s u m m e r
Sips & appetizers
JULY/AUGUST 2013 lavishlivingmagazine.com
Plus:
battle of the vines backyard makeovers Sienna
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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cOntRactOR pRicing
kitchen eqUipment saLe
CRAFTED WITH PRIDE
YOUR cUstOm OUtdOOR
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IN THE USA
save Up t
$2000 O
On gRiLL h
eads
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lavish living magazine | MAY/JUNE JULY/AUGUST 2013 2013
California BaCkyard 2901 Arden Way Sacramento, CA
California BaCkyard 1529 Eureka Rd. Roseville, CA
California BaCkyard 12210 Tributary Ln. Gold River, CA
California BaCkyard 4710 Natomas Blvd. Sacramento, CA
(916) 488-5100
(916) 773-4800
(916) 353-5100
(916) 515-4800
f eatu r es | J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
contents
30
summer
cocktails
& savory appetizers Indulge this season in our areas most tempting refreshments and succulent cuisines.
40
Battle of the Vines
Plan your next day trip to wine country as the Sierra Foothills and the Lodi Appellation fight for the top spot.
50
Photo Credits: DaN HOOD pHOTOGRAPHY
Backyard Makeovers
Tips from the pros on how to give your backyard a facelift just in time for the warm summer evenings.
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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contents
15 | Lavish on Locals Beautimark Productions
18 | Lavish on Locals Fab Finds
f eatu r es | J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
23 | Lavish on Locals
47 | Home and Design
63 | Sip & Savor
26 | Lavish on Locals
56 | Travel
86 | Save the Date
Trending with Debi
SacrAMENTO fOOD BANK
GRACEFULLY vINTAGE
yOUNTVILLE
sIENNA RESTAURANT
jULY / AUGUST 2013
In Every Issue: Lavish on Locals | Travel | Home & Design | Sip & Savor | Save the Date SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
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lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
66 CHEF PROFILES 77 WINERY PROFILES
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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JULY / AUGUST 2013
Publisher | EDITOR Lauren Sturman
Creative Director David Martinez Sales and Marketing director Holly Troutt
travel editor Don Jackson
Contributing WRITERS Alyssa Severin, Heather Reagan Kelly Soderlund, Don & Ann Jackson Stacy Liu, Emily Verbeck Lacy Edny
Beautimark Productions represent an exceptionally talented team of creative salon professionals & artists whose talents & skills produce the most current trends in style & fashion. We offer a wide variety of fashion & beauty events. These events bring energy, entertainment, education, benefits & awareness to the community, local businesses, charitable events & organizations.
From Fashion Shows to HD/TV • Film Projects • Editorial Print • Hair Shows Charitable Fundraising • Business Special Events Make Over Events
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kate Hay
EDItorial inquiries info@lavishlivingmagazine.com
Photography Dan Hood, Jonathan Ricardo, Lisa Charrie Photography, Karen Howard
Full Day & Half-Day Seminars • Weddings • Queen for a Day Packages Girls Night Out Parties and so much more!
No event is too BiG or small for our team! For booking information please contact:
916.365.5507
www.beautimarkproductions.com
www.HollyRaeT.Isagenix.com World Leader In Nutritional Cleansing, Cellular Replenishing, & Youthful Aging. Our 9 Day and 30 Day Cleansing & Fat Burning Systems Help You Reach Your Ideal Weight & Reclaim Your Youthful Vitality
WHOLESALE PRICING
Holly & Mike Troutt Independent Isagenix Associates Health & Wellness Coaches
916-595-3250 Email: mtroutt53@gmail.com 6
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING OFFICES
Lavish Living Magazine 4989 Golden Foothill Parkway, Suite 1 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Comments: Lauren@lavishlivingmagazine.com www.lavishlivingmagazine.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of Lavish Living Magazine. © 2013 Lavish Living, Inc.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
printed on 10% recycled paper. All inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards. Our printer is a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Special
Any Pete’s Lunch Special & Glass of House Wine or Pete’s Pint. Valid from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday Not valid with any other offers, discounts, Groupons or coupons. Available only at participating locations below.
FOLSOM 6608 Folsom-Auburn Road (916) 988-8812 GRANITE BAY 5540 Douglas Blvd. (916) 797-4992 EL DORADO HILLS 2023 Vine Street 916. 933.3400
ROSEVILLE 5005 Foothills Blvd. (916) 786-2154
Our GOal is simple: GOOD FOOD & GOOD Beer. leT’s eaT! lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
7
Subscriptions: Visit our website for exclusive complimentary subscriptions not available to the general public. Call 916.358.3853 for details. You may also go online to lavishlivingmagazine.com and submit your request. Don’t miss another issue of Lavish Living Magazine.
Letters to the Editor, Calendar, Dining Guide: We welcome your input. Letters to the Editor must include your name, address (though these can be withheld on request), and a daytime phone number. Letters may be submitted via regular mail, fax, or e-mail (lauren@lavishlivingmagazine.
Tennis, swimming, fine and casual dining, friendly people and GREAT GOLF since 1962!
CAmeRon PARk CountRy Club is ACCePting APPliCAtions foR new membeRs... Call us today for details, including our new Single Golf membership.
com). Calendar events should include a basic description of the event; its time, date, place, and cost; and a phone number that readers may call for more information. The e-mail address for calendar items is (info@lavishlivingmagazine.com). To have a restaurant considered for our Dining Guide listings, contact us by phone or e-mail (lauren@lavishlivingmagazine.com). We also encourage you to contact us if your experience at a restaurant differs significantly from our listing. Information for these sections should be submitted at least six weeks prior to issue’s cover date.
Writer’s Guidelines: Lavish Living Magazine is always on the lookout for story ideas and talented freelance writers. To suggest a story idea, contact us via mail, fax, or e-mail (lauren@lavishlivingmagazine.com). (Lavish Living Magazine
3201 Royal Drive | Cameron Park, CA
530.350.1187 cameronparkcc.com
accepts freelance contributions, however, there is no guarantee that manuscripts or photography, solicited or unsolicited, will be returned.)
Advertising: Lavish Living Magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective and upscale way to reach the area’s affluent consumers. Information about advertising is available on the Web at www.lavishlivingmagazine.com. Call 916.358.3853 to request a printed media kit.
Sponsorships: Lavish Living Magazine actively supports organizations that make our cities a better place to live and
Like on To win LUnch on Us
www.facebook.com/pages/Lavish-Living-magazine 8
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work. Submit sponsorship proposals to Lauren Sturman, Publisher, at (lauren@lavishlivingmagazine.com).
Legalities: Lavish Living Magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Lavish Living Magazine or its owners. Lavish Living Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.
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publisher'sLetter
Editors Note
W
elcome to the second issue of Lavish Living Magazine! After releasing our inaugural issue, I could not be more pleased or thankful with the community’s response to our launch. It has been a whirlwind the past two months and a time I will never forget. To everyone that supported us and helped make this second issue possible, I give my sincerest thanks.
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.” – William Arthur Ward
With warmer weather finally in full swing, it’s now the season for outings, nightlife and backyard barbeques. One of my favorite things to do this season is to spend the warm evenings with friends and family sipping wine and nibbling on great food! Luckily this community is immersed with a bountiful range of incredible restaurants ready to serve you their latest refreshments and delicacies for even the pickiest of foodies- while escaping the heat! In this issue we have combed through our area in search of the best appetizers and cocktails to suit anyone’s cravings. Our Battle of the Vines story is also a must read for the wine connoisseur or even a wine novice. Plan your next day trip as we look at our regions neighboring areas and learn all that each has to offer. The Sierra Foothills and the Lodi Appellation will then go head to head to see which will earn the top spot and your visit. Thinking about a backyard facelift? We have you covered with our Backyard Makeover piece. Learn from the pros on how to get started and review the latest trends and elements needed to plan your project. Investing in your home is always a huge decision, so to help make this process a little easier we have provided you the contacts with years of experience to help make your backyard dream into a reality. Who doesn’t want a gorgeous pool to cool off in or an outdoor kitchen to entertain friends and family? It’s a manageable feat with the right people backing you up. Well once again, I hope you all enjoy and thank you for reading! Remember to take some time to relax and embrace your surroundings this summer. See you all in September!
Lauren Sturman
Publisher / Editor in Chief
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lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
Look for our
MEDICAL
Issue september
october 2 0 1 3 Featuring LocaL medicaL & proFessionaL perspectives & proFiLes.
for furthEr DEtAILs or ADvErtIsIng InforMAtIon CALL:
916.358.3853 4989 golden Foothill parkway, ste. 1 el dorado Hills, ca 95762 www.lavishlivingmagazine.com
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lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
Specializing in High Fashion, Glamour, Commercial, Editorial & Dance Photography
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Reminiscent of an Italian Villa and the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun�, this custom home sits on a usable 20 acre parcel with sweeping foothill views. It is surrounded by many olive trees, arbors of roses, lavender, potted geraniums and the soothing sounds of fountains. The interior is equally charming, boasting 3171 SF, 3/4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. The master suite, guest bedroom and bath are on the first level. A covered loggia opens to the built-in pool that overlooks the setting. The unique and authentic touches compliment the ambiance.
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916.425.9930
DRE# 01017131
Visit my website at www.debi4homes.net forlavish photo tours living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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SPECIALIZING IN L U X U R Y E S TAT E P R O P E R T I E S CERTIFIED PREVIEWS PROPERT Y SPECIALIST #1 CO LDW ELL B A N KER AG EN T IN EL DORADO COUNT Y SINCE 1998
916.712.1617 or 916.941.3006
www.patseide.com • patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com EL DORADO HILLS Offered at $2,695,000
D RE #00892540
4838 Moreau Court
P
alatial French Villa featuring unparalleled attention to detail and the use of the finest materials. The home is set behind the gates of the prestigious Serrano Country Club. From its promontory position; this home captures amazing views of Folsom Lake, city lights, coastal range and magnificent sunsets. Elegance abounds in this breathtaking home boasting amazing finishes throughout. The grand scale living room with soaring ceilings, incredible solid stone fireplace, expansive Anderson Windows and a grand staircase provides an ambience for gracious entertaining.
The luxurious owner’s suite includes a private terrace with magnificent views. For rejuvenation and relaxation enjoy the master bath featuring Grohe shower sprays, sunken jetted tub, elegant lighting, granite counters and spacious walk-in closet. This fabulous residence also comprises a gourmet kitchen with mahogany cabinetry, professional appliances, temperature controlled wine cellar, a superb theater, four en suites, mahogany paneled salon, hardwood and marble floors, view terraces and extraordinary landscaping, pool and spa situated on ¾ of an acre. Photography by Karan Thompson ©2013
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LAVISH on LOCALS
Photo: lisa patrini photography
LOL
Beautimark Productions By Alyssa Severin
As a girl, Donna Huston’s favorite place was the local wig shop. She would ride her bike straight to its doors, go inside, and begin working. She swept floors and tidied stations, and at the end of the day she received her pay: old wigs. “It sounds so gross now,” Huston laughs, “but the ladies gave me wigs that no one bought and I would just tear them up!” Little did she know that a pair of scissors and some old wigs would propel her into her career, but that’s exactly what it did.
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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lavish oN locals Owner and founder of Beautimark Productions, Huston has created a company that is a one-stop-shop for the beauty industry—if you need hair and make-up for any event of any kind, Beautimark provides it. Maybe it’s a photo-shoot for a magazine or a website; Beautimark supplies the photographer and models, along with completing hair and make-up. Same goes for a wedding—Beautimark will have a DJ and photographer ready, all while making everyone look pretty, too. “The way we work is meant to be really easy for [the client]; they come to us and explain their vision, and we either create it entirely or plug in where needed,” Huston explains. Huston and her team thrive on the creative process. If Beautimark is doing a fashion show—like the Masquerade Huston produced—they don’t want to simply send models down the runway while guests “eat a chicken sandwich.” “We involved choreography and made it exciting. We got another booking immediately!” Laughing, she adds, “It about killed us!” Beautimark hasn’t even had their first anniversary yet, either. Huston started in September 2012 after cravings for a new, creative outlet weren’t fulfilled. “I was getting kind of bored, and Beautimark was the brainchild of that. I had two salons in the past, but it occurred to me that I didn’t need a salon to teach,” Huston said. She had the key people in place for her business to launch, too. Her budding team brought personal experience from other fields, such as production and film. When Huston stops to think about it, she is still amazed at how the company has evolved. “It blows my mind when I remember how fast this came together. When you have the right people who are passionate about what they’re doing...wow,” Huston said. The immediate team of hairstylists and make-up artists play a huge role in Beautimark’s success. Huston explains that when clients sit down in the chair, hairdressers don’t want to ask the usual, “So, what are we doing today?” They want to create something more than that, something more than what a typical salon offers. “My girls are awesome. It’s amazing to see them cut loose—they work for 1215 hours and love that process. They love seeing the fruits of their labor,” Huston said. And although Huston may shy away from personal praise, her success in this industry is marked by the extensive experience she brings to the table. At 16-years old, Huston befriended an older woman at church who constantly offered to do hair and make-up for those in the
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congregation. She schooled Huston in everything from fake beards to aging people. And little did she know, this woman was Georgia Stepp—a makeup artist for MGM studios during Old Hollywood. “She never once said anything about who she was, she just taught us. She was retiring right when I was starting, and suddenly the brides were calling me!” Huston said. “Getting $400 cash at 16 makes you feel like you are on top of the world.” From there, Huston did weddings. At one in particular, a guest asked if she was getting paid for her services. It turned out that this guest was on the Cosmetology Board, and Huston had no license—so to school she went, and before she knew it, she was behind the chair for Redken. “When I got that job, the doors really started opening. Redken trained me on the business side, which I needed,” Huston said. Did we mention Huston also did hair and make-up for the Backstreet Boys? In 2005 Huston moved back to El Dorado Hills after being in Vegas since 1989 (what she affectionally calls “The Backstreet Boys years”) and business-wise, it was the perfect time for her return. “I was so lucky to come back to a community that was thriving. I was able to build my business quickly because El Dorado Hills was growing quickly. I love this area,” Huston said. She’s been surprised by the receptiveness of “a foothill community” towards the beauty industry, too. “It is so interesting that people are thirsty for high-fashion events found in cities. You would think this is a quiet, foothill area, but there are niches of people that have a big-city mentality and thus expect those services. It’s exciting for me, because Beautimark can bring that,” Huston said. Huston stops her answer halfway through and starts laughing, again,— “You know what it is? I’ll tell you. I make everything a party! It’s not just a make-up thing...I love the experience as a whole. That’s why we serve wine!” We anticipate much success for Beautimark as they venture into their second year. Huston has plans to offer classes on basic skills like blowdrying and make-up application, and she’s excited to expand her title of “teacher.” Huston lightheadedly ends by saying, “You would think women get sick of this stuff...but we just don’t!”
