February 2023 Sacramento Magazine

A NEW ERA IN ENTERTAINMENT

ANJELAH

JOHNSON-REYES

SAT. MARCH 25 • 8PM

KEVIN JAMES

THE IRREGARDLESS TOUR

FRI. MARCH 31 • 8PM

KANSAS WITH BLUE ÖYSTER CULT

GABRIEL IGLESIAS FRI. & SAT. FEBRUARY 24 & 25 • 8PM

SAMMY HAGAR AND FRIENDS

FRI. MARCH 3 • 7:30PM

CHARLIE WILSON WITH AFTER 7

SAT. MARCH 4 • 7:30PM

XUAN HOI NGO

VIETNAMESE SHOW

SAT. MARCH 11 • 8PM

DIRTY HEADS WITH COMMON KINGS

FRI. MARCH 17 • 7:30PM

THE BEACH BOYS

SAT. MARCH 18 • 8PM

JEFF DUNHAM

STILL NOT CANCELED

FRI. MARCH 24 • 8PM

SAT. APRIL 1 • 7:30PM

BOYZ II MEN WITH TROOP AND SOUL FOR REAL

FRI. APRIL 7 • 7PM

MICHAEL CARBONARO

SAT. APRIL 8 • 8PM

AN EVENING WITH THIRD EYE BLIND

FRI. APRIL 14 • 8PM

ONE VISION OF QUEEN FEATURING MARC MARTEL

SAT. APRIL 15 • 8PM

VIVIAN CHOW A LONG AND LASTING LOVE

SAT. APRIL 22 • 8PM

BRYAN ADAMS

SO HAPPY IT HURTS TOUR

FRI. APRIL 28 • 8PM

QUEBRADITA TIME!

FEATURING MI BANDA EL MEXICANO AND MORE!

FRI. MAY 5 • 8PM

THE BLACK CROWES

SAT. MAY 6 • 8PM

REO SPEEDWAGON WITH JOHN WAITE

SAT. MAY 27 • 7:30PM

RINGO STARR

AND HIS ALL STARR BAND

FRI. JUNE 9 • 8PM

TESLA

WITH BUCKCHERRY

SAT. JUNE 10 • 7:30PM

AUSTRALIA’S THUN DER FROM DOWN UNDER

SAT. JUNE 17 • 8PM

JOHNNY MATHIS

THE VOICE OF ROMANCE TOUR

FRI. JUNE 23 • 8PM

Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics

supports

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Your Back Yard

Your Front Yard You’re

In Fort Bragg, along with all the amazing things to see, eat, drink, explore, discover and experience, there’s also a refreshing sense of community here. So you’ll always feel, well, welcome.

YOUR BEST LIFE BEGINS AT ARDEN HILLS

Renew your spirit and your body with the privileges of membership at the Sacramento region’s only private luxury wellness resort. Each visit is a slice of extravagance, designed to support our members in their individual pursuits of wellness.

By Kara Chin

By Nora Heston Tarte

NADINE PATIENT – MATERNITY

When Nadine found out she was pregnant with her fourth child at 40-years-old, she was elated. She was healthy, strong, and couldn’t wait for this next chapter of life. But she also knew her age meant her pregnancy would be considered high-risk. With leading fetal specialists and the region’s only nationally ranked level IV Newborn ICU, UC Davis Health specializes in care for women giving birth at any time in life.

Find a UC Davis Health doctor you connect with today.

DELIVERING A HIGH-RISK BABY SAFELY AT 40

CHANGES YOUR STORY.

ChooseHealth.ucdavis.edu

Little Relics

Midtown owned and operated, Little Relics provides artisan and fine contemporary jewelry as well as custom and full-service repair. At the helm and leading the circus, Susan Rabinovitz, trained with Masters from around the world (over 1,000 hours with mentors) earned certified recognition as a Graduate Jeweler, Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Susan, also, had the esteemed privilege to be the only female competitor in Stuller’s International Battle of Benches, 2019. In an effort to continuously provide quality service, Susan is currently accepted and attending GIA, Graduate Gemologist Program (eta completion fall 2023). Wed–Fri.

IRG’s aesthetically pleasing Porcelain slabs flaunt realistic marble patterns. Known for its strength, durability, and classic appearance, Porcelain is impactresistance and non-reactive to acid, heat, water, and fire – which makes it the perfect choice for kitchens – like the one shown here by Brett Dampier Design.

© Adam Potts Photography

PUBLISHER

Dennis Rainey

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Krista Minard

ART DIRECTOR

Gabriel Teague

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Darlena Belushin McKay

DINING EDITOR

Marybeth Bizjak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sasha Abramsky, Luna Anona, Mark Billingsley, Diana Bizjak, Cathy Cassinos-Carr, Kara Chin, Sena Christian, Marcus Crowder, Ed Goldman, Dorsey Griffith, Angela Knight, Elena M. Macaluso, Reed Parsell, Kari L. Rose Parsell, Bill Romanelli, Thea Marie Rood, Nora Heston Tarte, Mari Tzikas Suarez, Catherine Warmerdam, Sara E. Wilson

ART

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Debbie Hurst

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kat Alves, Gary and Lisa Ashley, Mike Battey, Beth Baugher, Francisco Chavira, Debbie Cunningham, Wes Davis, Terence Duff y, Tim Engle, Kevin Fiscus, Kevin Gomez, Aniko Kiezel, Ryan Angel Meza, Tyler Mussetter, Stephanie Russo, Rachel Valley, Susan Yee

ADVERTISING

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Lisa Bonk

ADVERTISING MANAGERS

Duff y Kelly, Victor Obenauf, Carla Shults

SENIOR ADVERTISING DESIGNER

John Facundo

MARKETING & WEB

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Dan Poggetti

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Riley Meyers

SENIOR CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

David Benvenuto

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Stephen Rice

SALES

PUBLISHED BY SACRAMENTO MEDIA LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT

John Balardo

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Gary Gall

Christine Martorana

Gary Gall

James K. Abshire, MD

Rain on Our Parade

I’m so sick of that phrase every news outlet has been using: parade of storms. Oh, it’s certainly accurate, but it imparts an aspect of fun that simply doesn’t exist.

It hasn’t been fun, waking up at 3 a.m. on numerous nights to the room electrified with lightning, the rumbling sky, and the tall blue oak outside our bedroom window swaying so ferociously that maybe we’d better try sleeping downstairs. It hasn’t been fun to lie awake, tense, wondering if the roof—which has been badly damaged by squirrels and has undergone six expensive repair jobs in the past two years—would hold up. It really wasn’t fun, home alone, hearing a crash from downstairs at 4 a.m. and leaping up to feel cold wind whirling its way up the stairs. The house had broken open.

I crept downstairs to discover our back French doors wide open, their bolts loosened by repetitious wind. Rain and leaves frenzied into the family room as the sky split in a blinding yellow zigzag above the swaying blue oak. Thunder clapped, and the cat shot beneath the television cabinet, only her tail visible. I shut the doors (astonished the glass hadn’t broken), re-seated the bolts and toweled off the couch, wood floor, walls.

Days later, as some of my East Sac friends were just getting their power restored, Mike and I drove around Sacramento to see the damage. Capitol Park, East Lawn, 36th and H, Land Park, midtown— at our old house between 22nd and 23rd on E, a limb had taken out a car’s windshield and front end. “That would’ve been us,” said Mike. Next, we went to the extra-wide river, where whitecaps appeared to lick the bottom of the Tower Bridge, and we wondered about levees.

We’ve got storm-aftermath photos in this issue because everybody has a tale. Flooding, fallen trees (and fences), failed power, freaked-out pets—it’s been a big deal in Sacramento. We’ve also got a couple of stories that actually do involve some fun: online dating (know your terms: catfishing, ghosting, unicorns . . . ), specialty food markets (Sacramento has so many fabulous spots to nab hard-to-find ingredients, we barely could scratch the surface), and a piece about Reno, if you dare try and make it there. I imagine the roadway over Donner Summit is a claustrophobic hallway of snow.

The day I write this, the sun has come out for what feels like the first time all year. On the weather app, after tomorrow, the next five days appear as a parade of yellow suns. It probably confirms the drought’s not over, but for now we’ll take it.

KRISTA MINARD krista@sacmag.com

AND THERE’S MORE . . .

Coming soon, for newcomers and visitors, Explore Sacramento published by Sacramento Media—is a guest and relocation guide packed with information about the region. For copies, go to sacmag.com/ sacramento-guest-relocation-guide.

Sacramento Magazine’s free newsletter, The Daily Brief, goes to email subscribers every weekday. Catch the latest updates in dining, arts and entertainment, wine, recreation, health and more. You’ll also find links to other community news and resources and social media posts that have caught our eye. Subscribe at sacmag.com/newsletters.

CONTRIBUTORS

Luna Anona

“I loved chatting with local folks about online dating in Sacramento in 2023,” says writer Luna Anona. “As I suspected: mostly weird and unfortunate with the occasional silver lining.” Luna met her first serious boyfriend online through blogging in 2003. “About 10 years ago, I got into app dating. It’s been a roller coaster of pathological liars, overgrown children, being both the ghoster and the ghostee, and some deep dives into my life choices, but against all odds, I did meet my fiancé on an app!”

Francisco Chavira

“Our local grocers are the backbone of our communities,” says photographer Francisco Chavira, a regular contributor to Sacramento Magazine. He says he speaks from experience. “La Esperanza Bakery, featured in this issue, reminds me of all the amazing bakeries and foods of my hometown in Mexico. Highlighting all these amazing places was a privilege. I encourage you to explore these culinary wonderlands.” See Francisco’s photos in “Local Market Report.”

Ellen Surrey

“While I’ve never tried the dating apps, I do have a few friends who have,” says Ellen Surrey, who provided the vibrant (and in some cases LOLinducing) illustrations for “Romance in the Digital Age.”

She says her friends have told her stories of “how frustrating they can be, and I did my best to incorporate what they’ve told me into the illustrations. I think my favorite might be the ghost actively ghosting someone.”

Pinball Passion

At DAS FLIPPERHAUS in Rocklin, which opened this past fall, the space is lined with more than 20 pinball machines (a lineup that includes Metallica, Stranger Things, 007 Dr. No, Stern Star Wars, Godzilla, Austin Powers, Cactus Canyon Remake and others). In the center: tables and barstools where pinball enthusiasts of all ages can gather for snacks (pizza, hot dogs, pretzels) and a cold local brew or glass of wine. Don’t want to give up flipping to down your drink? The game stations come fully equipped with beverage holders. 4835 Granite Drive, Rocklin; dasflipperhaus.com. Open Wednesday–Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday noon–10 p.m., Sunday noon–6 p.m.

The 916

inside: Poetry of Healing / Every Body Welcome / Reviving Vinyl / Loss Leaders

gabriel teague

Poetic Healing

Poet, writer and former Sacramento State English professor Brad Buchanan suffered through multiple health crises over the past seven years, including treatment for a rare form of lymphoma, a stem cell transplant, temporary vision loss and now chronic graft-versus-host disease. The experience left him reeling—and turning to poetry to make sense of what he went through. His fourth book of poems, “Chimera,” is an unflinching look at how a human body can be ravaged by disease and the emotionally complex intersection of beauty and recovery.

Why was poetry the right medium for what you wanted to say about your experience? It’s what I’ve written the most of and what I’m happiest writing. Poetry is really immediate speech, in my view. It gets to the emotional truth of any situation a lot faster than narrative does.

Do you believe that when life gets really hard, as it has been for you throughout this medical saga, making art from the suffering is sometimes the best a person can do? Since I’m not a religious person, I don’t have any sense that sufferings on earth in this mortal life are redeemed up in the heavens, so I do have to put my faith somewhere else. Honestly, I’m privileged to be able to attempt to make something. For some it might not be very beautiful, but for me it’s the best I can do.

One of the last lines in the book is “beauty this fragile / means everything / even life depends on it.” Maybe that’s why I did survive, because I was so determined to make something beautiful out of all of this, something that expresses something about human nature and human endurance.

Your health and very survival have dominated your life for several years now. Do you envision a time when you’ll shift the focus of your writing away from this topic, or is this the lens through which you now experience the world and writing on a daily basis? For my poetry, I think I’m stuck in this mode for a while. But I have managed to resume my other writing. I have a new academic book about Shakespeare coming out. And I’m writing a novel about chess and the KGB in Russia. I’m trying to escape from my claustrophobic medical world to write about other things. But it’s hard to write poetry from any place but exactly where you are. That’s why it’s good to have different kinds of writing genres to explore.

How has your way of experiencing beauty or joy changed over the last seven years?

You can trace some of that in my poetry. Fatherhood and being part of a young family was the source of so much joy and made its way into my previous work. Getting to experience the miracle of birth, watching two children grow up and seeing the world through their eyes, seeing how they use language—it was outrageously inspiring for me. These days, I guess I have to take an I’m-grateful-for-every-day sort of view and find beauty in the ordinary. Sometimes I find myself sitting on the porch and just enjoying my view of the front yard. My eyesight is fantastic now thanks to two surgeries, so visual beauty is something I appreciate more these days.—INTERVIEWED BY

CATHERINE WARMERDAM

“POETRY IS REALLY IMMEDIATE SPEECH, IN MY VIEW. IT GETS TO THE EMOTIONAL TRUTH OF ANY SITUATION A LOT FASTER THAN NARRATIVE DOES. ”

A Place for Every Body

This new East Sac gym welcomes all genders.

BY ELENA M. MACALUSO

Hayden Glenn noticed a dearth of fitness facilities in the Sacramento area that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. So this past December, Glenn, a personal trainer, and his business partner, Sarah Serbic, opened QUEERS AND ALLIES FITNESS in East Sacramento.

With cardio and weight machines, free weights, classes, oneon-one coaching and training, and sports massage, the gym has something for everybody in its 2,500-square-foot space (with an additional 5,000 square feet outdoors). Personal training programs can be geared toward somebody who is transitioning. Queers and Allies offers female-to-male (FTM) and nonbinary chest masculinization programs. The programs were developed by Glenn, a transgender male, who says he went through the strength and recovery experience without trans-specific guidance after his own top surgery.

“Our chest masculinization program helps individuals reduce the fatty tissue around the chest while simultaneously building muscle,” explains Glenn, who has a master’s in sports psychology.

“Building up strength and reducing body fat helps trans-masc and nonbinary individuals with post-op recovery, both mentally and physically. It can also help the surgeon work with the person’s contour to provide better aesthetic results. Alternatively, folks who have already had top surgery can use our programs to focus on post-op recovery and shaping the chest.”

Glenn and Serbic are intentional about creating a workout space that is welcoming to everyone.

“We’re creating something where you come in knowing that this is an accepting space and it’s not OK to make somebody feel less than,” says Serbic, who also owns Geometry Salon in midtown. “We really want this to be a body-positive, gender-positive, all-shapes-and-sizes-positive community.”

The name, Queers and Allies Fitness, says it all. “It’s a name that embodies both of us and is straight to the point,” says Serbic, who identifies as an ally. “People know what it is when they are looking at it.” 1770 36th St.; (707) 536-1446; queersand alliesfitness.com

“WE REALLY WANT THIS TO BE A BODY-POSITIVE, GENDERPOSITIVE, ALL-SHAPES-ANDSIZES-POSITIVE COMMUNITY.”

Tim Tucker

Vinyl Revival

Tim Tucker—owner of OUTSIDE THE BOX MUSIC , which specializes in vintage, unique and hard-to-find records—has been obsessed with collecting vinyl since he was 4 years old. “My godmother used to take me to The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Oakland,” says Tucker. “She’d give me two bucks and just plop me in front of this big square bin full of 10-cent 45s, and she’d wander off. I would sit there and go through that bin until she came over and got me. I knew the Motown label, the Tamla label, the Atlantic Records label, and the Soul label. I knew those labels had good music on them even if I couldn’t read. So I would always go looking for those.”

This, Tucker says, is why he loves 45s. “With vinyl, people have that nostalgia, that tactile experience of actually handling and touching and seeing it and reading all the information.”

That childhood obsession became a fulltime livelihood of selling vinyl through his online shop. The most popular music on his site? Vintage soul, R&B and funk. “There’s so much music that’s not been transferred over to streaming,” he says. “There’s a lot of older music out there from these little mom-and-pops—a lot of them could only afford to record a single as opposed to a whole album. At one point, all people were doing was releasing singles.”

Much of this music is undiscovered, says Tucker, who has created a boutique experience with audio clips from available offerings, mostly 45s, LPs and 78s. “I encourage people to ask questions,” he says. “The great thing about vinyl is that there’s just so much of it. You literally can spend days and months exploring all these styles of music.”

The thrill of vinyl is in the hunt. Tucker is not afraid to take a chance on unknown stuff. He searches thrift stores and flea markets and procures material from other sources as well. “A guy brought me a box of records, and I paid him 50 bucks. As I’m putting it in the trunk, I saw this one record and something in my head said that’s worth money. And it was mint—I mean, it was stone-cold mint! I look it up online, and it was this rare jazz-acid-fusion-funk-like thing, but there was no price on it. I put up an audio clip on my website and within about 15 minutes that record sold for like 900 bucks! I could go on and on with stories like that. You just never know what you’re gonna find. And that’s what’s fun about it!”

Dig through OTB-MusicWorld.com for the latest cool vinyl finds and tasty audio clips.

—LAURA MARTIN

Grief at Work

If you’ve ever wondered how to support an employee who has lost a loved one, Margo Fowkes has you covered.

Fowkes’ book “Leading Through Loss” (Find Your Harbor Press, 2022) provides a road map for leaders on what to do when a grieving employee returns to work. “I wanted it to be practical and userfriendly,” says Fowkes, who spoke with executives and managers— locally, nationally and internationally—to gain perspective. “Leaders often believe that they should know what to do and how to make it better for a bereaved employee who’s coming back to work. Instead, they need to allow themselves to be guided by what their employee says they need, because everyone’s grief is different.”

The book also addresses how to handle grief while teleworking and what to do if you are the one who is grieving. Appendixes offer resources, a sample bereavement policy and what a workplace grief support group might look like.

Woven into the book are stories of people who returned to work after experiencing a loss. Some experiences were positive, others not so much, which spurred Fowkes, who regularly interacts with people in the workforce through her consulting business, OnTarget Consulting, to write the book. “What I kept hearing was, ‘I went back to work and the silence was deafening,’” she says.

Fowkes has had personal experience with grief. Her son, Jimmy, died of cancer in 2014. In 2016, she started Salt Water (findyourharbor.com), an online community for those dealing with grief and loss. “So much of it is simply saying, ‘I am so sorry this has happened to you,’” she says. “The hard part is that you are talking to someone whose life has shattered.”

Find “Leading Through Loss” on Amazon, bookshop.org and at Barnes & Noble. ELENA

M. MACALUSO

kevin gomez

SUSTAINABLE SAC

Green Tip of The Month

Night Lights

There’s a dark side to artificial lighting.

BY REED PARSELL

Buy ONE Cleaner for the whole house.

All-Purpose

Sacramento Magazine’s sustainability-column sta —all the researchers, writers, editors, interns, tech experts and retired annuitants who make the magic happen—recently had a problem. The city of Sacramento had replaced a streetlight out front, and the new light was so potent that the sta had to tuck a thick blanket over the big window’s curtain rod in the front room, which even with drapes fully employed was overpowered by artificial brightness.

The sta and his wife spoke with a friendly engineer in the city’s utilities department, and within a day a shield was installed inside the streetlight lamp, the e ect of which was transformative. No longer was the front of the house lit up like a football stadium on Monday night TV.

We bring this up as (a) a salute to Sacramento city responsiveness, and (b) an introduction to this month’s topic: light pollution.

What is light pollution, you ask? Here with the answer is the International Dark-Sky Association.

THE IDA SPECULATES THAT 30 PERCENT OF ALL OUTDOOR LIGHTING IN THE UNITED STATES IS POINTLESS.

“Light pollution is a side e ect of industrial civilization,” the IDA explains. “Its sources include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, o ces, factories, streetlights and illuminated sporting venues.

“The fact is that much outdoor lighting used at night is ine cient, overly bright, poorly targeted, improperly shielded and, in many cases, completely unnecessary. This light, and the electricity used to create it, is being wasted by spilling it into the sky, rather than focusing it on to the actual objects and areas that people want illuminated.”

The IDA elaborates that light pollution can be subcategorized into four e ects: glare (“excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort”), skyglow (“brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas), light trespass (“light falling where it is not

Aerial view of Sacramento

intended or needed”) and clutter (“bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources”).

The National Geographic Society agrees that light pollution is a global problem, pointing out that 99 percent of Americans and Europeans reside in areas under skyglow (created by “electric lights of cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising and buildings”). For humans, that glow can compromise sleep patterns and makes stargazing about as effective as listening to a lap cat purr while the neighbor is blasting away with a gas-powered leaf blower. For animals, the consequences can be more dire:

“Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight during migration get confused, lose their way, and often die,” National Geographic reports. “Large numbers of insects, a primary food source for birds and other animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are instantly killed upon contact with light sources. Birds are also affected by this, and many cities have adopted a “Lights Out” program to turn off building lights during bird migration.”

