California Travel Insider

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

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 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

Sacramento California Hummingbird Bath

Sacramento Hummer It Really Is the Little Things by Barbara L. Steinberg©

I couldn't be happier to see the first real rain of the season in Sacramento. California's landscape is thirsty and the sight and sound of rain is welcome. Along with this joyful change in the weather, I was greeted by the song of a hummingbird outside my kitchen door. Not at all unusual, I looked to see where the tiny visitor might be hovering. To my delight, he was perched on the phone line enjoying what can only be described as a hummingbird bath. Over and over, he shook his wings, spread his feathers, tucked his head here and there...clearly a joyful moment...for us both. He was so engaged in this bathing ritual that I had enough time to run upstairs, grab my camera, and return. Not the best video in the dim light of evening, but you can see this Sacramento hummer is having the time of his life. We were both humming a happy tune.

This nature interlude reminds me, again, that even in our urban settings wildlife is all around us.

Another Little Thing - Southwest Airlines Burbank Airport

Another Little Thing by Barbara L. Steinberg 

And sometimes not so little. I was whining about having to leave my little corner of paradise…an oceanfront room at the Four Seasons-Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara.  Jump in the rental car and fight my way downstream to the Burbank 'Bob Hope' Airport after the calm of staring at the ocean.  OMG, back in the flow of traffic and taking what seems to be forever to drive all of 88 miles. I arrived at the Enterprise rental car lot only slightly frazzled. Searching to make certain every last item was retrieved from my midget Chevy and stuffing things into bags every which way.  I was way too early for my 2:50 flight, but I didn’t want to pay for another day of rental plus you just never want to take chances with the SoCal traffic. It's a much better idea to allow too much time, hang-out in the airport for a while, and imagine myself back in Santa Barbara.

So, I’m sitting at my Southwest gate.  Three men move into the seats directly across from me.  An elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, a guy in baseball cap sporting a capital “B”, and a guy in cool bowling-styled shirt.  I was really focused on the shirt – I love that style.  I kept glancing up. The man with the “B” hat was in the middle, directly across from me.  Finally I began to focus on him.  He was casually attired in a white shirt, gray pants, and nicely-worn white tennis shoes. I don’t know how many times I looked into his calm, tanned face before I thought, “Hmmm, he looks really familiar!” I thought I heard the word, ‘Hollywood’ and then I found myself straining to hear more. I didn’t want to approach without being sure – and the sound of his voice was so distinctive…and then I think I’m pretty sure. I didn’t want to be one of those looky-loos…some goofy celebrity hound.  Then, the guy in the ultimately cool shirt got up and I saw my chance.

I sat down and nervously said, “Are you…?” And he finished my sentence, “Johnny Mathis…yes, I am!”  I immediately apologized for intruding. Told him the sad story of having to leave beautiful Santa Barbara…but this was the end of my travel rainbow…and the reason why the powers that be had me leaving early. This one little encounter left me smiling and giddy, though I must admit I felt so awkward.  Of course the camera kept malfunctioning in my attempts to have one of his people take our photo.  Oh, god, he must be asking himself when this will all be over.  Eventually I had to give up and snapped a solo photo of him.  Natch…it was too dark.  Finally I got the flash to work and got a reasonable photo of him alone – profile – not what I had hoped for but I’ll take what I can get.

Eventually the group’s flight to Las Vegas was called to board -- Johnny was heading for a two-night gig at the Hilton.  And what an average thing to do, but for JM and his friends to line-up along with the rest of the Southwest crowd…he was right in front of me under the 51-55/56-60 line  And then he turned and said, “Is the camera working now? Let’s try again!”

Score! One more little thing..the word AWESOME says it all!

Amtrak California: Lot's of Little Things

I have been a fan of train travel ever since my first Amtrak adventure at the age of 30-something. Even now, I thrill at the sound of the whistle blast. And my nose is often pressed against the window taking in all of the back-road scenery.

Most often, I'm traveling the Capitol Corridor from Sacramento to somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area. When my husband was living in Oakland it was the easiest way to commute back and forth. These days, there are so many commuters, the train runs regularly and on time. Any chance to take the train...I'm all over it.

Most recently, a business meeting took me to the tiny valley town of Suisun...not far from Fairfield and Travis AFB for the destination challenged.  It's only about 45 miles from Sacramento but with today's fuel prices it still made more sense as a single passenger to ride Amtrak.  With a 3-day advance purchase, my AAA card gave me a 10% discount bringing the fare down to $27. The 90-mile, round-trip car ride would have consumed about $18 in fuel -- my darling Subaru gets about 24MPH on the freeway -- but taking the train kept me away from the Friday traffic hassles especially on my return trip. Plus, the trip from Sacramento was less than 40 minutes and was just so relaxing...I'll be doing it again this Friday. Anything I can do to take one more car off the road...

Okay, back to the little thing. On my return trip from Suisun the conductor asked me if I would like a "bus or Light Rail transfer for Sacramento."  Looking dazed and confused I asked, "For free!?"  He went on to explain that Amtrak provides free transfers from the Capitol Corridor to a number of regional transit systems including Sacramento's Regional Transit, Yolobus, Delta Breeze and more. In fact, if my friend hadn't picked my up in Suisun a free transit pass would also have been available.

"Is this something new?" I asked. Well, only if you consider the last five years new!!!  I don't know where or how they publicize this, but they need to spread the word. So here I am doing my best to support this "little thing" that is really a very BIG THING!  As well as the "green" thing to do!

All-l-l-l-l-l-l-l Aboard!

Groveland California: Service Is More Than A Little Thing

Remember when gas stations were called "service" stations?  If so, we know a little something about your age bracket(-;!  Back in those days it really was all about the service and a smile. There was no such thing as self-serve gas. In fact, I'm guessing they service station employees would probably have wrestled the pump from your hands had you tried such an insane thing as pumping your own gas.