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For more information Contact Donna Huston at (209) 365-5507 or please visit beatimarkproductions.com
M
e
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Beautimark t
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Ellie Holt:
Jennifer Reynolds:
”Bring on the Beauty!”
“We don’t see things the way they are, we see them as we are”-
Bio: Ellie Holt has always had a passion for beauty and style! Once she graduated high school, she joined the Paul Mitchell Academy! The education obtained there inspired her to understand the meaning of beauty, inside and out. Styling is where she feels the most freedom but photo shoots and backstage is where Ellie really shines! Creating something beautiful has no limits, and that’s where Ellie can be found most often. Whether its the latest color or cut she is always willing to try something new on her clients. Ellie prides herself by always putting her heart and soul into every project she produces. BEAUTIMARK PRODUCTIONS has stolen her heart, and so she is confident to say “I’ll steal yours too!”
Anais Nin
Bio: Jennifer Reynolds has been trained in multiple facets in the beauty industry. She was trained at Paul Mitchell and successfully graduated and obtained her cosmetology license. Along with working at salons as an assistant and successful stylist Jennifer has worked for Clinique, Origins, and Elizabeth Arden utilizing her skills and knowledge of skin care as well as makeup. Her passion for the makeup industry led her to expand her skills into airbrushing and special effects makeup. She has used these skills in the industry in various areas such as hair and makeup competitions, theater, highdefinition films, print work and fashion shows. She can be trusted to carry out a vision from a concept to reality.
Denise Avallone:
” Redefine excellence through constant education and experience. “ Bio: Denise Avallone has over 25 years experience in the professional beauty industry. Beginning her career in the greater San Francisco bay area with a small chain of salons, she worked and trained new stylists in the art of haircutting, styling and color. In the 1990’s she was affiliated with Center Stage Salon, San Jose CA and gained experience and a passion for clothing, hair and fashion shows. Being involved in charitable events and couture fashion shows, along with continuing education has shaped Denise into a skilled, experienced and knowledgeable hairdresser. Published editorial work includes the NCA magazine “Total Look.” Denise continues to seek advanced education and is currently earning her Masters & Colorist certification through Redken 5th Ave. Creative up styling, extensions, cut and color design are just a few of the many talents Denise has to offer.
Stacy Ochoa
Bio: Stacy is the previous owner of Caledonia Salon, and is now one of owners of Salorah Salon located in the El Dorado Hills Town Center. She has been doing hair for as long as she can remember. She practically grew up in a salon. Her Mother started teaching her to do hair when she was ten, and has had a deep passion for it ever since. She specializes in precision cutting and coloring.
Kathy Day:
“Beautimark Productions gives me the opportunity to push my creative boundaries, express my artistic vision and continually challenge myself with amazing opportunities. Bio:Kathy Day has been in the beauty industry for twenty-four years. She is passionate about people and connecting that passion with her creative spirit. Her specialties in hair design include all aspects of advanced haircutting, hair styling and color. She credits her success in the industry to number of inspiring co-workers that she fondly refers to as mentors. These mentors always pushed her to grow beyond what she ever imagined and shared their knowledge freely, inspiring Kathy to do the same for newcomers to the beauty industry. She has always understood the value of advanced education. She has attended Martin Parson’s seminars for up styling, Nick Arrojo’s advanced hair cutting classes, various advanced hair color technique classes as well as attending hair shows and grand educational experiences such as Redken Symposium. Finally, Kathy is inspired by the very nature of the beauty industry. From season to season having the opportunity to take someone and transform them from ordinary to extraordinary is what has kept her passion for the beauty industry growing after twentyfour years. Kathy was inspired to join the BeautiMark team with the goal sharing her experience and passion for beauty by bringing it to the stage.
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LOL
FAB FINDS
Chic Wine
Accessories Corkcicle:
Harnery Lane Winery, Lodi
Cork Container:
Jessie's Grove Winery, Lodi
Diamond Wine Stopper: homewetbar.com
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Fleur de Lis Candle center piece: homewetbar.com
Lolita Wine Glass:
Cadence Corner Boutique El Dorado Hills (Includes pink container)
Vinturi Wine Aerator: Matchmywine.com
Crown Wine Rack: Potter World, El Dorado Hills
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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LOL
fancy faces
Photos: holly troutt
Towne Center Art and Wine Affair MAY 11 - 12, 2013, EL DORADO HILLS
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fancy faces
LOL
Zinfest, Vitner’s Grille at the Lake
PhotoS: DANI ADAMS
May 17-19, Lodi
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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Florals • Statuary • Fountains • Furniture • Area Rugs • Patio Furniture • Home & Garden Accessories • Boutique • Lighting • Pots • Textiles • More
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ROCKLIN: 4419 Granite Drive • Rocklin, CA 95677 • 916-624-8080 EL DORADO HILLS: Montano De El Dorado.1006 White Rock Road • El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 • 916-358-8788 lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
www.potteryworld.com
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lavish oN locals
Trending
with Debi By kelly soderlund
Home prices across the Sacramento region increased by nearly 23 percent in April compared with the same month a year before according to CoreLogic, an Irvinebased real estate information service. Furthermore, the company stated that in just one month, from March to April of this year, home values jumped more than 4 percent in the four-county Sacramento region. This price appreciation, in comparison to CoreLogic’s reported national increase average of 12 percent from April 2012 to April 2013 and a statewide average of over 19 percent during the same time period, reflects that the Sacramento area may be picking up where it left off before the housing market fallout in 2008. Indeed, many Sacramento households have experienced double-digit price appreciation in the past year.
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Debi Ambroff, an El Dorado Hills Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker, agrees that the demand for nice homes in Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties is high. “We are finding buyers are not only coming from the Bay Area, Southern California, and out of state, but that there are many move-up buyers right in the community. After several years of values that have remained flat, many homeowners are finding that they finally have enough equity in their homes to sell and move up to a larger or newer home. Not only that, many homeowners that did short sales can
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now purchase again too.” Due to the lack of new construction since 2008, the amount of available inventory in the area has been low. Recently, however, builders and developers have been in search of vacant land. Plans to build more than 10,000 homes across the rolling foothills south of Highway 50 in Folsom are shifting into high-gear in response to a housing market that has rapidly accelerated. The 3,500-acre parcel of dry land that the city of Folsom annexed last year is one of the largest and most anticipated areas for residential construction
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
in the Sacramento region. The market turnaround in the past year has renewed momentum for plans to build there. Greg Paquin, head of the Folsom-based Gregory Group, a home industry consultant, told the Sacramento Bee, “People were muddling through, and then we went from zero to 60, and everybody’s trying to do it at once.” The Bee also reported that the New Home Co., based in Southern California, announced it had bought 431 acres of the former Russell Ranch from a partnership controlled by longtime developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos. The company
Photo Credits: Karen Howard
intends to build 900 homes, preparing the land next year and building beginning by the end of 2015, according to Kevin Carson, New Home’s Northern California president. Paquin said Folsom, his hometown, and areas of Placer County in Roseville and Rocklin are considered prime building spots because of jobs, incomes and amenities. The houses that New Home Co. plans to build will be part of an area with good schools, familyoriented services, and miles of recreation trails. Many custom homebuilders are inventorying lots and building new homes as well. The amount
of new construction starts is continuing to increase, and Ambroff confirms that the demand to purchase is there. All of this activity results in bettering the economy for everyone. “It is a domino effect,” continues Ambroff. “The demand passes to all the trades who are instrumental in the new home process, i.e.: the painter, appliance stores, flooring contractors, landscapers and pool companies, to mention a few. All this activity brings more jobs to the area and, finally, a light at the end of the tunnel.”
For more information regarding the stunning, custom El Dorado Hills vineyard property pictured in this article, contact Debri Ambroff at Coldwell Banker. Telephone:(916) 425-9930 Website: Debi4homes.net Email: Debi.Ambroff@cbnorcal.com For more information:
Property Featured: 212 Powers Drive, El Dorado Hills
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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charity spotlight
Sacramento Food Bank
Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables? I can almost assure you that those visiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services are eating more local produce than you! BY lacy edney
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c
h
a
r
i
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y
s p o t l i gh t Once a month, families who are struggling have the opportunity to receive a week’s worth of food. Each family takes home about 40-50 pounds of food, 60% of which is locally grown fresh produce. Families choose their fruits and vegetables from a variety of seasonal produce and typically receive 7-9 types of vegetables, 3-5 types of fruit, a dairy product, and either rice or bread. SFBFS is changing the way people think about food distribution. “It doesn’t have to be processed food. We are teaching people about cost effective healthy foods and how to enjoy them at home,” SFBFS Communications director Kelly Siefkin explains. SFBFS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated “assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and moving them towards self-sufficiency and financial independence.” SFBFS offers six programs including this very unique and creative food program. Three times a week, SFBFS hosts a farmers’ market style food distribution in twelve different locations throughout Sacramento. There is music and smiling volunteers positioned behind heaping containers of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Nursing students and college nutrition interns equipped with recipes are available to talk about eating healthfully and how to prepare the local seasonal fruits and vegetables that individuals are receiving. Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services was founded in 1976 by Father Daniel Madigan. Because of his desire to provide for peoples’ immediate needs as well as help them improve their quality of life, SFBFS has provided family services in addition to food distribution since it was founded. During the course of the month, SFBFS assists 8,000 unique individuals as well as provides food for distribution through churches and other agencies to another 12,000 individuals, bringing the total number to 20,000 people assisted each month free of charge. SFBFS services are due to support from individual donations, corporation support and special events like Run to Feed the Hungry and Race for the Ring. Each
$1 donated turns into $10 worth of goods and services for the community. SFBFS is very excited about their new hands-on activities, particularly their demonstration garden where people can take free classes about everything from growing your own tomato plant in a bucket to canning and preserving. Food is the gateway to reaching people. SFBFS can then help them become self-sufficient through their education programs where individuals can earn their GED, improve their English, and even receive professional clothes for their work interview. In the future, SFBFS hopes to off the “farm to table” experience by opening a outdoor kitchen where families can see with their own eyes how to makes delicious dishes with homegrown produce. How you can contribute Tutor an ESL student. Hand out fresh local produce. There is a new volunteer orientation each week, and you can choose how you would like to help out. Get involved in SFBFS’s special events like the Feed the Hungry race on Thanksgiving day and the 5th annual Race for the Ring coming up on July 13. Race for the Ring is a scavenger hunt through Sacramento on bike to solve clues sent to you through a mobile application on your phone. Partner up for your chance to win diamond jewelry! Donate online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org Donate $10 via text: Text SACFOOD to 20222
For more information:
Call Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (916) 456-1980 3333 Third Ave. Sacramento, CA (Oak Park - main campus)
2469 Rio Linda Blvd. Sacramento, CA (North Sacramento – Saca CLC)
www.sacramentofoodbank.org
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WE’RE COUNTRY AND WE’RE COOL lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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LOL
Q&A
With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Terry J. Zimmerman, M.D., F.A.C.S
Q: What is the best way to treat upper lip wrinles? A: There is a spectrum as to the severity of the wrinkles on the upper lip ranging from very fine lines to quite noticeable deep creases. Before treating, it is first important to determine the cause of the wrinkles. If one is a smoker treating the wrinkles will always be disappointing unless the smoking habit is stopped. Others develop wrinkles over time from loss of collagen in the area tissues. Therefore the simplest option for treatment of these wrinkles start with the injection of tissue fillers. Restylane, or Juvederm injected into the lips along their border can help break up the lines and provide volume to the ‘valleys’ along the lip border. The individual deeper wrinkles can also be filled in a similar fashion, but one must avoid over filling the lip and creating an abnormal appearance. If the wrinkles are deeper, a more aggressive approach is called for. Simple microdermabrasion or glycolic peels are not strong enough to produce results. Successful options include dermabrasion, as a way of sanding down the surface and allowing the tissues to heal back evenly; or the use of an aggressive resurfacing laser to ‘zap’ off the surface layers; or the application of a deep phenol chemical peel to ‘burn‘ off the surface layers. All three methods are effective, but each have a recovery period of about a week to ten days followed by a few months of moisturizer, sunblock, and foundation make-up.
Q: What is the best treatment for age spots and sun spots? A: Age spots and sun spots are caused by excess pigment known as melanin, in the tissue. A consultation is very beneficial before embarking on using various remedies as treatment is dictated by the extent and depth of the pigment. Superficial and mild pigment often responds to the use of a topical agent called a hydroquinone, which suppresses the release of melanin and helps lighten the skin. Hydroquinones come
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in different strengths and take a few months to work. If the pigment is deeper and more extensive, treatment options include the use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), a moderate depth chemical peel, or a mild fractionated laser (Fraxel). On a rare occasion a pigment spot can actually represent a cancerous or precancerous lesion, and again supports the recommendation for a consult prior to treatment.
Q: What is the best laser to use to treat skin wrinkles? A: There are several dozen brands
and types of lasers out there being advocated for treating skin wrinkles. Lasers are very expensive pieces of equipment that emit a light of uniform wavelength. The lasers used primarily for the treatment of skin wrinkles can be divided into resurfacing ablative lasers and fractionated lasers. One must be very careful because often times a practice will recommend the laser they own rather than the laser which is most appropriate and thus there may be disappointment with the result. The strongest laser used for skin resurfacing is the CO2 (carbon dioxide) Laser. The second most effective laser is the Erbium Laser. These lasers are very affective; however they have a lengthy recovery. As an alternative, fractionated lasers were developed, which shorten the recovery, but do not treat as deeply and may require repeat treatment. An in depth consultation is essential, and with a physician knowledgeable in the various types of lasers available.
