce pain and tension, muscle condition and range of motion are im proved . What to expect in a session: After eval uating your pain level or decreased range of motion, the practitioner will work on you—and then you’ll immediately retest for improvement. What’s different about it: Measurable results can be observed after a session. During your evaluation, if the massage therapist determines that significant re sults won’t be quickly obtainable, they can refer you across the hallway to the chiropractor. If your problem can be fixed without surgery or medication, it will be. s the contracted massage and man ual therapists for the Sacramento Kings for the past four seasons, Active Bodywork knows a little something about how to prevent and treat sports injuries. Fortunately, former athletes, weekend warriors and those of us still in the “couch” phase of couch-to-5K can take advantage of their offerings—the clinic is for everyone, not just professional athletes.
How it works: Trauma, emotional pain and physical injury can create blocked or stagnant energy in the body, which can cause illness. Also referred to as hands-on healing or palm healing, this Japanese energy healing technique uses gentle hand movements to move energy through the body and guide patients to heal them selves using deep awareness, compassion and love. The practitioner harnesses uni versal life force, or “qi,” to rebalance the spirit, body and mind of the recipient.
28 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022 Wellness
For those seeking: Healing support with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, stress overload or grief.
MASSAGEMEDICAL/NEUROMUSCULAR
What’s different about it: Cupping dif fers from other bodywork be cause, in stead of acupressure (where pressure is DavisWesBedolla:Tiffany “I’M TRYING TO HEAL GENERATIONS OF TRAUMA,” SAYS RICO GORDON, MAKING“HOPEFULLYMASSAGENEUROMUSCULARCERTIFIEDTHERAPIST.I’MANIMPACT.” L T
l CUPPING Safe Space Bodywork 717 K St., Suite safespacebodywork.com510 For those seeking: Pain relief from previ ous accidents, trauma or conditions like TMJ, and help for swelling and allergies. How it works: Cups are applied to the skin and create suction, increasing blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. The new blood circulation can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair, and may assist in the forma tion of new connective tissues and new blood vessels in that tissue. A traditional Chinese medicine practice that also dates back to ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures, the suction is thought to help facilitate flow of “qi,” or life force, in the body.
l
Oak Park Massage Clinic (inside Evergreen Beauty and Wellness Collaborative) 2845 35th oakparkmassageclinic.orgSt.
What to expect in a session: The first thing everyone wants to know is if it hurts. “It shouldn’t be pain ful,” says Tiffany Bedolla, CMT, owner/founder of Safe Space Body work. “On a scale of 1 to 10, we stay around a 5 or a 6. You should be able to feel the work, but it shouldn’t be uncom fortable.” Sessions usually last an hour but can be extended to two hours. The cups stay on one spot for 5 to 10 minutes before the practitioner glides them across the body to perform lymphatic drainage.
30 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022 because we treat the root of all illness: emotional imbalance and trauma,” says Selysa Love, Reiki master teacher and owner/founder of Sacramento Reiki Cen ter. “Massage is for the muscles. Chiro practors are for the skeleton. Reiki is for the soul.”ove says that she didn’t choose Reiki—it chose her. After her moth er passed away, she was given a Reiki session that provided her with guidance and soothing for the deep pain and con fusion she was experiencing. A few months later, while getting certified as a yoga teacher in India, Love was invited to participate in a Reiki training and at tunement. When she returned home, she opened Sacramento Reiki Center. The center specializes in helping peo ple who suffer from anxiety, depression, chronic illness, stress and grief. For peo ple who seek support with their physical health, Reiki can help them discover what emotional imbalance or trauma led to the manifestation of a chronic illness, Love says. And for those seeking support with mental health, Reiki can provide “total healing from all past traumas,” Love says, as well as the ability to achieve peace on your own. “We aim to heal the root cause of the disease, which will in hibit the further development of the ill ness and, in some cases, reverse it in its tracks,” Love says. Curious but skeptical? Sacramento Reiki Center offers a complimentary call with a practitioner to discuss where you are, where you want to be and how Reiki can support your journey. During the call, you and the practitioner explore if you would like to continue working to gether.
For those seeking: Accessible and effec tive wellness; restoration of mobility or relief from pain. How it works: Stretching, application of heat or cold, and intentional, focused direct touch to the areas in pain (or areas that may be affecting it) allow muscles to relax. What to expect in a session: There’s no need to get un dressed! You aren’t there to be pampered in the traditional sense—you’re there to feel bet ter. Before you do, though, you might feel a little more pain (but it’s worth it). “Bodywork can be uncomfortable or painful for people at times, but [it’s neces sary] to make changes and fix things,” explains Rico Gordon, certified neuro muscular massage therapist and founder of Oak Park Massage Clinic. “The reason things are uncomfortable or painful is because those areas have been ignored for too long.” Instead of lotions and oils, think posture evaluation, muscle testing and a movement exam. After this, Gordon determines if the problem can be fixed on his table, or if you might need a doctor, X-ray or MRI. What’s different about it: “It’s not a typical massage experience,” Gordon says. Rather than a neck massage if you’re feeling pain, Gor don gets to the root of the issue by chan neling focus and intent to the body part causing problems. “I hear from my pa tients that I have the ability to really ac cess and affect their muscle knots, tissue and trigger points that other massage therapists can’t.” here doesn’t always have to be a big life event like an accident to cause distress: We unknowingly hurt our bod ies in little ways every day, and eventu ally it catches up with us. “The last few years, many of us have been thrust into work environments that aren’t work environments—they’re our homes,” Gordon says. With people sitting in chairs or at desks, often not ergonom ically optimized, for longer than we are used to, he has noticed an uptick of peo ple experiencing pain or dysfunction in theGordonbody. is passionate about making wellness accessible and affordable. “Ev eryone should have access to this type of healing,” he says. Offering internships for students at massage schools and slidingscale payments, Gordon says, “I want to bring healing to my community in a real way. When you look at people of color, we are subjected to less access to re sources and we don’t always have health in surance, but [people of color] are the largest groups suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.” If you’re in pain and unable to obtain a pain medication prescription, he explains, you might turn to liquor or other drugs. “I’m trying to heal generations of trauma. Hopefully I’m making an impact.”
edolla was born in Chicago but grew up in Mexico City, where she was raised on homeopathic, natural remedies.
32 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
Bedolla offers this method of bodywork because she feels it’s the best way to help people raise their quality of life. “Quality of life is the number one thing,” she says. “If you don’t have it, you can’t do anything.”
Wellness applied to the body), cupping does the op posite. “It’s negative pressure,” Bedolla says. “It lifts the layers—all of the com pressing blood vessels and nerves—that are pressing together.”
“After all of the metabolic waste comes to the surface, your lymphatic system is on high alert, like, ‘What’s going on?’ A lymphatic massage gets everything moving again,” she says.
CUPPING DIFFERS FROM OTHER BECAUSE,BODYWORKINSTEAD OF ACUPRESSURE (WHERE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BODY), CUPPING DOES THE OPPOSITE.
B
Though Bedolla ended up working in hos pitals as an adult, she felt pulled to the holistic world and left her job at a physical therapy clinic to open her practice.
She offers several cupping options: glass cups heated by fire (the hotter the flame gets, the more suction the cup produces to help relax muscle tissue); plastic cups with manual pumps (described as “needleless acupuncture,” the cups have magnetic tips inside that are thought to aid with the flow of energy within the body); and orthopedic cups made of medical-grade silicone (they can be placed di rectly over bone a nd glided around the body, plus small amounts of air can be released if they are too tight). Bedolla also offers facial cupping, where the cups are much smaller and create much less pressure. “Cups used on the face create enough suction where you lift some of the fluid stuck around the face, especially with allergies, and release the muscles that get tight around the jaw. But these cups don’t leave any marks,” she says.
While alternative treatments in conjunction with traditional medicine may be helpful, al ways consult your primary care provid er before beginning alternative care.
Speaking of marks: “People think they’re bruises, but they’re metabolic waste,” Bedolla says. “The more metabolic waste you have in your muscle fibers, the more the cups lift up to the surface and the dark er the marks are.” Regular cupping, she says, leads to less metabolic waste in the body and lighter marks over time.
SERIES 2022 PLATINUM PRESIDENT GOLD ELITE TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PERFORMANCES VISIT WWW.THUNDERVALLEYRESORT.COM CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000, ONLINE AT THUNDERVALLEYRESORT.COM OR PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE THUNDER VALLEY BOX OFFICE Thunder Rewards members receive exclusive alerts on presale tickets and 5% back in comps RICK SPRINGFIELD WITH MEN AT WORK & JOHN WAITE FRI, SEPT 2 • 7PM TRAVIS TRITT AND RANDY HOUSER WITH RACHEL STEELE SAT, SEPT 3 • 7PM REWIND FESTLOST 80’S LIVE ‘22 OINGO BOING FORMER MEMBERS, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS AND MORE! SUN, SEPT 4 • CHICAGO6PM SAT, SEPT 10 • 7:30PM KEN JEONG AND JOEL Mc HALE FRI, SEPT 16 • 7:30PM PROBINSYANO TOUR FEATURING COCO MARTIN SAT, SEPT 17 • 7:30PM V101 BIG PARTYBLOCK‘22 KEITH SWEAT, 112, SISQÓ AND MORE! SAT, SEPT 24 • 6PM STEVE MILLER BAND WITH JESSE COLIN YOUNG FRI, SEPT 30 • 7:30PM SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE WITH ANDREW HAGAR SAT, OCT 1 • 7:30PM 1200 Athens Avenue, Lincoln, CA 95648 • 877-468-8777 • I-80 TO HWY 65, LEFT ON SUNSET
Serrano Village Green • El Dorado Hills, California TheConcours.net • 916-635-2445 2 ND OCTOBER 2022 Celebrating the BRITISH MARQUES
90.9 FM Sacramentocapradio.org/election STAY INFORMED. STAY EMPOWERED. Vote with con dence... On the candidates. On the issues. On your future.
36 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 CITYLIVING LIFE IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO IS—SURPRISE!—VIBRANT AND THRIVING. The rooftop deck at The Frederic BY TONY BIZJAK PHOTOS BY TYLER MUSSETTER
SACMAG.COM September 2022 37
IN A BIG REGION WHERE SUBURBAN LIVING IS THE NORM, IT TAKES AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT TO CHOOSE DOWNTOWN AS HOME. LATELY, SACRAMENTO IS SEEING THAT SPIRIT IN LARGE DOSES. Call it the Big Bang Theory of housing. After a half-century-plus of steady outward growth, the central city is asserting a gravitational pull of its own. Sacramento’s core is now one of the region’s fastest-growing housing areas.
What’s the attraction? Builders, planners and residents say more people are looking for self-contained lifestyles in lively, walkable neighborhoods. Developer Julie Young calls it a turn to holistic living. And there is simply more and varied housing available. Some of it, like the high-rise condominiums overlooking Golden 1 Center, is urban and dense. Other residential areas have a quieter suburban feel. Then there are the ambitious live-work-play hubs, such as the bustling Ice Blocks or the West Sacramento riverfront. That said, the central city as a residential locus is not yet fully mature. There is a paucity of condominiums and not enough housing for minimum-wage workers. Several eventual downtowndefining areas, such as the railyards, are still early in their development. COVID and homelessness also create uncertainty about downtown’s future. So where does downtown living stand today? And where is it headed? We visit six emblematic new housing areas and talk with some of the adventurous spirits who live there.
“It took decades to get that ball rolling,” says architect and builder Ron Vrilakas. “My sense is the urban center has turned a corner.”
Heart of the Big Bang
38 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
PROFILE: This vibrant village is unique in the region and is arguably the heart of the downtown-housing “Big Bang” movement. Its 140 apartments—with another 70 yet to come—overlook streets packed with restaurants, chic stores, offices, gyms, hair salons, a craft brewery, a speakeasy and a Philz coffee. See’s Candies just showed up. Anthropologie is on the way. So is Salt & Straw ice cream.
STYLISH: The redevelopment site, former home of Crystal Ice, mixes new and old. Beast + Bounty restaurant is in the shell of a former hardware store. “That’s the sweet spot of design,” says developer Michael Heller. “Old has the character. You can’t recreate soul in a new building.”
LIVE, WORK, PLAY: “We have made a very determined effort to choreograph everything that a fun and vibrant neighborhood would want,” Heller says. “Our goal was not to repeat existing concepts in the Leslie Amani entertaining friends in her Ice Blocks apartment
ICE BLOCKS
The Ice Blocks urban-lifestyle village perches on three conjoining blocks at 17th and R streets. Safeway is a block away. So is light rail. The state Capitol is 12 minutes on foot.
PRICE: Listed rents in early July ranged from $1,700 a month for a 432-foot studio to $2,600 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 39 “ ” market but to add new fresh concepts for the community to enjoy.”
HISTORY LESSON: A quarter cen tury ago, developers wanted to build rows of office buildings on R Street. City officials said no. They held out for more human-scale development with residences. It took time, but R Street is now very much alive.
Ice Blocks resident LESLIE AMANI , owner of Elevate Coaching and Consulting, loves the neighborhood’s variety. Among her favorite things: TITLE Boxing Club, Device trivia night, Nico Wine, the Bark Park (“my dog loves it”) and music at nearby Ace of Spades. I was looking for a location that offered walkability. I happened to stop in midtown at Ice Blocks for an acai bowl and thought, ‘This looks perfect!’ Ice Blocks has an urban vibe. I’ve met amazing neigh bors. It’s a fun place to socialize. I recently hosted a happy hour on the patio. We enjoyed cocktails and chatted around the fire pit while making s’mores.
Where empty nesters perch on rooftops This row of three-story houses on 20th Street between P and R streets is part of a recent neighborhood transformation from industrial to residential. The Press apartments stand across the street.
PERSONALITY: This is modern verti cal living. Ceilings are high. Each unit has a private deck up top and a friendly front stoop on a quiet, tree-shaded street below. You buy here if you want to live in the heart of the city, but with a relaxed lifestyle, says Chisay Arai of Guide Real Estate. “The rooftop patios (afford) a daily vacation from the bustle.”
AMENITIES: Open floor plan, chef’s kitchen, rooftop decks and two-car garage. But you might not use your cars. Safeway is a block away. So is a dog park and urban garden. Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op is a short walk, as are art galleries, cafes, restaurants and clubs.
TRAINS!: 20PQR lines up next to the freight train rail line that runs through midtown. Yet all 32 units sold within months of opening five years ago, a show of how strong demand is for for-sale urban housing. Some residents say they in fact enjoy hearing the rumble of the trains.
PRICE: A 1,722-square-foot house re cently came on the market at $824,900, featuring 3 bedrooms and 4 baths.
20PQR”
40 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022 “
JUAN TORRES and GARY WALKER downsized to 20PQR from a suburbanstyle home that constantly required work. Now, their only toil is tending their veggie and herb plot in the community garden a block away. We wanted to downsize and have a less busy life,” says Walker. “We love it. The outdoor patio, you kind of forget you’re in Sacramento.” Adds Torres: “You walk to coffee, to the grocery store. The train noise? It’s part of the beauty of urban living. In fact, it puts me to sleep.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 41 Juan Torres and Gary Walker host a barbecue on their rooftop patio at 20PQR
THE FREDERIC Pioneering on Capitol Mall The Frederic, which opened last year, straddles two worlds. Its front door is in the working world on stately Capitol Mall at Sixth Street. But it backs onto downtown’s playground, facing the L Street VIP entrance to the Golden 1 Center arena in DOCO.
