Real Food on I-80
TRAVELERS ALONG I-80 NEEDN’T SETTLE FOR fast food on their way to the Sierra and back. Some of the region’s best eateries are just off the highway. CAFÉ ZORRO This restaurant, just off I-80 at Loomis, is a longtime local favorite and worth a stop. Its menu features seasonal fare such as fish, chicken, meat, […]
Craft Cocktails: Martinis & more for holiday cheer
THE MARTINI’S ORIGINS CAN BE TRACED back to a miner who struck gold in California during the Gold Rush, at least according to one popular theory. During the days of the Gold Rush, a miner struck it rich and walked into a bar—in Martinez—for a special drink to celebrate. The bartender put together what he […]
Auburn booms as a food, wine & art mecca
AUBURN HAS BEEN REVITALIZED and is no longer a “pit stop” on I-80 but a destination for dining and entertainment, as we’ve observed. It has some top-notch restaurants and restaurateurs, such as Jim Bril’s Monkey Cat and Gary Moffat’s Carpe Vino; good ethnic food, like Bobo Cafe for Vietnamese or Royal Thai; and Tre Pazzi […]
Best Al Fresco dining in the Sierra Foothills and Sierra
Enjoyable patio dining spots in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn and Tahoe-Truckee: IKE’S QUARTER CAFE Ike’s tree-covered patio with brightly colored flowers is one of the finest outdoor din- ing 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 A newly […]
Pine Street Burgers in Grass Valley is open
Pine Street Burgers in Grass Valley is open. The menu features all-natural burgers, Casper hot dogs, deli sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, natural shakes, dairy-free shakes, french fries and sweet potato fries, among other items. We predict it’s going to be a big winner, based on the owner’s track record and the boom in […]
2013 Food Trends: Our top predictions for the New Year
Here are our top food, wine and beer trends for the new year and where to find them in our Sierra foothills: 1. ARTISAN FOOD Hand-crafted food sales are booming. Food lovers crave artisan cheese, crusty bread and dry-cured meats. New laws, such as California’s Homemade Food Act, will spur further growth. • Smokey Ridge […]
Auburn: Après Ski in a Gold Rush Town
AUBURN IS FAMOUS FOR ITS gold mining history. What’s less known, is the city’s leading role in bringing skiing to the Sierra. The Auburn Ski Club was formed in 1928 by resident Wendell Robie. At Cisco Grove, the Auburn Ski Club built ski jumps, ski trails and a lodge (much of it now covered by […]
Lovin’ Meat: Where to get it
OUR REGION OFFERS some of the most flavorful steaks, barbecue and burgers anywhere. There are also abundant supplies of local beef, pork and lamb. California has more certified organic beef cows than any other state. For do-it-yourself BBQ, try the organic pork ribs from Llano Seco Ranch in Chico, carried at BriarPatch Co-op. For beef, […]
Art & Wine Walks: Grass Valley, Nevada City and Auburn
THE FOOTHILLS ARE A PRIME DESTINATION for historic, walkable towns. “Towns that ooze century-old ambience are strung out along Hwy. 49,” as Lonely Planet wrote in naming Gold Country one of the nation’s top 10 travel destinations for 2012. Examples include old-town Auburn; downtown Auburn, with its new central square; Grass Valley and Nevada City. […]
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 […]
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