For More information: 2370 E. Bidwell St., Suite 100 Folsom, (916) 983-0550 www.zimmermancenter.com
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
The
Zimmerman Center
Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Specializing in: Breast Augmentation | Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) Liposuction | Breast Reduction & Lifts Face Lifts | Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Rhinoplasty | Botox & Injectable Filers The Zimmerman Center for Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery has served the greater Sacramento area including Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville and El Dorado Hills since 1991. Dr. Zimmerman is a leader in patient education, focusing on the entire needs of the individual when considering improving ones appearance.
Terry J. Zimmerman M.D., F.A.C.S Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
(916) 983-0550
2370 E. Bidwell St., Suite 100 | Folsom, CA
www.zimmermancenter.com President of the Greater Sacramento Society of Plastic Surgeons
Serving the community for over 25 years 29 as the first local plastic surgeon.
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
FIVE Cocktails &
Summer Savory By heather reagan
Appetizers
There is no better time than the summer to experience fun food and cool cocktails. In fact, summer tis’ the season for progressive nibbling- the unofficial term for hitting the streets with your favorite cohorts and taste testing your way through your local hot spots. With so many diners today interested less in the traditional one heavy entrée meal, but more so in sampling a variety of smaller portioned items, it’s no wonder that specialty cocktails and distinctive hors d’oeuvres have become all the rave. So, with new flavors and novel twists on hoary recipes, restaurants are staying relevant by coining modern creations, or in some cases, by reviving the classics. But not all hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails are created equal. For five show stopping hors d’oeuvres and bewitching brews, we’ve got you covered.
Fats Asian Bistro 2585 Iron Point Road in Folsom
Coconut Shrimp & The Fats Signature Double Dragon
Coconut Shrimp - These medium shrimp served on a skewer pack a flavorful punch. Dredged in an egg mix and rolled in fresh shaved coconut, the shrimp are then coated in panko- an airy bread crumb of Japanese origin, and gracefully deep fried to perfection. The crispy, crunchy coating is light, easy to eat, and a nice blend of savory and sweet. Served warm and with a dipping sauce, they come 5 to a skewer. The harmonious coconut and seafood flavor mixture pair well with many specialty cocktails and wines.
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}
The Fat’s Signature Double Dragon - According
to Fats legend, “The spirit of the dragon is unleashed in this 60 ounce drink.” This tropical sensation consists of two types of Rum, Cherry & Apricot brandy, Banana Liqueur, Vodka, Pineapple, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Mango Juice, Forbidden Fruit Puree, and a splash of Sierra Mist. Meant for sharing, as the name “Double Dragon” alludes to, this exotic blend is as flamboyant in taste as it is presentation. Wow! comes to mind as a fruit bowl, the chosen conduit of the Double Dragon, swimming with swirls of color, orange slices, and cherries is served with pride. Complete with mini umbrellas, this is quite the cocktail endeavor- a worthwhile one, at that! Served together with the coconut shrimp, this pair entices your taste buds into a whirlwind of tropical flavor.
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Hawks Restaurant 5530 Douglas Blvd in Granite Bay
Tuna Tartare & Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Ahi Tartare - A Hawk’s signature staple, this
isn’t your everyday tartare. Using only the best grade sushi- #1 sushi grade ahi tuna from Hawaii, the tuna is seasoned with a house made spice oil, which is made up of cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Powerhouse flavors horseradish- freshly shaved, chives, and preserved lemon zest are the accompanying ingredients that brand this dish as a superb selection. The tuna is delicately tossed with all the ingredients and constructed into a circular formation with a slight indentation carved out to hold a sweet, creamy quail egg yolk. This dish’s grand finale is when your server tops off the tuna by mixing in the egg yolk tableside. It’s difficult not be instantly smitten. The exquisite flavor and beautiful presentation of this show-stopping dish come together flawlessly. Enjoy the ahi tartare with a dry sake, junmai, (a super-premium sake with a crisp texture, and a fruity aroma, and semi-sweet, well balanced taste) or a glass of light white wine.
The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini - Sweet, salty, with flavors of fresh espresso,
hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate, this specialty concoction takes the cake. Stoli Vanil, Frangelico, Godiva, and vanilla simple syrup, and a single shot of espresso are the quintessential ingredients that make this martini the crème de la crème. Served in a chilled martini glass with a salted caramel adornment, this light brown glass of utopia doesn’t share the limelight; enjoy by itself, as an after dinner treat, or astutely paired with a dessert. Whichever you choose, you will savor each sip of this truly divine drink.
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Sienna restaurant 3909 Park Drive in El Dorado Hills Macadamia Nut Crusted Brie & Sienna 75
Macadamia Nut Crusted Brie - The macadamia nut is the fruit of an evergreen tree that originated in Australia. Brie is a soft cow’s milk named after the region of France in which it originated. When blended together, the combination of heady flavors unfolds a taste party in your mouth. The Brie is wrapped in phyllo (or, fillo dough) dough- paper- thin sheets of unleavened flour dough typically used for making pastries, and encrusted in macadamia nuts. A hot ooey, gooey, delicious indulgence, the Brie is served with sliced, grilled bread, otherwise known as crostini, and topped with honey-orange marmalade. Accompanied by tart sliced green apples and sweet strawberries, the grand finale of flavors is indisputably mouthwatering. Sienna 75 - Bombay Sapphire East Gin, St. Germaine Elder Flower Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, & Simple Syrup with Sparkling Wine are the key ingredients to this grown-up cocktail. Appealing to both men and women alike, the Sienna 75 is a popular choice among spirits seekers. Served on the rocks, this tricky mixture is both sweet and tangy offering a floral effervescence with an herbaceous element. In combination with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, it makes for an entirely refreshing and sunny cocktail on a hot day. The Sienna 75 marries well with the Macadamia Nut Brie as the union delivers a simultaneous sweetness and tartness with each enchanting bite.
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La Provence Restaurant & Terrace 110 Diamond Creek Place in Roseville Escargots Aixoise & Paul’s Famous Lemon Drop
Escargots Aixoise - A departure from the age
old delicacy, La Provence serves up escargots in an innovative fashion. Wrapped in spinach and sautéed in a compound butter meticulously comprised of fennel, shallots, anchovies, parsley, and garlic, the aroma alone send your taste buds brimming . The flawless infusion of flavor melts in your mouth as you take in the deliberate combination of the buttery escargot, the aniseed fennel, the zesty anchovies, and the zing of the garlic and shallots.
Paul’s Famous Lemon Drop - As with most Lemon Drop martinis, there is no lemonade in this infamous version. This delectable concoction is very popular, especially with the ladies, and tastes remarkably like the candy for which it is typically named. Paul’s famous version contains Grey Goose, fresh squeezed lemons, a dash of Cointreau Liqueur, and sugar. This smooth, kicky cocktail is served with flair and a citrus punch. Put together Paul’s Drop with the Escargot and you have a natural duo that share the invigorating tang of lemon- as a mainstay ingredient in the Lemon Drop, or as a pinch of zest to enhance the escargot. This dynamite duet can be defined as a definite guilty pleasure.
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36 Handles 1010 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills Grilled Flatbread & Grapefruit Crush
Grilled Flatbread - Naan Bread, a
soft and sweet traditional Indian bread used in pita style dishes, makes up the flatbread part of this filling appetizer. Grilling the Naan bread brings out its rich, smoky flavor. Once grilled, the flatbread is topped with sliced granny smith apples, chopped salty bacon, and crumbled gorgonzola for a supercharged blast of flavor. The combination of the tartness of the apples, the salt in the bacon, and the pungent taste of the gorgonzola fuse together to form a crisp, crunchy, creamy delight. The texture doesn’t disappoint as it is as rich as the earthy, rewarding flavor.
Grapefruit Crush - Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, Citrusy Triple Secorange liqueur, fresh squeezed Ruby Red grapefruit juice, and a splash of lemonlime soda are the tantalizing ingredients of this summer cocktail. Simple and elegant, the flavors of the fruit combined with the fizz of the soda also make this a festive and fun libation. Sour, smooth, and on the rocks, the Grapefruit Crush is thirst-quenching and flattering against the tartness of the grilled flatbread.
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Battle BY Kelly Soderlund
Northern California’s wine regions have long been overshadowed by their proximity to the venerated Napa Valley and Sonoma County, and while those famous vineyards are still packed with wine-appreciating visitors, other regions such as San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Foothills have emerged from the shadows and stolen some of the North Coast Region’s spotlight. Located right here in our own backyard, both Lodi and the Foothills are now ideal destination spots for local wine connoisseurs and amateur tasters alike.
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Lodi, located south in the San Joaquin Valley, is home to nearly 80 wineries and produces some 600,000 tons of wine grapes each year - more than Napa and Sonoma combined, producing nearly half of California’s Zinfandel varietal. Up the hill, the Foothills have also become a popular place to visit as the number of wineries in the region has more than doubled in the last ten years to over 150 in total. From small, family operations to large entities, the wineries here are doing a booming business and their wines have achieved national and international acclaim.
Interested in a day-trip, but not sure in which direction to go or how to navigate once you get there? Both regions are known for their Zinfandel, boast family-owned and operated farms, and have won countless awards from the San Francisco Chronicle’s prestigious Wine Competition. So while reaching a decision may seem like it would require a Herculean effort, keep reading, as Lavish Living’s Battle of the Vines pits these burgeoning locales in an all-out head-to-head— and is pleasantly surprised when it’s time to present the gold medal.
Vines of the
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Lodi
The Backstory: Located a mere 30 minutes from Sacramento, the region’s very first Zinfandel vines were planted in the 1880s, and now the fertile region of Lodi is home to more than 50 varieties of grape. Some of those first Zin plantings still survive thanks mostly to the 1970’s boom in white Zinfandel (Yeah, yeah. We know). Recently, many Lodi farming families, such as Harney Lane, have expanded their enterprises from growing grapes for neighboring wine regions to enter into the actual winemaking for themselves. “Harney Lane has been in our family for 5 generations”, says Jorja Lerner. “While our family has farmed wine grapes on the property for over 100 years, it wasn’t until 2006 that we started making our own wines.” Lerner adds, “I feel that our region is unique in that we have such rich farming heritage, and that carries over into the wineries. Multi-generational farming families own a large percentage of local wineries which offers unique opportunities to showcase our own Lodi fruit. It also offers the opportunity for visitors to learn more about agriculture and wine grape growing, and it contributes to the very relaxed and approachable atmosphere that Lodi exudes.” Setting the Scene The Lodi Appellation has a classic Mediterranean climate featuring warm days and cool evenings. Situated directly east of the San Francisco Bay at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta, cool “delta breezes” provide a reliable natural air conditioning throughout the growing season. This climate allows Lodi growers to consistently produce delicious full-flavored wines that contain a refreshing natural acidity. The bulk of Lodi’s wineries are concentrated along a grid of scenic country roads. Notes Jim Ladd of Lucas Winery, “There are tasting-rooms in the downtown area, but visiting the wineries is the only way to meet the people responsible for making the bottle you enjoy most. And what wine isn’t better when there is a great adventure story to accompany it?” Indeed, Credence Clearwater may have changed their tune if they were “stuck in Lodi” these days. Main Attraction It may come as a surprise to some wine connoisseurs, but Robert Mondavi (widely credited as the man who put California wine on the map with his Napa Valley-produced wine) actually grew up here. In fact, in 1979, 13 years after the establishment of the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, he built the Mondavi Woodbridge Winery in Lodi, developing it into a leader of popular-premium wines. But regardless of Mondavi’s celebrity, the real star of the show here is undoubtedly its Zinfandel: Lodi produces nearly half of California’s big, juicy red Zin. In fact, The Wall Street Journal named Van Ruiten Vineyards Zinfindel the “Best Zin in America” in 2009. Agrees Ladd, “If it is a great Zinfandel you are after, then Lodi is the place to start.
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Foothills
The Backstory: One of the best day-escapes is above the valley floor and into The Foothills of the Sierra. The wineries have been here since the Gold Rush; first thriving in the Shenandoah Valley near Plymouth in Amador County, located some forty-five minutes east of Sacramento. Along with their picks and shovels, the immigrants seeking their fortune also brought grapevines to the Sierra Foothills in the mid-1800s. Once planted, many of the vineyards in this region operated non-stop, even during the Prohibition years. In fact, Amador County is reported to be the only county in the United States to expand vineyard acreage during Prohibition, with the grapes sold to home winemakers. Amador, and the surrounding counties that include Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, and Tuolumne, is part of a region comprising six AVAs totaling 2,600,000 acres in all. Today, the region is treasured for its small, distinctive vineyards and wineries, beautiful scenery, quiet gold rush towns, fresh mountain air, and intense grapes that produce wines with magnificent flavor profiles: the liquid gold of the Sierra Foothills.
Setting the Scene The Foothill vineyards, located between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, are planted in welldrained, rich soils. In fact, if you ask a Foothill winemaker what gives the areas wines their unusual, robust taste, they’ll tell you “it’s the soil.” Most of the vineyards at the 2000-foot elevation are set in a soil made of decomposed granite, a product of erosion from the Sierra Nevada range. A climate of warm, sun-drenched days followed by cool, crisp nights yield grapes of remarkable intensity. Robert Farmer, in an article for WineCountry.com, describes the scenery of the Foothills as “a mélange of rolling hillside white-fenced farms, wooded foothills and mountainous backdrop.”
But there are incredibly diverse varietals grown and produced here.” And while Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay command most of the acreage, there are a total of over 60 varieties in commercial production to keep tasters on their proverbial toes. Besides Harney Lane, Lucas Winery and Van Ruiten Winery, plan to stop by Klinker Brick, Macchia, and Berghold Winery, all of which are family-owned operations.
Sideshows While it may be tempting to spend your time exclusively touring the area wineries, be sure to check out Lodi’s fabulous Wine and Roses, which also hosts the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. Visitors here may procure a touring map, learn about the Lodi Appellation and sip local wines at the tasting bar. Additionally, Wine & Roses features 79 rooms and suites, Towne House Restaurant and a spa, making it the perfect place to stay on an overnight trip to Lodi’s wine country. Be forewarned, however, if you’re looking for a driver, Lodi only has one taxi service in town. The Wine and Visitor Center can provide visitors with a list of limo and shuttle services though. Visit lodiwine.com to find information on other local activities, such as Lockeford Springs Golf Course, Lodi Lake Park, Micke Grove Park & Micke Grove Zoo, beautiful downtown School Street and the World of Wonders Science Museum.
