California Travel Insider

Yosemite's Bracebridge: A Once in a Lifetime

The Bracebridge lottery of yore ended many years ago! by Barbara L. Steinberg

I was always fond of visiting new scenes, and observing strange characters and manners. Even when as a mere child I began my travels, and made many tours of discovery into foreign parts and unknown regions of my native city, to the frequent alarm of my parents, and the emolument of the town crier. -Washington Irving

The highly-coveted Bracebridge Dinner tickets were once available by lottery only, but no more! In fact, tickets and packages for the eight performances are easily purchased online!

As a witness to this historic holiday extravaganza, in your dreams you will see, feel, and hear the merrymaking; awestruck as Bracebridge whirls around you. This dazzling spectacle is set in one of the most blessed places on earth, Yosemite National Park. It is the experience of a lifetime!

This legendary celebration, adapted from Washington Irving's "Sketch Book," marks its 86th year this December. Trumpets announce the arrival of Squire Bracebridge and presentations of food are made on cue by the sounding of chimes during the performance.  The main dining room of The Ahwahnee Hotel is transformed into an Elizabethan Yuletide pageant. Elaborate props, costumed characters, and period entertainment bring this 17th-century fête to life along with a seven-course dinner.

Consider taking Amtrak to Merced and then YARTS (Yosemite Regional Transportation System) to Yosemite Lodge. Once in the Valley, you can ride shuttles; plus there's a special Bracebridge shuttle to and from The Ahwahnee Hotel, the backdrop for Bracebridge. Many people are reluctant to travel in the snow and with efforts to cut gas consumption using alternative transit is a real bonus. Of course, if you're staying at the Wawona Hotel you will need your vehicle. 

 

Santa Catalina Island: So many reasons to visit

Santa Catalina is waiting for Thee by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

Hey you travel enthusiasts and lovers of all things California! Everyone talks about California's diversity as a destination. Do you really know what that means when traveling California?  Beaches. Mountains. Deserts. Valleys. Vistas. Natural and man-made wonders. Urban and rural locales. Seriously, you can travel the globe in California enjoying every possible diversion and topography! Including islands!

There are a number of island getaways in California, but none more special than Santa Catalina Island. A trip to Cataina defines relax, renew, and rejuvenate.  And don't forget romance! Every visit is special and feels like a world away; each stay just as remarkable.

You know Catalina must be special because there are only two ways to arrive: by sea or by air. Part of the Channel Islands, there's obviously no driving the 22 ocean miles to reach the atoll. The majority of people choose the water route via Catalina Express out of Long Beach, San Pedro (seasonal) and Dana Point. The other options from Marina del Rey and Newport Beach are a bit longer and have fewer arrivals and departures. Private boast of all kinds – motor, sail, and luxury yachts – also ply the waters to reach the protected Avalon Bay. Helicopters arrive on an infrequent basis as do small private planes at the "Airport in the Sky." You have to love that name!

California is full of unexpected experiences. And Catalina Island is at the top of the "unexpected" list. The comparisons you often hear are Mediterranean or Greek Isle...another country. It's all true. Terraced across the hillsides, the tiny hamlet of Avalon is the "capital" city of Catalina and the major population hub. An eclectic assortment of tiny shops, restaurants, cobbled walkways and colorful tile work create a visual delight. The other major island town, rustic Two Harbors, is definitely less urbane, but you certainly won’t lack for food, comfort, or the friendly camaraderie of other island guests and staff. Lodging options on this quieter side of Catalina include camping and cabins.  The 1910 Banning House Lodge is available for guests seeking more refined accommodations

 Back in Avalon, places to stay fall right in line with the diversity realm. From camping to luxury vacation rentals the choices are many. On a recent visit, ocean and hillside views greeted us each morning from a sunlit balcony at Hamilton Cove – a vacation rental community of fully-equipped villas. It was surreal. Mainland California is just miles away, right? Catalina Island Vacation Rentals at Hamilton Cove Villas offer couples, families, and friends lots of extra room to relax and a true feeling of an island escape. And always that lingering question, "Where are we?"

