August 2011

SanJoaquin San Joaquin T H E P R E M I E R M A G A Z I N E O F C E N T R A L VA L L E Y L I V I N G

MAGAZINE

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Important information as you make the switch to a Medi-Cal Health Plan

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By choosing Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) as your Medi-Cal Health Plan, you will be connecting yourself to hundreds of primary care physicians and over 2,400 specialists with easy access to your personal doctor and local and nationwide care.

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FEATURES 40 TAKING THE REINS Children with special needs saddle up for therapeutic riding lessons.

by Jenn Thornton

august volume ten issue 8 • August 2011

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44 A NEW EDUCATION Charter schools are changing the face of

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MICHAEL RANDOLPH; MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO; COURTESY COST PLUS WORLD MARKET AND TARGET

education in San Joaquin, and redefining the one-size-fits-all system.

by Tammy Hansen

52 PHOENIX: HEART OF THE SOUTHWEST

Breathtaking vistas, warm weather, and new experiences—and no freeways needed.

by Don and Ann Jackson

67 BARBECUE HAPPY Lodi's Tin Roof BBQ is one of the best barbecue joints this side of the Delta.

by Jamie Menaker

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AUGUST 2011

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august

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volume ten issue 8 • August 2011 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY GREATER PHOENIX CVB; NATIONAL WATERMELON PROMO BOARD; LODI WINE; MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO

DEPARTMENTS 18

Publisher’s Note

27 UP FRONT | 209 Lisa Cooperman, artist of the Central Valley; Local Etsy shops; Adult Education classes; Haute Items for Back to Work; and more

86

Ten Great Dates

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Out and About

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August Win It! Contest

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GETAWAY 52

Phoenix: Heart of the Southwest

FOOD&WINE 67

Spotlight: Tin Roof BBQ

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Lodi Wine Picks

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Taste of the Season: Watermelon

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67

Dining Out

Food and Wine Tidbits:

80 New Lodi Wine Country App 82 The Delectable Cake Ball Company 84 Not Your Daddy's Barbecue

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AUGUST 2011

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UP FRONT

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Back to School

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Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.

— Ernest Dimnet

h, back to school. Kids dread it, parents count the days until it’s time to send those little ones back to their teachers. It’s not that we don’t like spending time with our kids—believe me, there’s nothing better than spending a lazy Saturday at home barbecuing and watching my son and daughter run through the sprinklers—but there’s only so much entertaining that any parent can provide. Kids need constant stimulation and excitement to keep them from uttering those horrible words: I’M BORED. Just the thought of it makes us shudder.

So, after a nice, long vacation of wouldn’t-trade-it-for-anything summer days, I am more than happy to send my kids back to the land of flowing art projects and worksheets. (How do teachers do it all, anyways?!) This year’s Back to School story is about a new type of education, for kids that haven’t necessarily found their niche in a one-size-fits-all education system.

Charter schools are still part of the public school system and meet all the California education criteria, but the mission of these schools is to teach in a unique way that works. Charter students may be too gifted to focus on the monotony of daily dittos, or, on the other end of the spectrum, may be struggling to keep up at school because of bullying or problems at home. The students in San Joaquin that attend charter schools run the gamut, and each charter school has its own way of doing things. One.Charter Academy of Performing Arts relates everything back to some form of artistic expression, while the Venture Family of Schools houses academies from science to handson farm experience.

Another alternate form of education spotlighted in this issue is therapeutic horseback riding, meant for those with special needs or emotional/developmental issues. Trained horses are gentle giants, and have been known to bring out the inner potential of even the most cautious child. The motion of the horse’s gait is ideal for assisting in the progress of physical disabilities, and the tasks of grooming, tacking, and riding a horse are great for self esteem. As a dad to an autistic daughter, I have witnessed first-hand how the horses seem to sense her disability, and the peace that she finds at the stables.

Even as adults, there’s still so much growth and learning happening here in San Joaquin. Read about local classes available for grownups, from golf to Italian language, and also local artists who are taking their homemade crafts global via online marketplace Etsy.com. Even if you’re past schoolage, you’re never too old to learn or try something new.

Thanks for reading.

Tony Zoccoli Publisher, San Joaquin magazine

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

Life is Full of Special Moments

Don’t Miss Yours.

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Remember to make and keep your annual exam appointments.

Regular check ups are vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions.

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AUGUST 2011

SanJoaquin

Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

T H E P R E M I E R M AG A Z I N E O F C EN T R A L VA L L E Y L I V I N G

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

“making kids smile” “Our office provides a warm,

caring, environment specialized for treating the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents” DMD: Harvard School of Dental Medicine MPH: Harvard School of Public Health Specialty Training in Pediatric Dentistry: Univ. of Rochester Eastman Dental Center Member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

MANAGING EDITOR Jamie Menaker ASSISTANT EDITOR Katy Berry CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Martinez

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Heather Hilton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Cox, Deana Cimoli, Lauren Sturman, Valerie Zoccoli EDITORIAL INQUIRIES jamie@sanjoaquinmagazine.com

www.TracyPediatricDentist.com

Rafat S. Razi, D.M.D, M.P.H.

2160 W. Grant Line Rd • Ste. 130 Tracy, CA 95377 (209) 834-1307

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nissa Hallquist, Tammy Hansen, Don and Ann Jackson, Patricia Kutza, Andrea Stuart, Jenn Thornton PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Hood, Matthew James Photo

IT’S YOUR LIFE... LIVE IT WELL!

OFFICE ASSISTANT/AD COORDINATOR Windy Congrove DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Nick Zoccoli WEB DESIGNER Violet Whitworth DESIGN INTERN Gavin Ellis

Now Offering Massage 30 Minute Massage - $30 60 Minute Massage - $60 Also Offering Hand Paraffin Wax

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Russell Anthony Ballew Financial Advisor 2800 West March Lane, Suite 110 Stockton, CA 95219 209-473-0588 russell.ballew@ubs.com

ubs.com/fs As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provides legal or tax advice. You should consult with your personal legal or tax advisor regarding your personal circumstances. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. ©2011 UBS Financial Services Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. 31.17_Ad_8.5x11_FT0319_BalR

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Subscriptions: One (1) Year $9.95 (12 issues), or Two (2) Years $17.95 (24 issues). Special corporate and group rates are available; call 209.833.9989 for details. To begin a new subscription, or to change your address, call 209.833.9989 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To subscribe, send your check to address on previous page, subscribe online at www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com, or call our office today at 209.833.9989. Don’t miss another issue of San Joaquin magazine.

Letters to the Editor, Calendar, Dining Guide: We welcome your input. Letters to the Editor must include your name, address (though these can be withheld on request), and a daytime phone number. Letters may be submitted via regular mail, fax, or e-mail (letters@sanjoaquin magazine.com). Calendar events should include a basic description of the event; its time, date, place, and cost; and a phone number that readers may call for more information. The e-mail address for calendar items is (calendar@sanjoaquin magazine.com). To have a restaurant considered for our Dining Guide listings, contact us by phone or e-mail (dining@ sanjoaquinmagazine.com). We also encourage you to contact us if your experience at a restaurant differs significantly from our listing. Information for these sections should be submitted at least six weeks prior to issue’s cover date.

Writer’s Guidelines: San Joaquin magazine is always on the lookout for story ideas and talented freelance writers.

To suggest a story idea, contact us via mail, fax, or e-mail (jamie@sanjoaquinmagazine.com). (San Joaquin magazine accepts freelance contributions, however, there is no guarantee that manuscripts or photography, solicited or unsolicited, will be returned.)

Advertising: San Joaquin magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective and upscale way to reach the area’s upscale consumers. Information about advertising is available on the Web at www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com. Call

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Sponsorships: San Joaquin magazine actively supports organizations that make our cities a better place to live and work. Submit sponsorship proposals to Tony Zoccoli, Publisher, at (tony@sanjoaquinmagazine.com).

Legal Stuff: San Joaquin magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein.

The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of San Joaquin magazine or its parent company, Inside Magazines Publishing Company, or its owners. Inside Magazines is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

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AUGUST 2011

UpFront 209 TRENDS PEOPLE CULTURE STYLE

MICHAEL RANDOLPH

The Art of Lisa Cooperman

BY KATY BERRY

Lisa Cooperman’s artwork is garbage—or at least that what it’s made from. Looking at the sculptures of this Stockton artist, one might not immediately distinguish the origin: piles of household garbage, meticulously collected, then cleverly melted, sewn, glued, wrapped, and repurposed into colorful installations. Using recycled materials is the essence of Cooperman’s work, which she admits is not a new idea by any means. But when combined with her personal style and artistic motivations, Cooperman’s creations are colorful, vibrant, and even playful sculptures that hang from the ceilings and stick to the walls.

>>

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UPFRONT 209

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TRENDS, PEOPLE, CULTURE & STYLE

THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING PRIVATE ART INSTRUCTION CLASSES WITH LISA COOPERMAN: Call (209) 981-6779 or visit www.lisacooperman.com

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

LISA COOPERMAN

Cooperman wasn’t always a nationally recognized artist. In high school she had a great interest in theatre and went to college to study literature and dramaturgy. She participated in a graduate theatre program in London, and for a time lived the life of a typical actor, searching for work in New York and Los Angeles, until her life took an unexpected turn while working as a research assistant for a screenwriter in LA. Cooperman was invited to travel with the screenwriter’s family to their summer home in Gualala, and there she discovered a beach that was covered in beach glass and other eroded trinkets.

“Everyone on the coast would dump their stuff into the water, so for years all this metal and glass and bottles and china and car parts were ground into beautiful smooth pieces in this one little cliff area,” she says.

Intrigued by the materials she found, she took a class at UCLA to learn the basics of working with metal. “I wanted to do something with these beautiful glass pieces, so I started making jewelry.”

Cooperman received scholarships to two different prestigious summer craft programs where graduate students, undergrads, and working professionals gathered under the instruction of master craftsmen. She went on to earn a graduate degree in sculpture, and eventually an adjunct position teaching art appreciation and a foundation sculpture class at Stockton’s University of the Pacific.

Living in San Joaquin County has influenced Cooperman’s work in a unique way. In her most recent solo show called “Seasonal Labor,” which was last shown at the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, the sculptures are made of agricultural materials like produce bundle netting or the fringe of lemon bags. “‘Seasonal Labor’ focuses on the idea of the farm labor here, and how much incredibly difficult physical labor goes into picking strawberries and apples and grapes and most of the stuff we don’t think about at all,” says Cooperman. “We just throw away the box. People work really hard for things that are marginal.” As an artist she can relate, as many artists pour themselves into work that will more or less go unnoticed.

Another piece inspired by the Central Valley is named Turbios, which means shady, as in shameful. It represents the need to pass legislation on farm workers’ rights, inspired by Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez, a 17 yearold girl who died of heat stroke while picking grapes in a Farmington vineyard. “That was a tragedy that made me really think about this a lot,” says Cooperman. “There has to be legislation written that forces these supervisors to provide shade and water to their workers.” In response, she created a large awning or shade structure made of brightly colored materials which swooped around the lobby of the San Joaquin County Law Library in Stockton. “It’s an ugly secret behind the story of abundance and beauty in the valley.” Three years after the tragedy, California is closer than ever to passing the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers bill.

Cooperman says she would love to one day organize a community art project in which locals would gather recycled materials to use for art, and also hopes to do more private teaching in the future. Currently, she continues to teach at the University of the Pacific and create art for various galleries around the country.

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UPFRONT 209

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TRENDS, PEOPLE, CULTURE & STYLE

Higher Learning Local classes for adults Now that you’re all grown-up, you probably don’t have time to ponder the complete works of Shakespeare like you did in college, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep learning. Taking adult classes is a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, meet new people, and do something that’s just for you. —Katy Berry

Italian Language Classes Lei ama la cultura Italiana? (Do you love Italian culture?) The Central California School of Italian Language and Culture offers weekly Italian language classes at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton. Choose from beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels. St. Mary’s High School, 5648 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, (209) 477-9807, www.italianschoolofstockton.com Golf Lessons Unlike other sports, golfers actually get better as they age. At the Micke Grove Golf Links, instructor Dawn Bielefeld offers a range of classes for beginners, intermediate players, families, kids, and even ladies-only instruction. Micke Grove Golf Links, 11401 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 369-4410, www.mickegrove.com

The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts The Grand offers a range of classes for kids and adults with instruction in visual arts, dance, drama, and music. Whatever your interest, the Grand has something to offer.

You can pay class-by-class or choose a month-long program. The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Avenue, Tracy, (209) 831-6TKT, www.atthegrand.org

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GREETINGS FROM CALIFORNIA Looking for a snazzy new coffee table book? Or maybe you need a fun gift for a curious out-oftowner. Greetings from California: Legends, Landmarks, & Lore of The Golden State, by Gary Crabbe has over 150 pages of fun facts and beautiful color photography covering your favorite California regions. From Hollywood to the Monterey Jazz Festival, Muir Woods to the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll have fun learning the quirky facts and myths that have made our golden state so famous. We highly recommend reading the section about the Central Valley, which features breathtaking photography and interesting historical background about our unique region.

—K.B.

AUGUST 2011

COURTESY VOYAGEUR PRESS

Cake Decorating Classes Michaels craft stores offer monthly cake decorating classes for beginning and advanced students. Learn the Wilton method of cake décor, including how to properly frost, add icing borders, create basic flowers, and write on cakes.

Michaels, 628 W. Hammer Ln., Stockton, (209) 473-1701, www.michaels.com

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TRENDS, PEOPLE, CULTURE & STYLE

Local Etsy Shops We Love

BY KATY BERRY

Etsy.com is an online marketplace where creative crafters can set up their own “shops” and sell their unique wares to folks around the globe. Anyone with a creative spark can join the site and market their goods, and browsing Etsy is like combing through an endless treasure trove of beautiful vintage and handmade items, including gifts, clothing, home decor, accessories, and more. Etsy has allowed artists and designers to get noticed, and more importantly, get paid for their talent. For some, it has helped lay the groundwork to owning a full-scale business. San Joaquin has a few of its own “Etsians” sharing their one-of-a-kind designs with the world. Here are some of our favorites.

Something Borrowed www.somethingborrowed.etsy.com Owner Amy Sieffert from Stockton specializes in buying, reselling, and reviving high-quality vintage clothing and accessories that she finds while scouring estate sales, thrift shops, and friends’ closets. She also creates “upcycled” jewelry, repurposing antique or broken accessories to create something striking and new. Her motto is “Keep it out of the landfills and around our necks!”

Mooie Bloem www.mooiebloem.etsy.com The shop name Mooie Bloem (pronounced moy bloom) is Dutch for beautiful flower. It was chosen by shop owner JoLin Cash of Manteca to represent her strong Dutch heritage. Her store is full of funky antiques, retro furniture, and vintage jewelry, all carefully chosen by hand. She also sells beautiful handmade pottery crafted by her own father, Christiaan Boss Jr.

Mommy’s Love Bugs www.mommyslovebugs.etsy.com Jennifer Hernandez of Tracy is a mother of four who uses her seasoned crocheting and sewing skills to create adorable hats, sweaters, booties, and other cuddly things for your little one. We love her little bear beanie with matching bear booties.

Evy’s Tree www.evystree.etsy.com Amy Miraflor from Stockton is a stay-at-home mom who received many complements and requests after experimenting with her family’s clothes by sewing on fun homemade embellishments. She now sells her creations for men, women, and kids, which feature her signature handmade ruffles, flowers, and sewn-on graphics.

To browse more fun finds and unique treasures, visit: www.etsy.com

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

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33

UPFRONT 209

I

TRENDS, PEOPLE, CULTURE & STYLE

[In the Spotlight]

Joelyn Orchard Specialty Cakes, Lodi

Joelyn Orchard has been creating cakes for thirty years, long before the explosion of reality TV shows came on the scene. She defines her style as more of a cake purist. No fireworks or mechanical elements, just simple, delicious, cake. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t create some truly beautiful confections. —Katy Berry

Do you have any particular decorating skills that you pride yourself on?

I make awesome roses. Not everybody can do that, and I think that’s what started me out. When they showed us how to make roses I caught on right away and they were surprised.

It’s just a different kind of art.

I can’t draw on paper, but for some reason I can do it in frosting. Go figure.

How has the boom in cake reality shows affected your business?

Well, I don’t do that kind of stuff.

I don’t work with fondant, and so it’s funny to hear some of the expectations people are looking for because those types of cake aren’t around this area. I think they probably do a sample prior to taping those shows. A lot of it’s not even real. It’s Rice Krispies and wood.

Have you ever dropped a cake?

No! Thank god no.

When you do a wedding cake, do you feel proud to be a part of such an important moment in someone’s life?

Totally. It’s awesome. I don’t usually get to see the brides when they see the cake, but when they return the cake stands they’re so excited and so proud that it was great looking and tasted great.

What’s really fun is when the guests comment and say, “Oh my gosh, that was the best cake!”

That’s the rewarding part.

For more information: Specialty Cakes, 171 South Guild Ave., Lodi, (209) 333-1641, www.specialtycakeslodi.com

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

MATTHEW JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

How did you learn to bake and decorate cakes?

I am pretty much self-taught. I took a course, it might’ve been a month-long course where we learned how to frost and decorate. I didn’t plan on it becoming a job—I was just doing it for friends and family, and all of the sudden people starting calling me. A good friend who owned a grocery store called me a lot. He’d say, “Hey Joe, I need a wedding cake,” or “Hey Joe, I need a birthday cake.” Finally I said, “Hey can I work in your grocery store?” It snowballed from there.