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At Placerville’s Miraflores Winery, in El Dorado County, the majority of the property is left alone to maintain the natural beauty of pine trees, native California oaks and wildflowers. Animal-friendly systems have even been created so as not to disturb the natural habitat.
Main Attraction The wines that really stand out here are the deep, flavorful red wines. Zinfandel originated here, and most of the wineries make a super tasty “big” type of Zin, such as Fair Play’s Perry Creek Winery’s ZINMAN, which was rated among the top 15 best-value Zinfandels by Wine Spectator in 2010. Likewise with Syrah and, increasingly, Petite Syrah. Italian and Rhone varietals and blends are bottled here as well, and have achieved acclaim in the states as well as in Europe and Asia. While in Amador County the Old-Vine Zin still reigns king, the Sierra Foothills as a whole also produces a plethora of distinctive wines, including some amazing, award-winning whites, so don’t limit yourself exclusively to the Shenandoah Valley. And while the 2.6 million acres of terrain may seem overwhelming, it actually reduces any anxiety about seeing it all on one day or weekend. Instead, pick an area and limit your trip according to the wineries in that singular location. For example, big-name estates such as Madrona, Boeger, and Lava Cap in addition to the afore-mentioned Miraflores and Perry Creek wineries, as well as Petra Winery and Charles B. Mitchell Winery, are all located within our own El Dorado County border (which boasts over 60 wineries in all).
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Sideshows If you’re thinking of making it an overnighter, trying staying in one of the many historic Victorian hotels or Bed & Breakfasts that populate the Gold Country to make the experience all that more authentic, such as Fair Play’s Barkley Historic Homestead. In Amador, wander around Sutter Creek or explore the Black Chasm Caverns in the town of Volcano. In El Dorado County, be sure to swing by Apple Hill, consisting of 50 ranches and includes fruit growers, bake shops, wineries, a micro-brewery, a spa and Christmas tree growers. And if you’re looking for a driver, Folsom Limo offers wine tour packages to Amador and El Dorado counties (they offer them to Lodi and Napa, too).
And the Winner is…
Drumroll, please… (Sideshows don’t get winners. They’re sideshows after all, and this is a piece on wine)
Best Backstory Lodi. While the Sierra Nevada Foothills has a rich and storied history, rife with 49ers and Wild West folklore, Lodi has overcome a world-famously pessimistic CCR tune to emerge as a destination location for both Zinfandel and boutique wines.
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Best Scenery The Foothills. The rolling hills, abundant foliage, and numerous bodies of water make the Sierra Nevada’s the clear-cut winner. To be fair, Lodi’s 551,000 acres is almost five times smaller than the Sierra Foothills, which might make the comparison slightly tougher. But I’m just following the parameters of the category. Best Main Attraction Tie. Both locations offer world-class old-vine Zin, Zin in general; full-bodied reds, distinct whites, and both offer them from unpretentious, mostly family-owned estates. Perhaps the best way to decide on a day-trip to one of the two areas depends on familiarity and convenience. And if you haven’t been to either location in a while, now is the perfect time to rediscover the wineries of Lodi and the Foothills. Hurry, before they completely take over the California wine stage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
dicovercaliforniawines.com lodiwine.com
PAUL MARTIN’S 2013 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
LIVE JAZZ ON THE PATIO The patio is open and Paul Martin’s is featuring a fresh line-up of live music for our outdoor concert series. Join us Thursday and Saturday evenings for a cool drink and a bite to eat, then relax to the smooth sounds of your local favorites including:
THURSDAY NIGHTS 7:00 - 10:00 PM 5/30 6/06 6/13 6/20 6/27 7/04 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/01 8/08 8/15 8/22 8/29
Breez Nagual Cheryl T Trio Sabor Jazz Zorelli Music No Concert Breez Cheryl T Trio Nagual Rhythm Vandals Breez Sabor Jazz Nagual Rhythm Vandals
SATURDAY NIGHTS 7:00 - 10:00 PM 6/01 6/08 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/06 7/13 7/20 7/27 8/03 8/10 8/17 8/24 8/31
Breez Nagual Cheryl T Trio Sabor Jazz Zorelli Music Nagual Breez Cheryl T Trio Nagual Rhythm Vandals Breez Sabor Jazz Nagual Rhythm Vandals
Come early and enjoy a
TASTE OF PAUL MARTIN’S Specialty beverages and plates starting at just $4 Served daily from 3:00 - 7:00 PM Concerts begin at 7 PM, weather permitting
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED PAULMARTINSAMERICANGRILL.COM lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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h o m e &d e s i g n
feature | gracefully vintage
Gracefully Vintage By Alyssa Severin
Gracefully Vintage is the result of one huge leap of faith and a whole lot of passion. Founded by Karryann Pallitto and now co-owned with Christina Serrano and Suzanne Walizier, this charming shop offers affordable, European-style decor that’s completely unique to the item itself.
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Located in Historic Folsom on Sutter Street, Gracefully Vintage gives eager decorators an ideal scenario: antique items that look amazing, maintain practicality, and fit within the budget. Before opening the store, Karryann had a knack for redoing furniture of any kind and any size. When the opportunity arose for her to incorporate that passion into a full-time job, she took it and ran. “It’s nice seeing your vision come to life! There’s three of us doing what we love and all making a living; I want my kids to see that if you want something and work hard enough, you really can achieve it,” Karyann says. And after 3 years, Gracefully Vintage has done just that—it’s a thriving shop with an entire team of people who share Karryann’s love for home-decor. The store’s products range from custom-designed, to hand-picked, to specially-ordered. All items fall under the general category of Rustic European, but that doesn’t mean they lack individuality. Most recently, Gracefully Vintage acquired an antique leather saddleback from France. It belonged to a postman in the 1800’s, and inside, Karryann explains how you can see old dates inscribed in French. The outside shows its history—the
natural wear-and-tear from miles logged by a mail-deliveryman over 200 years ago. “It’s so fun when you know an item came from Hungary or France; they’re always so unique and it’s stuff you won’t see anywhere else,” Karryann says. Arguably, Gracefully Vintage’s items are special for that very reason—they represent something more than fancy candlesticks or glorious chandeliers; they are products that also carry stories and years of history with them. Karyann knows people are hesitant to decorate sometimes, but she likes to remind them that one piece really can mean all the difference. “I hope people see how they can incorporate these pieces into their homes, and be inspired. I know it makes me happy,” Karyann says.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Gracefully Vintage 611 Sutter Street Historic Folsom, (916) 353-1300 www.shopgracefullyvintage.net
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Back
yard BY Kelly Soderlund
Make
over When Jane Smith and Dave Du Val purchased their house last summer, they knew it would take a little work to transform the 1998 house into their dream home.
Although well cared for and loved by the previous owners, the house was still outdated, and the couple was eager to add some special personal touches, such as a steam bath and custom fireplace. Enlisting the help of Dustin Smith (no relation to Jane) of Smith Development and Construction, once work began the project turned into a complete remodel. When the interior was complete, the pair had a beautiful home in an amazing location situated in a nature area with wild animals-yet the backyard felt incongruent with the rest of the newly updated house. There was a very large deck that was falling apart, a lawn that was mostly weeds, and plants that were beyond their prime. Said Jane, “We wanted a backyard that was an exten-
sion of our home and not just a “backyard.” We love to entertain our family and friends, as well as a garden, so we discussed our ideas with Dustin and his team and they developed a plan to basically turn our backyard into two additional rooms that flowed from the living area.” If Dave and Jane’s story leaves you feeling like your own outdoor space could use a little pick-me-up, there’s no better time to get started. Given the current market, homeowners these days are choosing to remodel, fixing up their existing residences and not moving, notes California Backyard owner Buzz Homsy. Whether it’s a complete overhaul, or the addition of a specialized feature or two, a backyard makeover can substantially increase the
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value of your home— financially, emotionally and in functionality. Here’s a rundown of options to turn your backyard into your own personal haven. Before you start, Dustin Smith says that the first two choices, the budget and the designer, should be decided upon carefully as this will set the stage for what will come in meeting your goals for your backyard. Designing can be an art form and choosing a designer familiar with your wants and needs is important. Be prepared, Jane Smith says, “It was a big project and required time to figure out what design and products would work best. Dustin’s design team headed by Justin Velasquez was very helpful meeting us at the supply yards and drawing out what things would look like when they were complete. They also provided many ideas and suggestions that proved to work quite well with the design. I knew this was a big project but once it started I suddenly realized I was not prepared for the noise and dust I was contributing to the neighborhood. Luckily our neighbors were as excited as we were about the project and handled the minor disturbance in style.” Some designers create hand drawn plans while other designers may elect to create plans using computer programs. Larger projects which may include more detailed design, very specific details, or complex changes in 52
elevation would probably lead a designer to using a computer program. Smith Development and Construction provides clients with a turnkey approach integrating design services, and landscape construction. Once the scope of work has been initially decided upon, and depending on the size of the project landscape, plans are started. Note: this is a great time to check with your local Home Owner Association or Architectural Review Committee for your community. While some small projects may require little or no pre-approval, it is always worth looking into in advance. Most communities hold meetings once per month and missing a meeting could set your project back more than a month. During this planning time you will want to work with your designer and local suppliers to determine the kinds of materials, plants, and other features you may want to incorporate into your backyard design. Don’t be afraid to provide more thoughts or wishes, it should be the designer’s job to gather your wishes and provide a design within your budget. Throughout the design process, which should take between 2 and 4 weeks the client should expect to spend ample time with the designer. Smith recommends visiting local nurseries, and suppliers to view their showroom. Here you can find the newest trends and get great ideas for your project. You may
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Photo: mylifeonthedeck.com
learn a water fountain suits your needs better than a pond, or that hand laid pavers are a better fit than concrete. Smith also notes that landscape projects can vary greatly in price, on average homeowners should expect to spend $25,000-$50,000 for a basic back yard. A landscape project that features outdoor structures, built in kitchen or BBQ area, fire pits, water fountains, plants and grass can easily exceed $100,000 depending on details and size. Kitchens are a hot item these days (no pun intended), especially due to our mild weather here; grilling takes place all year round. People are now converting from portable gas to permanent or moveable outdoor kitchens, which are an added architectural element on the property. Stucco sides can be matched to house finishes, and solid tops, such as tile or natural stone, can be customized to match and/ or contrast to exterior hard surfaces. Outdoor kitchens have become more mainstream, thanks in part to additional stainless appliances that are designed for use in conjunction with the grill. Refrigerators, ice-makers, sinks, side burners, sear burners, warming drawers, serving drawers as well as storage drawers, all matching in design to the grill head selected, make a
terrific match in the outdoor cabinet. With the popularity of grilling pizzas and other non-conventional items such as cookies, the size of the grill is important since indirect convection cooking makes grilling more versatile, and the grill temperature can be controlled from a low of 240to a high of 750 in a 4 burner grill head. The grills themselves should be made of all stainless steel to prevent weathering, and range from 26-54 inches in width. Homsy warns to watch for offshore grilling equipment and compare them to USA made. The grade, strength and durability of USA stainless are not usually present in offshore grilling equipment. Burners are usually available in 2, 3, 4, and 5 burner units. For a good moveable kitchen with equipment, Homsy suggests budgeting somewhere around $4500 to $7500. For custom designed kitchens, and those permanently built at your property, he suggests budgeting $9500 up to $25,000. Warrantees will vary from 10 years to 25 years on cooking boxes and burners, and should be shopped. Finally, Homsy recommends that when selecting equipment to make sure there is local service available for parts, troubleshooting and real-live customer service. Installing a pool and/or spa may be
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the single best investment for your backyard-Most studies show that a pool will increase the value of your home anywhere between 7% and 15%, depending on where your house is located. It will also continue to increase in value throughout the years, just like your home. And water agency studies have proven that residential swimming pools require considerably less water to maintain than the landscaping they replace, making pool ownership greener than you might expect. Additionally, companies such as Wells Pools, located in Rancho Cordova, offer options such as Eco Select brand, the keystone of the Pen54
tair Water Pool and Spa program, that meet the dual objectives of a growing percentage of pool owners: save money and make more ecofriendly choices. These products save energy, save water, eliminate or reduce noise, or otherwise contribute to a more environmentally responsible equipment system. And while you may think your yard is too small for a pool, but most likely you’d be wrong. States the Wells family, who has been building pools in the Sacramento area for more than three decades, “Our expert design and engineering team can work with the most challenging properties. You’ll be surprised by our innovative solutions that can turn your
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
dreams into a beautiful backyard resort.” Before you give up on your impossibly small yard or hillside location, get an expert consultation. Smith notes that pool designs can vary greatly depending on the lay of the land. A popular trend these days is multiple pools: a small pool, a lap pool, and a spa are all finding their way in to more backyards these days. The terrain of El Dorado Hills provides a great place for infinity edge pools. For any kind of pool design talk with your designer and have the pool be included in your projects design. If you are considering installing a pool in the future it is still a good idea to plan ahead for the pool. Both Wells Pools and Smith Construction and Development offer 3-D landscape plans to help customers envision their backyard makeover as a finished project, allowing you to be able to visually walk through there landscape, providing a view of the space from any unique vantage point while showing realistic materials, plants, lighting, water features and more. If a kitchen, pool or complete backyard renovation seems like too big an investment, try starting with something small, such as new landscaping or incorporating water features (fountains, waterfalls or splash pads) into your backyard design, as well as fire pits and gazebos, which are a smaller investment, yet can bring a refreshing update to a space. Even new outdoor furniture can make a world of difference. California Backyard offers the largest selection of patio sets in northern California, with name-brand furnishings that are priced to fit any budget. For statement pieces such as pottery, urns, benches, or birdbaths, Pottery World Luxury Home and Design’s handpicked products will add “pop” while simultaneously pulling your indoor and outdoor space together, creating that flow Jane Smith described. “Now that we are done, it is amazing-- we love it! We went from a “backyard” to additional rooms as part of our home. We have one area designed to relax and star gaze, sip wine and get warmed by the outdoor gas fire pit. We also have an amazing gazebo with a light, ceiling fan and waterfall for dinners and card games. And an area to grow all the herbs and vegetables we need for the dinners we cook for our guests. We both work hard in stressful jobs, and to have an oasis to come home to makes a big difference. We can’t wait to have the grandkids over to roast marshmallows and our good friends over for bridge and wine. It now is a new and bigger home!”