Tom Lopata relaxing in his apartment at The Frederic
42 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
WINE ON THE ROOF: There is an expansive rooftop gathering spot with outdoor movie venue, as well as a kitchen and nearby fire pits. Next to the patio is the 1848 Sky Lounge, with sliding glass doors, where residents have their own wine lockers. Downstairs, there is a bike room, mail package room with refrigerator, pet-wash station and 24-hour gym.
PRICE: The smallest available as of early July was a 559-square-foot studio at $2,086. The largest was a 1,116-square-foot 2-bed, 2-bath at $4,497.
PROFILE: The eight-story, 162-apartment building, named for Capitol architect M. Frederic Butler, is modest in stature but stylish in motif—a well-appointed project aimed in part at professionals in government or nearby law, architecture and lobbying firms. Apartments have chef’s kitchens with quartz countertops and plank flooring.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 43 “ ”
HISTORY: Decades ago, Sacra mento razed residences to create Capitol Mall. The area since has been a dead zone at night and on weekends. The Frederic is the first step in bringing housing back. Plans are underway for high-rise residential nearby at Third Street and Capitol Mall adjacent to Crocker Park.
TOM LOPATA , a civil engineer from Massachusetts, lives on the sixth floor of The Frederic overlooking Capitol Mall. It’s the first time he’s lived in a downtown. I hear music and see people on Capitol Mall and I have to go down. There was a vegan festival and the food was re ally good. There was the Pride event. I went to the concerts. A few weeks ago, it was the World's Strongest Man competition, come to find out. I had no idea. A guy was deadlifting a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was cool.
44 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 “
PROFILE: Two distinct neighborhoods have formed. South of Tower Bridge is The Bridge District, anchored by a San Francisco-style enclave of glassy townhomes and by Drake’s: The Barn, a sprawling outdoor venue for food and beer. North of the bridge is the re-emergent Washington District, the city’s oldest residential area. Upcoming: condominiums on the bluff over the river across from Old Sacramento.
WEST”
PRICE: You can spend $740,000 for a sleek glass-front home overlooking the curated oval Garden Park at Park Moderns. Or you can rent a workforce-friendly $1,300 studio loft at The Kind project.
MASTER PLAN: The riverfront offers urban living that is outdoorsy, even athletic. There’s a bike trail, a riverside promenade and a new pier that hosts yoga classes. The two cities want to turn the I Street Bridge upper deck into an elevated park (after a new car bridge is built nearby). Sutter Health Park is home to the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants Triple A baseball team.
SACRAMENTO
Finally, waterfront living Perhaps the grandest urban renewal in the region is happening on a mile-wide swath of former industrial land on the Sacramento riverfront in West Sacramento.
Santiago Chavez relaxing in his apartment at The Kind
The Kind apartments resident SANTIAGO CHAVEZ , a downtown restaurant worker living in his own apartment for the first time, has a corner loft with a view. I love how affordable it is. It’s dope. I looked around at other prices and honestly I feel grateful and lucky. It’s close to everything. I can take a scooter to work.
SIGNIFICANCE: Sacramento and West Sacramento had blocked residents from living near the downtown riverfront, Sacramento with a freeway, West Sac with industry. Now, West Sac is rectifying that. Sacramento will follow suit with its upcoming railyards redevelopment.
Garden Park at Park Moderns in West Sacramento
JULIE YOUNG of Urban Elements, codeveloper of The Kind apartments, is an advocate for holistic neighborhoods. We are craving a slower, more provincial lifestyle. To work, shop and live in a neighborhood is the ideal of community health. This is how cities should work.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 45 “ ”
NEIGHBORHOOD: Modest, historic Richmond Grove is one of the least trafficked neighborhoods on the central grid. But change is underway: Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse is around the corner. Bustling R Street is blocks away. And other new housing is popping up around S Street.
Homes in Albright Village have openconcept living spaces on the second fl oor
ALBRIGHT VILLAGE
Suburban elbow room downtown This slice of suburbia in the city is nearing completion at 13th and U streets in Richmond Grove, an under-the-radar downtown neighborhood. Albright Village takes its name after businessman Sidney Albright, who built custom cars on this spot a century ago.
46 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
PROFILE: The project consists of 14 Spanish-style, three-story, 2,000-square-foot homes. Each has 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and two decks. Kitchens have large islands. Garages fit two cars. The signature touch: small front yards with picket fences.
PRICE: $850,000 and up. FAMILY AFFAIR: Bay Miry and wife Katherine Bardis-Miry, part of the development team with Reynen & Bardis, are parents of a toddler. They wanted to offer spacious downtown housing for young families as well as empty nesters. Elbow room is key. “We wanted to emphasize space for folks,” Miry says. “Giving them everything they need.”
This high-end apartment building is under construction at 11th and J streets, two blocks from the state Capitol, with an opening date of spring 2023.
URBAN VIEWS: There will be a communal amenity deck with fire pits, eating areas and some of the most architecturally rich views in the city. Residents will gaze from the rooftop or from their “Juliet porches” at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the elegant Elks Tower and the state Capitol.
POINT OF VIEW: “It takes a page from 1930s courtyard housing we saw there,” says Sacra mento’s urban design manager, Bruce Monighan. “It’s a traditional-looking design with a modern take. It feels like it belongs there.”
LOVE FROM CANADA: Anthem Properties of Canada chose this site three years ago for its first housing foray in California, calling the capital city an under-the-radar place to live with a big upside. Anthem has since launched several other downtown housing projects and opened a local of fice, suggesting it hasn’t changed its original opinion about Sacramento.
PROFILE: Envoy (a reference to diplomacy at said Capitol) will be a sevenstory steel-and-glass structure with 153 higher-end apartments as well as offices, retail and entertainment below. Expect it to become a home away from home for professionals who deal with state government.
IMPORTANCE: The central city lacks roomy new single-family, for-sale housing. Albright Village developers purposely are building fewer houses on the site than zoning allows. If success ful, it could encourage more.
ENVOY Home near the Capitol dome
TRANSFORMATION: This is the long-awaited catalyst project for one of downtown’s most anachronistic and unsightly blocks, J Street between 10th and 11th streets. “We’re taking one of the worst sites downtown and transforming it . . . giving it that critical mass,” says developer Riaan De Beer of Anthem Properties.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 47
PRICE: Developers are watching the market before setting prices. The building will include studios and 1- and 2-bedroom units, some with dens, from 500 to 1,050 square feet.
APPLE HILL WASN’T ALWAYS THE PLACE TO GO FOR APPLE PIE. Before this El Dorado County destination started attracting more than 1 million visitors annually for apple harvest season, pears were its main crop. “There used to be a saying that a pear eaten in America in the ’40s and ’50s came from Placer County or El Dorado County because there were thousands of acres of pears,” says Chris Delfino, president of Apple Hill Growers association and son of one of the group’s founders, Edio Delfino, the county’s agricultural commissioner for 33 years. But a terrible crop disease in the 1960s wiped out the pear industry. Edio and three other men encouraged farmers to plant more apple trees. Later came grapes. They formed an association, and 16 farms grew to more than 50, with the annual apple season—generally September to December—generating about $60 million in direct spending.
“Every farm is different in its own right,” Delfino says. “Some are very small, but they have some cool little things, and some are enormous and they have a lot of things to offer. They’re all unique.” Here’s a look at nine Apple Hill businesses.
APPLE
48 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
For many locals, it’s become an autumn ritual to visit the orchards, farm stands and bakeries of this Sierra foothills destination.
HILL
1 high hill ranch
It’s hard to miss High Hill Ranch. The 155-acre ranch at 2901 High Hill Road is among the largest in the area— and the most visited (as the parking lot will tell you). And for good reason. Visitors can spend a whole day on this one property, dining on apple doughnuts and caramel apples, enjoying pony rides for the kids, trout fishing in the pond and perusing the displays of more than 75 artisans selling handmade leather works, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, knitted clothes and more.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 49
High Hill’s bakery offers apple pies and other baked goods. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also wagon hayride tours of the apple orchard and a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own. highhillranch.com
BY SENA CHRISTIAN PHOTO AND ART BY GABRIEL TEAGUE
HIGHLIGHTS
Parents exhausted from a full day of exploring Apple Hill are in luck when they arrive at Grandpa’s Cellar at 2360 Cable Road. They’ve got coffee flights of all sorts of flavors, says Jericho Kelsey, co-owner with his wife, Becka. “This is our third season of owning Grandpa’s Cellar, and Becka wanted to put our stamp on Grandpa’s Cellar,” Jericho says. “So she went up to the bakery and made 20 different coffee flavors in a matter of two months.”
N
CanyonRoad Barkley
There’s an apple barn, hay maze, nature trail, gemstone mining for kids, 50,000 zinnia flowers in bloom in September and a pumpkin patch. On Fridays through Sundays, about 40 artisans sell handmade soaps, jewelry, paintings, pottery and other items. “What we get from a lot of our customers, they call it the Disneyland of Apple Hill,” Kandi says. appleridgefarms.com
Chris’s parents, Edio and Joan Delfino, purchased the 20-acre farm in 1962, planted 2,600 apple trees and in 1964 opened to visitors. In 2002, Chris returned home and spent the next two decades learning how to farm like his dad. His wife, Robyn, learned how to bake like his mom. The familyrun business now includes the fourth generation.
7 grandpa’s cellar
6 apple ridge farms Kandi and Steve Tuso often took their two children to Apple Hill for family outings. Then, in 2009, they had an idea: Why not buy a farm there? “We always love to say we came up for apple doughnuts, we went home with the apple ranch,” Kandi says. They established the 20-acre Apple Ridge Farms at 1800 Larsen Drive. They have a Country Store with homemade fudge, chocolates, jams, jellies and gifts. Their barbecue house has a 500-pound smoker where they prepare their own meats and house-made chicken pot pie, and from the bakery customers can buy apple pies and other baked goods to enjoy in the grassy picnic area.
September 2022
Grandpa’s Cellar started in the 1970s as a roadside stand and expanded a few years later to include a bakery and gift shop. They sell a variety of fresh baked and frozen pies along with jams and jellies. They also offer gluten-free baked treats, including mini pies, apple crisps and muffins to enjoy while surrounded by 100-year-old apple trees. grandpacellar.com Road orth Road
Carson
2 delfino farms For farmer Chris Delfino, there’s no greater feeling than seeing the fruits of his labor, like he experiences when visitors descend upon Delfino Farms at 3205 N. Canyon Road.
Delfino Farms’ Edio Vineyards is open year-round for tastings of their small-batch wines. They also sell hard ciders made from apples and blackberries grown at the farm. Joan’s Apple Bakery opens during harvest season; in addition to pies, they make between 200 and 300 apple fritters each weekend in October. delfinofarms.com
3 fudge factory farm Something seems to happen to customers at Fudge Factory Farm at 2860 High Hill Road. They rediscover the joys of childhood. “I love to see everyone turn into a child when they come into the Fudge Factory,” says owner Jean Reinders, who launched the business with her late husband, Ren, in 1985. She now runs the business with her daughter, Seana Hartsell. Fudge Factory is one of the few women-owned and run farms in Apple Hill. Friendly alpacas and other farm animals delight visitors, plus there’s house-made fudge—in about two dozen flavors—and candy apples, rocky road clusters and ice cream sundaes. Customers can also indulge in organically grown fruit, including raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, marionberries and, yes, apples. This fruit also finds its way into house-made jams, jellies, baked goods and wines. “We upgraded our playground with lots of fun things to do,” Reinders says of this season. “We have a new line of chocolates coming out this fall.” fudgefactoryfarm.com
Like so many of Apple Hill’s farms, Harris Family Farm at 2640 Blair Road started with dreams of a better life. That’s what led brothers John and James Blair to travel to California in 1857. Their brother, Matthew, arrived soon after and homesteaded 160 acres. The land remains in the family today, with sisters Jane and Pam Harris in charge. Their pie shop sells pies, doughnuts, turnovers, jams and lunch food. Visitors can also buy apples, pumpkins, pickles, cider and fresh eggs. The location stays open through Christmas, giving customers a chance to cut a tree or buy a freshly made wreath. They offer jam classes, high tea events, a nature trail, rock painting and gem mining for kids. The farm also accommodates campers on its large forested acreage. harrisfamilyfarm.com
Regular visitors to O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch at 2261 Cable Road will see a familiar sight. Decades after husband-and-wife Pat and Donna O’Halloran started the farm in 1968, Donna, now in her 90s, still goes out every day during apple season to greet customers.
“People love to come and see her,” says Laurel O’Halloran, who manages social media and is married to Donna’s youngest son. Pat—who died in June 2020—always wanted to stay true to the rural farming operation and refrained from the more entertainment-driven options of some other locations, Laurel says. “This is a running apple farm business. We’re not making apple pies. We’re selling apples. You come in, pick apples out of their bins.”
9 harris family farm
5 hidden star camino Johann Smit, co-owner of Hidden Star Camino at 2740 Cable Road, says being open year-round—unlike many spots in Apple Hill—gives him more time to have conversations with customers about the craft hard ciders served at his taproom. They’ve got apple cider and blends like cherry apple, pomegranate apple, lemon apple and grape apple. “We go all the way from beer styles to wine styles to kombucha styles to mixed-drink styles—all cider-format,” says Smit, who with his life partner, Wendy Holm, bought the abandoned farm in 2019. Families are welcome, with picnic tables and benches where you can eat the lunch menu of bites. Shorty’s Doughnuts runs the bakery, selling artisan doughnuts, pastries and pies. For apple season, about a dozen craft vendors will be on-site. A children’s area is “designed for kids to be untethered” and consists of play structures using natural or repurposed wood and other local materials.
8 o’halloran’s apple trail ranch
hiddenstarcamino.com
Larsen Drive CableRoad Mace Road Pony Express Tr ail Car son Road B l air Road
September 2022 4 rainbow orchards When Tom Heflin and Christa Campbell purchased Rainbow Orchards at 2569 Larsen Drive in 1977, they got something extra special: the recipe for Rainbow’s famed hot apple cider doughnuts, a tradition since 1964. “When visitors ask for the recipe, I say they have to buy the whole farm,” Christa says. They make the doughnuts with fresh apple cider milled on-site and served hot right out of the fryer. Wine and hard cider tastings are held on weekends. “Visitors can watch the process of pressing and bottling the cider,” Christa says. A grassy picnic space accommodates customers as they dine on tri-tip barbecue, pies, cobblers, crisps and other treats. Customers can also buy apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, pumpkins, winter squash and ornamental corn. A play area offers a hay bale hop-a-crooked-mile activity for kids. rainboworchards.net
O’Halloran’s grows 16 apple varieties, plus pears and squash, and it also sells Indian corn, apple cider and apple butter. The biggest attraction is a 3-acre pumpkin patch where families can cut pumpkins from the vine. Later in the season, customers can cut Christmas trees. Additionally, they offer a hiking trail and picnic area. ohalloranranch.com
BY C A R R I E BOYLEPHOTO S B Y SUSANYEE
An Urban Wine Tour
52 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
You don’t have to go to Napa to have a fine wine experience.