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www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

UPFRONT 209

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TRENDS, PEOPLE, CULTURE & STYLE

Haute Items

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AUGUST 2011

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39

san joaquin kids and parent

BY JENN TH

Y FO TOS COURTES ORTON | PHO

UR SEASONS

Children with special needs saddle up for therapeutic riding lessons—and a whole lot of hope—at two San Joaquin County ranches.

Author Helen Thomson once wrote, “In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.”

This is true for all of us, but particularly resonant for those with physical, emotional, social, and/or mental challenges.

For these kids, equine assistance therapy offers a lifechanging experience in a non-judgmental environment.

Locally, two San Joaquin County ranches offer horsemanship and therapeutic riding programs to individuals and children with special needs: Lodi’s Oxford Ranch, home to the D.O.V.E.S. Guidance Program, and newcomer Four Seasons Therapeutic Riding Academy (FSTRA) at Double D Stables in Tracy.

Together these ranches are giving challenged young riders something far more significant than a simple step up in the saddle—a bolstering, enriching exercise in self-confidence.

Both ranches offer unique equine assistance programs. Founded by Shannon and Gayle Oxford, D.O.V.E.S.—“A Place Where Hoofs and Hearts Take Flight”—operates their horsemanship program

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

from a smaller-scale ranch home, including lessons in grooming and basic care found a small-scale ranch.

FSTRA—a larger facility set on 40 acres—offers several arenas for therapeutic riding, with plans to integrate a program for disabled veterans, while also serving as a venue for micro-businesses run by those with special needs. Even better, hardship does not exclude participation at FSTRA. “No family will be turned away due to financial reasons,” affirms executive director Joann Hieb.

Although brawny and strappingly muscular creatures with an imposing presence, horses are gentle messengers of hope that provide an especially safe container for riders from differing backgrounds and circumstances to find their stride. Horses have an inherent desire to be with and around humans, notes Gayle Oxford. “This is a huge animal that allows a human maybe one-tenth of its size to control it,” she explains.

“And most of the time, willingly. As long as a horse is treated with kindness and respect, it will trust and allow itself to be dominated.”

>>

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 41 SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

41

An equine’s ability and willingness to submit to a rider make it the ideal partner for a child with physical limitations and/ or emotional vulnerabilities, especially the patience and tenderness that horses of soft temperament—like those hitched at Double D and FSTRA—supply naturally and unconditionally.

Physically, though horses have a distinct body language, the walking motion of the animal when ridden feels similar to the human gait, which equipment has yet to replicate. As we put our right foot forward, so goes our hip; when we place the left leg forward, the left hip swings forward and so on. This is the basis of hippotherapy—the cornerstone of therapeutic riding.

As a treatment strategy for physical disabilities, hippotherapy “has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development,” according to the American Hippotherapy Association. It helps increase balance, strength, and flexibility, and is beneficial to riders as young as 5 years old up to those of more senior age with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction (cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis among the most common); spinal cord and brain injuries; Down syndrome; autism; and various other disabilities.

“The three-dimensional rhythmical movement of the horse mimics walking, teaches leg and trunk muscles crucial rhythmical patterns, and reduces spasticity by reaching deep into muscles that are not accessible in conventional physical therapy,” says Hieb. In addition, the repetition of patterned movements required to control a horse quickens reflexes and aids in motor planning, while continually throwing the horse’s mount off-balance, requiring the rider to then contract and relax the muscles in order to rebalance the body.

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Beyond the physical benefits, riding helps foster independence and improves language and communication skills that promote emotional well-being.

Lodi resident Molly Bjork witnessed this first-hand when her then 6 year-old son, Alex, who has autism, went to D.O.V.E.S. There, after three sessions, Alex, who was literally terrified by his surroundings, was able to sit for 30 seconds atop a ranch pony—a triumph that left a lasting impression on his mother. “Alex went a lot farther than I actually thought he would,” recalls Bjork, adding that in short spurts Alex even fed and combed the pony.

“Building a relationship for someone on the spectrum is hard, so to watch him do that with an animal was great to see.” The interaction, she explains, “pushed Alex beyond what he thought he could do.”

Particularly emotionally vulnerable children—those who have trust issues due to abuse or other traumas—also benefit from therapeutic riding. Oxford credits the “spirit of the horse,” and says, “A horse can be brutally abused by a human and yet, with the right handling, will still trust another human. [Working with a horse can teach] even the most lost children that there is hope that they can learn to trust again, and to forgive.”

Riding also awakens tactile senses, thereby helping reinvigorate demoralized children and their loved ones. “Even though riding is exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore motivates a rider to increase the duration and frequency of the exercise,” Hieb explains.

“Exercising in the fresh air, away from hospitals, doctor’s offices, therapy rooms, or home helps to promote a sense of well-being, and controlling an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder.”

AUGUST 2011

Former police officer Dave Townsend Sr., now treasurer and co-founder of FSTRA, which was established in July 2010 in partnership with lifelong rancher and president Dave Colli, saw the self-esteem of his now 19-yearold autistic son David Jr. blossom from a similar equine assistance program in Tracy called Horse Sense. There, he learned to interact with the horses by feeding, grooming, and riding. These tasks served as a release for David Jr., opening up his cloistered inner world.

FSTRA offers a similar experience to riders, including a day camp setting for mounted and ground lessons led by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association-certified instructor Andrea McElwrath, and CPR-trained and -certified volunteers. Lessons are structured around the individual needs of students.

Meanwhile, back at the ranches, children with special needs are finding friends in trusting horses, and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

Horsing Around; Some common riding terms to help you get back in the saddle.

Behind the bit: When a horse bows down his head to avoid the bit.

Canter: A slow gallop in Western horseback riding.

Gallop: A three-beat gait—the horse at full speed.

Hand: A measurement of equestrian height.

Jog: In Western riding, a slow trot.

» For more information about the D.O.V.E.S Guidance Program or Four Seasons Therapeutic Riding Academy, visit: www.thedovesprogram.com or www.fstra.com.

Mare: A female horse.

Paddock: A large horse enclosure.

Stallion: A male horse 4 years or older that has not been castrated.

Tack: In short, horse gear—bridle, saddle, bit, stirrup irons, etc.

Trot: A slower, two-beat gait.

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

43

A New

BY TAMMY HANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO

Education Charter schools are changing the face of education in San Joaquin

In a one-size-fits-all educational system, a small percentage of students invariably come unraveled and fail. Their reasons are varied: they’ve been bullied, they’ve been bullies themselves, or they crave challenges not available in the traditional setting. Mostly they just don’t quite fit in.

San Joaquin County’s 136,000 students represent a multicolored quilt of unique backgrounds, needs, and interests. With California slashing funding, more and more traditional schools are cutting the electives that might offer respite for those students not cut out for a traditional education. Meanwhile, a new breed of non-profit and private schools is creating a new kind of competition for students. Maybe it’s time for a new educational fashion.

That’s what County Superintendant of Schools Mick Founts believes. An educator for 30 years, Founts was elected to his current position last June and is committed to creating a patchwork of options in the Central Valley’s public schools. A former English teacher and rancher, in 1991 Founts was so

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anguished at the gang-related death of a student that he became a proponent and early architect of the area’s thriving charter school community. There are now more than 30 charter schools in San Joaquin County with more than 9,500 students in grades K through 12. That represents approximately 7 percent of the overall student population.

Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that usually employ non-traditional teaching and curriculum. San Joaquin County charters offer everything from farm management training to high-tech classrooms to college preparation.

There’s something for every student, even the most unique child. Many of the county’s charters have waiting lists.

“It’s a huge benefit to the county,” Founts says. “My honest belief is that in public education there should be multiple pathways for students. There’s an obligation for us to find a way to connect them to this love of learning.”

>>

AUGUST 2011

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Venturing Into Education

Founts isn’t the only tailor in this new approach to public education. Kathy Focacci wrote the county’s first charter with Founts in 1990, and now is director of its Venture Academy Family of Schools. The charter has 1,267 first through twelfth grade students in 10 different ‘academies’, each with a unique approach to education. Green technology, performing arts, homeschooling, and technology are examples of core philosophies. Perhaps the most unique Venture charters are the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center, a working farm school for students in 6th through 12th grade, and the upcoming Brainworx, which next year opens with an utterly non-traditional mode of learning based on student inquiry and interest.

“It’s kind of hard for people to wrap their heads around,” admits Focacci of Venture’s new and varied approaches to teaching. Many of the school’s families, however, come from unique modes of education.

One-third of Venture’s students are homeschooled through Synergy and High School Home School, and receive on-site instruction and teacher support. Other students are on a modified schedule with students attending school Monday through Thursday. All Venture students work at home on Fridays.

Families sign a contract agreeing to oversee studies at home, and are supplied with materials and teacher support. Some families have struggled with the commitment, but many have come up with creative solutions. Grandparents and caregivers, for example, can be the home-front educator, Focacci says.

Students also must commit to the unique format, she adds.

Graduating high school seniors, for example, participate in Graduation by Exhibition in which they speak to a panel of educators about their school experiences and future plans.

“You will be held accountable,” Focacci says, but “from the time you walk through the door everybody cares about your kid.”

Venture’s Academic Performance Index scores are low, Focacci admits, “because we take all kids.” Standardized tests tend to check progress of an entire grade, so they don’t correlate well with Venture’s strategy of single student advancement and pacing.

That doesn’t mean Venture is a remedial school. There are many high achieving students at the academies, Focacci says. The common denominator isn’t grades, but a need for a different kind of instruction. “They are every kid,” Focacci says. “But for some reason the traditional setting wasn’t working for them.”

Christopher Smith is such a student. Mother Mary Ann describes the Delta Vista Academy senior as bright and shy. After homeschooling most of his elementary career, he went to Delta Vista for the college preparatory classes and a bit more social interaction. But not too much, Mary Ann says.

At the Venture school, “he didn’t have to be part of all the drama” of a traditional high school. She was so impressed with the small class sizes and teacher responsiveness at the charter schools that she opted to place daughter Careena at Ventureland, where she is a thriving second grader.

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Focusing on Interests The Stockton Unified School District is also enamored of the charter approach. Although charters or special interest schools represent only nine of the district’s 57 elementary and high schools, more are on the way. The Health Careers Academy and Stockton Law Academy are scheduled to open next year.

The district looks to corporate and community partners to invest in schools, partners who bring with them internships, job shadowing opportunities, hands-on learning, and guest lecturers. Stockton Unified’s charter schools are geared toward graduating students with differing goals in an area that benefits the community, says Assistant Superintendant Mark Hagemann.

The Health Careers Academy, for example, will graduate students interested in everything from health trade training to a degree in medicine. Those students hopefully will stay in the Stockton area and meet a growing need for health care providers at all levels, he says.

“There is nothing that is going to replace the offerings, the status, and the experience of the comprehensive high school,” he says; still, for those students who don’t fit in a traditional setting, charters represent the best chance for finding a new teaching method that works. A struggling ninth grader, for example, will get instruction in a field that interests her rather than being placed in intervention (an extra tutorial period).

AUGUST 2011

“We’re going to be able to design other opportunities,” Hagemann says. “Standards can be taught through projects. They can be taught through the community outreach students do.”

A Last Chance For some students, charters do actually present the last chance in gaining an education. The County’s Building Futures Academy (formerly known as Youth Build) is one such final stop for 125 students ages 16 to 24 years. Students at the school split their time between traditional high school classes and on-the-job construction training.

The 9-month program awards more than 75 percent of its participants high school diplomas, says Director Sheilah Goulart.

Last year 70 percent of the school’s 2009 graduates were working or in college. Nine months later 83 percent of those graduates were still working or in school.

The school, which started as part of the

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national YouthBuild program, is based on a Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROC-P) model. Students graduate with OSHA certification, training in CPR and first aid, forklift certification, and most importantly a direct path to the carpenters’ union. Graduates can make as much as $24 an hour. “All of our students go to the front of the line,” Goulart says.

While working at the school, students are paid $8 an hour. That’s a major attraction for applicants who are some of the most needy of Stockton’s youth. Some are homeless, on probation from juvenile hall, or teen parents. For many, the paid work is the only way they can afford school. The construction done by students also benefits the community. Students rehabilitate public housing and construct community features such as a barbecue for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton.

The school only takes students motivated to make major changes in their basic philosophies, replacing negative attitude with a drive to succeed. Instructors “build a

web of support under our students. We don’t let the ball drop,” Goulart says.

For Isaiah Frazier of Stockton, there’s no question that Building Futures turned his life around. “I got into a lot of trouble (in high school), a lot of fights. I got kicked out,” he says. After some soul searching, Frazier came to Building Futures with a new determination to succeed. The charter school supplied the support and tools to make it happen.

“The atmosphere here, the pressure, and my peers pushed me to the finish line,” says Frazier, one of 29 students who graduated this year. Before, “I rarely saw the big picture in life.” At his new school, “my eyes opened up. The road I was going down wasn’t the right road.

Youth Build put me on the right path.”

Frazier represents the sort of student who once might have come unraveled in the public school system. Now, students like him have a chance to graduate and contribute to the community as educated adults. “They are not going to be a drain on society,” Goulart says.

For more information: Venture Academy Family of Schools www.ventureacademyca.org Stockton Unified School District www.stockton.k12.ca.us San Joaquin County Office of Education www.sjcoe.org SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

47

San Joaquin County Approved Charter Schools Charter Schools in San Joaquin include charters run under the guidance of San Joaquin County, charter schools managed through city districts, and non-profit independent schools operating under the guidance of a city within the county.

The California Charter Schools Association (www.calcharters.org) offers newcomers basic information about charters. EdSource, a non-profit, online reporting source (www.edsource.org) offers several online reports about charters, and many are free. The California Department of Education Charter School Locator (www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs) features a listing and map of charters in San Joaquin. Click on the DataQuest report link for details on everything from test scores to graduation rates to teacher training information.

Stockton Unified Early College Academy

640 N. San Joaquin Street, Stockton (209) 933-7370 x1492 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 9-12 Principal: Hall, Michael R.

TEAM Charter School Aspire Public Schools

www.aspirepublicschools.org > Aspire APEX Academy 444 North American Street, Stockton, (209) 466-3861 Sponsoring District: State Board of Education Grades: K-3 Principal: Ellison, Kat

> Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy 3201 E. Morada Lane, Stockton, (209) 955-1477 Sponsoring District: Lodi Unified Grades: 6-12 Principal: Salvetti, Gretchen

> Aspire Langston Hughes Academy 2050 West Lane, Stockton, (209) 943-2389 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 6-12 Principal: Solina, Anthony

> Aspire Port City Academy 2040 West Lane, Stockton, (209) 943-2389 Sponsoring District: State Board of Education Grades: K-5 Principal: Scheideman, Shelby

> Aspire River Oaks Charter 1801 Pyrenees Avenue, Stockton, (209) 956-8100 Sponsoring District: Lodi Unified Grades: K-5 Principal: Whitehead, Kim

> Aspire Rosa Parks Academy 1930 S. D Street, Stockton, (209) 944-5590 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-5 Principal: June, Natalie

> Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy 10038 Highway 99, E. Frontage Road, Stockton, (209) 931-5399 Sponsoring District: Lodi Unified Grades: K-5 Principal: Fachner, Karla

California Virtual Academy at San Joaquin

www.caliva.org 2360 Shasta Way, Unit B, Simi Valley, (866) 339-6790 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-12 Head of Schools: Abston, Katrina

Delta Charter School

31400 S. Koster Road, Tracy (209) 830-6363 Sponsoring District: New Jerusalem Elementary Grades: K-12

Dr. Lewis Dolphin Stallworth Sr. Charter School

1610 E. Main, Stockton (209) 943-0353 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-12

Primary Years Academy 2737 West Michigan Ave., Stockton, (209) 933-7000 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-5 Principal: Strader, Margaret

Principal: Williams, Mary

Great Valley Academy

486 Button Avenue, Manteca, (209) 824-5400 Sponsoring District: New Jerusalem Grades: K-8 Principal: Howell, Russel

Joe Serna Jr. Charter School

19 S. Central Avenue, Lodi (209) 331-7809 Sponsoring District: Lodi Unified Grades: K-8 Principal: Gillespie, Michael

Kaplan Academy of California

www.kaplanonlineschools.com/academy/ california

840 Apollo Street, Suite 222 El Segundo, (805) 245-9588 Sponsoring District: Tracy Unified Grades: 6-12

Rio Valley Charter School

1530 Kettleman Lane, Lodi, (209) 368-4934 Sponsoring District: Lodi Unified Grades: K-12 Principal: Groen, Joy

San Joaquin Building Futures Academy

3100 Mt. Diablo Avenue, Stockton, (209) 468-9246 Sponsoring District: San Joaquin County Office of Education Grades: 9-12 Director: Goulart, Sheilah

Stockton Alternative High School

22 S. Van Buren Street, Stockton, (209) 933-7365 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 9-12

Principal: Leyva, Jesse

Principal: Santella, Maryann

New Jerusalem Elementary School

Stockton Collegiate International Elementary

31400 S. Koster Road, Tracy (209) 835-2597 Sponsoring District: New Jerusalem Elementary Grades: 1-8

321 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, (209) 390-9861 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-5

Principal: Payne, Steven

Principal: Luhn, Scott

Nightingale Charter

Stockton Collegiate International Secondary

1721 Carpenter Rd., Stockton (209) 933-7260 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-9 Principal: Brown, Vendetta

one.Charter Academy of Visual and Performing Arts 800 Douglas Road, Stockton (209) 468-9079 Sponsoring District: San Joaquin County Office of Education Grades: 7-12 Director: Cuaresma, Janine

Pittman Charter School

701 E. Park Street, Stockton, (209) 933-7496 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-8 Principal: Machado, Adrienne

1 North Sutter Street, Stockton, (209) 390-9861 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 6-12 Principal: Luhn, Scott

Stockton Health Careers Academy

931 East Magnolia, Stockton, (209) 933-7115 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 9-12 Principal: Miller, Traci

Stockton Law Academy

1621 Brookside Rd., Stockton, (209) 933-7000 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: 9-12

810 N. Hunter Street, Stockton, (209) 941-9100 Sponsoring District: Stockton Unified Grades: K-5 Principal: Cox, Mary Ann

Tracy Learning Center www.tracylc.net

> Discovery Charter School 51 E. Beverly Place, Tracy, (209) 831-5240 Sponsoring District: Tracy Unified Grades: 5-8 Executive Director: Stewart, Virginia

> Millennium Charter School 51 E. Beverly Place, Tracy, (209) 831-5240 Sponsoring District: Tracy Unified Grades: 9-12 Executive Director: Stewart, Virginia > Primary Charter School

51 E. Beverly Place, Tracy, (209) 831-5240 Sponsoring District: Tracy Unified Grades: K-4 Executive Director: Stewart, Virginia

Venture Academy Family of Schools www.ventureacademyca.org 2829 Transworld Drive, Stockton, (209) 468-5940 or (209) 953-2112 Sponsoring District: San Joaquin County Office of Education Grades: K-12 Director: Focacci, Kathleen

> Ventureland Grades 1-5 > Venture Integrated Technology Academy (VITA) Prep Grades 6 and 7-8 > Foundations Grades 9-12 > Synergy Home School Grades K-8 > Transitions Home School Grades 9-12 > Delta VISTA Science and Technology Academy Grades 9-12 > Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center (Farm facility located on South Airport Road, Manteca) Grades 6-8 and 9-12 > San Joaquin Career and Technical High School “iMagine-IT”

Grades: 9-12 > BRAINWORX Grades: 9-12

Principal: Hagemann, Mark

Principal: Lytle, Stephanie

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

Education Advertising Section

brainworx THE academy of innovation and inquiry

BRAINWORX: THE Academy of Innovation and Inquiry is a comprehensive high school focusing on high academic achievement and the development of creative and critical thinking skills through communication and collaboration.