For more information:
Smith Development & Construction Company (916) 966-7325 Pottery World (916) 358-8788 California Backyard (916) 733-4800 Wells Pools (916) 638-8810
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travel
you n t v i l l e
Yountville By Don and Ann Jackson
Historic Wine Country Town and Foodie Heaven
In 1831 George Calvert Yount, the first white settler in the area, came up with the name Napa Valley, planted the valley’s first grape vines and laid out the town’s boundaries.
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Rather strangely, he named it Sebastopol, even though a town just over the hill already had the same name. Two years after his death in 1867 it was renamed Yountville in honor of Mr. Yount’s enormous contributions to the region and put an end to the Sebastopol confusion. And what has evolved, in the last 182 years within this muchadmired vale, is viticulture and culinary history. Located in the center of the Napa Valley, this quaint upscale town with a rather minimal population of under 3,000 is considered by many to be the culinary capital of wine country. One source stated the town has more Michelin stars and critically acclaimed restaurants and highly regarded chefs PER CAPITA than any other small town in the United States. And until
proven otherwise we’re on board. In all the years we’ve been traveling to and writing about most of California’s wine country towns, we’ve also come to the conclusion that Yountville just may have the most upscale lodging choices of any other destination when compared, once again, on a per capita basis. Considering these factors this small hamlet maintains a very lofty status. And when seeking a small quiet destination for those very special occasions, it remains one of our premier recommended locations. Newlywed honeymooners, anniversary celebrants and birthday revelers should find that heading off to Yountville would be a perfect decision! And why shouldn’t our Lavish Living readers prefer the kind of lavish vacations that destinations like Yountville offer? Photo: Jorgen Gulliksen
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yountville
What to see and do:
There are over ten wine tasting venues within walking distance of the downtown’s lodging choices. We wholeheartedly recommend V Wine Cellar, located in V Marketplace inhabiting a 138 year old former winery. Offering an amazing variety of local wines, they also feature a rare opportunity where they can teach you the art of sabrage. This French term refers to the entertaining technique of opening a Champagne bottle using a specially designed small stainless steel saber to cleverly slice off the top of the bottle near the lower cork line. Purportedly introduced during Napoleon’s reign, the method was often used on horseback after a battle victory or for other ceremonial occasions. It’s a cool experience and fun to perform for friends at special times or events. One caveat: this can be a dangerous hobby with broken glass flying around so extreme caution is recommended if you decide
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to pay the “learning fee” and become a practitioner. www.vwinecellar.com. Our favorite winery tasting room downtown is Hill Family Estate offering a very unique venue featuring impressive wines that are matched up with an eclectic collection of wine stained items such as Fender Guitars, a pro surfboard and baseball bats. www.hillfamilyestate.com. There are also quite a few wineries within a few miles of downtown and our favorites include: Domaine Chandon- this famous French champagne relative boasts countless accolades that support our own personal taste buds as one of our country’s finest producers of sparkling wines. www.chandon.com; Dillon Vineyards showcases award winning chardonnays. www. dillonvineyards.com; Cliff Lede Vineyards is well known for their distinctive cabernets. www.cliffledevineyards. com; And Cosentino Winery features superb estate bottled merlots. www.cosentinowinery.com;
minutes of downtown. www.vintnersgolfclub.com. Experiencing the interesting-albeit minimal- exhibits at Napa Valley Museum or attending a local symphony concert, ballet performance or play at the beautiful Performance Arts Center at Lincoln Theater on the historic grounds of the California Veteran’s Home are other enjoyable options. www.lincolntheater. org; www.napavalleymuseum.org. Upscale shopping at V Marketplace is a must. High end art galleries, a decadent chocolate shop, clothing stores and jewelry shops await. www.vmarketplace.com. Napa Style, an especially intriguing shop within “V”, offers an amazing collection of carefully chosen eclectic gifts, unique food items and wines from Italian and California boutique wineries (mostly Napa). www. napastyle.com.
Where to dine:
Even though the primary reasons that most folks visit Yountville is to dine at their many illustrious restaurants, relax and unwind in one of many elite lodging and spa choices, or go wine tasting at multiple world class wineries and downtown tasting rooms, there are also a few other fun or interesting things to do at this special getaway destination. For example, biking through the nearby scenic vineyards is one of our favorite activities. If you aren’t bringing your own bikes, check out Napa Valley Bike Tours for escorted excursions like their Pedal, Pamper and Plunge Package or opt for a self guided outing on rentals. www.napavalleybiketours.com. For an unforgettable cloud hugging viewing adventure be sure to consider a hot air ballooning flight over one of our country’s most picturesque valleys with the local family owned and operated Napa Valley Aloft with over 30 years of ballooning experience. www.nvaloft.com. Golfers should definitely opt for a round at the Vintner’s Golf Club, a very challenging nine hole resort type course with three sets of tees and within
As we begin to write about our recent visit to the extraordinary yet pricey culinary world of Yountville our taste buds begin telling us to return soon. So hang on to your dining seatbelts and get ready to openup those pocketbooks! Our overriding suggestions: Check out the websites, menus and pricing of all the restaurants we’ll list. Make reservations well in advance of your trip as these cookery gems are that popular! This famous epicurean scene is anchored by Thomas Keller’s Michelin three star, French Laundry, one of the most prestigious and wellknown restaurants on our continent. Their creative American cuisine with imaginative French twists comes with a prix fixe price-tag of around $270 per person not including tax or wine pairings. Whew! Keller has two other highly rated (and less expensive) restaurants in town, Bouchon (Michelin one starFrench Bistro foods) and Ad Hoc (offering one prix fixe four course family style dinner daily). Into a decadent pastry or a limited selection of sandwiches? Then don’t miss- even if it means standing in line- Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. For all of Keller’s local enterprises go to: www.tkrg.com. Redd, another one star Michelin designee, highlights Inventive wine country cuisine with Asian, European and Latin touches since 2005 by applauded chef/owner Michael Reddington. www. reddnapavalley.com. In addition to their star honors Michelin also rewards a limited number of Bib Gourmand ratings to superb value restaurants offering two courses, a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
Bib Gourmand winners: Redd Wood at the North Block Hotel was recently opened by Chef Reddington and offers stylish Italian-inspired cuisine in a more casual atmosphere than Redd. www.redd-wood.com; and Bistro Jeanty, serving classic French haute cuisine by celebrated owner/chef Philippe Jeanty who arrived in the valley from the famed French Moet-Chandon kitchens in 1977. www.bistrojeanty.com. Although not a current Michelin winner, Bottega, led by T.V. Emmy winner/host/chef Michael Chiarello takes his magical Southern Italian fare to new heights of dining nirvana. www.botteganapavalley.com; Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon, claims they’re the only fine dining restaurant within a Napa Valley winery and rising-star Chef Perry Hoffman brilliantly spotlights wine-inspired cuisine. www.chandon.com/ etoile-restaurant.html; Brix Restaurant, a short distance out of town and under the guidance of innovative new chef David Cruz from Ad Hoc is currently developing new menus and Hurley’s Restaurant, a very popular local’s favorite features seasonal wine-country cuisine with Mediterranean flair. Both provided very enjoyable recent dinner experiences and deserve attention in this highly competitive gastronomy dreamland. www. hurleysrestaurant.com. www.brix.com; Other local restaurants that deserve consideration include: Pacific Blues Café, located in an historic train depot building, with a more moderately priced menu featuring what they refer to as Maverick American cuisine, great blues music, pleasant ambience and the best hamburgers in town. www.pacificbluescafe.com.
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Villagio Inn & Spa Exterior Dusk
Lucy Restaurant at the Bardessono Hotel is a very upscale dining experience featuring “field to fork” offerings. www. bardessono.com; Hopper Creek Kitchen at Hotel Yountville is only open to hotel guests for breakfast and “all day lunch type dining” but has a very fine culinary reputation. www. hotelyountville.com. Yountville Deli, recommended by almost every hotel employee we talked to, is the perfect pick for quality sandwiches and most deli items at quite reasonable prices. www.yountvilledeli.com.
Where to stay:
As we mentioned earlier, for such a small village, Yountville has an amazing number of highly regarded lodging properties. Three of our most recent visits included stays at Villagio Inn and Spa, Vintage Inn and Napa Valley Lodge, and all are AAA four-diamond properties and offer affordable value-pricing considering the high-level of amenities. Hallmarks: no resort fees; complimentary champagne buffet breakfasts; free parking/ WiFi, bocce-ball, beautiful pool areas, superior service, friendly staffs and delightful accommodations. In addition Villagio and Vintage include fireplaces and a bottle of wine with every room, afternoon tea with an incredible offering of scones, pastries and finger sandwiches and free usage of Yountville Fitness/Health Club and their tennis courts. Villagio’s nationally acclaimed spa with a number of stunning private couple’s suites is one of the finest we’ve visited. Vintage Inn’s newly upgraded suites are sublime. Napa Valley Lodge has a nice fitness room and offers tea and scrumptious cookies each afternoon, complimentary wine tastings on Thursday and Friday afternoons and fireplaces in many rooms. www.villagio.com; www.vintageinn.com. www. napavalleylodge.com. Another recent stay found us enjoying the former Yountville Inn, now re-branded as the luxurious and totally refurbished Hotel Yountville. Conde Nast Traveler named it one of the “hot 100 new hotels and restaurants in the world” and we can see why. Twenty-five stunning new guest rooms, a dazzling swimming pool, an alluring restaurant and a marvelous Spa AcQua have transformed this former small inn into a full service contemporary boutique style deluxe hotel. This dramatic makeover, a “no resort fee” policy, complimentary bike rentals, wi-fi service, parking and wine tastings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings more than justify the higher rates. www.hotelyountville.com; Although we’ve not stayed at these lodging possibilities we’ve 60
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checked them out and feel they merit consideration: Bardessono- an elegant, pricey, luxury to the max property claiming to be California’s first and the world’s only luxurious LEED Platinum built and certified hotel. It’s also been voted one of the most romantic hotels in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. www. bardessono.com; North Block Hotel (formerly Hotel Luca) is a very distinctive mix of old world charm and modernity.www.northblockhotel.com; Prefer a friendly B & B? Lavender and Maison Fleurie are two very delightful inns owned and operated by The Four Sisters Inns, one of the west coast’s most respected small inn operators. www.foursisters.com; Into funky or unusual overnight accommodations? If so, you should love the Napa Valley Railway Inn with nine rooms all located within historic 100 year old railroad cars. They offer much more moderate pricing, considering the local competition. www. napavalleyrailwayinn.com.
Bottom line: Anyone, especially connoisseurs, seeking an ultimate gastronomic, oenological and lodging vacation, will find that a visit to Yountville should be that perfect getaway. An added plus is the fact that most everything is within walking distance from your lodging choice. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Check all the above website links carefully for pricing and more details and the following city website for year-round festivals, meeting facilities and all things Yountville: www.yountville.com Publisher’s note: In our next issue our travel journalists will be taking us off to an exciting getaway recommendation to the serene “Ojai Valley” near Santa Barbara, one of their personal favorite destinations.
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r e s ta u r a n t s | r e c i p e s | food | d r i n k s
Sienna
R estaurant By Kelly Soderlund
Taking over the void that the beloved but short-lived Masque Restaurant left in the El Dorado Hills La Borgata Center may have scared off many a speculative restaurateur (already one of the riskiest of investments), especially in 2010, when the economy was in the midst of the greatest recession the country had seen since the Great Depression.   But try telling that to husband-and-wife team of Mark and Karoline Platt, who successfully transformed the space into Sienna Restaurant and have steadily gathered an increasing legion of devotees ever since.
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s i p & s av o r
Despite an extensive makeover of the 9,500 square foot upscale-casual eatery, bar and restaurant featuring four fireplaces, a Chef’s Table for ten guests located in the state of the art 3600 square foot kitchen, several private dining rooms, a large stone top bar and the some of the best outdoor dining in the Sacramento area, the space still reflects Masque’s Tuscan feel. The menu itself is billed as New American, but perhaps more appropriately, it should be called New Californian: an eclectic mix of Asian, tropical, and Mexican inspired dishes, with a smattering of Italian and French thrown in for good measure. And yet if diners feel the contradiction between décor and menu, you’d never know it by sheer volume of business Sienna, under the direction of Mark Fucci, consistently pulls through the front door. All of the cuisine is prepared from scratch by Executive Chef Brian Hawkins (formerly of Roseville’s Suede Blue). The appetizer menu itself reflects the “anything goes” attitude of Sienna’s kitchen: Coconut Crunchy Shrimp in a pineapple black pepper reduction, Toasted Ravioli, Duck Wontons with a spicy hoisin garlic sauce, Macadamia Nut-crusted Brie, Wild Mushroom Bruschetta and a Citrus Spiced Ahi accompanied by ruby red grapefruit, avocado and grilled pineapple coulis are able to sit side-byside, blissfully ignorant of genre. 64
Sienna
Both lunch and dinner menus offer a little something for everyone – salads, soups, wood-fired pizzas, pastas, risottos, burgers, sandwiches, and specialty dishes. Dinner specialties such as Cedar Plank Salmon, soy glazed with cilantro rice and cucumber slaw, a Seared Scallop Risotto with fresh corn, smoked bacon & wild mushroom risotto with truffle demi, and Vegetarian Wild Mushroom Lasagna, stuffed with crimini-oyster-shiitake mushrooms, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, and spicy breadcrumbs are all crafted with a deft flourish by Hawkins, which may seem surprising considering the menu’s wide-range, but is not. Perhaps the most surprising aspects of the menu are the prices— only two dishes (the Stuffed Filet Mignon and Rosemary Moroccan Lamb Chop) have price points over $25.00. In fact, Sienna offers 8 specialty dishes under $15, including their fabulous Spicy Shrimp Tacos, made with crispy shrimp, red cabbage slaw, jalapeno, spicy aioli, avocado-tropical fruit salsa and cilantro rice. The restaurant hasn’t forgotten about the dietary-restricted either— many dishes (like those shrimp tacos) are either naturally, or can be prepared, gluten-free and there is even a Chef-created weekly special at 450 calories or less. Oh, yeah. Kiddos have a place at the wood slab tables here too, complete with their own menu as well. Sienna also boasts a sophisticated, yet approachable,
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wine list with over 80 selections by the bottle and 20 selections by the glass. The custom bar also features Handcrafted House Cocktails and beers on tap, including their own Sienna Ale, which is brewed in-house. Enticing the weekday crowd, live music can be heard wafting from Sienna Lounge Patio & Garden Terrace every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7-10 p.m., where dinners can simultaneously enjoy the outdoor bar and full dinner service. The patio is also the perfect place to spend a leisurely Sunday brunch, indulging in fare that includes an omelet station, a compacted menu, Eggs Benedict, Crème Brulée French Toast, fresh fruit salads, assorted baked goods, and (cheers!) bottomless mimosas. And so it seems that in Sienna’s disregard for conventional region-specific cuisine, the El Dorado Hills eatery has diligently perfected their own recipe for success in the art of contradiction. Either way, their ardent supporters don’t seem to care— they’re too busy enjoying the food, and themselves. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. For more information: SIENNA Restaurant
3909 Park Drive El Dorado Hills, (916) 941-9694
www.siennarestaurants.com
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CHEF & RESTAURATEUR
PR FILES When it comes to great food and restaurants, our community can certainly hold its own. In the past five years alone, we've seen an emergence of top-notch, brand-new restaurants modeled after those of the big cities, both in cuisine and atmosphere. But the real standouts are the restaurants that have been here for forty years and are still servings some of the best cuisine around, while also molding and shaping with the ties, using fresh, local produce whenever possible. We feel lucky to be able to enjoy these local chefs and restuarants in our own backyard-so dig in and enjoy!