If the presence of lighting is excessive, and lights operate on energy, it’s elementary to conclude that light pollution wastes energy. The IDA speculates that 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the United States is pointless. “That adds up to $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year! To offset all that carbon dioxide, we’d have to plant 875 million trees annually.”

There are places on the planet that are mostly dark (Siberia, anyone?), and cities such as Flagstaff, Arizona, that are taking concrete steps to reduce light pollution. The IDA can point you toward these types of success stories.

The sustainability staff and its two housemates enjoyed dark skies at a few places last summer, including on Mount Wheeler in Great Basin National Park, in Nevada near the Utah border. Being able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye is an amazing experience, one that could be shared more widely should we become more enlightened about the pitfalls of artificial lighting.

“Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight during migration get confused, lose their way, and often die.”

Every heart has a story.

Sharing family traditions with your grandkids. That big career move. Your son saying “I do.” These are the moments that define your life’s story, and the health of your heart makes it all possible. At Dignity Health Heart and Vascular Institute of Greater Sacramento, we put our heart into healing yours. As one of the largest cardiovascular programs in the Western U.S., we are renowned for our advanced treatment options, comprehensive rehabilitation, and world-class research. So, whether you have heart health concerns or are simply due for a checkup, we are committed to helping you write your next chapter. Learn more about our innovative services at DignityHealth.org/HeartandVascular

We can help you live yours.

0223

Wellness

inside: Let’s avoid fractures.

Boning Up

Since osteoporosis is so common among postmenopausal women, it’s important to understand its risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options.

bone density

Christie Underwood uses exercise to address osteoporosis, for which she received a diagnosis in 2020.

BY DORSEY GRIFFITH

When Christie Underwood looks at the older women squatting, lunging and stretching to popular oldies in her “Easy Fit” class, she assumes the vast majority either have or may develop osteoporosis. That’s because she knows how common it is among post-menopausal women— and because she has it herself.

The 56-year-old trainer was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2020 after her doctor noticed she had lost an inch in height. A bone density scan confirmed it.

“I was in shock, especially because I am so active,” she says of the result. “I have taken all kinds of fitness classes my whole life. My doctor said, ‘You can thank your grandmother for that.’”

Susan Forrer, 63, was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2010, a year after being treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. Some cancer treatments can put women into early menopause, resulting in lower estrogen levels, which can lead to osteoporosis.

In Forrer’s case, it also led to a broken ankle while she was walking in downtown Sacramento in 2017.

“I always think about it now when I’m walking downtown,” she says. “Any little trip and I think, ‘Oh, no!’ But it doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do.”

And Carol Greenfield, now in her 70s, was diagnosed more than 20 years ago.

“I’m in the demographics for bone loss—slender and Caucasian,” she says. “I used to be 5-foot-4, and they told me I had shrunk.”

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that half of all women over age 50 will eventually develop osteoporosis. About 80 percent of Americans with the disease are women. And 43 percent of Americans over 50 have low bone density or osteopenia, although some experts say it’s likely even more prevalent.

For these adults, bone loss and the risk of fractures are an ever-present worry, and their prevention is key to a healthy, high-quality life. Many others, left undiagnosed, have no idea how vulnerable they are to broken bones or their potentially devastating consequences.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS—To understand osteoporosis, it’s helpful to know that bone growth—the formation of the skeleton—typically ends before age 25.

How much bone a person forms depends on genetics, the amount of physical activity and the consumption of nutrients in childhood and adolescence, when bones are forming.

“After about 20 or 25 years old, you have t he highest bone mass you will have in your life,” says Nancy Lane, M.D., distinguished professor of medicine and rheumatology at UC Davis Health. “Women hang onto that bone until about 50 and go through menopause, and men until they are about 70, as long as they remain active, eat a balanced diet and don’t have an illness that results in a significant loss of weight or for which they are prescribed medicines that eat away at bone.”

Like any living tissue, bone remodels to stay strong. This highly orchestrated process is initiated by bone tissue cells that signal it’s time for old bone to break down, carried out by cells called osteoclasts. New bone forms in its place by cells called osteoblasts.

Because estrogen plays an important role in the remodeling process, estrogen loss during menopause causes an imbalance between resorption and formation, resulting in bone loss and a higher risk of osteoporosis and fracture. One in two women will at some point break a bone because of osteoporosis. In men, who don’t generally lose estrogen, remodeling problems don’t start until about age 70; one in four men will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

COMMON, BUT

UNDERTREATED—

While osteoporosis is extremely common, it’s often missed in older people, even after treatment for a broken bone.

“We have made spectacular gains,” says Michael McClung, M.D., an endocrinologist and founding director of the Oregon Osteoporosis Center, who has served on numerous national and international bone health panels. “When we first began our clinic 35 years ago, we had no definition of osteoporosis, no diagnostic tools, no therapies that we knew were effective.”

While all that has changed, he adds, “collectively, we are doing terribly in terms of applying these gains we have made in terms of daily clinical care. It is very frustrating to observe that the advances are not being used.”

The problem, he says, is that the medical field poorly understands the relationship between a woman’s post-menopausal fracture and osteoporosis.

Lane agrees. “The biggest problem we have today in osteoporosis is identifying the patients who have fractures and then getting them treated,” she says. “Because today, unlike 30 years ago, we actually have very good and effective medications to prevent and treat osteoporosis.”

FINDING YOUR RISK—Today, providers have tools to determine who is at risk for osteoporosis and may benefit from treatment. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, released by the World Health Organization in 2008, uses an algorithm to calculate a person’s 10-year risk of an osteoporotic fracture in the spine, upper a rm, wrist or hip. The FRAX considers gender, age, weight, height, tobacco or alcohol use, and family history. It also asks about glucocorticoid drug use or health conditions strongly linked to osteoporosis.

The bone density scan, or DEXA, com-

pares the patient’s bone density with the average peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same gender and ethnicity (the T score). The di erence is calculated as a standard deviation from normal. A T score of -2.5 standard deviation is considered osteoporosis; between -1 and -2.5 is considered low bone density, also called osteopenia.

McClung says women should get a bone density test when they hit menopause.

“We know that the level of bone density women have at the time of menopause is the strongest indicator of their likelihood of developing osteoporosis later on,” he says, adding that women lose on average 10 to 12 percent of their bone mass during the menopausal transition.

BONE LOSS TREATMENT— Once diagnosed, women at risk for osteoporosis can take estrogen to prevent further bone loss, McClung says, but if the treatment is discontinued, its benefits end and bone loss resumes. Because long-term estrogen therapy has been linked with breast cancer, it’s not recommended for women at high risk for the disease, he adds.

blasts to lay down new bone. The two most common of these are teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos), which require that patients give themselves daily injections for one and a half to two years. Patients will lose the bone mass they’ve gained when they stop the drug if they don’t start a course of bisphosphonates.

“BONE IS AN ORGAN THAT NEEDS NUTRITION, CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND EXERCISE TO STAY HEALTHY,” SAYS NANCY LANE, M.D.

That is what happened to Greenfield, who took bisphosphonates for years for osteopenia before her doctor says she should stop them. She didn’t think much about it until a few years later, in 2020, when she took a spill and fractured her sacrum in two places. By then, she says, she had osteoporosis. Afraid to go back on bisphosphonates, she looked for other options. After some research, she found Lane, who prescribed a new type of osteoporosis drug called Romosozumab (Evenity). Evinity both stimulates the osteoblasts to make more bone and inhibits bone resorption.

Tips for a happy

How you think about your partner influences how you treat them. Focus on the positives then turn your thoughts into action. Everytime you appreciate your partner verbally, you strengthen your marriage.

While no osteoporosis drug is recommended for lifelong use, and all have possible side e ects, many treatments available today are e ective in keeping bone loss from progressing. They fall into two main categories: anti-remodeling drugs, also called anti-resorptive drugs, and anabolic steroid drugs.

Anti-remodeling drugs include bisphosphonates like Fosamax, Reclast and Boniva. These work by inhibiting the resorption of bone. These drugs can boost bone density but don’t restore the bone’s damaged architecture. In very rare cases, bisphosphonates can cause atypical fractures of the femur, as well as jaw necrosis, a condition in which jawbone cells break down. Both conditions are treatable.

“We recommend the (oral) bisphosphonates for five years and intravenous medications (zoledronic acid, or Reclast) for three years, and then patients need to be re-evaluated,” says Lane. “If bone mass has increased, and the patient has not had a fracture, then they may get a drug holiday.” She says treatments may resume later if bone loss is again detected.

“Osteoporosis is a chronic disease like hypertension,” Lane explains. “You always have it, but we treat it to reduce your risks of fracture.”

Physicians may also recommend anabolic medications, which stimulate osteo

“The good news is that in 10 or 11 months my T score went from a -3 to a -2,” she says. But as with other treatments, Greenfield had to stop the medication after two years and has since returned to taking Fosamax, a bisphosphonate.

“The wonderful part about our treatment menu is that we have drugs with multiple di erent mechanisms of action,” says McClung.

Doctors also recommend that women with bone loss take good care of their bodies.

“Bone is an organ that needs nutrition, calcium, vitamin D and exercise to stay healthy,” says Lane. You won’t see increases in bone mass, but you will see a more resilient bone. And if you exercise and you do fall, you may not fracture.”

Underwood and Forrer, both of whom are on bisphosphonate drugs, also engage in regular exercise and take supplements. Forrer gets strength and resistance training, walks regularly and takes calcium.

Underwood, who has su ered a broken metatarsal and toes since her diagnosis, is especially focused on balance training, to reduce her risk of falling, and strength training, to ensure that if she falls, she is strong enough to catch herself and prevent a bad outcome.

As Underwood’s “Easy Fit” class closes with gentle stretching, she takes comfort in knowing she’s not the only one in the room at risk of fracture reaping the benefits.

The Sacramento region is fortunate to have health care professionals who continuously strive to attain ever-higher levels of patient satisfaction through a blend of the latest technologies and careful listening.

The following medical professionals stand out in our community.

David Kaufman, M.D., FACS

Drew Davis, M.D. Plastic Surgery

FOCUS: Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery is focused on aesthetic plastic surgery with an emphasis on breast enhancement, body contouring and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. We also offer an array of non-surgical options for aesthetic improvement.

EDUCATION: Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Davis are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kaufman received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and subsequently attended Stanford University for his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency. He is, however, most proud of his time at the U.S. Naval Academy and his active duty service as a Navy SEAL. Dr. Davis attended medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and also, completed his residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. WHAT SETS THEM APART: A combination of exceptional training, extensive experience and a passion for excellence differentiates Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery. Supported by a team of caring, fun and energetic professionals, our goal is to make patients feel confident they are in the right place. For that reason, we strive for patients to feel like “extended family” and to be excited about the prospect of self-enhancement. OFF-HOUR ACTIVITIES: Both Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Davis love spending time with their families—preferably traveling, playing, and exploring outdoors. CHECK US OUT: Still a single location practice, we invite you to visit us at our newly built, state-of-the-art, Folsom office.

Yashar Javidan, M.D.

UC Davis Health Spine Surgery

FOCUS: Board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Yashar Javidan treats back and neck problems, with a focus on spinal deformities and minimally invasive surgery. He directs a UC Davis Department of Orthopaedics spine fellowship that trains new surgeons in the latest advances.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

UC Davis Spine Center 3301 C St., Suite 1500, Sacramento, CA (916) 734-7463

health.ucdavis.edu/spine

Kendall Homer, D.M.D. Eric Grove, D.D.S.

FOCUS: General Dentistry, including cosmetics, implant restoration, and emergency dental care. EDUCATION: Dr. Homer completed his B.A. at Sacramento State and earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Washington University. Dr. Grove received a B.S. from Pacific Union College and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Drs. Homer and Grove belong to the ADA/CDA/SDDS. Dr. Grove is also an active participant in the SDDS. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. Homer’s and Dr. Grove’s patients’ appreciation is evident in client loyalty, with 40-year plus patients bringing their children and grandchildren in for treatment. CHARITABLE WORK: Dr. Homer supports Save Ourselves, an organization that provides counseling and peer support to people living with breast cancer. Dr. Grove has participated in overseas dental mission trips and also participates in the Smiles for Big Kids program in Sacramento. FREE ADVICE: Studies have linked diabetes, heart disease and stroke to gum disease. Oral health is a significant part of overall well-being.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kendall Homer D.M.D. / Eric Grove D.D.S. 9216 Kiefer Blvd., Suite 5, Sacramento (916) 363-9171

www.grovehomerdentists.com

dentist@grovehomerdentists.com

Daniel L. Monahan, M.D.

FOCUS: Our goal is to help people enjoy better self-esteem, happiness, and health by treating unwanted varicose veins and spider veins. Dr. Monahan specializes in treating vein disorders. EDUCATION: UC Davis, BA, Zoology, 1976. Medical School: University of Hawaii, 1981, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Hospital 1981-1984, Virginia Mason Clinic 1984-1987 - completed General Surgery. Residency. MEMBERSHIPS: American Venous Forum; American College of Surgeons, American Vein and Lymphatic Society (SP). PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Published a research project which changed the understanding of varicose veins and treatment. INNOVATIONS: I treat varicose and spider veins in stages, reducing the amount of treatment, potential problems, and costs, and improving results. All the most current knowledge and technology are used in our evaluation and treatment of patients with venous disorders. BEDSIDE MANNER: Patients frequently say ours is the friendliest medical office they have ever been to. We treat people personally, with compassion, and the best possible evaluation and treatment. OFF HOURS: Golf, fly-fishing, reading. ADVICE: Treating varicose and spider veins for appearance can improve self-esteem and confidence. But vein disease can also result in significant health issues, with leg pain and swelling, and more. Call our office for a consultation.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Monahan Vein Clinic

1211 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Ste.120, Roseville (916) 791-8346 (VEIN) • Veinfocus.com Would

Where to shop for any food your heart desires.

BY KARA CHIN

MARKET REPORT LOCAL

PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO CHAVIRA, KARA CHIN AND GABRIEL TEAGUE

We all have to eat, which for most of us means we have to shop for food. For many of us, going to the grocery store is a dreary chore. But it doesn’t have to be. The Sacramento region is home to a host of food markets that celebrate California and sell a wide range of specialty and international foods. We searched Sacramento and beyond for some of the best, most interesting and, frankly, most fun places to shop for your daily bread—not to mention meat, cheese, vegetables, sweets and more.

CORTI BROTHERS

For decades, Corti Brothers has claimed the hearts of Sacramento residents with its old-school Italian-grocer atmosphere. This store is known far and wide for its deli department, where you can get hefty sandwiches, cooked items such as chicken cutlets and meats and cheeses sliced to your exact specification. Grab a numbered ticket and wait your turn to order salami, Boschetto al Tartufo Bianchetto (white tru e cheese), French ham or spicy coppa. Tucked behind the lengthy glass case are high-end imported comestibles such as guanciale and tru es. While you’re in the store, check out the vegetable aisle where, depending on the season, you’ll fi nd interesting produce such as Hidden Rose apples, cardoons or fava beans. (Goes great, we hear, with Chianti, which Corti Brothers also happens to carry in its excellent wine department.) 5810 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 736-3800; cortibrothers.com

Owner Darrell Corti

All photos: Francisco Chavira

PEDRICK PRODUCE

Drive on I-80 near Dixon and you’ll see hand-painted signs urging you to stop at this expansive produce market for seasonal, local fruits, vegetables and nuts. The store sells all sorts of bulk goods and snacks, including sugar-free chocolates, dried beans and okra chips. But nuts and dried fruits are the main event here. Stock up on pistachios in fun flavors such as garlic and chili lemon, as well as roasted cashews and flavored almonds. (Butter to ee almonds are a favorite.) The selection of dried fruits includes Turkish apricots, chewy soft mango and jumbo California mixed raisins. Pedrick Produce also carries natural and uncured salamis, local wildflower honey and an overwhelming supply of hot sauces. 6850 Sievers Road, Dixon; (707) 678-1814; pedrickproduce.com

Hot stuff

Whether you’re a hot sauce junkie or just enjoy a good chuckle, Pedrick Produce’s “Wall of Flame” has a spicy sauce for everyone. Purchasing manager Aaron Hogeboom shares some favorites:

Marie Sharp’s Green Habanero Pepper Sauce

I Am Sofa King Stew Ped Hot Sauce

Bravado Spice’s Ghost Pepper & Blueberry Hot Sauce

Sphincter Shrinker XXX Hot Sauce

Dark Side of The Pepper Hot Chipotle Sauce

All photos: Gabriel Teague

COMPTON’S MARKET

An East Sac favorite since 1957, this small-scale neighborhood grocery store o ers a wide range of conventional and natural-foods items. Store manager Brad McNeil is receptive to customer requests and brings in products such as Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato and From the Fields nuts and granola. One corner of the market has a casual bar and restaurant called Willy’s Cafe, which serves sandwiches, burgers and desserts (including Gunther’s ice cream). Pull up a seat and enjoy a bacon cheeseburger or a veggie wrap with a glass of wine or beer. 4065 McKinley Blvd.; (916) 456-2443; comptonsmarketeastsac.com

Store manager Brad McNeil

All photos: Francisco Chavira

KP INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Offering food items from more than 40 countries, this grocery store on steroids is a global delight for the adventurous food connoisseur. You simply must see the produce section, stocked with a large variety of peppers, greens, mushrooms and hard-to-find tropical fruits like mangosteen. The aisles are packed with sauces, oils, vinegars, noodles and Asian and European snacks. The meat section carries hard-to-find cuts of meat, including oxtail and thinly sliced beef for shabu-shabu, while the poultry section offers black Silkie chickens, whole quail and pheasant. 10971 Olson Drive, Rancho Cordova; (916) 853-8000; sac.kpinternationalmarket.com

Shop like a chef

Ed Roehr, the chef/owner of midtown’s Magpie, is like a kid in a candy store every time he goes to KP International. He shops there for inspiration, interesting ingredients and even dishware. On a recent trip, his cart included:

For memories of his childhood in Hawaii

Whole guavas and li hing mui (a dried plum with an intense sweet-and-sour flavor)

For a soup to make for his family

Turnip greens, leeks, green mustard, California purple yam and miso

For an amuse bouche to serve at Magpie’s Wine Wednesday

Glazed ceramic bowls to hold skewers of Superior Farms ground lamb

To try just for fun

Brown rice gochujang, quail eggs and cold-pressed sesame oil

All photos: Kara Chin

Build yourcheeseown board

Start with a mix of three to five cheeses made from cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk in soft, semi-soft and hard textures. Add jams, charcuterie, crackers, dried fruit and marinated olives as accompaniments. Top cheese picks from Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op include:

Rogue Creamery

Rogue River Blue

A blue cheese wrapped in grape leaves and soaked in pear eau de vie

Point Reyes

Farmstead Quinta

A soft-ripened cheese topped with a bay leaf for an herbal finish

SACRAMENTO NATURAL F DS CO-OP

Challerhocker

A washed-rind Swiss cheese with a nutty caramel flavor

Known for its support of local farmers, expansive bulk-goods section and community roots, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op also has one of the best cheese counters in the city. You know that you’re getting the freshest products when you see whole cheese wheels perched behind the case waiting to be hand-cut and hand-wrapped by in-store cheesemongers. 2820 R St.; (916) 455-2667; sac.coop

Délice des Deux-Sèvres

A creamy, citrusy goat cheese with a salted charcoal coating

Parmigiano Reggiano

Not just for pasta—serve drizzled with balsamic glaze

BABYLON CITY MARKET

At this unassuming suburban market, the shelves are stacked high with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foodstuffs such as tahini, pickles, dried beans and rice. But the stars of the show really are the breads, baked on-site daily in a clay oven. You can buy whole round bread (pita), large flatbread and the traditional Iraqi diamond bread known as samoon. These baked goods also feature in the market’s falafel and shawarma sandwiches, and they accompany plate lunches of rice, meat, salad and hummus. The alluring aroma of warm bread competes with the intoxicating fragrances emanating from the spice corner; along with za’atar and seasonings for kabobs and falafel, you’ll find gems like dried lime and rosebuds. Don’t forget to visit the back of the store for halal meats and seasonal fruits and vegetables. 1745 Watt Ave.; (916) 486-7777

All photos: Francisco Chavira

ISLAND PACIFIC

While the Sacramento region hosts a variety of Chinese, Japanese and Korean markets, this store is dedicated to serving the Filipino community. Within this vast market, the number of ube products is astounding, including ube ice cream, rice buns, dried powder, sweetened condensed milk, spreads and cookies. Pandan, durian and other Filipino faves such as coconut and grass jelly are also available. You’ll find pure calamansi juice in both the freezer and drinks section. Browse the aisles for all the toppings you need for halo-halo, such as macapuno, jackfruit and pinipig. Choose from several different flavors of longanisa in the meat case, and look for squid in the seafood case. A small restaurant inside the store serves pork adobo and pancit; the breakfast special comes with two scoops of rice, two sides and a fried egg. 8430 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove; (916) 689-0467; island pacificmarket.com

TAYLOR’S MARKET

Store co-owner Danny Johnson is a renowned butcher who led Team USA at the World Butcher Challenge in 2018. So it’s no wonder Taylor’s is known for its instore butcher shop. The artfully arranged display case shows o beautiful cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and seafood, along with house-made sausages. The well-marbled rib-eye steaks are dry-aged in-house for at least 21 days. Friendly sta butchers will happily butterfly chicken breasts for piccata or expertly truss and season pork belly for porchetta. (You can even drop o your own seasonings if you wish.) They act like consulting chefs, providing pointers on how to prepare the proteins they sell. 2900 Freeport Blvd.; (916) 443-6881; taylorsmarket.com

Co-owner and butcher Danny Johnson

All photos: Francisco Chavira

IKEDA’S MARKET

This quaint country market in Davis is well known for its seasonal fruit pies and preserves. Choose from pie flavors such as marionberry and French apple, along with a variety of jams and fruit butters like boysenberry jam and mango ginger chutney, all made at Ikeda’s flagship Auburn store. At the Davis location, manager Medina Espinoza hand-shells more than 5,000 pounds of walnuts with his family and spends 40 days in the fall hand-massaging hachiya persimmons to make hoshigaki (Japanese dried persimmons). 26295 Mace Blvd., Davis; (530) 750-3379; ikedas.com

Manager Medina Espinoza

All photos: Gabriel Teague

CHAIN REACTION

It’s fun to shop at small independent and specialty markets. But sometimes, bigger really is better. The Sacramento region is home to two locally owned grocery store chains: NUGGET MARKETS , with nine stores, and RALEY’S , with close to three dozen stores (including BEL AIR and O-N-E MARKET stores). Each has its own strengths and personality.

