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+ Adoption and Foster Care in San Joaquin | Turkey Tips from a Pro | Gold Country Autumn
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NOVEMBER 2010
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november volume nine issue 11 • November 2010
FEATuRES series of foster homes, but at 22 years old, she’s paved her own way—with some help. by Katy Berry
40 GoLD CountrY autumn
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Explore Placerville, Sutter Creek, and Murphys through fall leaves, apple pies, freshly baked breads, and top-notch wines. by Jenn Thornton
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44 our FaVoritE sanDWiCH sPots
An ode to one of the best culinary creations ever invented, check out our list of local sandwich eateries. by Katy Berry
52 FinDinG ForEVEr HomEs
Here in San Joaquin, foster care and adoption are creating colorful and thriving families. by Jamie Menaker
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ClOCkwise fROm tOp left: Dan HOOD (2); COuRtesy plaCeRVille/paul COCkRell
23 FostErinG HoPE Kristin Law spent her childhood in a
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november volume nine issue 11 • November 2010
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Publisher’s Note
3 UP FRONT | 209 2 Kristin Law, Fostering Hope; Turkey Tips from a Pro; Medical Marijuana in Stockton; Marathon Runner Kerry Krueger; Haute Items to stay warm; and more
26 44
104 Ten Great Dates 108 Out and About 112 November Win It! Contest
Home 60
Local House: A Custom Fit Home
Food&wine 77
Spotlight: Winter Drinks
80 Wine Picks: Thanksgiving wines
90 Dining Out 92 Taste of the Season: Pomegranates
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Food and Wine Tidbits: 96 Aprons at Creative Crafters 98
The First Sip: Lodi Wine Weekend
100 Oakdale Chocolate Ball
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NOVEMBER 2010
Clockwise from top: Dan Hood; Courtesy Campari; San Joaquin Magazine; Matthew James photography
DEPARTMENTS
F UP FRONT
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Family Matters My brother in Arizona and his wife recently adopted three young boys to become a permanent part of their family. With three children already, Michael and Alisa originally decided to be foster parents to do something to give back. Long story short: my brother and Alisa opened their home, it turned out three siblings needed a good family, and the rest is long-winded, adoption paperwork history. It has been a whirlwind to say the least, but all the paperwork will be finalized this month, ceremoniously, on National Adoption Day November 20th. What I do know is that my brother’s family is happier than ever (with six kids!)—which started me thinking about adoption and foster care here in San Joaquin. Who in our community is acting as foster parents? And why are these kids moving from home to home? It seems that adoption has become more common, but I’m not sure that parents looking to adopt realize how many kids are right here in San Joaquin County in need of good homes and families. In our story, “Finding Forever Homes” (page 52) we talked to three different types of adoptive and foster families, to hear their stories about how they became a family, and in some cases, why they continue to be foster parents. They all share one thing in common: plenty of love to go around. We also talked to Kristin Law, who was released from foster care at age 18 without a permanent home, and has had to make her own way—with some help (page 23). Keep your own family close this fall, enjoy Thanksgiving, try our turkey tips (page 28), and check out our fun local finds to keep warm (page 32).
Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts. —Author Unknown
Ps. National Adoption Day is being celebrated here in San Joaquin November 20th at the Stockton Courthouse – be there!
Sincerely,
Tony Zoccoli Publisher, San Joaquin magazine
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NOVEMBER 2010
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CORRECTION: In October’s story about the Banta Inn, we called the former owner Tony Gukman. His name was actually Tony Gukan. Sorry for the error.
NOVEMBER 2010
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UpFront 209 TRENDS PEoPlE CulTuRE STylE
Dan HOOD
Fostering Hope Stockton’s Kristin Law By KatY BErrY
Much of the time, foster kids who aren’t adopted or reunited with their biological families by the time they turn 18 years old are forced to become independents with no support or resources. In Stockton, the Mary Graham Children’s Shelter Foundation is turning this around, providing kids with the tools for a successful transition out of the foster care system. For 22 year-old Kristin Law, the Foundation was like “a second chance,” offering a fresh start to a new life. ››
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they looked like or where they came from, I just wanted to be accepted and loved.” According to Law, it’s harder for older kids to find permanent homes because families tend to prefer young children. “The older kids aren’t as adaptable, they’re not going to call you mom and dad right away, or at all, and they have more emotional issues because they get more frustrated than the littler ones… For a lot of foster youths, once you hit 18 years old, your clothes are put on the front porch and the door is locked behind you. It’s not a pretty sight. I wasn’t adult enough at 18… a lot of these kids are way too immature at their age to be thrown out like that,” says Law. Sher believes that in the end, her experience in foster care has made her a better person, and once she receives her degree in child development she hopes to find a job at a group home or with the Human Services Agency to help other kids in need. Along with eventually having children of her own, Law also considers becoming a foster parent, specifically for older children.
For more information: To volunteer, make a contribution, or learn more, visit www.marygrahamfoundation.org.
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NOVEMBER 2010
Courtesy Kristin Law
Law applied for the Foundation’s college scholarship and mentor/ student programs, which paid for her full college tuition and provided someone who Law says was a “tremendous help” both inside and outside of school. Today, Law is set to graduate from Sacramento State University in December with a degree in Child Development, and says that her life is at its best. Along with her impending graduation, she’s also engaged to be married to her high school sweetheart, whose parents agreed to become her legal guardians before she turned 18 years old, once they discovered that she was moving from city to city unable to find a permanent home. The couple is planning to be married next August, finally giving Law the opportunity to start a family of her own. Law’s journey began at the age of 16 when she was placed in her first foster home, which quickly turned into ten different homes. With the stress of switching cities and families, she couldn’t keep up at a regular high school. “There were points that I just wanted a family, period,” she says. “I didn’t care what
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Talk Back:
Medical Marijuana in Stockton There’s been quite a bit of debate in San Joaquin about the new medical marijuana dispensaries opening their doors in California. with one location’s recent reopening in Stockton, our assistant editor, katy berry, hit the streets to see how locals feel about having prescribed marijuana available in their city. — compiled by Katy Berry
“if they really need it for medical reasons i see no problem with it.” –Jill D.
The Hunter’s Table: Wild Flavors from Duck Country
“well, i thought marijuana was illegal. That’s kind of surprising. i always thought marijuana was kind of a bad thing.” –Suzanne H.
“i believe that marijuana should be legal… i think we waste too many resources trying to worry about marijuana.” –Kristy T.
“it is strictly a drug. And i think it has no place in the medical profession or anything that’s got to do with medicine. it’s a drug and it’s a terrible one.” –Richard S. “i’m not really against it as long as it’s regulated with the proper oversight to make sure it’s not being misused for anything inappropriate. i mean, there’s a health benefit there, but some people choose to exploit it too. it’s a hard one to call, but i’m not against it.” –David T.
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compiled by Ducks Unlimited
San Joaquin offers local hunting throughout the seasons: wild turkeys, pheasants, waterfowls, and quails, and bigger game like wild pigs and deer not far away. Hunters and chefs are uniting in the kitchen to prepare and enjoy local wild game with recipes from new cookbook The Hunters Table: Wild Flavors from Duck Country. Compiled by Ducks Unlimited to benefit wetlands conservation, the cookbook features thirtyfive recipes from local chef Lisa Freeman, co-owner of the Grateful Gypsy Bistro, and a member of the Ducks Unlimited Culinary Council. Freeman recommends trying her favorite dish, the Jack Daniels Marinated Duck Breast. This collection of recipes is hardbound and includes color photos of both the dishes inside and breathtaking wildlife shots. Ideal for both hunters and chefs, this book is the perfect way to combine the gourmet with the great outdoors. —K.B.
For more information: www.ducks.org, www.thegratefulgypsybistro.com
nOVemBeR 2010
san JOaquin magazine; COuRtesy DuCks unlimiteD
“if they have a prescription, it’s alright, but if they don’t and stores start popping up selling to regular people, that’s bad. it’s just going to ruin the economy even more.” –Toua V.
Santa’s At Sherwood Mall: There’s a new conductor coming to town and he is setting up shop at Sherwood Mall. Starting November 20th, bring the family to see Santa at his new train station and watch the Santa Express travel through the North Pole.
Family Fun Day: This holiday season we have plenty of fun for the whole family including Holiday Crafts and Entertainment featuring ! Kids will stuff their stocking with music, games & prizes*. Join the fun! Sat., Dec. 4th, 4pm - 5:30pm
Shopping & Dining: Express Pac Sun Zumiez Torrid Victoria’s Secret Stride Rite Claire’s Game Stop Elephant Bar Toys “R” Us Macaroni Grill Petco Macy’s Best Buy HomeGoods ULTA
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*While www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com supplies last.
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Turkey Tips from a Pro
Deep-Fried Turkey In order to prepare, you’ll need to buy a turkey deep-fryer (they cost around fifty dollars and are available at most hardware stores), a few gallons of cooking oil, and a tank of propane. Harold says the most important thing to do before frying your turkey is to make sure it’s very dry. He even stuffs it with paper towels to absorb excess water overnight. This is to keep the water from popping in the hot oil. He then recommends seasoning the dry turkey with Bluestar Seasoning. “It’s made locally and it’s been around for about sixty years. It’s our number one seller at Podesto’s.” Once it’s seasoned, gently drop the turkey in the hot oil. Be watchful, because it doesn’t take long to cook, only about three minutes per pound. The turkey comes out moist, crispy, and delicious.
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Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Turkey To prepare his turkey for roasting, Harold rinses it the night before and then seasons the inside of the body and neck. In the morning, he rubs the breast meat with melted butter and covers it with bacon strips. As the bacon cooks in the oven, the fat melts and actually bastes the turkey for you. After about an hour and a half, he removes the crisp bacon to reveal a beautifully browned turkey. Harold says his favorite part about using bacon while roasting is the flavorful drippings, which make excellent gravy. Stuffed Turkey Roll with Maple Syrup In order to make a turkey roll, you need to butterfly your turkey, which means removing all the bones so it lies flat. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can purchase a pre-boned turkey at Podesto’s this November, available just for the holiday season. Harold recommends using the entire turkey rather than just the breast to get the flavors of the white and the dark meat. He then places a mixture of ground turkey, sausage, and Italian herbs in the middle of the turkey, and rolls it into an oblong tube. He ties it with butcher twine (also available at Podesto’s) and coats it with maple syrup before baking it. “It’s the most wonderful thing. When you cut it, it looks like a jelly roll. The outer layer has the turkey meat. The maple syrup browns up and gets sticky and gooey. It’s a phenomenal recipe. It’s become a tradition for my family.” (Harold actually got the idea from Martha Stewart, and you can find the full recipe online at MarthaStewart.com by searching “boned, rolled, and tied turkey.”)
For more information:
Podesto’s Market, 104 Lincoln Center, Stockton, www.lincolncentershops.com
NOVEMBER 2010
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Harold Van Airsdale has been running the meat department at Podesto’s Market and Deli in Stockton for twenty-three years, earning a reputation as one of the best butchers in San Joaquin. Each year, he hosts Thanksgiving dinner in his home for thirty friends and family members, which means he has to cook not one, but three whole turkeys—and he makes each one unique. If you’re looking to update your Thanksgiving spread this year, take a tip from Harold’s own kitchen traditions. —Katy Berry
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[In the Spotlight]
Kerry Krueger Marathon Runner
Local attorney Kerry Krueger is going on her thirty-seventh marathon, running both the New York Marathon and the Stockton Half Marathon this November. Here’s the inside scoop on what it’s like to see the world from a pair of running shoes. —compiled by Katy Berry
Do you have any pre-marathon rituals? I have to have a bad run. Training for marathons or half marathons is all about figuring out the stuff that works or doesn’t work. What shoes, what sports bra, what gel or food, what you can drink, everybody needs to sleep—that’s one you shouldn’t even test—but it’s all about figuring out what you need. So for me, I usually have one really bad long run. I take three long runs and if one is bad, I feel like, ‘Okay. I’m going to be ready.’ That’s part of twenty years of running, knowing that some days feel great and some days you just do it. Which marathon is your favorite to run? It’s hard for me to pick. Boston is a wonderful city, and New York is such a great marathon because you run the five boroughs, and you have people yelling “The Bronx loves you,” or a gospel choir singing “Welcome to Harlem,” and you’re hearing different voices and accents.
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Do you love the movie Forrest Gump? Yes. And even though I have to run at least one marathon fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I’m not a fast runner. I feel like Forrest Gump, ‘Run Kerry Run!’ Why do you love running so much? It’s the easiest thing to take with you everywhere. I’ve run on a little island by myself where you can’t take a bike or a car. It’s allowed me to see things other people don’t get to. I’ve seen cities wake up. And twenty minutes of running or two hours, either way you’re going to get a good little workout. It allows me to say yes to everything, so if it’s dessert, I can say yes. Or if a friend says, “You want to go hike a mountain?” I can say yes, also.
For more information: Stockton Half Marathon, November 14, www.stocktonhm.com Fleet Feet Sports is the Stockton go-to for all race tips, gear, and anything else you might need: www.fleetfeetstockton.com.
NOVEMBER 2010
Matthew James photography
When did you start running? I first ran in 7th grade track and I came in last place for every single race, I was the littlest one on the team. Then I didn’t run again until I was in college. When I ran my first 5K, it was a great way to get to know the community. My first marathon was probably eight years later.
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nOVemBeR 2010
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nOVemBeR 2010
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san joaquin magazine
39
GETAWAY
I
GOLD COUNTRY
Downtown Placerville
Gold Country Autumn go for the gold, stay for the harvest
by Jenn Thornton
Placerville
Nowhere in California are the remnants of its historic past more present than in the idyllic Gold Country, where a cluster of mining outposts-turned-scenic country towns—some of them chic, others with a lone stoplight (Welcome to Volcano!)—line the road to Way Back When. Lured by the promise of a Rockwellian heyday, I set out to do a little prospecting of my own and discovered a wealth of riches along Highway 49. In the process I was gifted a reprieve from the hot, wilting temperatures of late summer in the High Sierra—thanks to quite a few lovely oak and pine trees. With my initial plan to visit three towns in one day quickly thwarted by a used bookstore brimming with dusty literature unearthed on Day One, I wisely decided to extend my daytrip into a weekender. After all, the “rush” is long over.
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Known as “Old Hangtown,” Placerville is bigger than the average Mother Lode hamlet but equal in Twainian quaintness. The travel equivalent of a “win-win” by being easily accessible from every direction, Placerville is the gateway to not only Lake Tahoe and Amador County, but also the bounty of Apple Hill. A cluster of more than 50 working farms and orchards, Apple Hill (www. applehill.com) bursts with U-Pick goodness and the bold colors of fall. Vineyards, hay mazes, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, picnic tables, and roadside barns hocking everything from fine mountain fruits, artisan fudge, and sticky caramel apples to piping-hot pie, zesty cider, and oven-fresh apple fritters are all represented.
NOVEMBER 2010
Not exactly known for my navigational prowess, I prepared to lose
traveling. Visits to The Bookery; Memory Lane, a candy store with terribly
my bearings. But even I—she who has no sense of direction even with
overpriced ice cream but exceptional taffy; and Placerville Hardware
a GPS—found Apple Hill by exiting 48 just off Highway 50. Just follow
(www.placervillehardware.com), the oldest hardware store west of the
the signs featuring the big red fruit and in no time, with no problem,
Mississippi, yielded even more unnecessary bounty. Trunk packed and
you’ll arrive smack dab in gingham country. With an itinerary drawn up
belly full, I followed Highway 49 out of town and enjoyed the twisty but
after chatting up locals at Centro, a friendly coffeehouse in the heart
picturesque 45-minute drive into sunny Sutter Creek.
Opposite page: Placerville/ Paul Cockrell. This Page (Left to right): Placerville downtown association; Jenny Martin (2)
of downtown Placerville (www.placerville-downtown.org), I stopped by Boa Vista Orchards (www.boavista.com) and did, as promised,
Sutter Creek
find ridiculously priced melon (50 cent cantaloupe, anyone?) and a
Never in my life have I been able to resist the temptation of a bakery,
mean tri-tip sandwich. Had I the kids in tow, I would have boarded
especially one recommended by those in the know (thank you, Centro!), so
the train at El Dorado Orchards (www.eldoradoorchards.com), as
I stopped by Andrae’s Bakery (www.andraesbakery.com) in Amador City
was also suggested, but instead detoured to High Hill Ranch for a
(www.amador-city.com), just outside Sutter Creek (www.suttercreek.org).
sublime slice of Dutch-crusted apple pie and mini pumpkins for my
In what proved to be a very sound decision, I picked up some fresh bread
Thanksgiving table.
and an unpronounceable stinky cheese, which I later paired with a nice,
Next up was Lava Cap Winery (www.lavacap.com), where I strolled
salt-of-the-earth Amador County red.
vineyards, sampled spirits, and packed up my haul—one box of
Arriving in Sutter Creek by mid-afternoon provided me with more than
Golden Delicious apples, a basket of Bartlett pears, two bottles of
enough time than I needed to look around. Like Placerville, the town’s
American River Red, and five pumpkins—and headed back down the
charming Main Street is a shopper’s delight. Enjoy scavenging for vintage
hill to Placerville, where on the town’s historic Main Street I found
curios at The Antique Gardener, scoping out unique home décor at both
odds, ends, and more sweets than any human being requires.