BRAINWORX: provides its students with an individualized program, one-on-one attention, and resources they need to prepare for college and succeed in life.

Along with their high school diploma, students will complete a minimum of 20 credits from institutions of higher learning from schools located in California and in other states.

Students have the opportunity for hands-on learning through internships and job shadowing with some of the region’s most innovative organizations and businesses.

BRAINWORX offers advanced placement courses providing its students with the highest level of education.

The priority of BRAINWORX is not only academics, but also teaching healthy living practices and developing productive citizens.

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49

Education Advertising Section

Where Kids Come First!

San Joaquin County Office of Education 2901 Arch-Airport Road, Stockton, 95206 (209) 468.4800 www.sjcoe.org

Academy of Business, Law, and Education (ABLE) A Proposed Charter High School for students in the Greater Stockton area

Humphreys College

6650 Inglewood Avenue

Stockton, CA 95207

Join us for an informational meeting to learn more about this new opportunity!

• • • • • •

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Location Humphreys College, Room 2

Promoting gospel values, academic excellence, social responsibility, and the appreciation and respect for the dignity of each student.

Experience an education that features:

• Rigorous instruction with CA certified teachers • Real-world internships • A-G curriculum • Individual attention • High school and college-level course work

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Call us at (209) 235-2950 or Visit us on the web: www.humphreys.edu (click on ABLE logo)

50

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2011-2012

1635 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton 209-472-2140 Visit our website at www.presentationschool.org AUGUST 2011

Education Advertising Section

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GETAWAY

I PHOENIX

BY DON AND ANN JACKSON

As the indisputable heartbeat of the great Southwest, Phoenix has always been an attractive out-of-state getaway for Californians. Recently laying claim to replace Philadelphia as our nation’s fifth largest city, and for decades our country’s largest state capital, this urban paradise is dramatically different than other major metropolitan areas. Even though large-in-scale, it maintains a rather surprising resort atmosphere. It’s an especially easy recommendation for travelers interested in warm weather vacations. And why not? Average yearround temperatures in the 70’s and annual rainfall of around 7 inches a year are perfect stats. There are so many options for activities that every one of our visits brings new experiences and breathtaking natural vistas. Other enticing nearby towns Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and more are a stone’s throw away, with even more visitor options, and no freeways needed. >>

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

Papago Park in Phoenix www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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GETAWAY

I PHOENIX

What to see and do: Most stimulating

surprise this last trip? Although we have no musical background whatsoever, the new Musical Instrument Museum kept us intrigued at each turn with vast exhibits of more than ten thousand musical instruments from most countries of the world. Those few countries not represented are currently being scouted for native instruments to add to the collection. At each country’s instruments display, a recorded self-guided tour device (included in the price of admission) automatically turns on a highdef video showing natives of that country playing one or more of the instruments on display while you hear it on earphones. For the geographically-challenged, each exhibit has a map depicting the country’s location on its respective continent. The not-to-bemissed Artist Gallery houses famous musician’s instruments like John Lennon’s piano, and the Experience Gallery allows visitors to play

Phoenix Zoo

54

Scottsdale Fashion Square

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

numerous instruments and beat a larger-thanlife gong (www.themim.org).

Anyone interested in cacti and succulents?

Be sure to visit the 145-acre Desert Botanical Garden located within the picturesque red buttes of Papago Park. Here you’ll find one of the world’s finest displays of desert plants with easy walking trails through multi-acres of masterful desert landscaping. Hiking the Papago, Pinnacle Peak, and Camelback Mountain areas are also recommended (www. desertbotanicalgarden.org). The Phoenix Zoo, across the road from the gardens, although not quite the status of San Diego’s zoo, has lofty future development plans and is a perfect family outing—you can even take a camel ride (www.phoenixzoo.org). To view one of North America’s most significant collections of Native American art works and cultural displays, visit the renowned Heard Museum (www.heard.org).

In neighboring Scottsdale, Taliesin West is

Papago Park AUGUST 2011

OPENING SPREAD: SCOTTSDALE CVB. THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): DBG/ADAM RODRIGUEZ; GREATER PHOENIX CVB; SCOTTSDALE CVB; PHOENIX ZOO. OPPOSITE PAGE (L TO R): GREATER PHOENIX CVB; ARIZONA BILTMORE

Desert Botanical Garden

international headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and a must-visit for anyone interested in the architectural treasures of perhaps America’s most famous architect. Wright’s repository of his life’s work is open every day for tours (www.franklloydwrightfoundation.org).

For a fun lovin’ family outing, consider Rawhide Western Town in Wild Horse Pass. Cowboy gun fights and stunts at the Six Gun Theater, a Wild West show featuring trickriding and roping, plus stagecoach and burro rides will enthrall the kids (www.rawhide.com).

CityScape, the new downtown development of shopping, dining, and nightlife, including an under-constuction four-star Kimpton hotel, is the best thing to happen to the dramatically rejuvenated downtown area in decades (www.cityscapephoenix.com). Don’t miss checking out CityScape’s Stand Up Live, the largest comedy venue in the country (www.standuplive.com). The most unique addition to the area is the Downtown Ambassadors, serving visitors 365 days a year. These helpful folks in orange shirts are up for any type of assistance —an escort to your destination, jumper cables for a dead battery, directions, and more.

Can’t find an ambassador? Text or call the phone number on their website, and they’ll find you (www.downtownphoenix. com/ambassadors). Shoppers will not be disappointed in Phoenix: Enjoy art galleries and more than 500 one-of-akind specialty shops throughout Old Town Scottsdale, and classy shopping centers like Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix (www.shopbiltmore.com), and the very upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest shopping center in the Southwest (www.fashionsquare.com).

For another popular scene, head over to Tempe’s Mill Avenue District, also known as nightlife central. Tempe is home to Arizona State University, recently reported to be the country’s largest university with an enrollment over 65,000 (www.tempetourism.com).

Cactus League:

Major League Baseball’s Spring Training Whenever we visit Arizona, there are two things we try to schedule: Take in a few Major League spring training games in the Phoenix area, and head up to Sedona, our favorite southwestern small town for a few days (see page 56 for more about Sedona).

As baseball junkies, we hope to show up sometime in March when our favorite local teams—the Oakland A’s at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, and the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium—and 13 other Major League teams are in town for the annual ritual known as the month-long “Cactus League.” Unlike the “Grapefruit League” where the other 15 Major League teams are spread out all over Florida to prepare for the season, our Cacti teams are all within close proximity in and around Phoenix, under much more enjoyable and less humid conditions. And of course, it’s much closer to California. Where else can you get such perfect weather for our national pastime, reasonably priced tickets/ ballpark food/ drink, and be so up close and personal with all your super star favorites in such intimate ballparks? Easier-toget player autographs, and first dibs on watching baseball’s future greats are also fun perks.

Spring training has become one of Arizona’s major tourism events, so we recommend securing game tickets and hotel reservations well in advance—it’s not too early to start planning.

For March 2012 Spring Training schedules and tickets, visit: www.cactusleague.com or the website of your favorite team through the Major League Baseball site, www.mlb.com.

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Oakland A's at Phoenix Municipal Stadium

Arizona Biltmore Resort

Where to stay and dine: If you’re

interested in staying at one of our two personal favorite deluxe resorts in the entire Western U.S., consider the historic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix or The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.

Opened in 1929, the Biltmore, now part of the Waldorf-Astoria Collection, is often referred to as the Jewel of the Desert and has a reputation as a playground of the rich and famous. Its Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired architecture is an internationally recognized landmark. This grand resort is one of those rare hotels where a staffled tour of the property is well worth the time. Two 18-hole championship golf courses, a full-service spa, and dining in the critically-acclaimed Wright’s or the more casual Frank and Albert’s are major draws. If your pocketbook allows, you should consider staying in Ocatilla, a boutique hotel within the Biltmore with the resort’s most enhanced guest services, a private pool, complimentary light dining and drinks throughout the day, and luxurious appointments (www.arizonabiltmore.com).

The Wigwam is another ultra-property originally built in 1918 by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a retreat for their executives and families. The upscale chic Wigwam is no longer owned by Goodyear, and contrary to what its name might imply, has no Native American connection. They do have five-star facilities and service, golf on a choice of three championship caliber courses, award-winning dining in their signature restaurant Litchfield’s, casual

dining fare in Red Allen’s, and ultimate spa facilities at their Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden. (www.wigwamarizona.com).

Other recommended high-end lodging includes the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North, Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch, Westin Kierland Resort, and the Fairmont Princess—all in Scottsdale. For the budgetminded, try the multitude of moderately priced properties located on Black Canyon Highway, a very central location to all of the Phoenix area. (Read: Inns like Comfort, Courtyard, and Fairfield, and suite properties like SpringHill and TownePlace.)

Other recommended dining options: Culinary Dropout, in the new Scottsdale Waterfront development, offers modestlypriced gastropub grub that we enjoyed as much as their name (www.culinarydropout. com). After dining at the Dropout, be sure to walk the few steps over to the new modern bridge designed by famous local architect/sculptor/visionary Paolo Soleri, known for his classic Cosanti wind bells.

Don and Charlie’s in Scottsdale offers good comfort chow, but it’s famous for one of the most valuable personal collections of sports memorabilia in the US (www. donandcharlies.com). The Pink Pony, a popular culinary/bar hangout opened originally in 1947 by a former major league baseball player, recently re-opened under sparkling new ownership (www. pinkponyrestaurant.com). The Arrogant Butcher, a recently opened hot spot in CityScape deserves a touch of arrogance based on the quality of our lunches and the

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GETAWAY

I PHOENIX

Sedona:

Our Favorite Southwestern Small Town

For all things Sedona: www.visitsedona.com

Native American Heard Museum overheard comments of the packed house (www.foxrc.com). Honey Bear’s BBQ has ‘em lined up out the door, but boy is this hole-in-the-wall spot worth the wait for mouthwatering barbeque (www.honeybearsbbq.com).

Phoenix Public Market was our biggest culinary surprise. This non-profit urban grocery offers homegrown regional Arizona foods, wines, and craft beers as well as some creative breakfasts and deli fare (www.phoenixpublicmarket.com).

And don’t let the hot summers dissuade you. Most everything is airconditioned, and dramatically reduced lodging prices should certainly entice would-be vacationers considering the Valley of the Sun as a summer escape. Many of the most expensive resorts asking $300 to $400 or more a night during the high winter season have rates around $100 in the summer. Phoenix definitely appears to be on a recession-busting path with a booming arts program and a myriad of building projects, as well as the existing great year-round weather, chic resorts, and challenging golf courses that will continue to maintain or even improve its stature as a superior vacationing option. [SJM]

Spring Training

Taliesin West

Spring Training

For everything Phoenix or Scottsdale: www.visitphoenix.com and www.scottsdalecvb.com Chapel of the Holy Cross

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AUGUST 2011

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SCOTTSDALE CVB; GREATER PHOENIX CVB; SCOTTSDALE CVB; GREATER PHOENIX CVB; SEDONA CHAMBER

Every time we go to Phoenix, we try to schedule enough time to drive the approximate two hours up to Sedona, the nature-blessed art colony nestled between the massive fire-hued buttes and pinnacles of Red Rock State Park and the rugged gorges and crimson cliffs of Oak Creek Canyon. There is no other destination like it for such awe-inspiring bright scarlet to pale pink canyon visions, energized hiking, and well-earned relaxation. A longtime background for dozens of Western movies, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of what could have been a National Park.

Climbing and walking the stunning Boynton Canyon or on other park trails has provided us sights that we’ve found difficult to duplicate on any other getaway.

According to spiritualists, Sedona is one of just a few locations on the planet believed to be a vortex, emitting special energy up from the earth. Believers make the journey from all over the world, but nonbelievers will still enjoy the majestic outlooks from the vortex sites. Besides hiking the glorious canyons, Sedona Trolley tours include local geology and history, plus a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a heavenly shrine located on the top of a red rock peak (www. sedonatrolley.com). Weather permitting, be sure to swim and picnic in Slide Rock State Park, where a 70foot natural waterslide awaits (www.azstateparks. com/Parks/SLRO).

There are many lodging and dining choices in the quaint downtown and throughout the outlying areas of Sedona, but the ultimate local experience is the Enchantment Resort located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. Their adobe-style casitas, Yavapai restaurant, and Mii Amo spa will make you never want to leave (www.enchantmentresort.com).

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As a Woman...

Dameron is The Choice For Me. Dameron Hospital is well known for comprehensive Women’s Services. Dameron will assist you in finding an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician who will listen to you, and one that you will feel comfortable with. This year alone over 1,200 babies began their lives at Dameron Hospital. Dameron’s A.G. Spanos Family’s Start of Life Center offers both mothers and infants a safe, caring environment for childbirth. On site services include a Level III Intensive Care Nursery with 24 hour Neonatology coverage and the Oshtory Pediatric Center. At Dameron, we take personal care quite personally.

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More Than Healthcare – Your Care!

525 W. Acacia Street ■ Stockton, CA 95203 209.944-5550 ■ www.dameronhospital.org

AUGUST 2011

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Your Dream Home

PROVENANCE REAL ESTATE GROUP

Provenance Group and Stockton, CA - Stockton, CA,

conservatively three plus years, seems to be the consensus. once proclaimed as the ‘Foreclosure Capital of America’ and As ‘Rent vs Buy’ costs have stabilized the market, owner oc- FNMA, FHLMC and several other investors have agreed to the Epicenter of the ‘Foreclosure Tsunami’, is alive and well, cupying buyers compete for properties with investors, the ‘stall’ the process by only foreclosing on a minimal number thank you very much! In February 2008 Stockton homes and foreclosures keep coming. With the bidding between pro- of properties and releasing an even smaller number to market as REO’s. With this in mind, the environment for prices 2-4 unit property prices hit a bottom. From the top of the spective buyers driving prices up, on one level, and the ‘Housing Bubble’ prices fell an average of 70%! There were foreclosures driving prices down, on the other, prices are ‘should’ be stable and continue with modest gains. foreclosures everywhere in Stockton, it was a mess. There in a modest upswing. Nobody seems to want to put a time was ‘Blood in the streets’! Don’t you wish you had invested frame on how long the inventory of foreclosures will last, but INVEST WITH PROVENANCE GROUP! In this relatively stable and modestly appreciating every single cent you had, and could borrow, on market, how can an investor obtain the maximum rereal estate in Stockton? Values, from that low point, “Provenance Group helped us to move up from a rented 2 bedroom turn and yet safely participate in this market? Provehave gone up an average of 40%! Local, national house on the south side to a owning a new 4 bedroom home in the nance Group will invite you to participate with them in and international investors took advantage of this Morada are. Thank you so much, you have changed our lives for acquiring foreclosed properties at Trustee Sale. Typimarket, often times buying sight unseen! Somethe better!” cally, these properties sale at a substantial discount times buying and not even bothering to rent the -Manuel G, First time buyer Stockton, CA compared to market prices. Provenance has the expeasset!

“I have never seen a group of individuals who work as diligently and rience and infra-structure to turn these properties into responsibly as those at Provenance Group. My money stays invested a profit! This is NOT a get rich overnight investment, OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! - What is interesting in them!” just a way to obtain substantial return on your investand creates an investment anomaly and opportu-Allan C, Investor San Francisco, CA ments in a conservative environment with a company nity, is that rents have decreased only 15%, while that has a documented track record! the asset being rented has still depreciated 60%.

