Sac Foodies

By Melinda McRae 

Suzanne Peabody Ashworth and Jim Mills 

What a great gastronomic weekend!  We started early on Saturday and visited the grand opening of the East Bay Culinary Center.  We were greeted by fellow Slow Food member Jim Mills who was there with Suzanne Peabody Ashworth of Del Rio Farms.  Jim offered us samples of beautiful, perfectly ripe peaches, figs, plums and blackberries. 
    

We grazed through dozens of food stations and enjoyed:

All before 9:00 a.m.!  My husband said, ‘this is the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time!’  Clearly, we both have iron stomachs.   

We watched a portion of pastry chef Ginger Power’s demonstration in the new kitchen, which by the way, is WAY cool!  As mentioned in a previous entry, chef and culinary instructor Carolyn Kumpe will be leading the new culinary center and classes and demonstrations will begin next month (we’ll make sure to post activities on sacfoodies.)  We would have liked to have stayed all day and watch all the demonstrations, but Michael Buble and a trip to San Francisco awaited us…. 

By Amy Jackson

I’ve heard great things about the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco, so I was excited when fellow Sac Foodie, Melinda McRae, myself and our foodie hubbies found ourselves with a few extra hours to spend in the City on Saturday on the way to a concert. 

The colorful produce won me over. From rainbow chard to red, orange, and yellow peppers and radishes, it was a gorgeous spectrum. Since I work with the United States Potato Board, I was excited to see Russian Banana and Rose Fir specialty potato varieties too. We took home heirloom tomatoes for a colorful Caprese salad, and blackberries for snacking by the handful.  

The farmers market snakes around the Ferry Plaza Building, which is a recently renovated foodie landmark of its own. After winding through the marketplace, we found a spot outside at Ferry Plaza Seafood for fresh oysters and San Francisco’s own Anchor Steam Beer. With clear skies, a Bay Bridge view, and lots of people-watching, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon in the “city by the bay,” to quote one of my favorite 80’s bands. 

Tonight, the Shack takes you to Trinidad & Tobago:

• Calypso Chicken
• Curried Pork
• Rice & Peas
• Roti
• Shrimp stuffed peppers

Open at 6pm, food and music around 7pm.
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
457-5997
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By Brittany Mohr (intern extraordinaire!) 

Nobody likes Mondays. To most, they mean early morning alarms and the start of another workweek. But at the Mohr family household, we have found the cure-all solution to those Monday blues. My family returns home every Monday evening to a simple cardboard box filled to the brim with the best organic produce Capay Valley has to offer.  

Last week, we received:

• Tomatoes (2 lb)
• Peaches (1.5 lb)
• Bartlett Pears (1.5 lb)
• Figs (.5 lb)
• Lemon Cucumbers (1 lb)
• Green Seedless Grapes (1.5 lb)
• Mixed Peppers (12 oz)
• Mixed Eggplant (1.5 lb)
• Fresh Lavendar (1 bunch)
• Melon (1)

The best part is that each delivery is accompanied by a Farm Newsletter that incorporates the contents of the box in three delicious and healthy recipes. For example, with last week’s produce we made a Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad which was the perfect summer treat! The “Farm Fresh To You” organic produce box has not only expanded my fruit and veggie vocabulary but has also helped my family to start the week on a healthy note!

This delivery service comes with additional options, including a “Small Box” or “Mostly Fruit” choice. You can sign up online at www.farmfreshtoyou.com! 

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By Melinda McRae

East Bay Restaurant Supply Center opens new Culinary Center – Open House
Sat., Aug. 25 – so much local talent, and it’s FREE! 

I have been to the East Bay Restaurant Supply Center a few times and it is like being a kid in a candy store – so many fun foodie gadgets!  They are now adding a culinary center and the public is invited to its open house this Saturday.  Former San Francisco chef, Charlotte’s Bakery owner,  and current culinary instructor, Carolyn Kumpe is leading the new culinary center.  Her goal is to showcase local chefs and restaurants, and have fun with food. Saturday’s culinary class schedule:

• 8-9 a.m. Chef Ann Martin Rolke/Sacatomato: Summer fruit coffee cake, Fridge-cleaning frittata, book signing of Hands-Off Cooking
• 9-10 a.m. Chef Ginger Elizabeth Powers/Couture Chocolates
• 10-11 a.m. Chef Tim Jordan/Old Soul Bakery: Fabulous Flatbread
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Chef Oahn Nguyen/Andy Nguyen Restaurant #2: Shrimp & Pork Imperial Rolls
• 12-1 p.m. Chefs Dani Luzzatti and Yvette Woolston/Wine Konnection
• 1-2 p.m. Chef Adam Pechal/Tuli Bistro: Pizza by Tuli
• 2-3 p.m. Chef Michelle/Crepe Cafe: Crepes Suzette
• 3-4 p.m. Chef Richard Hyman/Old Arch Brewerey, Lodi: House-Made Mozzerella and Caprese Salad
• 4-5 p.m. Dr. Giovanni Gaudia/culinary instructor direct from Italy: Authentic Regional Italian Cooking

