March of the Microbrews
ALONG WITH LOCALLY MADE WINES, craft beers are on a roll. Though American beer consumption is flat, the microbrew market is booming, with double-digit sales growth last year. Craft brews have more than doubled their U.S. market share to nearly 6 percent in the past decade and 250 breweries opened last year. The more than […]
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 […]
Ol’ Republic beer now at Matteo’s Public in Nevada City
We headed to Matteo’s Public for dinner on Tuesday night — a regular hangout in our ‘hood — and to watch ol’ Republic tap their first keg (a Scottish-style Ale) outside of the brewery at Matt and Michelle Margulies’ restaurant and pub on Commercial Street in Nevada City. The restaurant has made its mark in […]
Ol’ Republic-Matteo’s partnership shows boom in craft beer brewing
On Tuesday night at 7 p.m., Ol’ Republic will be tapping their first keg outside of the brewery at Matteo’s Public. It represents collaboration between two growing businesses, both located in Nevada City. It also represents the boom in craft-beer brewing in our region. “I’ve hit mother lode up here,” Tom Dalldorf, a world-renowned beer […]
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 […]
Pizza & Pasta: Where to get it
ITALIAN-AMERICAN COOKING WILL TAKE its place at the table as a top food trend in 2012, predicts Saveur magazine. Regional Italian food also is high on the list. Some menu items and area restaurants that serve notable ones are: LASAGNA Tofanelli’s Lasagna is made in-house from a recipe handed down from generations, with layers of […]
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 […]