Fresh, local feasts

IN THE FOOTHILLS AND TRUCKEE-TAHOE, the possibilities abound for preparing a fresh, local feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s. We are blessed with local farmers and ranchers, farmers markets, a growing number of artisan food makers, and stores that feature local produce and meats. Here are suggestions for finding the ingredients and preparing […]

‘Tis the Season: Holiday events in the foothills

Cornish Christmas Fridays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23; 6-9 p.m. Recapture the spirit of Christmas past in historic downtown Grass Valley during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration. Started in 1967 to preserve Grass Valley’s Cornish heritage and holiday traditions, Cornish Christmas remains one of the region’s most popular events. Mill and West Main […]

Emily’s Catering & Cakes: A “pop-up” bakery

LIKE FOOD TRUCKS OR FARMERS MARKETS, one of the fastest-growing trends in the restaurant business is “pop-up” dining. The temporary restaurants, whether at a private home or stylish loft space, are creating a new wave of entrepreneurs. Talented chefs can highlight their creativity without being tied “24/7” to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Customers appreciate the spontaneity. […]

Stucki Jewelers: A model for Main Street

MOM AND POP STORES ARE THE “economic engine” for the foothills and Sierra. But they face many challenges: big box stores, Amazon.com and population declines. On the other hand, independent businesses that provide unique products or services will continue to thrive, experts say. Fine jewelry retailers are a prime example. The reasons are multifold: Jewelry—an […]

Fresh, local feasts

“COOKING IS AN ART. CAREFUL SHOPPING, fresh ingredients and an unhurried approach are nearly all you need,” summed up the late British celebrity cook Keith Floyd. “There is one more thing — love. Love for food and love for those you invite to your table. With a combination of these things, you can be an […]

Wild for the Yuba

From movies to public murals, the Yuba River is intertwined in our region’s culture. Here are some examples: PRELUDE FOR YUBA SALMON Music in the Mountains’ Young Composers Project teamed with the Sierra Streams Institute and focused on the plight of the salmon and their importance to the Yuba watershed. The curriculum included both lab […]

Holiday Fairs & Festivals in the Sierra Foothills

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS IN NEVADA CITY Sundays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 1:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 16, 23, 5-9 p.m. Welcome the holiday season in style in historic Nevada City, where each year the town’s picturesque downtown transforms into a Christmas card come to life. The annual, family tradition features holiday activities for all ages: carriage rides, […]

Sparkling wine is becoming an everyday wine

LIKE MANY OF YOU, OUR PARENTS USED to reserve sparkling wine and champagne for special occasions—Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and big events. But younger people are embracing sparklers as more of an everyday wine and drinking it year-round. On a trip to Italy this summer, we noticed scores of younger people drinking Prosecco, Italy’s […]

Holiday fairs and festivals in Grass Valley and Nevada City

CORNISH CHRISTMAS IN GRASS VALLEY Fridays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m. Recapture the spirit of Christmas past in historic downtown Grass Valley during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration. Started in 1967 to preserve Grass Valley’s Cornish heritage and holiday traditions, Cornish Christmas remains one of the region’s most popular events. Mill and West Main Streets […]

“Magical Memories” at Resort at Squaw Creek

LAKE TAHOE IS IDYLLIC DURING the holidays, offering experiences that are redolent of a Norman Rockwell painting: long walks in the forest, big Thanksgiving dinner gatherings, drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace, and winter sleigh rides. Some of our fond memories include cutting our own Christmas tree (visit here for a permit), sledding or skiing near […]

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