NOT LONG AGO , wine bars and urban wineries were a bit of a rarity in Sacramento, even though the capital city is surrounded by hundreds of wineries. Over the past few years, however, the tide has turned, and wine is becoming central to Sacramento’s identity. Wine bars, wineries and wine tasting rooms are popping up at an astonishing rate, led by creative, passionate entrepreneurs. As a younger group of wine drinkers explores and experiments, they are choosing wines that are not only delicious but have interesting stories or styles. Here’s a look at today’s burgeoning city wine scene.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 53 Ro Sham Beaux
Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar
54 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
VIBE: Casual but chic tasting salon If champagne were a person, it might just take on the form of Raymond James Irwin. He is the ebullient, energetic “chief champagne officer” at Fizz, Sacramento’s only lounge dedicated specifically to sparkling wine.
Since Fizz’s opening in DOCO in 2018, Irwin has been singularly focused on bringing bubbles from around the globe to the Sacramento masses, making the beverage an everyday go-to, rather than a drink reserved only for special occasions. The concept has been so successful that Fizz plans to open a second location in Walnut Creek later this year.
The newtravelallowsmenuyoutotoplaces.
While you’ll find some familiar favorites on the wine list, many of the selections are fizzy creations from unknown producers or under represented regions of the world. The menu allows you to travel to new places, such as Slovenia or South Africa, by way of a glass of bubbles. Fizz’s staffers are passionate, wellinformed and more than willing to make suggestions and guide you through your spar kling adventure, no matter your budget or taste. While sipping, you can enjoy sparklingwine-friendly bites that are thoughtfully curated and prepared, from the rustic (white bean crostini topped with fried sage) to the upscale (oysters on the half shell, caviar ser vice). Fizz has a wine club and offers events such as themed tastings, champagne dinners and organized trips to sparkling-wine regions. 615 David J. Stern Walk; (916) 573-3909; fizzinsac.com; IG @fizzinsac
VIBE: Traditional tasting room that pays homage to Sacramento’s history Perhaps friends are visiting from out of town, and you want to treat them (or yourself) to a wine-country outing, but you don’t want to drive two hours to get there. You might consider Bailarín Cellars, lo cated in The Hardin on K Street in downtown Sacramento, situated along a strip of bustling restaurants and bars including Kodaiko Ramen & Bar, Ruhstaller and Tiger.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 55
Bailarín Cellars
The name Bailarín is Spanish for dancer and, says executive director Chris Ryan, “is meant to represent people who love what they do,” including the farmers who grow the fruit from which Bailarín Cellars’ wines are made. Winemaker Will Weese oversees production of the wines, which include Russian River char donnay and pinot noir, Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon and more. You can order from a small food menu that features truffle popcorn, lavosh flatbreads, and cheese and charcuterie boards. The tasting room also doubles as an espresso bar that serves locally roasted Insight Coffee drinks. 720 K St.; (916) 754-2937; bailarincellars.com/tastingroom; IG @bailarincellars
56 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
While wine is the focus at Lucid Winery, the atmosphere is more like that of a brew pub, a place where you can play cornhole or beat on a drum while sipping your wine. Kevin Luther started making wine under the Lucid label in 2017, and he originally planned to open a tasting room in March 2020. However, the onset of the pan demic delayed that plan, and Luther was forced to pivot hard. Lucid morphed from a traditional winery to a virtual one, and was wildly successful doing so. Much of the wine was sold through sam pler sets shipped across the country for both corporate and privateEarliercustomers.thisyear, Lucid opened a brand-new tasting room and event space on Sacramento’s R Street. At 5,000 square feet, the space is cavernous, but the welcom ing staff and décor bring a sense of coziness and comfort. On display is a variety of plants, eye-catching local art and lots of books, and there’s lots of room to wander and play. The feeling of community is strong, and the winery donates to charity for each bottle sold.
1015 R St.; (916) 384-0076; lucid winery.com; IG @lucidwinery
Lucid Winery
VIBE: Winery meets microbrewery
andwanderroomThere’slotsoftoplay.
Lucid’s core offerings are or ganic, vegan and naturally made wines served via tap. That said, the menu includes more than just traditional wine. Luther calls him self a mad scientist, and you can enter his laboratory and taste his experiments, which include “brewvins” (wine/beer hybrids) and herbed piquettes. For nonim bibers, several creative mocktails are available. You can purchase prepackaged snacks or order food from surrounding local eateries.
A visit to Nico Wine might make you feel like Willy Wonka just took over your local hangout. With colorful wine labels lining the walls and a breezy patio, it feels cheery and whimsical— more like a candy or soda shop than a traditional wine bar.
Nico, which occupies a compact space in the popular Ice Blocks complex in midtown Sacramento, features wines that are thoughtfully and responsi bly made. Create your own adventure and take a taste trip as you sample wines from underrepresented re gions, like the Canary Islands, or wines made from grape varieties you won’t find on grocery shelves, like Mission and Cortese. Says proprietor Nicho las “Nico” Corich: “Basically, I care about the winemakers and what they want to produce. If they love their farms, they’ll take care of the wine . . . I want to have a conversation about the winemaker’s journey: what risks have they taken, what have they learned since the last vintage, what are they excited to grow and experiment with.”
Nico Wine is big on education and engage ment. Events are offered frequently, and guests are invited to come drink wine with winery owners and winemakers, learn their story, ap preciate their artistry and create connections. Nico offers wines by the half glass (starting at $6), full glass (starting at $10) and bottle, as well as flights for those who want to ex periment or experience variety. Prepackaged snacks are available for purchase. Among the options: artisan cheeses, mad eleine cookies and bonbons. 1710 R St.; (916) 400-9925; nicowine.co; IG @nico_ wine_sac
SACMAG.COM September 2022 57
VIBE: Willy Wonka’s wine cafe
Nico Wine
58 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
This midtown spot is tiny but cozy, with plenty of hipster vibes to go around.
Ro BeauxSham
VIBE: Fun, chill speakeasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously Practice your strategy for a game of rockpaper-scissors and bust out your best thumb-wrestling gear for a trip to Ro Sham Beaux, a creatively conceived wine bar from Irish Hospitality Group, owners of The Snug and The Butterscotch Den. This midtown spot is tiny but cozy, with plenty of hipster vibes to go around. You can enjoy an eclectic selection of nat ural wines, by the glass or bottle, that are environmentally friendly and responsibly farmed. Many of the wines featured reflect lower levels of alcohol and sulfites. The wine list is reasonably priced and user-friendly, with abbreviated but descriptive tasting notes for each wine. But if you’re feeling stuck, the staff is always happy to make suggestions and guide you through the choices. The food menu is concise but offers plenty of satisfying and full-flavor options like brie grilled cheese on sourdough. For a small, simple nosh, you can purchase tinned fish or a pack of chips. Artisan sodas, beer, craft cocktails and nonal coholic highballs are also available.
2413 J St.; (916) IGroshambeauxbar.com;365-1216;@roshambeauxbar
Good News regularly hosts DJ nights, dinner and brunch pop-ups and producer tastings. The big event for fall will be Good News’ one-year anniver sary in September, with a week of events. Check social media for details. 1050 20th St.; (916) 400-0533; good newswine.com; IG @goodnewswine
SACMAG.COM September 2022 59
VIBE: Wholesome neighborhood diner Walking into midtown’s Good News Wine feels, well, good. It’s a spot where you can meet friends or take a date. Bright and welcoming, the décor is rem iniscent of a diner from another era. It feels both retro and modern, and you’ll find it easy to settle in and get comfy at one of the counter seats or booths.
Good News Wine
The wines at Good News are chosen based on several criteria. Says owner Bennett Cross: “We require that the wines that go on the menu be very de licious, be made from grapes that were farmed organically or biodynamically, fermented with native yeast without anything added in the cellar except for a smidge of sulfur from time to time.” You can order by the half glass, full glass or bottle. The wine list is eclectic but thoughtful, and it’s been designed to be user friendly for any level of wine enthusiast. From a quick survey of the list, you can glean the type, origin, composition and alcohol level of each offering. Additionally, a concise threeword description is provided for each wine. Quarticello’s Le Boccette (a sparkler) gets the words “pear— brioche creamy,” for instance.
Good News also serves up sher ry, vermouth, beer, ciders and nonalcoholic beverages. The food menu offers an array of simple but tasty options: bread and butter, olives, cheese and meat boards, toasties (toasted sandwiches) and seasonal sal ads. If you want to bring home a bottle of wine and some noshes, shop the Good News pantry (where you’ll find pastas, beans, tinned seafood and crackers) or the refrigerated section (for cheeses and charcuterie).
The Pip Wine Bar & Shop
60 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
VIBE: Comfortable and casual Judging by what you can see from Interstate 80, you might assume that Dixon is nothing more than a pit stop for gas or fast food on your way to somewhere else. You would be wrong. Take exit 66A onto CA-113 South, drive about 2 miles and you’ll find yourself in a quaint business district populated by antiques shops, salons, restaurants and an unexpectedly hip little wine bar with an impressively diverse selec tion of wines from around the world. Amy Grabish founded The Pip Wine Bar & Shop just before the pan demic shutdown and managed to sustain her business with unique wines and a firm commitment to de veloping community and customer relationships. “I love that we’re both a wine bar and a retail shop,” she says. “We strive to represent small wineries that aren’t available at the big stores or the grocery stores.” You can taste any wine on the menu before com mitting to a glass. Says Grabish: “We don’t want guests to order a glass of wine and then not be happy with it. Life’s too short.” The Pip offers events that allow people to incorporate wine into their lives in fun and sometimes unexpect ed ways. Grabish partnered with The Good Scoop (a Dixon ice cream shop) and Skinner Vineyards of Fair Play to come up with wine-infused ice cream flavors. The Pip also hosts themed events and “Pip Trips,” like its Rosé All Day party at Cache Creek Casino, where pink-wine enthusiasts quaffed Lorenza 2021 Rosé by the pool on a summer day. 116 N First St., Dixon; (707) 693-3069; thepip winebar.com; IG @thepipwinebar
(4)TeagueGabriel
Franquette
rightdoesFranquetteeverythingandnothingtoexcess.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 61
VIBE: Modern sidewalk cafe/wine bar Located in West Sac’s hip Bridge District, Fran quette is a French-inspired gathering spot from the team behind Canon, the Michelin-recognized restaurant in East Sac. At Franquette, like at many of the wine bars that have opened in the last few years in Sac ramento, the focus is on lesser-known producers and regions whose wines are reasonably priced, terroir driven and made with a light hand. Franquette offers French wines that are bright and balanced, making them agreeable partners to a wide range of foods. Settle in with just about any glass of wine on the list—its brightness and acidity will make your mouth water. It’s time to order food. You can go sim ple and order a French cheese, such as a luscious Brillat-Savarin served with baguette and wildflower honey. Or you can indulge with a heartier dish such as duck confit or potatoes au raclette. The food is delicious and noticeably understated, and the wine is integral to the enjoyment of the food. Franquette does everything right and nothing to excess. 965 Bridge St., West Sacramento; hellofranquette. com; IG @franq.uette
The Acheson label started in 2015 as a tra ditional wine project but morphed into something less conventional by the time the tasting room opened in 2019. Founders Brian Scott (sommelier) and Steve Burch (winemak er) knew that glass wine bottles were heavy to transport and rarely recycled, contributing to the issues of global warming and ever-filling landfills. As a solution, they send wine lovers home with refillable 1-liter wine bottles (with flip tops instead of corks) and encourage them to reuse and refill those bottles with Acheson wines that are stored and poured from kegs. Acheson makes wine accessible and fun and doesn’t stand on pretense. (Watch the videos on Acheson’s website and you’ll agree.) It offers free delivery within 3 miles of the tasting room. 1629 19th St.; (916) 329-8928; achesonwine company.com; IG @achesonwinecompany Acheson makes wine accessible and fun and doesn’t stand on pretense.
CompanyAchesonWine
VIBE: Carefree gathering spot for wine and dog lovers Lemon-yellow walls greet you as you enter the tiny tasting room that is Acheson Wine Com pany in midtown. On one wall, you’ll see posters of murals and artwork that can be found in neighborhoods around the capital city. On the opposite wall, you’ll see a chalk board listing the available wines, many of which are sourced from Lodi vineyards. What you won’t see are cases upon cases of wine stacked anywhere, because you have walked into a “winery on tap.”
62 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
VIBE: Family-run restaurant and winery
Revolution’s restaurant offers a menu of seasonal and locally sourced foods, with a wide variety of plant-based and gluten-free options. The vegan charcuterie board fea tures house-made vegan burrata, smoked carrot lox and crostini, and there’s a vegan chocolate mousse for dessert.
RevolutionWinery+Kitchen
SACMAG.COM September 2022 63
“We believe that good wine tells a story,” says Revolution’s winemaker, Colleen Clothier. “Our wine celebrates the di versity of our farms, community and city.” The grapes are harvested from local vineyards within a 60-mile radius of the midtown winery. Revolution specializes in low-inter vention wines that embody a sense of place.
2831 S St.; (916) 444-7711; rev.wine; IG @revolutionwines
Joe and Gina Genshlea started Revolution Winery in 2007 with the idea of bringing wine back to the city as it had been in pre-Prohibition times. Since then, the operation has expanded, and now Revolution serves not only as a full-production urban winery, but also as a tasting room and restaurant.
Take a look at many of our must-see wineries in the following pages. A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION presents TheWineRegionalGuide You don’t need to travel far to sample great wines . Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, here in Sacramento, we have five nearby regions that are definitely worth a visit.