Hamilton Cove Villas have a variety of rental options sleeping up to six people. Spacious living space, balconies, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, full bath (one or two) and endless views of Catalina Island are standard! Fully-equipped kitchens and barbecues provide additional dining options – favorable for families. A small private beach, playground, pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, croquet, and putting green – does this sound like a dream? Plus, the rentals include use of a golf cart – after walking – the preferred mode of transportation. Avalon is a short cart-ride away. The fun just keeps on coming.

It's amazing to hear someone say, "Catalina! There's nothing to do there." Sorry, cross those folks right off the list. After multiple trips to Catalina I look forward to each return. The list of distractions seems endless and something new is always happening. A tour of the Art Deco-splendid Casino (Italian for "place of entertainment") is another of Catalina's many must-sees. Built in 1929, the ballroom hosted dozens of Big Bands and thousands of music and dance enthusiasts. Many Catalina Island special events are still held at the Casino including the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival every October. A new "Behind the Scenes Tour" was recently added, one of two Casino tours, both come highly recommended.

A wide-array of dining experiences fit right into the "island time" concept of Catalina Island. Relaxed and  easy. Options to eat "al Fresco" are many, particularly along Avalon Bay. What better way to start the day then with eggs sunny-side up on a sun-drenched deck at Antonio’s.  Grab something to go from the gourmet deli at C.C. Beau Deli before heading out on a day of exploration.  Oh, yes, the Airport in the Sky’s Runway Café is famed for its buffalo burgers. If fresh seafood is what you seek...then your heart's desire is Catalina!  Fish tacos at the end of the Green Pleasure Pier are a must at Earl & Rosie’s…a decades-long tradition…and one of the first places I go once my feet hit the island shore. Or enjoy the very fresh, catch of the day at Armstrong's Fish Market & Seafood Restaurant along with a side order of those ocean views. Depending on your accommodations do a little grocery shopping, and enjoy an intimate meal from your very private balcony.

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is another diversion from the already dreamlike island retreat.  The native plant gardens are impressive and showcase the diversity of species endemic to the California islands or, specifically, Catalina. The views from the Memorial are worth the hike – it’s an easy one – and the Art Deco architectural details will end any doubts as to Catalina’s exceptional attractions. You often find yourself alone in the garden, which presents terrific opportunities to reflect on Catalina’s beauty and peaceful nature. On a recent visit, a lone raven seemed to be crying out to us and followed our group up the stairs of the Memorial. Maybe it was the spirit of William Wrigley urging us toward the top to breathe in expansive views of Avalon Bay.

Every season is Catalina season. Check ahead for special and seasonal events. The flying-fish migration is reason enough to celebrate each July. Sign-up for one of the boat tours – you have to see it to believe this magical occurrence!  Plein Air, marlin fishing, silent films, jazz, wine tasting, marathon, and more; the list of events goes on and on. The shoulder months between the end of October and pre-Memorial Day holidays offer better rates and fewer people on the island.

Who said there’s nothing do on Catalina? Just Ask Barbara...

Catalina Island Photo Gallery

How the whole trip began...as a mystery departure from Sacramento

 

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Fairfield this Spring

Take a Break to Tour, Taste & Learn by Fred Sater
 Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg

Days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up and there is a hint of spring in the air.  If you’re suffering from cabin fever, don’t despair, your tonic is only a few miles away in good natured Fairfield!

Conveniently located along Interstate 80 between San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield is the ideal destination to enjoy a springtime escape.  Visitors can expect an array of lodging choices and packages, wineries to discover, delicious dining options, unique attractions, and plenty of special events and activities to chase away the wintertime blues.

So, put away your umbrella and overcoat and check out this list of ten popular things to do and see this spring.