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Heather Zamarripa Executive Chef
36 Handles 1010 White Rock Rd. El Dorado Hills.
916-941-3606
I would say what I love most about being a Chef is the fast pace of the industry. I love the hustle and bustle of a crowded restaurant on a busy Friday night, there›s nothing better. It’s also really cool to work at a job where your product is always in demand! I think my best quality as it relates to being a Chef is probably my approachability. I›m not one of those people who runs around shouting at my staff, I feel people will work harder for you if they can relate to you and see you lead by example. Respect is something to be earned, not expected, and I think the more I show my staff that we can work hard and still have fun, the happier and more productive they will be. The inspiration for the menu at 36 Handles was definitely traditional pub fare, taking some old favorites like cottage pie and fish & chips and paying them proper homage. We wanted to show that you can make something delicious by using quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques, and that «pub food» doesn›t necessarily mean heavy, greasy food. We have a good variety of dishes, and I think that is what sets us apart from many other pubs/gastro pubs in the area. lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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pete's restaurant & brewhouse FOLSOM 6608 Folsom-Auburn Road
EL DORADO HILLS 2023 Vine Street
GRANITE BAY 5540 Douglas Blvd.
ROSEVILLE 5005 Foothills Blvd.
(916) 988-8812 (916) 797-4992 68
916. 933.3400 (916) 786-2154
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Since 1987, Original Pete's Restaurants have been serving great food to the greater Sacramento area. In 2006, we partnered with Firestone Walker Brewery and created our handcrafted brews and we opened Pete's Restaurant and Brewhouse. Our award winning pizza is still hand tossed and our dough is still made fresh daily. Our menu had grown to include mouthwatering pasta's, oven-baked sandwiches, fresh salads and our 1/2 pound all-natural beef hamburgers. All out food is complimented by an extensive beer and wine list which is why we have become your family's favorite restaurant. We have ten locations serving our award winning pizza! Our goal is simple: Good Food & Good Beer. Let's eat!
Paul Martin’s American Grill 1455 Eureka Rd., Roseville
916-783-3600
After 25 years in the restaurant business, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Being a chef is something I truly enjoy. I like the process of preparing food for others and I try to have fun when I am creating new dishes. When I hear from our customers about how much they like a particular dish, it really makes my day. Paul Martin’s American Grill is a great company to be with because they really take the time to source high quality ingredients. As Chef Partner of the Roseville location, I am fortunate enough to be involved in the process because we are close to so many great farms. When I am not at the restaurant, I like to take long drives all over Northern California to explore and try food from areas like Tahoe, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco. I always come back refreshed and inspired by the dishes I’ve tried. -Chef Gabriel Sanchez lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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mas mexican restaurant
1563 Eureka Rd., Roseville
916-773-3778 masroseville.com
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Chef: Lia Martinez
Born in the heart of Mexico City. Lia grew up cooking with the ladies of her familia. Her mom, aunts and grandma all taught and inspired her to practice and refine her cooking skills. The family always gathered together to enjoy classic Mexican enchiladas, soups, and salads. The ingredients came from the family garden and organic markets to produce the freshest taste. This was the most important rule in her house was to always cook with the freshest available. That policy has stuck with her, as Lia takes pride in every dish she cooks
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and not only cooks with the freshest ingredients but cooks every dish with perfection in mind. Today at Mas Mexican Restaurant her specialties are Carnitas, from the center of Mexico, fresh fajitas and now featuring breakfast foods such as Chilaquiles con Huevos or Arrachera con Huevos. She definitely brings the family experience of fresh ingredients and great taste to Mas.
Boucane's Smokehouse & Sweetery 1091 White Rock Rd., El Dorado Hills
916-221-8897 boucanes.com
"People often ask us "What's your secret?", the answer is simple, Love!! We grew up in the kitchen watching our grandmothers cook and feed anyone that would come through their door. We only serve food the way we would eat it and the way it is supposed to be served. Our different cooking styles compliment each other and has helped produce a well balanced product that our customers rave about. We believe that the finest ingredients yield superior results, so we make sure our meats and produce are hand picked and all our ingredients are the freshest we can buy. We aim to make your first bite to last bite your best bite!! So come down and see us, we'd love to have you for dinner!!"
CAFÉ AMERICANO
2085 Vine St. # 102, El Dorado Hills
916-933-7377
Here at “OMG” Café Americana We are very pleased to have Antonio. He is from the old Country, Sicilian 110%. His passion is cooking like he used to with Mama back home, in Agrigento, Sicily. Sicily is off the Southern Coast and is renowned for its olive oil, pasta, sauces with great flavor, wine and of course sunshine year round. Simply stated, Sicily is “la dolce vita” (the sweet life). Antonio is very much looking forward to sharing a little piece of home with you all. When he arrived in our country he wasn›t too sure what he was going to do for a living, so he went with what his Mama used to tell him, -“Cucina” (cooking) “Tutti Felice!”(everybody’s Happy), ”Muncha»!” “Muncha”, “Antonio”, “Muncha!” “ Café Americana a little taste of Sicily” ”OMG” Finely real Italian Cucina”.
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WINE PICKS | SIERRA FOOTHILLS
c a l F OOTH ILL win e s This month's pick from local SIERRA FOOTHILL Wineries.
Mira Flores Winery By Alyssa Severin
It’s believed that a glass of (red) wine a day keeps the doctor away. Or is that an apple? We’ll go with the former, and here’s why: Miraflores Winery. Founded by Victor and Cheryl Alvarez, this El Dorado Hills estate produces delicious wines that just so happen to be sustainably farmed, too. Victor grew up in Colombia, South America, where he learned the value of honest farming through his family’s cattle and dairy operations. Although he pursued a career in medicine prior to opening Miraflores in 2003, he still manages to fulfill the roles of doctor and proprietor effortlessly. (And we’ll admit that in this case, a glass of red wine actually won’t keep the doctor away. It’ll just make him open a 254-acre winery). During the week he’s in Arizona as a practicing pathologist, but on the weekends he’s at Miraflores, giving his official prognosis to tasters everywhere: “Enjoy Miraflores wines in good health,” he says. 40-acres of their property belong to grapes, of which the Alvarez’ and their prestigious team dutifully tend to. Their beliefs about the process are simple: multiple crop-thinnings, hand-picking, hand-sorting, foot-stomping, “and other labor-intensive activities.” And the rest of their land? As the Beatles might passionately proclaim, they let it be. They allow the pine tree, oaks, and wildflowers grow, and they keep wild habitats safe by enforcing animal-friendly systems. If that doesn’t convince you enough, 72
we’ll tell you about their varietals. Miraflores’ red wines are like the quintessential man: “concentrated, focused, intense, and muscular.” The extreme care given to their grapes is abundantly reflected in the wine—giving them a “natural balance and drinkability.” The whites are like the quintessential woman: eloquent, refined, and delicate. Their use of “French oak, whole-cluster pressing, indigenous yeasts, and no malolactic fermentation” give way to flavors like mineral, floral, stone fruit, and citrus. Miraflores’ sweet wines are just that— perfectly sweet and a dessert on their own. They are botrytis-affected and fortified, expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. Wine Club members can enjoy quarterly shipments of select wines, discounts, and VIP invitations to winery events. Plus, it’s free to join, so if you’re not already a member, the question is Why not? We could go on and on about Miraflores, but instead of doing that, we’re going to tell you this instead: grab some friends, head over, and we promise you will love it as much as doctors love their wine—er, we mean apples. FORM MORE INFORMATION:
Mira Flores 2120 Four Springs Trail Placerville, CA (530) 647-8505 mirafloreswinery.com
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Zin Zone
TasTing
Room open Wednesday thru sunday 11am – 5pm
WINE
FRiday open unTil 9pm
TASTINg
enjoy Charles’ Famous pizza + Cold Water maine lobster
OPEN 7 DAyS 10 Am -5 Pm
(5pm-9pm Friday)
(Except some major holidays, please call)
Or by APPOINTmENT. WE WIll glADly ArrANgE FOr PrIvATE EvENTS & INTImATE TOurS.
inery
Perry Creek W
Open daily from 00 Pm 11:00 AM to 5: P.O. Box 350 eek Rd. 7400 Perry Cr Fair Play, CA
7
Tel 530.620.346
2120 Four Springs Trail Placerville, CA
530.647.8505 mirafloreswinery.com
175 530.6er2ry0cr.5 eek.com
8221 Stoney Creek Rd.|Fair Play, CA
Wine Tours & Tastings
at the
Open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm 3550 Carson RD Camino, ca
www.p
charlesbmitchell.com
12 GOLD
medal wines music in the hills & great food
530.647.1767
The Sierra Foothill wineries are home to more than 100 friendly wineries and artisan vintners producing a diversity of award winning wines. Chances are the person pouring for you in the tasting room is the winemaker or a family member, giving you a hands on personal experience thats hard to find.
Tanis Vineyards 13120 Willow Creek Rd. Lone, CA 95640 (209) 274-4807 www.tanisvineyards.com
Lava Cap Winery 2221 Fruitridge Rd. Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 621-0175 www.lavacap.com
Perry Creek Winery 7400 Perry Creek Rd. (P.O. Box 350) Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-5175 www.perrycreek.com
Andis Wines 11000 Shenandoah Rd. Plymouth, CA 95669 (209) 245-6177 www.andiswines.com
Miraflores 2120 Four Springs Trail Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 647-8505 www.mirafloreswinery.com
Skinner Vineyards 8054 Fair Play Rd. Somerset, CA 95684 (530) 620-2220 www.skinnervineyards.com
Crystal Basin Cellars 3550 Carson Rd. Camino, CA 95709 (530) 647-1767 www.crystalbasin.com
Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards 8221 Stoney Creek Rd. Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-3467 www.charlesbmitchell.com
Boeger Winery 1709 Carson Rd. Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-8094 www.boegerwinery.com
Renwood Winery 12225 Steiner Road Plymouth, CA 95669 (209) 245-6979 www.renwood.com Avio Vineyards 14520 Ridge Rd. Sutter Creek CA 95685 (209) 267-1515 www.aviowine.com Montevina Winery 20680 Shenandoah School Road Plymouth CA 95669 (209) 245-6942 www.montevina.com
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WINE PICKS | LODI
c a l L o di wines
This month's pick from local Lodi Wineries.
Michael David Winery By Jessica Clare
In 1984, when turning Lodi grapes into wine was still a novelty, brothers Michael and David Phillips started experimenting with the grapes their family had been growing for decades. “It started as just a small project to sell wines in the roadside fruit stand,” said David Phillips, who is one of the owners of the now internationally known Michael David Winery. The brothers began with three wines - cabernet sauvignon, syrah and carignane and, twenty eight years later, have expanded their label to a wide range of reds, whites and blushes, and their wines are available in all fifty states and about fourteen countries. “Our number one market outside of the US is Sweden,” said David. “They love us.” The most recognizable of the Michael David wines is the cleverly named 7 Deadly Zins, a delectable blend of Lodi zins, syrah and verdot. “We were in the winery one day and just happened to have seven different barrels of zin from seven different vineyards, and we blended them all together,” David explained. The brothers have continued to 74
play off the devilish theme and added Gluttony, Lust and Sloth zinfandels to the winery’s portfolio. These three wines were the first Lodi zins to break the $50 dollar a bottle mark, and the limited quantities sell out every year. “We wanted to show that we can make luxury, high priced wines in Lodi. I think it helped legitimize us and the region, and we’re very proud of that,” said David. While expanding their national and international presence, the Phillips family has also kept a keen eye on growth back home. “We try to help other families and farmers here. We’ve been advising them because we’ve made all the mistakes over the years,” said David. “For us, the more [wineries] the better. It prompts more tourists to come to Lodi every week, which is good for everyone.” The Michael David tasting room is a local favorite, and visitors are welcome to stay the day to sample wines, play bocce ball and relax in the garden. There is also a bakery and cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch and baked treats seven days a week, and, of course, there is the fruit stand to which Michael David winery owes
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PHOTO: Byron Vaughan
its existence. Shoppers can still pick up fresh produce from Phillips Farm and other local growers. “We always emphasize shopping locally. It makes a difference in the economy, helps preserve our farmlands and open spaces. When you’re in the supermarket, buy local wines,” said David.
