I’ve been meaning to talk with J-E Paino about the “resurrection” of Ruhstaller and what it means to him and Sacramento. Now that the 3rd Annual Sacramento Beer Week is about to commence, there’s really no time like the present. We meet at Bows & Arrows, where I prematurely tried to get a Ruhstaller months back. This time the owner herself (Olivia) brings each of us a cold jar of ‘The Captain’.

“As a girl, what do you think of it” (considering it’s so dark), J-E asks. “Not too bitter, and rather floral?” I both say and ask at the same time. “Well, yes, it’s really citrusy,” J-E says, telling me that hops can impart bitterness or aromatics, and that they chose aromatics. But who is the “they”, what are they doing, and what does it have to do with this deceivingly-dark beer we’re drinking?

With an MBA and Real Estate development background, J-E Paino is also founder and proprietor of Ruhstaller Beer. While there are others involved behind the scenes, that’s pretty much where they want to remain (although I think Brew Master Peter Hoey should get a shout-out). But what exactly is Ruhstaller? It’s nostalgia, for one, and it’s the literal resurrection of a local beer. You see, Sacramento has a great beer history, known in the late 1800s at the “Beer Capital of the West Coast” with possibly as many as 16 breweries in operation at one time.

Sacramento’s agricultural landscape, rivers, climate, travel/trade accessibility and pioneering spirit made it a natural supplier of Mother Nature’s gems (such as hops, barley and mountain spring water). And one such entrepreneur named Frank Ruhstaller took advantage of these inherent gifts by making beer. Much more recently while a student at UC Davis, J-E stumbled upon the history of Ruhstaller and discovered, he said, that the beer was actually about the person as much as the beer. “The beer is important but it’s more a symbol of why Sacramento can be proud. It is a reflection of who Sacramento is and what she can be.”

Aside from his more silent partners, J-E says he partners with plenty of others around the great Sacramento Valley to make Ruhstaller successful, yes, but also more than just a quality beer. “Making a great beer, finding great partners and places where people who truly appreciate Sacramento go…” he looks around at the significant crowd behind him, “It’s for them.”

“We’re not trying to put it just anywhere,” in every watering hole around. There’s meaning behind the beer, the name, the marketing, the placement. “We’re really trying to build a solid foundation,” J-E says. “I want to build something that it takes an act of government to kill,” like Prohibition did in the early 1900s when “the triumph of national brands over local flavor meant that communities no longer had a unique local beverage they could identify with” (Carroll, Midtown Monthly).

“Success to me is if we’re able to earn back the title as Sacramento’s Beer.” And Sacramento is supportive; they’re drinking Ruhstaller up like there’s no tomorrow’s hangover. Sacramento’s engaged; many independent business survive here because the community is strong and connected. And Sacramento is also just plain thirsty.

~
“Her name is Matilda,” J-E says, speaking of the old truck I saw parked in front of Corti Bros. And yes, she does dispense servings of Ruhstaller at various events around Sac. But although she may be ornery, J-E admits, even age can’t dampen the mood that a good, hearty, historic brew tends to evoke… Perhaps it’s even the magical ingredient.

FACTS:
* Barrels of beer in the 1800s were twice the size they are today. Imagine delivering them by horse and carriage!
Ruhstaller’s taps aren’t any ordinary taps. They’re locally up-cycled tractor parts.
* 95% of the malt Ruhstaller uses for its beer comes from California but their goal is for 100% of both malt and hops to come from the Sacramento area, which is the way it was in the 1800s.
* Ruhstaller Beer can be found at various locations around town and from Vacaville to Elk Grove, but the circle is widening with Chico (and surely beyond) soon on its way. http://ruhstallerbeer.com/find-our-brews/
* The festivities in the background of our interview were from a group called QueerFest, ‘a lesbian social movement.’ www.QueerFestProductions.org

As for Beer Week (February 24 – March 4), again, Sacramento is supportive. Just some of the participating businesses and events include:

Mulvaney’s B&L, Bonn Lair, Kupros, Samuel Horne’s Tavern (Folsom), Streets of London, Fox & Goose, DeVere’s Irish Pub, River Rock Taphouse, One Speed, Bows & Arrows, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, Ink Eats & Drinks, Turn Verein, Pyramid Alehouse, The Shack, etc.