Free samples and demonstrations provided by:

• Bella Bru Baking Company
• Chef Andreas Hoffman — “Blatter’s by Hoffman” — Fine Foods & European Wholesale Bakery
• Knife Sharpening Demonstration by Star Sharpening — Bring 3 dull knives get 1 sharpened for free
• Ellen’s Gourmet Kitchen – Gourmet Caterer
• “Whiskey Wild” Contemporary Saloon “Opening Soon”
• Cheese Works Wholesale Fine Cheese Distributor
• Chef’s Warehouse Wholesale Fine Food Distributor
• Produce Express Wholesale Fine Produce Distributor — Jim Mills and Suzanne Ashworth
• Chef Antonio Lozano from Yuba City & Marysville — “Antonio’s Quick Lunch”
• King Smith from “Mighty Kong Muffins”
• Mad Dog Mesa EVOO Bob & Amy Day — “Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting”
• Chef Raul Soto — “Super Churro & The Whole Enchilada”
• Chef Labella Pasto — “Personal Chef Services Fine Dining Without Leaving Home”
• Carl Yasbeck from Walter Zebrowski Manufacturing Representatives — “Crepes & Panini”
• Woody Clarke from Premier Marketing Group — “Restaurant Equipment: Wolf, Vulcan, Hobart, Traulsen Etc.”

East Bay Culinary Center in Sacramento
522 N. 12th Street (off of Richards Blvd.)
Saturday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
916.440.0620

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Oto’s is Oishi! 

Oto’s Marketplace — my blue “Townie” is parked out front

Former chef, fellow Slow Food member and produce expert Jim Mills told us about Oto’s Marketplace and stated it had the freshest fish in town.  My husband and I rode our bikes over there this weekend, and by 1:00, they had already sold most of their supply, but we did find a gorgeous selection of sushi-quality seafood, including ahi tuna, salmon, snapper, octopus and Chilean sea bass (which we bought – I have never seen such a beautiful, thick piece of sea bass before.  By the way, according to the U.S. State Department, Chilean sea bass is not an endangered species, however, there is a problem with illegal fishing of sea bass.)  We grilled the fish and served it with baby artichokes, morel mushrooms, corn fritters (that we had seen on America’s Test Kitchen that morning) and a yummy, rich sauce reduction.

Sushi-quality fish is displayed on ice

Sushi master Ray Yamamoto, his assistant is wondering, ‘why is that gaijin taking pictures?’

Sushi master Ray Yamamoto creates about 150 packages per day, and Oto’s sells out by 4:30.  (The Bee’s Bob Sylva recently wrote about Yamamoto-san.) In addition to offering fresh fish and sushi, they also carry a huge selection of Japanese food items, sake and Japanese beer – kanpai!  Oto’s will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Sat., Sept. 8 that will include food demonstrations, free samples, a special gift for the first 100 customers, as well as chances to win many other prizes. 

 
Finally — Pocky for MEN!     

Various fish cakes, bean paste and boiled yam delicacies 

Oto’s Marketplace
4990 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95822
916.424.2398
Open seven (7) days a week
Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

By Jenna Kirkwood

One of the greatest things about living in the Sacramento area is our close proximity to everything that Northern California has to offer… a two hour drive east lands you in Lake Tahoe, two hours west and you’re in San Francisco. There are so many delicious day trips a Sacramento foodie can take; it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite. But, during the summer, I’d have to say that my absolute favorite day trip is a drive to Napa or Sonoma wine country for wine tasting.  

The beautiful scenery of a drive down Highway 12 immediately puts you at ease - there’s just something about hills of never ending grapevines that makes you feel completely transported…. Wait, where was I? Oh yeah – a day trip to wine country! Although I looove to go wine tasting, this past weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to a “bottling party” in Sonoma.  

Two spinach quiches and I tagged along with my boyfriend’s family to their friend’s vineyard in Sonoma. Although they sell the majority of their grapes to big name labels, they save some grapes each year and throw a wine bottling party for friends and family to share in the winemaking experience.

After we added our side dishes to the five picnic benches full of food, I immediately went to check out the bottling process. The barrels of wine were lined up in a small barn and the wine was being pumped into a large plastic vat in the middle (see photo above). The wine was then siphoned into tubes that pump the wine into empty bottles. One of the coolest things was how they cork them – the full bottle is placed on a corking contraption (oh how I love alliteration!) and the cork is literally pushed into the neck of the bottle by force.    