Topia and Fine Eye Gallery, and settling in at the Sutter Creek Ice Cream
Thankfully, for me “need” is seldom, if ever, a factor when
Emporium, where they’re stocked with sweet treats.
Murphys
HIstoric Placerville Main Street
www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
Murphys Main Street
san joaquin magazine
41
GETAWAY
I
GOLD COUNTRY
While I was disappointed to hear that nearby Daffodil Hill, home to 300,000 sunny bulbs, was closed for the rest of the 2010 season (note to wildflower sleuths, this is the place), I had a blast touring abandoned gold mines, listening to leaves in brilliant shades of marigold orange and burnt yellow crackle beneath my feet, and finding some of the best sipping points in Amador County. Vintages from the unpretentious Sobon Estate (www.sobonwine.com) paired well with an exquisite tasting of reds at lively Drytown Cellars (www. drytowncellars.com). The tasting room of the latter was armpits and elbows with good-time tasters. The atmosphere was so boisterous, in fact, that when a very happy German spilled his Zin down the front of my shirt, he promptly issued a cheek-to-cheek-to-cheek apology and regaled me with what might be considered an unsavory joke in less than game circles. His broken English Terra D’Oro Barrel Room, Amador county
delivery only added to the awkwardness of the moment, but we shared the rest of the tasting together and he graciously picked up the tab. This moment, as our gregarious tasting room host told me with a shrug while uncorking a zesty Zin, constituted “just another tasting at Drytown.” that despite the wine pedigree, the spas, and the posh accommodations, the West is still a little wild.
Murphys
This I know: If you enjoy quality wine and company for an entire day, you’ll sleep hearty under any circumstance, and will rise and shine to a new spectacular day. Thus began my final day in the Gold Country. Murphys, the most artsy of the white-picketed lot, is known as the “Queen of the Sierra” for good reason—it reigns supreme. Nestled in Calaveras County, famous for its kitschy frog-jumping contest, Murphys beckons deep-pocketed travelers with top-notch vineyards, fine galleries, unique trinkets, upscale lodging, and fine dining. The town’s proximity to the Sierra backcountry is particularly enticing in fall, as just up Highway 4, Stanislaus National Forest and the Calaveras Big Trees offers Old Vines
MoKelumne river
unbelievable hiking and scenic high country drives to off-the-beaten outposts like Markleeville—which, I learned, is home to the Death Ride Tour of the California Alps. Apparently this punishing cycling event is among the area’s principal draws.
Apple Hill Growers
Who knew? Once safely back in Murphys, but not without a few twists and turnarounds, I settled in for espresso at Grounds (www.groundsrestaurant.com) and hearty soup at Alchemy Market and Wine Bar (www.alchemymarket.com). There— again on a tip from a local—I learned all about Murphys’ fall Grape Harvest with competitive grape stomp, and Gold Rush Days. Though reluctant, presumably because Murphys is a “don’t let the cat out of the bag” kind of town, he also let it slip that on the first Friday of December Murphys stays open late for Christmas Open House, an old-fashioned street faire, with carolers, revelers, Santa, and street entertainers. Famous for discovery, the Gold Country still surprises. An attractive mix of slumbering towns, handsome buildings, sophisticated hospitality, and sleepy landscapes lend the region its distinct character, without forsaking its reputation for banditry, providing visitors with a new opportunity to strike it rich. [SJM]
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NOVEMBER 2010
Top to Bottom: Amador County/Larry angier (3); Apple Hill/Jill e. Nauman
When it came time to lay my woozy head down for the night, I did so knowing
www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
san joaquin magazine
43
Our Top
10 Favorite Sandwich Spots: The Best Meal Ever Invented by Katy Berry | photography by dan hood
Maybe your first sandwich was a sweet and sticky peanut butterand-jelly. Maybe it was a crispy B.L.T. Maybe it was even a gooey grilled cheese that you dipped in a bowl of tomato soup after school. Whatever it was, if after that first amazing bite you felt that your life would never be the same, you’re not alone. Food lovers all over the world share your strong affinity for the sandwich, and why not? How else can you squish every flavor into one delectable bite? Not to mention, sandwiches level the playing field in the kitchen, because whether you’re a kid or a Le Cordon Bleu chef, anyone with a little know-how can make one potentially scrumptious sammy. As an ode to the best culinary creation ever invented (in our humble opinion, of course), here’s a list of local eateries that share our passion. »
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NOVEMBER 2010
Podesto’s Market, Stockton A sandwich can happily include a mess of ingredients, but there’s one element that can make or break the entire operation—the bread. At Podesto’s in Stockton, they’ve got that part covered with their delectable, homemade Dutch crunch rolls. The secret is that it’s brushed with a special ingredient before baking, which hardens and crackles in the oven. The top of the roll adds a little crunch, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The flavor is yeasty like pizza crust, but the texture is much easier to sink your teeth into. We recommend ordering it as the base for a hodge podge sandwich, made out of the deli’s odds and ends at the end of the day to prevent any meat from going to waste. Trust us, nothing tastes bad on that bread, and you’ll get a discount on your sammy. Podesto’s, 104 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 951-0234 www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
san joaquin magazine
45
Gerard’s Deli, Tracy
Tracy locals have been frequenting Gerard’s Deli for years to quell their sandwich cravings, for good reason. The eatery’s best feature is definitely its “hot food side,” which includes classics like corned beef sandwiches and French dips, as well as a popular hof brau. We recommend the meatball sub, hands down. It consists of a big hoagie with hot meatballs plopped inside, topped with marinara sauce, and then covered with melted provolone cheese. It’s saucy, it’s meaty, it’s delicious. And if you have any room left over, which you probably won’t, try any of their hot homemade sides. We love the cornbread stuffing and gravy. Gerard’s Deli, 939 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 835-6655
The Creamery, Stockton
If you love diner food, then consider The Creamery heaven on earth. Their service is super fast, friendly, and always onpoint. Walk in during a bustling lunch hour and you’ll still get a booth and a quality meal. They have about thirty sandwiches on their menu featuring everything from fresh tuna salad to hot meatloaf. We found several favorites, including The Five Star Steak Sandwich, smothered in mushrooms and melted jack cheese, and the Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple, with Pullman ham, melted jack cheese, and juicy pineapple slices. Try it on their grilled sourdough bread, generously slathered in butter for a warm, crispy indulgence. If you have any room left, the rest of their menu is full of homemade gems like the creamy clam chowder. Finish it all off with a thick milkshake and you’ll be hooked for life. The Creamery, 5756 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 952-1111
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san joaquin magazine
NOVEMBER 2010
Gian’s Deli, Stockton Since 1972 this family owned and operated eatery has been making authentic Italian food, including homemade pasta and pizza, not to mention handmade ravioli that’s said to sell out regularly. Their sandwiches are just as much of a standout here, especially since Gian’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality Italian ingredients. Their prosciutto is imported from Parma, Italy, where the best prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano in the world is made, and that’s no exaggeration. Another of their delicious menu items is the traditional Italian coppa, also known as dry-cured pork. All the meats are sliced paper-thin when ordered, and taste great on Gian’s focaccia bread, baked in-house. Whether you prefer oil and vinegar or mayo and mustard, if you love Italian sandwiches, this is the only place to go in San Joaquin. Gian’s, 2112 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 469-0108 www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
san joaquin magazine
47
The Dancing Fox Winery, Bakery & Eatery, Lodi
With chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, whimsical furniture, and colorful Victorian storybook paintings, entering this eatery is like walking into a scene from The Secret Garden. We’re happy to report that their sandwiches are just as good as the decor. All their breads are handmade, and they take pride in using only the finest local ingredients. If you’re looking to try something different, order up the Fox Trot, with smoked turkey, red onion, lettuce, cream cheese, blackberries, and a mild red pepper sauce on ciabatta bread. Or get in touch with your inner child and enjoy a classic peanut butter and jelly, served on sourdough. Whatever you’re in the mood for, all sandwiches are served with a small side and a cookie. And this place is open till nine in the evening, so sandwiches can be enjoyed with cocktails long after lunchtime. The Dancing Fox Winery, Bakery & Eatery, 203 S. School St., Lodi, (209) 366-2634, www.dancingfoxwinery.com
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nOVemBeR 2010
The Soup Ladle, Lodi
The Soup Ladle is a family-owned business that’s been around for more than twenty years and is a beloved hub for hungry locals. The downhome eatery makes all their food with love, and their lunches remind many loyal customers of the home cooked meals their grandmas used to make, which keeps them coming back for more. If you want to try the sandwich everyone loves best, have their homemade egg salad on their signature breads, baked fresh each morning at 4 a.m. Their most popular loafs are the crunch bread and the beer bread, which not only make fantastic sandwiches, but are also excellent for dipping in their hot, homemade soups. It’s a win-win situation. The Soup Ladle, 312 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, (209) 368-9587
Bon Appetit, Lodi
This little French cafe has some of the most mouthwatering sandwiches in San Joaquin. Our favorite is #17, also known as the Blue Mountains. Roasted turkey, crispy bacon, sliced apple, blue cheese spread, and lettuce are joined on a toasted roll and served warm. This sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures, crispy, sweet, salty, and savory all at once. When asked which side you’d like to go with your sandwich, go for the red potatoes. They’re light and zingy, a welcome change from mayosmothered potato salad. Other noteworthy sandwiches on the menu include the #15 S.D.T., with sun-dried tomato spread, roasted turkey, bacon, provolone, kalamata olives, red onions, and lettuce; and the #20 Med which has roasted turkey, aioli spread, balsamic vinaigrette, English cucumbers, red grapes, red onion, feta cheese, and lettuce. Bon Appetit, 1012 W. Lodi Ave., Lodi, (209) 367-5930, www.bonappetitlodi.com
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Genova Bakery, Stockton
Its unremarkable façade may be deceiving, but when you walk into the Genova Bakery you know you’ve stumbled upon something rather special. Its wooden floors are well worn from the feet of many hungry visitors, and the equally antiquated shelving is filled with jars of specialty sauces and condiments. It looks like a general store from another century, where Laura Ingalls Wilder could’ve shopped for imported gourmet condiments. Their sandwich menu isn’t fancy, but their ingredients are of excellent quality, especially the salami which is brought in from the Molinari and Sons factory in San Francisco. They’ve been making their traditional sausages and salami since 1896. Coupled with Genova’s fresh baked bread, a little mustard and mayo is all you really need to hit the spot. For five bucks, you can enjoy a quality, finger-licking lunch that’s straight to the point. Genova Bakery, 749 N. Sierra Nevada St., Stockton, (209) 466-6145
Tin Roof BBQ, Lodi
Plenty of places put a BBQ sandwich on their menu, but if you’re seriously craving some meat, you have to go to the pros. We think Tin Roof BBQ in Lodi is the place to be for a smoked pulled pork sandwich. They use Oakwood smoked pork shoulder that’s been rubbed southern style, and serve it with their homemade barbecue sauce and fried sweet onions on a soft bun. It’s smoky, sweet, and mouth-wateringly good. They also give you the option of adding extra meat or cheese, so you can take it to the limit. Get it with a side of coleslaw or mac and cheese and you’ve got a lunch that’ll definitively stick to your ribs. Tin Roof BBQ , 121 S. Guild Ave., Lodi, (209) 366-1218, www.lodibbq.com
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NOVEMBER 2010
Fiori’s Butcher Shop, Lodi
Walking into this place makes you feel like you’re part of the Fiori family. And that’s exactly what the owners were going for with their long dining tables and family photos hanging on the walls. As far as the sandwiches go, you can choose from a huge menu that hangs above the cases of freshly baked pastries, cookies, and cakes. Their breads are all delivered fresh from local bakeries (including Podesto’s legendary dutch crunch), and they have a wonderful selection of fresh meats and cheeses. The bestseller is the California Classic, which has turkey, sprouts, avocado, tomato, and cheese, but they have something for everybody, from hot bratwurst to vegan veggie. If you want to kick your sandwich up a notch, sprinkle on some of Fiori’s secret seasoning sitting on the counter. We don’t know what’s in it, but it tastes darn good. [SJm] Fiori’s Butcher Shop, 400 W. Lodi Ave., (209) 334-4121, www.fiorisdeli.com
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finding forever homes
BY jaMie MenaKer
| PHOTOgRaPHY BY Matthew jaMes
i
In an era of mixed, extended, blended, and biracial families, untraditional is the new norm. There’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ family anymore—what’s most important is the love and support found in a home, not who lives within. True to this perceptible shift, adoption has also lost its shroud of mystery. In the media, shows like Teen Mom and Modern Family show different sides of adoption, from perspectives that may not have been previously considered. Under the magnifying glass, celebrities around the nation have embraced this new type of family as well, adopting children both locally and internationally to expand their broods. Here in San Joaquin, adoption is just as common, producing colorful and thriving families in all our cities. The individual reasons that families decide to adopt are as varied as the children who need homes, from couples unable to have children to families looking to spread the love. Also important is the type of adoption that a family chooses—international, private, foster care, kinship, or adoption through San Joaquin County are all examples. While we seem to be embracing this new tradition of mixand-match families, what isn’t getting as much attention is the overwhelming number of children in foster care—either removed from unfit birth parents or safely surrendered at birth—who are moved
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in San Joaquin
the Loucks family When Debra and Jim Loucks discovered their inability to have children after 4 years of marriage, they made the decision to adopt. Debra’s sister-in-law had adopted through Santa Cruz County with successful results, and unlike private adoptions, finding a child through the county is free. With an abundance of hopeful parents on adoption agency waiting lists, the Loucks were banking on plenty of kids that really needed homes in San Joaquin County. enter adopted sons Jon, 14, and Caleb, 10. Debra explains the county adoption process: “You fill out an application, and a case worker comes to your home to interview you—we met with our case worker almost monthly—and you take parenting classes before you adopt, where you also learn all about the adoption process. after that, you just wait until a child is placed with you; it can be as soon as 30 days after you finish the class.” For the Loucks, it took a year before baby Caleb was placed at their home, at only 6 months old. He wasn’t yet available for
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adoption, but was taken away from his mother at birth, and in the process of having his biological rights terminated. “It’s really difficult, the waiting,” says Debra. “You think ‘They are never going to find a baby for us, they forgot about us.’ We were calling our adoption worker almost weekly, but they just want to wait and make sure that it’s the best home for the child, they do everything they can to avoid that they place a child and it doesn’t work out.” Caleb had been living in a foster home from birth, and the Loucks began visiting him there even before they were able to bring him home. During this time, his brother Jonathan’s adoption fell through, and the Loucks agreed to visit with Jon as well at his foster home. From there, everything went to super speed, and the Loucks agreed to adopt both boys. It was another year and a half before Caleb and Jon were legally theirs. “When you’re in it daily you’re really just living like normal, feeding your kids, giving them baths. It’s really only in your quiet moments, or when my husband and I might talk among ourselves, that you start to think about what might happen if you aren’t able to keep your kids. Becauwse they already feel like they’re yours.” The Loucks are quick to commend the county adoption system and how thorough they were in the adoption process. The boys have grown up knowing they were adopted, and the Loucks couldn’t be happier. “It wasn’t important for either of us that the child be ours biologically, we just wanted to be parents.”