For more information: Michael David Winery 4580 West Highway 12, Lodi (209) 368-7384 michaeldavidwinery.com
• welcome to a new tradition•
Tasting Room Open Thursday - Monday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Lodi’s Most Unique Tasting Experience
9010 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 PH 209-365-1900 Love. Laughter. Family. These are the three main ingredients we pour into every bottle of Harney Lane wine. www.vrwinery.com
new
Open Thurs. - Sun. Noon - 4:30 p.m. and by appt.
Spring merchadise
‘Best Tasting Room & Winery’ -the Records best of San Joaquin 2012
18196 N. Davis Rd. Lodi, CA 95242 209-368-2006 | lucaswinery.com
HARNEYLANE.COM
tasting room open daily 11:00am-5:00pm 340 w. hwy 12, lodi, ca 209.334.5722
Wine Tours & Tastings
The Lodi winemaking industry has enjoyed tremendous expansion in the last decade. The land devoted to vineyards has increased from 46,000 acres in 1996 to nearly 100,000 today. Now the region produces more fine wine than Napa and Sonoma combined! The Lodi appellation is proudly blowing away the mists of anonymity that have shrouded local wines, allowing them to bask in the sunshine of worldwide recognition. We invite you to take a short ride and discover Lodi Wine Country for yourself.
Lodi Wine and Visitor Center 2545 West Turner Road Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 365-0621
Harney Lane Winery 9010 E. Harney Ln. Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 365-1900 harneylane.com
Lucas Winery 18196 N. Davis Road Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-2006 lucaswinery.com
Macchia Winery 7099 E. Peltier Road Acampo, CA 95220 (209) 333-2600 macchiawines.com
Klinker Brick Winery 15887 N. Alpine Road Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 333-1845 www.klinkerbrickwinery.com
Van Ruiten Family 340 W. Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 334-5722 vanruitenwinery.com
Woodbridge Uncorked 18911 N. Lower Sacramento Road Woodbridge, CA 95258 (209) 365-7575 woodbridgeuncorked.com
McCay Cellars 1370 E. Turner Rd. Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 368-WINE mccaycellars.com
Berghold Vineyards 17343 N. Cherry Road Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 3339291 BergholdVineyards.com
Lodi Wine Cellars 112 W. Pine Street Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 365.6622 lodiwinecellars.com
St. Jorge Winery 22769 N. Bender Road Acampo, CA, 95220 (209) 365-0202 stjorgewinery.com
Michael~David Winery 4580 West Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-7384 michaeldavidwinery.com
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amourprive.com • Ultra Premium Wines • Bordeaux Styled
• Old-World Craftsmanship • Sensuous and Provocative • Limited Reserve
800.800.2703p Co
me WinTaste nin Ou gW rA ine war s d
It’s All Good!
Macchia Great Wines
Bocce 76
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7099 East Peltier Rd Acampo, Ca 95220
209.333.2600 • MacchiaWines.com
Horseshoes
wine
wisdom
“Life is too short to drink bad wine.� -Anonymous Luckily, we are blessed with some amazing wineries and talented winemakers to educate us with their knowledge and love for their trade. The northern California region has an exceptional array of vintages to suit anyones taste, and all within our own backyard. So please read on learn the history behind the labels and the people behind the scenes. lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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Van Ruiten 340 West Highway 12, Lodi
866.334.5722 vrwinery.com
Winemaker Matt Ridge started off as a lab technician for Glen Ellen Winery in 1998, fresh out of Adam State University in Colorado where he studied biology and chemistry. Since his start in the wine industry 14 years ago, Ridge has had the opportunity to work and learn in wineries in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, and as far away as New Zealand. Now, armed with his education and experience, Ridge is ready to take the reins as the winemaker for Van Ruiten. “They’re really looking forward to seeing what I can do during harvest, and I’m looking forward to showing them what I can do,” said Ridge. Ridge got his start working with Lodi grapes, so Van Ruiten’s reputation preceded them when he was approached to take over as winemaker. “I knew they were quality grape growers and I know it takes great grapes to make great wine, so that was a key thing for me,” said Ridge. Their small, family run facility allows Ridge to be part of the daily process, and their national distribution allows plenty of room for growth and creativity. Ridge hopes to add to Van Ruiten’s already impressive reputation. “I’d like to get another Best Zin in Lodi. If I could get a few more awards for these folks and put us on the map, that’d be great.”
lucas Winery 18196 Davis Rd Lodi, CA
209.368.2006 lucaswinery.com
Heather Pyle Lucas and David Lucas met while they were both employed by the Robert Mondavi family. Like most great winemakers, Heather started as a “cellar rat” after earning her Masters in winemaking at U.C. Davis, and progressed within the company as her winemaking skills, crafting well balanced food friendly wines, became apparent. Eventually she became the winemaker for Mondavi’s prestigious Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, part of the Opus One team, and the prestigious La Famiglia label that made wines from California sourced Italian varietals. She truly believes that great wines start with great vineyards and is a consulting winemaker for wineries throughout California. David’s experience as the V.P. of Grower Relations with Mondavi and Heather’s winemaking experience with Mondavi have fostered the quest to produce wines that can be enjoyed alongside the world’s great wines without question and demonstrate the highest potential of the Lodi Appellation. David and Heather make wines in a traditional style that reflects hundreds of years of history. The use of 100% French Oak barrels is not compromised when producing wine, and the unique Grand Chai of The Lucas Winery reveals how important tradition is to The Lucas Winery’s vision. 78
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Harney Lane Winery 9010 E. Harney Ln. Lodi
209.365.1900 harneylane.com
Kyle & Jorja Lerner didn’t take a direct path to the winery business. While Jorja was raised on the family property, she first sought a career in physical therapy. Kyle sought a business degree and began his career in sales. But when Jorja’s father needed help on the ranch nearly 20 years ago, Kyle’s schedule offered him the flexibility to jump in. That was just the beginning. Kyle and George made a great team with a wealth of farming experience and business skills and were soon able to expand the farming business. As things grew, Jorja slowly began picking up some of the business office responsibilities. The draw to make a little wine from their own grapes was too tempting to pass up and the family began producing some homemade Old Vine Zinfandel. That wine first planted the idea of expanding to the winery side of the business. In 2006, the family was convinced that the timing was right to move forward with their winery plans. Jorja & Kyle, along with Jorja’s parents, George & Kathy Mettler crushed their first vintage and began construction for their winery and tasting room which was completed in 2009. Harney Lane Winery has become known for producing quality grapes and crafting their estate grown fruit into deliciously rich and refreshing wines. “We have been wine grape growers for five generations and continue to produce only wines from our own vineyards, giving us full control from the vineyard to the bottle,” said Jorja Lerner, owner of Harney Lane. The pairing of delicious wines with beautiful grounds have made this young winery a favorite of Lodi enthusiasts since they opened just 4 years ago. The tasting room is open Thursday through Monday, 12-5 p.m., and the friendly staff and family are focused on making guests feel at home. If you’re looking to spice up your weekends or need a break from your regular routine, make Harney Lane your next destination for fun, laughter and, of course, great wine.
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Klinker Brick Winery 15887 N. Alpine Road, Lodi
209.224.5156
www.klinkerbrickwinery.com Established in 2000, Klinker Brick Winery began as a home-office operation with Steve & Lori Felten at the helm. Before that and without any pre-conceived plans to open a winery, the Feltens realized that they could create and produce something special from the quality juice which they were, at the time, selling off to other reputable wineries. What began as an idea, materialized into a forty-four state distribution schedule as well as a delightfully rustic and rural tasting room which was founded in 2010. Klinker Brick continues to produce high quality wines including a dry-style rosé, syrah, and their flagship zinfandel.
charles b. mitchell winery 8221 Stoney Creek Rd., Fair Play
530.620.3467 charlesbmitchell.com
Bordeaux Next Door: Charles B. Mitchell Brings French Wines to El Dorado County. Like the best of them, Charles Mitchell followed a woman from his hometown of Port Washington, Wisconsin to California’s Bay Area – wine drinkers should thank the woman immensely, as Mitchell eventually brought a taste of France to Northern California. Today, Mitchell enjoys days of paddleboarding, boating, and flying his seaplane to his wineries in El Dorado County, but his passion for wine began twenty years back: a “mid-life crisis” that started with a visit to his daughter, then studying in France. While abroad, Mitchell and his daughter toured wine regions from Burgundy to Champagne, but the left-bank Bordeaux region of Medoc made a lasting impression. Mitchell grows over seventies grape varietals, most of them Bordeaux in origin (Cabernet Sauvignon in particular), with Charles B. Mitchell Vineyard’s Grand Reserve as his homage. His wines have been recognized in recent wine competitions, several considered for the best-of-class distinction in last year’s SF Chronicle Wine Competition. Though Mitchell operates two Fair Play wineries, his namesake and Winery by the Creek, he has purchased and sold five others. No stranger to the business of wine, Mitchell maintains that wine meant for the consumer – he sells to wine clubs, not to distributors. His wineries host a number of events, from fill-your-own-bottles (mark your calendars for July 4th!) to Friday night pizza and lobster, in addition to barrel tastings and hour-long food-paired wine tastings. For the wine connoisseur or the casual wino, Mitchell’s wineries also offer future cases for those impressed in tasting sessions. As for the future of Charles Mitchell’s wines, “you never stop learning,” whether you’ve been enjoying wines for decades or you recently acquired the taste. If these events ring your bell, contact Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards or Winery by the Creek in Fair Play, California. 80
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amour privÉ 9630 Miracle Drive, Auburn
800.800.2703 amourprive.com
“…when properly created, exceptional red wine should evoke a visceral, emotional response at every sensory node from touching the bottle to a complex, lingering finish…” …the genesis In 2007 Matt Wozniak, Amour Privé’s now 52 year-old owner and winemaker, enrolled in UC Davis’ world-class Winemaker’s Certification program. Matt’s aspiration was to create a suite of old-world, handcrafted, ultra-premium Bordeaux styled red wines in the Northern California Sierra Foothills. Bringing a 20+ year career as a CEO, a world traveler, an entrepreneur, an engineering background, fixed wing and helicopter pilot, aircraft mechanic, Private Investigator, Mt. Everest Expedition Team member, Matt’s relentless pursuit for nirvana was in full swing. Frequent travel to Western Europe as well as a love for red wine and European culture set the foundation for Wozniak’s quest. As his technical training progressed it became evident making a true world-class Bordeaux styled suite of wines would be improbable using Sierra Foothills fruit. Due to terroir (soil) and climate constraints, Wozniak would have to locate the closest Bordeaux quality fruit region he could find – Napa. Leasing vineyards in the premier Napa Valley would allow Wozniak to cultivate the best fruit available in the US. Tying his world-class UC Davis training to world-class fruit was the formula for excellence. …birth Building a winery on his residential acreage in the Sierra Foothills was the next order of business. Designing and building many of the components himself, the winery included a barrel aging storage cave, gravity fed sorting and destemming apparatuses, extended maceration and settling tanks, corking and bottle filling stations, and some human refuge areas replete with sitting decks and water features – a winery was born! …life Sharing the unique handcrafted Amour Privé creations with the world is the culmination of years of preparation. Putting all the devoted time and effort into perspective is the adulation of the individuals who put eyes to bottle, glass to nose, and wine to lips. Our flagship wines, Hommage à la Rive Gauche and Hommage à la Rive Droite, are tributes to the left and right bank wine styles of the Gironde estuary in Bordeaux. Our Cuvée Noire designation was created in juxtaposition to our flagship proprietary blends. Eagerly waiting to be enjoyed today, this delicate, approachable proprietary blend exudes structure and harmony. …Matt invites you to share his private love – Amour Privé ! lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
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season delight
Raspberries 82
lavish living magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2013
The California raspberry season is now in full swing and the harvest will continue until mid-September. These bumpy, bulbous berries grow well in California because of the coastal climate. Due to our valley’s heat, our region produces the Bababerry and Oregon 1030 varieties best, as they tolerate higher temperatures and full-on sun exposure better than the other more delicate varieties. These tangy berries can be eaten by themselves as a healthy summer snack, or can be used to punch up a rich, savory dish.
Most people know that raspberries pair particularly well with dark chocolate, a decadent flavor combination. A tart crisp or decadent sorbet is also a well known summer splurge. Because of their small size and dainty packaging, you may consider raspberries to be more of a novelty fruit. Try one of our fresh, summery recipes and see how these scrumptious berries add some welcomed pizzazz to your diet. You’ll want to keep them around all season long. For more information:
oregon-berries.com
Raspberry Sorbet 2 cups sugar 2 cups water 2 quarts raspberries, hulled and sliced 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup white corn syrup Directions
Bring the sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Place the raspberries and lime juice in a food processor and puree. Press the raspberry puree through a strainer to remove the seeds. When the sugar syrup has cooled completely, combine with the raspberry puree. Add the corn syrup and stir well. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Sorbet is particularly soft after churning but firms up after freezing. Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2008
Raspberry Panna Cotta 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin 3 cups whipping cream 1/3 cup honey 1 tablespoon sugar Pinch salt 2 cups assorted fresh berries Directions:
Place the milk in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the gelatin. Pour milk mixture into a heavy saucepan and stir over medium heat just until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, honey, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Pour into 6 wine glasses so that they are 1/2 full. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours. Spoon the berries atop the panna cotta and serve.
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
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s i p & s av o r
restaurant guide
Chicago Fire
SPOTLIGHT
Since opening the first Chicago Fire on Sutter Street in Folsom in February, 2003 word of our unique and authentic Chicago Pizza has spread like wildfire as we continue to serve a packed house of hungry patrons who crave a real authentic Chicago style pizza. Whether your Chicago Pizza favorite is a flaky deep dish, gourmet stuffed, or the popular choice of Chicagoan’s, crispy wafer thin crust, sliced in squares, you can now enjoy it at all four of our Chicago Fire locations. Don’t let
our simple menu fool you, we offer a rich dining experience with table service, full bar, great selection of wines by the glass, all in an upscale casual environment without the upscale price! Chicago Fire is our tribute to Chicago Pizza!
The menu style for 36 Handles incorporates flavors and cooking techniques from around the globe, and include standards like six styles of Fish & Chips (traditional and panko crusted), Cottage Pie and Corned Beef, as well as some lighter selections like Shrimp Scampi, and fresh Garden Salads. In addition 36 Handles has 36 different craft beers on tap. Serving them up by the flight or by the Pint. What's happening at the Pub...