&
Food Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery is the destination and venue you’ve been waiting for! Sprawling across 13 acres of hops and fruit in Newcastle this premium brewery and farmhaus-to-fork food establishment features hand-crafted small batch beer using home-grown hops and the world’s best malted barley imported from Germany. Enjoy fresh and delicious farmhaus dine-in specialty foods with that beer while relaxing on the stunning grounds. If you’re looking for a spectacular wedding, event venue for corporate get-together’s or fundraisers, even a special party among friends, you’ve come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out Hillenbrand’s popular clothing line. And P.S. ere’s food and beer to-go! 5100 Virginiatown Rd., Newcastle, CA 95658 • www.hillenbrandbrewery.com Celebrate with our award winning wines! 2022 C alifornia StateFa i r WEIBEL.COM | | 9 N. School St. Lodi
Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery Beer Farmhaus-to-Fork
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
Great
BellRd hwy49 shwy193ierracollegeblvd sierracollegeblvd Mt vernonRd AuburnFolsomroadTAYLORRD Pacificst oldhwy65 Bell Rd Hwy80 Hwy80 ophirrd KING lRDozanosrd horseshoe barCramerrd RD PlacerhillsRDoCmbierd 65HWY Palm ave Hwy80 newcastlenewcastle meadow vista GoatHouse Slice Beer RanchoCo. Roble Wise Villa CasqueRebellion RavineSecret Rock Hill Traylor Ranch Folsom Lake LoomisBasin GastropubLBB Out OfMoksaBoundsCante Ao Kathrin’sVinho Biergarten Monk’sCellar @ The Grounds AlehouseBonitataAnnex CaliforniaDistilledSpirits FarmRoofTin Knee CommonMoonrakerDeepCider Auburn RecreationStateArea AuburnAirport AmericanRiver Folsom Lake State RecreationArea Hidden Falls Regional Park Camp Far West Hillview Lone BuffaloMt. Vernon PaZa Twin Peaks FoothillRiverBearRootsFarm TerneroOliveOilWillowCreek Ranch Pescatore Ciotti RappéVineyardsFamily DOWNTOWNROSEVILLE rocklin auburn rosevillelincoln CombieLake graniteBay virginiatown rd Ridge Rd HolmesAyersRd GradeBaxterRd AveMarDel SPringsRockRdBrennansrd Edgewood RdLuther rdRdMcCourtneyrdGladding Fleming rd BIG BEN CrosbyRDHeroldRD GardenBarRd rocklin rd bartonrd Douglas blvd fruitvale rd fowler rdDuelingHillenbrandDonodalCieloDogs CanyonPreserveView MSJ TastingWinesRoom Nitta Ranch map not to scale Martha’sAlehouseAuburnGardens FermentationsMindscape Flower Farm Winery KEY HardDistilleryExploreFarmBreweryStandOutdoorsCider Hwy 80 8ywH9 Hwy28 Lake Tahoe McKinneyBay Bear BrewingBellyCo. TahoeBrewingNationalCo.tahoeForesthill TruckeeRiver Burton Creek State Park OlympicValleyHomewoodTahoecity beachKings sacramento25mi MeadowsAlpine Northstar LOOmis hillgoldrd CristaldiHill Top Oaks Crooked Lane Brewing Co. CavittStallman rd HappyDayz VineyardDreamerUrbanFarm& DoraDain Smokin’Barrel Twin Rocks OrchardsOtow Viña Castellano BellRd hwy49 shwy193ierracollegeblvd sierracollegeblvd Mt vernonRd AuburnFolsomroadTAYLORRD Pacificst oldhwy65 Bell Rd Hwy80 Hwy80 ophirrd KING lRDozanosrd horseshoe barCramerrd RD PlacerhillsRDoCmbierd 65HWY Palm ave Hwy80 newcastlenewcastle meadow vista GoatHouse Slice Beer RanchoCo. Roble Wise Villa CasqueRebellion RavineSecret Rock Hill Traylor Ranch Folsom Lake LoomisBasin GastropubLBB Out OfMoksaBoundsCante Ao Kathrin’sVinho Biergarten Monk’sCellar @ The Grounds AlehouseBonitataAnnex CaliforniaDistilledSpirits FarmRoofTin Knee CommonMoonrakerDeepCider Auburn RecreationStateArea AuburnAirport AmericanRiver Folsom Lake State RecreationArea Hidden Falls Regional Park Camp Far West Hillview Lone BuffaloMt. Vernon PaZa Twin Peaks FoothillRiverBearRootsFarm TerneroOliveOilWillowCreek Ranch Pescatore Ciotti RappéVineyardsFamily DOWNTOWNROSEVILLE rocklin auburn rosevillelincoln CombieLake graniteBay virginiatown rd Ridge Rd HolmesAyersRd GradeBaxterRd AveMarDel SPringsRockRdBrennansrd Edgewood RdLuther rdRdMcCourtneyrdGladding Fleming rd BIG BEN CrosbyRDHeroldRD GardenBarRd rocklin rd bartonrd Douglas blvd fruitvale rd fowler rdDuelingHillenbrandDonodalCieloDogs CanyonPreserveView MSJ TastingWinesRoom Nitta Ranch map not to scale Martha’sAlehouseAuburnGardens FermentationsMindscape Flower Farm Winery KEY HardDistilleryExploreFarmBreweryStandOutdoorsCider Hwy 80 8ywH9 Hwy28 Lake Tahoe McKinneyBay Bear BrewingBellyCo. TahoeBrewingNationalCo.tahoeForesthill TruckeeRiver Burton Creek State Park OlympicValleyHomewoodTahoecity beachKings sacramento25mi MeadowsAlpine Northstar LOOmis hillgoldrd CristaldiHill Top Oaks Crooked Lane Brewing Co. CavittStallman rd HappyDayz VineyardDreamerUrbanFarm& DoraDain Smokin’Barrel Twin Rocks OrchardsOtow Viña Castellano BellRd hwy49 shwy193ierracollegeblvd sierracollegeblvd Mt vernonRd AuburnFolsomroadTAYLORRD Pacificst oldhwy65 Bell Rd Hwy80 Hwy80 ophirrd KING lRDozanosrd horseshoe barCramerrd RD PlacerhillsRDoCmbierd 65HWY Palm ave Hwy80 newcastlenewcastle meadow vista GoatHouse Slice Beer RanchoCo. Roble Wise Villa CasqueRebellion RavineSecret Rock Hill Traylor Ranch Folsom Lake LoomisBasin GastropubLBB Out OfMoksaBoundsCante Ao Kathrin’sVinho Biergarten Monk’sCellar @ The Grounds AlehouseBonitataAnnex CaliforniaDistilledSpirits FarmRoofTin Knee CommonMoonrakerDeepCider Auburn RecreationStateArea AuburnAirport AmericanRiver Folsom Lake State RecreationArea Hidden Falls Regional Park Camp Far West Hillview Lone BuffaloMt. Vernon PaZa Twin Peaks FoothillRiverBearRootsFarm TerneroOliveOilWillowCreek Ranch Pescatore Ciotti RappéVineyardsFamily DOWNTOWNROSEVILLE rocklin auburn rosevillelincoln CombieLake graniteBay virginiatown rd Ridge Rd HolmesAyersRd GradeBaxterRd AveMarDel SPringsRockRdBrennansrd Edgewood RdLuther rdRdMcCourtneyrdGladding Fleming rd BIG BEN CrosbyRDHeroldRD GardenBarRd rocklin rd bartonrd Douglas blvd fruitvale rd fowler rdDuelingHillenbrandDonodalCieloDogs CanyonPreserveView MSJ TastingWinesRoom Nitta Ranch map not to scale Martha’sAlehouseAuburnGardens FermentationsMindscape Flower Farm Winery KEY HardDistilleryExploreFarmBreweryStandOutdoorsCider Hwy 80 8ywH9 Hwy28 Lake Tahoe McKinneyBay Bear BrewingBellyCo. TahoeBrewingNationalCo.tahoeForesthill TruckeeRiver Burton Creek State Park OlympicValleyHomewoodTahoecity beachKings sacramento25mi MeadowsAlpine Northstar LOOmis hillgoldrd CristaldiHill Top Oaks Crooked Lane Brewing Co. CavittStallman rd HappyDayz VineyardDreamerUrbanFarm& DoraDain Smokin’Barrel Twin Rocks OrchardsOtow Viña Castellano placerwineandale.com 30 MILES FROM SACRAMENTO 47 BOUTIQUE WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES sponsored by visitplacer.com sacwineandale.com placerwine.com
URBAN DREAMER FARM & VINEYARD FARM STAND: Sat:9am-1pm Check for additional hours on the website during summer and Mandarin season 10370 Mount Vernon Rd., Auburn, CA 53Urbandreamerfarm.org0.308.3665 PLACER WINERIES PLACER BREWERIES FARM STANDS CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER AUBURN Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4:30pm Sat-Sun: 9:30am-3:30pm 1103 High Street Auburn, CA Visitplacer.co530.887.2111m INFORMATION OLIVE OIL TERNERO OLIVE OIL Check website for hours 3680 Lincoln Newcastle Hwy Lincoln, CA Ter916.508.5325neroOliveOil.com placerwineDownloadthe&alemaphere SCAN ME DORADAINWINES TASTING: Sat-Sun: 11am-5pm 2560 Crosby HeroldRd Lincoln, CA 916 628 0999 doradainwines.com CROOKED LANE BREWING CO &BREWERY,TAPROOMBEERGARDEN Sun-Thurs: 11am-8pm Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm 536 Grass ValleyHwy crookedlaneb53Auburn,CA0.878.5232rewing.com FARMHHILLENBRANDAUSBREWERY BREWERY, TAP ROOM & FOOD Thurs: 5pm-9pm Fri-Sat: 12pm–9pm Sun: 11am-7pm 5100 Virginiatown Rd Newcastle, CA hinfo@hillenbrandbrewery.comillenbrandbrewery.com SECRET RAVINE VINEYARD & WINERY TASTING: Thurs-Sun: 12-5pm 4390Gold Trail Way Loomis, CA secret916.652.6015ravine.com LONE BUFFALO VINEYARDS TASTING: Fri-Sun: 12-5pm 7505Wise Rd Auburn, CA (Enter at Buttes ViewLane) loneb530.823.1159uffalovineyards.com WISE VILLA WINERY & BISTRO TUSCAN-ST YLE BISTRO, WINE TASTING, SPECIAL EVENTS Sun-Wed: 11am-5pm Thurs-Sat: 11am-8pm Full menu 5 days a week 4200 Wise Rd Lincoln CA W916.543.0323iseVillaWinery.com MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH WINES TASTING ROOM TASTING: Thurs: 4pm-7pm Fri: 4pm-8pm; Sat: 12pm-8pm Sun: 8629A12pm-3pmuburnFolsom Rd Granite Bay, CA mou916.784.9463ntsaintjosephwines.com HILL TOP OAKS WINERY BOUTIQUE WINERY Please check website for wine tasting dates and events 4150 Ridge Drive Loomis, CA 916 652 9250 HTOWine.com MT.VERNON WINERY TASTING: Thurs-Sun: 11am-5pm Catered lunch available every Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm 10850 Mt.Vernon Rd Auburn, CA m530.823.1111tvernonwinery.com BEAR RIVER WINERY & DISTILLERY TASTING: Sat-Sun: 12-5pm 2751 Combie Rd Meadow Vista | 530.305.8873 (EXIT 125 off bearriverwinery.comI-80) RANCHO VINEYARDSROBLE TASTING: Fri: By Appointment, Sat-Sun: 11am-5pm 340 Fleming Rd. Lincoln | ranchoroble.com916.645.2075 Be breweriessponsorwineries,suretovisitthese&FarmStands.
and other
Before
Enjoy the stunning Hillenbrand Farmhouse Brewery in Newcastle where you’ll be welcomed to 13 acres of hops and fruit, premium small batch craft beer and farmhaus-to-fork delectables. Imported German malted barley along with homegrown hops combine to create one-of-a-kind avors. e gorgeous grounds make for the perfect venue for getaways, weddings, corporate events, private parties, fundraisers and more. Dine-in or take out delicious food and beer. 5100 Virginiatown Rd., Newcastle, CA 95658 www.hillenbrandbrewery.com
information
Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery Premium Newcastle Venue
documents
documents
8800
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section Learn more and make an investment at wvv.com/ownership or call 1-800-344-9463 Visit Us in Historic Folsom Enjoy Owner benefits on food and wine pairings, events and a unique blending experience at Willamette Wineworks. WINERY OWNER Earn an annual wine credit, 25% discount on wine purchases and other great benefits!
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc., has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement documents we have filed with the SEC for more complete about our company and this offering. You may get these for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may obtain a copy of these at http://www.wvv.com/prospectus, or we will arrange to send you the prospectus (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) if you so request by writing us at stock.offering@wvv.com or calling 1-800-344-9463.
Free Writing Prospectus (to Prospectus dated June 30, 2022, as Supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated August 1, 2022) Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-265961.
WillametteValleyVineyards.com Enchanted Way SE · Turner, OR 97392 · Stock.Offering@wvv.com Jim Bernau, Founder/CEO
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section Come enjoy our premiere wineries with your friends and family. Originally built in 1934 as an operating beet sugar re nery, the historic Old Sugar Mill now hosts 14 wineries o ering varietals from all over Northern California. We are only 15 minutes from downtown, located in the beautiful river community of Clarksburg, California, on the delta. Old Sugar Mill is open for indoor and outdoor wine tasting. Let us host your wedding, anniversary party or corporate event. e perfect venuefor your next wine trip OLDSUGARMILL.COM 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg, CA 95612 Discover Belledor Vineyards • Amador’s Newest Winery Belledor, or Beautiful Amador, is a family-owned vineyard located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of California. We specialize in single varietal wines and offer unique blends.. Grab your friends, bring a picnic and enjoy all that Belledor has to offer! 13391 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth CA 95669 | (209) 680-6008 | belledor.com Belledor Vineyards Amador’s Newest Winery! Belledor Vineyards is a new familyowned winery nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in Amador and from the moment you enter the gates, you will be delighted by the beautiful natural setting. Come experience our award-winning wines as you sip in our modern-meets-rustic tasting room overlooking our picturesque lake. We look forward to hosting you at Belledor! belledor.com.
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section 7 505 Wis e Road Auburn, CA 956 03 53 0.82 3.11 59 l on e bu ff al ovin eyards.com TASTING ROOM OPEN FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12:00 - 5:00 PM ONE c omplimentary tasting o r WINE FLIGHT JUS T BR IN G THI S A D T O OUR TAS TI N G ROO M. Weibel Family Winery e Perfect Wine for Every Recipe Weibel sparkling and varietals can be a fun addition to a variety of seasonal dishes and desserts. Owner and President, Fred Weibel, and his wife, Ida, share their favorite recipes and pairings using Weibel Wines each month. Visit our website www.Weibel.com or our Facebook page for both recipes and pairings. Our wines are available on our website or at our tasting room in downtown Lodi. 1 Winemaster Way, Suite D, Lodi, CA 95240 www.weibel.com Mount Saint Joseph Wines seeks to provide unique, extraordinary wines reminiscent of the legendary wines of Tuscany. Our customers appreciate our wines as the finest in the Sierra Foothills In the spirit of St. Joseph Marello we will always seek to do the ordinary in an extraordinary way. For Private Parties and Events: 916-784-9463 or info@mountsaintjosephwines.com Thursday 4 - 7, Friday 4- 8, Saturday noon - 8, Sunday noon - 3 8629 Auburn Folsom Rd, Granite Bay
Fromdelicious varietals to seven magni cently sculpted acres,the tasting room and wedding venue is the highlight formany brides as the starting point to a happily ever after! E Harney Ln, Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 369-3045 www.mettlerwine.com
Mettler
Mira ores Winery—
7889
Mira ores invites you to participate in the highly anticipated Food & Wine PAIRINGS Lunches and Brunch & Bubbles events this September! For nearly a decade, Mira ores has hosted an array of accomplished chefs to prepare four-course menus, exquisitely paired with Mira ores wine chosen by their on-site Sommelier. Enjoy the afternoon divulging in exquisite food while you overlook the Mira ores estate vineyards and sip award-winning wine. e events go through the end of September, and you don’t want to miss out! Call (530) 647-8505 to make your reservation for a truly unforgettable experience. Family Vineyards
El Dorado County’s Premier Winery
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
From the tip of your glass to a stroll along the vineyard, Mettler is your perfect companion for an enchantedevening in Lodi’s famous Appellation. Enjoy everythingthis premiere destination holds for your next event.
