Archive for the ‘Local Sacramento’ Category

Get your mobile calendars out…..March is just around the corner with many opportunities to explore your palates in and around Northern California.  Take the time to savor each moment by planning ahead and mapping out every weekend’s foodie adventure for the month of March.  No reason to get up and dig in!

March Foodie Events

Capital Beerfest -  Sacramento, CA
Saturday, March 2nd – 9am – 5pm – Cal Expo
The 3rd annual Capital Beerfest is expected to attract almost 90 breweries, including every Sacramento-area brewery. Celebrate the close of Sacramento Beer Week with one of the largest beer festivals in Northern California. The generosity of brewers, attendees and partners benefits the Runnin’ for Rhett Scholarship and the Runnin’ for Rhett Youth Fitness Program.                  Tickets:  www.capitalbeerfest.com

Pig Out at Pig Day – Davis, CA
Saturday, March 2nd -  8am – 1pm – Central Park
Come celebrate National Pig Day at the Davis Farmers Market.  This is a Piggie themed event for the whole family.  Lots of fun filled food, activities and entertainment all celebrating the plump pink and fabulous pig!  We encourage you to come in pig attire.  Davis Farmers Market is one of the top markets in Northern California – bring your market bags and baskets to fill up on all your local fresh produce, fruits and meats.   www.davisfarmersmarket.org

Spring Obsession Art & Wine Show 2013 – Murphys, CA
Sat & Sunday, March 2nd &3rd – 10am – 5pm – Ironstone Vineyards
16th Annual Art Show, Wine Tasting and Food.  There will be art in action, art demonstrations and cooking demos by chefs. Live music and daffodil flowers exhibit on the ground level. Ironstone Vineyards is a beautiful place set in the Sierras Foothills north of Sonora and south of Lake Tahoe.  www.ironstonevineyards.com

Sierra Foothills Farm & Wine Bus Tour – Placer County, CA
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Good news, foodies! You don’t need to be in a culinary program to partake in some excellent culinary classes offered in and around Sacramento.  Come on – take your spatula by the handle and get ready to learn, create and taste your newest creations in some fun, local culinary hands-on cooking classes.  Don’t let the word “culinary” intimidate you.  Let your passion for food drive you to some interactive food training.

Crepes, Gnocchi, Truffles……The Learning Exchange
The Learning Exchange is offering up some excellent cooking courses this spring in and around Sacramento. Who wouldn’t like to know how to make perfected crepes or have some fun with a class all about creating Gnocchi or focusing in on French Cooking?  These courses have a great variety for any type of cook and are located throughout the city and its suburbs.  To learn more about their courses and sign up check out:  www.learningexchange.com

Croissant & Empanada Workshops at Co-op Cooking School
Co-op Learning Center and cooking school offers something for everyone: from their extensive cooking class program to health and well-being seminars to a variety of lectures and panel discussions. They love to educate our community about important food, family, health and environmental issues.  The Co-op is committed to supporting organic local family farms and small producers of high quality food. They highlight these growers and producers in our specialty food tastings as well as featuring their organically grown ingredients in their cooking classes.  How cool is that?   www.sacfoodcoop.com

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Gourmet on ‘K’ Culinary Walking Tour is everything gourmet along one of Sacramento’s most historical areas.  Tour participants will be guided down Sacramento’s original main street exploring the beautiful architecture with many stories dating back to the mid 1800?s.  Learn stories along the walking route such as how Sutter selected the area along Front and K streets to harvest lumber for his fort and how the famed street became the premier location for department stores, theaters and hotels.  Even locals will enjoy this culinary excursion, enlightening their views of the most controversial street in Sacramento.

Sacramento has recently been named the “Farm to Fork Capital of the Nation” by Mayor Kevin Johnson.  K Street is seeing an urban revitalization with more and more empty storefronts becoming filled with excellent foodie establishments along with some local dive bars that boast locally produced ingredients on their menus.  Join Local Roots Food Tours as they share with their participants what’s “hot” on local farm to table cuisine by experiencing up to 6 different stops along “Downtown on Kay”.
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We tour all around different cities looking for what might be a winner and hot topic to talk about with our food tour participants.  Trying to stay ahead of the kitchen mallet as to what is trending compared to what is here to stay in the culinary arena has its perks and challenges.  Local Roots Food Tours has compiled their top finds on what you might experience in 2013 while on your “foodie adventures.”

