NEWS, Mountain Democrat
IN THE
KNOW April 17 Support New Beginnings at a pick-up-and-go fundraiser. Head to Old Town Grill, 444 Main St. in Placerville, 6-8 p.m. and a portion of the purchase will support the nonprofit. Curbside pick-up is available. Each meal purchased will include a surprise goodie bag.
Virtual wine events Learn, taste and laugh with local winemakers from the comfort of your own home with virtual adventures. For more information visit eldoradowines.org. Saturday, April 18: Skinner Vineyards — Deconstructing GSM with winemaker Adam Smith Thursday, April 23: Crystal Basin Cellars— Triumphant virtual blending with owner Mike Owen Friday, April 24: Bumgarner Winery — Bordeaux varietals with winemaker Brain Bumgarner Sunday, April 26: Via Romano Vineyard — Flagship favorites with owners Leanne Davis and John Chewning. And on Mondays at 7 p.m. Russ Reyes from Kilt & Cork hosts special events on Facebook.
April 20: Exploring Pleasant Valley with special guest winemakers Josh and Carrie Bendick from Holly’s Hill and other guests to be announced.
Section B Wednesday, April 15, 2020
n mtdemocrat.com
Poor Red’s chef tests kitchen skills on Food Network Kevin Christensen Staff writer
challengers had the most successful dishes using the passion acquired ingredients, for the with the last chef kitchen standing in each recently episode walking landed local executive away with enough chef Dean Hiatt on cash for a year’s the national scene. worth of groceries.” The Poor Red’s food The El Dorado guru competed on County chef lost in the Food Network’s Episode 2 (already “Supermarket Stakeaired on the Food out.” Network March Season two of the 24) but appreciated popular cooking show the opportunity to comes to an end on participate. the Food Network Hiatt said he had next week (check local no plans to compete listing for replay dates on the show and it and times). was a surprise when Hosted by chef Courtesy photo he was contacted. Alex Guarnaschelli, “I got an email “Supermarket Stakeout” Poor Red’s executive chef Dean Hiatt competed on the Food Network show “Supermarket Stakeout.” from a talent scout showcases four chefs in LA,” explained each episode squaring evaluate customers exiting the Las Vegas Hiatt. “It came completely out of the off in a competitive pop-up kitchen grocery store and attempt to negotiate for blue. While I lost in round 2, I have no outside Smith’s Grocery store in Las their grocery bags. regrets because that’s how it goes.” Vegas. A frequent “Chopped” judge “Over three rounds of themed culinary Hiatt told the Mountain Democrat he and an Iron Chef, Guarnaschelli is the challenges and with a budget of only executive chef at Butter in New York City. thinks local recognition in the cooking $500, the chefs are limited to using “Chef Alex was phenomenal,” said world helped propel him to the national the items they can wrangle out of the Hiatt. “She greeted us and talked to us spotlight — giving him the once-in-acustomers’ carts using their charm, like we would speak to our staff in our lifetime chance. persuasiveness and a little cash,” states own kitchens.” “I had just competed in Lake Tahoe’s the Food Network website. “A rotating In the show the competing four chefs, n See CHEF DEAN, page B6 working with a pre-determined theme, panel of judges determines which
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DAY HIKER
April 27: Exploring Camino with special guest Paul Bush from Madroña Vineyards and other guests to be announced. May 4: Exploring greater El Dorado with special guests winemaker Marco Capelli from Hart 2 Hart Vineyards and winemaker Jordon Mingle from David Girard Vineyards.
Cancelations All UCCE Central Sierra El Dorado County and Amador County Master Gardener public events and classes are canceled through May 31. Master Gardeners are working hard remotely and can still answer questions. Leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512 or use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Clarksville Day scheduled for May 2 in the historical Gold Rush community in present-day El Dorado Hills has been canceled. The next Clarksville Day celebration will take place May 1, 2021.
Rescheduled The date of the Placerville Shakespeare Club’s 2020 annual Giant Rummage Sale has been changed to Friday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. at 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. In addition, a Saturday only garden sale will begin at 8 a.m. For more information visit placervilleshakespeare.com.
Save the date Save the date for the eighth annual Golf for Kids Sake at the Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills, May 18. This event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra. For more information call (530) 626-1222 or visit bbbsns.org.
Mary West Outdoor columnist
Windy Point Trail
I
t is time for wildflower hikes. Teacher, author, lover of the outdoors Eric Peach first took me to Windy Point Trail in Colfax years ago. The poppies on the hillside are epic with the American River below and a view of the canyons to hold your gaze. It is a celebration of spring and renewal. Walking the mountain side trail take in the amazing view of this deep canyon with the azure blue of the North Fork of the American River far below. The wildflowers make me smile the length of the hike. Not just poppies, but the green grass, new foliage on the bushes and trees, the scent of tempting nectar from so many spring flowers in a variety of colors is invigorating. To get there, get on I-80 East, take the Colfax Grass Valley
Day Hiker
Photo by Mary West
Gorgeous color and scenery await on Windy Point Trail. 174 Exit. Take a right over the freeway to Canyon Way, another right then left on Iowa Hill road. Enjoy the windy road lined with tall pines as you make your way down to the river. After you cross the river heading back uphill, look to your right. You will find several boulders with a small parking area. If you look close there is a small wooden sign with Windy Point written on it in faded red letters. The trail wanders down to the left bees buzzing, birds chirping. Follow the narrow trail and it will take you out to the edge where the wind blows through the canyon. Take a break at the bench and just thrill at
the hillside covered in gold. Contemplate how grateful we are to live here. At 1.5-miles this could be enough for you, or carry on down the narrow trail as it leads to the coolest waterfall. Just before the water crossing is a rope, informally tied off to trees, I gladly use it to traverse the steep grade. The water just spills over large
Day Hiker
boulders, around thick vines and tree roots. The boulders are large enough for you to find a seat to sit and listen to the sounds of the water and simply breathe. From here it can get a bit sketchy, but for those who are up for the challenge, continue down to the river’s edge. With the higher water levels, you may find access difficult. This portion of the river
is narrow and runs fast so I wouldn’t suggest swimming but just watching from a safe distance, and don’t be surprised if a kayaker swiftly passes by. This is an out-andback trail. At least it has always been the case for me. As usual the return trip is a completely different hike with the changed n
See DAY HIKER, page B5
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We have been here for over 100 years and we will continue to be here to serve our community! The Gold Country Trail Guide
A collection of Day Hiker columns first published in the Auburn Journal between 2016 2018 The Gold Country Trailand Guide
A collection of Dayof Hiker A collection Day Hiker columns first published in columns the Auburn Journal can be seen the between 2016 and 2018
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