 1. Brunch with the Bunnies at Jelly Belly.  Bring your children to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield on Saturday, April 3 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for a special brunch with Wendell & Wendy Bunnies and Mr. Jelly Belly. In addition to a delicious meal, there will be entertainment and goody bags for the kids.  The brunch takes place in the Grand Bean Room on the second floor of the Jelly Belly Visitor Center.  Don’t forget to take a FREE factory tour and sample some of the more than 5o flavors from Cream Soda and Root Beer to Mango and Marshmallow, and new this year, Honey Bean flavor.  Price for Brunch:  $21.98 per person and FREE for children 2 & under. For reservations, visit www.JellyBelly.com. Be sure to bring your camera!
 
 2. What’s New Cupcake at Jelly Belly.  Cupcake book authors Karen Tack and Alan Richardson will be teaching a hands-on cupcake decorating class at Jelly Belly celebrating their newly released book – What’s New Cupcake.  The workshop takes place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 in the Grand Bean Room at the Jelly Belly Center.  The authors’ first cupcake book was a national hit and New York Times best seller.  Cost: $29.99 per person (children 5 and up).  A book signing follows at 3:00 p.m. For reservations, visit www.JellyBelly.com.

3. Scenic Limited Wildflower Excursions at the Western Railway Museum.  The Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction will be running special Scenic Limited trains every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in April at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to view wildflowers, such as poppies, goldfields, brass buttons, vetch, and sheep’s sorrel.  The Scenic Limited takes visitors five miles down the old Sacramento Northern Railway, south from Highway 12.  During the hour long train ride, passengers will have an opportunity to view impressive displays of native wildflowers that cover the hillsides and fields.  Fares:  $10 for Adults; $9 for Seniors (65 years and older); and $7 for Children (ages 2 – 14).  First Class service is $5 extra.  (707) 374-2978. www.WRM.org.

4. Taste Award-Winning Wines at Suisun Valley Wine Passport Event.  Tour the Suisun Valley wine country on Sunday, April 18 and visit participating wineries – the Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative, featuring wines from five distinctively different family-owned wineries – Bask Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars, King Andrews Vineyards, Sunset Cellars, and WinterHawk Winery; Blue Victorian Vineyards; Ledgewood Creek Winery and Vineyards; Wooden Valley Winery and Vineyards; and Vezér Family Vineyard – for wine tasting and food pairing.  11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Ticket Price: $25 for passport or $15 for designated driver.  www.SuisunValley.com.

5. Experience Rush Ranch During Their 20th Annual Open House. Enjoy a celebration of nature, art, music, dancing, and traditional crafts at Rush Ranch, a Solano Land Trust property on Grizzly Island, on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Activities include guided walks to Suisun Marsh, horse drawn wagon rides by Access Adventure, live music, square dancing, weaving and spinning, wood carving, flint knapping, local Native American culture, horseshoeing, blacksmithing, bats, falconry, farm animals, raffle, and art show.  New this year is a Ranch Life Children’s Interactive Art Station.  Admission is FREE.  (707) 422-4491 or (707) 432-0150, ext. 200.  www.RushRanch.net or www.SolanoLandTrust.org.

6. Take a carriage ride with Access Adventure.  Rush Ranch serves as the headquarters for Access Adventure, which offers programs of recreational carriage driving for individuals and groups of people living with mobility challenges, their caregivers, friends, family and supporters. Access Adventure can accommodate up to six wheelchair riders at a time in their Thornlea carriages that have solar powered, battery operated wheelchair lifts. The carriage is usually pulled by two black Percheron draft horses.  Not limited to wheelchair users, the Access Adventure carriage rides are offered from late April through October.  Michael Muir, the great-grandson of conservationist John Muir, founded Access Adventure in 2005 and serves as the program’s director today.  (707) 432-0152.  www.Access-Adventure.org.