The finished bottles were then passed down a table of “labelers” – a line of eager volunteers with pens-in-hand ready to put their own mark on each bottle. My favorite label – certainly inspired by the writings in a bathroom stall – read: “For a good time – Drink this wine!”  After much food, wine, dancing and fun, each family left the party with a case of the just-bottled wine – the perfect ending to a fabulous Sonoma day trip.  

Side note: I just have to mention that I saw the CUTEST cupcakes at this party… chocolate and vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting and grape bunches drawn in icing. What a great idea… and one I’m certainly going to borrow for the next wine-themed party I go to!

By Kim Bedwell 

California has so many beautiful wine regions and I had the pleasure of visiting several wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains this weekend. Nestled among the redwoods, this was very different than the Napa Valley experience and the drive through the mountains was truly breathtaking. Although we tasted everything from a light Sauvignon Blanc to a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon, the region is best known for its Pinot Noir. Here’s a pic from our first stop at the Roudon-Smith Winery.

By Amy Jackson

Last night my husband and I found ourselves at 16th & J in Midtown during rush hour with parking spots secured. I had been wanting to try Bistro 33, so we made it just in time for their nightly “Appy Hour.” For a reasonable sum, we feasted on crab & artichoke dip with crunchy toasted baguette, fried bay shrimp served in a cone with a sherry dipping sauce (has a kick!), the “Bistro Gardens” salad, and my favorite - mini Kobe burgers with gouda goat cheese (a.k.a. complete indulgence in moderation). 

Although we stuck with $3 wine and beer selections from the “Appy Hour” menu, we couldn’t help but be intrigued by the server’s description of their “Rotating Midtown Classic” - a Grey Goose vodka martini with a Sapphire gin wash - which is priced as “Time of Day is the Price you Pay!” Very clever and tempting for martini purists like my husband.

We rounded out our meal with the “Bag ‘o Doughnuts” dessert - beignet-esque balls shaken at the table in a paper bag with cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar, then served with a trio of chocolate sauce, strawberry compote, and honey butter. Yum! I always appreciate a little pomp and circumstance with my dessert.

Considering our spontaneous Midtown dining experience didn’t break the bank, and we amused ourselves sampling trendy menu items on their breezy patio, I definitely recommend hitting up Bistro 33’s “Appy Hour,” Monday - Friday, 4-7 p.m. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, Bistro 33 serves food until midnight, Sunday - Wednesday, and until 3 a.m., Thursday - Saturday.

By Julie Ficker                         

Java City’s Nick Tucker pours samples of French-pressed Ethiopia Sidamo

This month’s Second Saturday Art Walk served up a smorgasbord of art, food, fashion and music for culture-hungry Sacramentans.  My boyfriend Joe and I met up with fellow Sac Foodie Melinda and her husband Johnnie at our place, downtown, and enjoyed pre-festivity margaritas as we charted our course for the evening.  Our first stop was Java City’s 18th & Capitol café. Java City is a beloved FH/Sac client, and we had a great time at a coffee tasting class where we learned how to “slurp” coffee, the best way to assess a coffee’s flavor.  Very similar to wine tasting, we were educated on how to evaluate the aroma, acidity and body of three different coffees from Africa – the birthplace of coffee.  The group favorite was Ethiopia Sidamo, a highly aromatic and full-bodied coffee that was softly acidic with a sweet flavor.   In other words, it was delicious!     

 
Johnnie, “Big” Joe and Melinda sniffing and slurping

After the caffeinated tutorial, we were ready to stroll the streets also buzzing with incredible energy.   We crossed the street to Dragonfly to check out local artist James Cameron, a Second Saturday staple that is always a must see. Next followed a trek towards the recently relocated Phoenix Gallery.  On the way there, we had to swim through a swarm of people outside Zocalo which was celebrating its three year anniversary, mariachi band, dancers and all.  

As we sambaed our way through the crowd and crossed over to the corner of 18th & L Street, entrancing jazz music lured us into the courtyard of the chic new 1801 L Street Apartments, where we found a trove of captivating artwork and a flock of people carrying wine glasses.  We were instantly inspired to take a detour into L Wine Lounge.  We were able to score a table on the terrace where we could enjoy the music; we were soon joined by fellow Second Saturday enthusiasts and friends Stefani and Michele, who filled us in on their adventures at the Phoenix Gallery, and I do mean adventure, but that’s a story for some other time.   We ordered the seasonal cheese and cured meat plate,  gnudi, calamari, French fries and of course…many glasses of wine!  The weather was perfect, the music was soothing, the food delicious and the evening carried on with laughter-filled conversation.  Looking back, the night was nothing short of a masterpiece and I am looking forward to the September sequel! 

