The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for March, 2012
Revolution Wines V. Rominger West Winery
Celebrating Food, Friends, Wine & Life!
In one corner of Sacramento’s central city we have Revolution Wines, a winery, tasting room and bistro. And in one southeast corner of Davis we have Rominger West, a winery, tasting room and event space. Rominger (pronounced ‘roam’inger) West’s grapes are grown in the coastal range that overlooks the Sacramento Valley. Revolution’s grapes come from various locales in California, including the Sacramento Valley. Both produce and serve red and white wines, although I’ll refrain from comparing them, since wine palate and preference are so individual.
Just off Hwy. 80 at the Mace Blvd. exit, Rominger is in a ‘business park’-like setting across from Target. But once inside, it’s really a non-issue. Revolution is right off of – and almost beneath – the 160 freeway… So as far as convenience goes, they’ve both got that going for them. Revolution hosts wine dinners and release parties, happy hour and Second Saturday functions, and it also has a restaurant on the premises. Rominger West has local businesses cater during their weekly social events that include Thursday Happy Hour, Friday night parties, live music and dance lessons.
Rominger tries to be as sustainable as possible, is in a college town, and yet draws plenty of older folks. Revolution has a nice outdoor patio and offers a $10 deal for tasting and a glass of wine. Seems nearly neck and neck to me, but since these days more than one winner can exist at the same time… I figure it might just come down to where you’re headed or coming from, what day or time it is, and whether or not there’s enough room in your schedule for both.
Here’s to the urban wineries~ Making wine more accessible and mainstream!
http://www.Revolution-Wines.com, (916) 444-7711, 2831 S St, Sacramento
http://RomingerWest.com, (530) 747-2044, 4602 Second St, Ste 4, Davis
New Pix of Seeing Sacramento & Beyond
Wine, Rural, Feathered Friends, Cozy Nooks, Vintage Views, and Things that Start with ‘Wind’…
Sacramento’s Hidden Gems – Discovered!
The new Sacramento Visitors Guide is here!
Pick up your free copy of the 2012 spring/summer Sacramento Visitors Guide now. Get it at participating hotels, Sacramento visitors centers or the Convention Center; order it online (http://www.discovergold.org/visitors/freevisitorsguide.cfm) or call for a free copy – 800-292-2334. And while you’re waiting, here’s a sneak peak…
Diamonds in the Rough ~ Uncover Sacramento’s Unique Gems
By Melanie Noel Light
Unique to Sacramento, eclectic in experience, and as quaint as the neighborhoods they’re in, these experiences will leave a lasting impression on your senses.
SAVORY
The Firehouse – Known for its overall elegance, romantic courtyard and impressive wine cellar, the aptly-awarded Firehouse Restaurant has been a charmer since it opened in 1960. Quality customer service and enhancement of celebrations are the goals of The Firehouse’s General Manager and Wine Director Mario Ortiz, who celebrated his 40th anniversary with the restaurant in 2011. Working his way from busboy to virtually self-taught sommelier, Mario spent years visiting with the area’s top winemakers and learning to pair The Firehouse’s “California nouveau continental cuisine” with the restaurant’s 2,400 labels. Go for a romantic meal in the courtyard or try wine tasting Tuesdays in the wine cellar. 1112 2nd St., 916-442-4772, http://www.firehouseoldsac.com
>Stay – Old Sacramento hotels include the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn Capital Plaza
Jim Denny’s – The just-cooked-in-front-of-you quality of Jim Denny’s makes a visit to this tiny but mighty pre- and post-wartime eatery worth the typically-long wait. Known for their burgers, chili and monster omelets, it’s definitely quaint, always delicious, and a Food Network favorite. 816 12th St., 916-443-9655, http://www.jim-dennys.com
>Stay – Nearby Downtown hotels include the Hyatt, Sheraton Grand and The Citizen
STREET-SMART
Local Roots Food Tours – Let Lisa take you on a journey-afoot through Sacramento’s historic neighborhoods and unique eateries. Learn tidbits about the area’s architectural and haunted history, and sample locally-inspired signature dishes and drinks. Wear comfy shoes and have camera on hand for photo ops. 800-838-3006, http://www.local-food-tours.com
Bows & Arrows – Bows & Arrows is quintessentially Midtown with vintage shop, gallery space, café lounge and whimsical patio. The multi-use space, eclectic lighting and homemade goods (try the lime avocado popsicle) offer an intimate peek into what makes Midtown so uniquely “indy”. 1815 19th St., 916-822-5668, http://www.bowscollective.com
>Stay – Midtown accommodations include Amber House Bed & Breakfast
SOUVENIERS
Visions of Eden – For a glimpse of the finer (but still attainable) things in life, Visions of Eden is inviting and awe-inspiring. Luxuries for the home include dazzling Fire & Light glassware, mesmerizing pit and pendulums, luxurious tapestries and splendid garden decor. 126 J St., 916-448-1499, http://www.visions-of-eden.com
Evangeline’s – For a little unadulterated fun step into Evangeline’s for hard-to-find knick-knacks, costumes, accessories, and things that will coax a chuckle out of you. Never again underestimate the wonders of bacon- or mullet-inspired gifts. 113 K St., 916-448-2594, http://www.evangelines.com
>Stay – Old Sacramento area hotels include the historic Delta King
Good Dharma, Good Karma
A Good Egg: You are what you eat!
