May 2 marked the return of Wednesday certified farmers markets and 'Follow the Chef' tours to downtown Sacramento, namely Cesar Chavez Plaza, the park that faces Grange and The Citizen Hotel.
Since Chef Oliver only unpacked his knives and settled into Grange in November, he introduced himself in a casual California way that betrayed his Sussex [read: British] accent. However he restrained his gestures (arms) as he described how much he loves the restaurant's proximity to the growers. Trust your chef when he tells you that he and executive sous chef, Brad Cecchi, were there much earlier. The early bird catches the worm!
As we casually walked between booths, Chef Oliver entertained questions about seasonal crops, cooking and pairing foods, and his personal relationships with local farmers. (Some growers won't even sell you certain harvests because they've set them aside for specific chefs!) As we stopped at certain canopies, we were given helpful pointers: how to spot fresh asparagus, how to cook fava beans [or broad beans] and how to encourage children to eat healthy foods. Who knew dried apples and marshmallows are so similar?! Despite the dry winter in Sacramento, Chef Oliver notes 'pockets of abundance' in the region keep his creative menus thriving.
The tour also highlights the people who bring such fresh ingredients to market. All that charisma is definitely missing from the supermarket aisle. Near the corner of 10th & I streets, Beatriz typically brings the best melons and squash. Closer to 9th & I streets, Ryan of Bogdanich Farms features naturally sweet snacks from dried fruits to jams that pair well with goat cheese -- or grilled steaks. He knows his regulars, but is ready to help anybody entertain hungry guests. My favorite was Dr. Charles French, who retired from family medicine in East Sacramento to produce Tehama Blend Olive Oil. No special orders needed from your primary care physician to see this heart health specialist!
Good thing we received a reusable grocery bag at the outset. It helped me bring home some juicy red strawberries and green sugar snap peas. I'm imagining salad and grilled chicken paired with a viognier.
As the tour continued, I had the pleasure of meeting various Sacramento community members and visitors: from a food literacy advocate to a women's online magazine editor, from a California legislative lobbyist to a Illinois resident on vacation.
We knew the tour had ended when Natalie oh so tactfully asked, 'When do we get to eat?' That was kind of her to mask the growling sounds from my tummy!
Part 2 of our farm-to-fork adventure was waiting for us back at the restaurant... Ready for the conclusion of our Park-to-Plate narrative?
Are you meeting planner who's already picturing 'Follow the Chef' as a team building activity, incentive, or networking event for your conference? Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau to ask us how to make the most of your downtown Sacramento dining partners.
The Beer Renaissance 
Fun on the river 
"Follow the Chef" is Back
Pedal Power
City of Festivals
Hello again. Well day two in 
Now we are off to visit the first Gold Country wineries off of Main Street, 
large winery with a huge tasting room/deli, a museum and an amphitheatre where they hold 
As we were getting ready to leave, John Kautz (Kautz family owns Ironstone Vineyards) came in. I introduced
myself and he offered to give us a tour of the 
potato chips and chocolate. I could not have asked for a better combination!! 
Last but not least we went to visit 
. It is a fun drive through the vineyards and it overlooks the hills of the Gold Country. 
Here we tasted a few wines that were not in their tasting room on Main Street. As we left 
the winery there is a large frog that looks like a rubber chicken. In our travels we saw a few of these large frogs and the story is that Calaveras County (where Murphys is located) is known for their jumping frog contests. So here we are at our last stop with a frog that looks like a rubber chicken!
As we are leaving I stop to take one more picture and I feel like I am on top of the world or at least
And so, last year, the decision was made to change the Festival’s name, reflecting a focus on multiple genres of music.
The Jazz Society’s monthly 
When Cindy, Carol, and I heard that the Leland Stanford Mansion and the California Governor’s Mansion were rumored to be on the State Parks closure list, we decided we wanted to see both of these important Sacramento attractions. 
conclusion, “That was better than I expected!” We recommend that you go see it if you can. We could only wish to be lucky enough to attend an official function there - that would be fantastic! We have not made it yet to the historic Governor’s Mansion at 16th and H Streets, but hope to get there soon! It is great that both of these great Sacramento tourist attractions are located in downtown Sacramento, steps from several great restaurants and hotels. 
Amtrak, where have you been all my life? Seriously. 
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