Raley’s is the giant of the two, selling everything you could possibly need or want, including all the big national brands, high-quality store labels and specialty products, both from around the world and from local growers and producers. Known for its commitment to wellness, Raley’s uses a Shelf Guide system to help shoppers find products that fit their dietary needs, with icons that identify foods that are plant based, keto friendly, vegan and have no added sugar. Last year, the company signaled its commitment to local produce when it teamed up with Farm Fresh to You, the Capay Valley CSA box company, to offer produce boxes in the store. Members of Raley’s Something Extra loyalty program get access to free nutrition services such as virtual cook-alongs, one-on-one coaching with a registered dietitian, wellness classes and more.

Nugget Markets is a bit more of a specialty grocery store chain, with an emphasis on natural and organic foods. Its stores are known for its excellent prepared foods, bakery, and cheese, meat and fish departments. The stores also have a great wine program, and each location has a wine steward (many of them certified by the Society of Wine Educators) who can answer your wine questions and make recommendations from roughly 1,800 wines, 800 spirits and 500 beers.

Treat yourself!

What fun is shopping without a little treat? Here are five food items that will make your day:

Chepo’s tamales from Pedrick Produce

Jamaican beef patties from Big Upp’s Jamaican Caribbean Food Store

Bacon cheeseburger from Willy’s Cafe at Compton’s Market

Puerquito from La Esperanza’s bakery

French dip sandwich from Newcastle Produce

NEWCASTLE PRODUCE

Travel to Newcastle and meander around this charming local market, which pays homage to Placer County producers and growers. You’ll fi nd produce—tucked away in wooden fruit boxes—from West Sacramento, Penryn and Newcastle itself. Select from locally made jams, raw wild mountain honeycomb and felted soaps made in the foothills. Build your own sandwich at the deli or pick up house-made salads, lasagna and enchiladas, many of them made with locally sourced products. 9230 Cypress St., Newcastle; (916) 663-2016; newcastleproduce.com

Buy it and try it

Cow Camp Grill & Seasoning Co. (Lincoln)

Artfully crafted seasonings like the Garlic Season-All—perfect for meat and vegetables

Earth & Vine Provisions (Loomis)

Small-batch, fruit-forward jams, marinades, sauces and vinaigrettes

Wild Groves (Newcastle) California-grown extravirgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars in unique flavors like black garlic and Bing cherry

Cooper Farm Co. (Loomis)

Handmade soaps, lotions, candles and other sustainably-sourced products for the home

Crooked Lane Brewing Co. (Auburn) Craft brewery with beverages like Mandarin Pale Ale, and pomegranate, raspberry and orange hard seltzer

Here are five Placer County companies you’ll find represented at Newcastle Produce:

All photos: Gabriel Teague

LA ESPERANZA

Don’t be deterred if you happen upon La Esperanza and find a long line outside. You’ve made it to the place to stock up on Hispanic groceries along with authentic Mexican prepared foods and bread. Follow the warm smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the panaderia (bakery), where the cases are filled with beautifully decorated cakes and all sorts of pan dulce, including conchas, doughnuts, churros and niños envueltos (the Mexican version of the jelly roll cake). From the store’s deli, you must try the tamales (beef, pork or chicken), along with the chicharrón and carnitas. Sandwiched between these two eateries, the market offers a huge selection of dried chilies, Hispanic snacks, drinks and special cuts of meat like beef tongue and tripe. The produce section sells whole sugar cane, raw garbanzo beans and tejocote. La Esperanza also carries house-made corn and flour tortillas along with chips and tostadas. 5040 Franklin Blvd.; (916) 455-0215; laesperanzaca.com

All photos: Francisco Chavira

OTO’S MARKETPLACE

This family-run Japanese market in Land Park is the go-to place for sushi-grade sashimi. Choices include yellowtail, tuna, salmon and spicy ahi tuna, with fresh catches delivered at least three times a week. Oto’s also carries exclusive cuts of meat like Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork. Swing by the kitchen for a daily selection of bento boxes that include chicken katsudon, gyudon and hand-rolled sushi. In addition, Oto’s grocery aisles provide an extensive and interesting variety of other Japanese goods, like Hikaru sushi wine and Bossen Bursting Boba. 4990 Freeport Blvd.; (916) 424-2398; otosmarket.com

All photos: Kara Chin

BIG UPPS JAMAICAN CARIBBEAN FOOD STORE

Located

corner of Truxel and Arena Commons Driveway in Natomas, this humble corner market selling Jamaican and Caribbean ingredients and prepared foods is perhaps best known for its hot Jamaican beef patties. Here, you can stock up on Scotch bonnet peppers in the freezer section and salted codfish in the refrigerated case. Jamaican goodies include Tiki Gold candy bars, Excelsior Water Crackers and BIGGA soft drinks in flavors like grapefruit and pineapple. The store also carries a variety of jerk seasonings, marinades and other spice blends. 4301 Truxel Road; (916) 550-0250

at the

All photos: Francisco Chavira

Rom a nce

in the digita l age

BY LUNA ANONA ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELLEN SURREY

Some time ago, when my tolerance for mildly demoralizing pastimes was much higher and I didn’t yet know what marionette lines were, I concluded that dating apps were absolutely brilliant. Why wonder about someone’s intentions at a bar when you could do it from the discomfort of your Klippan love seat?

So anyway, there I was, on my Klippan loveseat, looking for love or at least something to do on a Thursday night. The apps tested both my multitasking and my memory: I’d have so many di erent conversations going that I would forget whom I’d told what. The unfair thing about being a 20-something straight woman in a sea of men without a long list of matches is that you can literally say anything and it’s awesome. “In elementary school, I watched ‘The Craft’ and really wanted to be a witch, so I made a pentagram on my driveway with duct tape to call the corners with my friends, and when my parents made me scrape up the tape, it left a residue on the asphalt so my pentagram remained intact,” I said when someone asked me if I was OK with a little weirdness in my life. “That’s so awesome,” he said. Was it? Was it awesome that I tagged my parents’ driveway? It must have been, because I told two other people the same story, and they had similar reactions. “That’s absolutely hilarious,” they said. “You’re a riot,” they said. On dating apps, I was, apparently, a comedian.

Nothing came of my maiden voyage into app dating, and eventually I deleted the apps.

Let’s fast-forward. The year was 2017, the month was December, it was snowing outside because I lived in Pennsylvania and that’s what it does there (except for when it freezing rains instead), and I was having my quarterly existential crisis. This time, I decided to quit my job as a magazine editor and move home to California, where I thought I might teach yoga. (I hadn’t quite crunched the numbers yet.) I was not dating or looking to date.

I was on Bumble on my friend’s phone, trying to fi nd her a date for New Year’s Eve. She’d had no luck, and I convinced her that if she let me redo her profi le, I would fi nd her the best date of the year. This was a realistic promise, as it was going to be her only date of the year. Anyway, I did fi nd her a date, but I also swiped past somebody I thought was extremely interesting.

He was so interesting that, later that evening, something made me re-download the app on my own phone and start casually swiping. Here’s what I love about small towns: I found him again. I swiped right. It was a match.

Our fi rst date was easy and lasted five hours. He had long hair and a big laugh. I told him about the night elf druid I played in World of Warcraft and he taught me the scuba diving hand signal for a barracuda. After we had been on a

The ups and downs of using dating apps.

the daters

few dates, I was sitting on the couch at his house while he walked to and from the kitchen, checking on dinner. I was playing DJ with Spotify, scrolling through songs on his phone that broadcasted out of the living room speakers. It was the early days, so I shifted between some obscure band I’m pretty sure neither of us liked and something safe like Radiohead and wondered, at what point can someone safely share that “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus is a situationally very decent jam? Anyway, I have this maddening habit of realizing the exact song that I actually want to listen to when I’m about 45 seconds into another song, so I went to change the music, but I couldn’t. “Can you unlock your phone?” I called into the kitchen. “Oh, here,” he said. He unlocked it and then pressed my fi nger against the phone. Little squiggles appeared on the screen. My fi ngerprint. “Now you can unlock it,” he said. Around this time, I became somewhat convinced that if I didn’t end up marrying him, I would probably not end up marrying anyone.

The geography was serendipitous: I was from California but living in Pennsylvania and planning to leave. He was from Pennsylvania but living in California and just home for the holidays. A month later, we drove across the country together and moved into an apartment. Eight months later, we bought a house in Sacramento. In 2021, we got engaged. In 2023, I still conclude that dating apps are absolutely brilliant. However, they’re also absolutely terrible.

In order to restore balance to the universe, I must also tell you about my worst date. His name was Laron, which is not

The unfair thing about being a 20-something straight woman in a sea of men without a long list of matches is that you can literally say anything and it’s awesome.

his real name, but it rhymes with it. Laron was, apparently, a physician assistant who couldn’t meet at the place I first suggested because he had to stay within a certain radius of the hospital because he was on call. He had also served in the Navy. He told me a lot of stories that didn’t make a lot of sense. At one point during our date, Laron’s face twitched because he said he thought he saw someone harming a woman, and he almost needed to get up and handle the situation, he said, but then everything turned out to be OK. I began to think that he had completely invented the woman-harming in an attempt to woo me with his chivalry (ew), so I did a little light sleuthing and realized I had a friend who had dated someone with the same last name. His brother. I reached out to ask her a question, thinking she would give me a quick response, and instead, she said: “Can you meet for a drink?” So: Laron was not a physician assistant because he had failed out of his program. He couldn’t meet me at the first place I suggested because the restaurant was under his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, and she had a restraining order against him. He had never been in the Navy. (That was his brother.) Laron was a pathological liar.

On the spectrum of online dating experiences, I have had one date like the date I had with my now-fiancé, and several dates closer to the date I had with Laron.

It has been five years since I’ve been on an app, so I wondered: What’s online dating like in 2023? I asked some Sacramentans to find out. To respect their privacy, they have asked me not to use their real names.

STATS

• In 2021, 323.9 million people worldwide used a dating app.

• 19% of internet users in the United States are currently on a dating app, 27% have used a dating app in the past, and 54% have never used a dating app.

• LGBTQ daters are twice as likely to use a dating app.

• Dating app usage was fairly equal across several races: 29% of white people, 28% of Hispanic people and 31% of Black people have used a dating app.

• 42% of online dating users aim for marriage.

• 13% of users got engaged or married from meeting someone online, while 23.7% report they have never had more than 1–2 dates.

• 19% of dating app users have talked to up to 11 people simultaneously.

Statistics provided by Cloudwards

Monica 28 (she/her)

Looking for men. Would like to save everyone from the miserable experience of Facebook Dating.

Kris 30 (they/them)

Looking for women. Met Jenny on the dating app Her.

River 4 3 (she/her)

Looking for men. Got pressured into trying apps; hated it.

WHAT MADE YOU TRY DATING APPS?

“I was looking for connections where I could find common ground and get to know partners before chasing [them].”—Dave

“I wanted to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t meet.”—Katelyn

“Being queer, it was a lot easier to meet obviously queer people. In real life, it’s like, ‘Is this person gay or are they not gay?’”—Kris

“A friend of mine was using Hinge and having a lot of fun. She kept telling me to try it. I told her I wasn’t ready, but she kept pressuring me, so I downloaded some apps.”—River

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE?

“This guy pressured me for a date. We finally went out, and the entire time, he basically refused to make eye contact with me and wouldn’t talk about anything but sports betting. It was very, very awkward.”—Monica

“Stop inviting your boyfriend into it. No unicorn hunting.”—Kris

“I was chatting with this guy—and this all happened within 24 to 48 hours. He was messaging me at 11:30 at night saying, ‘Good night, beautiful’ and at 5:30 in the morning saying, ‘Good morning’ to me and talking about planning trips. When I told him things were feeling a little too serious for what I’m into, he started backtracking and said he was just kidding.”—River

“When I walked in, he looked me up and down like I was Sasquatch and then proceeded to buy himself a drink and not offer me one. We sat down at a table, and all he did was talk about himself. I was so uncomfortable and I was trying to think of how I was going to get out of this, so I told him I was going to run to the restroom. He responded in a degrading tone, ‘Oh, are you going to ‘run’ to the restroom?’ I went out the back door and got an Uber.”—Katelyn

Why wonder about someone’s intentions at a bar when you could do it from the discomfort of your Klippan love seat?

I s it o k to ghost?

I believe in a lot of things. To name a few: salary transparency, that I will never enter a roundabout without an elevated heart rate, and that it’s sometimes fine to ghost someone. Although I support these things with varying levels of intensity, I do think ghosting as a whole has been wrongfully demonized. Before you label me a monster, let me clarify: I do not condone going on multiple dates with people and then pulling a Houdini because things got stale or someone cuter came along. But before anyone gets invested, I think ghosting can be the play. Here’s why: Have you ever tried to tell someone, “I’m not really feeling a connection/future/strong sense that you don’t collect bodies in your basement”? Not once has anyone ever said to me, “I appreciate your honesty. Farewell.” Instead, people generally a) try to convince you why your assessment is wrong, or b) let you know that actually, they don’t like you either, not even a little bit.

Jury says?

“When you’re just talking to someone on the app, it’s OK to ghost them—it’s like walking away from someone at the bar like, ‘I’m going to get a drink’ and then not coming back.”—Kris

“It depends. I certainly think it’s OK and appropriate to ghost someone who is not respecting your space or that you don’t feel great about—part of online/app dating is having that freedom to choose and not be stuck with someone who creeps you out.”—Dave

“If you don’t know their last name and they don’t know yours, you’re free to ghost.”—River

“[Ghosting is] a total jerk move.”—Katelyn

tips to incre ase your m atches

SPELL CHECK YOUR PROFILE

OFFER MORE THAN ONE HOBBY FOR PEOPLE TO CONNECT WITH

“It’s off-putting to see more than one workout photo, for example—I love that they’re confident in their physical conditioning but will often pass by them, as it seems [working out] is their only focus.”—Dave

AVOID GROUP PHOTOS

“I don’t want to play Where’s Waldo.”—Monica

KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON “Gym selfies make me want to vomit.”—Katelyn

“Use full sentences, and proofread what you’re saying.”—Kris

MAYBE PICK A LESS FISHY PHOTO

“I could go the rest of my life without seeing a dude hold up a fish.”—River

GET A DOG, OR START VOLUNTEERING AT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Half of the people interviewed said they’re more likely to swipe right if people are pictured with a dog.

DON’T USE FILTERS

“Stay away from filters, especially the Snapchat dog filter.”—Jenny

BEST FOR HOOK-UPS Tinder

The original casual dating app. MOST COMMON AGE RANGE : Adults under 35, although 10 million people over age 45 were reportedly using Tinder last year.

App Roundup

BEST FOR USERS WISHING THEY WERE ON TIKTOK Snack

An inclusive video-based app that allows users to show off their creativity and personalities while reducing the risk of catfishing. MOST COMMON AGE RANGE : This app is only available to users 18–35.

BEST FOR USERS OVER 40 Match.com

An established dating site with a focus on relationships. You’ll have to hope the algorithm knows what you want—but if not, you can still filter profiles based on things like physical characteristics and interests.

MOST COMMON AGE

RANGE : 30–49

BEST FOR LGBTQ+ WOMEN Her

Cisgender men are not allowed to create profiles, and users can report profiles made by straight couples looking for a threesome.

MOST COMMON AGE

RANGE : 25–34

BEST FOR LETTING WOMEN CONTROL THEIR INBOX Bumble

Men can’t message women, even after a match, until women message first. Anyone can message first when women match with other women, men match with other men, or matches involve at least one nonbinary user. MOST COMMON

AGE RANGE : 18–29

BEST FOR QUALITY CONVERSATIONS

Hinge

Hinge fosters natural conversations with its “prompts,” short questions that add individuality and flair to profiles, and “standouts,” a list of users’ most compatible matches.

MOST COMMON AGE RANGE : Adults 24–32

BEST FOR LGBTQ+ MEN Grindr

Although “cis woman” is a profile option, Grindr is the go-to app for men looking for men. Nonmonogamous couples can also create joint profiles. MOST COMMON AGE RANGE : 18–24

BEST FOR UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT Facebook

Dating

This writer searched high and low for one person to say one positive thing about Facebook

Dating. I am still searching. MOST COMMON AGE RANGE : Who cares?

In January 2022, Tinder had 32% of the U.S. market followed by Bumble (22%), Hinge (15%), Plenty of Fish (15%), Grindr (7%), Badoo (6%), OKCupid (4%), Match.com (4%), and Zoosk (2%).

Aftermath

Sacramento rang in the new year with a series of havoc-wreaking storms lasting well into January. On New Year’s Eve, more than 2 inches of rain pelted a landscape already saturated by atmospheric rivers that had passed over our region in the previous days. The first two weeks of 2023 saw near-daily rainfall, accompanied by gusts that knocked down power lines, exposing lightning bolts in stark relief against darkened skies. The sun finally made an appearance midmonth to dry the pothole-studded roads.

Here are some scenes from a city held in the grip of Mother Nature’s force.

Sacramento River

K and 24th streets

Discovery Park

Discovery Park I Street in midtown

A Land Park house after a redwood crashed down

Seventh Avenue in Land Park

11th Avenue between Riverside Boulevard and Land Park Drive

11th Avenue in Land Park

Riverside Boulevard near Fourth Avenue

11th Avenue in Land Park

Robert Mitchell finishes clearing trees on Riverside Boulevard as city workers arrive.

OFF THE SLOPES IN

Reno

CRUISE RIGHT PAST SKI COUNTRY TO SEE WHAT ELSE THIS NEVADA-SIDE SIERRA CITY HAS IN STORE.

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

While everyone is scrambling to shred the gnar in the picturesque Sierra Nevada before the snow melts, we have an alternative itinerary for those who may not get excited about hurtling downhill on a couple hunks of plastic. Sure, the mountains are gorgeous, and holing up in the lodge with a cup of spiked cocoa is a perfectly pleasant way to spend a vacation, but what if we told you there is a whole lot more to discover just over the hill? Today, the biggest little city that was once known mostly for gambling and prostitution is brimming with culture. Read on to learn, straight from a Reno local, how to spend your time off the slopes in this Nevada escape.

The Food

Reno’s burgeoning food scene is a melting pot of international cuisine, with New American, Korean fusion, Hawaiian specials, AYCE (that’s all-you-can-eat) sushi and much more.

AYCE sushi is what Reno should really be known for, and almost every sushi-serving restaurant in town participates in the promotion. It’s not a once-a-week thing or a limited menu. This is truly all-you-can-eat, delicious sushi, including every type of roll imaginable, plus appetizers, ice cream and, in some cases, cooked dishes, too. The prices vary from restaurant to restaurant, but a safe bet is $20 per person for lunch and $25 for dinner. Favorites include Pisces Sushi , O’A Sushi and Ijji 2 (which also serves teppanyaki).

For ambience, we recommend a stop at Café Whitney. This effortlessly chic restaurant serves breakfast and dinner on the bottom floor of Whitney Peak Hotel (the

one with the large climbing wall on the side, but more on that later). The comfort food here is elevated with a chef’s touch, and the kitchen turns out picture-worthy charcuterie boards, Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, a taco trio, jambalaya and New York strip steak, plus an array of seasonal cocktails that rotate frequently. If you’re in the mood for a rowdier time, drag brunches are held about once a month and offer bottomless mimosas alongside easy breakfast fare.