7. Tee it Up at a Fairfield Golf Course.  Fairfield is home to the top two 18-hole golf courses in Solano County – Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano. Paradise Valley, praised as being the number one golf course in Solano County and best value in the North Bay area, has a spectacular layout that is enhanced by oak studded fairways and meandering creeks. It’s a favorite for golfers who enjoy a walking round of golf and is playable for golfers of all abilities. Rancho Solano, known for having a beautiful country-club-like setting, has an alluring layout with hilly terrain and undulated greens that add character to the golf course. Scenic lakes, elevated tees and well placed bunkers provide interesting features that contribute to the excitement of playing this course.  Several other challenging courses are an easy drive from Fairfield.

8. Go Behind the Scenes on an Anheuser-Busch Beermaster Tour.  The Beermaster Tour takes a look at the brewing of Budweiser and includes a visit to the Brew House, Finishing Cellar, Lager Cellar, and packaging facility.  The two-hour tour concludes in the Hospitality Room with a product flight demonstration and product sampling.  Participants will receive a variety of gifts compliments of Anheuser-Busch.  Cost: $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 13 to 20.  Guests 13 to 20 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.  For reservations, call (707) 429-7595 or e-mail fairfieldbrewerytour@budweisertours.com.

9. Savor some Delicious Dining Options.  The Hilton Garden Inn provides a 4-star experience at Ahi Seafood & Chops, featuring unforgettable delights using the freshest ingredients.  Enjoy fine Italian cooking at Vintage Caffe at Mankas Corner. Relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy homemade favorites. Fantastic artwork isn't the only enjoyment at Favela’s Fusion, a favorite for Mexican cuisine. Stocked with 43 different tequilas and noted that the margaritas use traditional agave syrup instead of Triple Sec. Chinese-Asian fusion dining and a hip bar scene provide unexpected culinary delights at the Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar. Outdoor seating is a nice option on a mild spring evening. If you’re planning a picnic, stop by Canepa’s Deli, an old-world-style Italian deli in downtown Fairfield for sandwiches, salads and pre-made foods to go. Bon Appetit!

10. Art is in the Eye of the Beholder. Now through March 27, experience more than 100 works of art at the 47th Annual Regional Juried Art Show produced by the Fairfield Visual Arts Association.  Some 400 artists, nationwide, submit entries representing all medium – oil, watercolor, ceramic, fiber, textile, photography, and more.  Entries are judged and displayed at the Fairfield Center Gallery at the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts at 1035 Texas Street in downtown Fairfield.  The exhibit is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is FREE.  www.FairfieldVisualArts.org.

Take your time exploring what Fairfield and the surrounding area has to offer and stay in one of the city’s 18 hotels that offer affordable and comfortable overnight accommodations.  Stay and play, or tour the region – either way, Fairfield is the perfect base camp for a spring escape.

To help plan a visit to Good Natured Fairfield, call the Fairfield Tourism Association at (707) 399-2445 or visit www.Fairfield4Fun.com

          Barbara L. Steinberg is a member of:
                  

New dining Shabu in Midtown Sacramento

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Well Really, Shabu Shabu by Barbara L. Steinberg

Finally! At last! OMG! Sacramento has something new to cheer about in the food realm. It's not another sushi bar. Nope, not Mexican. Not Thai. Not just expensive libations. Though I love all of those. It is...drum roll please...shabu shabu. The owner of Shabu, John Voong, simplifies for some (myself included) and calls it Japanese fondue. The only similarity is that you cook your meats and veggies in a bubbling cauldron of amazing broth. (I chose spicy miso.)  But that's where the similarities end. I don't want to begin to try and explain Shabu. Just go and experience this for yourself. This isn't a Japanese steak house where food and sharp objects somersault through the air. 

I have longed for something new in Sacramento's ever-expanding dining scene. And I was positively giddy after dining at Shabu for the first time. In fact, you couldn't knock the smile off my face. I had to tell someone...so I called my friend Judith. She's traveled the world...she loves good food...she lives in Midtown...I knew I had to share the good news with someone who would care. Someone who would get why this was so exciting.