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from home to home in the pursuit of a permanent family. According to the North American Council on Adoptable Children, close to 30,000 children have been removed from their homes statewide in California and are waiting to be adopted. For each child that enters the foster care system, a plan is created to hopefully reunify with the birth parent (or parents), says social work supervisor Karen Christensen from the Human Services Agency of San Joaquin County. The federal guidelines provide an 18-month period during which the adult is able to take parenting classes, restore order in their life, and create a livable home for their child. If the child is under age 3 or part of a sibling group, and the social worker doesn’t see the proper steps being taken, they can start the process of terminating the parent’s rights in as short as 6 months to find a permanent home more quickly. “We always try to reunify these kids if at all possible,” says Christensen, “and then after that we do an extensive search for close friends or relatives that may want to take the child. We have such a huge pool of kids, and there are so many people that have been happy adopting these children through the county. If there are no efforts on the parent’s part to reunify, then we look at finding a permanent home.” The first step for a child that has become a part of the child welfare system is to find them a temporary home as soon as possible. Through foster care licensing, the government provides funding for each child taken into a foster home. Christensen explains that there are different types of foster families: some homes are willing to foster kids for short or long periods of time on an ongoing, rotating basis with no guarantee of any sort of adoption, and some families are looking for a low risk situation, with a small chance of the kids going back to their birth parents. “The county adoption system can be
a much more pleasant way to adopt,” says Christensen. “Private adoptions can be more picky about the traditional view of the family, some will only adopt to two parents. For most, adopting through the county ends up being a positive, really rewarding experience.” Social work supervisor Tany TeasLim works with a private non-profit organization called Lilliput Children’s Services, licensed by the state of California. While the county system is designed to equally find foster placement and permanent homes for children, organizations like Lilliput focus on getting these children adopted. “It’s a partnership between the public and private sector,” says Teas-Lim. “We’re working with the county to ensure a child’s opportunity for permanence; it’s foster care placement with an end goal.” Families that enlist Lilliput’s services are called “concurrent planning families,” meaning that they are willing to foster children as the means to an end for a permanent home. The other benefit of an organization like Lilliput is that they have access not only to San Joaquin County foster care children, but also foster children all over the state, in all counties where the organization exists. Lilliput also helps the county when a foster care placement has turned into a possible adoption. Although extensive home training and inspection takes place previous to any family’s approval as a licensed foster home, Lilliput does an additional home study to assure that the adoption is the most optimal situation for both the child and the family. Christensen explains the relationship between all parties involved in a foster child’s welfare. “Through foster and adoptive training, we make sure that everyone is on the same page and has the same training—social workers, attorneys, adoptive parents, children. Everyone needs to know what to expect and what’s involved.” Even with all the successful adoptions through the county and foster
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Barbara Patton A foster parent for 31 years, Barbara Patton was married when she started fostering kids, and is now a single foster parent and adoptive mom— but to say she’s alone as a foster parent would be incorrect. Barbara comes from a family filled with adoptions, both in her immediate and extended family. In her own home in Stockton, biological daughter Edythe, 35, and her husband, Toby, also live with two of their own biological children, Phebe, 13, and Drake, 2, and two adopted children, Ryan, 5, and William, 4. Ryan was a foster child, and William was a surrendered baby. Barbara has two biological children, David, 38, and Edythe, and three adopted children, Sarah, 22, Bryson, 18, and 4-year-old Angelina. She first started fostering children in her home after seeing a newspaper story about a little boy that needed a foster home, and remembers thinking that she would just help one more child. Almost 150 foster children later, Barbara can’t imagine doing anything else. Barbara’s foster home is also unique because she’s open to taking kids with medical disabilities. Edythe had a too-small esophagus when she was born, and other family members also with disabilities prepped Barbara for special-needs care. A current foster child in the home has cystic fibrosis, and adopted daughter Angelina has down-syndrome. When the county contacted Barbara to say they had a 3-month old baby that had been living in the hospital since she was born, with heart complications due to downsyndrome, Barbara went to the hospital to meet Angelina and took her home the next day. During her surgeries, the birth parents were around to see Barbara with their daughter, and asked her to adopt Angelina, “not because they didn’t love her, but because they did,” says Barbara. Angelina still has to go to the cardiologist every six months, and attends a special preschool with other kids who have autism and down-syndrome. Barbara is now a trainer at Delta College for new foster parents and prospective foster parents, as well as related and non-related family connections trying to adopt a child. “As long as I’m still loving it, and I think I’m doing a good job, I’m going to continue to foster. It’s the hardest job that you could ever have, but the best job that you will ever do.” Barbara points out that her house is a true “family home,” with so many different extensions of her family all living together, and even more in and out of the house all the time. “My niece actually said at her school, they realized so many of them were adopted, they formed a group. It’s become more normal than you would think to be an adopted child.”
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the La Mar family Patty and CJ La Mar are just like any other suburban family—aside from the 72 foster kids they’ve hosted in their home, with more to come. When their girls, Brittany, 17, and Kimberly, 15, were young, Patty and CJ decided that they didn’t want their kids in day care, and thought that foster care would be the perfect job for Patty to take on in the comfort of their home. “When we started foster care,” says Patty, “we had the complete idea that we would never adopt, and that we would only take one child at a time. I was also under the assumption that you could never love a child as much as you love your biological child. Yeah, I was wrong.” Patty continues that she had all these preconceived ideas, like if they ever did adopt that they would want a boy, or a child that looked like her own family. Today, Patty is president of the San Joaquin County Foster Parent Association, and the La Mars are adoptive parents to Rosie, 6, with three other foster kids in their home at the time of our interview. “Rosie came to us when she was 3 weeks old,” says Patty. “She wasn’t our first foster kid, she was somewhere in the middle. For some reason, there are some kids that your heart just really goes out to for whatever reason. Rosie came to us on my older daughter’s birthday, we joke that she was Brittany’s birthday present.” The La Mars explain that it was hard because they wanted to reunify Rosie with her parents,
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but they really wanted her, too. They couldn’t help but feel relief when her father stopped attending the parenting classes, and completely disappeared. “The older girls, even last night, were just saying how much they love Rosie. She’s been such a joy to have in our lives, she has this little attitude from hanging around her teenage sisters, and she’s this little, petite girl. Everyone knows her, the girls bring her to all the high school football games, they love her.” The La Mar home is a satellite foster home, which means that kids are there for 6 months or shorter, on their way to permanent placements or before they are placed in a longer term foster home. The La Mars are licensed from age 0 to 14, typically all girls because they share rooms. Patty takes a range of kids, from newborns to teenagers to medically-fragile babies. The La Mar girls were so young when Patty started fostering kids, they don’t find it strange at all to have kids in and out of their home. “Sometimes you get weird looks because your family is so big. People are trying to figure out who is mom to which babies,” says Patty. “I don’t think I’ve gone a month in the last 15 years without a newborn baby in the house. I couldn’t do it without CJ, it’s so much more than a full time job; but it’s become our calling, it’s just what we do, we love it. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even adopt again.”
care system, a large majority of children in the system still struggle to find homes. Foster care was always intended to be temporary, but many California children remain in care for years. According to the North American Council on Adoptable Children, the average length of stay in foster care before an adoption is finalized is still almost three years, and older children and minorities are less likely to ever be adopted. Foster children that don’t find a permanent home by age 18 are often released from foster care without a family or support system. “We try to move the kids the least amount of times possible,” says Christensen. “I’ve been doing social work a total of 15 years and I’ve seen a lot of kids that have been really hurt. But I’ve also seen them just blossom and thrive in these [adoptive] families.” [SJM] For more information: Human Services Agency San Joaquin County, www.sjgov.org/hsa Lilliput Children’s Services, www.lilliput.org North American Council on Adoptable Children, www.nacac.org
NOVEMBER 2010
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Home A Custom Fit Home Valerie and Stephen Saccone first built their Stockton home in 1978. As a building contractor, Stephen has been constructing high-end custom homes for years, so when it came time for the couple to remodel their own abode in May of 2003 they were well prepared from years of note taking. ››
by Katy Berry | photos by Matthew james
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Inspir ation... They expanded the square footage from 2,400 to 3,500 and chose each detail to carefully balance their design needs. As avid travelers, they wanted to incorporate memories from their trips around the globe, especially Stephen’s impressive taxidermy collection from his hunts through South Africa, North America, and New Zealand. They also wanted a home with traditional European charm. Using their discriminating eye for detail, Stephen and Valerie were able to find a happy medium, creating a truly unique living space that is both impressive and welcoming. Guests enter into an expansive living area with sixteen foot-
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tall cathedral ceilings and exposed beams. Adjacent to the kitchen, the communal space is great for entertaining and was designed to display the roughly sixty animals that cover the walls, each one hunted by Stephen himself. The Saccones say that before being preserved, the animals were used to feed the local villages, and their meat was donated to nearby homeless shelters. The collection includes deer, moose, mountain goats, and even a full-sized African lion and leopard. A real zebra skin rug lies on the floor, but the focal point is four African sheep arranged in a diamond on the largest wall. Stephen says every animal has NOVEMBER 2010
Local Resources Builder: Saccone Construction, Stockton (209) 481-1050 Flooring: Valley Ceramic Tile, Stockton (209) 465-4220 Cabinetry: Delta Cabinets and Millwork, Stockton (209) 948-2941 Countertops: Natural Stone Design, Sacramento (916) 386-8226 Lighting: DLJ Electric, Stockton (209) 473-2668 Door and Cabinetry Accents: Architectural Amenities, Stockton (209) 547-0480 Walls: DLM Plastering Company, Byron (925) 634-5099 Painting: Pacific Painting and Decorating, Stockton (209) 610-1533
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a special memory attached to it, but his favorite is the Desert Sheep, prized for its rarity. From a design perspective, Valerie says competing with the animals is hard, but carefully chosen details and elegant accents make the home comfortable and welcoming. With an orange bouquet of flowers on the wrought-iron breakfast table, silver pheasant sculptures by the stove, and lemons sitting on the granite countertops, the kitchen takes you out of Africa and into Tuscany. The custom cabinetry was painted a buttery yellow but given a “latté wash” to create an antiquated, country look. The stacked molding which fills the would-be empty spaces above the kitchen cabinets adds thoughtful detail and makes the house feel less expansive. Across from the kitchen is the dining room that boasts beautiful white boxed ceilings, a classic detail that brings traditional sophistication to the room where Val says they host many a holiday dinner. The ceilings are also made of Venetian plaster, adding a shine that looks similar to mother-of-pearl. The continuity of the rooms is maintained through Valerie’s choice of a consistently neutral color theme. Sticking to a soft, natural palette allows the Saccones to easily update the home simply by changing colored accessories and accents. The walls are not painted, but made from tinted plaster which is mixed and applied to create an
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NOVEMBER 2010
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effect similar to suede, adding warmth throughout the home. The backyard has a charming patio with a working fountain, sprawling white iceberg roses, white azaleas, and red geraniums. Valerie says she does all the gardening herself, and this is no surprise as the couple made their remodeling project a hands-on venture, building many of the details themselves including the molding and boxed ceilings (put in by Stephen). Both agree that the end result was well worth it, and the Saccones now enjoy their custom home where the whole family often gathers to visit, eat, and enjoy the many memories of their travels together. [SJM]
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A Special HOME IMPROVEMENT Section
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A Special HOME IMPROVEMENT Section
NOVEMBER 2010
A Special HOME IMPROVEMENT Section
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Domo Japanese Sushi Grill & Bar is the newest Japanese Cuisine Restaurant to embark in Stockton. It is located at 300 Lincoln Center Stockton CA. It is 8000 square feet of Japanese experience. Domo’s Sushi, Grill, and Teppan Yaki is all about innovative food creations. Domo’s is all about variety. With our ever growing menu of satisfying selections, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From our special sushi rolls, asparagus beef wrap, to our Teppan Yaki of Lobster, Filet Mignon, and Chicken or even a special drink or sake from our bar, there are sure to be many selections and favorites. Explore our menu and our specials; learn about our establishment and delicious Japanese cuisine. Domo Arigato !
Hours of Operation Lunch - 7 Days a Week: 11am - 2pm Dinner - 7 Days a Week: 4pm - 9:30pm Happy Hour - Sunday-Thursday 4-6pm DOMO Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill 300 Lincoln Center, Stockton
209.451.3654
www.domostockton.com 76 san joaquin magazine
Come Join US for Happy Hour!
Sun--Thurs between 4pm & 6pm and receive 20% off your bill!!!!! Sun-Mon night football appetizers 50% off at the bar
NOVEMBER 2010
food&wine
DINING REVIEWS WINE
Spotlight:
Courtesy Cabo Wabo
Holiday DRINKS EL DIABLO DEL INVIERNO 他 oz. Ginger Syrup 他 oz. Creme de Casis 他 oz. Lime Juice 2 oz. Cabo Wabo Blanco 1 bar spoon or teaspoon Tapatio hot sauce Combine all ingredients. Shake with ice and strain over ice. Garnish with a ginger candy and a lime.
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FOOD&WINE
i WinteR dRinKs
soRREnTo in RED
WinTER souR
1 ½ oz. Campari 1 oz. Limoncello Splash of Tangerine Juice Splash of Lime Juice Dash of Orange Bitters
1 oz. Campari 1 ½ oz. Meyer Lemon Juice 1 ½ oz. Clover Honey Syrup 2 inches of Fresh Rosemary 1 oz. of egg white
Pour ingredients over ice into a shaker. Shake and strain ingredients over ice into stemmed wine glass. No garnish.
In a mixing glass, strip the leaves of 2 inches of rosemary and muddle lightly. Add the Meyer Lemon Juice and egg white and dry shake for 5 seconds. Add the Campari and honey syrup and fill with ice. Shake well for 10 seconds and strain up. No garnish.
sKYY CiTRus WinTER WaRMER
1 oz. Campari 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth Splash of Champagne
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus 0.5 oz. Agave Nectar 4 oz. Hot Water 3 Cloves 1 Cinnamon Stick 1 pat Unsalted Butter (just under a tablespoon) Grated Nutmeg
Pour Campari and Sweet Vermouth over ice into a shaker. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Add a splash of champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.
Combine all ingredients into a large mug, topping the liquid with hot water last. Stir, grate nutmeg over top, and let steep for a couple minutes before serving.
BLiTZEn’s MEXiCan EGG noG 4 egg yolks 1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1 pint whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 4 oz. Cabo Wabo Reposado 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 4 egg whites In a bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon, and nutmeg and stir to combine. Place the egg whites in the bowl and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running, gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve. Top each eggnog with grated cinnamon and nutmeg.
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COuRtesy CamPaRi, sKyy, CaBO WaBO
CHaMPino
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FOOD&WINE
i Wine PiCKs
WinE & sPiRiTs
This month’s picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center
Wines to Give Thanks For By RanDY CaPaRoso
We wish every day could be Thanksgiving. We can never be thankful enough for the good things in life. Also, the wines that go best with the hodgepodge of dishes in a Thanksgiving meal are the best wines to pair with most things we eat: wines that are soft, abundantly fruity, and foodfriendly, refreshing rather than tiring on the palate. Think of the classic Thanksgiving wine the way you think of cranberry sauce: it’s not the main dish, but it sure as heck adds a zesty sweetness to the lean taste of turkey meat, a spiciness to match just about any kind of stuffing, and a piquant yet smooth texture to punctuate the richest gravy.
What’s Thanksgiving without sides of cranberry, or a good bottle of wine? The best Thanksgiving wine is one that’s not too heavy, nor too dry or sweet, lest it dominates the foods it’s supposed to complement. Try these four Lodi wines perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, each in its own bountifully rich way.
Meet Randy Caparoso… An award-winning sommelier, restaurateur, and longtime professional wine journalist, Randy pens the Lodi Winegrape Commission’s blog at www.lodiwine.com.
For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center at 2545 W. turner Rd., Lodi. (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com
As San Joaquin magazine’s newest wine writer, Caparoso believes that the experience of wine should be as enjoyable as the taste of good food — but it doesn’t hurt to understand what you love most.
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Ripken Vineyards 2007 “under the sea” Primitivo ($18 / www.ripkenwine.com)
Grands amis Winery 2008 “Première Passion” Red ($25 / www.grandsamis.com)
For Zin lovers, Primitivo is a close cousin: genetically identical, yet flavored with an even softer, gentler kind of berry-ish-ness. Ripken’s Primitivo is grown in the farthest western edge of Lodi at slightly below sea level (hence the Under the Sea moniker), and its fruitiness is akin to bushels of bright, zesty raspberries. Just the thing for even the most richly stuffed turkeys.
A Bordeaux inspired red wine blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon (40 percent), Petit Verdot (33 percent), Malbec (17 percent) and Merlot (10 percent). Round and soft, black currant and black cherryish fruit qualities seamlessly knit into a smooth, medium-full body, finishing with an almost crème de cassis-like sweetness. If roast beef or lamb are part of your Thanksgiving ritual, Première Passion is the right choice.
Harney Lane Winery 2008 Zinfandel ($22 / www.harneylane.com)
uvaggio 2009 “Dolce” Moscato
We know this grape originated in Europe, but there’s perhaps no fine wine more uniquely “American” than Zinfandel. The luscious, juicy wild berry qualities of classic Zinfandel – often described as “jammy”– also make it the ultimate Thanksgiving wine. The plump, sumptuous, fullyet-lush qualities of this Zin will complement just about anything, from turkey to candied marshmallow yams.