Another good spot for dining is Roxy inside the Eldorado hotel at The Row (which also includes Circus Circus and Silver Legacy) in Reno’s downtown. Here, martinis and live music draw guests in, and the place offers a traditional steakhouse menu with tableside cocktail presentations. It’s an especially easy visit if you’ve chosen one of these hotels as your home base.

Located in Reno’s MidTown neighborhood, Arario is on the second floor of a commercial building. Here, Asian fusion is on the menu. Bowls include poke, bulgogi, teri-

Café Whitney Ijji 2

Roxy

yaki and ika ika (a ground beef patty with black bean sauce and a fried egg), and everything is delicious. It gets busy, so reservations are recommended.

After dinner, you can mosey downstairs for beers at Piñon Bottle Co. or head across the street for Italian cocktails (including a wide selection of negronis, another Reno staple) at Amari From there, the party will just be getting started at The Z Bar (complete with fi re pits, a soundtrack of ’90s hip-hop, peanut butter shots and a food truck that serves wa es until 2 a.m.); Rum Sugar Lime , a hot spot that serves a smattering of tropical-inspired cocktails; and Death & Taxes, a speakeasy-style place with dim lighting, cozy black couches and a gothic fi replace.

If you’re looking for a steakhouse without the casino prices (and without the casino), Biggest Little Steakhouse , also in MidTown, is your best bet. The quaint eatery features a roll-up garagestyle door and indoor/outdoor seating. Live music is a common attraction, and every night of the week boasts food or drink specials. When I say that you can order fi let mignon for $28, I’m not lying. Plus, the drinks are top-notch. Local’s tip: Try the barrel-aged Manhattan. The restaurant’s one quirk is that ordering happens at the counter, but that doesn’t take away from the white-tablecloth ambience and tie-clad waiters.

When it comes to breakfast, the great debate used to be between Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs and Squeeze In , both of which are still contenders. As the food scene has expanded, however, two newcomers may have dethroned the previous two: The breakfast (and pastries) at Perenn Bakery are unmatched, looking like a spread that jumped straight o your Instagram feed, while Pine State Biscuits o ers a hearty option ideal for those recovering from a late night.

If you’re looking for something di erent, Ethiopian fare at Zagol is a can’t-miss experience. Also, Kenji’s Food Truck has a brick-and-mortar location, but the counter where you order your food looks like a food truck. Kenji’s serves quite possibly the world’s best (in our opinion) Spam fried rice.

The Great Outdoors

Just because you aren’t hitting the slopes doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be enjoying the snow. For a solid workout without the downhill threat, consider snowshoeing in Galena Forest , where trails run throughout a pine-heavy landscape. Remember, however, that you’re in higher elevation; the workout is going to feel more intense at 4,500 feet.

After you’ve worked up a sweat, shed the gear and punch up the road to The Lodge . This cozy, quaint wine bar is a common stop-o for locals coming back from Tahoe—located on Mount Rose Highway—or who want to escape the cold without leaving the view behind. Nestled inside, you’ll find options for wine fl ights, wines by the glass and bottle, brews and cocktails. There’s also food, in-

Perenn Bakery

Rum Sugar Lime

The outdoor rink at Grand Sierra Resort

Snowshoeing in Galena Forest

Above: Cindy Rahe

cluding charcuterie boards big enough to share and pizzas in a variety of flavors. Curl up inside on a big, comfy couch, sidle up to the bar to make some friends, or take a seat on the outdoor patio to watch the snow fall.

Another way to soak up the magic of winter is to don a pair of skates and hit the ice. A full-sized rink at Reno Ice o ers open skate times throughout the week (and weekend) if you’d rather be indoors. Many revel in the experience of a leisurely skate as the snow falls around them. The outdoor rink is located at Grand Sierra Resort , a solid option for overnight accommodations complete with restaurants, gaming, a theater, arcade and more. The outdoor pool area transforms with oversized fi re pits and a full bar serving drinks to warm your soul in the icy outdoors.

If it’s not too windy, adrenaline junkies can get their fi x by scaling one of Reno’s downtown high-rises. Whitney Peak (known for its status as a non-gaming hotel) maintains a 164-foot artificial climbing wall—the largest in the world—that towers over the iconic Reno arch. Inside, you can continue the fun at BaseCamp Climbing Gym .

Scale a high-rise on Whitney Peak’s 164-foot outdoor climbing wall, which towers over the famous Reno arch.

Whitney Peak Hotel

The Fun Ins ide

On the list of Reno’s surprising draws: escape rooms. The city has so many that they’re like Starbucks: practically one on every corner Puzzle Room Reno offers some of the scarier options, which are not for the faint of heart. You can choose to be locked in an asylum or get handcuffed to your teammates. It’s adjacent to the Riverwalk, which makes it easy to book a room time and then find dinner on the river. (We recommend Smith and River for creative cocktails with a view, or Liberty Food & Wine Exchange for a cozy yet lively atmosphere.) There’s also ax throwing across the street and a movie theater around the corner.

If I had to make a list of the must-try escape rooms in Reno, it would be this: an escape room on a pirate ship (yes, they built a 45-foot-long pirate ship indoors) at The Immersium or Keystone Escape Games’ Blood of the Original if you’re looking for a real scare—screams and all. Local’s tip: If you visit The Immersium, dine at Bistro 7 in the same parking lot.

Broadway theater used to be an experience you could have only in the biggest cities, but thanks to a supportive community of arts enthusiasts, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts has created a local program that brings the biggest names (and big-city casts) to Reno’s downtown. In February, “Ain’t Too Proud,” the story of The Temptations set to their hits, will be on stage, and in March “Come From Away” plays for six days. Local’s tip: The theater is surrounded by restaurants you can walk to, including Old Granite Street Eatery with its elevated American menu.

If you prefer to laugh, Reno’s comedy-show circuit is also robust. Many know the Laugh Factory stage inside Silver Legacy downtown with constant shows and a revolving door of comedians with credible IMDb credits. In February, Jim Gaffigan will perform at Grand Sierra. For laughs and magic, The Theatre is the most unlikely Reno extravaganza you can find. It almost feels like community theater when you consider the venue and drink prices, but the show’s caliber is about ten times too big for the space, offering showgirl-style dancers, mind-boggling magical acts and more.

Arcade bars have also gained popularity in the area. The recently remodeled Press Start is heavy on pinball machines and old-school gaming consoles. (Plus, the attached fried chicken restaurant, Cluckers, is worth writing home about.) During the day, anyone can play, but adult-only hours come in the evenings. Playfield ’76 is a similar concept but slightly different in its application, offering modern arcade-style games plus a restaurant and bar. If you’d rather let the whole family in on the fun, run to South 40, where you can catch the game with a brewski while the kids go nuts.

For a relaxing afternoon, a day pass to any spa will do the trick. The big hotels like Renaissance, Grand Sierra, Silver Legacy, Peppermill and Atlantis have their own, but Dolce Vita, inside the new Rancharrah neighborhood, has all of the same amenities including a hot tub, jellyfish meditation lounge, sauna and more. Local’s tip: Spend an evening in Rancharrah, a sparkling new development filled with shopping, dining and drinks destinations, plus lawn games and live music when the weather is right.

BAR HOPPING IN THE COLD

If you’re looking to explore Reno’s best nightlife but don’t want to walk the in-between stretches, you can hire a pedicab for the evening. Pineapple Pedicabs provides themed rides that show off the very best of Reno. To book, visit the website. Every month the itineraries change. In February, expect a smattering of romantic trips for two.

The Immersium

Playfield ’76

Playfield ’76

SHINGLE SPRINGS | Price Upon Request

The Mediterranean-inspired Shultz Vineyard Estate overlooks a gorgeous, 20-acre working vineyard. This magnificent property includes formal areas, library, exercise room, first floor bedrooms, and a separate adjoining second living area along with a wine tasting room and wine cellar. The backyard has a gourmet outdoor kitchen, and infinity pool/spa.

Patricia Seide 916.712.1617 | CalRE # 00892540

Michael Buchner 916.850.9554 | CalRE # 02166241

EL

DORADO HILLS |

Price Upon Request

This elegant home is an architectural gem with greenbelt privacy. Inside you will find a wine cellar, four fireplaces and a chef's kitchen. The primary suite has a steam shower, spa tub, heated floors, fireplace and balcony. Enjoy the private tiled terrace with an outdoor kitchen that descends to the entertaining space featuring mature landscaping with a pool and spa.

Patricia Seide 916.712.1617 patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00892540

EL DORADO HILLS | Price Upon Request

This exceptional contemporary residence in the Serrano Country Club offers a fabulous kitchen that opens to the light filled family room and a modern wet bar. Celebrate in style with your backyard resort with a loggia, outdoor kitchen and a custom pool. Guests can enjoy the detached casita with a full bath and kitchenette. Don't miss the amazing four car garage.

Patricia Seide 916.712.1617 | CalRE # 00892540

Nicolette Wichert 916.458.1342 | CalRE #02041470

SACRAMENTO | $1,175,000

On almost an acre of private, landscaped grounds this lovingly maintained home in the EGUSD has plenty of room to spread out & make your own. Entertaining will be a breeze in the open floor plan living room & kitchen. Enjoy the sunken tub, the huge walk-in closet & outside access from the owner’s suite. The lush yard includes a pool with a waterfall & spa & greenbelt access.

Jennifer Berry 916.508.0898 jennifer.berry@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #02097085

LINCOLN | Price Upon Request 6br/6ba in desirable Monte Azul at Verdera on nearly 1.4 acres of privacy & breathtaking views! Resort living features a saltwater heated pool, lighted covered bocci ball court, 1/2 basketball court, fire pit & more.

Jane Miller 916.799.7397 jane.miller@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00640671

PLACERVILLE | $1,375,000 Meticulously designed Custom Tudor located in the Prestigious Greenstone Country Equestrian Estates. This home features 5 beds, 4 baths over 3,600 sf, on 3 acres.

Brooke Bodtker 916.529.9778 brooke.bodtker@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #02033606

SACRAMENTO | $899,000

On a beautiful, tree-lined street in one of the most desired neighborhoods, this meticulously kept home has modern finish while oozing 1920’s charm. A lovely neighborhood, this home is approximate to absolutely everything!

Mike O'Connor 916.801.8182 mike.oconnor@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01972804

SACRAMENTO | $879,950

Storybook Squeaky Williams Cottage features inviting living areas, a chef's kitchen w/SS appliances, a studio office, and both quality preservation and imagination.

Rich Cazneaux 916.212.4444 rich@eastsac.com | CalRE #01447558

SACRAMENTO | $800,000

Spacious 5br/4ba home w/downstairs primary suite. Open floor plan, oversize kitchen, vaulted ceilings, fresh paint, 3-car garage & a large backyard. Take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Cecil O. Williams I 916.718.8865 cwilliams@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01122760

SACRAMENTO | $640,000

3br/2ba East Sacramento bungalow w/quality finishes & updates! The private primary suite has a retreat area & backyard access. Built-ins in the living room & dining room add a signature period style. Large lot.

Christine Balestreri 916.996.2244 chrisbalestreri@me.com | CalRE #01511288

SACRAMENTO | $599,000

2br/1ba home w/a functional cheery layout. Living room is bright & open w/a fireplace & built-ins. Kitchen has been updated. Hardwood floors throughout. Great central location in charming neighborhood.

Jenifer Walls 530.227.6765 | CalRE #02132930

Christine Balestreri 916.996.2244 | CalRE #01511288

SACRAMENTO | $769,000

Updated 2br/2ba located on a peaceful residential street in Land Park with hardwood floors, French doors, inside laundry, 2-car garage & much more.

Cindy Leathers 916.803.5481 cindy.leathers@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #02014889

FOLSOM | $620,000

Next to open space, imagine living at Veranda within Folsom's Empire Ranch Master Planned community with excellent schools, amazing parks and trails. This low maintenance solar home is one that will spark your interest.

Ed Corominas 916.599.9389

Ed@EdCorominas.com | CalRE #01095218

ELK GROVE | $595,000

Home with a View! Come see this amazing one-level, two bedroom, two bath desirable Mallard I model home in Heritage Lakeside, a 55+ gated community. Start your morning or end your day enjoying a view of the lake!

Debra Evans 916.320.8919 | CalRE #02145348

Lee Mahla 916.761.0400 | CalRE #01899823

SACRAMENTO | $591,000

Classic 2br/1ba cottage located in popular Land Park neighborhood, close to public transit, City College, shopping, restaurants & much more.

Rick Keltner 916.686.6747 rkeltner@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00847569

SACRAMENTO | Price Upon Request

Large 3br/2ba home in Didion School district. Kitchen was recently upgraded w/a newer stove, additional cabinets & granite counters. Features inc. high ceilings, fresh paint, split AC, low maintenance yard.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

SACRAMENTO | $375,000

This is an incredible opportunity to become a homeowner in College-Glen (95826). Tucked away on a private street, this three bed, one bath home features an open floorplan, great for entertaining and hosting guests.

Doug Reynolds 916.494.8441

DougReynoldsRealEstate@gmail.com | CalRE #01734464

ROSEVILLE | $550,000

Beautiful 3br/2ba, single-story home in 55+ Active Adult Community in Del Webb Sun City. Open concept floorplan w/cathedral ceilings & a beautiful kitchen w/a gas stove. Large primary suite. Great community amenities.

Lee Mahla 916.761.0400 lee.mahla@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01899823

COLFAX | Price Upon Request

This Colfax home offers three bedrooms plus a den and two full baths with approximately 1,457 square feet of livable space. You will be amazed by the professionally designed backyard along with the 2020 updated kitchen.

Tim Pantle 916.834.6376 Tim@TimPantle.com | CalRE #01377493

SACRAMENTO | $350,000

4br/2ba Green Tree Townhome loaded with upgrades and nestled in the back of the community. This home has it all - dual pane windows, indoor laundry, fresh interior paint & a custom electric fireplace.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

SACRAMENTO | $550,000

Displaying plenty of pride of ownership, this three bed, two and one-half bath half plex is in a peaceful neighborhood in the desirable Dutra Bend.

Dee Schwindt 916.704.0718 dee.schwindt@cbnorcal.com

CalRE # 00498850

SACRAMENTO | $550,000

3br/2ba Stunning College Greens home w/living room and family room, dining room & dining bar, and pool. Walk to CSUS!

Wendi Reinl 916.206.8709

Emily Welch 916.639.2686 CalRE #01314052 | CalRE # 02145901

CITRUS HEIGHTS | $550,000

3br/2ba on just under 1/4th of an acre w/so many upgrades. Recently installed pool, a remodeled kitchen, bathrooms and more!

Jacqueline Nance 916.300.6510 homes@sellingwhitneyranch.com CalRE # 02027555

SACRAMENTO | $550,000

Welcome to this beautiful 3br/2ba home S. Land Park with a modern kitchen, office and 2 patios for entertaining.

Wendi Reinl 916.206.8709

Emily Welch 916.639.2686 CalRE #01314052 | CalRE # 02145901

SACRAMENTO | $515,000

3br/2.5ba this beautiful smart home w/an open floor plan, approximately 1,788 square feet of livable space, owned solar, kitchen island & more.

Joey Ybarra 916.505.0378 joey@YbarraREG.com

CalRE # 01826403

SACRAMENTO | $479,000

Location, Convenience, Lifestyle! This Maybeck model Townhome at Washington Park Village in midtown has it all.

Sindy Kirsch 916.730.7705

Jeanine Roza 916.548.5799

CalRE #01483907 | CalRE # 01365413

ELK GROVE | $460,000

Contemporary 2-story, detached condo w/2br/2ba & a 2-car garage. Great room w/ beautiful entertaining area, upgraded kitchen & balcony w/park views.

Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810 Mark@MarkDRealty.com

CalRE # 01394970

SACRAMENTO | $419,000

3br/1ba This Arden Manor cutie features a remodeled kitchen and bath, original wood floors, brick fireplace & large lot.

Jennifer Berry 916.508.0898

jennifer.berry@cbnorcal.com

CalRE # 02097085

WEST SACRAMENTO | $409,900

This is your amazing opportunity sold in a week with multiple offers. Contact me for other properties.

Destiny Slothower 916.806.2207

d.slothower@yahoo.com

CalRE # 01883204

ROSEVILLE | $385,000

2br/1ba quaint Cape Cod in Roseville Heights w/covered patio w/screened-in dining area, outdoor fireplace & small pond. Move-in ready!

Jack Edwards 916.240.9302

jack.edwards@cbnorcal.com

CalRE # 01331087

ROSEVILLE | $375,000

Welcome to this2 bedroom, 2 bath, lower level condo in the sought after community of The Villas at Diamond Creek w/an attached 2 car tandem garage.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535

melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com

CalRE # 00994757

IONE | $289,000

2br/1ba move-in ready adorable home w/many updates. Flat lot offers privacy and many different fruit trees.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250

tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com

CalRE # 01987204

MASTERS CLUB

MEET THE

REGION’S TOP-PRODUCING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Sacramento Magazine is pleased to honor some of the region’s finest REALTORS® in a special section dedicated to the latest Masters Club Honorees.

On the next several pages you will meet the cream-of-the crop in the residential real estate business, REALTORS® who have achieved special club criteria in sales, closed transactions and/or membership participation. You will also learn more about a few special neighborhoods as some expert REALTORS® showcase their favorites. Discover how working together, these REALTORS® have helped our region’s real estate market thrive! We thank participating Masters Club members and their associations for their support in this section.

Angela Heinzer

DRE# 01004189 | SAR

Coldwell Banker

(916) 212-1881

angela.heinzer@cbnorcal.com

www.angelaheinzer.com

Brian Kassis

RE/MAX Gold

DRE# 00989626 | “Your REALTOR® for Life!” (916) 539-9555

Brian@TeamKassis.com

www.briankassis.com

A. Albiani

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS, MASTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP

We have been blessed with clients who continue to call upon us to help with their real estate needs. Again in 2021, farms and land, lots, estate homes and small commercial properties comprised a major part of our business. We look forward again this year to continue providing personal and professional real estate services to our loyal and new clients.

Albiani Real Estate Group

DRE# 00584962 | SAR

(916) 425-0330 gil@albianireg.com

Patricia Seide

Pat Seide has built her business with great care and attention to her clients. Rather than count dollars sold or number of transactions, Pat prefers to measure her success in satisfied buyers and sellers. Her long history of referrals and repeat customers confirms that success comes with putting her clients first. With years of experience and knowledge, Pat is able to provide the highest level of services possible. Pat specializes in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Granite Bay and the Sacramento Region.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

DRE# 00892540 | ECAR, PCAR, SAR (916) 712-1617

Patricia.Seide@CBNorcal.com

www.PatSeide.com

Vivian Daley

I have been in real estate in the Sacramento area for more than 40 years and with Lyon RE over 38 years, moving here from Georgia in 1970. I have worked in New Home sales for Robert Powell in Campus Commons, East Ranch, Wyndgate and Maddox Ranch. Prior to real estate I was in banking and in the 60’s a Flight Attendant for Eastern Airlines, which nurtured my love for people and eagerness to assist them. I’m lucky to be doing what I love and strive to be the BEST for my clients. Let us all keep an attitude of gratitude.

Lyon Real Estate, Vice President DRE# 00475888 | SAR

(916) 849-7314 vdaley@golyon.com

Laurel Davies

Century 21 Select Real Estate, Inc. 1555 River Park Dr., Ste. 109, Sacramento FiveStar Pros | DRE# 01049869 | SAR (916) 952-6813

mizlaurel@aol.com www.mizlaurel.com

Barbara Frago

Lyon Real Estate DRE# 00580837 | SAR (916) 425-3637

bfrago@golyon.com

www.barbarafrago.com

Judy Schoer

Proudly celebrating 48 years of successfully meeting the needs of Buyers and Sellers in Greater Sacramento! Integrity, hard work, knowledge of the marketplace and community are crucial to creating longevity as a REALTOR®! I strive to demonstrate my commitment to provide top quality service in each and every transaction. So thankful for my customers and fellow REALTORS®! Please contact me to put my dedication and experience to work for you!

REALTOR® Emeritus, Broker, GRI, SRES, ASP DRE# 00513104 | SAR Judy Schoer REALTORS® (916) 966-2221 • Text: (916) 716-0558 judyschoer4homes@aol.com

www.judyschoer.metrolistpro.com

Viki Benbow

• Selling the Greater Sacramento Area since 1969 and a Broker Since 1972.

• Wrote a #1 Best Selling Book on Amazon – Signed Sealed and Sold!

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give me a call and let me put my 52 years of experience to work for you. Remember, experience is not expensive, it is priceless!!!