                          The Rest of the Story......

Member

California Welcome Center Opening in Tulare County!

Great news from the Sequoia Valley Visitors Council & Tulare County EDC!

Save the Date! Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the newest California Welcome Center - Thursday, December 10th at 4pm!   We invite you, our friends and colleagues, to join us and celebrate as we open our doors and welcome visitors to Tulare County.        We look forward to seeing you and if you have any questions please contact Susan Mendonca at the EDC.    Sincerely,  Paul Saldana Economic Development Corporation Grand Opening:

Thursday, December 10th 4:00-7:00pm

Location:   4500 South Laspina, Tulare, CA  93274

Come to Sequoia Valley California

Top Ice Cream Sandwiches in Sacramento & San Jose

Barbara's Bites on the Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in Sacramento & Beyond
by Barbara L. Steinberg©  

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am very specific when it comes food. Not all things food...but there are those things I would say, "I am a snob when it comes to ______,"  You can fill in the blank. Now don't misunderstand...I love to eat just about anything and everything. But some things, well, I have my standards.

Ice cream is one of those things where my standards are high. But particularly, and in this case, ice cream sandwiches. It's all about the sandwich AND the ice cream. I must say I have been jaded because Sacramento has a FABULOUS cookie store...Goodie Tuchews...where they also hand-make ice cream sandwiches right before your eyes...and taste buds. Goodie Tuchews isn't alone in this world of ice cream sandwich (I.C.S.) creations, but what owner Terry O'Reilly has is more than 25 years in the cookie kingdom, producing 19...yes, that's a one and a nine, 19 varieties of cookies from which to assemble a luscious ice cream sandwich.

The combinations are nearly endless. How about Snickerdoodle top and Milk Chocolate Chip bottom. (Hmmm, how do you determine which end is up?!) Or an Oatmeal Everything (that would be raisins, nuts & chocolate chips) and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Yeoweeeee! My personal fave is the Snickerdoodle -- top and bottom. Terry only has one ice cream flavor but it's an excellent choice and also VERY local -- the wonderfully smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream from the landmark of 69 years of ice cream joy, Gunther's.  If you want a special order, then Terry is happy to provide other Gunther's ice cream flavors. But be sure to plan ahead.  Goodie Tuchews ice cream sandwiches have been dessert at more than one of my family celebrations -- and they are a sure winner. Located in Downtown Sacramento at 1015 L Street, you need to get your I.C.S. fix Monday - Friday -- come early...call ahead...916/444-6048.

After thinking about this whole ice cream sandwich thing, I wondered how many others were serving up this old-fashioned delight.  And so decided I would punish myself in pursuit of all things sandwich and ice cream.

Locally, my second favorite is ice cream sandwich at Masullo's at 2711 Riverside Boulevard in Land Park. A newcomer on the Sacramento dining scene and really known for their outstanding pizzas...it was the news of their ice cream sandwich that recently brought me back. It was no slouch and glad I was to enjoy and pay for a dinner of pizza and salads to get to the dessert at the end. The Masullo-made oatmeal cookie is
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  I usually like my sandwich cookie on the chewy side, but in Masullo's case the oatmeal cookie crisp with currants is outrageous. The ice cream is from another decades-old Sacramento landmark, Vic's Ice Cream.  This luscious I.C.S. wins high marks as my second favorite Sacramento offering.

So, two down...and number three...the envelope please! The winner is...Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates in Midtown at 1801 L Street.  The chocolates are beyond lovely; even for someone like me who's not a chocolate junky. But when I heard about the I.C.S. I had to check this out. The Parisian Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches are beautiful. The "sandwich" -- a work of art --  is a wonderfully chewy macaroon-ish affair.  Now remember what I said about being an ice cream snob. Well, Ginger Elizabeth gets all my points for the ice cream portion of her I.C.S. She makes the creamy stuff! It is spectacular. I had the meyer lemon I.C.S. and it was fabulous. Others would probably choose this sandwich over others, but as much as I devoured the Macron and lemon ice cream, it was a little too rich for me. Still, don't let my tastebuds stop you from rushing to Ginger Elizabeth's...she's definitely got it going on. Plus she has other tempting ice cream items and flavors. Such a talent.