Top 10 Culinary Trends For 2013:
1.  Chef’s behind closed curtains is a thing of the past.  2013 will continue to bring celebrity (as well as local chefs) front and center hosting special themed culinary events, symposiums and contribute to hands-on cooking classes.  No more hiding behind the frying pan – their talents and passion will continue to be exposed with many culinary events.  We are looking forward to seeing more of our local executive chefs come out and support Sacramento’s Farm to Fork Capital of America efforts by offering some pretty awesome cooking events in and out of their kitchens in 2013.

2.  Restaurant gardens – Whether it be in back alley gutters or a transformed back lot, gardens are popping up all over the nation.  Chefs cite many logical reasons why restaurant gardens are a good idea: cost, convenience, control, sustainability. The concept of in-house farming is hardly new and the trend has hit far and wide—there are countless restaurants tilling their own soil and planting the seeds for vegetables that will eventually appear on a customer’s plate.  A small farm adjacent to an eating establishment keeps that path from farm to table about as short as it can get.  One example we love is share is Mineral Restaurant in Murphys, CA.  Executive Chef Steve Rinauro and partner/co-owner Maya Rinauro have been busy planting, weeding, watering and harvesting their restaurant garden in 2012.  Their farm to table philosophy is lived vivaciously every day in their vegetarian menu.  For those restaurants who don’t have the option of a garden out their back door, buying plots of land in local farms creates a great option.  One local farm in Sacramento, Feeding Crane Farms offers such plots to local Sacramento chefs…..the next best thing to offer local farm ingredients.

3. Nordic food is out – Peruvian and Korean food is in for 2013.
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Join us on a 3 hour guided culinary walking adventure  that takes you through this popular Northern California destination. Learn what continues to make Sacramento a unique and delicious city, one taste at a time. Explore tree-lined side streets with spring blossoms gracing the scenery, Italianate mansions, historical neighborhood districts and great restaurants all set within a beautiful Northern Sierras backdrop. Our three-hour signature City of Trees Food & Cultural Walking Tour will let you see California’s State Capitol city in a whole new light. Get an insider’s look at the can’t-miss eateries and restaurants that only the locals are lucky enough to know about — until now.

By touring the city on foot, whether a visitor or a resident of Sacramento, uncover the hidden gem restaurants and establishments that you just don’t see driving by. Get tidbits of Sacramento’s history while tasting the scrumptious foods that make Sacramento’s culinary scene a regional treasure. This walking food tour, led by our trained tour guide, takes you into the heart of Sacramento’s historical neighborhoods. You’ll taste farm fresh ingredients that inspire local chefs, and explore beautiful mansions and their architectural history. This tour is a gastronomic adventure off the beaten path. Tours available Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11:15am. Private group tours available upon request with group pricing. Ticket prices range from $42-58.00pp

It’s hot out there!  Want to quench your palate with one of America’s favorite old-fashion desserts?  Long after the first push cart in New York City where the very first ice cream sandwich vendor would sell you a simple sandwich consisting of two chocolate wafers with a vanilla ice cream center was bought for 1 penny….ice cream sandwiches are becoming a staple on dessert menus in the local Sacramento dining scene this summer.  Here is Local Roots Food Tours foodie take on our top 5 must stops to indulge in creative ice cream sandwiches in our culinary city.

1.  Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates  1801 L Street, Sacramento, CA

A chocolate shop that sells homemade macaron ice cream sandwiches is a treat like none-other!  Ginger and her team offer three delicious flavors in their handmade Parisian Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pistachio, Lemon, or Salty Caramel.  The best part of the sandwich is the ice cream in the center of these delicious macarons.  All of their ice creams are hand-crafted in micro-batches using organic milk and local dairy.  Mmm, mmm, good!