Coldwell Banker SAR | Presidential DRE #00356708 | NMLS # 1815492 (916) 284-7133 viki@vikibenbow.com

SacramentoHomeHunter.com

Gil

Land Park Neighborhood Expert

Just south of downtown Sacramento is the lovely neighborhood of Land Park named after it’s centerpiece William Land Park which is a hub for families far and wide. With it’s own golf course, a giant pond complete with fishing, the Sacramento Zoo, and the amusement parks of Fairytale Town and Funderland, there’s plenty to do. From jogging the shade-lined park, fishing in the giant pond, picking up a game of baseball, volleyball, or croquet, there’s a place for you? Or just grill and chill in the well-maintained spacious park. Radiating from the central hub are canopied streets of old-world homes as charming as they are beautiful. Great schools, Sacramento City College, Taylor’s Market, the homemade ice cream parlors of Vic’s and Gunther’s and Broadway’s abundance of fine restaurants make Land Park and it’s offshoots of South Land Park and Curtis Park among Sacramento’s finest neighborhoods to call home.

Serrano Neighborhood Expert

The Pat Seide Group

Pat Seide has dedicated many years to building relationships with sellers, buyers, builders and developers in the Serrano community located in El Dorado Hills. Passionate about growing this region, she is a leader in the local luxury real estate market. Pat and her husband have lived in Serrano for 22 years, where they enjoy seeing neighbors take advantage of the many amenities. The community offers more than 1,000 acres of open space and 17 miles of walking trails. A private, award winning, country club with restaurants, tennis, swimming, fitness center and a par-72 golf course. These are just highlights of the vast offerings Serrano residents can take advantage of.

DRE# 00892540 | ECAR, PCAR, SAR (916) 712-1617

Patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com www.patseide.com

Julie Burks

DRE# 01019816 | SAR Riverpoint Realty (916) 225-0707

julie@julieburks.com

www.julieburks.com

Jan Detrick

DRE# 01208861 | SAR

Outstanding Life Member

Coldwell Banker Realty

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) (916) 812-8180 | jdetrick@cbnorcal.com

JanDetrickRealEstate.com

Paloma Begin

Paloma Begin has been representing Sellers & Buyers of interesting properties in Sacramento’s fine old neighborhoods since 1999. Luxury specialist, top Sacramento agent, lover of plants, dirt, art, water, houses, & four-legged creatures.

DRE# 01254423

(916) 628-8561

Palomabegin@gmail.com

PalomaBegin.com

Lisa Rothfels

Lyon Real Estate DRE# 01726096 | SAR (916) 996-8877

LRothfels@GoLyon.com

LRothfels.GoLyon.com

Kelly

Upchurch

Broker, SRES, REALTOR®, StoneBrook Realty Group DRE# 01040512 | SAR

(916) 601-4225

kelly@stonebrookrealtygroup.com

StoneBrookRealtyGroup.com

Andy Thielen

DRE# 01227077 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate (916) 230-3778

AThielen@GoLyon.com

www.AThielen.GoLyon.com

Toddy Schultz

DRE# 01483530 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate (916) 342-3573

tschultz@golyon.com

www.teamupwithtoddy.com

Britt Wiseman

DRE # 01414550 SAR

Outstanding Life Member (916) 420-0702

www.brittwiseman.com

Britt.Wiseman@cbnorcal.com

Chris She er

My Clients are saying:

“We reached out to Chris 18 months before we decided to list our home. We met several times and took all her advice. By following her advice, we had seven o ers in 5 days and closed under 30 days!!!

Trust us, she is a MASTER at this.”

—Mike Wells

She er Sells Real Estate PCAR (916) 300-5835

chris@she ersells.com

www.she ersells.com

Ste an Brown

DRE# 01882787 | SAR

Coldwell Banker Realty (916) 717-7217

ste an@ste anbrown.com

www.Ste anBrown.com

Tad Thompson

Tad Thompson believes membership in the Masters Club is not so much a recognition as a responsibility. It means maintaining higher standards, o ering superior service, and adhering to a strict code of professional behavior. Long after the transaction is over, the character of the REALTOR® endures.

DRE# 01034942 | PCAR

Windermere Granite Bay REALTORS® (916) 765-2200

TadT@Windermere.com www.tadthompson.com

Mark DeGennaro

Coldwell Banker DRE# 01394970 (916) 849-4810 mark@markdrealty.com www.markdrealty.com

Traci Petersen

Coldwell Banker Realty

DRE# 01267649 | SAR (916) 224 -1515

traci.petersen@cbnorcal.com

Making you feel like you’re her only client!

Steve & Sue Galster

As owners of Galster Real Estate Group, Sacramento’s premier real estate company, Steve and Sue have built their sterling reputation on the personal bonds they make with their agents, o ice support sta , friends & neighbors. They o er unmatched personalized support. Steve’s enthusiastic style & business savvy combined with Sue’s caring follow-through & attention to detail, it’s easy to see how they’ve made such a lasting impact for clients in the market.

DRE #01325532 | SAR

Galster Real Estate Group (916) 718-1471

Steve@GalsterGroup.com

Nancy Arndorfer

Victoria Witham

Witham Real Estate

DRE# 01456452 | SAR (916) 718-1751

Victoria@WithamRealEstate.com

www.WithamRealEstate.com

Personable. Knowledgeable. Professional.

Nancy has been a REALTOR® for over 40 years. As a native Californian and a Sacramento resident since 1964, Nancy served as President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® in 2004 and was SAR REALTOR® of the Year in 2002. She is a certified Military Specialist, a Delta Gamma Alumnae and a volunteer with The Assistance League. As a top producer for many years, both of her children followed in her footsteps and are agents today.

DRE #00443547 (916) 838-1763 NArndorfer@golyon.com

“Although the world is full of su ering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

— Helen Keller

www.GalsterGroup.com

Angela Gitt

DRE# 01132561 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate (916) 224-5843

agitt@golyon.com

www.angelagitt.com

Fair Oaks Area Specialist

Carla Layton

DRE# 01395619 | PCAR

Coldwell Banker Realty (916) 580-8018

Carla.layton@cbrealty.com

www.HomeGirlPlacerCounty.com

Coldwell Banker Realty

DRE# 01714452 | SAR (916) 548-2053

christina@ellermeyergroup.com

www.EllermeyerGroup.com

ACCREDITED BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (ABR) SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST (SRES) | MASTERS CLUB | MBA PROBATE AND RELOCATION SPECIALIST

WOMAN OF THE YEAR LEUKEMIA LYMPHOMA SOCIETY BEST

COUNTY REALTOR®

Tanya is a top producing REALTOR® of 15 years with Lyon Real Estate. She has a positive mindset and is committed to providing high-touch, superior service. Tanya has represented hundreds of buyers and sellers and has a passion for helping others that sets her apart. She is active in multiple local charities.

Learn how Tanya can help you realize your real estate dreams at TCurry@GoLyon.com

eXp Realty of California

DRE# 01472899 | PCAR, EDCAR, SAR (916) 716-9046

danamillersells@yahoo.com

www.agentdana.com

DRE# 01179964 | SAR Outstanding Life Member Coldwell Banker Realty (916) 296-6166

dpennisi@cbnorcal.com

pennisi.com

Geanne Pack

With gratitude always to my clients for allowing me the opportunity to serve them in the capacity of being their real estate professional. I could not have done this without the continued support of my clients, friends and family who support me everyday. Thank you. I am truly grateful.

RE/MAX Gold

DRE #01395755 | PCAR (916) 412-2573

Geanne@SellsNorCalHomes.com

GeannePack.REMAX.com

Franco Garcia

DRE# 00925201 | SAR | Past President

Garcia Realty (916) 206-3802

Franco@GarciaRealEstate.com

www.GarciaRealEstate.com

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY—ELK GROVE DRE# 02029743 | SAR (916) 217-7409

diane@dianejohnson.org

dianejohnson.org

Erin Stumpf

Erin loves working with her fellow SF Giants fans, and the occasional humble LA Dodgers fan. She is currently the President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS for 2022, and is a Past President of the SAR Masters Club from 2012.

DRE# 01706589 | SAR Coldwell Banker (916) 342-1372

erin@erinstumpf.com

916sell.com

Diane Johnson

Dana Miller

Diane Pennisi

Christina Ellermeyer

Tanya Curry, REALTOR®

SIMPLY THE BEST!

This has truly been one of my best years EVER! Being nominated as Sac Mag Best Realtor, The Top 1.5% Realtors in the nation, Top 1% at Lyon Real Estate, Board Member for Fairytale Town and helping raising funds for the new story center and park expansion. Winner as The woman of the year for Leukemia Lymphoma Woman of the Year 2022! I am so thankful for all of the love and support from the community, my family, friends, clients and colleagues. Thank you for helping me to be the Best that I can be in my field, giving and service to all.

DRE# 01375328 (916) 698-9970 tcurry.golyon.com

Lynda Calvert

I love people and my passion is to help others meet their goals. A career in Real Estate has provided 46+ years of serving our community and of building my business on referrals.

I am a full-service Realtor with extensive experience with single family homes, new construction, land development and commercial real estate. I worked 12 years at the State of California in surplus property sales, land acquisition, and office leasing. For your best real estate experience call me!

LTC Corporation- Real Estate Services

REALTOR, Emeritus, Broker, CCIM

DRE# 00571033

CELL (916)765-3292

LTCCorp@L-T-C.com

LuAnn Shikasho

• Bilingual in English & Japanese

• National Agent of the Year Award Winner

• A ccredited Buyer’s Representative

• 5x eXp ICON Agent

LuAnn is an established real estate professional who has served our region for 14+ years. Call LuAnn today to experience the dedicated, knowledgeable and professional service you deserve.

eXp Realty of California Inc.

DRE #01764898 | SAR

(916) 585-3788

LuAnn@LuAnnsHomes.com

LuAnnShikasho.eXpRealty.com

Brandon and Mandy Shepard

As Owners of The Residence Real Estate Group, Brandon and Mandy Shepard have built their reputation through their incredible agent and client relationships. With local roots and a proven track record, they have a fiercely loyal dedication to every single transaction. Both Brandon and Mandy are Certified Relocation Specialists and Masters Club Members. As a team, Mandy and Brandon are the REALTORS® you want to be sure to chat with to help answer the burning question, “Where will you reside?”

Mandy Shepard Broker/Owner

The Residence Real Estate Group

DRE #01894353 | SAR | Continuing Life

(916) 213-3013

mandyshepard@sbcglobal.net

www.theresidencere.com

Brandon Shepard Owner

The Residence Real Estate Group

DRE #01701893 | SAR | Outstanding Life 916-479-1936

bshepard2@sbcglobal.net

Patti J Delgado

I just want to take a moment to thank all my clients and let them know how much I appreciate them trusting me with their real estate needs. It’s truly been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to working with you again in the future. My goal is always to create a stress-free experience by providing excellent service.

CalBRE #01098280

916.505.1012 | 415.246.3858

Patti.Delgado@cbnorcal.com

www.PattiDelgadoRealEstate.com

Danny Rayos

Hi, thank you for taking the time to read about me. I typically don’t advertise my sales or business. My priority is to focus on my client’s needs before advertising. If you’d like, you can talk with some of my past clients; their advertisements about me have helped me become a Masters Club recipient. Please reach out to me if you’d like to know more about my business. Thanks to them, and thank you too for your time.

Realty ONE Group

Cal DRE #02048199

(916) 800-0078 | Hello@FeaturedRE.info

2277 Fair Oaks Boulevard #195 Sacramento, CA

www.rogcomplete.com/agents/ danny-rayos

Claudia Vyhmeister

Top producing REALTOR with 20 + years of experience in the industry

Assisting buyers,sellers, investors, military families

Single family existing homes, condos, land, new homes

Trusts & Probate

Lyon Real Estate | Hablo Español DRE #01393964 | PCAR (916) 765-9730

seeclaudia4homes.com

Ti any Tate

Newpoint Realty DRE# 02009988 | PCAR, SAR (916) 541-8813 | ttate@newpoint.us

www.newpoint.me

Tecca Wysk

Coldwell Banker Realty SAR | ABR, CRS, GRI DRE #01308218 | (916) 205-8973

tecca.wysk@CAmoves.com

teccasellssacramento.com

Tim Comstock

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

DRE# 01879462 | SAR

(916) 548-7102

Tcomstock44@gmail.com

Dixon

eXp Realty

DRE# 01828462 | SAR (916) 595-5704

Sonya@SonyaDixon.com

www.SonyaDixon.com

Sonya

RE/MAX Gold

DRE# 01467711 | PCAR, SAR

Top Achiever for EDCAR

Cell: (916) 997-7393 | O ice: (916) 537-2400 joel.perez@norcalgold.com

I’ve had the pleasure of serving wonderful clients throughout California in my real estate career. Every client is important to me, and I strive to provide excellent service and attention to every client. During a lifechanging transaction, the little details matter the most. I aim to be the source of information and professional advice for customers unsure of what steps are necessary. Let me help you achieve your goals.

I am fluent in French and Portuguese.

Brandon E. Lower

REALTOR® | DRE #02009731 | SAR Coldwell Banker Realty (916) 350-0602

nancy.jenson@cbnorcal. com

Brandon has been involved in various facets of real estate for over 20 years, including property management and home mortgage loans. As a member of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® Masters Club, Brandon has sold homes in Sacramento, Colusa, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter and Yolo counties. Born and raised in Sacramento, he has a lifetime of knowledge about the area and vows to work day or night to get you the best deal. Whether you’re looking for your first home or are experienced in buying real estate, his passion for real estate and helping his clients makes him a great candidate to get you the house you’re looking for.

LIFE

REALTOR® BRE #02033008 (916) 812-0209 lower.brandon@gmail.com

Representing buyers and sellers throughout the Sacramento region and Northern California

Senior Executive Associate Lyon Real Estate

DRE# 01369531 | SAR (916) 719-6381

LAUBLE@golyon.com

www.LisaAuble.com

Lyon Real Estate New | SAR

DRE # 02031538 (916) 716-8713

mbrown@golyon.com

Broker

DRE# 01749720 | SAR

Galster Real Estate Group (916) 743-6611

cynthia@realestatesinger.com

www.realestatesinger.com

Mega real estate service with a Blissful experience, is our company mantra.

MegaBliss Real Estate is about connection, we are a guide for our clients and a resource. Buying and selling real estate is a big commitment, working with a team that you vibe with, who communicates, keeps it transparent and positive, and has your back is key to a MegaBlissful experience. Thank you for trusting our team to be your guide through your next chapter.

MegaBliss Real Estate DRE #01397300 | (916) 949-6929

melissa@megablissre.com

www.megablissre.com

Joel Perez

Lisa Auble

Cynthia Woods

Nancy Teixeira-Jenson

Margo Reid Brown

Melissa Marie Allman

Noelle McCrea

Noelle McCrea is a Sacramento native with over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. Her experience in transaction negotiation, combined with her extensive knowledge of Sacramento’s greater regional history helps inform her clients to make the best decisions when selling or buying their home or investment property.

REALTOR® | Big Block Realty North DRE# 02040652 | #1527343 916-877-6011

noelle@noellemccrea.com

NoelleMcCrea.com

Kim Knotts

Kim Knotts, MBA, lives inspired by people, real estate, and dedication. She believes buying a home should reflect who you are, who you want to be, and inspire you to live the luxury lifestyle you deserve. A California native with 45 years in the Sierra Foothills have made Kim an expert of the Greater Sacramento Region. From the Sierra Foothills to Lake Tahoe are where Kim works, lives and plays. With deep market insight, industry connection, authentic client partnerships, and expertise in all things finance, Kim Knotts provides high-touch and high-quality real estate services for home buyers and sellers.

ENGLE &VOLKERS

KIM.KNOTTS@EVREALESTATE.COM

(916) 719-3235

DRE# 01702783 | PCAR

kimknotts.evrealestate.com

Music Wins Big!

Two of our region’s casinos—Thunder Valley and Hard Rock—are attracting legendary acts at their new state-ofthe-art venues.

Gloria Trevi performs at Hard Rock Live

BY CATHY CASSINOS-CARR

Can you say Eagles-Bruno Mars-Santana three times, real fast?

If so, you’ve just announced the lineup of the blockbuster three-night grand opening on tap this month at The Venue at Thunder Valley, a brand-spankingnew, state-of-the-art showroom at the nearly 20-year-old casino in Lincoln.

If this sounds like déjà vu all over again, here’s why: Just last June, another local casino—the Hard Rock, in Wheatland—swung open the doors of its splashy new venue, Hard Rock Live, with a sold-out show by pop phenom group Maroon 5.

Call it a trend, or don’t. But having two new venues for live entertainment in the Sacramento region is good news—and for those who happen to enjoy gambling, well, call it a win-win.

The Venue at Thunder Valley

When “Red Rocker” Sammy Hagar took his final bows after his show last October at Thunder Valley’s outdoor amphitheater, it was the end of an era.

After 10 years and more than 275 shows, “the amphitheater is closed—the amphitheater is no more,” says Doug Elmets, spokesperson for Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

The new, fully-indoor Venue at Thunder Valley, scheduled to open Feb. 17 when it rolls out the red carpet for country-rock legends the Eagles, is a 150,000-squarefoot, free-standing facility adjacent to the location of the former amphitheater. With 4,500 seats and cutting-edge sound and video systems, it is “an intimate setting offering a new level of entertainment,” according to Elmets. That it is a dedicated performing arts space differentiates it f rom other local casino-based venues, he says.

The new venue serves as a permanent replacement for the outdoor theater, which was “actually always temporary,” says Elmets. “We would erect it every year in the April–May time frame, and in October it would be deconstructed.” It was never an ideal scenario, as Elmets points out, and it presented two major drawbacks: Shows were held only part of the year, and mostly in summer, when scorching Sacramento temperatures could make things less than comfy for performers and patrons alike.

An indoor venue was the obvious solution. “We wanted to be able to provide entertainment year-round for our patrons,” Elmets says. “We didn’t want to be restricted to summer only.”

With a cost of $100 million, the new venue was an expensive proposition. But as Elmets notes, it also put a lot of locals back to work. “Two hundred jobs were created for the construction of the venue, and new job

A rendering of The Venue at Thunder Valley

opportunities are being created to meet the demands of the venue,” he says. “These are great jobs, livingwage jobs, with a full benefits package. It’s important to acknowledge that the money spent on the venue helps to boost the economy.”

For non-Thunder Valley employees and local fans of live entertainment, though, the burning question is: Will the mix of shows look di erent than it did when it was a partial-year, outdoor-only deal? Elmets says yes.

As before, Thunder Valley will o er more than just music; sporting events and comedy will round things out. What’s di erent, Elmets says, is that there is now an opportunity to raise the bar, and in a big way.

“The great thing now is that we’ll be able to get worldclass entertainment, which is something that eluded us from time to time with the outdoor amphitheater,” he says. “Big-name entertainers like Bruno Mars, Eagles and Santana want to be in a venue that has state-ofthe-art sound and lighting, not only because it’s more appealing to their fans but because the quality of their music is reflected better in such a setting.”

But big-name entertainment can also mean big ticket prices. When Thunder Valley’s opening weekend shows were announced, with price tags ranging from $200 to $500, the outcry on social media was loud. But, as Elmets points out, that didn’t stop anyone.

The shows sold out—and quickly.

“There were literally people waiting in line for many hours to buy tickets for all three shows,” Elmets says. “The proof is in the pudding.”

Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located at 1200 Athens Ave. in Lincoln. For more information, including a calendar of upcoming shows, visit thunderval leyresort.com.

Hard Rock Live

Located inside the Hard Rock Casino in Wheatland, Hard Rock Live touts many of the same features as the soon-to-open Venue at Thunder Valley, including topnotch audio and video systems and an intimate setting (even more intimate, actually, with 2,500 seats). But it’s got one thing the others haven’t got: cool rock ’n’ roll memorabilia—and lots of it.

It’s a Hard Rock, after all.

“Not only can you watch an incredible show, but you can wander around and look at all the great memorabilia,” says Randy Maddocks, director of entertainment for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (i.e., the Wheatland property). On display you’ll fi nd everything from stage wear worn by pop divas Beyoncé and Katy Perry to an Elvis Presley jumpsuit, guitars played by such big names as Garth Brooks and ZZ Top, and vintage concert posters from iconic Northern California venues.

What grabs customers the most?

“Our guests seem to spend a lot of time checking out our wall of tour jackets and the drum kits from Frank Zappa and Alex Van Halen,” says Maddocks.

IT’S A NICE MIDSIZED ROOM, LARGE ENOUGH TO DRAW TOPTIER ENTERTAINERS BUT SMALL ENOUGH THAT THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A NOSEBLEED SEAT.

My one test drive at the new venue—I saw the legendary Smokey Robinson there this past November—revealed it to be a modern, hip-looking space with clean sightlines and pristine sound. It’s a nice midsized room, large enough to draw top-tier entertainers but small enough that there’s no such thing as a nosebleed seat. According to Maddocks, no seat in the house is more than 140 feet from the stage.