ExperiencetheTasteoftheCapayValley SAVOROUREXTRAVIRGINOLIVEOILS,ESTATEWINES,HONEY ANDMOREATOURTWOTASTINGROOMS. OPENWEDNESDAYTOSUNDAY,11:00AM-5:OOPM SÉKAHILLSOLIVEMILLANDTASTINGROOM 19326COUNTYROAD78|BROOKS,CA95606 SÉKAHILLS.COM SÉKAHILLSOLDSUGARMILLTASTINGROOM 35265WILLOWAVE.|CLARKSBURG,CA95612
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section At Miraflores Winery, our passion is to craft balanced new world wines, and indulge the senses with gracious and welcoming surroundings. WINERY & TASTING ROOM 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, CA. 95667 530.647.8505 • 530.647.8507 Fax • info@mirafloreswinery.com mirafloreswinery.com @mirafloreswinerymirafloreswinery 10686WStocktonBlvd, ElkGrove,CA95757 www.McConnellEstates.com WINETASTING,LIVEMUSIC,ANDMORE! just20minutesfrommidtown McConnell Estates Winery Elegant Wine Experiences McConnell Estates Winery welcomes all to enjoy an elegant wine experience in the comfort of our historic 1850 homestead tasting room. Visit us on a weekend for Estate Tastings and tours, live music and concerts, and special events. Located just 20 minutes from Midtown, McConnell Estates Winery’s owners, the Wackman family, have farmed the land north of the Cosumnes River for ve generations. Stop By for Wine Tasting! Tasting Room Hours ursday–Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm Extended Summer Hours: May-Sept. Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm
www.berryessagap.comCoastalinuence
gliding through the Berryessa Gap Urban Dreamer Farmstand
10370 Mount Vernon Rd. Auburn. Open Saturday, 9-1 Check seasonal hours & order Holiday pies now at urbandreamerfarm.org
“Cooking is how I love people,” says Adrienne Evatt owner and head dreamer/chef at the oh-so-quaint Urban Dreamer Farmstand in Auburn. Come visit this charming homespun hotspot for fresh baked goods, delicious dinners, produce and eggs right from the farm. You’ll nd delicious cupcakes, breads, mu ns, scones, pies, quiche, enchiladas, chicken pot pie, jams, jellies, vinegars and more. And the keto and gluten-free o erings are to die for! e farmstand operates all year with special seasonal hours to pick up your your holiday pies and assorted holiday favorites! Mandarins anyone?
Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Making History in Yolo County
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
Berryessa Gap Vineyards is located in Winters, California, Yolo County. Its vineyards lie on the east slope and beneath a break in California’s coastal range, known to locals as the Berryessa Gap. rough the characteristics of Berryessa Gap’s Coble Ranch vineyard, which has similar terroir to the hotter and dryer climate of the Mediterranean, the winery produces highly acclaimed red and white wines such as Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Barbera, Malbec, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc. Its Highway 128 Collection includes a North Coast Brut Rosé, a Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Blanc de Blanc.
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
Rodney Strong Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Rodney Strong Vineyards has been producing award-winning and nationally recognized wine since 1959. We share a commitment to sustainability, quality, community, and experiences. Our team is dedicated to nding ways to making your time here memorable. We make it our mission to provide unforgettable events, personable customer service and a welcoming space for you and your guests. Rodney Strong proudly boasts one of the largest Concert Greens in the area, which has hosted performers such as Alanis Morrisette, e Beach Boys, Jay Leno, and many more. is year e Winery is bringing back the 30th Summer Concert Series featuring three nights of music, food trucks and Rodney Strong Wine Estate wines. e lineup includes Tower of Power on July 9th, Colbie Caillat on August 27th, and Blues Traveler on September 10th.
19326 County Road 78, Brooks, CA 95606 (530) 796-2810 www.sekahills.com
•
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section 4390 Gold Trail Way, Loomis (916) 652-6015 secretravine.com Tasting room garden is open Friday thru Sunday from Noon to 5 PM. Reservations are recommended. See our website for more information. Enhance your wine experience.tasting Visit Secret Ravine Vineyard & Winery in Loomis, located just minutes off I-80 in South Placer County. Séka Hills
In our native Patwin language, ‘Séka’ means ‘blue,’ and in selecting Séka Hills as the name for our line of premium tribal products, we honor the blue hills that overlook our homeland in Northern California’s Capay Valley. For thousands of years, our ancestors lived in the oak forests, rolling hills and grasslands of the Capay Valley, tending the natural resources, following traditional wisdom and creating eternal bonds with the land. We are proud to share the bounty of the Capay Valley through our estate grown varietal wines, premium olive oil and organic produce.
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
Great Bear Vineyards in Davis e family-run vineyard and winery located in Davis grows their grapes sustainably and in harmony with nature. Tended by hand, the premium grapes are crafted into delicious wines.
Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Great Bear Vineyards also has a wide selection of award-winning wines – sparkling, whites, rosés and Comereds.along for a wine tasting, bring your own picnic and linger awhile in this little slice of heaven - the vineyard hosts a variety of wildlife as well as olive trees, fruit trees and a eld of lavender.
“Best of Sac—Voted Best Local Winery”
In addition to being voted “Best Local Winery” by Sacramento Magazine readers in 2020/21 and 2021/22, the winery has won Silver, Gold & Double Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. greatbearvineyards.com
www.amadorwine.com © 2022 BOGLE FAMILY VINEYARDS, CLARKSBURG, CA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED • BOGLEWINERY.COM PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Scan Here to Make ReservationYourElevate Your Tasting Experience Only 20 minutes om Downtown Sacramento Bogle Family Vineyards Elevates Delta Wine Tasting Experience e Home Ranch, where the Bogle family rst planted wine grapes more than 50 years ago, is nestled in the heart of the Delta, just 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento. Soak in sprawling views of the vineyards while enjoying a guided wine tasting or picnic afternoon. e Bogle Family can’t wait to welcome you! www. Wineboglewinery.comShopOpen Daily 10am-5pm Tastings & Picnics ur-Sun 11am-5pm Reservations Recommended
Amador Vintners: Amador County Wines
Located only 40 miles East of Sacramento tucked in the Sierra Foothills lies the hidden gem of Amador Wine Country. Once a bustling gold mining town this region became home to many ourishing wineries, creating California’s rst wine region. As the gold ran dry at the end of the 19th century, our Zinfandel vineyards endured, paving the way for new pioneers of wine, drawn by microclimates and varying mountain, volcanic and valley soils ideal for producing superior wines. In the heart of the Sierra Foothills American Viticulture Area (AVA), vintners produce classic Zinfandels, many from ancient vines dating as far back as the 1860’s. In keeping with the pioneering spirit of the region, over the last 40 years our wine makers have led the way in Italian, Spanish and Rhone varietals thriving in the foothills, creating world-renowned Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne (to name a few) allowing our guests to explore many of the world’s wine varietals in one location without a passport! Today Amador County wineries produce more than 30 varietals in various styles and pro les, ensuring there is something for every palate. Visit Amador Wine Country today for a taste of world class wine, warm hospitality, and distinguished history all in a spectacular Sierra Foothill setting.!
The Regional Wine Guide | A Special Advertising Section
Watch Live or Stream September 18 – 20 at 8PM Sponsored locally by
SACMAG.COM September 2022 85 geoff bardot 0922 inside: Lake house design Keep Tahoe Blue (and Green and Gold) Vintage textiles, playful acces sories and color—lots and lots of color—add to the playful vibe at this cabin in South Lake Tahoe. Nest
The vintage blanket and wildlife etchings above the bed are from the Sacramento Antique Faire. A pair of rackets, one of Lisa’s finds, is a nod to leisure time.
Inspiration came in the form of a vintage striped Pendleton blanket, which led to vivid color choices: saturated blue, green and gold tones with some red accents. The hues give off a playful vibe, reminding visitors that this is a destination where fun is the point.
hen Sacramento interior designer Rebecca Plumb was invited by clients Lisa and Geoff Bardot to help reimagine the vacation home they were remodeling in South Lake Tahoe (a getaway they’d dubbed Camp Golden Bear), she knew that the palette would be nothing like the drab brown-on-brown color scheme that dominates many mountain cabins.
“They are both amazingly creative people who are really into color,” says Plumb, who’d already helped design a cheery studio space for this accom plished artistic couple. (She’s a graphic designer; he’s a photographer.) “I knew they wanted something that felt different; it needed to feel like them.”
Primary Bedroom (above and page 85): On the bed wall, the green chevron paneling echoes the mountain landscape surrounding this Tahoe cabin. Above the bed hang paddles hand-painted by homeowner Lisa Bardot. At its foot is a bench re-covered with a Mexican blanket. Art selected for a gallery wall evokes the home’s woodland surroundings.
Secondary Bedroom (right and opposite): Designer Rebecca Plumb went with gold paint on the ceiling and across the top of the wall as a way to “add color without saturating the room, so that it’s still light and bright.”
BY CATHERINE WARMERDAM W
86NestSACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
Furnishings throughout the vacation home, from the footed armoire and blue nightstands in the principal bedroom to the dresser in the secondary bedroom, were chosen for their mid-mod vibe.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 87
The pink concrete basin by Nood Co. “was our little nod to something playful and different,” explains Plumb. “It softens the other colors in the room.” The bathroom’s wood accents, a reminder of the home’s forest setting, come in the form of shellacked teak tiles from Indoteak Design. “It gives you the feeling of showering in the —Rebeccalake.”Plumb
“We knew we wanted the cabin to have a vintage camp feeling,” explains Plumb. “My job was to make it feel as elevated as possible and still feel like Tahoe. When people go to a vacation home, I think they’re looking for something aspirational. In this era of Instagram, they want a snapable moment of their vacation.”
Primary Bathroom (right and below) : Plumb, who bemoans how bathrooms are often neglected spaces in vacation homes, designed this one with luxury in mind. “This is meant to be an escape,” she says. The space is dominated by Fireclay wall tiles in a color called—what else?—Lake Tahoe. “It gives you the feeling of showering in the lake.”
88NestSACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
Plumb worked in close collaboration with Lisa, who helped refine the color choices and source accessories, and Geoff, who did much of the construction and “poured his whole body and soul into this place.” To gether, they managed to create a joyful space that conjures up a whole new way of seeing and experiencing Tahoe.
DESIGN: Studio Plumb
SACMAG.COM September 2022 89 Van Gogh in a New Light The Westand“360-degreesubjectpainter’spost-Impressionistworkistheofahigh-techlightsound”exhibitinSacramento. Bravo 09 22 inside: The immersive art trend FeverHubExhibition
Sacramento’s foray into the IMAX-like world of immersive art signals what seems to be a new era for our region, or at least a growing trend. Al ready waiting in the wings behind the current exhibit, which at the time of this writing was selling tickets into December, is extravaganza number two, “Beyond Van Gogh,” produced by a different company and scheduled to open in November. Ironically, the competing exhibits are both located in West Sacramento, a veritable stone’s throw from one another.
T
OK. But why is van Gogh everybody’s go-to? “Van Gogh is kind of a rock star in the art world,” says Zaller, and it’s undeniably true: The Dutch post-Impres sionist’s iconic paintings (think “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers”) and turbulent life story, often unfortunate ly reduced to “the guy who cut off his ear,” are practically part of our collective DNA
Why Vincent van Gogh, why Sacramento, why now? Ac cording to John Zaller of Exhibition Hub, the company behind the current exhibit, part of the impetus was to remedy the problem of Sacramento being treated like Cin derella, the last one to go to the ball. “The Sacramento market is, I think, underserved when it comes to these types of experiences,” says Zaller, execu tive producer of Exhibition Hub’s U.S. shows. “I wanted to change that, to bring something rich and vibrant and cul tural here.” From a business standpoint, Zaller adds, Sac ramento made sense. “You’ve got sophisticated residents, you’re right in the heart of Northern California, you’ve got incredible draw—very central and very accessible.”
BY CATHY CASSINOS-CARR
he global phenomenon of van Gogh immersive exhibits is like a fastmoving wildfire, with productions popping up everywhere from Boston to Beijing. When Sacramento joined the party this summer with the unveiling of “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” some locals cheered, while others who fought Bay Area traffic to catch a similar show in San Francisco last year probably wished they’d waited.
90BravoSACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
Van Gogh’s huge body of work—incredibly, he produced more than 2,000 paintings, drawings and sketches before his death at age 37—embraces a “literal, pictorial style” that gives it mass appeal, says Zaller. “As you get into the work and how he created it—how he painted the swirls in the sky, or how he was trying to bring a countryside to life—the more compelling it be comes,” he says. By adding motion to van Gogh’s works through the use of high-tech wizardry, Zaller explains, viewers get a tangible sense of the artist’s technique, and even his state of mind. Described by promoters as a “360-degree light and sound spectacular,” the exhibit uses such cutting-edge technol ogy as advanced 4K resolution projection mapping (nerd alert!), which for most of us really just means a lot of oohing and aahing. Its self-described crown jewel is the 10,000-square-foot immersive gallery where some 400 of van Gogh’s works come to life on a 35-minute loop, the giant animated images stretching across walls and danc ing on the floor, one gorgeous Technicolor dream after another. Reclining chairs are placed around the room for those who want to sit back and enjoy the show. A classicalmeets-Zen score, interspersed with narration and van Gogh quotes, adds to the vibe and enhances understand ing of Vincent the person. So what’s the experience like? For me, it was kind of a kaleidoscopic, Alice in Wonderland-like trip, enthralling throughout. I liked the use of multiple galleries and the mix of education and entertainment, tradition and tech nology. I loved that families with kids and people of all ages were there, taking it all in. The larger-than-life digital displays were dazzling, and the virtual reality feature, in which you wear a headset and float through van Gogh’s world, was simply awe-inspiring. (Don’t miss it, even though it costs an extra $5.) As a layperson (my art “education” is limited to frequent frolics through the big museums in New York, where I lived for 13 years), I suspect my reaction may be typical of the masses, which is, after all, the target market for these exhibits. But how does it look to members of the art world, who are likely to be more discerning? In brief, they don’t all love it. For some, capitalizing on a dead artist’s work for big profit—especially an artist like van Gogh, who struggled with poverty (his main benefactor was his brother Theo, to whom he famously wrote hundreds of letters)—is a bit cringe-worthy. That’s how Ianna Frisby, a local artist and adjunct pro fessor at Sacramento City College and Sierra College, sees it. But when I invited her along for a spin through the exhibit, she also discovered some things she liked. Here are some highlights from our Q&A. What did you think of the exhibit? What worked for you and what didn’t? I really appreciated the context that was provided at the beginning of the exhibit, so that you’re not just walk ing directly into the immersion room. It gave a nice overview ITS SELF DESCRIBED CROWN JEWEL IS THE 10,000 SQUARE FOOT IMMERSIVE GALLERY WHERE SOME 400 OF VAN GOGH’S WORKS COME TO LIFE ON A 35 MINUTE LOOP.
SACMAG.COM September 2022 91 (4)FeverHubExhibition
Ianna Frisby “WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOOKING AT A PIECE OF ART, ESPECIALLY MODERN ART, IT ASKS VIEWERS TO BRING THEIR OWN IMAGINATION TO IT.”
You take issue with the capitalistic nature of immersive exhibits. As an artist, what else concerns you? When we talk about looking at a piece of art, especially modern art, it asks viewers to bring their own imagination to it. So this approach could be looked at as being kind of lazy. It’s like van Gogh coming to you, instead of you and your imagination coming to van Gogh. They’re doing it all for ya, right? You’re immersed in this bath of van Gogh. It’s a passive experience. The production is active, but we’re not. Kids who see it may think it’s better than the original [van Gogh], and that’s my concern.
“VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE” is located at 31 15th St. in West Sacramento. For more information and to purchase tickets, vangoghexpo.com/sacramento.visit
If van Gogh were alive today, what do you think he would say about this exhibit? Since he’d be coming out of a di erent time period, he can’t have any context. He can’t know about the internet; he can’t know about the commodification of images. I can also say he was i nterested in sharing his paintings with the world. And in that way, it’s very successful. I think he would be amazed by that.