Many wine lovers prefer white no matter what they’re eating. A feathery light, medium-sweet white, the Uvaggio Dolce is still crisp and balanced enough to keep the palate feeling refreshed down to the last drop. Its intriguingly flowery, orange blossom, cinnamon, and musk spiced fruitiness is electrified by tangy, citrusy, natural acidity. Deep-fried turkey, Cajun style dressings, sausage, and fruit stuffings all pair incredibly.
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($18 / www.uvaggio.com)
nOVemBeR 2010
voted “Best Winery Tasting Room in san joaquin” -San Joaquin Magazine
live music on the patio every Sunday 1:00-5:00pm
award winning wines
Van Ruiten Family Winery tasting room open daily
11:00am-5:00pm
340 west highway 12 lodi, ca ph 209-334-5722
Gift Certificates available
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Wine Tours and Tastings
The Lodi winemaking industry has enjoyed tremendous expansion in the last decade. The land devoted to vineyards has increased from 46,000 acres in 1996, to nearly 100,000 today. Now the region produces more fine wine than Napa and Sonoma combined! The Lodi appellation is proudly blowing away the mists of anonymity that have shrouded local wines, allowing them to bask in the sunshine of worldwide recognition. We invite you to take a short ride and discover Lodi Wine Country for yourself.
Viaggio Winery Reserve Zinfandel - Dessert Wine A graceful balance with wines that remain true to the varietals’ fresh fruit character with the added textures and wood tones derived from French and American oak cooperages.
Presents: Nutcracker Ballet
Friday, December 17, 2010 - 7:00pm Saturday, December 18, 2010 - 7:00pm
Forever Plaid - The Heavenly Musical Hit Monday, January 31 at 7:30 pm Forever Plaid showcases the upbeat music made popular in the 1950s by artists and groups such as Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, The Four Lads and The Ames Brothers and includes such hits as “Catch a Falling Star,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Crazy ‘Bout Ya Baby” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” This production is fun for the entire family.
Viaggio Winery and Estate is located in the middle of one of the most famous winemaking regions in California, in the “heart” of Lodi’s Wine Country. Conveniently accessible from both Hwy 99 and I-5, Viaggio is a secluded and private estate with classic elegance nestled among beautiful walnut orchards and the serenity of the river. Viaggio’s stunning and exquisite backdrop of the Mokelumne River offers lush outside grounds and several venues, each with gorgeous picturesque views. Viaggio Estate and Winery offers something for everyone. Whether you are planning an extravagant wedding or a small intimate gathering, a corporate or fundraising event, Viaggio offers selections beyond comparison. Come join us for tasting in our Winery open Friday - Sunday Viaggio on the River located at:
In the Mood – Back by Popular Demand Sunday, February 13 at 3:00 pm Much more than a concert, In the Mood presents a retro 1940’s musical revue featuring the In the Mood Singers and Dancers and the sensational String of Pearls Band Orchestra. This was a time that all America was listening to the same kind of music.
100 East Taddei Rd. Acampo, CA 95220
125 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi Box Office: 209.333.5550 • www.loditickets.com
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Winery Directory Berghold 17343 N. Cherry Rd Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 333-9291 bergholdvineyards.com Delicato 12001 S Highway 99 Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 824-3500 dfvtastingroom.com
family winery
Home of Amorosa Inn & Gardens B&B
Tasting Room Open Daily 11:00am-5:00pm 340 West Highway 12 Lodi, CA ph 866-334-5722 fx 209-334-5726
NAMED ONE OF SAN JOAQUIN’S
Voted the “Best Tasting Room in San Joaquin County” & “Best Zin in America”
Tasting Room open Thursday – Monday
12:00pm – 5:00pm
7889 East Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 PH 209-369-5392
Enjoy our wine in our tasting room or by the fireplace on our patio. Fridays & Saturdays 12 - 8pm Sundays 12 - 6pm 209-368-1378
Grands Amis Winery 115 N. School St. #5 Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 369-6805 grandsamis.com Harney Lane Winery 9010 E. Harney Ln. Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 365-1900 harneylane.com
TOP TEN PLACES TO GET MARRIED!
VINOCONBRIO.COM Heritage Oak Winery 10112 E. Woodbridge Rd. Acampo, CA 95220 (209) 986-2763 heritageoakwinery.com Michael-David Winery 4580 W. Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-7384 michaeldavidwinery.com Van Ruiten Family 340 W. Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 334-5722 vanruitenwinery.com Viaggio 100 East Taddei Road Lodi, CA 95220 (209) 368-1378 viaggiowinery.com
wall street journal wine competition
Free anti pasta platter with purchase of bottle of wine VIAGGIOWINERY.COM 100 East Taddei Road Acampo, CA 95220
Tasting Room Open Thursday - Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
CALIFORNIA’S NEWEST WINE DESTINATION WINE ~ EVENTS ~ GIFT BOUTIQUE Tasting Room open Thursday-Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm
9010 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 PH 209-365-1900 Love. Laughter. Family. These are the three main ingredients we pour into every bottle of Harney Lane wine.
17343 N. Cherry Rd Lodi, CA 95240 PH 209-333-9291 6566
Vino Con Brio 7889 East Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 369-5392 vinoconbrio.com
BERGHOLDVINEYARDS.COM
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SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE
Tracy Thai tracy thai successfully captures the unique and complex flavors thai food is known for. using only fresh, quality ingredients, their food has exceptional presentation, from mouth-watering appetizers like their heavenly angel Wings (boneless chicken wings stuffed with silver noodles), to their soups served in a flaming tureen that keeps it warm throughout the meal. tracy thai prepares imaginative creations for those with more adventurous tastes, or delicious familiar dishes that are great choices for those who have never experienced thai food before. 1035 Central ave. tracy, (209) 833-9703
if you are in the moo-d for a burger, moo moo’s Burger Barn is the place to be! the moo offers a whimsical, table service, 50’s-diner style restaurant serving cooked-to-order juicy burgers, fish, chicken, and other sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs. try one of 15+ gourmet burgers served on a variety of buns, or create your own! Complement your choice with regular French, beerbattered, or sweet-potato fries, old fashioned floats, milk shakes, and malts. now serving a Full Breakfast menu at the el dorado (mon-Fri 6:30-10:30 am) and trinity Locations (sat-sun 7:00-11:45).
serving authentic and modern Japanese cuisine, come enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the causal dining room, or grab a seat at the sushi bar and have some fun with the professional and creative sushi chef. to enhance your experience, mikasa invites you to explore the list of premium sakes. mikasa offers outstanding sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and teriyaki, as well as traditional Japanese sukiyaki and yosenabe. the most popular dishes are the Hawaiian tuna poki, tako kimchee, hamachi jalapeno, tuna ceviche, mikasa steam sole, ginger beef tenderloin, golden gate roll, and mikasa roll. they’re looking forward to your visit! Kampei! 15138 Harlan Rd., Lathrop (209) 858-1818 www.mikasasushilathrop.com
With its seasonally-based menu and gourmet preparation, the Wine and Roses restaurant boasts a charming venue with exceptional service. guests are spoiled with beautiful views of the garden, or can enjoy a romantic evening sitting by the large fireplace. sit alongside the piano while enjoying an after dinner cocktail. as an added bonus, stay overnight at the charming and beautiful Wine and Roses inn and make a weekend out of it. 2505 W. turner Rd. Lodi, (209) 334-6988
Visit www.moo-moos.com for menus and locations.
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Oz sushi and grill family restaurant is located in Lodi (e. Kettleman) and officially opened may 22nd 2010. We house fresh sashimi, exotic rolls, delicious kitchen food, and wonderful customer service. We extend these services in hopes of creating the perfect environment for families, individuals, and couples. We hope to not only have you leaving with a taste of true Japanese food but a taste of something new as well.
this fantastic, family-run restaurant is a top choice in stockton for savory mexican fare. miguel’s promises quality food; as a result, the kitchen doesn’t cook with animal fats and uses sirloin tip rather than ground beef. you’ll taste the difference in the carne asada, camarones rancheros, braised red snapper, fajitas, and steak a la chicana. Omelets and spicy egg dishes also draw raves, and combination plates offer good value and a selection of tastes.
2414 Kettleman Lane, Lodi (209) 334-9800
7555 Pacific ave., ste. 5 stockton, (209) 951-1931
nOVemBeR 2010
Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner all day mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m., sat-sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Casa mexicana also owns a bakery. saturday nights at 9 p.m., Casa mexicana hosts a nightclub with all varieties of music. 1110 Kettleman Lane Lodi, (209) 368-2272
Hollywood Family Cafe & Catering is proud to serve only the freshest & highest quality ingredients, like choice angus beef, fresh fruits & vegetables. Our specialty breakfasts come with juice and your choice of homemade cinnamon roll or fresh baked muffins. eaRLy BiRd specials between 6 am and 8:30 am for breakfast. 4-5:30pm for dinner including salad, garlic cheesebread, choice of side, and fresh grilled veggies. Kids 10 years and younger eat free thurs, Fri, & sat (dinner only). Wi-fi available. Let us help you with your fundraiser, call for details. Restaurant available for your private parties. Call early to reserve. 315 s. Cherokee Lane Lodi, (209) 369-4065
Welcoming Big Valley diners since 1976, this family owned restaurant is still tHe place to go for a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. the exhibition kitchen features italian/american cuisine, all house made dishes and cooked to order. the consistency of the top quality food, friendly staff, excellent service and wonderful customers have made stockton Joe’s an all time favorite dining establishment. the award winning lounge has been voted Best Happy Hour year after year. the beautiful banquet room seats up to 60 guests. stockton Joe’s also specializes in catering at any location for any occasion, and is the exclusive caterer for all events at the Commercial exchange Banquet Hall and the Commander’s House.
151 alder st. stockton, (209) 943-1921 www.aldermarket.com
masa means “straight forward” in Japanese, and masa Contemporary Japanese Lounge is just that. Once you try masa, you will want to come back again and again. Patrons come for the fresh fish and culinary creativity. you may find yourself sitting at a table on a lounge bench covered with pillows, or at the sushi bar watching the sushi chef slice, roll, and artfully arrange his sushi creations. masa is perfect for a fast lunch or as a late night hang out.
SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE
We have an unlimited buffet with your choice of rice, beans, chile colorado, chile verde, tacos, enchiladas, chile relleno, and carnitas. also includes drinks, tortillas, chips, and salsa. elena and Job sanchez at Casa mexicana are happy to cater to anything else that you are hoping to eat.
the alder market has served California for 30 years. Headed by Kitty Ruhstaller, the alder market stands for experience, quality and freshness. dedicated to the art of fine foods and service, Kitty is a fine food and spirits lover who will guarantee you a wonderful event. Particular about ingredients and unerring about freshness, Kitty can help create a memorable event that you will talk about for years. schooled in California Cuisine and appreciative of international Foods, Kitty has created a Food Line that is surpassed by none. Creativity is her guideline and freshness is her ammunition. making memorable events for 30 years. Voted Best Caterer of san Joaquin in 2010 - why select anyone else?
Open for lunch mon-Fri: 11:30-2:30pm dinner mon-thur at 5:30-11 pm, Fri-sat at 5:30 pm-12 am Beer and wine. Open for Lunch and dinner. 2819 W. march Lane, suite a3, stockton, (209) 473-1255
Bringing you the freshest fruit and vegetables for over 63 years. in operation since 1947, the Fruit Bowl continues to provide the freshest and the best of local produce, baked goods, fruit pies, light lunches, local honey, and local olive oils. the Lucchetti family encourages you to stop in and enjoy the bounty of san Joaquin County. 8767 e. Waterloo Rd. (Hwy 88) stockton, (209) 931-1196 www.thefruitbowl.com
236 Lincoln Center, stockton (209) 951-2980 www.stocktonjoes.com
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SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE
The Great Plate Bar and Grill
discover the sushi that has Central Valley residents and visitors buzzing with excitement! at Haru, our allembracing selection of rolls and sake ensures we have something for everyone. From raw to cooked, and soup to rice plates, our variety is your gain. Our family welcomes you! 550 s Cherokee Ln # H Lodi, (209) 334-9988
Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar is considered by many to be one of northern California’s most unique fine dining establishments, located in stockton’s Lincoln Center. they offer the finest and freshest in gourmet cuisine, and their fabulous menu includes a large variety of continental dishes. three outdoor dining patios make for a perfect place to relax during lunch or dinner. Papapavlo’s offers four private banquet rooms accommodating groups as intimate as 12, to as large as 100 guests. Papapavlo’s is open sun.thur., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 501 n. Lincoln Center, stockton (209) 477-6133, www.papapavlos.com
2503 Waterloo Rd. stockton, (209) 943-5477
Happy hour daily with $1.00 off all beer & well drinks and $5.00 bar bites 4pm - 6:30pm 314 Lincoln Ctr., stockton (209) 956-0270 www.budsseafood.com
san joaquin magazine
714 Central ave. tracy, (209) 833-0862 www.thegreatplate.com www.theboardrock.com
all of Flip’s custom crafted burgers and hot dogs are made to order using fresh, local ingredients. Our milkshakes are made using real milk and award-winning, hand scooped ice cream. We are known for our unique deep-fried specialties. Come and try a fried egg on your burger, deep-fried hot dog, deep-fried pickles, and deep-fried twinkies ... Flip’s is stockton’s place to pig out. enjoy restaurant quality food at fast food prices. Flip’s has a family-oriented environment which will make you feel like you’re at your own home. We are only a short 15 minute drive from anywhere in stockton. Located right off of Highway 99, take the Waterloo exit, go west for 2 minutes. We are open mon-sat. 11 am-8 pm.
everyone is welcome at Bud’s seafood grille. Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. every meal begins with a bottomless basket of fresh sourdough bread. the new leafy outdoor patio seats thirty, and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend or two. Full bar and banquet room available. Open for lunch, dinner, and scrumptious sunday brunch.
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Looking for the best pizza in town? it’s here! the great Plate has signature pizzas like Buffalo Chicken, or the dominic, or build your own. Handmade to order and fired in the brick oven with always fresh dough for perfect crust and a delicious pizza. But that’s not all, excellent burgers, wings, salads, pastas, steaks, seafood, and more. Located downtown across from the grand theatre, come and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. great Plate offers two full bars and 16 beers on tap, a fine wine list, and sunday breakfast (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the nFL ticket. Or check out the exciting nightlife featuring live music and dJs on both floors. Visit, “tracy’s Favorite Place to Play.” Banquet rooms available for up to 125 people.
Welcome to Casa Flores marina, the very best in mexican Cuisine. Casa Flores marina is the new location in the marina shopping Center on Benjamin Holt avenue, just west of i-5 in stockton. enjoy the warm, inviting dining room or dine al fresco in the secluded, outdoor patio. you will be treated to mouth-watering, innovative dishes that will keep you coming back! Casa Flores marina has a beautiful, fully stocked tequila bar offering the finest selection of tequilas anywhere. you can enjoy fresh fruit margaritas made with all natural ingredients. no pre-made mixes here. enjoy tequila tastings every third thursday of the month or book your next big party here. Open for lunch and dinner. 3201 W. Ben Holt dr., ste. 155 stockton, (209) 451-1116
nOVemBeR 2010
Lunch : 7 days a week: 11am-2pm dinner: 7 days a week: 4-9:30pm Happy Hour: sunday- thursday: 4-6pm 209.451.3654 300 Lincoln Center stockton , Ca 95207
Bringing a new look and feel to stockton, Centrale Kitchen and Bar will give you the feeling of an upscale bistro in any big city around the world, with its authentic brick walls and dark, walnut wood floors. the menu features traditional american comfort food with a strong focus on fresh and unique ingredients. as with the dinner menu, the wine selection will change by season, and you will find many extraordinary bottles that you won’t find anywhere else in the region. With a full bar, Centrale is also bringing back the quality cocktail by using all fresh juices and house-made mixes. Centrale Kitchen and Bar is located on the “miracle mile” and is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Outdoor dining available. 1825 Pacific ave., ste. 2 stockton, (209) 939-1825
Featuring an innovative wine and beer selection, Califas offers diners fresh California cuisine with a Latin style and european flair. executive Chef and Owner Julio Camberos has over 20 years of “hands on” culinary experience in the food service and hospitality industry. We can accommodate your next catering event. Book your Holiday party now! Banquet facilities available “it is my mission to bring a quality gourmet experience, with outstanding personal service”. – Chef Julio
Chef Julio Camberos Jr. Califas Cafe and Bistro/Black tie gourmet Catering chefjulio@blacktiegourmet.net 209-369-9555
www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
michael’s Pizza has been supported by this community since 1978 and voted the best Pizza in san Joaquin County. We take pride in every pizza we make using the freshest ingredients and making our dough every day. all of our pizzas can be made with our original dough and we are happy to offer whole wheat dough. also at michael’s Pizza is our fun Café featuring full breakfast and fresh baked goods. Come in with a group, sports team or birthday party and enjoy our party room that seats 30+ people. For fast delivery, or take-out, Please Call 462-6668. 2300 West alpine stockton, (209) 462-6668
La Palma is a quaint, authentic dining venue located in the heart of the ‘miracle mile’ on the corner of Pacific & tuxedo. La Palma specializes in superior mexican cuisine such as sizzling Fajitas, Fish tacos and Chipotle shrimp; all of which come served with spanish rice and your choice of black, pinto, or refried beans. alongside an exquisite selection of local wines from which to choose from, La Palma mexican Cuisine boasts a full service tequila bar with more than 50 of the finest imported tequilas. Come experience mexico, without the air miles! Open everyday for lunch & dinner.”