Tuesday Kids Eat Free,Wednesday Open Mic Night,Thursday Trivia Night, Satu day Evening Live Music. Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3pm6pm.....Come down and play some Pool or shoots some Dart's. Free WIFI.
Relish Burger Bar is a special one of a kind interpretation of a classic burger joint.Choose from a variety of Burgers ranging from Painted Hills Bacon Cheese Burger, Black Angus and Kobe Burgers to Ahi Tuna Burgers and the best Turkey Burger around. You can even build your own burger. There is a burger for all likes and tastes, and a choice of healthy fresh salads too. Your family and friends will all find something they like from the best fries in town to our
homemade milk shakes. Daily Happenings at Relish Burger Bar...Monday-Senior Day,25% off entire check (excluding alcohol), Tuesday Trivia Night,Wednesday Pint Night $2.00 Coors Light. 5pm-Close,Thursday Night DJ River.\Relish Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm. Late Night Happy Hour (except Thurs) 9-Close.
Chicago Fire www.chicagofirerestaurant.com
1010 White Rock Rd. El Dorado Hills, (916) 941-3606 36handles.com
Sassy Sweets 604 Sutter Street Folsom, (916) 985-9462
It’s got sugar and spice and everything...sassy. Called Sassy Sweets by Monique and located on Folsom’s Sutter Street, this bakery and café will give you a lot of bang for your buck. Sip on some espresso while enjoying one of Monique’s infamous cupcakes, such as Pancake n’ Bacon (the only flavor baked daily), Strawberry Shortcake, or Rocky Road, and if you’re in the mood for something more substantial (but really, isn’t a cupcake all anyone needs?), Sassy Sweets also offers breakfast and lunch. Paninis, clubs, green salads—it’s all there and made-to-order. Additionally, these items are served all day, so if you feel guilty for ordering a brownie before your sandwich, come back in—you can have a doover. Sassy Sweets caters events large or small, makes some mean wedding cakes, and supplies gluten-free, sugar-free, and eggless options for special orders. Also, be sure to like them on Facebook so you can see cupcake flavors for the week—they’re posted every Tuesday. By Alyssa Severin. 84
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1000 White Rock Rd. El Dorado Hills, (916) 933-3111 relishburgerbar.com
Burgerocity: naturally better beef, naturally better burger. Burgerocity’s mission is to provide only the healthiest food for you and your family. We aim to use the best most natural ingredients in our restaurants. Our burgers start with Certified Hereford Beef that is fresh, and never frozen. We did not stop at our all natural burger. When creating Burgerocity we put the same attention to the rest of our menu. Try our
SIENNA New American Grill is a 9,500 square foot upscale-casual eatery, bar and restaurant in El Dorado Hills, CA. All of the cuisine is prepared from scratch by Executive Chef Brian Hawkins. This El Dorado Hills restaurant features four beautiful fireplaces, a Chef’s Table for 10 guests located in the state of the art 3600 square foot kitchen, private dining with full audio & visual capabilities, a large stone top bar & the best outdoor dining in the Sacramento area. SIENNA has a sophisticated yet approachable wine list with over 80 selections by
Mas Mexican Restaurant is located on Lead Hill and Eureka right next to one of Roseville's most popular movie theaters. Dinner and a movie is one good idea, but experiencing delicious authentic Mexican cuisine is amazing on its own. Mas offers some of the most savory entrées in the area. From their simple yet delicious Tacos, Enchiladas, Tamales, and Flautas to their massive Sonora Burritos, Chimichangas, and bowls of classic soups like Pozole, Albondigas and Chicken Tortilla. Finish off your experience with mouth watering desserts perfect for sharing. Mas opens at 11am Monday - Fri-
all-natural chicken sandwich or our vegetarian Nutty Burger. Taste all of our menu and you will taste the difference at Burgerocity.
157 Iron Point Rd. Folsom, (916) 351-5777 www.Burgerocity.com
the bottle & 20 selections by the glass. The custom bar also features Handcrafted House Cocktails & beers on tap including our own Sienna Ale brewed in house. With a family friendly upscale environment, whatever the occasion, SIENNA is the perfect place for your next business lunch, family dinner, Sunday Brunch, or a night out on the town.
3909 Park Drive El Dorado Hills, (916) 941-9694 siennarestaurants.com
day and 9am on Saturday and Sunday. Mas also offers a delicious breakfast of traditional Mexican dishes such as Huevos Rancheros, Chorizo con Huevos, and Chilaquiles. Happy Hour for the entire restaurant every Monday - Thursday 3pm-6pm and 9pm - Close Friday - Sunday. Kids Eat Free Monday and Wednesday after 4pm. Senior Citizens can enjoy 50% off Tuesday and Thursday after 4pm. Free Wifi. 1563 Eureka Rd. Roseville, (916) 773-3778 masroseville.com
At Willow Café & Sweetery we proudly feature a seasonal menu with local brews and wines available. Our dishes highlight fresh, local and delicious ingredients, using only free-range and grass-fed meats. All of our breads, dressings, jams and more are made in house. We offer cuisine to meet a range of dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan selections and specialize in gluten-free dishes and baked goods. Willow Café & Sweetery proudly features a seasonal menu offering local brews and wines. Menu items highlight
A little about us, “OMG” Café Americana, a little taste of Sicily Veal saltimbocca Yumm! We are a family owned and ran Italian Restaurant, with a little American cuisine to satisfy all the Buds out there. We take a lot of pride in what we do and want who ever walks through our door to feel welcome. If there is ever suggestion or an idea we are very open to hear what you have to say. Both cooks have been in business for quite a few years. Yes one of our guys is 110% Italian! We are very much looking forward in meeting you all, and serving
fresh, local and delicious ingredients, using only free-range and grass-fed meats. At Willow Café & Sweetery all breads, dressings, jams and more are made in house. They offer cuisine to meet a range of dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan selections and specialize in gluten-free dishes and baked goods.
157 Iron Point Rd. Folsom, (916) 351-5777 www.Burgerocity.com
you as well. Our food is made to order, fresh. Our garlic bread is even an old Italian family recipe. We even Have a sweet menu to Die for. I’m just saying. Americano Grill is under New Ownership please come check us out. We will close for parties 30 or more. Call and ask for Denise your Party planner at Cafe Americana/aka Americano Grill (916) 934-0887 5015 Foothills Blvd. Roseville, (916) 626-4751 cafeamericanoroseville.com
Boucane's Smokehouse & Sweetery "People often ask us "What's your secret?", the answer is simple, Love!! We grew up in the kitchen watching our grandmothers cook and feed anyone that would come through their door. We only serve food the way we would eat it and the way it is supposed to be served. Our different cooking styles compliment each other and has helped produce a well balanced product that our customers rave about. We believe that the finest ingredients yield superior results, so
we make sure our meats and produce are hand picked and all our ingredients are the freshest we can buy. We aim to make your first bite to last bite your best bite!! So come down and see us, we'd love to have you for dinner!!" 1091 White Rock Rd. El Dorado Hills, (916) 221-8897 boucanes.com
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JULY / AUGUST events
The 4th Annual Fireworks Jubilee July 3, 2013
El Dorado Hills Town Center
Get ready for the 4th by starting early! El Dorado Town Center presents its 4th-annual Fireworks Jubilee, complete with a fireworks show by Pyro Spectators. Come hungry—hopeful chefs will participate in a chili cook-off, along with food vendors and a beer garden. Music will be provided by The Spazmatics on Three Stages, and Radio Disney’s got the little ones covered too. A parade will honor El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s 50th Anniversary, and shuttles will be available for transportation from Rolling Hills Church and Blue Shield. The evening lasts from 6 to 11:30 pm.
First Friday July 5, 2013 and August 2, 2013 The Fountains in Roseville
Grab some frozen yogurt, bring the kids, and wear your dance shoes—it’s First Friday time at the Fountains.The Kid Zone will feature Cinderella Company characters, face-painting, and a Mad-Science exhibit. An inviteonly Sacramento-Miato car show will entertain adults in July, and in August, Classic cars and Hot Rods will make an appearance regardless of invites. Additionally, over 30 artisan and crafters will show off their bests, and when you get tired of gawking, head to the dance floor—a DJ will be spinning tunes all night long. Begins at 6 pm and ends at 10.
Midsummer Benefit Bash July 13, 2013
Dobra Zemlja Winery
Head up to Amador County for Dobra Zemlja Winery’s first-annual Midsummer Bash benefitting Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenNorthern California. The event will include everything from dinner (barbequed tri-tip) to dancing to a live and silent auction.100% of the proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals, located in Sacramento, which treats children dealing with burns, spinal cord injuries, as well as orthopedic and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Tickets are $35 for adults ($40 at the door) and $10 for children, and the event kicks off at 6 pm.
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JULY / AUGUST events
s a v e the d a t e s
The Color Run August 3, 2013
Capitol Mall Greens
Honk! Jr. Production July 19-21 and 26-27, 2013 Roseville Theater
This musical put on by Roseville Theatre Arts Academy is the contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. It’s accompanied by a pop-influenced score, and teaches the universal message of acceptance. Honk! won the 2000 Oliver award for Best New Musical, and has produced a staggering 8000 shows worldwide. Tickets are $10 and performances start at 7:30 pm except for July 21st, which begins at 2 pm. For more information, visit their website at www.rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com or call the box office at (916)772-2777.
Community Yard Sale August 4, 2013
The Color Run is back in town! This 3-mile course is known as “the happiest 5K on the planet,” and focuses more on the runners’ experience than the run itself. Races are not timed, and at each kilometer, participants are “doused from head to toe” with the infamous dry, colored powders. Runners are only required to do two things: “wear white shirts” and “finish plastered in color.” The event is completely family-friendly, suitable for all ages and speeds, and welcomes anyone simply looking to have fun. Registration is $50 for a solo runner and $45 when there is a team of 4 or more. Call 1 (855) MOCOLOR (662-6567) to secure a spot, or go online at http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/441782366/The_Color_ Run_Sacramento. Event is 9am to 12pm.
Sacramento River Delta Grown Passport Weekend August 10-11, 2013 Starting address TBD (Sacramento)
If you like food, wine, and good company, this event is for you. Spend the weekend (for a mere $15) touring rural Sacramento and supporting local agriculture. Travel to local farms and farms stands, visit nearby wineries, and purchase goods straight from the land itself. This all-day event lasts from 9am-6pm both Saturday and Sunday, and is suitable for children, too. (Plus, if they’re 16 and under they can come for free)! Call (916) 775-1166 for more information.
Folsom Bridal Show
Howe Park
August 25, 2013
Sacramento is hosting a come one, come all Community Yard Sale in Howe Park from 9am to 1pm on this lovely Sunday morning. Whether you have bags of spring-cleaning items still sitting in your car, or you’re in desperate need (want) for something “new,” this yard sale can probably help. Vendors pay $20 for a spot to display their beloved treasures, but if you’d rather just browse, no problem—entrance is free. For more information, call 916-927-3802 or visit their website at www.fecrecpark.com.
Lake Natoma Inn
Are you preparing to say “I do?” If your answer is yes, then Folsom Bridal Show is an event you don’t want to miss. Starting at 11am, you can browse over 70 booths while listening to live music and sipping a complementary Mimosa (served during the first hour only, so come on time). Displays will feature lavish decorations, ready to inspire you for your big day, and handson activities will allow you to experiment with colors, textures, and styles for your reception. Brides win a surprise, prize (surprize!) at the end of the event (4pm) and guests can leave with a free photo-booth picture. Tickets are $10, and registering online can get the bride and groom in free.
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etiquette
final thought How to Split the Bill
Tidbits
ETIQUETTE By emily verbeck
There are little experiences as gratifying and fun as an excellent meal surrounded by your favorite people. However, with varying expectations on who pays for what you may find it is hard to keep the air clear when you are left channeling your inner accountant to mediate between the gourmand and the persnickety eater. Some simple etiquette guidelines may offer you some protection from the discomfiture of nickel and diming your inner circle. Tidbit #1: Fine Dining on a Budget Let’s face it; everyone needs a nice romp about town here and there, whether you’re the designated driver or a penny-pinching socialite. So short of signing a pre-sup financial agreement, how can you ensure that you will be paying only your part when you’ve spent the night ruminating over a side salad while your companions enjoyed a five course chef’s special plus cocktails? The best way is to always be proactive. If you are not inclined to split a bill evenly feel free to request separate tabs at the beginning of a meal. This provides you with a sense of financial security in the face of others ordering discretions. Not only will you save yourself a discussion of how to split the bill but also this declaration of culinary boundaries will ensure that you can budget accordingly and get on with enjoying your evening.
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Under the circumstance that separate checks cannot be provided, be prepared with cash for your part including a generous tip. This will leave the others to split the bill as they please without reaching for a calculator and you will save your waiter the frustration of running an unreasonable number of credit cards. There is no need to stress about the social awkwardness that comes with splitting a bill if you are always prepared and ready to stand your ground. Tidbit #2: Birthday Parties When attending a birthday party held at a local restaurant or eatery, the etiquette for a bill changes. Brave souls may be willing to simply discuss the bill with their compatriots at the beginning of a meal while the rest of us shy-minded eaters are not so motivated. The first rule of splitting the bill at a birthday party is that under no condition does the honoree pay. It is strongly recommended that all split the bill evenly excluding the guest of honor, simply to avoid turning a celebration into a social taboo. If you do not intend to do so, then be prepared to at least chip in for your friend’s meal whose birth is the reason you are attending said eatery. Also, as previously mentioned, being prepared with cash is always the most efficient way to clear the tab and move on with your party. Remember that no canapé is more important than being well-mannered and festive, dispositions that will surely bring any event its due success. While largeness of belly can be dangerous to your health, largeness of soul has the benefit of creating lasting friendships. Pettiness always sticks in the throat. However, at the same time, there should always be sensitivity to others financial situations. Remember eating out is supposed to be a cheerful and enjoyable occasion for all.
Folsom Bridal Show August 25th 2013 11 Am - 4 pm
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held at the beautiful
Lake Natoma Inn 702 gold lAke drive folsom, cA 95630
www.folsombridAlshow.com
“Putting the fun in wedding planning