The L Wine Lounge courtyard has the buzz of a Manhattan eatery

By Melinda McRae     

The downtown plaza has a great farmers’ market on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  We usually head over at lunch time, but last week we had a staff meeting so ended up going close to 2:00, which ended up being very fortuitous for us as you can get incredible bargains!  The farmers bagged up their produce and some of our bounty included a huge bag of peaches, pluots and nectarines for $3; huge bag of seedless red grapes $3; cantaloupe $2; bag of green grapes $1.50; bag of pears $1.50; three gorgeous heirloom tomatoes for $1, and flowers for $3 a bunch.

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Thursday is Cajun night at the Shack, 5201 Folsom Blvd.

By Kim Bedwell 

I was in Des Moines for business a few weeks back and had the pleasure of visiting the test gardens for Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  It was incredible!  The head gardener has broken the garden into separate sections from evergreens to heirloom tomatoes and peppers.  We even stumbled upon them doing a photo shoot for strawberry festival recipes that will run in ’08.  If you ever happen to be in Des Moines for business or pleasure, take a stroll through this free public garden located at Locust and 17th.  Here are a couple of my favorite pics.

By Shelly Kessen  

Here’s two coffee-cups up to Steady Eddy’s coffee house in Winters. We dropped in this weekend for a light lunch and got more than we bargained for – good food, friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere that fostered a gentle hum of conversation among locals and cyclists passing through on their way from Davis to Lake Berryessa.

The paninis, with clever names like Holy Cow and Sgt. Pepper’s Blue Cheese, were yummy, and we also recommend the pecan bar. Big enough for a three-way split between me, my husband and son, my husband’s comment was that it was “better than pecan pie.” And, he is right – lots of nuts and not too syrupy. We’ll be sure to make our way back to the “instantly comfortable” setting of Steady Eddy’s again soon!   

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Dessert on Lake Shasta

By Amy Jackson

Houseboating is the ultimate vacation. I had the pleasure of spending three lazy days with my family and dear friends who invited us aboard their houseboat on Lake Shasta this past weekend. We spent hours sitting on the deck telling stories, playing Rummikub, and plunging into the lake. It was heaven. But as a foodie, true heaven is measured by the food that is served in paradise. That said, I owe props to my mother, the best pie maker I know (besides Kira O’Donnell). She brought aboard two scrumptious pies - strawberry rhubarb and raspberry. Thanks mom! 

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New “Midtown Taqueria” in East Sac

by Melinda McRae 

Housed in the old Sidewalk Pizza building, Midtown Taqueria on 37th and J has only been open for a few weeks, but already is a thriving outdoor eatery.  After doing vigorous yard work, we decided to ride our bikes over and check it out.  Even though I am very adventurous in dining, I pretty much always order the same thing with Mexican — bean and cheese burrito or carnitas — so those are my standards when judging a new place.  The bean and cheese burrito was just the way I like it — not too much cheese and the beans not too saucy.  My other set of criteria for judging a new place is the quality and variety of its salsas and Midtown delivered. 

They had four full, fresh bowls with a salsa fresca, a mild tomato and onion, a medium poblano avocado, and a medium-spicy orange-ish salsa (not sure of the chiles used).  We shared an order of nachos with carnitas, also yummy, but too much sour cream for my taste.  My husband got a dang chicken quesadilla that was perfectly fine.  The staff was very friendly and the interior and outdoor eating areas very clean.  They carry Corona, Pacifico, Modelo (especial and dark) as well as Coors.  We’ll definitely be back to try some of the yummy-sounding mariscos — nice to see they have seafood beyond shrimp, which is the case at most taquerias.  Next time I’ll trade my bean and cheese burrito for either the bass filet or grilled tilapia. 

By guest blogger Johnnie Beer (FH foodie spouse of MM) 

It was a night that couldn’t have been more perfect at The Shack on Thursday, August 9, yet it was still “the pits!”  Actually, just one pit, a hand-built-for-the-occasion roasting pit, that yielded the succulent spread for “Food From a Hole Night.”  At about 7:30 PM, Chef Gary and his buddy “Kiwi Bob,” with shovels in hand began unearthing the delicacies that awaited the captivated crowd.  The food had been roasting for several hours and after the dirt and the coverings were removed, a troop of helpers began carting away seemingly endless mounds of steaming whole chickens, roast pork, potatoes and cabbages. 

The bounty was served with an amazing shrimp and citrus salad, and delicious mini-meat pies that were also a huge hit.  The music of Section R added to the ambience of a most beautiful night (this is Sacramento in August, right?), and the evening was capped off with a delightful fruit pavlova, made with kiwi, strawberries and fresh whipped cream, all layered between homemade meringues.  It was one of those desserts that made you think, “I’ll just have a little of this,” and before you knew it, you were wishing that society allowed you to lick the plate.  Another in a seemingly never-ending string of great Thursday nights at The Shack!

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Tomorrow is Second Saturday – Julie Ficker will report on activities at her favorite midtown spots including Java City, L Wine Lounge,  Phoenix Gallery, and more!