SAN JOAQUIN DINING GUIDE
domo Japanese sushi grill & Bar is the newest Japanese Cuisine Restaurant to embark stockton. it is 8000 square feet of Japanese experience. domo’s sushi, grill and teppan yaki is all about innovated food creations. there is something for everyone to enjoy. From our special sushi rolls, asparagus beef wrap, to our teppan yaki of Lobster, Filet mignon, and Chicken or even a special drink or shake from our bar, there are sure to be many selections and favorites. Happy Birthday! Receive one FRee steak and Chicken dinner with purchase of three dinner entreés or more. (Not valid with happy hour)
2301 Pacific ave. stockton, (209) 941-4179 www.lapalmaonthemile.com
We use ingredients of only the highest quality when preparing our meals. We cook using 100 percent cholesterol free cooking oils, for a delicious and healthy meal. if you would like to order something not listed in the menu, we will do our best to accomodate you in any way we can. gift Certificates available. mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m and 5-10 p.m. sat-sun: 12 p.m.- 10 p.m. serving san Joaquin County since 1979 7555 Pacific ave., ste. 115 stockton, (209) 957-0617 www.pekingstockton.com
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Crush Kitchen & Bar has a menu that executive Chef/Owner michael Warren describes as California with HeaVy mediterranean influence. the entire menu is made from scratch. From the unique Hummus plate to the house made mozzarella and the handmade pastas. Crush is focused on the “Farm to Fork” philosophy. this year Crush was chosen as “the Best of san Joaquin” and it is very clear why. Crush has a wine list that boasts over 130 european and local selections and also has a full bar. next door to Crush is “the market” a boutique grocery that is also owned by michael Warren and partner michael thomas. thursdaymonday 11:30am-Close Wednesday 5pm-9pm CLOsed tuesday
a flavorful mixed grill of juicy steaks, tender chicken, fresh fish, and pasta dishes. satisfy every taste with mouth-watering appetizers and salads. every day, Outback starts out fresh, making every one of their soups, salad dressings, and sauces from scratch. at Outback, it’s all about quality —and all about the food. so let go of the worries of the day, and go Outback. Open for lunch mon-Fri at 11:30 a.m. dinner 7 days a week Happy hour 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. m-F 1243 West march Lane, stockton (209) 954-9615 www.outback.com
115 s. school st. (inside Woolworth Place) Lodi (209)369-5400 www.Crushkitchen.com
30X108 in.
Our belief is that mexican dishes done right are both wonderful and diverse. Creating superb dishes from Cochinita Pibil to tartare de salmon; our food is inspired by the heart of mexico. Our 100% natural margaritas made with true agave nectar and fresh squeezed lime can be enjoyed on our covered and heated outside patio. We’re holding to the authenticity of true mexican dishes not found in this area, thus revolutionizing mexican food. Open daily 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. serving brunch on weekends - 9 a.m. 307 s. Lower sacramento Road, Lodi (209) 334-1519 www.rev1910.com
SHIRASONI
STEAKHOUSE ˆ TEPPANYAKI ˆ SUSHI BAR
Wishing and Family “yOuRYou taBLe, OuR Your KitCHen” shirasoni Japanese Restaurant is a Year a Very Merrytraditional Christmas & a Happy New Japanese hibachi steakhouse. the authentic cuisine at shirasoni is prepared fresh and cooked in front of you at the teppanyaki tables, and served by a performing chef, in hot bite-size portions ready to dip into a variety of delicious Japanese sauces. shirasoni also offers an excellent menu of sushi and sashimi. Birthday eats free with a party 6 or more 3249 W. Hammer Lane stockton, (209) 473-2525 6367 Lone tree Way Brentwood, (925) 240-7808
mezzo Restaurant, located in the Brookside business center, serves authentic, multi-regional italian cuisine using only the freshest ingredients, local produce, meats and seafood. Renowned chef and owner Richard Hyman has created a menu steeped in italian culture where seasonal menus and local, sustainable produce are at the center of the plate. Pastas, sauces, sausages, mozzarella and Ricotta cheeses are all made in house, guaranteeing diners that they are in for a culinary experience like nowhere else in the san Joaquin Valley. 3499 Brookside Rd, ste a stockton, (209) 473-7300
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Charmingly designed and warmly staffed, Pietro’s restaurant is a familyowned establishment that’s clearly wellloved. Pietro’s serves up huge portions of traditional italian fare, and has been carefully decorated to give diners the impression that they are sitting in the middle of a tiny, rustic italian village. try the rich and garlicky Penne aglio, an overflowing bowl of penne pasta tossed with tender chunks of sautéed chicken, caramelized mushrooms, spinach, and crushed red peppers. individual pizzas are hearty and cheesy. Pietro’s is a friendly family establishment. Banquets up to 125 people. 317 e. Kettleman Lane, Lodi (209) 368-0613 www.pietroslodi.com
nOVemBeR 2010
Make Your First Stop at Last Call
a favorite among guests that enjoy fine dining, Rosewood Bar and grill offers an upbeat and sophisticated setting with its rich wood and black and white tile floor, while still remaining family friendly. With an exceptional menu, Rosewood offers monday night prix fixe (French for “fixed price”) dining specials, letting diners order a complete meal for about half the price of doing so a la carte. Rosewood Bar and grill also boasts a wine list that is out of this world.
Thirsty Thursdays $1 Beers Every Thursday
50 Everyday $1 drafts till 6:00pm
28 s. school st. Lodi, (209) 369-0470
Sunday & Monday Night Football
22 Players, 4 Plasma TVs , 1 BBQ, 1 Bar, Adrenaline Rush Join Us! - Sun. 10am-8pm, Mon. 6pm-9pm
Last Call Saloon 114 N. Sacramento St., Lodi Open Every Night from 6pm-2am 209.365.0427 www.lastcallsaloon.net sitting around the immense copper beer vats in the middle of the dining room floor, beer connoisseurs with a taste for fine dining can enjoy the best of both worlds at Lodi Beer Co. Restaurant and Brewery, newly opened and located in downtown Lodi. With such house specialties as the deep-fried mac and cheese nuggets for starters, to the melt-in-your-mouth prime rib entrée cooked to perfection, this casual fine dining restaurant is the ideal choice for both lunch and dinner.
Reserve your holiday company or private party NOW! Call: 209.938.9192
Alder Bistro 151 W. Alder St., Stockton (209) 943-1921 www.aldermarket.com Serving San Joaquin County for over 30 years
105 s. school st. Lodi, (209) 368-9931
TASTE THE BEST REsTauRanTs of SAN JOAQUIN to be included in our special dining section, please contact san Joaquin magazine at 209.833.9989
www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
We can tailor a quality menu to suit your occasion & budget! Welcome to The Alder! We are experts in the hospitality industry. Whether you are dining in our restaurant, we are catering for you, or enjoying our products, our goal is to provide you with the best experience possible. While dining at our restaurant, we want you to feel at home. Our menu features fresh ingredients in tried and true recipes that have been served all around Northern California to rave reviews. After over 30 years in the business, we know good food and we think you’ll agree. Please Call for Available Lunches
Business Hours Tues - Sat: 5pm - 9pm san joaquin magazine
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DiningOut Casa Mexicana
1110 W. Kettleman Lane, Lodi, (209) 368-2272 Full Bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$ With their cozy diner booths and their rich red interior, Casa Mexicana is a great place to hunker down and enjoy some authentic, inexpensive, and delicious Mexican food in a homey and relaxed setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Casa Mexicana makes warm, homemade tortillas and other home-cooked dishes that will leave you satisfied and happy. Grab a margarita from their full bar if you’re feeling frisky, or join the crew on Saturday nights as Casa Mexicana hosts a dance party featuring a live DJ. As long as you enjoy tasty fresh Mexican food, this fun and versatile restaurant and bar is a great place to visit day or night.
LATHROP Mikasa Japanese Bistro 15138 Harlan Rd., (209) 858-1818. Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$
Serving authentic and modern Japanese cuisine, come enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this casual dining room, or grab a seat at the sushi bar and have some fun with their professional and creative sushi chef. To enhance your experience, you’re invited to explore their list of premium sakes. Mikasa offers outstanding sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and teriyaki, as well as traditional Japanese sukiyaki and yosenabe. The most popular dishes are the Hawaiian tuna poki, tako kimchee, hamachi jalapeno, tuna ceviche, Mikasa steam sole, ginger beef tenderloin, Golden Gate roll, and Mikasa roll. Kampei!
LOCKEFORD Joe’s of Italy 18700 N. Hwy 88, (209) 727-5841, www.joesofitaly.com. Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$
Joe’s of Italy’s cuisine has been a wellknown establishment in the Central Valley for over 75 years. Their comfort Italian food has been refined to perfection and is a joy to experience, as well as reasonably priced. Located in the middle of Wine Country, Joe’s has some of the most authentic Italian cuisine anywhere in the area. Try linguine and clams, stuffed raviolis, gnocchi, or canneloni—not to be missed.
LODI Califas Café & Bistro 480 S. Cherokee Ln., Suite E, (209) 367-9866, www.califascafebistro.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
If you love fresh California flavors, then you’ll love Califas. Owners Aracely Camberos and Chef Julio Camberos have created a menu that combines all the great local ingredients that San Joaquin residents crave, artfully infused with ethnic flavors and a traditional European cooking style. The result is a menu that’s fresh, original, and delicious. Become a member of the “Bistro Club” and get special VIP deals throughout the week. Also keep an eye out for their wonderful dinners and special events. OUR POLICY
These listings are provided as a free service by San Joaquin magazine for its readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your dining establishment to be considered for this listing, send information to jamie@ sanjoaquinmagazine.com, including your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.
Pricing KeY (entree): $–under $10
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$$$–under $24
$$$$–over $24
Casa Mexicana 1110 W. Kettleman Lane, Suite 1, (209) 368-2272. Full Bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$
With their cozy diner booths and their rich red interior, Casa Mexicana is a great place to hunker down and enjoy some authentic, inexpensive, and delicious Mexican food in a homey and relaxed setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Casa Mexicana makes warm, homemade tortillas and other homecooked dishes that will leave you satisfied
and happy. Grab a margarita from their full bar if you’re feeling frisky, or join the crew on Saturday nights as Casa Mexicana hosts a dance party featuring a live DJ. As long as you enjoy tasty fresh Mexican food, this fun and versatile restaurant and bar is a great place to visit day or night. Crush Kitchen & Bar 115 S. School St., (209) 369-5400, www.crushkitchen.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
This chic establishment is becoming a fast favorite in Lodi and all over San Joaquin. Crush Kitchen & Bar utilizes the freshest ingredients to make dishes that showcase the wonderful flavors of California’s local agriculture. Their homemade pastas and sauces are paired with local wines, and the well conceived menu has a variety of options that include Italian, American, and Mediterranean dishes, infused with the original gourmet vision of Crush’s talented chefs. Located on School Street, this place is the perfect way to end a day of shopping in Lodi by enjoying a delicious cocktail at their stylish bar, and don’t forget to try their unusual yet addictive white truffle salt and cayenne pepper popcorn while sipping your martini. Habañero Hots 1024 Victor Rd., (209) 369-3791, www.habanerohots.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Not only does this Mexican restaurant offer steaming fajitas and cheesy nachos, but they serve up hot peppers, too. Those willing to eat a habañero chili pepper can win their way into the Habañero Hots “Hall of Flame.” This is no bell pepper, either; the habañero is rated between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale, developed to rank spiciness, compared to a mere 5,000 for a basic jalapeño. If you’re successful in the “Eat the Heat” contest, you are rewarded with a complimentary T-shirt and your photo on the wall. Hey, you can always wash it down with one of their one hundred seventy-five selections of tequila. Haru Sushi Bar 550-H South Cherokee Lane, (209) 334-9988 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Haru Sushi Bar boasts an extensive menu including a wonderful array of original sushi rolls, not to mention their colorful sushi boats, bento boxes, nigiri and sashimi, this sushi bar has something for everyone. Taking pride in their artistry, their Asian influenced décor and beautiful plate presentation is pleasing to both sushi fanatics and first-timers. Locals can also come to Haru Sushi Bar to enjoy their happy hour specials and their tasty selection of beer, wine, and sake. This family owned business is committed to quality and customer satisfaction so diners can expect a great meal each time they return.
NOVEMBER 2010
Brunch Join us for
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enjoy bloody Mary, Screwdriver & Mimosa Specials All Day Long! 1825 Pacific Ave. #2 • Stockton, Ca. 95204
209.939.1825
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i
WHaT’S in SeaSOn
Halibut Rolled with Pomegranate Stuffing
TASTE OF THE SEASON POMEGRANATES By katy berry
The pomegranate is a whimsical fruit that has grown in popularity over the past few years. Its spongy white interior gives way to clusters of tart, ruby arils, filled with tasty juice and tiny seeds. It originated in Iran and Northern India, and evidence of mankind enjoying pomegranates dates all the way back to 2000 B.C. It was hailed as being favored by the gods and was used in poetry and art to symbolize prosperity and fertility. It was loved not only for its flavor, but for its appealing color and look. Spanish padres supposedly brought pomegranates to California more than two hundred years ago, and they now flourish in the San Joaquin Valley thanks to our Mediterranean climate. In fact, the valley is the only place in the U.S. where pomegranates are commercially grown. Charmingly enough, the name of the variety we produce the most of is called: Wonderful, which is harvested between October and January. Most people are used to enjoying this mythical fruit by buying its juice. But the arils also make a fun snack or a flavorful garnish to sprinkle on your favorite dishes. The health benefits of fresh pomegranates are bountiful. Their juice is loaded with antioxidants, which fight against free radicals in the body. They also help prevent certain cancers and diseases, as well as lower cholesterol and blood pressure. When eating the arils, some people like to spit out the little seed in the middle, but if you enjoy the extra crunch, they are an excellent source of fiber. To choose a ripe pomegranate, look for one whose magenta skin is thin and tough. The seeds should be easy to bite into and full of juice. If you’d like to try incorporating pomegranates into your cooking, here’s a helpful tip: a medium pomegranate produces about a ¾ cup of seeds or a ½ cup of juice. Enjoy!
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1 large, or 2 lbs. firm-fleshed, 1/2-inch thick halibut 1 tsp. salt 1/3 cup olive oil or butter 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup pomegranate juice 1 Tbsp. slivered candied orange peel 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp. ground saffron, dissolved in 2 Tbsp. of hot water 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts 2 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds Rinse fish in cold water. Pat dry with paper towel and rub both sides with 1 teaspoon salt. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large frying pan and brown onion and garlic. Add all ingredients except saffron-water mixture and lime juice, and cook for 3 minutes. Mix well and remove stuffing from heat. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay fish out on the baking dish. Place a layer of stuffing on one end of the fish about 1 inch long and gently roll from the stuffing end and pin closed if necessary. Pour the saffron-water, the rest of the oil, and the lime juice over the fish. Place in the oven, bake 10-15 minutes (until fish flakes easily with a fork), basting from time to time. Arrange the fish on a serving platter. Pour the sauce from the baking dish over the fish and garnish with walnuts and pomegranate seeds. Serves 4.