(2)FeverHubExhibition
92BravoSACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
of van Gogh’s life and the people around him, and it talked about his mental illness, his various series, and color chemistry—things they did not have to mention. For me, it meant that there is something for someone who is educated in art to hangButonto.there were other aspects of the exhibit that were distracting for me—things I got stuck on, like the fi re ex tinguisher on the wall of the sunflower “mirror” room, the pyramid structure in the middle of the immersion room, and the wires on the ceiling. I wanted to get immersed in t he van Gogh life and story, but I kept getting stuck in the technical details, the craft of it. I think the video itself [in the immersion room] had some clever moments, like the way the shutting of the Japanese screen doors interacted with the walls. The selfportrait segment, I think, was really the best—where you had to get up to see everything in the round. Before we went in, I was concerned about the possible fl attening of van Gogh’s character and the experience turning into this thing that’s this visual delight—yet that was the best part, the visual delight. It was just hard for me to get sucked in because I notice everything and couldn’t ignore things like the ceiling wires and the pyramid. You seemed to enjoy the visual reality feature and the drawing room, where visitors can do a little art of their own with a van Gogh coloring sheet or on a blank sheet of paper. I thought that was great. Because those things happen at the end, it’s almost like there’s a bell curve to the experience. You get to the coloring interactive room and you’re able to kind of process. I also liked that they took it a step further. It could have just been coloring and be done with it, but they also o ered the opportunity to put your work up [on a wall] and display it, just like van Gogh’s, so it evokes a sense of projection, which gives a feeling of validation and elevates the experience. And then the VR I thought was really cool. The people looked pretty rubbery and I’m not sure how much we needed them in there, but I still thought it was really well done. There was a moment where it looked like we were busting through a canvas.
Eat, Drink and Listen Food and drink naturally get the spotlight at Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork Street Festival , an annual cel ebration of the region’s rich bounty of food, wine and craft beer. But the free fest on Capitol Mall also serves up some choice live music. On tap this year: Gregory Porter, Japanese Breakfast, Jocelyn & Chris, Carter Faith, The Last Bandole ros, Southern Avenue and The National Parks. farmtofork.com
SACMAG.COM September 2022 93
SEPT. 18 SEPT. 23 24 SEPT. 24 SEPT. 30 OCT. 2
CoxDoncenter:bottomThilesen;Tonjeleft:Bottom 5
Historic Home Tour Fans of period architecture and the city’s stately wantneighborhoodsresidentialwon’ttomiss
Art Underfoot Watch chalk artists trans form the sidewalks of midtown’s Fremont Park into incredible, if ephem eral, works of art at Chalk It Up! Sacramento. A Labor Day Weekend tra dition since 1991, the free, family-friendly art fest is a feast for all the senses, also offering artisans and makers, food and drink vendors, and a great lineup of local bands. chalkitup.org
Preserva tion Sacramento’s 46th Annual Historic Home Tour, which this year spotlights midtown’s ar chitecturally rich Poverty Ridge historic district, once home to Joan Did ion and the McClatchys. Take in docent-led tours of three residences in person and view three more online. sacramento.orgpreservation
Flight—Stimulating Look up, way up, to see top-flight air craft soaring across the skies at California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport. Aeronautics fans and families flock to this annual showcase of aviation excellence and military might for performances, this year, by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter and the U.S. Navy EA 18-G Growler Legacy Team, along with displays and interactive exhibits. forniacapitalairshow.comcali
Events SEPTEMBER SEPT. 3
Musical Comedy Not everyone can sustain a successful decadeslong career by being weird, but five-time Grammy winner “Weird Al” Yankovic has done just that. Cherished by fans for his pop-song parodies, the “nerd rock” musician, comedian and actor is among the topselling comedy recording artists of all time. Catch his The Unfortunate Return of the davi.VanitySelf-IndulgentRidiculouslyIll-AdvisedTourattheMon mondaviarts.org
SACMAG.COM September 2022 95 Doughbot 2.0 Sacramento’s original hipster doughnut shop is back with a new owner, a new location and a new menu of flavors that includes Blueberry Earl Grey, Chai Candied Pecan and Every thing But the Bagel. (There are vegan and gluten-free options, too.) Heading up the kitchen at DOUGHBOT: Alison Clevenger, the former executive pastry chef at Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates and Selland Family Restaurants. 2030 10th St.; (916) 345-3501; doughbotsac.com 09 22 debbie cunningham inside: He’s Back / Distilled Brunch / We’ll Always Have Winters Taste
wife, Kelly, oversaw the vaguely feminine décor, with its pretty salmon-colored wallpaper and gauzy pink drapes. The restaurant sits at one of the busiest corners of Sacramento, across the street from the Capitol and close to Golden 1 Center and the new theater and convention center complex. It occupies the old restaurant space at Marriott’s downtown Residence Inn, a spot that never had much success as a restaurant. But English thinks Juju will break the curse by appealing to a wide spectrum of diners: downtown workers, Capitol folk, people looking for a quick meal before the theater, tourists, the after-theater crowd. They don’t need a Press-like experience to be satisfied, says English: “People just want to go out and socialize, be with friends.”
t was the last day of 2019, and David English had pretty much decided to walk away from the restaurant business for good. His popular midtown restaurant, The Press Bistro, had had a great run, but rising costs and understa ng had him feeling that he was working twice as hard to make less money. That New Year’s Eve, when he closed his restaurant doors for the fi nal time, “I thought that was it for me,” he recalls. But, like Michael Corleone in “The Godfather Part III,” just when he thought he was out, they pulled him back in. After an almost three-year break, English recently opened Juju Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Sacramento. It’s a marked departure from The Press, a sophisticated dinner house where English stalked the dining room nightly, checking in with diners to make to make sure their salmon fi llet was perfectly cooked, the red wine sauce on their short rib appropriately silky. Juju is the Skipper to The Press’s Barbie, a smaller, less voluptuous, more playful version of a traditional restaurant. Consider it a sign of the times. When English closed The Press, the pandemic was still in the o ng. Hitting a couple of months later, COVID -19 rocked the foundations of every restaurant in town. Without employees to pay or a lease to service, English was in fact better o than many of his compatriots. He used the pandemic lull to step back, hang out with his family and enjoy semi-retirement. Before closing The Press, English had been noodling about ways to reinvent the restaurant model in a more sustainable way. He wanted to manage fewer employees, and he didn’t want to have to be at the restaurant every waking moment to make sure everything was just so. The solution he came up with was a restaurant with a slimmed-down menu of small plates and craft cocktails, severely restricted hours of operation and a casual, drop-in vibe. There’s no host to seat you, no reservations to take, no phone to answer. “The more sta we have, the more expensive your cocktail,” English explains. (Other restaurateurs are trying out similar formats: Billy Zoellin, for one, recently transformed his Bacon & Butter in East Sac into a happy-hour spot called The Green Room.)
susan
English modeled Juju’s menu around the tapas o erings at The Press, which had always been a hit with diners. Several are direct lifts from The Press, including the arancini, the meatballs and the patatas bravas. You can nosh on one or two small plates (priced at $7–$8), or assemble an entire meal from a menu that runs the gamut from bread (grilled pita with hummus) and vegetables (roasted mushrooms) to proteins (grilled calamari, beef barbacoa tacos) and even dessert (warm chocolate brownie with vanilla bean ice cream). “It’s how I like to eat,” English explains. “I like to try di erent things. You can have a lot or a little. It’s a nice way to English’seat.”
Good Juju
The Press Bistro’s David English is back with a new take on the restaurant experience.
BY MARYBETH BIZJAK BEFORE CLOSING THE PRESS, DAVID ENGLISH HAD BEEN NOODLING ABOUT WAYS TO REINVENT THE SUSTAINABLEMODELRESTAURANTINAMOREWAY. yee JUJU KITCHEN & COCKTAILS 1501 L jujukitchenandcocktails.comSt. tacos
Taste96SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022 I
withMeatballsmarinaraBeefbarbacoa
SACMAG.COM September 2022 97
Grilled calamari with romesco sauce; arancini; arugula salad with goat cheese and grilled apricots; and a watermelon mocktail called “ … & everything nice”David English
L’Apéro’s charming patio and lounge are ideal for savoring such moments. In the French tradition, pairs of street-facing bistro chairs are positioned for taking in the town’s Main Street activity. Inside, a mural of a pastoral scene (installed for a prior tenant) “celebrates Winters and farm country and family,” says Martinez. “I knew the mural had to stay because it fit so well with the farmhouse style of the aperitifs.” A baby grand player piano in the corner strikes just the right notes for transporting you to a place far more relaxing than wherever you came from. But the winning ambience is only half the story. L’Apéro makes some terrific-tasting aperitifs, all of which get their unique character from locally grown ingredients: quince, orange, apricot, green walnut, Mission fig, Meyer lemon. Sample a fl ight or two with a companion to fi nd your favorite. When you do, your waiter will prepare an additional glass for you served neat or as a spritzer. L’Apéro les Trois may be new on the scene, but in a sense its origins date back to 1970s France, where Brennan was fi rst exposed to making and enjoying seasonal aperitifs. In the 1990s, she wrote an aperitif-themed cookbook celebrating these fortified wines and the snacks that are often enjoyed with them. The three partners seized on the resurgent popularity of aperitifs with this new venture. Brennan developed the lounge’s appetizer menu, which includes a small selection of thoughtfully conceived bar bites meant for sharing. Not to miss are the gougères, diminutive choux-based cheese pu s served warm from the oven. If Paris or Provence aren’t on your itinerary in the near future, this pleasant tasting room ought to be. 22 Main St., Winters; (530) 4021172; laperolestrois.com
Georgeanne Brennan, Corinne Martinez and Nicole Salengo
Three Cheers
THE APERITIFS GET THEIR UNIQUE CHARACTER FROM LOCALLY GROWN INGREDIENTS: QUINCE, ORANGE, APRICOT, WALNUT, FIG AND LEMON.
A delightful new tasting room bubbling with the conviviality of a French bistro opened recently in downtown Winters. L’Apéro les Trois, which specializes in wine-based aperitifs, is a collaboration by three of Yolo County’s most notable doyennes of food and wine: cookbook author Georgeanne Brennan, winery entrepreneur Corinne Martinez and winemaker Nicole Salengo. An aperitif, for the uninitiated, “is intended to be a beverage before a meal that opens up the palate,” explains Martinez. “But we believe it’s also about a moment in time; it’s when we pause. We’re setting aside whatever we were busy doing and we’re pausing to spend time with family and friends.”
Classic Breakfast (eggs, sourdough toast, sausage or bacon and your choice of cheesy grits, fruit or potatoes) and Sacramento Coffee. “This is made with our single malt whis key in a glass lined with our house-made bourbon caramel sauce,” says Adams. “We then add vanilla simple syrup and cold coffee and top it with bourbon whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and vanilla sea salt.” Take that, Starbucks. Chilaquiles (corn tortilla chips smothered with verde sauce and topped with eggs over easy, cotija cheese, cilantro and crema) and J.J. Rita “The only spirit we don’t make here is tequila, which we can’t because that has to be made in Mexico,” explains Adams. “So we get a similar flavor using our gin as a base and adding our Drakas, which is a honeybased spirit, and our eau de vie, which is our aged pear brandy. Those three spirits together mimic the flavor of tequila, and when we add lime juice and agave it tastes like a true margarita.”
● Breakfast Panini (a ciabatta roll stacked with eggs, bacon, pepper jack, cream cheese, tomato and arugula) and Pickleback “This is a riff on the traditional pickleback, which is a shot of Jameson and a pickle juice chaser. Ours uses rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, house-made pickle brine, muddled jalapeños and cucumbers and a buffalo salt rim,” says Adams. “Like a Bloody Mary, it’s savory and spicy, but here the whiskey can shine because it’s not overpowered by tomato juice.”
—CATHERINE WARMERDAM
Beyond the Mimosa Bloody Marys and bottomless mimosas have long been brunch staples, but one local spot offers some appealing alternatives to jazz up everyone’s favorite weekend meal. J.J. Pfister boasts a creative lineup of boozy, breakfast-friendly carafes to complement its hearty brunch dishes. Clay Adams, director of hospitality, explains that “we like our spirits to be the star in all of our cocktails,” which is why they eschew the juice-forward cocktails typically served at brunch. Here are our picks for three satisfying brunch pairings from the Rancho Cordova distillery and restaurant.
9819 Business Park Drive; (916) 672-9662; jjpfister.com
Taste98SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE September 2022
—CATHERINE WARMERDAM
SACMAG.COM September 2022 99
This neighborhood hangout has an approachable menu and a familiar ambience. The food is like homemade, only better: things like braised short rib with mashed potatoes, lasagna Bolognese and chicken enchiladas. There’s seemingly something for every taste and diet, from avocado toast, available all day long, to prime rib (weekends only). The menu features dishes that are vegetarian, heart healthy, nut-free or “gluten-free friendly.” 2232 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 515-9680; ben nettsamericancooking.com. L-D-Br. American. $$$
ROADCAPAYTRIP
HodsonBob Alaskan halibut from Bennett’s American Cooking
Dine
As a reader service, Sacramento Magazine offers the following list of noteworthy restaurants in the Sacramento region. This is not intended to be a complete directory, and not all restaurants profiled appear every month. Before heading to a restaurant, call or check its website to make sure it’s open.