“We have been operating at no vacancy for months now and when This has created an investment frenzy in Stockton one comes up they have it rented again before the 30 day notice has Provenance can provide you with a list of actual propreal estate. Cash on cash returns of 20% are not elapsed! My confidence in Provenance is sky high!” erties purchased at Trustee Sale and then re-sold or unheard of and ROI of 40% is often in reach (only -Ravi S, Investor Fremont, CA ‘flipped’ at retail prices in the open market. These using rent as return, not equity appreciation). These transactions are verifiable and in fact are of public types of properties are available on MLS as retail “We have purchased 2 properties through Provenance Group and they record! If you would like to participate with Provpurchases, that most any agent can help you with. have shown us a 17% cash on cash return and we cannot wait to enance Group, please contact our investment agent Provenance provides a superior investment as we buy more!”

Dan Walker at 209-487-9686 or email: invest@gosell directly from our inventory of properties we -Shulamith S, Investor Miami, FL provenance.com , for a confidential discussion as to have acquired from Trustee Sale. In addition, with how they can help you put your money to work!

Provenance Property Management Group, they can provide a full service for their investors!

YOUR REAL ESTATE SOURCE!

877.222.3525 www.goprovenance.com

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

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Special Home Advertising Section Serving the Valley

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AUGUST 2011

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Home Improvement PROFILES

CLASSIC DESIGN FLOOR TO CEILING

Tiffany Gomes, Cindy Miller, Geri Heath, Gwen Borges, Jenger Carli, Karen Beus Melodie Ramsey, Michelle Brink, Renee Snell Classic Design Floor to Ceiling is a beautiful interior design showroom providing professional design services and products for new and remodeled kitchens, baths, floors, and custom interiors. It is owned by a woman, staffed by women, and aimed toward women.

A spacious showroom displays products, and the design staff pulls samples together so you can see your entire project from floor to ceiling at one time, in one location. From there, you will receive project management, installation, and aftercare service, all of which are guaranteed to take the stress away.

“Women tend to make the purchasing decisions for their homes, so I wanted to create an environment where they would feel comfortable and able to complete all their projects under one roof,” says owner Tiffany Gomes.

“I know how valuable time is these days, and picking out your interiors while dodging fork-lifts shouldn’t be your only option for convenience.”

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SHERRIE SWASS INTERIORS Sherrie Swass, Owner Sherrie Swass, a certified designer and professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers, offers expertise in complete design and furnishing services. An experienced designer will be able to create the “Feeling” someone wants to achieve by knowing how balance, color, placement, and furnishings interact in a space. Swass has created a unique and affordable system to create fantastic results in design that take very little time. She invites all who are interested to call or meet her at her design studio.

Call Today to schedule your personal consultation with Sherrie Swass!

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AUGUST 2011

Home Improvement PROFILES

ALVERSON’S UPHOLSTERY & FABRIC Freddie Alverson, Owner Two local business owners, Ashley Jorgensen of AJ Designs and Fred Alverson of Alverson’s Custom Upholstery and Fabric, teamed up for a furniture design project. They were asked to design and build a unique contemporary furniture group for a local client. Once the project was completed, it was submitted to a national design and craftsmanship contest with entries coming from both the U.S. and Canada. They were rewarded for their effort by winning gold in their category. The judges were impressed by the construction, design, fabric choice, and pattern matching.

Ashley Jorgensen graduated from San Francisco State with a degree in Interior Design in 2001. Fred Alverson is a certified master upholsterer with 45 years of experience. They have worked together for the past several years, but this was their first project entered into this annual contest sponsored by Industrial Fabric Association Inc.

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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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Check us out on:

Come visit us at our new location 296 Lincoln Center • Stockton, CA 95207

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www.rev1910.com • facebook.com/revolucion1910 SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2011

DINING REVIEWS WINE

MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO

food&wine

In the Spotlight:

Barbecue Happy Tin Roof BBQ

BY JAMIE MENAKER

A former vegan is the last person we would pinpoint to open one of the best barbecue joints this side of the Delta, but Richard Berardi is grilling some mighty fine meat. As owner and chef at Lodi’s Tin Roof BBQ and Catering, Berardi has started a new wave of barbecue lovers in the Central Valley: Diners come from far and wide to this little corner of Lodi for a taste of his tri-tip or pulled pork sandwiches, only available at lunchtime.

With summer in full swing, barbecue hits the spot, and Tin Roof does it just right. >> www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

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FOOD&WINE

I

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

For more information: Tin Roof is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tin Roof BBQ and Catering

171 S. Guild Ave., Lodi (209) 366-1128, www.lodibbq.com

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AUGUST 2011

MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO

In justification of the vegan jab, Berardi confirms that, yes, there was a time when he was a plant eater only, but after a childhood spent in a family of chefs, he couldn’t give up all the great flavors. “I realized I missed the cooking,” he says. “I was in the kitchen since I was a little kid, I grew up watching my grandparents, and I knew what tasted good.”

Add a stint in the South to an already developed culinary background, and you have Tin Roof’s smoky meats—Berardi calls it California Southern-style, claiming that true Southern food is too heavy for our Golden State palates. Berardi is a purist when it comes to barbecue, using a dry rub of just spices, parsley, and a hint of sugar, and attributing most of the meat’s flavors to oak wood smoking.

“The only thing I really ‘grill,’ per say, is the tri-tip and chicken,” he says. “The ribs are grilled then smoked, and the pulled pork and brisket stay in the smoker all night long until lunch is served the next day.” Berardi also explains that true barbecue is different from grilling: it’s a slow process of cooking meats to bring out the flavor, not cover it with other flavors and marinades. Tin Roof’s sandwiches never contain more than one or two ingredients, and even after six years—Tin Roof opened in June 2005—he still cooks all the meats himself, trusting no one else to do it just right.

“At some places, all you taste is the salt or the sauce. I just want the meat to stand on its own, and be its own player. The aiolis and such are just an accoutrement.”

The sides here are also notable, with all dishes homemade on-site from Berardi’s recipes. He’ll give up some of this cooking to the other chefs, but is still particular about these dishes being just-so. “The potatoes in the potato salad have to be al dente. In the macaroni and cheese, there are three types of cheese, and we bake it so it’s served warm with a cheese melt on top.” The baked beans with melt-in-your-mouth shredded pork, and a crisp, fresh coleslaw are also standouts, as are the buttermilk corn bread, and a baked potato with barbecue beef, cheddar cheese, chives, and sour cream.

“When I first came to Lodi, it was about educating people about this type of cuisine—Lodi wasn’t a mecca for barbecue, and this was a new thing. When I was starting to do pulled pork, no one had even heard of it here. But with all these cooking channel-type shows, it has really helped our restaurant that people see how all of this is made, and what goes into it.”

Tin Roof also does catering for all types of events, and Chef Berardi is considering staying open for dinner in the future, although he has no idea how he’ll fit it all in twenty-four hours.

“Barbecue is all about patience and time, you just can’t rush anything,” he says. “Everything I do takes a huge amount of time to make, but maybe we will add more gourmet meats or something else, the wheels are always turning about what we will do next. It doesn’t matter what I think, or you think, or my family thinks— if your restaurant is full, you keep doing what you’re doing.” We certainly hope so.

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Winery • Bakery • Restaurant Winery • Bakery • Restaurant Lunch • Dinner • Sunday Brunch • Pastries & Desserts Lunch • Dinner • Sunday Brunch • Pastries & Desserts Woodfired Bread & Pizza • Espresso Bar • Beer on Tap Woodfired Breads • Espresso Bar • Beer on Tap

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FOOD&WINE

I WINE PICKS

WINE & SPIRITS

This month’s picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center

Woodbridge, we hardly knew ye Mondavi’s Lodi winery produces an innovative wine everybody loves

BY RANDY CAPAROSO

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“Five years ago,” Zieman tells us, “we were still tooling around with small batches of light, sweet combinations of musk varieties—specifically Muscat Canelli, Orange Muscat, and Gewürztraminer, grown primarily in Lodi. We were originally bottling this blend as Moscato Bianca, and the consumer response in our tasting room was huge. In 2007 we increased production to 7,000 cases, and marketing studied the response in a test market. Results were so successful that we produced 150,000 cases of a 2009 Moscato (the name simplified by the marketing department), which is now in the process of being folded in as a regular line item Woodbridge wine across the country.”

In fact, the 2009 Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi California Moscato ($12) is a wine everybody loves, beginning with its compelling array of orange blossom, rose petal, tropical flowers (think jasmine and frangipani), and honeysuckle perfumes. On the palate, it delivers on the promise in the nose with feathery light (10.3% alcohol) and modestly sweet (4.8% residual sugar) sensations, with the airy crispness of lemon cookies and a tingly touch of effervescence (what the Italians would call frizzante). For $12, who can’t get behind that?

“The Woodbridge Moscato,” says Zieman, “was in many ways inspired by the famous Moscato d’Oro produced for many years

by Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley.

The tradition of producing light (usually less than 8% alcohol), sweet, lightly sparkly Moscato-style white wines goes back centuries in Northern Italy. We like to think our Moscato is a little of this, a little of that—maybe not quite as light and delicate as Italian Moscatos, but certainly more delicate than the old Mondavi Moscatos, and every bit as complex.”

COURTESY PATRICK CAMPBELL/REDS

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is, admittedly, a major sized winery. While the average ultra-premium winery in Lodi produces less than 10,000 cases of wine a year, Woodbridge churns out closer to 9 million cases.

But one thing many people forget, says Todd Zieman, Woodbridge’s Director of Winemaking, is that “Robert Mondavi was an innovator, and a visionary. He not only wanted to produce the best wines in the world, he also wanted to produce the best affordable wines in the world.” This is why he based his Woodbridge Winery in Lodi—a paradise for wine grapes—which also happened to be Mondavi’s hometown. (Contrary to popular opinion, Napa Valley’s most famous figure was not born and raised north of the Bay, but rather east of the Delta!)

One of the first things visitors to Woodbridge’s tasting room in Lodi discover, in fact, is that the innovative part of Mr. Mondavi’s vision is alive and well. At the winery, the emphasis is not so much on the usual bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, and more, which you can find in every retail store, but rather on small batch specialty wines found only at the winery. These wines are loosely classified by Woodbridge as their Section 29: varietal wines made from relatively unknown grapes like Vermentino, Malvasia, Verdelho, Marsanne, or blends crafted from black-skinned grapes like Tannat and Syrah.

For Zieman, also born and raised in Lodi, and his team of winemakers, Section 29 represents a chance to work their craft with experimental, non-mainstream grapes, as opposed to the mass production varietals that butter their bread. The name, in fact, comes from an actual Section 29 of federal law, on the books since Prohibition, that has always allowed families to legally produce up to 200 gallons of wine for themselves, without having to apply for a permit.

Unlike traditional Section 29 wines, however, Woodbridge’s wines are sold to the public, not kept for home use. If the reception of an experimental wine in the tasting room is particularly positive, Woodbridge’s marketing team starts to pay attention. The Woodbridge Moscato, for instance, started off as a Section 29 product.

Randy Caparoso is an award-winning sommelier and longtime wine journalist who also pens the blog for the Lodi Winegrape Commission.

For more great Lodi wines, visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com

AUGUST 2011

[special advertising section}

Wine Tours and Tastings

The Lodi winemaking industry has enjoyed tremendous expansion in the last decade. The land devoted to vineyards has increased from 46,000 acres in 1996, to nearly 100,000 today. Now the region produces more fine wine than Napa and Sonoma combined!

The Lodi appellation is proudly blowing away the mists of anonymity that have shrouded local wines, allowing them to bask in the sunshine of worldwide recognition. We invite you to take a short ride and discover Lodi Wine Country for yourself.

Van Ruiten Family Winery "sideways" reserve 2008 zinfandel

This Zinfandel draws primarily from a wide selection of our oldest, most historic and shyest bearing Zinfandel blocks. The vines are planted on their own roots. The lots that we hand-selected are the result of sensitive farming practices. The 2008 “Sideways” Reserve Zinfandel shows wonderful dusty raspberry, blackberry, and currant, also with roasted coffee characters. Aging in new wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes.. Enjoy with your best cuts of beef and finest cheese. Individual lots of Zinfandel were harvested separately according to ripeness and balance of acidity.

The wines were pressed off their skins at dry-ness and racked gently before being laid down to a complement of French oak cooperage for 15 months.

Van Ruiten Family Winery: 340 West Highway 12 Lodi, (209) 334-5722 www.vrwinery.com

Tasting Room Open Thursday - Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm 9010 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 PH 209-365-1900 Love. Laughter. Family. These are the three main ingredients we pour into every bottle of Harney Lane wine.

Berghold 17343 N. Cherry Rd Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 333-9291 bergholdvineyards.com Delicato 12001 S Highway 99 Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 824-3500 dfvtastingroom.com Harney Lane Winery 9010 E. Harney Ln. Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 365-1900 harneylane.com

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Heritage Oak Winery 10112 E. Woodbridge Rd. Acampo, CA 95220 (209) 986-2763 heritageoakwinery.com Klinker Brick Winery 15887 N. Alpine Road Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 333-1845 www.klinkerbrickwinery.com

family winery Enjoy our wine in our tasting room or by the fireplace on our patio.

Fridays & Saturdays 12 - 8pm Sundays 12 - 6pm 209-368-1378

Michael-David Winery 4580 W. Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-7384 michaeldavidwinery.com Van Ruiten Family 340 W. Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 334-5722 vanruitenwinery.com Viaggio 100 East Taddei Road Lodi, CA 95220 (209) 368-1378 viaggiowinery.com

Free anti pasta platter with purchase of bottle of wine VIAGGIOWINERY.COM 100 East Taddei Road Acampo, CA 95220

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Tasting Room Open Daily 11:00am-5:00pm 340 West Highway 12 Lodi, CA ph 866-334-5722 fx 209-334-5726

Voted the “Best Tasting Room in San Joaquin County” & “Best Zin in America” wall street journal wine competition

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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FOOD&WINE

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WHAT’S IN SEASON

Watermelon Breakfast Donuts Watermelon slices shaped like donuts Sour cream Sugar to taste Vanilla to taste Slivered almonds

TASTE OF THE SEASON

Cut out donut shapes from 1½-inch thick slices of seedless watermelon.

Sweeten sour cream with sugar and a touch of vanilla to taste. Frost half of the watermelon donut slices and sprinkle with almonds. Add another layer of watermelon slices and top with sweetened sour cream. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds and serve. Servings vary.

WATERMELON

BY KATY BERRY

Summertime is synonymous with watermelon.

What better way to follow a rack of barbecued ribs at the family cookout than a cool slice of melon? With its lovely green rind and juicy pink flesh, this fruit is a refreshing thirst quencher in the hot summer months. Some assume that watermelon is lacking in nutrients because it is watery, but the truth is that one cup of watermelon has roughly 25 percent of your daily value of Vitamin C, and who ever eats just one cup? It’s a great source of antioxidants, plus its caloric value is minimal, so it’s a quality substitute for other chilled summer treats like caloriepacked ice cream.

There are over 500 types of watermelons grown in the U.S., but the most popular are the oblong-shaped picnic variety, which can weigh up to 45 lbs. and have big black seeds, perfect for spitting at your sibling. The seedless variety, which actually has small white edible seeds, is very sweet; and the icebox variety, which is round and weighs 5 to 15 lbs. is just right for a single-serving melon munch. Whichever kind you prefer, there’s plenty of local melon to go around this summer, so enjoy!

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Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa 3 cups seeded and chopped watermelon ½ cup green peppers 2 Tbsp. lime juice 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro 1 Tbsp. green onion 1-2 Tbsp. jalapenõ peppers Combine ingredients; mix well and cover.

Refrigerate 1 hour or more. Makes 3 cups.

Recipes and photos courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, www.watermelon.org

AUGUST 2011

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The Human Services The Human Services Agency isAgency seeking quality foster and adoptive homes in San Joaquin County for children need. We provide training, education is seeking quality foster in and and licensure to individuals interested in adoptive homes in SanFind out either foster care or adoption. more can Joaquin County for S aabout n J o how a q u you in C o u be nchildren t yinvolved Foster Care Licensing by calling 209-465-KIDS (5437). in need. We provide training, education and licensure to Do unforgettable ...

YOUsomething can make individuals interested in either aBe difference in a or adoptive parent! a foster foster care or adoption. Find child’s life! is seeking quality foster and adoptive homes in The Human Services Agency out more about how you can San Joaquin County for children in need. We provide training, education and licensure to individuals interested in be involved by calling either foster care or adoption. Find out PHONE: 4 6 KiD 5 S( 5 4 3 7 ) 209-465-KIDS more about how you(5437) can be involved

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SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE

Crush Kitchen & Bar has a menu that Executive Chef/Owner Michael Warren describes as California with HEAVY Mediterranean influence. The entire menu is made from scratch. From the unique Hummus plate to the house made mozzarella and the handmade pastas, Crush is focused on the “Farm to Fork” philosophy. This year Crush was chosen as “The Best of San Joaquin” and it is very clear why. Crush has a wine list that boasts over 130 European and local selections and also has a full bar.

Next door to Crush is “The Market” a boutique grocery that is also owned by Michael Warren and partner Michael Thomas. Thursday-Monday 11:30 amclose, Wednesday 5 pm-9 pm, CLOSED Tuesday.