Creamy Cheesecake with Pomegranate Topping CRUST: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 9 crackers) 2 Tbsp. sugar 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened FILLING: 2 8-oz. containers whipped cream cheese 3 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier 1/2 tsp. finely grated fresh orange zest TOPPING: Seeds from 2 pomegranates 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup pomegranate juice
1 tsp. unflavored gelatin 2 Tbsp. sugar
[Crust and Filling] Pre-heat oven to 350F. In 9-1/2 inch pan, add crust ingredients and blend with fingers until combined. Press mixture evenly over bottom and 3/4-inch up side of pan. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat filling ingredients on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Pour filling into crust and bake in middle of oven 20 minutes, or until cheesecake is just set in center. (Cake will continue to set as it cools.) Let cool in pan about 3 hours. [Topping] Place juice in a 1 cup liquid measure and add water. Sprinkle gelatin over pomegranate juice and let stand 1 minute to soften gelatin. Transfer gelatin mixture to a small saucepan. Add sugar and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into a bowl and set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water, stirring gently until cold and slightly thickened but not set. Stir in pomegranate seeds and spoon topping onto chilled cheesecake. Chill cake until topping is set, about 1 hour. Remove side of pan, serve chilled.
nOVemBeR 2010
hearing only half of what people say?
Hollywood Family Café 315 S. Cherokee Ln., (209) 369-4065 Beer and wine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $
Whether you missed out on the fifties, or just miss them in general, flashback to the age of Elvis, June Cleaver, and the Big Bopper with a visit to the Hollywood Family Café. Complete with a juke box and plastic upholstered booths, this all-American diner has a menu of classic items like juicy cheeseburgers, thick milkshakes, pancakes, and much more. No matter what meal you’re stopping by for, the chipper atmosphere, friendly service, and great food makes this family-friendly joint a fun alternative for dining out.
Tired of seeking the
magic answer?
Lodi Beer Company 105 S. School St., (209) 368-9931, www.lodibeercompany.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Whether you’re looking for a place to meet for your next business lunch, to grab a bite with friends or your kids after work, or to dine with a party of one hundred, the Lodi Beer Company welcomes you. The beautiful slate floors, iron work, and copper accents create an inviting atmosphere, and with up to fourteen beers on tap and menu items ranging from deep-fried macaroni and cheese to a twenty-two ounce rib eye steak to grilled mahi-mahi, everyone is sure to leave happy and full. Lodi Feed and Fuel 27 W. elm St., (209) 365-1043 Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$-$$$$
Come dressed up or down; Lodi Feed and Fuel welcomes all for a fun, fine dining experience. With classic and contemporary movie memorabilia adorning the restaurant’s walls (think John Wayne juxtaposed with Jack Sparrow), and its prime location across the street from the movie theater, this is a perfect choice for a dinner-and-amovie date. Thursdays are great days to try out the bar— from 4 to 7 p.m. enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers and a live comedy show every other week. If you are in the mood for an adventurous drink, be sure to try the Grapefruit Cosmopolitan made from freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or the Wasabi Bloody Mary.
Stockton Hearing & Speech Center is your solution! Honest, realistic answers to your hearing concerns, with many great options.
Cally Todiang to
ule sched
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heaer ening scr
Stockton • 4623 Quail Lakes Drive
Precise and comprehensive hearing evaluations. Wide selection from the simplest to the most advanced digital instruments. Hearing system fittings and follow-up care, including in-office service for your hearing instruments. Technical solutions available to fit your personal lifestyle with coordinated care with your medical professional.
209.438.4269
Watch our educational video on hearing at www.stocktonhearingandspeechcenter.com
R IO L AS P ALMAS :
Life’s Perfect Pairing
L
ocated in beautiful Stockton, Rio Las Palmas offers the perfect blend of elegant design and exciting opportunities, from exciting day trips, to fine dining, Five Star service, and a variety of health and wellness programs. Discover retirement living that’s the perfect complement to your lifestyle.
OZ Sushi & Grill 2414 W. Kettleman Lane, Ste. 206, (209) 334-9800 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Family owned and operated, this contemporary sushi restaurant and bar offers a unique menu with over thirty special rolls to choose from, along with the option to create your own. With names like The Pink Lady and the Vogue Roll, diners are sure to enjoy exploring the creatively crafted and deliciously fresh fare offered here. OZ Sushi & Grill also boasts chic, modern décor to complement any get-together, whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion.
• Exceptional gourmet dining • Staff 24 hours a day • Room service available • Corner store • Housekeeping and linen service• And much more!
Pietro’s Trattoria 317 e. Kettleman Lane, (209) 368-0613, www.pietroslodi.com Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner. $$
Charmingly designed and warmly staffed, Pietro’s restaurant is a family-owned establishment that’s clearly well loved. Pietro’s serves up huge portions of traditional Italian fare, and the restaurant is designed to give the impression that diners are sitting in the middle of a tiny, rustic Italian village. Try the rich and garlicky penne aglio pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and crushed red peppers, the hearty individual pizzas, the chicken parmigiana, or the lemony veal piccata with capers. Family-friendly, and banquets up to 125 people.
CALL US TODAY AT
209-957-4711
TO EXPERIENCE THE CHARM OF LIFE AT RIO LAS PALMAS. GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVING
877 East March Lane • Stockton, CA 95207
209-957-4711
www.riolaspalmasretirement.com RCFE# 397004515
Don’t Miss our Most Amazing Specials of the Year! Call today for this limited time offer
A LUXURY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PROVIDING FINE INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
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Revolucion 1910 307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd., Ste. D, (209) 334-1519, www.rev1910.com Full bar. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. $-$$.
Javier Del Castillo started a revolution, or rather Revolucion 1910, his authentic Mexican restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite. Using fresh ingredients and only serving entrees that originated in Mexico, patrons will find a menu full of small plate entrees designed to bring out the best of authentic Mexican flavor. The corn tortillas are all homemade, as are the sauces and vinaigrettes made to fit each entree. Chili peppers are used in most dishes for their flavor rather than spice, in inventive entrees such as tacos al pastor or chile relleno con huitlacoche and Mexican oaxaca cheese. Be sure to try the tres leches cake for dessert, with margaritas made from only the highest quality tequilas from agave nectar, and lime juice squeezed fresh for each drink. Rosewood Bar and Grill 28 S. School St., (209) 369-0470, www.rosewoodbarandgrill.com Full bar. Open for dinner. $$-$$$
A favorite among guests that enjoy fine dining, Rosewood Bar and Grill is an
upbeat and sophisticated setting with its rich wood and black and white tile floor, yet it remains family friendly. With an exceptional menu, Rosewood offers Monday night prix fixe—French for “fixed price”—dining specials, letting patrons order a complete meal for about half the price of a la carte. Rosewood Bar and Grill also boasts a wine list that is out of this world. School Street Bistro 116 N. School St., (209) 333-3950, www.schoolstbistro.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
At this quaint European-style bistro, everything is made from scratch daily, as well as all the sauces and salad dressings accompanying their regional American cuisine. Specialties include upscale comfort foods like bacon wrapped meatloaf and smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, in addition to delicious steaks and fresh seafood. The bistro features domestic and imported beers and an extensive wine list of over one hundred local and imported wines. This is a popular destination for both casual dining and the occasional wine tasting events hosted by the restaurant, so reservations are highly recommended.
Strings Italian Café 2314 W. Kettleman Ln., (209) 369-6400, www.stringscafe.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
First impressions can be deceiving, as is the case with Strings Café. The modest location (nestled in the WalMart shopping center) doesn’t do its flawless reputation justice.You have to stop in, if only to taste the soft Parmesan bread and the salad, which is really quite memorable—crisp lettuce sprinkled with savory croutons, sunflower seeds, raisins, and a dressing that pulls the whole dish together. Thinking about stopping after the salad? Not a chance. Try the lasagna, which is superb, or any of the seafood dishes, all of which are surprisingly fresh and flavorful. Wine and Roses 2505 W. Turner Rd., (209) 334-6988, www.winerose.com Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$$-$$$$
With its seasonally-based menu and gourmet preparation, the Wine and Roses restaurant boasts a charming venue with exceptional service. The kitchen uses fresh, local ingredients to create tantalizing examples of California
cuisine. Guests are spoiled with beautiful views of the garden, or a romantic evening dining by the large fireplace. Sit alongside the piano while enjoying an after dinner cocktail and, as an additional bonus, stay overnight at the charming and beautiful Wine and Roses Inn and make a weekend out of it.
MANTECA De Vega Brothers 515 N. Main St., (209) 823-0947, www.devegabrothers.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$$$
De Vega Brothers has risen from its humble beginnings in a converted A&W stand in Manteca to one of the Valley’s premier Italian restaurants, with expanded locations in both Manteca and Stockton. The Manteca site boasts hand-painted murals of Roman ruins and rustic Italian vistas, while Stockton prides itself on creating an atmosphere of urban elegance with patio dining and live piano music. Both restaurants are known for their generous portions and delicious lamb chops, cioppino, chicken and veal scaloppini, steak, and seafood, as well as their gourmet pastas and sauces.
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9289 BRANSTETTER PL. STOCKTON, CA 95209 (209) 477-5252 • WWW.WAGNERHEIGHTS.COM
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NOVEMBER 2010
FOOD&WINE
i ReSTauRanT guiDe
Finley’s Bar and Grill 10477 S. airport Way, (209) 983-9493. Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch during the winter season. $$-$$$$
Finley’s is full of pleasant surprises, the first being the truly romantic restaurant that lies within this nondescript building. While soft candlelight flickers at the center of your elegantly set table, you can relax and share a bottle of locally-made wine and, if you’re brave enough, kick off your dinner by sharing an appetizer of sautéed or deep-fried frog legs. This succulent dish is sweeter tasting than chicken, and quite appetizing. After indulging your adventurous side, spring into dinner with the savory house specialty, smoked prime rib. Feeling romantic enough to propose? Finley’s also caters small, intimate weddings in their spacious garden. Isadore’s Restaurant 680 n. main St., (209) 825-4300, www.isadores.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$
Isadore’s is anything but humble: the kitchen is out-of-this-world, and they know it. In fact, if you happen to inquire, they’ll gladly tell you which items on the menu you’re sure to fall in love with. Locals swear by the quality of the seafood and made-to-order pasta selections. Though there’s no official children’s menu, the kitchen will gladly whip up a pint-sized meal for your munchkins, as well as accommodate any other special requests. Finally, don’t be shy—order the Sex in a Pan for dessert. Sweet, ripe banana slices and rich chocolate pudding on a crumbly cookie crust topped with real whipped cream and chocolate sauce make for a climactic end to any meal. kelley Brothers Brewing Company 112 e. yosemite ave., (209) 825-1727. Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
This Manteca hot spot rose up out of the ashes of the El Rey Theatre, which ironically burned down after its final showing of The Towering Inferno. Big, bulky sandwiches, like the Southweststyle BBQ Pork Masterpiece make this a great lunch destination, but live music Friday and Saturday nights and the largest bar in the Valley (complete with twelve house-made beers on tap) draw crowds at dinnertime and in the later hours, too. The whole family will enjoy the food as much as the fun murals and collections of local antiques on display.
STOCkTON The Alder Bistro 151 West alder Street, (209) 943-1921, www.aldermarket.com Full bar. Open for dinner. $$$
Having been in business for thirty years, The Alder Bistro is a tried and true choice for fine dining in Stockton. Their menu includes everything from artisan salads like the Maple Salad, which includes maple dressing, Danish blue cheese, dried cranberries, waldernuts, and fresh apple slices, to juicy steaks and fresh seafood. On Saturdays, they have “Basque Night” with an impressive, and impressively priced pre-fixe menu featuring an array of dishes for those who like to try everything. They also have a “1/2 off night” every week, so locals can enjoy delicious gourmet meals without needing a Rockefeller budget. The cozy lighting and décor also makes The Alder Bistro perfect for a romantic evening out. Angelina’s Spaghetti House 1563 e. Fremont St., (209) 948-6609, www.angelinas.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
Angelina’s is a true family restaurant: owned by four family members, named after another, and welcoming to all of yours. For thirty-one years, their hearty homemade pastas, raviolis, and traditional sauces have been bringing families together just like a meal at Grandma’s house. Consider inviting all your relatives to dine together in Angelina’s comfortable and cozy banquet room the next time you are hosting a family get-together. Angelina’s isn’t fussy—just simple, classic, and great tasting. Arroyo’s Café 2381 W. march Ln., (209) 472-1661, www.arroyoscafe.com
Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $ When Guadalupe and Jesus Arroyo moved here in the early 1940s, they immediately began sharing their passion for food with friends and family by opening their first restaurant. Sixty years later, their son Mario continues the tradition and commitment to excellence at Arroyo’s Café. Located on the water, one can enjoy fresh, homemade tortillas, enchiladas, carne asada, and other Mexican favorites. Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant hosts live Mariachi music, and the bar hosts Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
at the
Unearth a Paleontology Experience
DECEMBER 11 & 12 10am-5pm [ hourly digs ] reservations recommended Tickets $20 includes: museum entrance digology T-shirt one prehistoric fossil
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209-368-0WOW (0969) 2 N. Sacramento Street • Lodi, California
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i ReSTauRanT guiDe Ave on the Mile
Centrale kitchen and Bar
2333 Pacific ave., (209) 462-5aVe, www.aveonthemile.com Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. $$
1825 Pacific ave., Ste. 2, (209) 939-1825. Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Commonly described as “chic” and “upscale,” Ave on the Mile takes finger foods to a whole new level. Come have a seat in the swanky, comfortable lounge and prepare to enjoy decadent appetizers and desserts while sipping on top shelf cocktails from their fully stocked bar. Celebrating a night out on the town? Ave offers bottle service for those who want to enjoy a night of VIP treatment. Or simply come to relax and enjoy the top-notch hospitality that makes Ave special. Breadfruit Tree Restaurant 8095 Rio Blanco Rd., (209) 952-7361, www.breadfruittree.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch & dinner. $$
Bud’s Seafood Grille 314 Lincoln Center, (209) 956-0270, www.budsseafood.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
[FOODie FinD]
HOLIDAY APRONS FOR THE HOSTESS Stockton’s Creative Crafters Vintage Nook is a veritable oasis of antiques, collectibles, and hand-crafted items, located off of Harding Way on the Miracle Mile. You’ll find plenty of unique gifts for friends and family this holiday season, but if you’re the one hosting all the dinners this year, we recommend stopping in to pick out one of their handmade aprons. Local crafters Vickie Andrade, Hazel Howel, and Pam Lamb have each created their own line of aprons that are sure to come in handy when you’re mashing potatoes and basting turkeys. Whether your style is sweet and simple or hot-pink ruffles, there’s a pattern for every cook. The Nook even offers parent/child apron sets for kids who like to help out in the kitchen. —K.B. For more information: Creative Crafters Vintage Nook, 238 W. Harding Way, Stockton, (209) 547-1073, www.creativecraftersvintagenook.com
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Everyone is welcome at Bud’s Seafood Grille. Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. Every meal begins with a bottomless basket of fresh sourdough bread, so be careful not to fill up before the rest arrives. The new leafy outdoor patio seats thirty, and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend. Casa Flores Marina 3201 W. Ben Holt Drive, (209) 451-1116, www.casafloresmarina.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Casa Flores Marina has everything that a lover of Mexican food could want, from the fresh and tasty chips and salsa they bring over when you sit down, to the hot and sizzling fajita skillets, accompanied with hearty portions of warm tortillas, rice, sour cream, and fresh guacamole. But aside from the delectable food, Casa Flores Marina hosts great events including their tequila tasting on every third Thursday of the month. Guests can try their impressive tequila collection paired with an appetizer and shaken into a delicious cocktail. Their outdoor seating is a great place to enjoy a marina margarita, or stay indoors for a romantic meal in the soft lit dining room.
