Nevada City: Let the Good Times Roll!

MARDI GRAS, OR “FAT TUESDAY,” is celebrated annually around the world—in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nice, France; and New Orleans. In the “Big Easy,” hundreds of thousands of people crowd the streets. The foothills has its own Mardi Gras celebration February 9-10 in colorful Nevada City, just named one of the best “river towns” in […]

“New Gold Rush”: How chefs, farmers, winemakers & artists are resettling the Sierra Foothills

A new generation of chefs, farmers, winemakers and artists are resettling the region. They are adding new energy and sophisticated offerings for today’s travelers while honoring the region’s rich history. The foothills’ relaxed lifestyle, Mediterranean-like climate and stunning beauty is prompting them to open wineries; restaurants with fresh, local cuisine; and local art galleries. This […]

Real Food Chefs who are revitalizing Sierra Foothills dining

Meet the chefs, restaurateurs & caterers in the Sierra Foothills who are revitalizing dining in our Sierra FoodWineArt special report: Ike Frazee Ike is the chef and owner, along with his wife, Adrienne, of Ike’s Quarter Cafe in Nevada City. Now in its 11th year, Ike’s is a favorite for New Orleans-style cuisine, made with […]

Eat Your veggies! Vegetarian cuisine growing

THE RANKS OF VEGETARIANS and vegans are growing, thanks to increasing health awareness, environmental concerns and more locally sourced fruit and veggies. As many as 10 percent of adults consider themselves vegetarians, even though they may eat fish or chicken occasionally, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. The foothills and Sierra are blessed with an […]

Going Gluten Free

MORE AMERICANS ARE eating gluten-free foods. Studies show that gluten-free diets can promote weight loss, increase energy levels and reduce heart disease. For 18 million people, gluten-free food is a necessity because of gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Gluten-free foods are on the rise, ranging from pizza, pasta and cookies to bread, cereals and rice—even […]

Where to Dine Al Fresco

Enjoyable spots for patio dining as the weather warms up: IKE’S QUARTER CAFE Ike’s tree-covered patio with brightly colored flowers is one of the finest outdoor dining spots in the foothills. Ike’s specializes in Creole food, using fresh, organic ingredients. 401 Commercial St., Nevada City 530-265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com KANE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT The attractive outdoor patio at […]

Good Times Roll Below the Snowline

GRASS VALLEY IS A JEWEL among the foothill’s gold-rush towns. At times, the snow does fall, but most of the winter it is snowless. This season you can attend the Foothills Celebration food and wine festival on March 3 and a classic Car Show on April 28. Visitors can enjoy boutiques, gift shops and art […]

2012 Food Trends: What’s hot?

LOCALLY GROWN MEATS, fruit and produce, gluten-free food and signature sandwiches will be among the hot trends this year, according to “What’s Hot,” the National Restaurant Assn. survey of 1,800 chefs. “Local sourcing—from meat and fish, to produce, to wine and beer—is a big trend,” says Joy Dubost of the Restaurant Assn. Other trends are […]

Soups & Stews: Where to find comfort by the spoonful

Soups & Stews: Where to find comfort by the spoonful in the foothills and Sierra: Gumbo Not the traditional roux thickened gumbo. It is a hearty soup topped with gingered greens and served with cornbread. Changes daily. Ike’s has been “keeping it Creole” for a decade. Ike’s Quarter Cafe 401 Commercial St., NC, 265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com […]

Best Burgers in the Foothills and Truckee/Tahoe

THE BURGER IS AN AMERICAN CLASSIC, just like mom and apple pie. Each year, Americans chow down 40 billion of them. Now the scrawny patty that gave rise to the $130 billion-a-year fast food industry is being reinvented as a gourmet entree. More burgers are being made with organic and local ingredients: grass-fed beef, homemade […]

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