115 S. School St. (inside Woolworth Place) Lodi, (209)369-5400 www.Crushkitchen.com

Everyone is welcome at Bud’s Seafood Grille. Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. Every meal begins with a bottomless basket of fresh sourdough bread. The new leafy outdoor patio seats thirty, and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend or two. Full bar and banquet room available. Open for lunch, dinner, and scrumptious Sunday brunch.

Happy hour daily with $1.00 off all beer & well drinks and $5.00 bar bites 4pm - 6:30pm 314 Lincoln Ctr., Stockton (209) 956-0270 www.budsseafood.com

Tracy Thai Tracy Thai successfully captures the unique and complex flavors Thai food is known for. Using only fresh, quality ingredients, their food has exceptional presentation, from mouth-watering appetizers like their heavenly Angel Wings (boneless chicken wings stuffed with silver noodles), to their soups served in a flaming tureen that keeps it warm throughout the meal. Tracy Thai prepares imaginative creations for those with more adventurous tastes, or delicious familiar dishes that are great choices for those who have never experienced Thai food before.

1035 Central Ave. Tracy, (209) 833-9703

Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar is considered by many to be one of Northern California’s most unique fine dining establishments, located in Stockton’s Lincoln Center. They offer the finest and freshest in gourmet cuisine, and their fabulous menu includes a large variety of continental dishes. Three outdoor dining patios make for a perfect place to relax during lunch or dinner. Papapavlo’s offers four private banquet rooms accommodating groups as intimate as 12, to as large as 100 guests. Papapavlo’s is open Sun.Thur., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 477-6133, www.papapavlos.com

Johnny’s Diner & Creamery @ Tracy Outlets off MacArthur

This fantastic, family-run restaurant is a top choice in Stockton for savory Mexican fare. Miguel’s promises quality food; as a result, the kitchen doesn’t cook with animal fats and uses sirloin tip rather than ground beef. You’ll taste the difference in the carne asada, camarones rancheros, braised red snapper, fajitas, and steak a la chicana.

Omelets and spicy egg dishes also draw raves, and combination plates offer good value and a selection of tastes.

Newly Remodeled!

7555 Pacific Ave., Ste. 5 Stockton, (209) 951-1931

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We invite you to walk in our door and let the time machine take you back to the good old days of the fabulous 1950’s, where life was just a little simpler. A bit of 1950’s fun fills the walls. We are serving up burgers, fries, milkshakes, BLT’S, chili cheese dogs, and more….

And we have a full ice cream parlor where you can sit and enjoy a tall root beer float, classic banana split, specialty sundaes, and kid inspired treats like dirt n worms and cookie crumble. Whether you’re on date night, a family outing, or celebrating a birthday, a visit to Johnny’s Diner is sure to be a treat. A bit of 1950's fun 1005 E. Pescadero Ave., Tracy, (209) 832-1188 www.johnnysdinerandcreamery.com

AUGUST 2011

Family Pack $29.99

Includes: 4 Enchiladas, 4 Tacos, 4 Burritos Rice, Beans, Tortillas & Chips and Salsa

Michael’s Pizza has been supported by this community since 1978 and voted the best Pizza in San Joaquin County. We take pride in every pizza we make using the freshest ingredients and making our dough every day. All of our pizzas can be made with our original dough and we are happy to offer whole wheat dough. Also at Michael’s Pizza is our fun Café featuring full breakfast and fresh baked goods. Come in with a group, sports team, or birthday party and enjoy our party room that seats 30+ people.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner all day Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

For fast delivery, or take-out, Please Call 462-6668.

1110 Kettleman Lane, Lodi, (209) 368-2272

2300 West Alpine Stockton, (209) 462-6668

A flavorful mixed grill of juicy steaks, tender chicken, fresh fish, and pasta dishes. Satisfy every taste with mouthwatering appetizers and salads.

Every day, Outback starts out fresh, making every one of their soups, salad dressings, and sauces from scratch. At Outback, it’s all about quality —and all about the food.

So let go of the worries of the day, and Go Outback.

Mezzo Restaurant, located in the Brookside business center, serves authentic, multi-regional Italian cuisine using only the freshest ingredients, local produce, meats and seafood.

Renowned chef and owner Richard Hyman has created a menu steeped in Italian culture where seasonal menus and local, sustainable produce are at the center of the plate.

Open for lunch Mon-Fri at 11:30 a.m.

Dinner 7 days a week Happy hour 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. M-F

Pastas, sauces, sausages, Mozzarella and Ricotta cheeses are all made in house, guaranteeing diners that they are in for a culinary experience like nowhere else in the San Joaquin Valley.

1243 West March Lane, Stockton (209) 954-9615 www.outback.com

3499 Brookside Rd, Ste A Stockton, (209) 473-7300

SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE

Family owned and operated for 12 years Casa Mexicana has been serving Lodi with the best authentic Mexican food.

We offer home made tortillas and a family pack for $29.99. Casa Mexicana also provides catering for your event of any occasion and our own banquet room. Join us Saturday night for the nightclub with a variety of Spanish and English music.

Michael's New York Style Pizza

30X108 in.

SHIRASONI

STEAKHOUSE ˆ TEPPANYAKI ˆ SUSHI BAR

Wishing You andOUR Your Family “YOUR TABLE, KITCHEN” Restaurant a Very MerryShirasoni ChristmasJapanese & a Happy New Year is a traditional Japanese hibachi steakhouse. The authentic cuisine at Shirasoni is prepared fresh and cooked in front of you at the teppanyaki tables, and served by a performing chef, in hot bite-size portions ready to dip into a variety of delicious Japanese sauces.

Shirasoni also offers an excellent menu of sushi and sashimi.

Birthday eats free with a party 6 or more 3249 W. Hammer Lane Stockton, (209) 473-2525 6367 Lone Tree Way Brentwood, (925) 240-7808

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Welcoming Big Valley diners since 1976, this family owned restaurant is still THE place to go for a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The exhibition kitchen features Italian/American cuisine, all house made dishes and cooked to order. The consistency of the top quality food, friendly staff, excellent service and wonderful customers have made Stockton Joe’s an all time favorite dining establishment. The award winning lounge has been voted Best Happy Hour year after year. The beautiful banquet room seats up to 60 guests. Stockton Joe’s also specializes in catering at any location for any occasion, and is the exclusive caterer for all events at the Commercial Exchange Banquet Hall and the Commander’s House.

236 Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 951-2980 www.stocktonjoes.com SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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Mexican

Restaurant

Angelo’s Mexican Restaurant, Full Bar, & Catering, serving Mexican breakfast, American breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the community and all our Angelo’s customers. We sincerely appreciate your support through the hard economic times, and for voting us BEST OF LODI 2010—Thank you!

Your Amigos at Angelo’s.

Open 7 Days a week Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

28 North School St., Lodi (209) 366-2728

Serving authentic and modern Japanese cuisine, come enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the causal dining room, or grab a seat at the sushi bar and have some fun with the professional and creative sushi chef.

To enhance your experience, Mikasa invites you to explore the list of premium sakes. Mikasa offers outstanding sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and teriyaki, as well as traditional Japanese sukiyaki and yosenabe. The most popular dishes are the Hawaiian tuna poki, tako kimchee, hamachi jalapeno, tuna ceviche, Mikasa steam sole, ginger beef tenderloin, Golden Gate roll, and Mikasa roll. They’re looking forward to your visit! Kampei!

15138 Harlan Rd., Lathrop (209) 858-1818 www.mikasasushilathrop.com

Welcome to Casa Flores Marina, the very best in Mexican Cuisine. Casa Flores Marina is the new location in the Marina Shopping Center on Benjamin Holt Avenue, just west of I-5 in Stockton. Enjoy the warm, inviting dining room or dine al fresco in the secluded, outdoor patio.

You will be treated to mouth-watering, innovative dishes that will keep you coming back! Casa Flores Marina has a beautiful, fully stocked tequila bar offering the finest selection of tequilas anywhere.

You can enjoy fresh fruit margaritas made with all natural ingredients. No pre-made mixes here. Enjoy Tequila Tastings every third Thursday of the month or book your next big party here. Open for lunch and dinner.

With its seasonally-based menu and gourmet preparation, the Wine and Roses restaurant boasts a charming venue with exceptional service. Guests are spoiled with beautiful views of the garden, or can enjoy a romantic evening sitting by the large fireplace.

Sit alongside the piano while enjoying an after dinner cocktail. As an added bonus, stay overnight at the charming and beautiful Wine and Roses Inn and make a weekend out of it.

2505 W. Turner Rd. Lodi, (209) 334-6988

3201 W. Ben Holt Dr., Ste. 155 Stockton, (209) 451-1116

(The Old Feed & Fuel)

For more info please visit WoodbridgeCrossing.net

Juan Cruces III is the second generation to expand in the restaurant business, by stepping out to Tracy. Casa Flores today has grown with great reputation and new traditions. When visiting a Casa Flores Mexican Restaurant, you can count on great tasting foods, a welcoming environment, and speedy friendly service. Juan will be creating a combination of old Mexican tradition and modern flair. He is creating an expanded menu that will serve traditional Mexican entrees from recipes passed through generations, but modified with a healthier twist. As for the future, Casa Flores will continue striving for excellence and quality, a tradition we are obligated to uphold.

18939 N. Lower Sacramento Road Woodbridge, CA 95258

2503 N. Tracy Blvd.

Tracy, (209) 879-9608 www.casaflorestracy.com

• Prime Rib • Baby Back Ribs • Sunday Brunch Looking forward to serving you.

Steve Ding - New proprietor For reservations call (209) 366-1800

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Open Daily Serving brunch on weekends 296 Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 955-0100 www.rev1910.com

All of Flip’s custom crafted burgers and hot dogs are made to order using fresh, local ingredients. Our milkshakes are made using real milk and awardwinning, hand scooped ice cream. We are known for our unique deep-fried specialties. Come and try a fried egg on your burger, deep-fried hot dog, deepfried pickles, deep-fried twinkies, deepfried oreos... Flip’s is Stockton’s place to pig out. Enjoy restaurant quality food at fast food prices. Flip’s has a familyoriented environment which will make you feel like you’re at your own home.

We are only a short 15 minute drive from anywhere in Stockton. Located right off of Highway 99, take the Waterloo Exit, go west for 2 minutes.

We are open Mon-Sat. 11 am-8 pm.

2503 Waterloo Rd. Stockton, (209) 943-5477

La Palma is a quaint, authentic dining venue located in the heart of the ‘Miracle Mile’ on the corner of Pacific & Tuxedo.

La Palma specializes in superior Mexican cuisine such as Sizzling Fajitas, Fish Tacos, and Chipotle Shrimp; all of which come served with Spanish rice and your choice of black, pinto, or refried beans.

Alongside an exquisite selection of local wines from which to choose from, La Palma Mexican Cuisine boasts a full service Tequila bar with more than 50 of the finest imported tequilas. Come experience Mexico, without the air miles!

Open everyday for lunch & dinner.

2301 Pacific Ave. Stockton, (209) 941-4179 www.lapalmaonthemile.com

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Toot Sweets...

Is a from-scratch bakery/café with a friendly and inviting environment. Started in Berkeley in 1975, this successful family owned business has made its place in Stockton. Toot Sweets does not use mixes or any artificial ingredients.

From custom roasted coffees offered in a wide range of flavors to suit your taste, to gladly filling lunches and light dinners, Toot’s offers a variety of unique food and drink items suitable for any occasion. We also offer drop-off catering.

Gift certificates available!

4755 Quail Lakes Dr., Ste. D Stockton, (209) 474-6692 www.tootsweetsbakerycafe.com

Voted San Joaquin’s Best Family Restaurant, the Creamery is a classic American grill that has been a Stockton landmark since 1985. Even with a fresh, new look that is more spacious and modern, this dining favorite still offers the same cozy feel as when it first opened more than two decades ago. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches, huge hamburgers, garden fresh salads, pasta dishes, homestyle dinners, and an impressive dessert selection seven days a week.

Whether you are in the neighborhood or just hungry for great food, The Creamery Restaurant will be sure to please. NOW SERVING BREAKFAST ON THE WEEKEND.

SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE

Our belief is that Mexican dishes done right are both wonderful and diverse.

Creating superb dishes from Cochinita Pibil to Tartare de Salmon; our food is inspired by the heart of Mexico. Our 100% natural margaritas made with true agave nectar and fresh squeezed lime can be enjoyed on our covered and heated outside patio. We’re holding to the authenticity of true Mexican dishes not found in this area, thus revolutionizing Mexican food.

5756 Pacific Ave. Located in Robinhood Plaza, Stockton (209) 952-1111

TASTE THE BEST RESTAURANTS of SAN JOAQUIN To be included in our special dining section, please contact San Joaquin Magazine at 209.833.9989

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

DiningOut MEZZO 3499 Brookside Rd., Suite A, Stockton (209) 473-7300, Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$ This wonderful Italian restaurant is dialed in to what local foodies are looking for. The hand-painted artwork on the walls helps create their elegant yet fun ambiance, and the friendly staff is happy to make your dining experience special. However, where Mezzo really hits the mark is with their use of fresh and local produce that travels from the farm to your plate, making their scrumptious dishes taste even fresher. Their passion for cooking authentic Italian meals doesn’t stop there, as their pasta is also homemade, proving that Mezzo has the passion that all true food lovers will come back to taste time and time again.

LATHROP Mikasa Japanese Bistro

15138 Harlan Rd., (209) 858-1818.

Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$

Serving authentic and modern Japanese cuisine, come enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this casual dining room, or grab a seat at the sushi bar and have some fun with their professional and creative sushi chef. To enhance your experience, you’re invited to explore their list of premium sakes. Mikasa offers outstanding sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and teriyaki, as well as traditional Japanese sukiyaki and yosenabe. The most popular dishes are the Hawaiian tuna poki, tako kimchee, hamachi jalapeno, tuna ceviche, Mikasa steam sole, ginger beef tenderloin, Golden Gate roll, and Mikasa roll. Kampei!

LOCKEFORD Joe’s of Italy

18700 N. Hwy 88, (209) 727-5841, www.joesofitaly.com. Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$

Joe’s of Italy’s cuisine has been a wellknown establishment in the Central Valley for over 75 years. Their comfort Italian food has been refined to perfection and is a joy to experience, as well as reasonably priced. Located in the middle of Wine Country, Joe’s has some of the most authentic Italian cuisine anywhere in the area. Try linguine and clams, stuffed raviolis, gnocchi, or canneloni—not to be missed.

LODI Califas Café & Bistro

480 S. Cherokee Ln., Suite E, (209) 367-9866, www.califascafebistro.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

If you love fresh California flavors, then you’ll love Califas. Owners Aracely Camberos and Chef Julio Camberos have created a menu that combines all the great local ingredients that San Joaquin residents crave, artfully infused with ethnic flavors and a traditional European cooking style. The result is a menu that’s fresh, original, and delicious. Become a member of the “Bistro Club” and get special VIP deals throughout the week.

Also keep an eye out for their wonderful dinners and special events.

OUR POLICY

These listings are provided as a free service by San Joaquin magazine for its readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your dining establishment to be considered for this listing, send information to jamie@ sanjoaquinmagazine.com, including your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.

PRICING KEY (ENTREE): $–UNDER $10

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$$$–UNDER $24

$$$$–OVER $24

Casa Mexicana

1110 W. Kettleman Lane, Suite 1, (209) 368-2272. Full Bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$

With their cozy diner booths and their rich red interior, Casa Mexicana is a great place to hunker down and enjoy some authentic, inexpensive, and delicious Mexican food in a homey and relaxed setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Casa Mexicana makes warm, homemade tortillas and other homecooked dishes that will leave you satisfied and happy. Grab a margarita from their full bar if you’re feeling frisky, or join the crew on Saturday nights as Casa Mexicana hosts a dance party featuring a live DJ.

As long as you enjoy tasty fresh Mexican food, this fun and versatile restaurant and bar is a great place to visit day or night.

Crush Kitchen & Bar

115 S. School St., (209) 369-5400, www.crushkitchen.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

This chic establishment is becoming a fast favorite in Lodi and all over San Joaquin.

Crush Kitchen & Bar utilizes the freshest ingredients to make dishes that showcase the wonderful flavors of California’s local agriculture. Their homemade pastas and sauces are paired with local wines, and the well conceived menu has a variety of options that include Italian, American, and Mediterranean dishes, infused with the original gourmet vision of Crush’s talented chefs. Located on School Street, this place is the perfect way to end a day of shopping in Lodi by enjoying a delicious cocktail at their stylish bar, and don’t forget to try their unusual yet addictive white truffle salt and cayenne pepper popcorn while sipping your martini.

Habañero Hots

1024 Victor Rd., (209) 369-3791, www.habanerohots.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Not only does this Mexican restaurant offer steaming fajitas and cheesy nachos, but they serve up hot peppers, too. Those willing to eat a habañero chili pepper can win their way into the Habañero Hots “Hall of Flame.” This is no bell pepper, either; the habañero is rated between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale, developed to rank spiciness, compared to a mere 5,000 for a basic jalapeño. If you’re successful in the “Eat the Heat” contest, you are rewarded with a complimentary T-shirt and your photo on the wall. Hey, you can always wash it down with one of their one hundred seventy-five selections of tequila.

Haru Sushi Bar

550-H South Cherokee Lane, (209) 334-9988 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Haru Sushi Bar boasts an extensive menu including a wonderful array of original sushi rolls, not to mention their colorful sushi boats, bento boxes, nigiri and sashimi, this sushi bar has something for everyone. Taking pride in their artistry, their Asian influenced décor and beautiful plate presentation is pleasing to both sushi fanatics and first-timers. Locals can also come to Haru Sushi Bar to enjoy their happy hour specials and their tasty selection of beer, wine, and sake. This family owned business is committed to quality and customer satisfaction so diners can expect a great meal each time they return.

