Firestone Public House is Here

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:39:07 +0000

The long-awaited opening of Firestone Public House is finally here! They don’t have a sign up yet, but they will officially be open for business on Friday in the spot where the California Pizza Kitchen used to be at 16th & L. It’s a joint venture between the DeVere’s boys and Mason Wong of Mix [...] See more

Bike to Work Month

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:19:05 +0000

In honor of Bike to Work month, here is a photo breakdown of my ride in to work this morning. If you’d like to learn more about Bike to Work Month go to www.MayisBikeMonth.com. See more

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Farm to Fork Tour begins at Farmers Market

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

May 2 marked the return of Wednesday certified farmers markets and 'Follow the Chef' tours to downtown Sacramento, namely Cesar Chavez Plaza, the park that faces Grange and The Citizen Hotel. 

Since Chef Oliver only unpacked his knives and settled into Grange in November, he introduced himself in a casual California way that betrayed his Sussex [read: British] accent. However he restrained his gestures (arms) as he described how much he loves the restaurant's proximity to the growers. Trust your chef when he tells you that he and executive sous chef, Brad Cecchi, were there much earlier. The early bird catches the worm!

As we casually walked between booths, Chef Oliver entertained questions about seasonal crops, cooking and pairing foods, and his personal relationships with local farmers. (Some growers won't even sell you certain harvests because they've set them aside for specific chefs!) As we stopped at certain canopies, we were given helpful pointers: how to spot fresh asparagus, how to cook fava beans [or broad beans] and how to encourage children to eat healthy foods. Who knew dried apples and marshmallows are so similar?! Despite the dry winter in Sacramento, Chef Oliver notes 'pockets of abundance' in the region keep his creative menus thriving.

The tour also highlights the people who bring such fresh ingredients to market. All that charisma is definitely missing from the supermarket aisle. Near the corner of 10th & I streets, Beatriz typically brings the best melons and squash. Closer to 9th & I streets, Ryan of Bogdanich Farms features naturally sweet snacks from dried fruits to jams that pair well with goat cheese -- or grilled steaks. He knows his regulars, but is ready to help anybody entertain hungry guests. My favorite was Dr. Charles French, who retired from family medicine in East Sacramento to produce Tehama Blend Olive Oil. No special orders needed from your primary care physician to see this heart health specialist!

Good thing we received a reusable grocery bag at the outset. It helped me bring home some juicy red strawberries and green sugar snap peas. I'm imagining salad and grilled chicken paired with a viognier. 

As the tour continued, I had the pleasure of meeting  various Sacramento community members and visitors: from a food literacy advocate to a women's online magazine editor, from a California legislative lobbyist to a Illinois resident on vacation. 

We knew the tour had ended when Natalie oh so tactfully asked, 'When do we get to eat?' That was kind of her to mask the growling sounds from my tummy! 

Part 2 of our farm-to-fork adventure was waiting for us back at the  restaurant... Ready for the conclusion of our Park-to-Plate narrative?

Are you meeting planner who's already picturing 'Follow the Chef' as a team building activity, incentive, or networking event for your conference? Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau to ask us how to make the most of your downtown Sacramento dining partners.

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Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of May 14

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:05:54 +0000

This Week: Fire Up for Off-beat Events
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Theatre: How I Learned to Drive
Capital Stage
May 16-June 17
Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
A play of breathtaking insight, humor, & heart, this tells the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road & life in the '60s & '70s.  

 

Festivals: Raley Field Brewfest
Raley Field
May 18
Fri 7pm-10pm *VIP 6pm
The 2012 Brewfest has more than 50 beer vendors set to attend. Local band The Remedies will be playing live music on the field, and food will be available for sale.   Dance: Corazón de México (Heart of Mexico)
Three Stages - Folsom
May 18
Fri 7:30pm
26 exceptional young dancers & a live Latin American music ensemble present a passionate rendition of Mexican culture & heritage, both past & present.    

Music: Joel the Band: Billy Joel Tribute Band
Marilyn's on K
May 18
Fri 9:30pm
Performing Billy Joel's timeless repertoire as well as original musical works, Joel the Band will have you on your feet rocking out. Come out and partake in Sacramento nightlife!

    Museums: Armed Forces Day
Aerospace Museum of California
May 19
Sat 9am-5pm
Activities throughout the day include a ceremony honoring troops, Open Cockpit Day for kids, Coast Guard flyby, food from Swabbies, & much more!   Festivals: Celebrate Sacramento
Natomas High School
May 19
Sat Noon-4pm
Come together to celebrate our rich diversity and see all that Sacramento has to offer: from local businesses, to performance groups featured on two separate stages, to fun activities for children. Come say hi at the Sac365 booth!  

Special Events: Sacramento Promenade
of Mermaids
Old Sacramento
May 19
Sat 1pm
Mermaids and other assorted sea creatures will rise from the river and promenade around the streets of Old Sacramento to enjoy a day out of the water. The Grand Marshall of the event will be none other than DJ Larry Rodriguez!

   

Special Events: Open Studio, Open Mic,
Open Movement Evening
Sacramento Fine Arts Center
May 19
Sat 5:30pm-8:30pm
Enjoy an evening featuring poetry open mic, dancers, live models for artists, food, and refreshments.

      Festivals: Pacific Rim Street Fest
Old Sacramento & Downtown Plaza
May 20
Sun 10am-5pm
This festival displays the richness and diversity of many Pacific Rim cultures through cultural programs, entertainment, art, vendors, and food.   Food & Wine: Smoke & Fire BBQ Competition
Acacia Hall - Masonic Building
May 20
Sun Noon-4pm
Eight Sacramento City Fire Stations go head-to-head and helmet-to-helmet to produce the best BBQ. The Funky Blue Devils will be onstage, plus a beer garden, antique fire truck, raffles, and so much more for the whole family!

 
Sacramento365.com News

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Featured Local Artist of the Month: Terry Moore

 

Catch Terry this Saturday at the I am a Queen: Women's Empowerment Conference!

Learn about poet and spoken word artist Terry Moore in his Featured Artist Profile.

 

 

Sign up for our Special Features e-Newsletter

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the full scoop on holiday events, 2nd Saturday listings, and other special notices.

 

 

 

Make It A Night: Discover nearby Eats, Drinks, & Sleeps

 

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 Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

 

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

 

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

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Who’s Up for a Little May-hem?!

Thu, 10 May 2012 01:01:46 +0000

For Adults: MOVIES ON A BIG SCREEN – For the kookiest, raciest and most absurd film fun, visit MOBS in May and break out of that blockbuster film rut. Catch movies like ‘Quicksand’ with Mickey Rooney, the extra gory ‘The Brain that Wouldn’t Die’ and ‘Gamera the Invincible’ (the giant flying turtle). Why is May [...] See more

Getting Around isn’t always Black & White or Such a Bear…

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:02:02 +0000

There’s another option for seeing the Sacramento region – and California for that matter – on the horizon, and while it’s not a new name, it might just be a more viable selection than it had once seemed. Yesterday was launch day for Greyhound’s Premiere Express service in California, a new service designed to give [...] See more

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