“That, to me, is one of the biggest selling points of the room,” he says. “You feel like you’re right on top of the stage.” That view is enhanced, Maddocks notes, by three

Anjelah JohnsonReyes performs March 25 at The Venue at Thunder Valley

Bruno Mars performs Feb. 18 at The Venue at Thunder Valley Hard Rock Live

The Eagles perform Feb. 17 at The Venue at Thunder Valley

A rendering of The Venue at Thunder Valley

BY THE NUMBERS

SEATS:

2,500 Hard Rock Live

4,500 The Venue at Thunder Valley

SQUARE FOOTAGE:

65,000 Hard Rock Live

150,000 The Venue at Thunder Valley

COST:

$56 million Hard Rock Live

$100 million The Venue at Thunder Valley

GRAND OPENING:

June 3, 2022 Hard Rock Live

Feb. 17, 2023 The Venue at Thunder Valley

NUMBER OF BARS/CONCESSION WINDOWS:

13 concession windows, 2 portable bars, 1 VIP meet-and-greet bar Hard Rock Live

22 concession windows and bars

The Venue at Thunder Valley

PARKING: Free Hard Rock Live

Free The Venue at Thunder Valley

very large video walls. “To me, it almost feels like a small arena.”

For the ultimate experience, Maddocks advises scoring a seat in the upstairs mezzanine. “It has only about 250 seats and some of the best views and sound in the room,” he says.

In its brief time open, Hard Rock Live has already played host to some impressive A-listers, including guitar god Je Beck (who died in early January), “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert and comedy king Chris Rock. The lineup for 2023 includes old-school crooner Paul Anka and comedians Bill Maher, Brian Regan and Kathleen Madigan.

Maddocks says the entertainment mix moving forward will continue to be diverse—possibly more so than you’ll fi nd elsewhere.

“We want to do the traditional casino-type shows—we had the Doobie Brothers and Bret Michaels, for example—and we’ll book all the classic rock and country we can,” he says. “But we’ll also entertain bringing in a Filipino show, or a Korean hip-hop group, or a Japanese punk band, things like that. And we’ve had a very diverse comedy lineup so far.”

Just don’t confuse the Hard Rock with that other venue down the road.

“People are still confusing us with the [outdoor] Toyota Amphitheatre, which is literally less than a mile away,” Maddocks says. “We’ve had people come to our venue and

say, ‘Hey, I’m here for Thomas Rhett,’ and we’re like, ‘That’s next door.’”

Both are part of the Live Nation Entertainment family, Maddocks notes. But they are totally separate venues o ering markedly di erent experiences, including the not-insignificant fact that the Hard Rock is indoors.

“During the summer when it’s 115 degrees out, you can come here and enjoy an air-conditioned show,” Maddocks says.

In a place like Sacramento, this matters.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain is located at 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland. For more information, including a calendar of upcoming shows, visit hardrockhotelsacramento.com.

WHAT ABOUT SKY RIVER?

What kind of live entertainment is on tap at the newest casino in our region? At the time of this writing, Elk Grove’s Sky River, which opened last August, was featuring rock and country bands every Wednesday night in its gastropub, 32 Brews Street.

But what will happen next remains a question mark.

According to Roni Phillips, Sky River’s director of property marketing, “There is no further information we can share at this time regarding future phases of development or expanded entertainment schedules.”

Sky River Casino is located at 1 Sky River Parkway in Elk Grove. For more information, visit skyriver.com.

Bill Maher performs Feb. 25 at Hard Rock Live

Rock ’n’ roll memorabilia at Hard Rock Live

Gary Clark, Jr.’s recent appearance at Hard Rock Live

Events

Fast Friends—

Before Nina Totenberg became NPR’s legal affairs correspondent and the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the two started having dinners together and formed a decadeslong friendship. The acclaimed journalist talks of this and other career highlights in A Conversation With Nina Totenberg , based on her new memoir, “Dinners With Ruth.” At the Mondavi. mondaviarts.org

Return of the Rabbit—

Sacramento’s Chinese New Year Culture Association hosts The Year of the Rabbit Celebration in honor of the Lunar New Year. The all-day fest features traditional Chinese music, song and dance, dragon dances, martial arts, children’s games, cultural exhibits, vendors and a food bazaar. Join in the festivities at Luther Burbank High School. The event’s in-person return follows two years of virtual celebrations. cnyca.net

Rising

Star—Get ready to be blown away by violinist Amaryn Olmeda . The 14-yearold prodigy, who hails from Loomis and studies at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, has performed as a soloist with numerous symphonies, appeared on NPR’s “From the Top” and won first prize at the 24th Annual Sphinx Competition. Olmeda is the featured soloist at Folsom Lake Symphony’s Tales of Romance concert. At Harris Center. harriscenter.net

Beloved Ballet—

Sacramento Ballet presents the iconic “Swan Lake,” performed to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score and a live orchestra. The tale of Princess Odette, cast into a swan by a sorcerer’s spell, and Prince Siegfried, whose fall for Odette leads to their tragic deaths, is brought to life by the ballet’s artistic/ executive director, former principal dancer and choreographer Anthony Krutzkamp. At SAFE Credit Union PAC. sacballet.org

Girl on Display—

In the 1830s, American merchants brought a teenage girl from China to the United States to use her as a marketing ploy, charging the public 50 cents apiece to gawk at her exotic appearance as she sat in tableaux filled with Chinese goods. In “The Chinese Lady,” playwright Lloyd Suh takes the true story of Afong Moy and fashions it into a compelling, critically acclaimed drama. At Capital Stage. capstage.org

SENIOR

A Special Advertising Section

LIVING

As your aging loved ones begin to make lifestyle changes, here are some of Sacramento’s best resources to help you navigate it all with them.

The Lifestyle You Deserve

Leave the chores behind and enjoy an active retirement

e Sacramento area is consistently ranked among the best areas in California to retire, and it’s no wonder why. We’re less than 2 hours from Tahoe and the Bay Area, two of California’s most famous destinations, in addition to the Gold Country and the Sierras. Retirement should be enjoyed, and every minute should be savored. You’re nally living the carefree lifestyle that you deserve, that you’ve worked so hard for.

At Ansel Park Senior Living, we’re here to support you as you forge your path into your next chapter, taking care of your every need so that you can maximize your independence and enjoy the local scenery. With inclusive amenities, housekeeping and 3 restaurant-quality, chef-prepared meals daily, you can leave the chores behind and savor your retirement. Call us to tour today!

Ansel Park Independent Living: 1250 Orchid Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765 • (916) 713-5434

Ansel Park Assisted Living & Memory Care: 1200 Orchid Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765 • (916) 545-1537

AnselPark.com

You Can’t Always Be There But We Can

In-home caregiver services like those provided by JB Homecare o er an array of supports for older adults living independently.

JB Homecare deploys caregivers who perform a variety of personalized, nonmedical long- or short-term services ranging from light housekeeping, meal prep and hygiene assistance to joyful companionship, live-in or overnight care and hospice care. If your loved one’s goal is to safely maintain their independence and remain in their homes, JB Homecare may be an essential component.

Call us today at 916.489.6941 or 310.566.7515

Experience Our Community of Caring

Founded in 1972, ACC Senior Services has become one of the most responsive and dynamic non-profit service providers for older adults and their family caregivers. Whether you’re looking for residential care, transportation, social services, or somewhere to call home, we’re here for you.

At ACC, we see aging as a multi-generational activity, where you’re able to develop supportive relationships with others through every stage of life.

Call Scott Okamoto at 916-393-6399 or email info@accsv.org to tour our community.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui celebrated ACC’s 50th anniversary last year.

ACC Care Center received the highest rating from U.S. News & World Report and is Five Star rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

ACC Rides celebrates 20 years of providing transportation services to home-bound seniors in the Sacramento Region.

Moni Kondos, shown with ACC’s Scott Okamoto, donated a collection of Gregory Kondos and William Gatewood artwork to ACC Maple Tree Village.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

ACC Maple Tree Village Assisted Living and Memory Care 18 Kado Court

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 395-7579 Lic. 342700683

ACC Greenhaven Terrace

Independent and Assisted Living 1180 Corporate Way

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 395-0210

Lic. 347005257

ACC Care Center Skilled Nursing 7801 Rush River Drive

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 393-9020

Lic. 03000311

ACC Rides 7334 Park City Drive

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 393-9026

ACC has offered hundreds of free enrichment classes in-person and online. Raeselle Lourdes makes ube chocolate chip brownies. Visit accsv.org/classes to view the class schedule.

Maeley Tom performs regularly at ACC’s Big Day of Giving in May.

Facebook: facebook.com/accsv

YouTube: youtube.com/user/accseniorservices

ACC Home and CommunityBased Programs 7334 Park City Drive

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 393-9026

Meals on Wheels by ACC 7375 Park City Drive

Sacramento, CA 95831

Phone: (916) 444-9533

Worry less, smile more at Ray Stone Senior Living!

Our independent senior living communities located in Sacramento and the greater surrounding area offer a relaxing senior lifestyle that combines the important social sense of community with the independence of a private apartment home. Our all-inclusive senior communities provide many services including fresh, chef prepared meals in our dining rooms, housekeeping, transportation, fun activities, and safety features, such as emergency pendants and onsite staff. With a wide variety of activities and events, such as Happy Hours, live entertainment, fitness and wellness classes, gardening groups, craft classes, cooking demos and more, there is something for everyone! Our residents can enjoy the comfort, socialization, and fun that is a great fit for them from the comfort of their home.

Our Ray Stone Senior Living communities in the greater Sacramento area include Campus Commons, Hilltop Commons, Roseville Commons, Winding Commons and Lodi Commons. | Visit our website, www.RayStoneSeniorLiving.com, for more information.

Eskaton Believes in the Beauty of What Time Can Teach Us

At Eskaton, our residents inspire us. There is wisdom that only comes from life’s experiences and we are passionate about celebrating the stories of our incredible residents. Doing so allows us to continue building each other up, sharing in wisdom, respect and resiliency. Eskaton communities are designed to support purposeful, passionate living and we provide endless opportunities for connection and growth. Our continued commitment to the well-being of our residents and exceptional standards of care have made Eskaton a trusted provider of care to older adults in Northern California for over 50 years.

To discover what life could be like at Eskaton, visit Eskaton.org

From learning to play piano as a child, to performing at Carnegie Hall, Jacqueline Hairston never wavered in the pursuit of her greatest passion. To this day, she pours her heart into every note she plays.

Jacqueline Hairston, 90

Accomplished Pianist and Composer

eskaton.org/aib

Discover new homes for active adults aged 55+ in greater Sacramento at Lennar’s Heritage communities

Lennar Sacramento’s line of Heritage communities are designed with active adult homebuyers in mind. With two Heritage communities with model homes open to tour at Heritage Placer Vineyards and Heritage El Dorado Hills, homebuyers in search of a resort-style and 55+ lifestyle now have plenty of options in the greater Sacramento area. Heritage Placer Vineyards is Lennar’s newest 55+ community. Located in Roseville, it features three collections of single-story homes for sale, as well as two future clubhouses with both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities designed for 55+ homeowners. Home sizes range from approximately 1,260 to 2,993 square feet at this gated community. Heritage El Dorado Hills o ers new homes for sale from its Mosaic collection, with four distinctive single-story designs that range from approximately 1,504 to 1,784 square feet. All single-story oorplans. e facility also features two recreation centers, e Resort and e Retreat. To learn more visit www.lennar.com/SacActiveAdult

For more information, email us: info@sacmag.com

inside: Betty or Not / Spicing It Up / Late-Night Eats

Pop-You-Lar!

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming the catchy tune from “Wicked” when you visit LA POPULAR in Roseville. It’s the first U.S. location of a Mexico City restaurant that is—yes, you guessed it—popular. The menu features elevated Mexican fare such as rib-eye fajitas, truffle street corn salad and whole charred fish “divorciados” served with red and green adobo sauce.

As Glinda sings in the Broadway show, “it’s very shrewd to be very, very popular.” Or to go there.

234 Gibson Drive, Roseville; (916) 952-2869; lapopularcdmx.com

jyotsna bhamidipati/jb

Ready for Betty

A Napa tastemaker places a bet on Sacramento.

BY MARYBETH BIZJAK

What is Betty? Is it a wine shop? Yes, it is. Is it a wine bar? Yes, it’s that, too. It’s also a deli, a hip corner store and a boutique.

In short, Betty is the Swiss Army knife of wine establishments, a multipurpose business that opened at year’s end in Sacramento’s Southside Park neighborhood and was instantly discovered by the kind of people who make it their business to know about the hottest new places in town.

Betty is owner Colleen Fleming’s second home run. Her first was Cadet, a Napa wine bar that she opened with partner Aubrey Bailey in 2014. According to the online wine publication VinePair, Cadet revolutionized Napa’s drinking culture with its casual, backyard vibe and ecumenical wine list. A place where you could rub elbows with the coolest vintners in the valley, Cadet became known for its Wednesdaynight Meet the Winemaker events and its cheeky “buy a bottle, pick a record” music policy.

But even while conquering Napa, Fleming had one eye on Sacramento. “I liked the bones of the city,” she says. “It has a big-city feel but with many traits of a small town. It’s like the Midwest of California.”

After she had her first child during the pandemic, Fleming sold her interest in Cadet to Bailey and moved her family to Sacramento. She saw a niche here that she thought was aching to be filled: for a gathering spot offering a broad range of wines from around the world, focusing on small, lesser-known producers that specialize in organic and low-intervention wines. She opened Betty in November 2022, one month after giving birth to her second child.

If Cadet is a rollicking, late-night partier, Betty is its staid, settled-down older sister. The light-filled, brick-walled space features an ordering counter at one end, a wall of wood shelves filled with bottles of wine at the other. Between the two are a small retail area displaying pantry items like tinned fish, upscale housewares and cookbooks, and a dining space with tables and chairs. Nearby, a small kitchen (overseen by general manager Jenna Sergeant) turns out a limited menu that was devised by consulting chef Galen Duckles. It features a couple of salads and a handful of East Coast-style deli sandwiches at lunch and, starting in late afternoon, snacky bar bites such as cheese and meat plates, anchovy toast, whipped feta on crostini and panini.

Wines here are sold at retail prices, ranging from a low of $15 a bottle to a high of about $200. If you want to consume a bottle on the premises, you’ll pay a $10 corkage fee—a significant price savings over the standard restaurant markup of 200% to 300% over the retail sales price. It’s designed to introduce people to wines they otherwise wouldn’t try, says Fleming. “We want to encourage people to explore and purchase wine and not be intimidated by the price,” she notes.

Wines are categorized by style rather than varietal: crisp and bright whites, fresh and fruity reds, and so on. Handwritten tags hanging around the bottles’ necks explain what you can expect from the wine within. “Sleek, crisp and racy with flinty focus and brisk high-toned fruit,” reads the tag on a 2021 Albariño from the Rias Baixas region in Spain.

Writing those tag descriptions is one of the duties of Betty wine director Sarah Milstein. “It’s very important to me,” says Milstein, who worked at Flatiron Wines & Spirits in New York City before moving to Sacramento, where she did stints at Taylor’s Market, Corti Brothers and Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. “So many people are intimidated when they look at wine shelves. I love giving people an idea of what they’re thinking about buying.”

COLLEEN FLEMING SEES SACRAMENTO AS A READY AUDIENCE FOR WHAT BETTY IS SELLING: A FAMILY - FRIENDLY PLACE WHERE YOU CAN TRY INTERESTING, AFFORDABLE WINES YOU WON’T FIND IN A GROCERY STORE.

Milstein also runs Betty’s wine club ($50 a month for two wines, usually one red, one white) and coordinates Thursday-evening tastings, which focus on a single winemaker, purveyor or theme. One week in December, for instance, the theme was champagne and oysters. She spends as much time as possible on the floor, chatting with customers and helping them pick a wine.

Fleming sees Sacramento as a ready audience for what Betty is selling: a family-friendly place where you can try interesting, affordable wines that you won’t find in a grocery store. Napa’s loss, it seems, is Sacramento’s gain.

Cheese plate, meat plate and nibbles

Owner Colleen Fleming (left) with Jenna Sergeant and Sarah Milstein

Caesar salad

And Everything Nice

Sisters Jennifer Kaye and Judy Tyzzer stepped in to purchase The Allspicery, Sacramento’s emporium of spices, herbs, fla vored salts and sugars, teas and more, after it was put up for sale by founder Heather Wong last year. It was more than a business decision. They were saving a shop that is be loved by local cooks— including them. In this conversation, the sisters (who for years have collaborated on a food blog, Sisters & Spice) chat about their early culinary experiences, favor-

ite ingredients and what they love about operating this cherished establishment

What is your earliest food memory?

JENNIFER: I always loved sweets but my mom was never much of a baker, so I kind of taught myself how to bake. After school, I would come home and take out the Nestle chocolate chips and follow the recipe on the back. I loved toying around in the kitchen to create something that satisfied me.

JUDY: My sister and I used to make plates and boxes of Christmas cookies for all our friends and family when we were

Diner of the Future

in high school. In fact, we still do it. So I have great memories of us baking together.

Do you have a favorite kitchen tool?

JENNIFER : Being the baker, I’m very attached to my kitchen scale. I’m one of those people who’s really precise. I think that’s why I love to bake—because it’s all weighed out and measured and consistent.

JUDY: My cheese grater. I use it for so many things, not just cheese. I grate potato, carrots, onions, citrus peel, everything. What herb or spice is indispensable to you?

JENNIFER : I always have vanilla and ginger on hand. We’ve also come across a lot of spices that I’d never known about. Urfa biber is one that comes to mind. It’s a pepper with a very unique flavor—smoky, salty. We’ve fortunately been educated about

spices a lot by our staff. They are a huge inspiration for us.

JUDY: My favorite is a classic French blend of seasonings called fines herbes. It’s got parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives. I make an English pasty with it, and I use it in omelets and stews.

What excites you about operating The Allspicery?

JENNIFER : We can’t tell you how many people have come into the shop and said, “Thank you. This place is such a treasure and we’re so glad it’s still open.” The people who come into the shop are really happy, and that makes us happy.

JUDY: The customers are what makes me want to be there every day. I love to hear what people do with the different ingredients that they buy. 1125 11th St.; (916) 389-7828; allspicery.com

—INTERVIEWED BY CATHERINE WARMERDAM

Matt and Fred Haines, the brothers behind Wildwood Kitchen and 33rd Street Bistro (shuttered in 2020 and recently revived as a food truck), have launched a new restaurant concept they’ve dubbed a “virtual diner.” Roc & Sol, located in a downtown space occupied for decades by chain restaurants, takes the elements of a classic diner—including tufted leather booths and all-day breakfast—and adds a contemporary twist in the form of a competitive gaming room and other tech-centric amenities.

“It’s an old-school diner with new-school technology,” explains Matt. “We’ve partnered with College Esports International to provide gaming space for college students.”

Teams will use the gaming room to compete in online events. The gaming space will be open to the public on designated nights and also available for private rentals.

The kitchen is helmed by chef Pamela Cantu, who spent nearly 25 years cooking at 33rd Street Bistro. The menu boasts a list of diner favorites: a patty melt, corned beef Reuben, meatloaf, biscuits and gravy, pot roast and more. “The only thing that’s nerve-wracking is that people come in expecting it to be the bistro, but we’re building something different here,” says Matt. “We think Sacramento needed a classic late-night diner, and that’s what we’re all about.” 1825 10th St.; rocnsolvirtualdiner.

Judy Tyzzer and Jennifer Kaye

life—CATHERINE WARMERDAM

“WE THINK SACRAMENTO NEEDED A CLASSIC LATENIGHT DINER, AND THAT’S WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT.”

MATT HAINES

2023 SACRAMENTO FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS

Uncovering Sacramento's elite real estate agents, mortgage professionals and home/auto insurance professionals

Five Star Professional partnered with Sacramento Magazine to identify real estate, mortgage and insurance professionals in the Sacramento area who deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction.

The Five Star Professional research team surveyed homebuyers, home sellers and industry peers, and analyzed online consumer evaluations. Survey respondents rated their service professional on criteria such as overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the provider to a friend. The research methodology allows no more than 7% of professionals in each category to receive the award.

RISING STAR AWARD WINNERS

Meet the next wave of outstanding real estate agents in the Sacramento area! Five Star Professional’s research team contacted branch managers, real estate veterans and consumers to identify up-and-coming real estate agents in the industry. Rising Star award winners are held in high regard by their peers and mentors and have received a qualifying nomination for the award. Evaluators were asked to identify an agent who has been in the industry for five years or less and embodies professional excellence, exhibits superior customer service and shows great potential to excel in their profession. All Rising Star award winners must be actively licensed, satisfy minimum production criteria and have a favorable regulatory history to be eligible for award consideration.

Real Estate Agents

All Areas

Shaun Alston · Eagle Realty

Sheri J. Arntsen-Miller · RE/MAX Gold

Terri Chapman · Chapman Real Estate Group

Michele J. Colombo · Guide Real Estate

Sonya Dixon · eXp Realty, LLC Page 3

Forth Hoyt · Keller Williams Realty

Monique Johnson · Realty ONE Group

Derek Kirk · CENTURY 21 Select Real Estate

Tiffany Kraft · Gateway Sotheby’s International Realty Page 2

Carla Layton · Coldwell Banker Realty

Darla Lyons · Newpoint Realty

Cristy MacWilliam · Guide Real Estate

Angelique Kay Elizabeth Marriott · Realty ONE Group

Carmen Micsa · Dynamic Real Estate, Inc.