Hollywood Family Café

315 S. Cherokee Ln., (209) 369-4065 Beer and wine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $

Whether you missed out on the fifties, or just miss them in general, flashback to the age of Elvis, June Cleaver, and the Big Bopper with a visit to the Hollywood Family Café. Complete with a juke box AUGUST 2011

and plastic upholstered booths, this all-American diner has a menu of classic items like juicy cheeseburgers, thick milkshakes, pancakes, and much more. No matter what meal you’re stopping by for, the chipper atmosphere, friendly service, and great food makes this family-friendly joint a fun alternative for dining out.

Lodi Beer Company

105 S. School St., (209) 368-9931, www.lodibeercompany.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Whether you’re looking for a place to meet for your next business lunch, to grab a bite with friends or your kids after work, or to dine with a party of one hundred, the Lodi Beer Company welcomes you. The beautiful slate floors, iron work, and copper accents create an inviting atmosphere, and with up to fourteen beers on tap and menu items ranging from deep-fried macaroni and cheese to a twenty-two ounce rib eye steak to grilled mahi-mahi, everyone is sure to leave happy and full.

Lodi Feed and Fuel

27 W. Elm St., (209) 365-1043 Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$-$$$$

Come dressed up or down; Lodi Feed and Fuel welcomes all for a fun, fine dining experience.

With classic and contemporary movie memorabilia adorning the restaurant’s walls (think John Wayne juxtaposed with Jack Sparrow), and its prime location across the street from the movie theater, this is a perfect choice for a dinner-anda-movie date. Thursdays are great days to try out the bar—from 4 to 7 p.m. enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers and a live comedy show every other week. If you are in the mood for an adventurous drink, be sure to try the Grapefruit Cosmopolitan made from freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or the Wasabi Bloody Mary.

OZ Sushi & Grill

2414 W. Kettleman Lane, Ste. 206, (209) 334-9800, Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Family owned and operated, this contemporary sushi restaurant and bar offers a unique menu with over thirty special rolls to choose from, along with the option to create your own. With names like The Pink Lady and the Vogue Roll, diners are sure to enjoy exploring the creatively crafted and deliciously fresh fare offered here. OZ Sushi & Grill also boasts chic, modern décor to complement any get-together, whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion.

Pietro’s Trattoria

317 E. Kettleman Lane, (209) 368-0613, www.pietroslodi.com Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner. $$

Charmingly designed and warmly staffed, Pietro’s restaurant is a family-owned establishment that’s www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

clearly well loved. Pietro’s serves up huge portions of traditional Italian fare, and the restaurant is designed to give the impression that diners are sitting in the middle of a tiny, rustic Italian village. Try the rich and garlicky penne aglio pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and crushed red peppers, the hearty individual pizzas, the chicken parmigiana, or the lemony veal piccata with capers.

Family-friendly, and banquets up to 125 people.

Rosewood Bar and Grill 28 S. School St., (209) 369-0470, www.rosewoodbarandgrill.com Full bar. Open for dinner. $$-$$$

A favorite among guests that enjoy fine dining, Rosewood Bar and Grill is an upbeat and sophisticated setting with its rich wood and black and white tile floor, yet it remains family friendly. With an exceptional menu, Rosewood offers Monday night prix fixe—French for “fixed price”— dining specials, letting patrons order a complete meal for about half the price of a la carte. Rosewood Bar and Grill also boasts a wine list that is out of this world.

School Street Bistro

116 N. School St., (209) 333-3950, www.schoolstbistro.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

At this quaint European-style bistro, everything is made from scratch daily, as well as all the sauces and salad dressings accompanying their regional American cuisine.

Specialties include upscale comfort foods like bacon wrapped meatloaf and smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, in addition to delicious steaks and fresh seafood. The bistro features domestic and imported beers and an extensive wine list of over one hundred local and imported wines.

This is a popular destination for both casual dining and the occasional wine tasting events hosted by the restaurant, so reservations are highly recommended.

Wine and Roses

2505 W. Turner Rd., (209) 334-6988, www.winerose.com Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$$-$$$$

With its seasonally-based menu and gourmet preparation, the Wine and Roses restaurant boasts a charming venue with exceptional service. The kitchen uses fresh, local ingredients to create tantalizing examples of California cuisine. Guests are spoiled with beautiful views of the garden, or a romantic evening dining by the large fireplace. Sit alongside the piano while enjoying an after dinner cocktail and, as an additional bonus, stay overnight at the charming and beautiful Wine and Roses Inn and make a weekend out of it.

MANTECA De Vega Brothers

515 N. Main St., (209) 823-0947, www.devegabrothers.com. Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$$$

De Vega Brothers has risen from its humble beginnings in a converted A&W stand in Manteca to one of the Valley’s premier Italian restaurants, with expanded locations in both Manteca and Stockton. The Manteca site boasts hand-painted murals of Roman ruins and rustic Italian vistas, while Stockton prides itself on creating an atmosphere of urban elegance with patio dining and live piano music. Both restaurants are known for their generous portions and delicious lamb chops, cioppino, chicken and veal scaloppini, steak, and seafood, as well as their gourmet pastas and sauces.

Finley’s Bar and Grill

10477 S. Airport Way, (209) 983-9493.

Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch during the winter season. $$-$$$$

Finley’s is full of pleasant surprises, the first being the truly romantic restaurant that lies within this nondescript building. While soft candlelight flickers at the center of your elegantly set table, you can relax and share a bottle of locallymade wine and, if you’re brave enough, kick off your dinner by sharing an appetizer of sautéed or deep-fried frog legs. This succulent dish is sweeter tasting than chicken, and quite appetizing. After indulging your adventurous side, spring into dinner with the savory house specialty, smoked prime rib. Feeling romantic enough to propose? Finley’s also caters small, intimate weddings in their spacious garden.

Tree ripened fruit and fresh vegetables picked daily during the summer season.

Isadore’s Restaurant

680 N. Main St., (209) 825-4300, www.isadores.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$

Isadore’s is anything but humble: the kitchen is out-of-this-world, and they know it. In fact, if you happen to inquire, they’ll gladly tell you which items on the menu you’re sure to fall in love with. Locals swear by the quality of the seafood and madeto-order pasta selections. Though there’s no official children’s menu, the kitchen will gladly whip up a pint-sized meal for your munchkins, as well as accommodate any other special requests. Finally, don’t be shy—order the Sex in a Pan for dessert. Sweet, ripe banana slices and rich chocolate pudding on a crumbly cookie crust topped with real whipped cream and chocolate sauce make for a climactic end to any meal.

Fresh Fruit And Vegetables Grown On Our Farm For Over 64 Years

Fresh Baked Pies And Pastries Light Lunches Gourmet Coffee • Gelato Local Wines Local Honey • Gourmet Foods Grass Fed Beef A great place to stop as you travel on Hwy 88. Enjoy our lawn, flowers, and shade trees.

Summer Hours: 7am-6pm 8767 E Waterloo Rd. (Hwy 88) Stockton, CA 95215

209.931.1196

www.thefruitbowl.com

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I RESTAURANT GUIDE Kelley Brothers Brewing Company 112 E. Yosemite Ave., (209) 825-1727.

Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

This Manteca hot spot rose up out of the ashes of the El Rey Theatre, which ironically burned down after its final showing of The Towering Inferno. Big, bulky sandwiches, like the Southwest-style BBQ Pork Masterpiece make this a great lunch destination, but live music Friday and Saturday nights and the largest bar in the Valley (complete with twelve housemade beers on tap) draw crowds at dinnertime and in the later hours, too. The whole family will enjoy the food as much as the fun murals and collections of local antiques on display.

STOCKTON Angelina’s Spaghetti House

1563 E. Fremont St., (209) 948-6609, www.angelinas.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Angelina’s is a true family restaurant: owned by four family members, named after another, and welcoming to all of yours. For thirty-one years, their hearty homemade pastas, raviolis, and traditional sauces have been bringing families together just like a meal at Grandma’s house. Consider inviting all your relatives to dine together in Angelina’s comfortable and cozy banquet room the next time you are hosting a family get-together. Angelina’s isn’t fussy—just simple, classic, and great tasting.

Arroyo’s Café

2381 W. March Ln., (209) 472-1661, www.arroyoscafe.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $

[ LODI WINE COUNTRY ]

NEW LODI WINE COUNTRY APP Planning a Lodi wine tasting trip? If you’re an Apple iPhone or iPad user, you can now easily map out your journey with the new Lodi Wine Country application. Released this past May, the program allows users to browse an extensive list of Lodi wineries, many which include photos and visitor information. Filter the wineries by distance or by selecting your favorite varietals (in case you’re on the hunt for a particular glass), and the integrated map feature allows you to get directions quickly and easily. A special trivia button will also give visitors an added dose of history.

When you’ve finished tasting for the day, use the application to browse nearby restaurants, boutiques, hotels, activities, and events.

Locals will be able to stay on top of what’s happening in the area, and visitors will be able to make the most of their stay. Best of all, the application is completely free. —Katy Berry TO DOWNLOAD THE LODI WINE COUNTRY APPLICATION, VISIT THE APP STORE ON YOUR IPHONE OR IPAD. FOR MORE INFO: Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd. (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com

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When Guadalupe and Jesus Arroyo moved here in the early 1940s, they immediately began sharing their passion for food with friends and family by opening their first restaurant. Sixty years later, their son Mario continues the tradition and commitment to excellence at Arroyo’s Café. Located on the water, one can enjoy fresh, homemade tortillas, enchiladas, carne asada, and other Mexican favorites. Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant hosts live Mariachi music, and the bar hosts Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Ave on the Mile

2333 Pacific Ave., (209) 462-5AVE, www.aveonthemile.com Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$

Commonly described as “chic” and “upscale,” Ave on the Mile takes finger foods to a whole new level. Come have a seat in the swanky, comfortable lounge and prepare to enjoy decadent appetizers and desserts while sipping on top shelf cocktails from their fully stocked bar. Celebrating a night out on the town? Ave offers bottle service for those who want to enjoy a night of VIP treatment. Or simply come to relax and enjoy the top-notch hospitality that makes Ave special.

Peleau—a rice stir-fry with fresh veggies and seafood, seasoned with a myriad of delightful spices. Complete your meal with a Jamaican beer or house-made, Caribbean-style drink.

While eating, admire the hand-painted murals depicting waterfalls and island life. The owners proudly claim, “As they say in the Caribbean, ‘we cook food with love.’” Breadfruit Tree is open for catering year-round, and restaurant dining February to November.

Bud’s Seafood Grille

314 Lincoln Center, (209) 956-0270, www.budsseafood.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Everyone is welcome at Bud’s Seafood Grille.

Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. Every meal begins with a bottomless basket of fresh sourdough bread, so be careful not to fill up before the rest arrives. The new leafy outdoor patio seats thirty, and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend.

Casa Flores Marina

3201 W. Ben Holt Drive, (209) 451-1116, www.casafloresmarina.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Casa Flores Marina has everything that a lover of Mexican food could want, from the fresh and tasty chips and salsa they bring over when you sit down, to the hot and sizzling fajita skillets, accompanied with hearty portions of warm tortillas, rice, sour cream, and fresh guacamole. But aside from the delectable food, Casa Flores Marina hosts great events including their tequila tasting on every third Thursday of the month. Guests can try their impressive tequila collection paired with an appetizer and shaken into a delicious cocktail.

Their outdoor seating is a great place to enjoy a marina margarita, or stay indoors for a romantic meal in the soft lit dining room.

Centrale Kitchen and Bar

1825 Pacific Ave., Ste. 2, (209) 939-1825.

Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Bringing a new look and feel to Stockton, Centrale Kitchen and Bar will give you the feeling of an upscale bistro in any big city around the world, with its authentic brick walls and dark, walnut wood floors. The menu features traditional American comfort food with a strong focus on fresh and unique ingredients. As with the dinner menu, the wine selection will change by season, and you will find many extraordinary bottles that you won’t find anywhere else in the region. With a full bar, Centrale is also bringing back the quality cocktail by using all fresh juices and house-made mixes. Centrale Kitchen and Bar is located on the south end of the Miracle Mile.Outdoor dining available.

Breadfruit Tree Restaurant

Chitiva’s Salsa and Sports Bar and Grill

In the mood for something different? Relax on the Delta and enjoy the flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean Islands at Breadfruit Tree.

The restaurant serves food from many of the tropical islands, and prides itself on its

Chitiva’s serves up authentic Mexican food, tasty tropical drinks, and a giant side of fun six nights a week. Saturday nights after 9 p.m., the fajitas and enchiladas play second fiddle to the DJs and live bands on center

8095 Rio Blanco Rd., (209) 952-7361, www.breadfruittree.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch & dinner. $$

445 W. Weber Ave., (209) 941-8605, www.chitiva.net Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

AUGUST 2011

FOOD&WINE stage—the Salsa is still hot, but now it’s a dance, not a culinary dip. If all this has you craving a cool Delta breeze, look no further than the restaurant’s outdoor dining overlooking the water or one of their popular Salsa cruises (summer months through October). So go find your dancing shoes, sip a cool mojito, and have some fun.

Cocoro Japanese Bistro

2105 Pacific Ave., (209) 941-6053 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Cocoro is the “it” place to go for sushi in Stockton. Its streamlined, contemporary Japanese décor and intimate seating arrangements give it a sophisticated atmosphere, and its artful sushi creations made with fish delivered fresh daily from the Bay Area keep patrons coming back for more. At the sushi counter, you can watch talented chefs roll and wrap beautiful bites right before your eyes. The restaurant’s signature sushi—the Coco Roll— consists of a tempura prawn wrapped up with avocado and topped with eel, spicy tuna, teriyaki sauce, and special house dressing, all garnished with a walnut. For the less adventurous eater, Cocoro offers the traditional range of tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes.

The Creamery

5756 Pacific Ave., Robinhood Plaza (209) 925-1111. No alcohol served.

Open for breakfast (on weekends), lunch, and dinner. $-$$

The Creamery Restaurant is a classic American grill that has been a Stockton landmark since 1985. Great for large parties or a family meal, it is also the perfect spot for hungry shoppers. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches, huge hamburgers, garden fresh salads, pasta dishes, homestyle dinners, and an amazing dessert selection seven days a week, with breakfast served on the weekends. Whether you’re in the neighborhood or just

hungry for great food, The Creamery Restaurant will be sure to please.

Dante’s California-Style Pizza

9305 Thornton Rd., (209) 474-0221. Beer and wine.

Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

Nestled in the Thornton Plaza shopping center, Dante’s puts a sunny California spin on the standard pepperoni and cheese creation. In fact, most of their pizzas don’t even come with pepperoni or mozzarella. The name of the restaurant says it all—this is not your authentic Italian pizzeria, so be prepared for specialty pizzas with experimental combinations of unique and exotic toppings. Dante’s offers fourteen different pizzas made with fresh meats and produce, gourmet cheeses, and colorful sauces (the pesto is fantastic). Like any pizza joint worth their sauce, take-out and delivery options are also available.

Dave Wong’s Chinese Cuisine 2828 W. March Ln., (209) 951-4152 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

You may already have a favorite Chinese restaurant— everybody does—but if you are in the mood to venture away from habit, try Dave Wong’s. This longtime Stockton favorite serves up a pleasant combination of Chinese, Cantonese, and Szechwan eats. The broccoli beef, lemon chicken, and fried rice are hands-down favorites. The menu has many traditional dishes, alongside appetizing treats like wok-charred green beans. The muted walls and intimate (yet expandable) quiet candlelit dining chambers reiterate the fact that Dave Wong’s is not your typical Chinese restaurant.

I RESTAURANT GUIDE

David’s New York Style Pizza

1744 W. Hammer Lane, (209) 477-2677 900 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., (209) 957-2850 , Beer & wine. Open for lunch & dinner.$-$$

Toppings, cheese, and dough that’s prepared fresh daily may be three of the reasons this Stockton staple has had such success that they’ve recently opened a second location in Lincoln Center. Or maybe it’s all the choices at David’s New York Style Pizza that make it so popular: Eat in or take out? Hammer Lane or Lincoln Center?

Thick, thin, or standard crust? Indoors or out on the patio? One of David’s twelve specialty pizzas or one of your own creations? We know sports-lovers love the pizzeria because it combines some of their favorite things: great pizza, beer, fellow fans, and the big game televised on the many 46-inch flat screen televisions hung in both locations. Whatever their reasoning for coming back, repeat customers can be found enjoying David’s New York Style Pizza seven days a week.

De Vega Brothers

2819 W. March Lane, Ste. A1, (209) 957-3839, www.devegabrothers.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$$$

De Vega Brothers has risen from its humble beginnings in a converted A&W stand in Manteca to one of the Valley’s premier Italian restaurants, with expanded locations in both Manteca and Stockton.The Manteca site boasts handpainted murals of Roman ruins and rustic Italian vistas, while Stockton prides itself on creating an atmosphere of urban elegance with patio dining and live piano music.

Both restaurants are known for their generous portions and delicious lamb chops, cioppino, chicken and veal scaloppini, steak, and seafood, as well as their gourmet pastas and sauces.