Chitiva’s Salsa and Sports Bar and Grill 445 W. Weber ave., (209) 941-8605, www.chitiva.net Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
Chitiva’s serves up authentic Mexican food, tasty tropical drinks, and a giant side of fun six nights a week. Saturday nights after 9 p.m., the fajitas and enchiladas play second fiddle to the DJs and live bands on center stage—the Salsa is still hot, but now it’s a dance, not a culinary dip. If all this has you craving a cool Delta breeze, look no further than the restaurant’s outdoor dining overlooking the water or one of their popular Salsa cruises (summer months through October). So go find your dancing shoes, sip a cool mojito, and have some fun. Cocoro Japanese Bistro 2105 Pacific ave., (209) 941-6053 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
Cocoro is the “it” place to go for sushi in Stockton. Its streamlined, contemporary Japanese décor and intimate seating arrangements give it a sophisticated atmosphere, and its artful sushi creations made with fish delivered fresh daily from the Bay Area keep patrons coming back for more. At the sushi counter, you can watch talented chefs roll and wrap beautiful bites right before your eyes. The restaurant’s signature sushi—the Coco Roll—consists of a tempura prawn wrapped up with avocado and topped with eel, spicy tuna, teriyaki sauce, and special house dressing, all garnished with a walnut. For the less adventurous eater, Cocoro offers the traditional range of tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes. The Creamery
5756 Pacific ave., Robinhood Plaza (209) 925-1111. no alcohol served. Open for breakfast (on weekends), lunch, and dinner. $-$$
The Creamery Restaurant is a classic American grill that has been a Stockton landmark since 1985. Great for large parties or a family meal, it is also the perfect spot for hungry shoppers. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches, huge hamburgers, garden fresh salads, pasta dishes, homestyle dinners, and an amazing nOVemBeR 2010
COuRTeSy CReaTiVe CRaFTeRS
In the mood for something different? Relax on the Delta and enjoy the flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean Islands at Breadfruit Tree. The restaurant serves food from many of the tropical islands, and prides itself on its Peleau—a rice stir-fry with fresh veggies and seafood, seasoned with a myriad of delightful spices. Complete your meal with a Jamaican beer or house-made, Caribbean-style drink. While eating, admire the hand-painted murals depicting waterfalls and island life. The owners proudly claim, “As they say in the Caribbean, ‘we cook food with love.’” Breadfruit Tree is open for catering year-round, and restaurant dining February to November.
Bringing a new look and feel to Stockton, Centrale Kitchen and Bar will give you the feeling of an upscale bistro in any big city around the world, with its authentic brick walls and dark, walnut wood floors. The menu features traditional American comfort food with a strong focus on fresh and unique ingredients. As with the dinner menu, the wine selection will change by season, and you will find many extraordinary bottles that you won’t find anywhere else in the region. With a full bar, Centrale is also bringing back the quality cocktail by using all fresh juices and house-made mixes. Centrale Kitchen and Bar is located on the south end of the Miracle Mile.Outdoor dining available.
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dessert selection seven days a week, with breakfast served on the weekends. Whether you’re in the neighborhood or just hungry for great food, The Creamery Restaurant will be sure to please. Dante’s California-Style Pizza 9305 Thornton Rd., (209) 474-0221. Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
Nestled in the Thornton Plaza shopping center, Dante’s puts a sunny California spin on the standard pepperoni and cheese creation. In fact, most of their pizzas don’t even come with pepperoni or mozzarella. The name of the restaurant says it all—this is not your authentic Italian pizzeria, so be prepared for specialty pizzas with experimental combinations of unique and exotic toppings. Dante’s offers fourteen different pizzas made with fresh meats and produce, gourmet cheeses, and colorful sauces (the pesto is fantastic). Like any pizza joint worth their sauce, take-out and delivery options are also available. Dave Wong’s Chinese Cuisine 2828 W. March Ln., (209) 951-4152 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
You may already have a favorite Chinese restaurant—everybody does—but if you are in the mood to venture away from habit, try Dave Wong’s. This longtime Stockton favorite serves up a pleasant combination of Chinese, Cantonese, and Szechwan eats. The broccoli beef, lemon chicken, and fried rice are hands-down favorites. The menu has many traditional dishes, alongside appetizing treats like wok-charred green beans. The muted walls and intimate (yet expandable) quiet candlelit dining chambers reiterate the fact that Dave Wong’s is not your typical Chinese restaurant. David’s New York Style Pizza 1744 W. Hammer Lane, (209) 477-2677 900 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., (209) 957-2850 Beer & wine. Open for lunch & dinner.$-$$
Toppings, cheese, and dough that’s prepared fresh daily may be three of the reasons this Stockton staple has had such success that they’ve recently opened a second location in Lincoln Center. Or maybe it’s all the choices at David’s New York Style Pizza that make it so popular: Eat in or take out? Hammer Lane or Lincoln Center? Thick, thin, or standard crust? Indoors or out on the patio? One of David’s twelve specialty pizzas or one of your own creations? We know sports-lovers love the pizzeria because it combines some of their favorite things: great pizza, beer, fellow fans, and the big game televised on the many 46-inch flat screen televisions hung in both locations. Whatever their reasoning for coming back, repeat customers can be found enjoying David’s New York Style Pizza seven days a week.
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De Vega Brothers
2819 W. March Lane, Ste. A1, (209) 957-3839, www.devegabrothers.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$$$
De Vega Brothers has risen from its humble beginnings in a converted A&W stand in Manteca to one of the Valley’s premier Italian restaurants, with expanded locations in both Manteca and Stockton. The Manteca site boasts hand-painted murals of Roman ruins and rustic Italian vistas, while Stockton prides itself on creating an atmosphere of urban elegance with patio dining and live piano music. Both restaurants are known for their generous portions and delicious lamb chops, cioppino, chicken and veal scaloppini, steak, and seafood, as well as their gourmet pastas and sauces. De Vinci’s 4555 N. Pershing Ave., (209) 957-2750 No alcohol served. Open for lunch and dinner. $
Old-world Italian eats rule here, where the foccacia and ravioli are homemade. Red and white checkered tablecloths and an Italian-inspired mural lend distinct charm to this half deli, half restaurant which serves up spectacular sandwiches, rice torta, and pesto. The food may be delicious, but don’t bring a hungry crowd and expect to find a table big enough—this place is best for takeout and catering. Instead, grab a bag of goodies to go and head over to nearby Victoria Park for a picnic with panache. A downtown Tracy location was recently opened. Delights Waterfront Coffee Bar and Deli 445 W. Weber Ave., Ste. 126, (209) 462-3401 Beer and Wine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $
Delights Waterfront Coffee Bar and Deli is appropriately named, serving up some of the best casual favorites this side of the Delta. With its premium coffee bar, morning starters, salads made to order with the freshest local produce, and the popular tri-tip sandwich that’s grilled daily on the patio, you can’t escape the quiet, peaceful nostalgia that Delights has to offer. Located right on the water in the historic Waterfront Warehouse building, Delights is a visual treat. While they don’t accept reservations, you’ll soon find that it’s not necessary. This restaurant is a relaxed hangout for anybody, from businessmen to students from local colleges and schools. Domo Japanese Sushi Grill & Bar 300 Lincoln Center, (209) 451-3654, www. domostockton.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Whether you enjoy sushi, seafood, or steak, Domo has a menu with choices
to satisfy any appetite. Their sushi is rolled fresh, with innovative flavors and ingredients. Or grab a seat for something sizzling at their Teppan Yaki grills, where chicken, beef, even lobster can be prepared right at your table. Domo is a great place to have fun with friends or family. Don’t forget to have a sip of one of their delicious sakes or try another creative cocktail at their full bar. El Rancho Inn Steak and Lobster House 1457 E. Mariposa Rd., (209) 467-1529 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$
Celebrating seventy years in business, El Rancho Inn has been charming customers with its superior service and delectable dishes. Although most drive by without giving this establishment a second glance, it’s well worth your time to stop in for a meal. The steak, lobster, and homemade soups are excellent, but be sure to look up from your plate and take in the surroundings. From the cattle brands on the walls to the regulars relaxing at their favorite tables, this country inn is sure to bring a smile to your face as well as warmth to your belly. Flips Burgers 2503 Waterloo Rd., (209) 943-5477, www.flipsburger.blogspot.com Open for lunch and dinner. $
This place is what some people might call a diamond in the rough. It’s small and quaint, but packs a punch with their awesome menu of decadent fried favorites. Come in for a big juicy burger since they have over fifteen options including the ever-popular Mad Cow Burger, which includes toppings like a fried egg and fried jalapenos. They also have several choices of hot dogs, a plethora of fresh ingredients to pile atop, and a separate section on the menu that’s devoted to their deep-fryer, where you can order such delicacies as the fried twinkie, fried oreo, fried pickles, or fried zucchini. If you love true-blue American food, then discover this hidden gem in Stockton and you’ll be hooked. The Fruit Bowl 8767 E. Waterloo Rd. (209) 931-1196, www.thefruitbowl.com Open for breakfast and lunch. $.
Since 1947 the Luchettis have been selling delicious, fresh fruit from their ranch. After years of passersby stopping in for their ripe peaches and cherries, today the Luchettis sell more than just fresh fruit. Stop in for homemade preserves or their famous fruit or cream pies. They also offer fresh baked bread, pastries, cookies, muffins and imported Italian coffee. If you’re more than just passing through, have a seat and enjoy their gelato made in-house using their own home grown produce. Let them
make you a warm panini sandwich or try their best seller, Ina Luchetti’s original Zucchinni Torta. If you want homemade food that’s as fresh as it gets, The Fruit Bowl is a little piece of country heaven. Garlic Brothers 6629 Embarcadero Dr., (209) 474-6585, www.garlic-brothers.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Ironically, Garlic Brothers is a spectacular spot for a date, even though the kitchen is known to go heavy on the—you guessed it—garlic. Fun and lively, this restaurant sits right on the water’s edge and boasts delicious garlicky pizzas, pastas, and seafood. Contrary to popular belief, however, anything on the menu can be whipped up without the brothers’ favorite ingredient. Before you leave, roll up your sleeves and dig into a serving of Justy’s Cake—vanilla ice cream on a cookie crust topped with toffee and glazed with caramel and chocolate. Gian’s Delicatessen
2112 Pacific Ave., (209) 469-0108 Open for lunch. $
Nobody does sandwiches quite like Gian’s, and that’s why locals flock to this long-time neighborhood gem for a lunch that makes you say Mmm! Try their coppa and prosciutto, flown in from where else but Parma, Italy, the food capital of the world. Or have some of their homemade Italian dishes like their famously delectable ravioli. It won’t be long before you become a regular at this must-visit Italian eatery. La Palma Mexican Cuisine 2301 Pacific Ave., (209) 941-4179, www.lapalmaonthemile.com Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$
Open since December of 2009, La Palma has quickly become a favorite in Stockton for delicious Mexican cuisine. Come for their fish tacos, sizzling fajitas, and shrimp green enchiladas, all of which are included on their list of specialty dishes. Open at 10 a.m., La Palma also serves hearty breakfast dishes like eggs with chorizo, huevos rancheros, and chillaquilles. Enjoy a cocktail at their full service bar, or one of their decadent desserts like the ChimiPalmas. Their festive yet tasteful décor and friendly service add to the pleasant atmosphere of this Stockton hotspot. Le Bistro 3121 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., (209) 951-0885, www.lebistrostockton.com Full bar. Open for dinner. $$$$
This award-winning restaurant is Stockton’s only four-star dining experience. Whether eating lunch or dinner, Le Bistro offers a menu of French Continental cuisine beautifully presented in a stylish and sophisticated
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i ReSTauRanT guiDe setting. This is a luxurious affair, where servers wear tuxedos and the ever-evolving wine list is like no other. The quiet elegance extends to the outdoor patio as well as four banquet rooms that can accommodate up to two hundred guests. If you are in the mood for an upscale treat, this is the place to go. Check the website for current information about live bands playing in the restaurant’s show room this fall.
savory and sweet crepes, along with salads, sandwiches, and scrumptious breakfast items like omelets and beignets, this fantastic addition to the Miracle Mile is the perfect place to put a little south in your mouth.
Masa Contemporary Japanese Lounge
This place is no frills, just delicious, homemade, Mexican cuisine. For a small cost, lovers of traditional cucina mexicana can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Start off your day with a flavorful breakfast dish like Miguel’s huevos, and come back for lunch and to enjoy favorites like the carne asada or taco dishes. On Fridays, stop in for their special Albondigas soup, a Mexican meatball soup with veggies and noodles. Their Mexican décor will make you feel like you’re south of the border and the food will keep you full and happy.
2819 W. march Lane, (209) 473-1255 Wine and beer. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
[FOODie eVenT]
THE FIRST SIP
LODI WINE WEEkEND | NOVEMBER 13-14, LODI
Mezzo 3499 Brookside Rd., Suite a, (209) 473-7300 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
This wonderful Italian restaurant is dialed in to what local foodies are looking for. The hand-painted artwork on the walls helps create their elegant yet fun ambiance, and the friendly staff is happy to make your dining experience special. However, where Mezzo really hits the mark is with their use of fresh and local produce that travels from the farm to your plate, making their scrumptious dishes taste even fresher. Their passion for cooking authentic Italian meals doesn’t stop there, as their pasta is also homemade, proving that Mezzo has the passion that all true food lovers will come back to taste time and time again. Michael’s New York Style Pizza
The First Sip - Lodi Wine Weekend November 13-14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (209) 365-0261, www.firstsiplodi.com
0 13-14, 201 NOVEMBER
2300 W alpine ave., Ste. a, (209) 462-6668 Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$
Once simply one of the best pizza joints in Stockton, Michael’s has grown to add a café, deli, and now a full breakfast menu. The pizzas (13 combinations or make your own) draw you in but choices for everyone keep the community coming back as a whole. Michael’s also boasts a party room for up to 40 guests and has long been a favorite for sports teams and birthday parties. Dive into a hearty meat pizza or give Michael’s newest creation, the whole wheat crust, a try. Midtown Creperie 2311 Pacific ave., (209) 941-9070, www.midtowncreperie.com Open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner served only on Thurs., Fri., and Sat. $
11AM-4PM DI.COM FIRSTSIPLO21 209.365.06 5 AT THE DOOR $35 IN ADVA
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For those who’ve always wanted to visit the French quarter in New Orleans, now they can have all the southern charm and delicious flavors of Louisiana at Midtown Creperie. With a fantastic menu of both
7555 Pacific ave., (209) 951-1931. Full bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $
Moo Moo’s Burger Barn 10940 Trinity Parkway, (209) 957-9450 222 n. el Dorado St., (209) 469-9450, www.moo-moos.com. no alcohol served. Open for lunch and dinner. $
Playing off the name of the restaurant, Moo Moo’s is decorated with hand-painted murals of a large barn and open pastures, but the atmosphere is more reminiscent of a ‘50s diner than a drive through the countryside. Authentic burgers, shakes, onion rings, and fries are served in addition to less greasy sandwiches, salads, veggie burgers, and sweet potato fries. This is a great place to come with small children for a fun, tasty, and affordable meal. Moo Moo’s ensures that, like happy cows, happy diners come from California. Outback Steakhouse 1243 W. march Lane., (209) 954-9615, www.outbacksteakhouse.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
For a perfect steak every time, Outback Steakhouse is always number one. Their hearty menu includes ribeye, NY strip steak, Prime Rib, and their Outback Special, a signature sirloin seasoned to perfection. Steak dishes come with options like adding a delicious blue cheese or horseradish crumb crust, or their Lobster and Mushroom topping. If you’re not into red meat, Outback accommodates you with plenty of delicious chicken and fish dishes like their Shrimp En Fuego Fettuccini or their King Crab. Plus they have great salads, sides, soups, and appetizers like their famous Bloomin’ Onion. Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar 501 n. Lincoln Center, (209) 477-6133, www.papapavlos.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar is considered by many to be one of Northern California’s most unique fine dining establishments located in Stockton’s Lincoln Center. They offer you the finest and freshest in gourmet cuisine and their fabulous menu includes a large variety of continental dishes. The nOVemBeR 2010
COuRTeSy LODi WinegRaPe COmiSSiOn
Each year Lodi Wine Country celebrates the winegrape harvest with The First Sip, a full weekend of open doors and new vintages at Lodi wineries. Visitors are able to take the journey “from grape to glass” and have a “behind the cellar door” look at how Lodi wines are crafted, with fun events and special activities at each location along the way. First Sip tickets include a map of over forty participating wineries over two days. Choosing which wineries to visit depends on how much ground you’re willing to cover, or which wines you’d like to taste most. Expect to enjoy exclusive barrel tastings, meetings with the vintners, grape stomps, educational seminars, and plenty of food and live music throughout the two-day event. Stay at Lodi’s Wine and Roses Hotel and Spa for the ultimate relaxing weekend wine getaway. Tickets are $35 in advance and can be purchased online or by calling the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $45 and will be available at the door of any participating winery. —Katy Berry
With their modern yet welcoming décor, fresh selection of sashimi, and friendly service, Masa is a major contender on the Stockton sushi scene. Their diverse selection of handmade sushi rolls includes fast favorites like the Masa roll which includes onion, tuna, avocado, and asparagus. Their unique creations are only paralleled by their elegant presentation. If your date isn’t a big sushi fan, there are plenty of other great menu items like the teriyaki chicken or beef udon on the menu, just to name a couple.