RESEARCH — HOW OUR WINNERS ARE CHOSEN

• The 2023 Five Star Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Professionals and Home/Auto Insurance Professionals do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final lists.

• Each professional is screened against state governing bodies to verify that licenses are current and no disciplinary actions are pending.

• The inclusion of a real estate agent, mortgage professional or insurance professional on the final list should not be construed as an endorsement by Five Star Professional or Sacramento Magazine.

DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS

Professionals who satisfied each of the following objective criteria were named a 2023 Sacramento-area Five Star Real Estate Agent, Five Star Mortgage Professional or Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional:

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Qualifying rating. Eligibility Criteria:

2. Holds an active license and employed in their field for a minimum of three years.

3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review.

4. Satisfies minimum production on a one-year and three-year basis.

5. Successful completion of a Blue Ribbon Panel review.

Real estate agents, mortgage professionals and home/auto insurance professionals are pooled only with other candidates from their profession.

The final list of 2023 Sacramento-area Five Star award winners is a select group, representing approximately 1% of real estate agents, 1% of mortgage professionals and 1% of home/auto insurance professionals in the area. To see the full list of winners, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

To see the full list of winners, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Dana Miller · eXp Realty, LLC Page 2

Laura Miller · Keller Williams Realty

Geanne Pack · RE/MAX Page 2

Marc Richard Palos · eXp Realty, LLC

Asher Phariss · Chapman Real Estate Group

Margie Poucher · Lyon Real Estate

LuAnn Shikasho · eXp Realty, LLC

Sheryl Smith · Smith Real Estate Services

Amber Steadman · Coldwell Banker Realty

Victoria Witham · Witham Real Estate Page 3

Auburn

Cynthia Louise Domenici · RE/MAX

Dannelle Maurer · Lyon Real Estate Page 2

Amy Summers · J. Ellen Realty

El Dorado Hills

Jackie Dean · RE/MAX Gold

Fair Oaks

Jannay Murphy Hughes · CENTURY 21 Select Real Estate

Folsom

Pamela Brooks · RE/MAX Gold

Chip Dusseau · Coldwell Banker Realty

Lincoln

Donna Judah · Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate Page 2

Tony Williams · Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate

Rocklin

Natalie Sophia Whistler · Coldwell Banker Realty

Roseville

Alyssa Cross · Realty ONE Group

Joanie Cubias · Compass

Jason Johnson · HomeSmart ICARE Realty

Anne Wiens · Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate

Sacramento

Rob Bittle · Realty ONE Group Complete

Franco Garcia · Garcia Realty

Brian Kassis · RE/MAX

Gloria Knopke · Lyon Real Estate

David Olcomendy · Intero Real Estate Services

Mandheraj Singh · HomeSmart ICARE Realty

Lori Mills Welch · eXp Realty, LLC

Mary Willett · Lyon Real Estate

Rising Star Real Estate Agents

All Areas

J.D. Formica · Dynamic Real Estate

Darcy Hargrove · Chapman Real Estate Group

Kevin Prokosch · eXp Realty, LLC

Sacramento

Tony Nguyen · Big Block Realty

Mortgage Professionals

Mike Miklaus · Integrity Mortgage Page 3

Mark David Teran · American Pacific Mortgage

Austin Braaten · Guild Mortgage

Dennis Bergstrom · American Pacific Mortgage Corporation/Big Valley Mortgage

Realtor, DRE 1472899

4970 Windplay Drive, Unit 7 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Phone: 916-716-9046

danamillersells@yahoo.com www.agentdana.com

I became a Realtor in 2005 at the insistence of a friend. My very first open house resulted in four transactions. I took to real estate like a duck to water and my production hasn’t slowed down in almost 18 years. I’ve been featured in Forbes as a Five Star Professional Market Leader and received many national awards and accolades. But the most rewarding thing in my career is helping to make a difference in people’s lives.

• Over 38 years of experience

• A top producer in Placer County

• Free light staging of your listing

1500 Del Webb Boulevard, Suite 101 Lincoln, CA 95648 Phone: 916-412-9190

djudah@sbcglobal.net donnajudah.com

Your Premier Real Estate Resource

• Focusing on active adult communities

I bring a variety of experiences to the table, including lending, appraising, marketing and teaching decorative arts. When you add these experiences with my negotiating skills, you can see why I have become so successful. My background provides you with a partner for all of your buying and selling needs. That is hard to beat! I have a team of talented professionals behind me that help make your experience the best it can be.

1898194

Gateway Sotheby’s International Realty

54 Main Street, Suite 101 Sutter Creek, CA 95685 Phone: 209-418-5638

tiffany@gatewaysir.com gatewaysir.com

REAL Trends Top 1.49% Of Realtors Nationwide

• Highest sold residential property recorded in 10 years spanning five counties at $21 million

• Professional, talented and performs well under high-pressure situations

• Passionate, driven and determined to serve her clients

• Two off ices serving Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and Calaveras counties

• Top producer (MLS)

Tiffany is known for her professionalism, passion, drive and for always handling highpressure situations well. She is consistently a top producer, setting record-breaking sales. She not only manages her own transactions but oversees all those handled by her office.

Lyon Real Estate

Dannelle Maurer

Realtor, DRE 01311219

When asked what drives her to achieve the level of success she has enjoyed in her career, Dannelle’s answer is quite simple: “I love my clients and treat them with grace, humility and professionalism.” Dannelle’s business has grown consistently over her career because of her dedication to service first and always. A long-time Master’s Club recipient, Dannelle is the absolute picture of professionalism, as her client testimonials prove.

1900 Grass Valley Highway, Suite 100 • Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: 530-906-7662 dmaurer@golyon.com • www.dmaurer.golyon.com

Geanne Pack

Real Estate Professional, DRE 01395755

• Certified Residential Specialist

• Eight-year Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner

• Outstanding Master’s Club

I want to express my gratitude to my clients for allowing me the opportunity to serve them as their real estate professional. I could not have achieved this without the continued support of my clients, friends and family, who support me endlessly. Thank you. I am truly grateful.

2998 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 125 • Roseville, CA 95661 Phone: 916-412-2573 • geanne@sellsnorcalhomes.com www.geannepackrealestate.com

Dana Miller

Donna Judah Sales Associate, DRE 00780415

Tiffany Kraft

Owner, Broker, DRE

REAL ESTATE AGENTS — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Sonya Dixon

National Expert Network Distinguished Realtor, CDPE, DRE 01828462

• Life member of Placer and Sacramento Masters Clubs

• Multiple national awards for quality service

• Global referral network to assist you anywhere

• Specialist in residential, commercial, investment and land

My reputation as a trusted professional is built on 16 years of exceptional service and proven results. I bring a wealth of experience, market knowledge, skilled expertise in marketing and negotiating and unwavering dedication to excellence to ensure each client’s success.

Sacramento, CA 95816 • Direct: 916-595-5704 • Sonya@SonyaDixon.com www.SonyaDixon.com • facebook.com/SonyaDixonRE linkedin.com/in/SonyaDixon

Victoria Witham

Broker, Owner, DRE 01913021

• Among approximately 1% of agents in the market to receive the Five Star Real Estate Agent award in 2023

• Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)

• Master’s Club Outstanding Life Member (SAR)

• Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification (SFR®)

• Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)

A gentle force in the real estate arena, Victoria’s passion is to help her clients successfully accomplish their real estate goals and objectives.

3941 Park Drive, Suite 20-665 • El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Phone: 916-718-1751

Victoria@WithamRealEstate.com • WithamRealEstate.com

Mike Miklaus

Mortgage Broker, NMLS 323774, Co. NMLS 794419

Tagline (30 characters)

Trusted and Approachable

• NAMB mortgage broker of the year in 2022

• Top 1% mortgage producer with UWM

Integrity Mortgage is a boutique mortgage brokerage that was founded 25 years ago. The team at Integrity Mortgage pride themselves on being capable and caring debt advisors to their borrowers. Discover the difference of working with a local mortgage broker with over 50 years of experience. If you want a truly personal, confidential and caring team at your side to manage mortgage and other debt choices throughout your life journey, contact the team at Integrity today.

Left to right: Sean Whitten, Allison Hoppe, Three-year winner Mike Miklaus, Michelle Kinkaid

An outstanding professional works in their client’s comfort zone. Make sure before hiring a professional that you understand how they handle their professional life.

Dine

As a reader service, Sacramento Magazine offers the following list of noteworthy restaurants in the Sacramento region. This is not intended to be a complete directory, and not all restaurants profiled appear every month. Before heading to a restaurant, call or check its website to make sure it’s open.

ARDEN

BENNETT’S AMERICAN COOKING At this comfortable neighborhood hangout, the food is like homemade, only better: things like braised short rib with mashed potatoes, lasagna Bolognese and chicken enchiladas. There’s something for every taste, from avocado toast, available all day long, to prime rib (weekends only). 2232 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 515-9680; bennettsamer icancooking.com. L–D–Br. American. $$$

CAFE BERNARDO AT PAVILIONS The menu offers straightforward fare guaranteed to please just about everyone. Breakfast includes huevos rancheros and eggs Bernardo, while lunch and dinner feature chewycrusted pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and substantial entrees such as pan-seared chicken breast with mashed potatoes. 515 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2870; cafebernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY Go for the ice cream, all made on the premises and used in shakes, malts and towering sundaes. 2333 Arden Way; (916) 920-8382; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT This chic eatery serves delicious, upscale Asian fare such as salad rolls, green curry and catfish in a clay pot. Everything tastes fresh, light and clean. 601 Munroe St.; (916) 486-4891; lemongrassrestaurant.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$$

PLAN B The menu is compact, with a handful of appetizers and several wonderful salads. Plan B’s claim to fame is its stellar mussels, offered six ways. 555 La Sierra Drive; (916) 483-3000; planbrestau rant.com. D. New American/French. $$–$$$

THE KITCHEN Part supper club, part theatrical production: This is like no other restaurant in Sacramento, and it’s Michelin starred. You need to make reservations months in advance for the multi-course dinner. The food is complex and mind-blowingly creative. 2225 Hurley Way; (916) 568-7171; the kitchenrestaurant.com. D. American. $$$$

WILDWOOD RESTAURANT & BAR At this restaurant, New American and global cuisine shares the menu with an all-American burger. The spacious patio is a great place to grab a drink and listen to live music. 556 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2858; wildwoodpa vilions.com. L–D–Br. American/global fusion. $$$

ZINFANDEL GRILLE Open for more than two decades, Zinfandel Grille is an enduring dining favorite, serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, fish and other Mediterranean entrees. 2384 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 485-7100; zinfandelgrille.com. L–D. New American. $$$

ZÓCALO This Mexican restaurant is one of the best places to while away an evening with friends over margaritas. The menu has regional Mexican specialties such as tacos de cazuela, a casserole-ish concoction of steak, chorizo and cheese served with house-made tortillas. 466 Howe Ave.; (916) 2520303; experiencezocalo.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$

AUBURN

RESTAURANT JOSEPHINE The seductive aroma of food roasting over a wood fire is one of the first things you notice at this French dinner house. The menu has a bistro bent, with mainstays such as steak frites, French onion soup, duck liver mousse and escargots and mushrooms “en cocotte.” 1226 Lincoln Way; (530) 820-3523; josephineauburn.com. D. French. $$$

BROADWAY

ANDY NGUYEN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT This bastion of Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine serves food that is fresh and flavorful. 2007 Broadway; (916) 736-1157; andynguyenvegetarian.com. L–D. Vegetarian/Asian. $

KATHMANDU KITCHEN This family-owned restaurant envelops you in a cocoon of exotic fragrances. Order the lal maas (lamb curry with chili sauce) or chicken saagwala (stir-fried chicken, spinach and curry). 1728

Broadway; (916) 441-2172; kathmandukitchensac ramento.net. L–D. Indian/Nepalese/vegetarian. $

SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE Choose from an array of appetizers and hot items along with crowd-pleasing side dishes and pizza. This high-quality takeout food can be a real lifesaver on nights when you’re too busy to cook. 915 Broadway; (916) 732-3390; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$

TOWER CAFE This place is a hot spot on weekend mornings. Regulars swear by the New Mexico blueberry cornmeal pancakes and the thick-cut, custardy French toast. Breakfast is all-American, but lunch and dinner have a global flavor. 1518 Broadway; (916) 441-0222; towercafe.com. B–L–D. World fusion. $$

JAMIE’S BROADWAY GRILLE Open since 1959, this old-school restaurant is a favorite with long-timers and newcomers alike, serving up Sacramento history along with clam chowder, garlic steak sandwiches and daily specials such as smoked prime rib. 427 Broadway; (916) 442-4044; jamiesbroadway grille.com. L–D. American. $$–$$$

Rainbow sandwich from Selland’s Market-Cafe

(916) 729-4021; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ i ce cream. $

CURTIS PARK

PANGAEA BIER CAFE While it’s known as a beer cafe and bottle shop, this casual spot also serves up tasty bar food, including a burger that has taken home top honors more than once at Sacramento Burger Battle. 2743 Franklin Blvd.; (916) 454-4942; pangaeabiercafe.com. L–D. American. $$

DAVIS

BURGERS AND BREW The casual, publike restaurant uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and serves an interesting selection of beers and ales. 1409 R St.; (916) 442-0900; burgersnbrew.com. L–D. Burgers. $–$$

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

This hip sushi bar serves its sushi with a side of sass. The dense menu offers appetizers, rice bowls, bento boxes and sushi rolls. 500 First St.; (530) 756-2111; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

OSTERIA FASULO This restaurant’s menu is proudly Italian, with wonderful pastas and robust meat dishes. 2657 Portage Bay East; (530) 758-1324; osteriafasulo.com. L–D. Italian. $$$–$$$$

PASTE THAI This hidden gem, located in a busy strip mall, offers the cleanest, freshest Thai around. Ev-

DOWNTOWN

BINCHOYAKI Small plates of grilled meats, fish and vegetables are the stars at this izakaya-style restaurant. But you can also order ramen, tempura and other Japanese favorites. 2226 10th St.; (916) 4699448; binchoyaki.com. L–D. Japanese. $$–$$$

CAMDEN SPIT & LARDER This swank brasserie in a modern, glass-walled building near the Capitol appeals to lobbyists, lawyers and legislators with its gin-forward cocktails and a menu that’s an interesting mash-up of British chop-house classics, English schoolboy favorites and elevated pub fare. 555 Capitol Mall; (916) 619-8897; camdenspitandlarder. com. L–D. Steakhouse. $$$–$$$$

THE COCONUT ON T With Thai dishes made from fresh ingredients, this restaurant is a popular spot for twists on staples such as pad thai or drunken noodles, as well as curries and rices. Sweet potato fries and calamari are house favorites, too. 1110 T St.; (916) 822-4665; coconutont.com. L–D. Thai. $

ECHO & RIG Situated in the lobby of The Sawyer hotel, this steakhouse is sleek and unstuffy. Prices are gentle, but the quality of the meat is high. In addition to standard cuts like filet, NY steak and rib-eye, you’ll find butcher cuts such as hanger, bavette, skirt and tri-tip. 500 J St.; (877) 678-6255; echoandrig. com. B–L–D–Br. Steakhouse. $$$

ELLA This stunning restaurant is an elegant oasis compared to the gritty hustle and bustle outside.

From the open kitchen, the staff turns out innovative dishes and old favorites. The emphasis is on seasonal, local and artisanal. 1131 K St.; (916) 4433772; elladiningroomandbar.com. L–D. New Amer -

Downtown Sacramento’s oldest restaurant, Fat’s is a favorite of the Capitol crowd. The restaurant is well known for its steaks—especially Frank’s Style New York Steak—and its brandy-fried chicken. This is Chinese cuisine at its most sophisticated. 806 L St.; (916) 442-7092; frankfats.com. L–D. Chinese. $$$

GRANGE RESTAURANT & BAR Located in The Citizen Hotel, Grange proves that a hotel restaurant doesn’t have to be pedestrian. The menu changes frequently and spotlights some of the area’s best producers. At dinner, the ambience in the stunning dining room is seductive and low-lit. 926 J St.; (916) 492-4450; grangerestaurantandbar.com. B–L–D–Br. Californian/American. $$$$

KODAIKO RAMEN & BAR This below-ground ramen shop takes the Japanese noodle soup to a whole new level. Ingredients are organic, and almost everything is made in-house. For a fun experience, sit at the six-person ramen counter and chat with the chefs. 718 K St.; (916) 426-8863; kodaikoramen.com. L–D–Br. Japanese/ramen. $$–$$$

This restaurant has a casual, unassuming vibe, and its hallmark is clean, simple fare that tastes like the best version of itself. 1601 16th St.; (916) 452-7594; magpiecafe.com. B–L–D. Cali-

MAJKA PIZZERIA + BAKERY This takeout shop offers only one style of veggie pizza per day. But oh what a pizza it is! It features organic, whole-grain sourdough crust and toppings sourced from local farmers markets and small farms. When the weather’s nice, pick p a pizza, a bottle of natural wine and a couple of chocolate chunk miso cookies and head across the street to Fremont Park for an alfresco meal. 1704 15th St.; (916) 572-9316; lovemajka.com. L–D. Pizza. $$

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Davis.” 1530 J St.; (916) 447-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

THE 7TH STREET STANDARD This is an unabashedly big-city restaurant. Chef Ravin Patel’s menu has a modern California sensibility, classic French techniques and a healthy dash of South Indian flavors. 1122 Seventh St.; (916) 371-7100; the7thstreetstan dard.com. B–L–D. Modern American. $$$

URBAN ROOTS BREWING & SMOKEHOUSE At this brewery, a massive smoker turns out succulent brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, yams and poblano cheese grits. 1322 V St.; (916) 706-3741; urbanrootsbrew ing.com. L–D. Barbecue. $$

WILLOW Located in The Exchange hotel, this elegant restaurant specializes in southern Italian and Mediterranean Sea cuisine, with a focus on pastas (all made in-house). 1006 Fourth St.; (916) 938-8001; willowsacramento.com. B–L–D–Br. Italian. $$$

EAST SACRAMENTO

ALLORA Modern Italian fare with a heavy seafood bent is the focus at this sophisticated eatery. Tasting menus come in three, four and five courses, with caviar service and in-season truffles offered at an additional cost. Extensive vegetarian and vegan options are also available. 5215 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 538-6434; allorasacramento.com. D. Italian. $$$$

Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse’s beef ribs

CANON With Michelin-starred chef Brad Cecchi at the helm, this breezily chic restaurant offers an ambitious menu of globally inspired sharable plates. Much of the menu is vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, but you can also order from a small selection of hearty meat, poultry and fish dishes. 1719 34th St.; (916) 469-2433; canoneastsac.com. D–Br. Global/New American. $$$–$$$$

THE HOUSE OF AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS The food here is simply first-rate. Everything from soups and salads to curries and stir-fries is made with care and precision. 4701 H St.; (916) 942-9008; thaiatsac. com. L–D. Thai. $$–$$$

KAU KAU Hawaiian soul food is on the menu here, with island faves such as loco moco, house-made Spam musubi and lomi-lomi salmon bowl. 855 57th St.; (916) 431-7043; kaukau916.com. L–D–Br. Hawaiian. $$

KRU Chef/owner Billy Ngo produces high caliber, exciting Japanese fare. The restaurant has a craft cocktail bar, outdoor patios and an omakase bar. (An omakase cocktail pairing is also available.) 3135 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 551-1559; krurestaurant.com. L–D. Japanese. $$$–$$$$

MATTONE RISTORANTE When Biba restaurant closed its doors, a few alums struck out on their own to open this Italian eatery. It’s a worthy successor to Biba, serving freshly made pasta and classic Italian fare such as calamari fritti, veal marsala and chicken cooked under a brick. 5723 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 7585557; mattonesac.com. L–D. Italian $$$–$$$$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE This local chain offers a comprehensive lineup of breakfast fare: omelets, Benedicts, crepes, waffles, burritos and, of course, mimosas. The rest of the menu is similarly broad, with burgers, salads, grilled sandwiches and Mexican “street food.” 5641 J St.; (916) 400-4084; mi mosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$

OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR There are hot dishes and cold salads behind the glass cases at this casual Italian eatery. But the stars of the menu are the freshly made pastas and wood-oven pizzas. 3145 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 822-8720; oboitalian.com. L–D. Italian. $$

ONESPEED Chef Rick Mahan, who built his stellar reputation at The Waterboy in midtown, branched out with a more casual concept at his East Sac eatery. The bistro has a tiled pizza oven that cranks out chewy, flavorful pizzas. 4818 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 706-1748; onespeedpizza.com. B–L–D. Pizza. $$

ORIGAMI ASIAN GRILL This fast-casual eatery serves Asian-flavored rice bowls, banh mi, salads and ramen, along with killer fried chicken and assorted smokedmeat specials from a big smoker on the sidewalk. 4801 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 400-3075; origamiasian grill.com. L–D. Asian fusion. $–$$

SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see listing under Broadway. 5340 H St.; (916) 736-3333; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$

EL DORADO HILLS

AJI JAPANESE BISTRO This casually elegant restaurant offers an innovative menu of Japanese street food, fusion entrees, traditional dishes such as teriyaki and tempura and—yes—sushi. There’s an approachable wine list, sakes and a full bar serving handcrafted cocktails. 4361 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 941-9181; ajibistroedh.com. L–D. Japanese/ sushi. $–$$

ALMIGHTY BISTRO This all-gluten-free restaurant

has a large menu that includes salads, sandwiches, tapas, entrees and lots of meatless options. You’ll find bluefin tuna poke, baby kale Caesar salad, avocado toast, grass-fed burgers, short ribs, falafel, shiitake beans & rice—a variety for every dietary need. 4355 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 510-1204; almightybistro.com. L–D–Br. Gluten-free global. $$

MILESTONE This unstuffy eatery serves great takes on comfort-food classics like pot roast and fried chicken. The setting is like a Napa country porch, and the service is warm and approachable. 4359 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 934-0790; milestoneedh. com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 2023 Vine St.; (916) 9340965; mimosahouse.com. B–L–D. American. $$

SIENNA RESTAURANT The menu includes a playful melange of global cuisine, including fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, stone-hearth pizzas, inventive appetizers and a stacked French dip sandwich. 3909 Park Drive; (916) 941-9694; siennarestaurants.com. L–D–Br. Global. $$–$$$

ELK GROVE

BOULEVARD BISTRO Chef/owner Bret Bohlmann is a passionate supporter of local farmers and winemakers, and his innovative food sings with freshness and seasonality. 8941 Elk Grove Blvd.; (916) 6852220; blvdbistro.com. D–Br. New American. $$–$$$

JOURNEY TO THE DUMPLING This Elk Grove eatery specializes in Shanghai-style dumplings, along with Chinese dishes such as green onion pancakes, garlic green beans and salt-and-pepper calamari. 7419

Laguna Blvd.; (916) 509-9556; journeytothedump ling.com. L–D. Chinese. $$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden.” 8238 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 691-3334; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

For description, see listing under “Davis.” 8525 Bond Road; (916) 714-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

FAIR OAKS

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

For description, see listing under “Davis.” 4323 Hazel Ave.; (916) 961-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

SHANGRI-LA A fun restaurant reminiscent of Palm Springs in the ’50s, this establishment boasts an expansive, retro resort-style patio and a menu teeming with beautiful, inventive cocktails. Come for Baja fish tacos, ahi poke or a towering burger, and find plenty of other vibrant dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. The space was formerly a mortuary, and the owner, Fair Oaks native Sommer Peterson, saw to its transformation. 7960 Winding Way; (916) 241-9473; shangrilafairoaks.com. D. American. $$

FOLSOM

BACCHUS HOUSE WINE BAR & BISTRO With a seasonal menu packed with innovative, globally influenced dishes, this restaurant has plenty to choose from. 1004 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 984-7500; bac

Yatto maki from Aji Japanese Bistro

chushousebistro.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$$

CHICAGO FIRE Oodles of melted cheese blanket the pizzas that fly out of the kitchen of this busy restaurant. Here, you get to choose between thin-crust, deep-dish and stuffed pizzas. 310 Palladio Parkway; (916) 984-0140; chicagofire.com. L –D. Pizza. $

FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AND DIM SUM BAR The menu focuses on Asian cuisine at this glamorous restaurant, from Mongolian beef and Hong Kong chow mein to Thai chicken satay served with a fiery currypeanut sauce. 2585 Iron Point Road; (916) 983-1133; fatsasiabistro.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$

LAND OCEAN The menu hits all the steakhouse high notes: hand-cut steaks, lobster, seafood and rotisserie, entree salads and sandwiches. 2720 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 983-7000; landoceanrestaurants.com. L–D–Br. New American/steakhouse. $$$–$$$$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento.” 25075 Blue Ravine Road; (916) 293-9442; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ROUNDHOUSE This restaurant offers a solid menu of delicious seafood, from crab cakes and calamari to roasted lobster tail. 824 Sutter St.; (916) 989-6711; scottsseafoodroundhouse. com. L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$

GARDEN HIGHWAY

CRAWDADS ON THE RIVER This riverfront restaurant draws crowds looking to party on the water during warm-weather months. The Cajun-inspired menu includes fish tacos and several fun entrees. 1375 Gar -

den Highway; (916) 929-2268; saccrawdads.com. L–D–Br. Cajun/American. $$

THE VIRGIN STURGEON Best known for its seafood, this quirky floating restaurant is the quintessential Sacramento River dining experience. In summer, a cocktail pontoon is connected to the restaurant, where you can enjoy the proximity to the water below. 1577 Garden Highway; (916) 921-2694; thevirginsturgeon. com. L–D–Br. Seafood/American. $$

GOLD RIVER

BIBI’S ENCHILADAS & GRILL This casual spot specializes in crispy tacos so addictive they probably ought to carry a warning label. Try the quesa-taco: a street taco with a layer of mozzarella cheese grilled into the tortilla, giving it a crispy, salty coating. 2220 Gold Springs Court; (916) 559-4309. L–D. Mexican. $

GRANITE BAY

HAWKS Known for its elegant cuisine, this restaurant features framed photos of farmscapes that remind diners of owners Molly Hawks and Michael Fagnoni’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu is full of delicious surprises, such as seared scallops and sea urchin. 5530 Douglas Blvd.; (916) 791-6200; hawksrestaurant. com. L–D–Br. New American/French. $$$–$$$$

GREENHAVEN/POCKET

CACIO This tiny restaurant has only a handful of tables. The fare is high-quality Italian comfort food, with an emphasis on pasta. Service is warm and

homey, prices are gentle, and reservations (even at lunch) are a must. 7600 Greenhaven Drive; (916) 399-9309; caciosacramento.com. L–D. Italian. $$

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ON THE RIVER Located in The Westin Sacramento, Scott’s has a patio and a view of the river. For dinner, splurge on a lobster tail or choose a more modestly priced grilled salmon. 4800 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 379-5959; scottsseafoodon theriver.com. B–L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$

JACKSON

LONE WOLF RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If classic steakhouse cuisine is your thing, try this nicely appointed restaurant at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. In addition to steak, entrees include ribs, gumbo and salmon. 12222 New York Ranch Road; (209) 2239653; jacksoncasino.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$

LAND PARK

MASULLO This gem of a pizzeria serves up superbly blistered, thin-crusted Neapolitan-style pizza with names like the Eileen (cremini mushrooms, bacon, mozzarella and cream) and the Jacqueline (potato, fontina and oregano). 2711 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 443-8929; masullopizza.com. D. Pizza. $$

MEET & EAT This casual gathering spot offers something for everyone, from breakfast in the morning to salads, sandwiches, burgers and mains for the rest of the day. 3445 Freeport Blvd.; (916) 476-3082; meetandeatsac.com. B–L–D. American. $$

LINCOLN

HIGH STEAKS This Thunder Valley Casino restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, offering up everything from an 8-ounce prime filet to a 26-ounce bone-in New York steak. Side dishes range from sweet potato casserole to five-cheese macaroni. 1200 Athens Ave.; (916) 408-8327; thundervalleyresort.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden.” 610 Twelve Bridges Drive; (916) 209-3757; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ ice cream. $

RED LANTERN This attractive restaurant serves Asian fusion, dim sum and noodle dishes such as chow fun and Hong Kong pan-fried noodles. Lunch and dinner specials are good deals at this Thunder Valley eatery. 1200 Athens Ave.; (916) 408-8326; thundervalleyresort.com. L–D. Asian. $$–$$$

MIDTOWN

ADAMO’S This cozy, family-run trattoria serves up Italian food such as house-made pastas, risotto and meatballs with polenta. 2107 P St.; (916) 440-9611; adamoskitchen.com. L–D. Italian. $$

BEAST + BOUNTY The beating heart of this chic restaurant is its open hearth, where meats and vegetables are roasted over a wood fire. The meaty rib-eye, served over potatoes roasted in the meat’s fat, is meant to be shared. So is the pizza, thin, flat and seductively charred from the wood-burning pizza oven. 1701 R St.; (916) 244-4016; eatbeastandbounty.com. L–D–Br. American. $$$

CAFE BERNARDO For description, see listing under “Arden.” 2730 Capitol Ave.; (916) 603-2304; cafe bernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $$

CENTRO COCINA MEXICANA Owned by the Paraga-

Deep-dish pizza from Chicago Fire

ry group, this is the restaurant that introduced Sacramento to authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Standout main courses include cochinita pibil, vegetables in pipian verde sauce and Oaxacan enchiladas. 2730 J St.; (916) 442-2552; centrococina. com. D–Br. Mexican. $$$

HAWKS PUBLIC HOUSE The food at this sophisticated gastropub is rustic Mediterranean, with beautifully executed dishes like country pate and house-made baked rigatoni. 1525 Alhambra Blvd.; (916) 588-4440; hawkspublichouse.com. D. Mediterranean gastropub. $$$

HOOK & LADDER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Located in a Quonset hut, this restaurant is both hip and cozy. Despite the barlike ambience, Hook & Ladder is serious about food. All the pastas and desserts are made in-house. 1630 S St.; (916) 442-4885; hook andladder916.com. L–D–Br. Californian. $$

LOCALIS Only the second restaurant in Sacramento to receive a coveted Michelin star, this little restaurant is known for its prix-fixe menu of inventive, ingredient-driven dishes. Chef Christopher BarnumDann works with local farms to source most of the menu within 100 miles. 2031 S St.; (916) 737-7699; localissacramento.com. D. Californian. $$$–$$$$

LOWBRAU BIERHALLE This chic yet casual watering hole serves house-made sausages, duck fat fries and stand-out beers. Long communal tables make for an experience that’s noisy and convivial. 1050 20th St.; (916) 706-2636; lowbrausacramento.com. L–D–Br. Beer hall. $

MAYDOON This eatery offers wonderfully fresh Persian food, from hummus and dolmeh to shish kebob, koobedeh and fessen joon. The Maydoon bowl is a delicious delight: your choice of lamb, beef, chicken or falafel served with rice, cucumber, tomato and onions with house dressing and green sauce. 1501 16th St.; (916) 382-4309; maydoonrestaurant.com. L–D. Mediterranean. $$–$$$

MOXIE This restaurant is more than two decades old but remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Its owners are known for their food presentations, lengthy verbal specials and eagerness to please: Basically, if you want something, they’ll prepare it for you. 2028 H St.; (916) 443-7585. D. American. $$$

MULVANEY’S B&L Distinctive and cozy, this topflight restaurant exudes the generous affability of its owner, chef Patrick Mulvaney. The menu changes frequently and is focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 1215 19th St.; (916) 441-6022; mulvaneysbl.com. L–D. Californian. $$$

PARAGARY’S This legendary restaurant focuses on elegant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. During the warm months, the serene patio behind the restaurant is the place to be. 1401 28th St.; (916) 4575737; paragarysmidtown.com. L–D–Br. New American/Californian. $$–$$$

RICK’S DESSERT DINER This diner has a playful ’50s vibe, with red vinyl booths and a jukebox. The everpresent line of customers in front of the display case can make it difficult to see the mind-boggling assortment of sweets. 2401 J St.; (916) 444-0969; ricksdessertdiner.com. Dessert. $

THE RIND At this cheese-centric bar, you can savor cheese in a number of ways. The menu includes variations on macaroni and cheese, cheese boards and creative grilled cheese sandwiches. 1801 L St.; (916) 441-7463; therindsacramento.com. L–D. American. $$

TANK HOUSE This midtown ’cue joint offers ribs, brisket and sides along with a thoughtful selection

of craft beers. 1925 J St.; (916) 431-7199; tank housebbq.com. L–D. Barbecue. $

THE WATERBOY This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant produces perhaps the finest cooking in the region. Chef/owner Rick Mahan honors local farmers with his commitment to simply prepared, highcaliber food. You can’t go wrong if you order one of the lovely salads, followed by the gnocchi, ravioli or a simple piece of fish. You’ll also find French classics such as veal sweetbreads. 2000 Capitol Ave.; (916) 498-9891; waterboyrestaurant.com. L–D. Mediterranean. $$$$

ZELDA’S ORIGINAL GOURMET PIZZA Zelda’s is legendary for the greatness of its pizza and its attitude. But that’s part of Zelda’s charm, along with the dark, dingy atmosphere. It’s all about the food: old-school, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza that routinely wins “best pizza” in local polls. 1415 21st St.; (916) 447-1400; zeldasgourmetpizza.com. L–D. Pizza/Italian. $$

NATOMAS

EL BRAMIDO There’s nothing highfalutin’ about this t aqueria—just fresh, authentic Mexican food. Tacos come two ways: in a warm, soft corn tortilla or a crispy fried tortilla lashed with savory sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Meat choices include carnitas, beef and chicken, along with cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), buche (pork neck) and tripita (tripe). 2394 Northgate Blvd.; (916) 565-1552. L–D. Mexican. $

HIMALAYA VEGAN ORGANIC RESTAURANT This fast-casual eatery offers a side of peace with your vegan meal. The owner, a former Buddhist monk from Tibet, changes the menu twice daily; you get

a combination plate with six separate vegetarian dishes, plus a cup of soup. Everything is fresh, simply prepared and clean tasting. 4160 Northgate Blvd.; (916) 622-5728; himalayavegan.com. L–D. Vegan. $$

MEZCAL GRILL This excellent restaurant offers regional cuisine that draws from all 32 Mexican states. In addition to tacos and burritos, you’ll find “platillos especiales,” such as mole, and shareable “mocajetes”: volcanic rock bowls filled with protein, rice and beans. 1620 West El Camino Ave.; (916) 6464826; mezcalgrill.net. L–D. Mexican. $$–$$$

YUE HUANG The dim sum here made Michelin Guide inspectors sit up and take notice. They gave this Cantonese restaurant a Bib Gourmand award, calling it a “hidden treasure.” The extensive menu includes pork buns, dumplings, shrimp balls and much, much more. 3860 Truxel Road; (916) 621-3737; yuehuangdimsum.com. L–D. Chinese. $$–$$$

OAK PARK

THE BUTTERSCOTCH DEN You’re the chef at this dimly lit supper house, where you cook your own steak on a massive gas-fired grill in the middle of the dining room. Prices are gentle and the action wild as you compete with your friends to see who can come up with a perfectly medium rare hunk of meat. 3406 Broadway; thebutterscotchden.com. D. Steakhouse. $$

FARIA On Wednesday evenings, this wildly popular artisan bakery turns into a dinner destination with a concise menu of hyperlocal, produce-forward dishes. Pizza is a mainstay (toppings change with the season), along with thoughtfully composed salads

Cafe Bernardo’s salmon salad

and small plates. 3417 Broadway; (916) 204-8726; fariabakery.com. D (Wednesdays only). Bakery. $$

FIXINS SOUL KITCHEN This bustling place, partly owned by former mayor Kevin Johnson, serves up friendly Southern hospitality along with delicious Southern fare, including chicken and waffles, gumbo, fried catfish, and shrimp and grits. 3428 Third Ave.; (916); 999-7685. fixinssoulkitchen.com. B–L–D–Br. Southern. $$

OLD SACRAMENTO

THE FIREHOUSE Since opening in 1960, this has been Sacramento’s go-to restaurant for romantic atmosphere and historic charm. Located in a 1853 firehouse, it’s white tablecloth all the way. The food is special-occasion worthy, and the wine list represents more than 2,100 labels. 1112 Second St.; (916) 442-4772; firehouseoldsac.com. L–D. Californian/ American. $$$$

RIO CITY CAFE Located on the riverbank, the bustling restaurant offers stunning views of Tower Bridge. The menu changes seasonally and offers a wide selection of creative, solid dishes. 1110 Front St.; (916) 442-8226; riocitycafe.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$

POCKET

BODEGA KITCHEN & COCKTAILS This cozy panCaribbean restaurant offers food inspired by the cuisine of Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, along with tropical drinks such as daiquiris, mojitos and margaritas. 6401 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 8982231; bodegasac.com. L–D–Br. Caribbean. $$

RANCHO CORDOVA

CATTLEMENS This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone and cowboy steaks, plus all the trimmings: shrimp cocktail, loaded potato skins, deep-fried onions and more. 12409 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 985-3030; cattle mens.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$

J.J. PFISTER RESTAURANT & TASTING ROOM In addition to a tasting room where you can sample locally made premium gin, vodka and rum, this family-owned distillery also operates a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The alL–Day menu features salads, sandwiches, tacos and boozy desserts. 9819 Business Park Drive; (916) 672-9662; jjpfister. com. L–D. Casual American. $$

ROSEVILLE

AMY’S DRIVE THRU From the company behind Amy’s Kitchen prepared foods comes this fast-food operation serving healthy versions of your favorite burger-joint fare. The menu includes plant-based burgers, vegetarian chili, organic fries and milkshakes, as well as gluten- and dairy-free options. 1119 Galleria Blvd.; (916) 957-5868; amysdrivethru. com. L–D. Fast food. $

LA PROVENCE RESTAURANT & TERRACE This elegant French restaurant offers some of the region’s loveliest outdoor dining. The seasonal menu features items such as bouillabaisse and soupe au pistou. 110 Diamond Creek Place; (916) 789-2002; laprovenceroseville.com. L–D–Br. French. $$$–$$$$

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Davis.” 1565 Eu-

reka Road; (916) 797-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento” 761 Pleasant Grove Blvd.; (916) 784-1313; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$

NIXTACO Singled out by The Michelin Guide for a Bib Gourmand award, this taqueria is known for its authentic nixtamalized blue-corn tortillas (made fresh in-house), high-quality ingredients and inventive taco fillings. 1805 Cirby Way; (916) 771-4165; nixta.co; L–D. Mexican. $$

PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL The bustling, comfortable restaurant is a local favorite. The kitchen offers a great list of small plates and robust, approachable entrees. 1455 Eureka Road; (916) 783-3600; paulmartinsamericangrill.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$$

RUEN THAI Simple and serene, Ruen Thai is a family-owned restaurant that offers a surprisingly large selection of fresh-tasting food. 1470 Eureka Road; (916) 774-1499; ruenthai.net. L–D. Thai. $

TAHOE PARK

BACON & BUTTER Lively and delightfully urban, the place is packed with fans of chef Billy Zoellin’s homey flapjacks, biscuits and other breakfasty fare. 5913 Broadway; (916) 346-4445; baconandbuttersac. com. B–L. Breakfast/American. $–$$

MEZCAL GRILL For description, see listing under “Natomas.” 5701 Broadway; (916) 619-8766; mez calgrill.net. L–D. Mexican. $$–$$$

MOMO’S MEAT MARKET This no-frills, family-run business serves simply first-rate barbecue, smoked over wood in huge drums in the parking lot. Sides include pepper Jack mac ’n’ cheese, cornbread and deep-fried cabbage. 5780 Broadway; (916) 452-0202. L–D. Barbecue. $$

WEST SACRAMENTO

DRAKE’S: THE BARN Located in a stunning indooroutdoor structure along the river, Drake’s serves thin-crust pizzas, along with a few salads and appetizers. You can get table service indoors or on the patio. But if you prefer something more casual, grab a lawn chair, find a spot at the sprawling outdoor taproom and order a pizza to go. 985 Riverfront St.; (510) 423-0971; drinkdrakes.com. L–D. Pizza. $$

FRANQUETTE This contemporary French café from the owners of Canon is an open-all–day, drop-in-fora-glass-of-wine kind of place. You can order a freshly baked croissant or tartine at breakfast, a salad, quiche or baguette sandwich for lunch, and something a little more filling—say, duck meatballs or a crock of boeuf bourguignon—at dinner. 965 Bridge St.; hellofranquette.com. B‑L–D. French. $$‑$$$

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Ward 8 cocktail from Paul Martin’s American Grill

Reflect

Worth Watching

The Center for Sacramento History is casting a spotlight on a subject that has not been fully examined: how systemic racism has shaped our region.

“What You Didn’t Learn in School: A History of Racism and Discrimination in the Sacramento Region” is an ongoing video series conceived at the request of the Office of the City Manager in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020.

“These videos are our attempt to tell a more accurate and complete story,” says city historian Marcia Eymann. “We are not ‘revising’ history but bringing to light the stories of those who have been left out in order to engage in a conversation and exploration of the past to help us navigate a more equitable future.”

The center has so far released three films, “John Sutter: What We Didn’t Learn in School,” “The KKK in Sacramento: What We Didn’t Learn in School” and “Desegregating Sacramento: A Fight for Fair Housing, Part 1.” More videos are in the works, including a history of slavery in California and the story of women as builders of Sacramento during the Gold Rush. You can view the series at centerforsacramen tohistory.org.—DARLENA

BELUSHIN MCKAY

Nathaniel Colley at a speaking engagement in Seattle in 1962. Colley was Sacramento’s first Black lawyer in private practice. His contributions toward housing equity are featured in “Desegregating Sacramento: A Fight for Fair Housing, Part 1.”