“Winery of the Year” -Visit Lodi! Conference & Visitors Bureau

live music on the patio every Sunday 1:00-5:00pm

voted “Best Winery Tasting Room in san joaquin” -San Joaquin Magazine

Van Ruiten Family Winery

tasting room open daily

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

11:00am-5:00pm

340 west highway 12 lodi, ca ph 209-334-5722

www.vrwinery.com

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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I RESTAURANT GUIDE De Vinci’s

Flips Burgers

Old-world Italian eats rule here, where the foccacia and ravioli are homemade. Red and white checkered tablecloths and an Italian-inspired mural lend distinct charm to this half deli, half restaurant which serves up spectacular sandwiches, rice torta, and pesto. The food may be delicious, but don’t bring a hungry crowd and expect to find a table big enough—this place is best for take-out and catering. Instead, grab a bag of goodies to go and head over to nearby Victoria Park for a picnic with panache.

A downtown Tracy location was recently opened.

This place is what some people might call a diamond in the rough. It’s small and quaint, but packs a punch with their awesome menu of decadent fried favorites. Come in for a big juicy burger since they have over fifteen options including the ever-popular Mad Cow Burger, which includes toppings like a fried egg and fried jalapenos. They also have several choices of hot dogs, a plethora of fresh ingredients to pile atop, and a separate section on the menu that’s devoted to their deep-fryer, where you can order such delicacies as the fried twinkie, fried oreo, fried pickles, or fried zucchini. If you love true-blue American food, then discover this hidden gem in Stockton and you’ll be hooked.

4555 N. Pershing Ave., (209) 957-2750 No alcohol served. Open for lunch and dinner. $

Delights Waterfront Coffee Bar and Deli

445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 126, (209) 462-3401 Beer and Wine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $

SWEET TREATS

THE DELECTABLE CAKE BALL COMPANY Shirley Andriopoulos’ love for baking was passed down through her parents, who owned their own bakery for ten years and loved making what Shirley calls “magical pastries” for their children.

Today, Shirley creates her own special desserts through the Delectable Cake Ball Company, based in her Modesto kitchen but serving the entire Central Valley.

Her cake balls combine bits of moist cake and rich icing molded into a sphere, which is then dipped in chocolate to create decadent treats. The cake balls can be created in a variety of different colors and designs, making them a perfect addition to any occasion or event. Her menu of flavors includes sixteen different options the likes of chocolate-covered banana, amaretto, carrot cake, Irish cream, and M&M. With so many choices, everyone will enjoy picking and choosing their favorites. —K.B.

FOR MORE INFO: The Delectable Cake Ball Company www.thedelectablecakeball.weebly.com

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Domo Japanese Sushi Grill & Bar 300 Lincoln Center, (209) 451-3654, www.domostockton.com Full bar.

Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Whether you enjoy sushi, seafood, or steak, Domo has a menu with choices to satisfy any appetite. Their sushi is rolled fresh, with innovative flavors and ingredients. Or grab a seat for something sizzling at their Teppan Yaki grills, where chicken, beef, even lobster can be prepared right at your table.

Domo is a great place to have fun with friends or family. Don’t forget to have a sip of one of their delicious sakes or try another creative cocktail at their full bar.

El Rancho Inn Steak and Lobster House

1457 E. Mariposa Rd., (209) 467-1529 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$

Celebrating seventy years in business, El Rancho Inn has been charming customers with its superior service and delectable dishes. Although most drive by without giving this establishment a second glance, it’s well worth your time to stop in for a meal.

The steak, lobster, and homemade soups are excellent, but be sure to look up from your plate and take in the surroundings. From the cattle brands on the walls to the regulars relaxing at their favorite tables, this country inn is sure to bring a smile to your face as well as warmth to your belly.

The Fruit Bowl

8767 E. Waterloo Rd. (209) 931-1196, www.thefruitbowl.com Open for breakfast and lunch. $.

Since 1947 the Luchettis have been selling delicious, fresh fruit from their ranch. After years of passersby stopping in for their ripe peaches and cherries, today the Luchettis sell more than just fresh fruit. Stop in for homemade preserves or their famous fruit or cream pies. They also offer fresh baked bread, pastries, cookies, muffins and imported Italian coffee. If you’re more than just passing through, have a seat and enjoy their gelato made in-house using their own home grown produce. Let them make you a warm panini sandwich or try their best seller, Ina Luchetti’s original Zucchinni Torta. If you want homemade food that’s as fresh as it gets, The Fruit Bowl is a little piece of country heaven.

Garlic Brothers

6629 Embarcadero Dr., (209) 474-6585, www.garlic-brothers.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Ironically, Garlic Brothers is a spectacular spot for a date, even though the kitchen is known to go heavy on the—you guessed it—garlic. Fun and lively, this restaurant sits right on the water’s edge and boasts delicious garlicky pizzas, pastas, and seafood. Contrary to popular belief, however, anything on the menu can be whipped up without the brothers’ favorite ingredient. Before you leave, roll up your sleeves and dig into a serving of Justy’s Cake—vanilla ice cream on a cookie crust topped with toffee and glazed with caramel and chocolate.

Gian’s Delicatessen

2112 Pacific Ave., (209) 469-0108 Open for lunch. $

Nobody does sandwiches quite like Gian’s, and that’s why locals flock to this longtime neighborhood gem for a lunch that makes you say Mmm! Try their coppa and prosciutto, flown in from where else but Parma, Italy, the food capital of the world.

Or have some of their homemade Italian dishes like their famously delectable ravioli.

It won’t be long before you become a regular at this must-visit Italian eatery.

AUGUST 2011

COURTESY DELECTABLE CAKE BALL COMPANY

[ FOODIE ITEM ]

Delights Waterfront Coffee Bar and Deli is appropriately named, serving up some of the best casual favorites this side of the Delta. With its premium coffee bar, morning starters, salads made to order with the freshest local produce, and the popular tri-tip sandwich that’s grilled daily on the patio, you can’t escape the quiet, peaceful nostalgia that Delights has to offer. Located right on the water in the historic Waterfront Warehouse building, Delights is a visual treat. While they don’t accept reservations, you’ll soon find that it’s not necessary. This restaurant is a relaxed hangout for anybody, from businessmen to students from local colleges and schools.

2503 Waterloo Rd., (209) 943-5477, www.flipsburger.blogspot.com Open for lunch and dinner. $

La Palma Mexican Cuisine

2301 Pacific Ave., (209) 941-4179, www.lapalmaonthemile.com. Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$

3121 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., (209) 951-0885, www.lebistrostockton.com Full bar. Open for dinner. $$$$

This award-winning restaurant is Stockton’s only four-star dining experience. Whether eating lunch or dinner, Le Bistro offers a menu of French Continental cuisine beautifully presented in a stylish and sophisticated setting. This is a luxurious affair, where servers wear tuxedos and the ever-evolving wine list is like no other. The quiet elegance extends to the outdoor patio as well as four banquet rooms that can accommodate up to two hundred guests. If you are in the mood for an upscale treat, this is the place to go. Check the website for current information about live bands playing in the restaurant’s show room this fall.

Masa Contemporary Japanese Lounge

2819 W. March Lane, (209) 473-1255 Wine and beer. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

With their modern yet welcoming décor, fresh selection of sashimi, and friendly service, Masa is a major contender on the Stockton sushi scene. Their diverse selection of handmade sushi rolls includes fast favorites like the Masa roll which includes onion, tuna, avocado, and asparagus. Their unique creations are only paralleled by their elegant presentation.

If your date isn’t a big sushi fan, there are plenty of other great menu items like the teriyaki chicken or beef udon on the menu, just to name a couple.

Mezzo

3499 Brookside Rd., Suite A, (209) 473-7300 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

This wonderful Italian restaurant is dialed in to what local foodies are looking for. The hand-painted artwork on the walls helps create their elegant yet fun ambiance, and the friendly staff is happy to make your dining experience special. However, where Mezzo really hits the mark is with their use of fresh and local produce that travels from the farm to your plate, making their scrumptious dishes taste even fresher. Their passion for cooking authentic Italian meals doesn’t stop there, as their pasta is also homemade, proving that Mezzo has the passion that all true food lovers will come back to taste time and time again. www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Once simply one of the best pizza joints in Stockton, Michael’s has grown to add a café, deli, and now a full breakfast menu.

The pizzas (13 combinations or make your own) draw you in but choices for everyone keep the community coming back as a whole. Michael’s also boasts a party room for up to 40 guests and has long been a favorite for sports teams and birthday parties. Dive into a hearty meat pizza or give Michael’s newest creation, the whole wheat crust, a try.

Midtown Creperie

2311 Pacific Ave., (209) 941-9070, www.midtowncreperie.com Open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner served only on Thurs., Fri., and Sat. $

For those who’ve always wanted to visit the French quarter in New Orleans, now they can have all the southern charm and delicious flavors of Louisiana at Midtown Creperie. With a fantastic menu of both savory and sweet crepes, along with salads, sandwiches, and scrumptious breakfast items like omelets and beignets, this fantastic addition to the Miracle Mile is the perfect place to put a little south in your mouth.

Moo Moo’s Burger Barn

10940 Trinity Parkway, (209) 957-9450 222 N. El Dorado St., (209) 469-9450, www.moo-moos.com. No alcohol served.

Open for lunch and dinner. $

GOLD WINNER

BEST

OF

Le Bistro

2300 W Alpine Ave., Ste. A, (209) 462-6668 Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$

2011

Open since December of 2009, La Palma has quickly become a favorite in Stockton for delicious Mexican cuisine. Come for their fish tacos, sizzling fajitas, and shrimp green enchiladas, all of which are included on their list of specialty dishes. Open at 10 a.m., La Palma also serves hearty breakfast dishes like eggs with chorizo, huevos rancheros, and chillaquilles. Enjoy a cocktail at their full service bar, or one of their decadent desserts like the ChimiPalmas. Their festive yet tasteful décor and friendly service add to the pleasant atmosphere of this Stockton hotspot.

Thanks for voTing us BEST OuTdOOr dining!

Michael’s New York Style Pizza

SAN JOAQUIN M A G A Z I N E

Multi-Cultural Cuisine | Waterfront Dining | full Bar | accommodation for Parties up to 50 | Catering

Lunch: Tues–sun 11:30am - 4:00pm | happy hour: Mon-fri 4:00 - 6:00pm Dinner: Mon-sun 5:00 - 9:00pm open until 9:30pm friday & saturday nights 1/2 Price Pizza | $2 Tacos Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Evenings

6629 Embarcadero dr. | Stockton

209.474.6585 • www.garlicbrothersonline.com

Playing off the name of the restaurant, Moo Moo’s is decorated with hand-painted murals of a large barn and open pastures, but the atmosphere is more reminiscent of a ‘50s diner than a drive through the countryside.

Authentic burgers, shakes, onion rings, and fries are served in addition to less greasy sandwiches, salads, veggie burgers, and sweet potato fries. This is a great place to come with small children for a fun, tasty, and affordable meal. Moo Moo’s ensures that, like happy cows, happy diners come from California.

2301 Pacific Ave., Stockton

209.941.4179 www.lapalmaonthemile.com

Outback Steakhouse

1243 W. March Lane., (209) 954-9615, www.outbacksteakhouse.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

For a perfect steak every time, Outback Steakhouse is always number one. Their hearty menu includes ribeye, NY strip steak, Prime Rib, and their Outback Special, a signature sirloin seasoned to perfection. Steak dishes come with options like adding a delicious blue cheese or horseradish crumb crust, or their Lobster and Mushroom topping. If you’re not into red meat, Outback accommodates you with plenty of delicious chicken and fish dishes like their Shrimp En Fuego Fettuccini or their King Crab. Plus they have great salads, sides, soups, and appetizers like their famous Bloomin’ Onion.

Mexican Independence Day Party

Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 5:00pm - Close Drink Specials | Mariachi | DJ| Home Made Tortillas Street Tacos | Outdoor Seating

Thank You for VoTing us BRonZE WinnER for BEsT maRgaRiTas TTas in san JoaQuin

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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I RESTAURANT GUIDE Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar

501 N. Lincoln Center, (209) 477-6133, www.papapavlos.com. Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar is considered by many to be one of Northern California’s most unique fine dining establishments located in Stockton’s Lincoln Center. They offer you the finest and freshest in gourmet cuisine and their fabulous menu includes a large variety of continental dishes. The main dining room has a unique design with a showcase kitchen and bar in warm, classy decor.You’ll find the three outdoor dining patios a perfect place to relax during lunch or dinner. Papapavlo’s offers four private banquet rooms accommodating groups as intimate as 12 to as large as 100 guests.

Papapavlo’s also specializes in off-premises dining with their outstanding catering services.

Peking Restaurant

7555 Pacific Ave., (209) 957-0617, www.pekingstockton.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

[ FOODIE ITEM ]

NOT YOUR DADDY’S BARBECUE Now that it’s August, barbecue season is in full swing. Before we know it, it’ll be time for pumpkin pie and roasted turkeys again, so make the most of your precious grill time and try these unique recipes for that smoky barbecued goodness any time of day. —K.B. BREAKFAST EGG PEPPER Served with grilled bacon and toast, cooking your eggs in a bell pepper is a delicious way to enjoy breakfast barbecue style. Cut a bell pepper in half, carefully remove the stem and seeds. Place the pepper on the grill and crack an egg into it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or whatever seasoning you prefer (feel free to experiment).

Grill for five minutes then sprinkle with cheese. Close the grill and cook for another three minutes or until the cheese is melted.

GRILLED CHOCOLATE BANANAS Begin with a ripe bunch of bananas. Cut a slit in the side of each banana and stuff your favorite chocolate inside. Place your coals on one side of the grill and let them burn to a medium heat, then place your bananas on the side of grill opposite from the hot coals. Roast the bananas for one whole hour. When time is up, carefully remove the bananas from the heat. Grab a spoon and dig in to the creamy chocolatey goodness that now lies within. Vanilla ice cream is highly recommended.

GRILLED CAESAR SALAD Brush romaine hearts with olive oil and place them over moderately high heat for three minutes turning once or twice. The hearts should become slightly charred but retain their crispiness. Take some slices of baguette, brush with olive oil, and grill for 2 minutes. Place your crispy romaine hearts and bread on a plate and drizzle with some delicious Caesar dressing. Voila!

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Peking has all the Chinese dishes that your family already knows and loves, like seasoned mushu pork, crispy pan pacific won tons, and hot and sour soup. But they also have some new classics that you’re bound to discover, just ask your server for their fresh specials, or try what locals have already deemed an instant classic like their delicious crispy House Chicken. The dishes at Peking are never bland, but are always served hot, with flavorful sauces that add a kick to your typical Chinese menu. Perfect for lunch or dinner, Peking is a great place to eat with family, colleagues, and friends all year round.

Revolucion 1910

296 Lincoln Center (209) 955-0100, www.rev1910.com Full bar. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. $-$$.

Javier Del Castillo started a revolution, or rather Revolucion 1910, his authentic Mexican restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite. Using fresh ingredients and only serving entrees that originated in Mexico, patrons will find a menu full of small plate entrees designed to bring out the best of authentic Mexican flavor. The corn tortillas are all homemade, as are the sauces and vinaigrettes made to fit each entree. Chili peppers are used in most dishes for their flavor rather than spice, in inventive entrees such as tacos al pastor or chile relleno con huitlacoche and Mexican oaxaca cheese. Be sure to try the tres leches cake for dessert, with margaritas made from only the highest quality tequilas from agave nectar, and lime juice squeezed fresh for each drink.

Sass Bar & Grill

110 N. El Dorado St., (209) 808-4058 Full Bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

The warm and contemporary décor in Sass is inviting and excites the senses with its unique accents and attention to detail. The excitement is only multiplied when you see their eclectic menu, with cuisine inspired by flavors from around the world and local ingredients that showcase the wonderfully fresh produce available in San Joaquin.

Enhance your meal by their selection of local wines, or a chilled cocktail from their

bar. And in the warmer months, don’t miss the opportunity to dine on their romantically lit sky terrace while enjoying the Delta breeze as you overlook Stockton’s waterfront. Sharing so many impressive elements, Sass is a special place to dine with family and friends year round.

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant 3249 West Hammer Lane, (209) 473-2525, www.shirasoni.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Shirasoni is a triple threat, operating as a steakhouse, sushi bar, and teppanyaki restaurant all in one. Hungry guests can choose to sit at the sushi bar or in their large dining room where talented chefs prepare your dish while putting on an authentic teppanyaki dinner show. Watch as professionals perform tricks, flipping their utensils and chopping your sizzling veggies right in front of your eyes. Enjoy a juicy steak or try one of their more traditional Japanese dishes. If you’re just stopping for a quick bite, have a seat at their intimate sushi bar for a taste of their fresh sushi or sashimi. Try one of their unique creations, like their Firecracker Roll, for a spicy surprise.

Stockton Joe’s

236 Lincoln Center, (209) 951-2980, www.stocktonjoes.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Featuring Italian/American Cuisine in the San Francisco tradition, this is the place to go for a delicious meal in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Entrees include charbroiled steaks, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta dishes, including several heart-healthy options. Stockton Joe's frequently plays host to a variety of musicians who entertain guests in the comfortable lounge. Wine tasting evenings and specials are offered by local wineries featured each month. Joe's also caters all over the county, and is the exclusive caterer for the Commercial Exchange Banquet Hall and the Commander's House. With exhibition cooking, an award-winning lounge, and a large and attractive banquet room, Stockton Joe's is a local feature not to be missed.

Valley Brewing Company

157 W. Adams St. (209) 464-2739, www.valleybrew.com Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend breakfast. $-$$

The Valley Brewing Company is a fun place to bring the whole family for dinner: homemade beers, classic pub fare, live bands all year round, and unique sports memorabilia keep everybody happy. The Brewing Company keeps fourteen beers on tap at all times, from a pale wheat, to an IPA, to the house favorite Black Cat Stout, and apricot and berry fruit beers. Check the website for up to the minute information about when the fun’s happening.