If you are like us and ice-cream is a STAPLE during these dog days of summer,  mark your calendars for Ginger Elizabeth’s Ice Cream Socials.   They have a few socials still remaining for the summer time fun:

Saturday, August 11   Featuring: Warm Olallieberry Cobbler spooned over Sweet Cream Frozen Custard topped with Chantilly Cream. Featuring organic Olallieberries hand-picked in the Sierra Nevada Foothills by Ginger and Tom.
Saturday, September 8 Featuring: Saffron Ice Cream, Macerated Farm Peaches and Whipped Raspberry Custard layered between a Cream Puff and dusted with Powdered Sugar.

Saturday, October, 13 Featuring: Pumpkin Ice Cream, Brown Butter Ice Cream, Warm Monkey Bread Pieces, Sticky Raisin Sauce, topped with Crème Fraîche

2.  The Red Rabbit Kitchen 2718 J Street, Sacramento, CA

Who would think inside this cool, mist-driven, eclectic restaurant would be one amazing hand-crafted ice cream sandwich on a dessert menu?  We would!  Depending on what the chef is feeling for the week, The Red Rabbit Kitchen delivers an ice-cream sandwich that will take any lucky rabbit’s foot and make magic happen!  Continue reading!

Sacramento is always being highlighted for something, but did you know Restaurant News recently named Sacramento as the city whose “Restaurants Sizzle”?  Sacramento has evolved into a vibrant dining Mecca. Time magazine has also named Sacramento the most diverse city in America, which is reflected in the many flavors found in restaurants throughout the region.  Be adventurous and ready to be entertained as you join Local Roots Food Tours in one of their 3 culinary tours in downtown Sacramento.

Taking time to explore the back streets by foot, taking your palate on a culinary journey is what Local Roots Food Tours is all about.  Savoring, Learning, Exploring and Connecting its locals and tourist to Sacramento’s cuisine, culture and history.  Their tours are a great way to get acquainted with the local food scene, and a great activity for visitors, families, and co-workers alike.  They harness the power of great food to unite people, no matter their race or creed.  Spend three hours learning and tasting, and you’re sure to come away a bit more enlightened than you already were.  Book some time for you or your group and take a well-rounded sample of some delicious foods, from iconic restaurants to the hidden gems — you’ll see what the buzz is about! Local Roots Food Tours offers four tours in Sacramento; each distinctly different.  City of Trees Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour and our Origins of Sacramento Food and Cultural Walking Tour are offered 6 days a week, custom group tours can be arranged as well.  Their newest food tour experience is offered Wednesday and Thursdays; Market to Plate Executive Chef Lunch Tour

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It’s that time of the year again….local farmers and artisan specialty vendors getting ramped up for the launch of their produce and goods at local farmers markets.  Lucky enough, many farmers markets are year round in California.  What lies ahead are some amazing spring vegetables, fruits, artisan meats and cheeses.  The highlight of shopping the market experience is what you get to take home with you and create fresh ingredient dishes.  Trying to find a market in your local community being offered once a week is the key to always having the freshness for your kitchen.  We are lucky enough in Sacramento County where there is a certified farmer’s market almost every day of the week!

          SUNDAY MARKETS

Sacramento Central
If you can manage to wake up early on a Sunday morning, make your way to the Sacramento Central farmers market where you’ll find many Asian produce. Shoppers will find great prices at this Midtown market, which is among the larger markets in the area.Guide Tip: Get here early. Since this is a popular market, on a few of my visits, some vendors ran out of food.

• Location: 8th and W streets, underneath Highway 80
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, open all year

          TUESDAY MARKETS

Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park is among two farmer’s markets along P Street. Along the perimeter of the park, shoppers can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, herbs, flowers, baked goods and cheeses.

• Location: 9th and P streets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October

Fremont Park
Just down the street from Roosevelt Park is Fremont Park. Vendors are spread along the perimeter of the park.Guide Tip: Finding a parking space can be a challenge at both of these parks. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a metered spot. Remember to keep track of the time to avoid getting a ticket.

• Location: 16th and P streets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October

          WEDNESDAY MARKETS

Casear Chavez
Caesar Chavez Memorial Plaza is abuzz with shoppers from area office buildings at this downtown market.