REALBROADWAYPIECOMPANY
CREPEVILLE This bustling creperie serves many variations on the crepe theme, from entrée to des sert. 330 Third St.; (530) 750-2400; crepeville.com. B–L–D. Crepes. $
ARDEN BENNETT’SARCADEAMERICANCOOKING
BAR & GRILL This family-friendly joint serves up classic roadhouse fare, from salads and burgers to chops. 24989 State Highway 16; (530) 796-3777; roadtripbg.com. B–L–D. American. $–$$ CITRUS LEATHERBY’SHEIGHTSFAMILYCREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden Arcade.” 7910 Antelope Road; (916) 729-4021; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sand w iches/ice cream. $ SAM’S CLASSIC BURGERS At this drive-up burger shack, the shakes are great and the burgers wonder fully straightforward. 7442 Auburn Blvd.; (916) 723-7512. L–D. Burgers. $ 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; pangaea biercafe.com. L–D. American. $$ BURGERSDAVIS AND BREW The casual, publike restaurant uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and serves an interesting selection of beers and ales. 1409 R St.; (916) 442-0900; burgersnbrew.com. L–D. Burgers. $ CAFE BERNARDO For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 234 D St.; (530) 750-5101; cafeber nardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $
At this homey pie shop, you’ll find the pies of your dreams, made with all-butter crusts and seasonal fruit sourced from local farms. In addition to dessert pies such as jumbleberry and butterscotch banana cream, you can order savory pot pies, shepherd’s pies and dishes like mac and cheese, all available to eat in or take out. 2425 24th St.; (916) 838-4007; realpiecompany.com. L–D. American. $ SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE Choose from an array of appetizers and hot items along with crowd-pleas ing side dishes and pizza. This high-quality takeout food can be a real lifesaver on nights when you’re too busy to cook. 915 Broadway; (916) 732-3390; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$ TOWER CAFE This place is a hot spot on weekend mornings. Regulars swear by the New Mexico blue berry cornmeal pancakes and the thick-cut, custardy French toast. Breakfast is all-American, but lunch and dinner have a global flavor. 1518 Broadway; (916) 441-0222; towercafe.com. B–L–D. World fusion. $$
DUBPLATE KITCHEN & JAMAICAN CUISINE One of the few places in Sacramento where you can get Caribbean food, this restaurant serves Jamaican specialties such as curry goat and jerk chicken. 3419 El Camino Ave.; (916) 339-6978; dubplatekitchen cuisine.com. L–D. Jamaican. $$ THE KITCHEN Part supper club, part theatrical production, part cocktail party: This is like no other restaurant in Sacramento, and it’s Michelin starred. You need to make reservations months in advance
for the multi-course dinner. The food is complex and mind-blowingly creative. 2225 Hurley Way; (916) 568-7171; thekitchenrestaurant.com. D. American. $$$$ LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY Go for the ice cream, all made on the premises and used in shakes, malts and towering sundaes. 2333 Arden Way; (916) 920-8382; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $ PLAN B The menu is compact, with a handful of appetizers and several wonderful salads. Plan B’s claim to fame is its stellar mussels, offered six ways. 555 La Sierra Drive; (916) 483-3000; planbrestau rant.com. D. New American/French. $$–$$$
Go to www.fivestarprofessional.com/homesurvey or callTell651-259-1865.usaboutyour home professional today — they could win the Five Star award! FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL Find out in a special section of the February issue. Who will be named a 2023 award winner? Sacramento’s favorite ice cream parlour for 35+ years. Our award-winning ice cream and sauces are made fresh daily and served in generous portions. We also offer a large variety of delicious sandwiches–from our specialty crab sandwich to great burgers. Leatherby’s is the perfect old fashioned ice cream parlour for families, friends, large groups or parties. Sun–Thur: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri–Sat: 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sacramento | Arden Way | 916-920-8382 Citrus Heights | Antelope Road | 916-729-4021 Elk Grove | Laguna Blvd | 916-691-3334 www.leatherbys.net LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY
This upscale restaurant showcases sea sonal products; the menu changes every three months. Pizzas are great; so are the bountiful salads. But you’ll find the kitchen’s real talent in its creative appetizers and entrées. 102 F St.; (530) 750-1801; seasonsdavis.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$
BAR Along with crispy chicken coated with a red spice mix that kicks it up a notch, you can order salads, oysters on the half shell and collard greens. 1409 R St.; (916) 465-8700; bawk friedchicken.com. L–D–Br. Southern. $$ BRASSERIE DU MONDE
MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 500 First St.; (530) 756-2111; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$
CATTLEMENSDIXON
This beautifully designed restaurant is based on a traditional French bras serie. The menu hits the high points of the brasserie canon, everything from onion soup to steak frites. 1201 K St.; (916) 329-8033; brasseriedumonde.com. L–D. French. $$–$$$ CAFE BERNARDO
This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone and cowboy steaks, plus all the trimmings: shrimp cocktail, loaded potato skins, deep-fried onions and more. 250 Dorset Court; (707) 678-5518; cattlemens. com. D. Steakhouse. $$$ BAWK!DOWNTOWNCHICKEN&
SEASONS
ECHO & RIG Located in the lobby of The Sawyer hotel, this outpost of a Vegas steakhouse is sleek and un stuffy. Prices are considerably gentler than at most other steakhouses, but the quality of the meat is high. In addition to standard cuts like filet, NY steak and rib-eye, you’ll find butcher cuts such as hanger, ba vette, skirt and tri-tip. 500 J St.; (877) 678-6255; echoandrig.com. B–L–D–Br. Steakhouse. $$$ ELLA This stunning restaurant (owned by the Selland family and designed by award-winning European architects) is an elegant oasis compared to the gritty hustle and bustle outside. From the open kitchen, the staff turns out innovative dishes and old favorites. The emphasis is on seasonal, local and artisanal. 1131 K St.; (916) 443-3772; elladining roomandbar.com. L–D. New American. $$$$ FRANK FAT’S Downtown Sacramento’s oldest res taurant, Fat’s is a favorite of the Capitol crowd. The restaurant is well known for its steaks and its bran dy-fried chicken. This is Chinese cuisine at its most sophisticated. 806 L St.; (916) 442-7092; frankfats. com. L–D. Chinese. $$$ 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. $$$$ KODAIKO RAMEN & BAR Partly owned by Kru’s Billy Ngo, this ramen shop takes the Japanese noodle soup to a whole new level. Ingredients are organic, and almost everything is made in-house. For a fun expe rience, sit at the six-person ramen counter and chat with the chefs. 718 K St.; (916) 426-8863; kodaiko ramen.com. L–D–Br. Japanese/ramen. $$–$$$ MAGPIE CAFE This restaurant has a casual, unas suming vibe, and its hallmark is clean, simple fare that tastes like the best version of itself. 1601 16th St.; (916) 452-7594; magpiecafe.com. B–L–D. Cali fornian. $$ 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 butternut squash. 1800 15th St.; mastacobar.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$ MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR
SHADY LADY SALOON The charming faux speakeasy is an excellent place to meet up with friends for a round of cocktails and a first-rate meal. Bordelloinspired wallpaper and dim lighting set an alluring stage for the robust and flavorful food. 1409 R St.; (916) 231-9121; shadyladybar.com. L–D. American/ Southern. $$ Fried chicken from Ella
THE 7TH STREET STANDARD This is an unabash edly big-city restaurant: stylish, urban, sophisti cated, serious. Heading up the kitchen is Ravin Patel, a Sacramento native with an impressive fine-dining pedigree. His menu has a modern California sensibil ity, using fresh ingredients, classic French techniques and a healthy dash of South Indian flavors. 1122 Seventh St.; (916) 371-7100; the7thstreetstandard . com. B-L-D. Modern American. $$$
The owners first rocked Sacra mento’s food scene with a food truck featuring Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches. Now, they have two brick-and-mortar locations serving their famous sandwiches, along with quarter and half birds, impressive sides and chicken and waffles (weekends only). You pick the heat level for your fowl, ranging from naked (no heat) to cluckin’ hot. 1023 K St.; (916) 426-6712; nashandproper.com. L. Fried chicken sandwiches and plates. $
The menu offers straightforward fare guaranteed to please just about everyone. Breakfast includes huevos rancheros and eggs Ber nardo, drizzled with housemade hollandaise sauce. Lunch and dinner feature chewy-crusted pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and substantial entrées such as pan-seared chicken breast with mashed potatoes. 1431 R St.; (916) 930-9191; cafebernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $ CAMDEN SPIT & LARDER
SACMAG.COM September 2022 101
YAKITORI YUCHAN
Highly regarded chef Oli ver Ridgeway opened this swank brasserie in a mod ern, glass-walled building near the Capitol. It appeals to lobbyists, lawyers and legislators with its ginforward cocktails (martini, anyone?) and a menu that’s an interesting mash-up of British chop-house classics, English schoolboy favorites and elevated pub fare. 555 Capitol Mall; (916) 619-8897; camden spitandlarder.com. L–D. Steakhouse. $$$–$$$$
This hip sushi bar serves its sushi with a side of sass. There are three sushi bars and a dense menu of ap petizers, rice bowls, bento boxes and sushi rolls. 1530 J St.; (916) 447-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE From cozy, candlelit booths and stunning, glass-enclosed wine room to the crisply outfitted chefs, Morton’s oozes Special Occasion. Red meat is the star here. 621 Capitol Mall; (916) 442-5091; mortons.com/sacramento. D. Steakhouse. $$$$ NASH & PROPER
This busy little restaurant fo cuses on skewered grilled meats, seafood and veg etables. Most items are meant to be shared; bring an adventurous palate and a group of food-loving friends. 109 E St.; (530) 753-3196; yakitoriyuchan. com. D. Japanese. $–$$
URBAN ROOTS BREWING & SMOKEHOUSE At this brewery, a massive smoker turns out succulent meats—brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage—in the tradition of the great barbecue houses of Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. 1322 V St.; (916) 706-3741; urbanrootsbrewing.com. L–D. Barbecue. $$ EAST ALLORASACRAMENTO
Dine102SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
This casual Italian eat ery offers hot dishes and cold salads behind the glass cases, ready for the taking. But the stars of the menu are the freshly made pastas and wood-oven pizzas. There’s also a full bar serving Italian-theme craft cocktails. 3145 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 822-8720; obo italian.com. L–D. Italian. $$ 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 eat ery. 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. $$
MATTONE RISTORANTE When Sacramento’s famed Biba restaurant closed its doors, a few alums struck out on their own to open this Italian eatery. It’s a worthy successor to Biba, serving freshly made pasta and classic Italian fare such as calamari fritti, veal marsala and chicken cooked under a brick. 5723 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 758-5557; mattonesac.com. L-D. Italian $$$–$$$$ THE MIMOSA HOUSE
ORIGAMI ASIAN GRILL
SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see list ing under Broadway. 5340 H St.; (916) 736-3333; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$ EL DORADO HILLS AJI JAPANESE BISTRO This casually elegant restau rant offers an innovative menu of Japanese street food, interesting fusion entrees, traditional dishes such as teriyaki and tempura and—yes—sushi. There’s a short, approachable wine list, sakes and a full bar serving craft cocktails. 4361 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 941-9181; aji-bistro.com. L-D. Japanese/sushi. $-$$ MILESTONE
This fast-casual eatery serves Asian-flavored rice bowls, banh mi sandwiches, sal ads and ramen, along with killer fried chicken and smoked-meat specials from a big smoker on the side walk. 4801 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 400-3075; origami asiangrill.com. L–D. Asian fusion. $–$$
This unstuffy eatery serves great takes on comfort-food classics like pot roast and fried chicken. It’s straightforward, without pretense or gimmickry. The setting is like a Napa country porch, and the service is warm and approachable. 4359 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 934-0790; milestoneedh. com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$ THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 2023 Vine St.; (916) 9340965; mimosahouse.com. B–L–D. American. $$
SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see list ing under “East Sacramento.” 4370 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 932-5025; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gour met takeout. $$ SIENNA RESTAURANT The menu includes a playful melange of global cuisine, including seafood, handcut steaks, stone hearth pizzas, inventive appetizers and a stacked French dip sandwich. Sunday brunch includes a made-to-order omelet bar and unlimited mimosas. 3909 Park Drive; (916) 941-9694; sien narestaurants.com. L–D–Br. Global. $$–$$$
Modern Italian fare with a heavy seafood bent is the focus at this sophisticated eatery. Tasting menus come in three, four and five courses, with caviar service and in-season truffles offered at an additional cost. The menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll always find fresh pasta and balsamicglazed polpo (octopus). The wine list is weighted with classic Italian wines and new-world expressions of Italian varieties. 5215 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 5386434; allorasacramento.com. D. Italian. $$$$ CANON With Michelin-starred chef Brad Cecchi at the helm, this chic restaurant offers a menu of glob ally inspired sharable plates. Much of the menu is vegetarian or gluten free, but you can also order from a small selection of hearty meat, poultry and fish dishes. 1719 34th St.; (916) 469-2433; canoneastsac. com. Global/New American. D–Br. $$$–$$$$ CELESTIN’S Gumbo is the signature dish at this charming, minuscule restaurant specializing in Creole and Cajun cuisine. It comes in six varieties, but the pièce de resistance is the namesake Celestin’s gumbo, chock-full of chicken, scallops, shrimp, rock cod and sausage. 3610 McKinley Blvd.; (916) 2584060; celestinsgumbo.com. L–D. Cajun/Creole. $$ KRU Long considered one of Sacramento’s best res taurants, chef/owner Billy Ngo produces high cali ber, exciting Japanese fare. The restaurant has a craft cocktail bar, outdoor patios and an omakase bar. 3135 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 551-1559; krurestau rant.com. L-D. Japanese. $$$-$$$$
This local chain offers a com prehensive lineup of breakfast fare: omelets, Bene dicts, crepes, waffles, burritos and, of course, mi mosas. The rest of the menu is similarly broad, with burgers, salads, grilled sandwiches and Mexican “street food.” 5641 J St.; (916) 400-4084; mimosa house.com. B–L. American. $$ OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR
STICK HOUSE ASIAN FUSION AND MONGO BAR This hot spot offers a new, tastes-fresher take on Mon golian barbecue—noodles (including zoodles and other gluten-free options) or rice or mixed greens, choice of additions ranging from veggies to crispy toppings, and sauces galore. You’ll also find Asianinspired street food such as crab wonton nachos, bao sliders and rolls. 2023 Vine St.; (916) 6739620; stickhouseedh.com. L–D. Noodles/Asian street food. $ ELK BOULEVARDGROVEBISTRO Located in a cozy 1908 bun galow, this bistro is one of the region’s best-kept dining secrets. Chef/owner Bret Bohlmann is a pas sionate 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. $$–$$$ JOURNEY TO THE DUMPLING This Elk Grove eatery specializes in Shanghai-style dumplings (try the soup-filled xiao long bao), along with Chinese dish es such as green onion pancakes, garlic green beans and salt-and-pepper calamari. 7419 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 509-9556; journeytothedumpling.com. L–D. Chinese. $$ LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden Arcade.” 8238 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 691-3334; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ ice cream. $ MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 8525 Bond Road; (916) 714-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse’s pulled pork sandwich
HAWKS PROVISIONS & PUBLIC HOUSE This gastropub is the latest offering from the owners of Granite Bay’s upscale Hawks. The food is beautifully executed, with dishes like country pate and baked rigatoni. Pastas are made in-house, and even the Wagyu burger is top-notch: it’s served on a house-made bun with hand-cut fries. In addition to the restaurant (the “public house”), there’s a shop next door serving cof fee, pastries and sandwiches (the “provisions”). 1525 Alhambra Blvd.; (916) 588-4440; hawkspublichouse. com. L-D-Br. Mediterranean gastropub. $$$ LOCALIS This upscale restaurant is a pleasant sur prise. Localis (Latin for “local”) is a dinner-only restaurant with an inventive, prix-fixe menu of in gredient-driven dishes. Chef Christopher BarnumDann works with local farms to source most of the menu within 100 miles. 2031 S St.; (916) 737-7699; localissacramento.com. D. Californian. $$$–$$$$ LOWBRAU BIERHALLE This chic yet casual watering hole serves house-made sausages, duck fat fries and stand-out beers. Long communal tables make for a convivial experience. 1050 20th St.; (916) 706-2636; lowbrausacramento.com. L–D–Br. Beer hall. $ MULVANEY’S BUILDING & LOAN Distinctive and cozy, this topflight restaurant exudes the generous affability of its owner, chef Patrick Mulvaney. It’s housed in a brick firehouse from the late 1800s, and the lush patio is a popular spot. The menu changes frequently and is focused on locally sourced, sea sonal ingredients. 1215 19th St.; (916) 441-6022; mulvaneysbl.com . L–D. Californian. $$$ PARAGARY’S This legendary restaurant focuses on elegant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. 1401 28th St.; (916) 457-5737; paragarys.com. L–D–Br. New American/Californian. $$–$$$ THE RED RABBIT KITCHEN & BAR The menu is a playful jumble of dishes, some robustly American, others with an Asian, Latin or Mediterranean influ ence. 2718 J St.; (916) 706-2275; theredrabbit.net. L–D–Br. New American. $$ THE RIND At this cheese-centric bar, the menu in cludes variations on macaroni and cheese, cheese boards and creative grilled cheese sandwiches. 1801 L St.; (916) 441-7463; therindsacramento.com. L–D. American. $$
CACIOGREENHAVEN/POCKET
YeeSusan Artisanal cheese plate from 58 Degrees & Holding Co.