Waterloo

10447 E. Waterloo Rd., (209) 931-4019, www.thewaterloo.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

At this fun restaurant, they really know how to mix it up on the grill. One of their AUGUST 2011

FOOD&WINE signature dishes is the savory barbecued ribs, served as an appetizer or an entrée. The ribs, which are best paired with Bette’s world-famous pesto, are tender to the point of melting away in your mouth. It is likely visitors will find this restaurant bustling when they visit, so during peak hours, be prepared for a lengthy wait. If that doesn’t suit you, they also offer their entire menu for take-out orders, and they even offer catering.

Yasoo Yani

326 E. Main St., (209) 464-3108 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

This downtown restaurant, open since 1975, is a classic eatery where the food is as eclectic as the diners. Mothers with their toddlers settle in next to prominent businessmen in ties for everything from a sturdy American burger to Greek souvlaki. Don’t be intimidated by the Greek side of the menu or the local luminaries—souvlaki is simply the Grecian version of shish kebab, served on pita bread, and at Yasoo Yani, everyone gets the same fine family service. Don’t even get us started on the honey-drenched baklava for dessert.

TRACY Carmen’s Casa Nachos

350 W. Grant Line Rd. (209) 835-9402 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Want to spice up a dull week? A trip to Carmen’s Casa Nachos family Mexican restaurant should do the trick.

Try Carmen’s fantastic fajitas and their specialty salsa seven days a week for lunch and dinner, where they make all their food fresh everyday. Outdoor dining and a children’s menu are available to accommodate the whole family, while their catering and banquet menus take care of all your special occasion needs. Turn up the heat at Carmen’s Casa Nachos, where it’s Siempre Caliente!

Magellan’s

15 E. 6th St., (209) 839-2333, www.magellansworldcuisine.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$

Magellan’s Restaurant, named after owner and Executive Chef Thomas Magellan, is much like the small, intimate restaurants found in San Francisco. Featuring American Continental cuisine, the menu choices range from duck salad to their salmon burger to the ever popular, delectable filet mignon. The menu changes seasonally and the high level of noise found in some restaurants is not to be found here. If you are looking for a good traditional meal with peaceful ambiance, seafood specials, and a martini bar to put others to shame, then Magellan’s is the place.

Thai Café

614 Central Ave., (209) 832-3800.

Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

More practical than fussy,Thai Café is the place to go when the craving for good Thai food, fast, strikes.This little place manages to stay afloat despite some stiff competition from surrounding restaurants, perhaps in part to a large following of loyal customers. Regulars rave about the Thai Chicken Salad and Salad Kai, but if you are in the mood for something a little heavier, go ahead and try the Koa Paad— deep-fried rice served with your choice of meats.The colorful Thai decorations set the mood for a fun and flavorful meal where everyone is welcome.

Tracy Thai

1035 Central Ave., (209) 833-9703 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$

Tracy Thai successfully captures the unique and complex flavors Thai food is famous for. Using only fresh, quality ingredients, their food has artistic presentation and exceptional flavor, from mouth-watering appetizers like their heavenly Angel Wings (boneless chicken wings stuffed with silver noodles), to their soups served in a

I RESTAURANT GUIDE

flaming tureen that keeps it warm throughout the meal.

Tracy Thai prepares imaginative creations for those with adventurous tastes, and also familiar favorites for those who have never experienced Thai food before.

The Great Plate

714 Central Ave., (209) 833-0862, www.thegreatplate.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$

Looking for the best pizza in town? It’s here! The Great Plate has signature pizzas like Buffalo Chicken, or the Dominic, or build your own. Handmade to order and fired in the brick oven with always fresh dough for perfect crust and a delicious pizza. But that’s not all, excellent burgers, wings, salads, pastas, steaks, seafood, and more. Located downtown across from the Grand Theatre, come and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Great Plate offers two full bars and 16 beers on tap, a fine wine list, and Sunday breakfast (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the NFL Ticket. Or check out the exciting nightlife featuring live music and DJs on both floors. Visit, “Tracy’s Favorite Place to Play.”

Banquet rooms available for up to 125 people.

WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Crossing

18939 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., (209) 366-1800, www.woodbridgecrossing.net.

Full bar. Open for dinner, Sunday Brunch. $-$$

Housed in one of the oldest brick buildings in the San Joaquin Valley, this historic restaurant, formerly Woodbridge Feed and Fuel, provides fine dining in the midst of antiques, Western artwork, and memorabilia.

Known for their prime rib and steak, this restaurant strives for great customer service. Woodbridge Crossing diners are treated to live entertainment and dancing on the weekends, and the restaurant also offers private banquet facilities where guests sit in unique old boxcars.

[SJM]

Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists has been proudly serving the extended Tri-Valley community since 1985, providing the highest quality patient care for all kinds of musculoskeletal injuries or problems. We have a dedicated team of nine surgeons and medical professionals who work at three convenient locations throughout the Tri-Valley area. Our surgical team is quite diverse and can handle your orthopedic needs from head to toe – you can count on specialized expertise for shoulder, hand,knee, foot and ankle problems, as well as sports medicine and joint replacement.

Tri-Valley

Orthopedic Specialists, Inc.

Solving Musculoskeletal Problems Since 1985

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

www.TriValleyOrthopedics.com 2180 West Grant Line Rd. ‫ ׀‬Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: 866.623.7600 ‫ ׀‬Fax: 925.373.2492

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Ten Great Dates

COMPILED BY KATY BERRY

August 17, Sacramento Following the platinum selling success of her album, Soldier of Love, Sade is returning to stages around the world to perform for a legion of adoring fans. Expect to hear favorites like “Smooth Operator,” “By Your Side,” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” The show will also feature Grammy award winning artist John Legend, who is known for soulful R&B hits like “Ordinary People.” 7:30 p.m. $37-$143. Power Balance Pavilion, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, www.powerbalancepavilion.com

California Classic Watercolors

Fusion Friday

Through August 27, Lodi

August 5, Lodi

The Knowlton Gallery will be featuring a collection of beautiful and vivid

This annual event will feature great wines by Borra Vineyards paired with

watercolor paintings that capture the essence of California’s many stunning

cuisine from Waterloo, CA Restaurant & Catering. Enjoy their grilled meat and

landscapes. Some of the finest watercolor artists in California will be showing

famous secret ingredient, Bette’s World Famous Black Barbecue Sauce, as

their work, including Dale Laitinen, Dick Cole, John Barnard, Carolyn Lord,

you sip wine and enjoy live music by Stefanie D Trio. Admission to this event

Juan Peña, and Katherine Lemke Waste. Gallery hours vary. Free. Knowlton

includes appetizers, one glass of wine, and a souvenir wine glass. 5-7:30 p.m.

Gallery, 115 S. School St., Lodi, (209) 368-5123,

$12. Borra Vineyards, 1301 E. Armstrong Rd., Lodi, (209) 368-2446,

www.knowltongallery.com

www.borravineyards.com

Stockton’s Concert in the Park Series August 3-31, Stockton This summer is the 59th year that the City of Stockton will be presenting its annual Concert in the Park Series. Every Wednesday evening in August, bring your family and friends to Victory Park to see great acts like the Art Bregante Orchestra, the Abba cover band Waterloo, the Valley Concert Band, and Ms. Lizzie & her Cadillac Kings. Concerts are free and visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and picnic baskets. 6-8 p.m. August 31 show begins at 5:30 p.m. Free. Victory Park, 1001 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 937-8206, www.stocktongov.com

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COURTESY POWER BALANCE PAVILION/ SADE

Sade: Live in Concert with John Legend

ART & MUSIC IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON Friday, August 12 5 pm - 9 pm Janet Leigh Plaza

MA LAT GIC IN BA ND

FREE Latin Magic Performance Evening Beer & Wine Garden Blue Moon Art Walk Art Tours and Receptions PRESENTED BY

www.downtownstockton.org

209.464.5246 (English)

209.888.8637 (Español)

Hutchins Street Square

Performing arts theater community, conference and senior center

Back by Popular Demand!

Legendary Hawaii’i Musicians

cecilio & kapono saturday, september 10th at 8:00pm

Back by Popular demand

Tickets on Sale Now! 125 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi Box Office: 209.333.5550 • www.loditickets.com

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

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LIVE! At Lincoln Center’s Classic Car Show August 19, Stockton Stockton’s third LIVE! event of the summer will feature the much anticipated Classic Car Show with 200 classic cars in pristine condition, as well as some performances by local bands, and proceeds from the event benefit the Lincoln High Alumni Association. 6-9 p.m. Free. Lincoln Center, 347 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 477-4868, www.lincolncentershops.com

Taste of Tracy August 12, Tracy Spend a summer evening in lovely Downtown Tracy as you enjoy food from six local restaurants. Choose from a tasting or enjoy a whole meal, with wine tasting, and live country music by Buck Ford Pure Country Band. Events begin at 6 p.m.

Pink October Survivor Fashion Show August 22, Acampo

Music starts at 7 p.m. $10 for seven tastings, $5 book of three wine tastings,

This elegant and stylish event celebrates the women who have fought for

$13 for both. Civic Center Plaza, 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy,

their lives against breast cancer and won. In honor of these courageous

(209) 831-6858, www.ci.tracy.ca.us

survivors, this V.I.P. event will feature a glamorous high-end fashion show,

Miracle Mile Night

gourmet cuisine, a silent auction, and fine wine. Proceeds will benefit the Gewicke Caring for Women Foundation, which supports local women

August 20, Stockton

battling breast cancer. 5:30 p.m. $65. Viaggio Estate & Winery, 100 E.

Presented for the third year, Miracle Mile Night is a community event that aims

Taddei Rd., Acampo, (209) 371-2275,

to celebrate the rich history of Pacific Avenue’s Miracle Mile. The streets will be

www.pink-october.org/lodi

filled with classic cars, as Stockton’s old-timers relive fond memories of cruising the mile. The festival also features three stages of live music, a kids zone, arts & crafts and antiques vendors, food, and even a live pin-up girl contest. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Miracle Mile, Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 565-2247, www.miraclemilenight.com

Moonlight Sip and Stroll

Alan Jackson with Special Guest Shooter Jennings August 26, Murphys When it comes to the music industry, Alan Jackson is a rarity. Popular for the past two decades, he still tops the charts and currently has 35 number one hits in

August 20, Stockton

his repertoire. He has won over one hundred music

This food, brew, and wine tasting event

awards that run the gamut from Grammies to CMT

features fifty food vendors and up to fifty

awards and everything in between. This summer

wineries for you to enjoy. Live bands play

Jackson visits the Ironstone Amphitheater and

throughout the evening, and artists set up

will be joined by special guest Shooter Jennings.

booths so you can browse their work while

Country fans should not miss out

you eat, drink, and meander your way down

on this show. 7:30 p.m.

the avenue. All proceeds benefit Hospice

$45-$225. Ironstone Amphitheatre,

House and Hospice of San Joaquin. 6-9 p.m.

1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, (209) 728-1251,

$65 in advance, $75 at the door (tickets in

www.ironstoneamphitheatre.net

advance are recommended since tickets usually sell out). Heron Lakes Drive, Brookside Classics, Stockton, (209) 922-0380, www.hospicesj.org

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COURTESY LINCOLN CENTER; IRONSTONE AMPHITHEATRE/ ALAN JACKSON

brand new cars on display. There will also be delicious food, top notch

Over a half million magazine copies produced per year.

Recognized for both quantity and quality!

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Zinfest May 13-15, Lodi

This anticipated weekend-long event kicked off with a special Vintner’s Dinner, and then the festival featuring live music, regional cuisine, and 250 handcrafted local wines.

[1] Snap Jackson from "Snap Jackson & the Knock on Wood Players" [2] Amy Schenone, James Goins [3] Marisa Gordon, K.C. Huchendorf [4] Gayla Schatz of Peltier Station Winery [5] Sarey Kol, Stacey Chanthachack [6] Katie Sabalone, Patrick Crowell, Jared McCauley, Stephanie Eldridge

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Stockton Opera Guild Gala: Derby Hats & Jewels 7

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Extravagant hats and sparkling jewels were everywhere at this fabulous event where guests placed bets, sipped mint juleps, and enjoyed a delicious lunch.

[1] Rita Somera, Diane Correia [2] Vincent & Renata Bricka [3] Beverly Fitch MCarthy, Sue Sherrow, Marianne McCarroll [4] Marilyn Niles, Debra Ann Ristau [5] Victoria Shankel, Peter Jaffe, Jane Jaffe [6] Mary Millar, Heidi Cortelyou, Yvonne Ankele [7] Ilona & Doyle Richenberg [8] Carolyn Pometta, Shirley Graese

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

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Children’s & Maternity Fashion Show Benefit May 13, Stockton

Tots & Teapots raised money for the Haggin Museum’s Children’s Art Programs with a fun fashion show for kids and moms-to-be, complete with champagne and cupcakes.

[1] Michelle Zeiter, Denise Mayfield [2] Lisa Sysombath, Tracci Dare, Stacy Hart [3] Tiffany Davis, Becky Moffitt [4] Angela McShane, Lina Woods [5] Jason Roth, Keith Hart [6] Peanut, Cheryl Boswell-Barnes [7] Brian & Charlotte and Ashlan Dillon

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May 12, Lodi

Classic Design Floor to Ceiling held their annual fundraiser to benefit the Women’s Center of San Joaquin with goodies like complimentary wine and makeovers.

[1] Shirley Dyson, Shaun Larsen [2] Molly Gomez, Hannah Knackstedt [3] Paula Grech, Kate Macek [4] Kathy Cockayne, Corie Coleman [5] Karen Penfold, Rachel Castillo, Pat Mancebo [6] Ron & Tiffany Gomes [7] Melodie Ramsey, Elaine Fisse

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Stockton’s movers and shakers gathered at the Port of Stockton as Mayor Ann Johnston shared her plans for Stockton’s growth in the coming year.

[1] Amy Pijl, Natalie Pettis [2] Janelle Meyers, Debbie Morris [3] Chiyo Miyai, Santa Lopez-Minatre, Linda Verdum-Brown [4] Chris Lozano, Andrew Padovani [5] Mayor Ann Johnston, Richard Aschieris [6] Victor and Sue Mow, Ricky Gill [7] Michael Girdner, Bill Lewicki [8] Rick Goucher, Heidi Altamirano

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Taste of San Joaquin May 21, Stockton Beautiful weather brought out plenty of hungry locals who enjoyed live music and good eats from local restaurants and contenders in the Way Out West BBQ Championship.

[1] Matthew Grizzle, Linda Mohrmonn, Michael Adams (Midtown Creperie) [2] Tess T. Rosa, Malice N. Mayhem, Gina Rosa (Port City Roller Girls) [3] Ayla & Andrew Nock [4] Renee Puig-Hink, Lynne Smith, Karla Gonzales [5] Yvonne and Gene Tibon (Tibon’s Goju Ryu Fighting Center) [6] Otis & Laurinda Edmond

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This annual fundraising event included local olive oil tastings, live music by Italian crooner Pasquale Esposito, and an olive pit spitting contest.

[1] Barbara McDermott, Diane Malcoun [2] Ernie, Stephanie, and Ashley Rodriguez [3] Julie and Jeanne Coldani [4] Kacie Klein, Charlotte Williams, Diane Klein [5] Andrea Songey-Neff, Judy Rodriguez, Gary and Joyce Giovanetti [6] Kathleen Barth, Raquel Casity, Cynthia Estrella, Tori Salazar, Patty Herrera, Tracy Williams [7] Karen Ahn, Kenny McCann

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Coming in October

Women Wellness San Joaquin is home to many world-class medical facilities, doctors, dentists, and even health spas, where women’s health issues are given the utmost attention.

Let San Joaquin Magazine be your link to this audience and target these consumers in their home and office with our special promotional section.

Get a Free Medical Profile about Your Profession when you sign up to advertise by August 25th. Limited to Space availability, call 209.833.9989 to reserve your space.

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SanJoaquin magazine

Delta Radiology Medical Group, Inc. delta St. joSePH’S imaging centerS

2320 N. California Street, Suite 3 1617 N. California Street, Suite 1A & 1B Stockton, (209) 466-5027

Being a part of our team isn’t just about caring staff, excellent radiologists, and fancy equipment; it’s about the time we dedicate to you as a patient. Our commitment to quality and our unique partnership with St. Joseph’s Medical Center ensures that you can depend on us when you need us!

Whether it’s a 64-Slice CT, High Field MRI, Digital X-Ray, PET Fusion, Digital Mammography, Fluoroscopy, Bone Density, Ultrasound, or any other diagnostic medical imaging need, we are here, helping doctors treat and patients heal. Ask your physician for a referral to Delta St. Joseph’s Imaging Centers and call to schedule your next appointment.

Delta Radiology’s Board Certified Radiologists are committed to providing patients with premium care: Frank M. Hartwick, M.D. ∙ R. Brandon Rankin, M.D. ∙ Frank S. Callcott, M.D. ∙ M. Louise Del Paine, M.D. Laszlo B. Fodor, M.D. ∙ Majid Majidian, M.D. ∙ Douglas B. McGirr, M.D. ∙ Michael R. Rigdon, M.D. Grant W. Rogero, M.D. ∙ Daniel W. Terry, M.D. ∙ Roger P. Vincent, M.D. Helping doctors treat and patients heal since 1969

SJM_JANUARY 2009pgs 128.indd 74

12/10/2008 1:08:15 PM

SINCE 1944

An American Tradition