In the days of service, they washed your windshield and asked if you wanted your oil checked. Sigh. Those were the days when you could "trust your car to the many who wears the star."

Well, those days still exist in some small towns like Groveland, California. A gateway to Yosemite, Groveland has been around since the Gold Rush. Just a few blocks long and wagon-high sidewalks. Wonderful historic places like the Iron Door Saloon (California's oldest continuously operated bar) and the Groveland Hotel who (likewise) has been greeting guests since the Gold Rush days. And like all of that incredible history Groveland also has one more blast from the past...a real live service station: Vern's Groveland Gas Station.

On my way from visiting the comforts of Groveland and the wilds of Yosemite National Park, I pulled into the very diminutive Vern's. None of that fancy state-of-the-art stuff. No pay at the pump. Just an honest-to-goodness service station. I didn't know when I pulled in. I got out and was heading inside when a young man appeared. "I'll pump your gas," he said. "We don't have self-serve here."

I couldn't believe my ears. "What?" I asked. "Why?" looking a gift horse in the mouth. Imagine...service without having to ask!

The reason doesn't matter. What he answered was, "The station's been full-service since the current owner, Vern, took over in 1987."  My young service attendant, Tim, has worked at the station since 1996.  With pump running, he proceeded to clean my windshield. I hadn't even asked. Real service folks, I'm not fooling.

With my tank full I was ready to head down the road to Sacramento -- spirits renewed that there really are lots of little things out there that count. It made the spiraling fuel cost a lot easier to swallow.

BTW - If you're looking for a change in lifestyle and the idea of living on the edge of Yosemite appeals to you, Vern is looking to retire. Yes, that's right...Vern's Groveland Gas Station is for sale. I only hope that the new owners -- if and when they ever appear -- will see the value in a little old-fashioned service.

You rock, Vern!!

Barbara L. Steinberg

Breakfast Divine Monterey Bay California

As if Monterey Bay weren't enough. Coupled with stunning bay views from my suite windows. Oh, no, they just had to add the bonus of breakfast in bed...or in a comfy chair....or on the balcony...OMG...how do you decide?

When staying along Cannery Row and Monterey Bay, the choice is easy: choose the Monterey Bay Inn or Spindrift Inn. The views are unparalleled and there's the added "little thing" of continental breakfasts served right to your door! How precious.

Each day, a new in-room dining form is left on your bed. All you need do is check the food choices -- presented on a beautiful tray with fine china and linens choices include breakfast pastry, hard-boiled eggs, fresh baked breads, muffins and bagels, seasonal fruit, choice of fresh squeezed juices, cereals, and coffee or tea-- the time you want it delivered (very reasonable 7am - 10am) and hang the order outside your door before midnight.

The next morning, a gentle tap on your door brings your breakfast to you. No fuss. No muss. The joy of fresh coffee and all that view. Oh, yes, the daily USA Today, too! I must be dreaming.

BTW - the two inns have had this idea all along that "it's the little things" that count.

Barbara L. Steinberg

Contact me if you'd like to hear the "Rest of the Story" about my recent visit to Monterey Bay. Friends, families, lovers...nothing can compare.

Lincoln California Holiday Inn Express & The Little Things

I had the opportunity to spend the night at the new (opened in late 2007) Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Lincoln, California. On the edge of a big-box store development, this is generally not the sort of place I seek out. But when opportunity knocks I am the first one to answer the door.  As they say, "Never say never."  A great location for a retail getaway (seriously -- tons of shopping within walking distance). And the popular Thunder Valley Casino is just down the road. However, none of these were the reason for my visit...and so I digress. Back to the "little things."

When you check-in, there are plates of yummy cookies. I wasn't terribly hungry but simply couldn't resist. Okay, unexpected but not totally worthy of the "little things" award.

My room was beautifully decorated...very Euro-style I must say. But then I saw it..."the little thing" that was a first for me. The pillows...matching in every way except for the distinctively embroidered - "Soft" and "Firm." Wow! And, of course, I had to immediately do a push test to see it was really so.

I asked about this amenity at the front desk. I was assured that guests really love the idea and the "Firm" pillows are the most popular. Not for me -- I'll take soft and cushy every time.

But then this wasn't the end of the "little thing" awards. The towels in the bathroom are marked "Simply Smart". Though this is the brand, it refers to the idea of conserving water by not having your towels laundered every day.

If this is the new HIEH&S brand I'd say they've done it right. So if you're visiting the region and have reason to stay...check it out! The upcoming "Feats of Clay," sponsored by the Lincoln Arts & Culture Foundation, would be an outstanding to reason to think about visiting and spending a night or two.

BTW - this wasn't the end of all "the little things." That would be "The Rest of the Story" if you care to ask.

Big Bear California is Fuel for Thought

GRIN & BEAR HIGH GAS PRICES WITH FREE $100 GAS CARD

Big Bear Free $100 Gas Card Helps Ease Vacation Planning

As gas prices continue to sky rocket, vacation planners will seek gas-saving alternatives. This year for the first time Big Bear Lake Resort Association (BBLRA) offers a free $100 gas card for guests booking five or more nights at a participating lodge, or a free $50 gas card for guests booking a three or four nights stay at a participating lodge.

The scenery along Big Bear’s mountain highways is worth the drive in itself. Fresh air, blue skies, green pines, blooming wildflowers and mellow temperatures combine to deliver a great drive with a gas card reward at the end. Favorite springtime and summer activities in Big Bear include boating, hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, mountain biking, and golf. This year the fishing season is expected to get an extra boost because the lake is brim full.

The "Rest of the Story?" Email me at: CaliforniaTravelInsider@yahoo.com