Sacramento Brewers Showcase & Capital Beerfest (2/23).
Old Sac Beerfest Pub Crawl (3/1)
Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival (3/3)

Cheers to Beer!

http://sacramentobeerweek.com

Sacramento's Historic Crest Theatre

Health First – To detoxify, soothe and pamper your entire being body, mind and soul, take a few gulps from the Fountain of Health and find that radiant you – Anytime. http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20666

Wallet and Family Friendly – Why not take advantage of these four letters (F-R-E-E) and attend Sac’s 14th Annual Free Museum Day?! – February 4. www.sacmuseums.org

Culture at Hand – Get a real visual of what makes Sacramento authentic by attending the 12th Annual A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival – February 2. www.accesssacramento.org

Belly Full of Beer – And watch for an up-close look at the upcoming 3rd Annual Sacramento Beer Week – February 24th – March 4th, www.sacramentobeerweek.com

For much more click and go: www.Sacramento365.com

Life and Death = ?

When I saw the altar in the middle of Sacramento’s popular Zocalo restaurant, and the lights dimly lit all around, I grew more curious than usual. What exactly was this Day of the Dead celebration? Resembling a miniature Tim Burton movie set, the table had shelves and curvaceous lines with gangly skeleton-like figures fully clothed and even fuller of life. With large hats, feathery boas and musical instruments, they made death seem like nothing to fear, perhaps just an after-hours party to celebrate the freedom from mortal existence and bad mortgage loans.

The celebration typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd – in conjunction with Catholic holidays All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – although some in America (perhaps incorporating Halloween) begin celebrating on October 31st. Instilled with rich culture and long-standing history, el Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday in Mexico and other North, Central and South American countries.

Not to say there isn’t mourning for loved ones who’ve passed, but this is a celebration of their lives, their spirits, their transcendence, and their return as well. Marigolds, for instance, are often chosen because it is believed that their scent can lure the dead back to visit. And since “the path back to the living world must not be made slippery by tears,” this celebration has all the fixings of one hearty party.

People gather in cemeteries, cleaning and decorating gravesites, making offerings to the departed, enjoying picnics and socializing with others. There are large feasts – often in the early morning or evening hours – and town center gatherings with street vendors selling colorful decorations and treats like sugary skulls and sweet bread made with “bones of the dead”. The holiday can be traced back to the Aztecs, and according to Wiki, “similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.”

A great deal of art is inspired by el Dia de los Muertos and much respect is paid to this multi-faceted holiday. It makes me think about how often we speak of our dead in the past tense, and how it feels so untrue… Borrowing from other cultures, perhaps I can start a new tradition within my own family this year

This one’s for you, Dad.

For some related Sacramento area events, visit:
www.sacramento365.com/search/results

[Image from Wikipedia]

Early Summer Fun

From Farm to You~
Announcing New Farmers’ Markets Locations:
1)Beautiful east end State Capitol Park, 15th & L Streets, every Thursday, 10AM to 1:30PM
2)St. Rose of Lima Park, 7th & K Street, every Friday, 10AM to 1:30PM (street or mall parking, light rail)
www.ca-grown.com

Portuguese Partay~
Come One, Come All for a Parade, Mass, Auction, Eats, Live Music & Fresh Air! The Freeport/Clarksburg Portuguese Festa will be held Sunday, June 19th at 54113 S. River Rd. 916-373-9942

100 Years of Making a Difference~
Stop to once again celebrate your rights at the Sacramento History Museum with the unveiling of the ‘We Won the Vote’ exhibit on June 16th. 916-808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?
FUN, of course~

OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Announcing the kick-off the 20th season of Friday Night Concerts in the Park.
May 6th and every Friday night, 5-9PM, through August 12.
Cesar Chavez Park, Downtown
www.SacFridayConcerts.com

ART & WINE AFFAIR
20 area wineries, artists, vendors, live entertainment.
Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8, 11-4PM
El Dorado Hills
916-802-6924, www.eldoradohillsartaffaire.com

PIXAR COLLECTION
Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions presents the Pixar Collection worldwide debut — One Day Only!
Sunday, May 15, 11AM to 4PM
California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
916-445-6645, www.csrmf.org

NATURE TOURS
Delta Eco-Tours – Take a short or long nature and cultural history tour of California’s best and most breathtaking locations along the Sacramento Delta.
Saturday, May 21, 2-hour History & Riparian Cruise
Saturday, May 28, 4-1/2 hour Tule Wilderness Adventure
Delta Ecotours/Hartland Nursery
13737 Grand Island Road (P.O. Box 439), Walnut Grove, CA 95690
(916) 775-4545, www.DeltaEcoTours.com

HISTORY TOURS
Gold Rush Legacy Tours and Old Sacramento Architectural Tours begin in May and go all summer long.
Saturdays & Sundays at 11AM
916-808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org

And for more ongoing, engaging and special events check out www.Sacramento365.com!