Whew. I am tired...but there's one last I.C.S. I have to mention. It's from out-of-town and I stumbled upon this delightful number at this year's Sunset Celebration Weekend - a travel, garden, food and wine event on the grounds of Sunset Magazine in Menlo Park. It was my good luck to be "working" at the event and just happened up Kicks Cookies & Ice Cream...one of the many food vendors. They have a cookie and ice cream cart -- be still my heart -- ice cream sandwiches on wheels. They can come to you and your event but they also just opened their first store in San Jose. Anyway...I tried their homemade Snickerdoodle cookies with a scoop of Double Rainbow strawberry ice cream. Let me just say, if I find myself in San Jose I am definitely seeking them out. I think you'll agree that this dark chocolate cookie I.C.S. might be worth a drive to the Bay Area.
 
If you have a favorite I.C.S. you think we should know about...please, send it over.

 

Terry assembles my I.C.S. Barbara L. Steinberg©     

Masullo I.C.S. I think you get the point.   Barbara L. Steinberg©  

Sacramento's Grange Restaurant & Bar at The Citizen Hotel Offers Culinary I.O.U.s

.

 There is no need to wait until October to cash California state IOU’s when Grange Restaurant & Bar is issuing IOU’s of their own with redemption through Sept. 7, 2009. Grange, specializing in locally grown and raised artisanal food, introduces IOU Happy Hour every Monday beginning July 20, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers discounted up to 60 percent. Grange Restaurant IOU’s for a complimentary appetizer will be presented upon receipt and can be used for future dining before Sept. 7, 2009.

Enjoy libations from the exclusive IOU menu featuring a strawberry basil cocktail and peach cocktail prepared with fresh local white peaches. The menu also includes a list of local California wines and beers as well as small bites such as fritto misto with squid and white fish, grilled flatbread with herbed marinated goat cheese and olives, and organic popcorn.

Located adjacent to The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento’s vibrant downtown core, Grange graces the corner of 10th & J streets within walking distance of the California State Capitol. The restaurant has been a runaway success since opening, featuring the culinary talents of famed Chef Michael Tuohy and a hopping bar scene like none other in the downtown core. Renowned nationwide for his devotion to serving the finest regional, seasonal and sustainable foods, Chef Tuohy has created a dining experience that celebrates the bounty of California perfectly paired with the state’s celebrated selection of wines and cocktails.

For more information, visit www.GrangeSacramento.com.

Grange
I.O.U
Monday Happy Hour

$6 BITES
Marinated olives/grilled flatbread
Herbed marinated goat cheese

Fritto Misto
squid / white fish / onions
lemon / caper aioli

Organic 479 Popcorn
pimenton and caramel fleur de sel

 $6 MIXED DRINKS
Raspberry/ Ancho Chili
Sauza Hornitos tequila, lime, fresh raspberries,
agave nectar, ancho chilis.

Strawberry Basil
Fresh strawberries muddled with fresh basil, and combined with Square One organic vodka, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar - served up with a fresh strawberry.

Grapefruit
Finlandia Grapefruit vodka, Cointreau, fresh grapefruit juice, lime and orange. Strained and served up in a chilled glass.

Peach
Fresh local white peaches and Roederer Sparkling California wine

$5 WINES BY THE GLASS
Sauvignon Blanc, Source, Yountville
Chardonnay, Matchbook, Santa Barbara
Zinfandel, Karly Pokerville, Amador County
Syrah, Scott Harvey, Amador County
Pinot Noir, Bogle, Russian River

California Extra Virgin Olive Oils Spotlighted at Yolo Competition

The Olive Press Takes "Best of Show"                                             

Already known as the most highly-awarded producer of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, The Olive Press once again earned high accolades and awards at the prestigious 2009 Yolo County Fair Olive Oil Competition held in April, with an impressive 15 medals in all, including a Best of Show, Best of Class, and Gold for its Lime Citrus Olive Oil. 