These are challenging times, and some of us may feel compelled or even forced to give up on certain things… But our actions will always have consequences – and whether personal or professional – I think we owe it to ourselves and others to not let the outer turmoil drown out the voice of the conscience.
While mine may be working on overdrive in some areas and being neglectful in others of which I’m not even aware, considering the re-actions to our actions can become a habit that easily sticks. For instance, since I’m such an animal and Earth lover, I try to mostly buy containers that can be recycled and products that do not do animal testing. I attempt to locate humane-certified meats wherever and whenever possible, and I have even begun (to my own surprise) experimenting with vegan products. There’s much more where that came, but the point is that all of our efforts really do help create a better world; and in the least, it’s a really good feeling being able to feel good about oneself. In addition, I think it’s not only important to patron socially responsible businesses, but to acknowledge the efforts of others. So I’m going to start a Kudos Korner to do just that, starting here and now.
Cafe Bernardo – In the Sutter District of Sacramento sits Cafe Bernardo, a restaurant that’s been serving it up fresh and local for (27?!) years now. Just ask chef Shannan Berg how passionate they are about both deliciousness and doing good. And they happen to use eggs from my second Kudos Karma nominee, Vega Farms…
Vega Farms – From the small farming town of Dixon comes a small family-owned farm that treats its hens with the highest of standards and gets their eggs to market within 36 hours of hatching. How do they do it? They work with UC Davis labs to ensure efficiency, healthfulness and safety.
While it’s just the tip of the haystack when it comes to California Grown and Savoring Sacramento, saying “thank you” just never goes out of style. And in this case, you can do two good deeds in one by stopping by Cafe Bernardo Midtown for some of the most scrumptuous food around.
Irish the Weekend Would Come Sooner…
See that green-hued rainbow overhead? It may not be obvious yet but it’s building momentum. And you know what’s on the other side… So are you gonna bah humbug the little Leprechauns already hard at work or are you going to join their merriment, song and folly this St. Patty’s Day?! It’s Saturday, March 17. No need to be saint or stick in the mud to join the communal festivities~
Got Family?
Join the Old Sacramento St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 2nd & L streets, 1PM. http://oldsacramento.com/events-and-activities-detail.php?id=189
Or get your green (tennies) on at a St. Patrick’s Day Nature Hike – Several different hikes will be offered for different energy levels and age groups. http://www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org
Or sing your heart out with the Sacramento Master Singers at Celtic Connections III – A collection of new and old music from Ireland, Britain and Scotland. http://www.mastersingers.org
Got Thirst?
Various Pub Crawls are occurring around the area, including one in Midtown Sacramento and one in Downtown Woodland
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/317062278352743/
Got a Little Commute?
Stop off in Winters for a hearty St. Patrick’s Day celebration in a tiny but mighty town – Wine and cheese tasting, live music, green gifts, and finally, that proverbial pot of gold~
No need to be green with envy. Join some of the fun (and get your own green tongue!).
Spring in Your Step, Art in Your Heart
Be Inspired
The blossoms are bursting sweetly and the greenery is rapidly revealing itself; the temperatures are mild and the sky is blue and clear to see. We are all appreciating this fine fresh weather, while hoping that the impending spring storms are fertile enough to moisten the soil and add to our water supply.
But it’s an odd time in history, wouldn’t you say? Do you feel it? And what do you do about it? I write to make sense of it all, for one. I also try to regularly converse with nature in order to relax and feel connected to something much larger than myself. I try to create a balanced lifestyle that includes healthfulness and harmony of thought, feeling and deed. And, I try to have as much fun as possible.
So speaking of fun and meaning, Mother Nature and Man… this is a good weekend to start envisioning, creating and framing the rest of your life. And a little bit of abandon is a great way to loosen tense muscles and minds.
How about supporting education, art and youth by attending the premier performance of SOURCE at the Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy. It visually tells the story of an artist (and his muse), who journeys through life’s ups and downs, discovering that his source of inspiration is always close at hand.
WHEN: Friday, March 9 & Saturday, March 10
MORE: http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/events/index.php?events_id=6891&tk=877221a5c4ad5192f7b8&event_on=03%2F09%2F2012
One of Sacramento’s greatest inventions – the SECOND SATURDAY ARTWALK – is a free self-guided grid tour of Downtown and Midtown businesses, sidewalks, streets and creations. Whether visiting art galleries, other shops that feature art, or dining establishments serving mouthwatering works of art, it’s all at your fingertips. Along the way, notice the vibrant murals that pop up here and there, or the sculptures and street art ripe for public viewing pleasure.
WHEN: Saturday, March 10
MORE: http://www.sacramento365.com
(Find hotel information here too!)
Immerse, Enjoy, Rest ~
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