• Location: 10th and J streets, in front of City Hall
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October

THURSDAY MARKETS

Capitol Mall Market

• 6th Street and Capitol Mall
• Hours:  10am – 1:30pm, from May through September

Downtown Plaza Market

• 4th and K Streets
• Hours: 10am – 2:00pm, from May through September

East End State Capitol Park

• 15th and L Streets, (Between L & N Streets)
• Hours: 10am – 1:30pm, from May – September

 SATURDAY MARKETS

Oak Park Farmers’ Market

• McClatchy Park, 35th Street and Fifth Ave
• Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunrise Station Market

• Folsom and Sunrise Blvds, Rancho Cordova – Light Rail Station
• Hours:  8:00am – 12:00pm, Open Year Round

Experiencing a Farmer’s Market through a chef’s eyes is an incredible experience.  Being introduced to local farmers and artisans.  Tasting, touching, smelling….it all is about growing your knowledge on how to pick out seasonal produce, how to use that produce in your home and receive some creative ideas on using the benefits of the produce to your advantage.  Sound too good to be true?   A new tour is being launched in downtown Sacramento by Local Roots Food Tours;  Market to Plate Executive Lunch Tour.  Beginning May 2nd and offered every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the spring/summer growing season, participants have the opportunity to be treated to a VIP Farmers Market Tour followed by a 4 course lunch with a wine pairing.  2 popular executive chefs will be taking fresh local ingredients from the morning’s local market and creating a wonderful lunch for all participants.  Get up close and personal with these two chefs.  Learn tricks and trades on how to pick out the best produce and fruits at this year’s farmers markets and receive recipe ideas to use in your own kitchen.  For more information on how to be a part of this unique and inspiring walking food tour please contact Local Roots Food Tours:  1-800-407-8918 or visit their foodie friendly website at:  http://www.localrootsfoodtours.com

 

 

Wine, Wine, Wine! (by Bethany Woy)

It used to be quite a process to organize a trip to Wine Country, plan out which wineries you wanted to try, find someone willing to be your designated driver and check times and availability at each winery. With the growing trend of wine tasting happening not only in California but also all over the United States, tasting rooms have been popping up all over the place. A typical tasting room is operated by a winery (usually in a vineyard) where bottling, production and shipping take place.  Some wineries operate multiple tasting rooms in different cities. Sometimes smaller wineries join together in a single tasting room so they may showcase their product.
If you’ve never attended a wine tasting at a tasting room: Please do. It’s an amazing experience. I know wine tasting can be an overwhelming thing and sometimes wine gets a bad wrap because people think it can be pretentious. I promise you it’s not. Make it a hobby! It’s fascinating the amount of time the wine making process is and it’s a beautiful science. You can so quickly get in touch with your palette and food will start tasting different! And desserts! Pairing wine and food can be so much fun!

What should you be looking for in a wine while you are tasting?  Here are the basics:
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Come join Local Roots Food Tours as we get up close and personal with local farmers, vintners, and executive chefs in our new Market-To-Plate Executive Chef’s Tour! This tour takes you through a popular downtown Sacramento farmer’s market, Cesar Plaza Farmer’s Market or East End Capitol Park Farmer’s Market and then into a four course, four star dining experience prepared by two local executive chefs!

This tour is a culinary and educational adventure. Participants are guided through an open-air market, where you can chat with the farmers and producers as the aroma of herbs and flowers waft around you. You’ll learn about what’s in season and how to choose and prepare foods from their seasonal harvest. We will meet local olive oil producers, lavender and flower producers, meat producers, and other artisans – in short, people who love to work with and talk about food! A shopping experience like no other!

Our tour continues with a 3 course exclusive lunch prepared by Executive Chef Michel at Morgan’s Restaurant (a four star, hidden gem restaurant serving farm-to-table ingredients). Lunch will be prepared using fresh local seasonal ingredients. Chef Michel will educate participants on how to use the produce they purchased at the morning market and share his culinary wisdom and passion for fresh, local ingredients. Definitely an up close dining experience! Lunch will be paired with a selected local wine.
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