Today marks the first (?) and hopefully annual Sacramento Mobile Food Festival; also known as SactoMoFo (although their links don’t seem to be working for me). From noon to 6 at Fremont park (16th & Q), vendors from the Sacramento area, Yolo County and Bay Area will be offering fresh food amidst the luscious greenery of this peaceful park setting. There will be free valet parking for bikes and some live (?) music to add to the ambiance. The event is FREE, but bring some cash for the vendors, because I don’t think they take American Express.

Apparently, “The food truck trend has largely skipped Sacramento because of strict city ordinances” (Macias, Sac Bee), and this festival hopes to raise awareness about this issue.

For vendors check out:

http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/441086302/Sacramento_Mobile_Food_Festival_SactoMoFo

While information seems a bit limited at this point, the Who, What, Why, When and Where seem firmly in place. So why not be a pioneer and venture out into this promising land of food freedom?!

Crest's Marqui Being Remodled

Now in its 11th year, the SF&MF has grown quite colorfully to embrace and encourage new facets of filmmaking. Two programs for local filmmakers, both in their seventh year, encourage and support community engagement. Sac Music Seen is a program that matches local filmmakers to local musicians to make original music videos, with almost 150 completed projects to date. The 10×10 Filmmaker Challenge is SF&MF’s own answer to the guerilla filmmaking phenomenon, with teams being allowed ten days to make a ten minute movie.

The Festival also partners with other longstanding community events, such as the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. This year, one evening includes a fascinating pair of documentaries about the dangers to senior citizens in the LGBT community who sometimes find themselves going back into the closet to avoid discrimination in settings like assisted living facilities, and a film about transgendered musicians and singers.

SF&MF’s ongoing relationships allows for further interesting partnerships, including Sony, Rubios, Sacramento News & Review, Capital Film Arts Alliance and Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Arts Initiative. “Our primary mission is to showcase the work of talented filmmakers, but we’re also very much a community arts event and we work closely with our partners…to promote local interest and involvement at all levels.”

www.sacfilm.com

Mary, Monica & Justina Invite you to Festa

Festa Dinner
Saturday, May 29
Tri-Tip, Beans, Bread, Salad, Dessert
$15 per person
Music

Festa
Sunday, May 30
Parade starts at 10am
Mass at 11:30am
Auction at 1:30 (Donations are welcome)

Freeport-Clarksburg
Portuguese Hall
54113 South River Road
[North of Clarksburg in Yolo County - 2 ½ miles north of Freeport Bridge]

For more information, contact Monica Souza at (916) 925-8661.

Festival-Goers and Historical Characters Mingling

Modeled after the traditional gatherings of Scots in their homeland, the weekend-long festival features Olympic-style heavy athletics and Highland dancing, pipe bands and Celtic rock groups, sheep dog trials, historical re-enactments and more.

Just like any festival, there’s plenty of good food and fun, cold beer and faire frills, shows and vendors (although I would have personally appreciated more of those). But unlike many festivals, this one’s got an eye-full of colorful kilts walking around, as well as those manly Scottish games playing out on the open field. This April, there was plenty of sunshine and luckily also plenty of shade beneath ye olde olive trees. And if there’s one thing about Woodland, everything’s pretty easy here: easy to access, easy entry… easy escape.

What began as a simple “Scottish Picnic Competition” in a park is now what allows the club to “benefit” the public through education, scholarships and charity. McKinley Park in East Sacramento was the site of the first Sacramento Scottish Games & Gathering on June 16, 1877. The festival moved to the 55-acre Yolo County Fairgrounds in 1997 due to it having more elbow room, ample parking and helpful fairground staff.

The event is hosted by the Caledonian Club of Sacramento, a nonprofit organization established in 1876. Club membership is open to any one of Scottish birth or descent, their kin, and to any person interested in the rich and historic traditions of Scotland. They host other annual events, including the Sacramento Tartan Ball in November.

Keep the Sacramento Scottish Games in mind next year; it’s a magical day for anyone interested in Scottish and Celtic arts, culture and history – or anyone just a fan of festivals, period. It takes place the last full weekend of every April.

www.saccallie.org, (916) 557-0764.

Yolo Basin Trails - Davis, Yolo County, CA

On Saturday February 20th the festival will feature one full day of field trips, workshops and other activities at the Yolo Wildlife Area Headquarters facility in South Davis. Field Trips include rice farming first-hand, central valley raptors and birding by bicycle. Workshops include duck calling, decoy painting and bat class.

•Workshops and onsite activities only: $20
•Workshops/onsite plus 1 field trip: $23
•Workshops/onsite plus 2 field trips: $25
[Children 16 and under are free when accompanied by an adult]

www.yolobasin.org