Gold Medals were awarded to an additional seven Extra Virgin Olive Oils including Ascolano, Koroneiki, and Sonoma Valley Blend. along with Best of Class medals going to both Sevillano and Mission. Gold was also awarded to Marquesa and Lunigiana Estate Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Silver Medals were awarded to Arbequina and Italian Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oils, along with Jalapeno Oil at this important competition.

All of these award-winning olive oils can be sampled at The Olive Press Tasting Room and retail shop, conveniently located on Highway 121 in Carneros adjacent to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards at 24724 Highway 121/Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA. In addition, a second retail location is located at the Oxbow Public Market, 610 First St. in downtown Napa.  Both locations are open to visitors 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

A complete list of the 2009 winners is available online.

Dining in Midtown Sacramento Just Got Fresher

Locavore Magpie Market & Cafe on Sacramento R Street corridor the New Hot Spot Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©  

The sign of good things to come is already here at the new Magpie Caterers Market & Cafe along the R Street Corridor in Midtown Sacramento. The owners, Janel and Ed, have been faithful followers of the locavore- and sustainable- style of cooking for many years. Both Sacramento natives and locals -- they live nearby in Midtown -- their catering gigs and culinary professions have taken them around the state and across the borders.

 

Read the rest of the story which includes links to local farm trails: 

Story and photos available for reprint. Contact: BarbaraSteinberg@CaliforniaTravelinsider.com

The Chauvet - Sonoma Wine Country Vacation Rental in Glen Ellen

Live Like a Local at The Chauvet Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

 

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to experience a bit of the history of Glen Ellen, in an au courant, luxurious environment. These six 3-bedroom, 2-bath condos are located in historic downtown Glen Ellen. Each unit is 2,000 square feet, with living room, open dinning room and gourmet kitchen, master bedroom with king-size bed and walk-in-closet, second bedroom with a queen bed and additional room doubles as a den with day bed and pull out twin. The condos are fully-equipped, except for food -- although all things are possible. You just need to show-up and move in. The Chauvet was originally built in 1906 and celebrated its centennial with a spectacular restoration and renovation.

Everything is neighborhood close!  Directly across the street, Glen Ellen Village Market provides the freshest products from local suppliers, as well as fully-cooked foods from which to assemble fabulous meals.  Within walking distance are some of the finest Zagat-rated restaurants in the Sonoma Valley. The highly rated Fig Cafe & Wine Bar was culinary heaven and we fit right in with all the locals and local wannabes. The neighborhood-friendly Jack London Saloon is kitty-corner to The Chauvet. Jack London Village, 1/4-mile down the road, has the delicious Raymond & Co. Cheesmonger, a wine tasting room, olive press, and a market and deli with locally produced gourmet items. The aroma from Wine Country Chocolates was enough to send me into a chocolate coma -- and I'm not someone who craves this god-like substance. Back at your home base, around the corner and a mile-away from The Chauvet...the biodynamic Benziger Family Winery and Jack London State Historic Park provide the perfect escape from your home away from home.

 

Great local wine and cheese packages are also available and delivered right to your door. Be sure to inquire when making reservations or upon check-in.

A home away from everything for couples and families. A great location to house the entire wedding party, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or any great retreat to the glorious Sonoma Valley. With so many nearby amenities you can save on fuel costs, too.

 

Live like a local? We can all only wish for life in this lap of luxury. I don't know about you, but I could bet use to this. There's off-street parking out back and a swimming pool.

 

Story & photos available for reprint. Contact:  BarbaraSteinberg@CaliforniaTravelInsider.com