This restaurant offers a solid menu of delicious seafood, from crab cakes and calamari to roasted lobster tail. 824 Sut ter St.; (916) 989-6711; scottsseafoodroundhouse. com. L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$
A warm pocket of coziness and urban sophistication in a retail center, this place offers an appealing menu of casual nibbles and swankier entrées. But it’s the wine program that really knocks this charming little bistro out of the park. 230 Pal ladio Parkway, Suite 1201; (916) 986-9100; backbis tro.com. D. New American/Mediterranean. $$–$$$ CHICAGO FIRE Choose between thin-crust, deep-dish and stuffed crust for the pizzas that fly out of the kitchen of this busy restaurant. 310 Palladio Parkway; (916) 984-0140; chicagofire.com. L –D. Pizza. $
This tiny restaurant has high-quality Italian comfort food, with an emphasis on pasta. Service is warm and homey and reservations (even at lunch) are a must. 7600 Greenhaven Drive; (916) 399-9309; caciosacramento.com. L–D. Italian. $$ SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ON THE RIVER Located in The Westin Sacramento, Scott’s has a patio and a view of the river. Breakfast dishes include crab cake Bene dict, 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 salm on. 4800 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 379-5959; scotts seafoodontheriver.com. B–L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$
BEASTMIDTOWN+BOUNTY
LAND OCEAN The menu hits all the steakhouse high notes: hand-cut steaks, lobster, seafood and rotis serie, entrée salads and sandwiches. 2720 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 983-7000; landoceanrestaurants.com. L–D–Br. New American/steakhouse. $$$
THE VIRGIN STURGEON This quirky floating res taurant is the quintessential Sacramento River din ing experience. Best known for its seafood, The Virgin Sturgeon also offers weekend brunch. 1577 Garden Highway; (916) 921-2694; thevirginstur geon.com. L–D–Br. Seafood/American. $$ GRANITE BAY HAWKS One of Placer County’s best restaurants, Hawks is known for its elegant cuisine and beautiful interior. Framed photos of farmscapes remind din ers of owners Molly Hawks and Michael Fagnoni’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu is full of delicious surprises, such as seared scallop and sea urchin. 5530 Douglas Blvd.; (916) 791-6200; hawksrestaurant.com. L–D–Br. New American/French. $$$–$$$$
NASH & PROPER For description, see listing under Downtown. 9080 Laguna Main St.; (916) 897-8437; nashandproper.com. L. Fried chicken sandwiches and plates. $ BACKFOLSOMBISTRO
THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 25075 Blue Ravine Road; (916) 293-9442; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$ SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ROUNDHOUSE
SACMAG.COM September 2022 103
The beating heart of this chic restaurant is its open hearth, where meats and veg etables are roasted over a wood fire. The meaty rib-eye, served over potatoes roasted in the meat’s fat, is meant to be shared. So is the thin, seduc tively charred pizza. 1701 R St.; (916) 244-4016; eatbeastandbounty.com. L–D–Br. American. $$$ 58 DEGREES & HOLDING CO. This wine bar show cases an astonishing number of wines by the glass— all available in 3- and 6-ounce pours. There’s also an abbreviated menu of small plates designed to complement and enhance the wines. 1217 18th St.; (916) 442-5858; 58degrees.com. L–D. Wine bar. $$
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. 2770 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 984-8988; thai paradisefolsom.com. L–D. Thai. $$ GARDEN HIGHWAY CRAWDADS ON THE RIVER This restaurant draws crowds looking for a great place to party on the water during warm weather months. The Cajun-inspired menu includes fish tacos and several fun entrées. 1375 Garden Highway; (916) 929-2268; saccraw dads.com. L–D–Br. Cajun/American. $$
$$ THE WATERBOY
This inviting, casual taqueria has a concise menu that includes inventive street tacos, a brightly flavored ceviche and an enchilada with rich mole sauce. It also boasts a full bar and an enticing menu of craft cocktails. 3501 Third Ave.; (916) 4004676; lavenaditasac.com. L–D. Mexican. $$ OLD SACRAMENTO
HEYDAYPLACERVILLECAFE
Dine104SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
This bustling place, partly owned by former mayor Kevin Johnson, serves up friendly hospitality along with Southern fare, includ ing chicken and waffles, gumbo, fried catfish, and shrimp and grits. 3428 Third Ave.; (916); 999-7685. fixinssoulkitchen.com. B–L–D–Br. Southern. $$ LA VENADITA
FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AND DIM SUM BAR For descrip tion, see listing under “Folsom.” 1500 Eureka Road; (916) 787-3287; fatsasiabistro.com. L–D. PanAsian. $$ LA PROVENCE RESTAURANT & TERRACE This el egant French restaurant offers some of the region’s loveliest outdoor dining. The seasonal menu features items such as bouillabaisse and soupe au pistou. 110 Diamond Creek Place; (916) 789-2002; laprovence roseville.com. L–D–Br. French. $$$–$$$$
Steak tartare from The Waterboy
The dark space is packed practi cally every night. The best seats are along the win dows that look out onto J Street—perfect for peoplewatching as you savor classic tapas along with a Spanish cava or tempranillo from the lengthy, excit ing wine list. 2115 J St.; (916) 442-4353; tapathe world.com. L–D. Spanish/tapas.
MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Downtown.” 1565 Eureka Road; (916) 797-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$ THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 761 Pleasant Grove Blvd.; (916) 784-1313; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$
This Mexican restaurant is one of the best places to while away an evening with friends over margaritas During warm months, the wraparound sidewalk patio is one of the most popular spots in town. 1801 Capitol Ave.; (916) 441-0303; zocalosac ramento.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$ OAK PARK FIXINS SOUL KITCHEN
This midtown ’cue joint offers a lim ited menu of ribs, brisket and sides along with a thoughtful selection of craft beers. 1925 J St.; (916) 431-7199; tankhousebbq.com. L–D. Barbecue. $ TAPA THE WORLD
THE FIREHOUSE Since opening in 1960, this has been Sacramento’s go-to restaurant for romantic atmosphere and historic charm. Located in a 1853 firehouse, it’s white tablecloth all the way, with crystal wine glasses and top-notch service. 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; firehouseoldsac.com. L–D. Californian/American. $$$$
This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone and cowboy steaks, plus all the trimmings: shrimp cocktail, loaded potato skins, deep-fried onions and more. 2000 Taylor Road; (916) 782-5587; cattlemens. com. D. Steakhouse. $$$ CHICAGO FIRE For description, see listing under “Folsom.” 500 N. Sunrise Ave.; (916) 771-2020; chi cagofire.com. L–D. Pizza. $
CATTLEMENSROSEVILLE
This Mediterranean-inspired res taurant produces perhaps the finest cooking in the region. Chef/owner Rick Mahan honors local farm ers with his simply prepared, high-caliber food. You can’t go wrong if you order one of the salads, followed by the gnocchi, ravioli or a simple piece of fish, finished with butter and fresh herbs. You’ll also find French classics such as veal sweetbreads and pomme frites. 2000 Capitol Ave.; (916) 4989891; waterboyrestaurant.com. L–D. Mediterra nean. $$$$ ZELDA’S ORIGINAL GOURMET PIZZA Zelda’s is leg endary for the greatness of its pizza and its attitude. But that’s part of Zelda’s charm, along with the dingy atmosphere. It’s all about the food: old-school, Chi cago-style deep-dish pizza that routinely wins “best pizza” in local polls. 1415 21st St.; (916) 447-1400; zeldasgourmetpizza.com. L–D. Pizza/Italian. $$ ZÓCALO
PILOTHOUSE Housed in the history-steeped Delta King riverboat, this is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. On Sundays, it puts on one of the prettiest champagne brunches around. 1000 Front St.; (916) 441-4440; deltaking.com. B–L–Br. American. $$–$$$
The restaurant’s lunch menu offers salads, pizzas and sandwiches. Dinner entrées range from a coffee-glazed pork chop to citrus-marinated chicken. 325 Main St.; (530) 626-9700; heyday cafe.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$ THE INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT AND BAR The atmosphere here is lively and convivial, both indoors and on the patio. The kitchen takes traditional dishes such as Southern fried chicken and gives them a twist. 629 Main St.; (530) 344-7645; inde pendentplacerville.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$ RANCHO CATTLEMENSCORDOVA
SQUEEZE INN
THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 3155 Zinfandel Drive; (916) 970-1761 and 2180 Golden Centre Lane; (916) 8224145; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$
This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone and cowboy steaks, plus all the trimmings: shrimp cocktail, loaded potato skins, deep-fried onions and more. 12409 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 985-3030; cattle mens.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$ J.J. PFISTER RESTAURANT & TASTING ROOM In addition to a tasting room where you can sample locally made premium gin, vodka and rum, this family-owned distillery also operates a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The all-day menu features salads, sandwiches and tacos, along with the whim sical “Adult Lunchable”—an assortment of cheeses, deli meats and accompaniments. Desserts get the boozy treatment: Order cheesecake topped with bourbon caramel and whipped cream, or fudge clusters made with Pfister’s Navy Strength rum. 9819 Business Park Drive; (916) 672-9662; jjpfister. com. L–D. Casual American. $$
This fast-food place regularly tops polls for the best burger in town. 1630 K St.; (916) 492-2499; squeezeburger.com. L–D. Burgers. $ TANK HOUSE
This swanky dinner house serves some of the tastiest meat in town. Expertly cooked steaks are seared at 1,800 degrees. Don’t miss the cowboy rib-eye or the fork-tender filet mignon. 1185 Galleria Blvd.; (916) 780-6910; ruthschris.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$ THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento.” 761 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville; (916) 784-1313; mimosahouse.com. B–L–D. American. $$ 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 This bakery is a convivial spot for a ca sual meal. 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, cooked in a wood-burning oven, hearty sandwiches and burgers, and fresh salads. 2376 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 482-0708; et tores.com. B–L–D. Bakery/New American. $–$$ LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT More than 35 years ago, owner Mai Pham introduced regional Asian cooking to a timid Sacramento marketplace. Local tastes have grown more sophisticated since then. But Lemon Grass is still serving delicious, upscale Asian fare such as salad rolls, green curry and cat fish in a clay pot. Everything tastes fresh, light and clean. 601 Munroe St.; (916) 486-4891; starginger. com. L-D. Pan-Asian. $$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE For description, see listing under “Roseville.” 501 Pavilions Lane; (916) 286-2702; ruthschris.com. L (Fridays only)–D. Steakhouse. $$$$ WILDWOOD RESTAURANT & BAR This chic restaurant serves New American and global cuisine, with naan, ahi poke and rock shrimp risotto sharing the menu with an all-American burger. The spacious patio is a great place to grab a drink and listen to live music. 556 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2858; wildwoodpavil ions.com. L–D–Br. American/global fusion. $$$ ZINFANDEL GRILLE Open for more than two de cades, Zinfandel Grille is an enduring dining fa vorite, serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, fish and other Mediterranean entrées. 2384 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 485-7100; zinfandelgrille.com. L–D. New American. $$$ SOUTH SACRAMENTO LALO’S RESTAURANT If you’re craving real Mexican food, come here for the carne asada tacos or the moist pork tamales. Taco flavors range from grilled pork and beef tongue to buche (fried pork stomach); traditional Mexican sandwiches also are available. 5063 24th St.; (916) 736-2389. L–D. Mexican. $ SOUTHSIDE PARK BINCHOYAKI Small plates of grilled meats, fish and vegetables are the stars at this izakaya-style restau rant. But you can also order ramen, tempura and other Japanese favorites. 2226 10th St.; (916) 4699448; binchoyaki.com. L–D. Japanese. $$–$$$ TAHOE PARK BACON & BUTTER Lively and delightfully urban, the place is packed with fans of chef Billy Zoellin’s homey flapjacks, biscuits and other breakfasty fare. 5913 Broadway; (916) 346-4445; baconandbutter sac.com. B–L. Breakfast/American. $–$$ 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 fried cabbage. 5780 Broadway; (916) 452-0202. L–D. Barbecue. $$ WEST DRAKE’S:SACRAMENTOTHEBARN Located in a stunningly mod ern indoor-outdoor structure along the river, Drake’s serves excellent thin-crust pizzas, along with a few salads and appetizers. You can get table service indoors or on the patio. But if you prefer something more casual, grab a folding lawn chair, find a spot at the sprawling outdoor taproom and order a pizza to go. It’s fun galore, with kids, dogs, fire pits and a tap trailer serving beer. 985 Riverfront St.; (510) 423-0971; drinkdrakes.com. L–D. Pizza. $$
Simple and serene, Ruen Thai is a fami ly-owned restaurant that offers a surprisingly large selection of fresh-tasting food. Start with Ruen Thai rolls, crammed with noodles, tofu and carrots and dipped in peanut sauce. The roast duck curry is fabulous. Other winners include whole deep-fried fish and shredded green papaya salad. 1470 Eureka Road; (916) 774-1499; ruenthai.net. L-D. Thai. $ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
FRANQUETTE This French café is an open-all-day, drop-in-for-a-glass-of-wine kind of place. You can order a freshly baked croissant or tartine at breakfast, a salad, quiche or jambon sandwich on a baguette for lunch, and something a little more filling—say, duck meatballs or a crock of boeuf bourguignon—at dinner. It’s grandma food—or, in this case, grandmère food: warm and homey. 965 Bridge St.; hellofran quette.com. B-L-D. French. $$–$$$
The bustling, comfortable restaurant is a local favorite. The kitchen offers a great list of small plates and robust, approachable entrees. 1455 Eureka Road; (916) 783-3600; paulmartinsamericangrill.com. L-D-Br. New American. $$-$$$ P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO
SACMAG.COM September 2022 105 PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN BISTRO
The extensive menu offers dishes whose origins spring from many re gions in China but that reflect a California sensibil ity. 1180 Galleria Blvd.; (916) 788-2800; pfchangs. com. L–D. Chinese. $$ RUEN THAI
VIENTIANE RESTAURANT This dynamic spot offers some dishes you might not find at other Thai res taurants, such as garlic quail, deep-fried and lav ished with pepper and garlic. 1001 Jefferson Blvd.; (916) 373-1556. L–D. Thai/Laotian. $ French toast from Cafe Bernardo Subscription rates: $19.95 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 2022 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 48, Number 9, September 2022. Sacramento Magazine (ISSN 0747-8712) is pub lished monthly by Sacramento Media, LLC, 1610 R St., Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95811. Periodical postage paid at Troy, MI and additional offices. Postmaster: Send change of address to Sacra mento Magazine, 5750 New King Dr., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098
Reflect
106 SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE Sep tember 2022
—DARLENA
Thinking Big Moviegoers flocked to Fruitridge Road at Stockton Boulevard, where Fruitridge Drive-in operated from 1950 to 1979. According to a Sacramento Bee article from June 3, 1950, the new site boasted “the largest all steel screen in North ern California.” Besides an automobile capacity of 850, an additional 500 people could sit in an area in front of the screen. BELUSHIN MCKAY 1983/001/SBPM01884Collection,BeeSacramentoHistory,SacramentoforCenter
OUR There’sOUTGETHELPSTEAMYOUBACKTHEREareasonthatKaiserPermanenteisatrusted authority in sports medicine. The collaboration between our sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and sports trainers can help lead to quicker diagnoses and more streamlined treatment. Whether you are an elite triathlete or weekend warrior, Kaiser Permanente sports medicine services, including those offered at the Sports Medicine Center located in Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento, are designed to help you thrive. Learn more at Kaiserkp.org/sportsmedicinePermanenteisproud to be the trusted medical provider for IRONMAN California.
