FoodWineArt Insider: What’s Up In Our Region?

TOWER BRIDGE DINNER
Culinary pioneer and celebrity chef Jeremiah Tower will lead the team of regional chefs and farmers to create the 2018 Tower Bridge Dinner in Sacramento on September 30.

Recognized by Martha Stewart as “a father of American cuisine,” Chef Tower is renowned for leading the kitchen at Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Tower is also known for Stars, the San Francisco restaurant that he owned for 14 years.

“When we started the revolution in fresh, local ingredients at Chez Panisse in 1972, the Sacramento Valley was already a source and inspiration. Now it is the epicenter of those and a lot more ingredients,” says Chef Tower.

“Jeremiah Tower’s menus made Chez Panisse the place that everyone wanted to go,” said Anthony Bourdain in his 2016 film Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificant.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN
1956-2018
Bourdain, the chef, writer and culinary adventurer, died in June. He was a gifted storyteller, who used his books and shows to explore culture and cuisine. “In death as in life, he brought us closer together,” observed CNN. “Through the simple act of sharing meals, he showcased both the extraordinary diversity of cultures and cuisines, yet how much we all have in common.”

A CATERED AFFAIR
Emily’s Catering is a full-service catering company that can take care of as much or as little as you need. It can provide you with ap- petizers, side dishes or one of their specialty desserts to accompany your dishes, or let them handle the entire event. From simple drop off, to a fully catered affair, Emily’s is happy to customize their menus and services to fit your party’s needs and budget. Emily’s Catering on Facebook

A SUSTAINABILITY STAR
BriarPatch Food Co-op in Grass Valley is winning national recognition for its store. “BriarPatch’s inclusive hiring practices resulted in more diversity among its staff and its entire staff earns a local livable wage,” the National Co-op Grocers announced recently. In addition, new solar panels reduced the store’s carbon footprint by over 300 tons of carbon dioxide.

BriarPatch also received the “2018 Cooperative Excellence — Retailer of the Year Award” at a national gathering of 400 co-op managers in Portland in June. BriarPatch.coop

GET YOUR GRILL ON
It’s grilling season, and Olive Groove in Grass Valley offers flavorful olive oils for marinades, basting, sauces and bread dipping. Its Tuscan-infused herb olive oil can be brushed on meats or tossed on vegetables before grilling. The olive oil blend includes garlic, basil, rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes. GrooveToTheOlive.com

BURGERS & FRIES
Pine Street Burgers is expected to open a second location in late summer across from the Pine Creek Shop- ping Center in Grass Valley. It will feature all-natural burgers, house-made vegetarian burgers, hot dogs, wraps, fresh salads, and hand-scooped, all-natural shakes. PineStreetBurgers.com

“WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM”
Treats of Nevada City offers delicious ice cream, seasonal sorbets and vegan selections. Their ice creams are all hand-crafted using local and organic fruit and veggies, including peaches, berries, rhubarb, basil, ginger, mint and other flavors. TreatsNevadaCity.com

PICNIC ON THE SOUTH YUBA
Wheyward Girl Creamery in Nevada City is teaming up with Feast & Gather to offer “grab and go” picnic items for summer journeys to the South Yuba River and other outdoor adventures. The menu includes a wide range of artisan cheeses, and now, Feast & Gather Provisions’ gourmet sandwiches are offered at the cheese shop on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. WheywardGirlCreamery.com

FISH & CHIPS
The owners of Lefty’s Grill plan to open Lefty’s Fry House in Grass Valley in late summer. The casual restaurant will be located next to Sierra Cinemas at East Main Street and Hughes Road. The menu will feature Lefty’s signature fish and chips, sandwiches, fresh salads and more. LeftysGrill.com

JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP
Our magazine supports local college-bound students with an annual high school scholarship for aspiring journalists. This year’s winner was Sarah DeRise of Bear River High School in Grass Valley.

(Photo: Frank Stork/Sacramento Bee/ZUMAPRESS.com)