Miguel’s
FOOD&WINE
I Restaurant Guide
main dining room has a unique design with a showcase kitchen and bar in warm, classy decor.You’ll find the three outdoor dining patios a perfect place to relax during lunch or dinner. Papapavlo’s offers four private banquet rooms accommodating groups as intimate as 12 to as large as 100 guests. Papapavlo’s also specializes in off-premises dining with their outstanding catering services. Peking Restaurant 7555 Pacific Ave., (209) 957-0617, www.pekingstockton.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Peking has all the Chinese dishes that your family already knows and loves, like seasoned mushu pork, crispy pan pacific won tons, and hot and sour soup. But they also have some new classics that you’re bound to discover, just ask your server for their fresh specials, or try what locals have already deemed an instant classic like their delicious crispy House Chicken. The dishes at Peking are never bland, but are always served hot, with flavorful sauces that add a kick to your typical Chinese menu. Perfect for lunch or dinner, Peking is a great place to eat with family, colleagues, and friends all year round.
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Sass Bar & Grill 110 N. El Dorado St., (209) 808-4058 Full Bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
The warm and contemporary décor in Sass is inviting and excites the senses with its unique accents and attention to detail. The excitement is only multiplied when you see their eclectic menu, with cuisine inspired by flavors from around the world and local ingredients that showcase the wonderfully fresh produce available in San Joaquin. Enhance your meal by their selection of local wines, or a chilled cocktail from their bar. And in the warmer months, don’t miss the opportunity to dine on their romantically lit sky terrace while enjoying the Delta breeze as you overlook Stockton’s waterfront. Sharing so many impressive elements, Sass is a special place to dine with family and friends year round. The Shadow Oaks Wine Bar and Lounge 7555 Pacific Ave., (209) 477-5547. Full bar. Open for dinner. $$-$$$$
Formerly a steakhouse, Shadow Oaks has recently updated its offerings to become an upscale wine bar and lounge. They still offer a few steaks, as well as sandwiches, appetizers, and a menu of other delicious selections. An incredible wine list awaits you at Shadow Oaks, with bottles priced anywhere from $25 to $450. With its sophisticated interior, beautiful bar, and
live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, we are more than happy about the new Shadow Oaks. Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant 3249 West Hammer Lane, (209) 473-2525, www.shirasoni.com Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Shirasoni is a triple threat, operating as a steakhouse, sushi bar, and teppanyaki restaurant all in one. Hungry guests can choose to sit at the sushi bar or in their large dining room where talented chefs prepare your dish while putting on an authentic teppanyaki dinner show. Watch as professionals perform tricks, flipping their utensils and chopping your sizzling veggies right in front of your eyes. Enjoy a juicy steak or try one of their more traditional Japanese dishes. If you’re just stopping for a quick bite, have a seat at their intimate sushi bar for a taste of their fresh sushi or sashimi. Try one of their unique creations, like their Firecracker Roll, for a spicy surprise. Stockton Joe’s 236 Lincoln Center, (209) 951-2980, www.stocktonjoes.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
Featuring San Franciscan, Italian, and American continental cuisine, this is the place to go for a delicious meal in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Entrees include charbroiled steaks, fresh seafood,
and veal, chicken, and pasta dishes, and have recently extended to offer several heart-healthy options. Stockton Joe’s frequently plays host to a variety of musicians and local artists who entertain diners relaxing in the restaurant’s comfy, padded booths and chairs. Each month, the kitchen selects a featured wine from a local winery, and wine tasting events and wine dinners are held throughout the month. With exhibition cooking, a banquet hall that can seat up to sixty people, and catering for all occasions, Stockton Joe’s is a local feature not to be missed. Valley Brewing Company 157 W. Adams St. (209) 464-2739, www.valleybrew.com Full bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend breakfast. $-$$
The Valley Brewing Company is a fun place to bring the whole family for dinner: homemade beers, classic pub fare, live bands during the summer, and unique sports memorabilia keep everybody happy. The Brewing Company keeps fourteen beers on tap at all times, from a pale wheat, to an IPA, to the house favorite Black Cat Stout, and apricot and berry fruit beers. Friday is fish night, and Saturday is all about Prime Rib. Beer and scotch tasting events are held throughout the month; check the website for up to the minute information about when the fun’s happening.
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FOOD&WINE
I Restaurant Guide
Oakdale Chocolate Ball November 6
This year marks Oakdale’s 20th annual Chocolate Ball. Thanks to the success of last year’s theme, “The Roaring Twenties,” this year the ball will stay in the style of the flapper-filled era, with “All That Jazz.” Black-tie dress and 1920’s garb is optional, but all guests will enjoy plentiful hors d’ouvres and an indulgent champagne and chocolate bar, stocked with cookies, candies, cakes, fudges, and fondues. The evening will also include a hosted bar, live jazz music to dance the Charleston away, raffle prizes, an auction, and a casino night with $500 in playing chips. Proceeds will benefit local organizations, community improvement programs, and educational scholarships. —K.B.
Oakdale Chocolate Ball, 6-10 p.m. $65, tickets are all-inclusive and must be pre-purchased. Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 South Second Ave., Oakdale, www.oakdalechamber.com
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Thai Café
10447 E. Waterloo Rd., (209) 931-4019, www.thewaterloo.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
614 Central Ave., (209) 832-3800 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
At this fun restaurant, they really know how to mix it up on the grill. One of their signature dishes is the savory barbecued ribs, served as an appetizer or an entrée. The ribs, which are best paired with Bette’s world-famous pesto, are tender to the point of melting away in your mouth. It is likely visitors will find this restaurant bustling when they visit, so during peak hours, be prepared for a lengthy wait. If that doesn’t suit you, they also offer their entire menu for take-out orders, and they even offer catering.
More practical than fussy, Thai Café is the place to go when the craving for good Thai food, fast, strikes. This little place manages to stay afloat despite some stiff competition from surrounding restaurants, perhaps in part to a large following of loyal customers. Regulars rave about the Thai Chicken Salad and Salad Kai, but if you are in the mood for something a little heavier, go ahead and try the Koa Paad—deep-fried rice served with your choice of meats. The colorful Thai decorations set the mood for a fun and flavorful meal where everyone is welcome.
Yasoo Yani
Tracy Thai
326 E. Main St., (209) 464-3108 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
1035 Central Ave., (209) 833-9703 Beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner. $-$$
TRACY
The Great Plate
This downtown restaurant, open since 1975, is a classic eatery where the food is as eclectic as the diners. Mothers with their toddlers settle in next to prominent businessmen in ties for everything from a sturdy American burger to Greek souvlaki. Don’t be intimidated by the Greek side of the menu or the local luminaries—souvlaki is simply the Grecian version of shish kebab, served on pita bread, and at Yasoo Yani, everyone gets the same fine family service. Don’t even get us started on the honey-drenched baklava for dessert.
Carmen’s Casa Nachos 350 W. Grant Line Rd. (209) 835-9402 Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Want to spice up a dull week? A trip to Carmen’s Casa Nachos family Mexican restaurant should do the trick. Try Carmen’s fantastic fajitas and their specialty salsa seven days a week for lunch and dinner, where they make all their food fresh everyday. Outdoor dining and a children’s menu are available to accommodate the whole family, while their catering and banquet menus take care of all your special occasion needs. Turn up the heat at Carmen’s Casa Nachos, where it’s Siempre Caliente! Magellan’s 15 E. 6th St., (209) 839-2333, www.magellansworldcuisine.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$
Magellan’s Restaurant, named after owner and Executive Chef Thomas Magellan, is much like the small, intimate restaurants found in San Francisco. Featuring American Continental cuisine, the menu choices range from duck salad to their salmon burger to the ever popular, delectable filet mignon. The menu changes seasonally and the high level of noise found in some restaurants is not to be found here. If you are looking for a good traditional meal with peaceful ambiance, seafood specials, and a martini bar to put others to shame, then Magellan’s is the place.
Tracy Thai successfully captures the unique and complex flavors Thai food is famous for. Using only fresh, quality ingredients, their food has artistic presentation and exceptional flavor, from mouth-watering appetizers like their heavenly Angel Wings (boneless chicken wings stuffed with silver noodles), to their soups served in a flaming tureen that keeps it warm throughout the meal. Tracy Thai prepares imaginative creations for those with adventurous tastes, and also familiar favorites for those who have never experienced Thai food before. 714 Central Ave., (209) 833-0862, www.thegreatplate.com Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
Looking for the best pizza in town? It’s here! The Great Plate has signature pizzas like Buffalo Chicken, or the Dominic, or build your own. Handmade to order and fired in the brick oven with always fresh dough for perfect crust and a delicious pizza. But that’s not all, excellent burgers, wings, salads, pastas, steaks, seafood, and more. Located downtown across from the Grand Theatre, come and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Great Plate offers two full bars and 16 beers on tap, a fine wine list, and Sunday breakfast (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the NFL Ticket. Or check out the exciting nightlife featuring live music and DJs on both floors. Visit, “Tracy’s Favorite Place to Play.” Banquet rooms available for up to 125 people.
WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Crossing 18939 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., (209) 366-1800, www. woodbridgecrossing.net Full bar. Open for dinner, Sunday Brunch. $-$$
Housed in one of the oldest brick buildings in the San Joaquin Valley, this historic restaurant, formerly Woodbridge Feed and Fuel, provides fine dining in the midst of antiques, Western artwork, and memorabilia. Known for their prime rib and steak, this restaurant strives for great customer service. Woodbridge Crossing diners are treated to live entertainment and dancing on the weekends, and the restaurant also offers private banquet facilities where guests sit in unique old boxcars. [SJM]
NOVEMBER 2010
Courtesy Oakdale chocolate ball
[Foodie Event]
Waterloo
PDC Fashion Show Hosted By
Woolworth Place November 20th at 7pm. Call PDC for tickets.
PDC the BOUTIQUE
Open 7 Days a Week!
Sun-Mon 12-4pm • Tues-Sat 11:30-5:30pm
located inside Woolworth Place
115 S. School St. Lodi, CA 95240 209.333.7777
Bull Fight, Watercolor by Ning Hou
Follow PDC on:
Tues - Sun 11am - 5pm 115 S. School Street, Lodi
(209) 368-5123
www.KnowltonGallery.com
Pre-Holiday Super Sale!
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VXN Invites You to Experience Our Expert Service in Person!
Aglow Lights Beautiful & Unique illuminated floral decorative lighting & gifts for the home.
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209.333.2945
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Services
Designer Cuts Color Extensions Bleach Wave Up-Do’s /Formal Make-up Brow Bar Vixen Blow Out
www.vxnbeautylounge.com
New to Downtown Lodi, VXN Beauty Lounge combines an edgy aesthetic environment with warmth that welcomes everyone. Visit our fashion forward skillful services, and range of professional hair products that will keep your hair looking drop dead fabulous.
Grand Opening Special
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NOVEMBER 2010
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15th Annual Parade of Lights Thursday, December 2nd • 6:17pm Downtown Winterfest Saturdays, Nov. 27th, Dec. 4th & 11th • 12 - 4pm
Shop Downtown Lodi for all of your needs Specialty Boutiques • Retail Shops Restaurants featuring casual to upscale dining Distinguished Art Galleries Wine Tasting Rooms Salons & Day Spas 12-Screen Movie Theater WOW Science Museum Free Parking Garage
Open 7 days a week Mon-Thurs 8am-9pm Fri-Sat 8am-10pm
Mexican Restaurant Full Bar • Catering & Carriage
www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
Visit www.downtownlodi.com for news on local events, updates and more or call (209) 369-8052 Experience Downtown Lodi today ... no other destination will compare!
28 North School Street Downtown Lodi (209) 366-2728 san san joaquin joaquin magazine magazine
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datebook
I
eventS calendar
Ten Great Dates
compiled by katy berry
Through November 27, Lodi October marks the five-year anniversary of the Knowlton Gallery, and to celebrate, the gallery is bringing together an exceptional group of artists to exhibit their landscapes, ranging from urban to agricultural. The Knowlton will also begin selling their newly published “Best Of” book, featuring the finest work exhibited over the last five years. Open TuesSat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Knowlton Gallery, 115 S. School St., Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com
Small Works Show
Avenue Autumn Stroll & Concert
November 1- December 30, Lodi
November 12, Stockton
This yearly show is put on by the Lodi Community Art Center and allows
Enjoy the brisk arrival of autumn with a stroll down Pacific Avenue as you browse
local artists from Northern California to submit their work, which can be
local boutiques offering exclusive discounts for the evening. Gourmet hors
no larger than eighty square inches for wall hung art, or 8x8 inches for
d’oeuvres from select Mile restaurants will be available to taste with local wines,
sculptural pieces. Last year more than 180 original pieces were submitted
and the night will culminate with a piano concert at the Empire Theatre. Ticket
and displayed, and many were purchased as holiday gifts.
sales benefit the Women’s Center of San Joaquin. Stroll 6-8 p.m. Concert begins at
LCAC Gallery, 1373 Lakewood Mall, Lodi, (209) 333-3855,
9 p.m. $20. Pacific Avenue between Castle and Maple, Stockton, (209) 948-MILE,
www.lodiartcenter.org
www.stocktonmiraclemile.com
Sandhill Crane Festival November 5-7, Lodi Each year, Sandhill Cranes return to the agriculturally rich lands of Lodi, thereby ending a long migratory journey from nesting grounds as distant as Siberia. San Joaquin locals celebrate these majestic and elegant creatures with over fifty nature tours, live animal shows, local art shows, food, wine, live music, over thirty exhibits, and other workshops and presentations for both kids and adults about these fascinating creatures. Event times vary. Free. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (800) 581-6150, www.cranefestival.com
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NOVEMBER 2010
Knowlton Gallery; Sandhill Crane Festival
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The The promise promise ofof dignity. dignity.
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1653 Hwy 26 · Valley Springs, Ca 95252
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La Contenta Golf Clu HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON
www.lacontentagolf.com
Saturday, December 4, 5 pm - Midnight Delta Reflections Boat Parade Annual Parade of Boats Decorated with Colorful Holiday Lights Stockton Channel, 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Holiday Stroll
Over 10 Downtown Restaurants Offer Holiday Specials Throughout Downtown, 6 pm - 9 pm
CRAWL for a Claus
Free* Drinks & Appetizers in Participating Venues, Free* Transportation, Befits Local Charities Throughout Downtown, 6 pm - Midnight *With paid admission.
www.downtownstockton.org www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com
209.464.5246 (English)
209.888.8637 (Español) san joaquin magazine
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datebook
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eventS calendar
Magnificent Mozart November 11 and 13, Stockton Presented by the Stockton Symphony, Magnificent Mozart will also feature the Stockton Chorale, including the talents of vocalists Anja Strauss, Janet Campbell, Brian Throsett, and Ralph Cato. The symphony and chorale will be performing three pieces by Mozart including his epic final work, Requiem. November 11, 8 p.m. November 13, 6 p.m. $22-$55. Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196, www.stocktonsymphony.org
Stockton Opera Guild Presents: The Curtain Goes Up November 18, Stockton This year the Stockton Opera Guild will be presenting Puccini’s classic opera, La Boheme. To celebrate the upcoming season, join local theatre aficionados as they school you on Puccini and other interesting details about their upcoming production. More importantly, this event will raise money for the Opera Guild’s Kathe Underwood Scholarship Fund which helps support
Downtown Winterfest
winners will be in attendance to sing, mingle, and share their latest successes,
November 27, December 4, December 11, Lodi
and all in attendance will be able to enjoy arias sung by soprano Jessica Siena,
Get in the mood for the holiday season with the Downtown Winterfest in
tasty appetizers, and local wine. 5-7 p.m. $45. Stockton Golf and Country
Lodi. Families can take a horse-drawn carriage ride for only one dollar, while
Club, 3800 West Country Club Boulevard, Stockton, (209) 932-1160, www.
admiring the festive storefront decorations as businesses compete for the
stocktonoperaguild.org
best decorated window and lighted storefront. 12-5 p.m. Free. School St.,
Festival of Trees: An Enchanted Christmas
Downtown Lodi, (209) 369-8052, www.downtownlodi.com
This year the 16th annual Festival of Trees will be full of events for the young
Crawl for a Claus and Annual Lighted Boat Parade
and the young-at-heart, all to benefit the Tracy Hospital Foundation. Kids are
December 4, Stockton
invited to two “Once Upon a Time” tea parties at the Tracy Ballroom, which will
Put on your best beard and join over 300 Santa and Mrs. Claus pub crawlers
include a mini-presentation of The Nutcracker by the Children’s Dance Theatre
as they descend on Downtown Stockton to enjoy festive food and drink. While
of Tracy, and a meet-and-greet with your favorite storybook characters. For
there, don’t miss the free annual Lighted Boat Parade in Downtown Stockton’s
adults, don’t miss the Girls Night Out. Ladies can shop, mingle, eat, drink, and
Marina, gifted by the Village West Yacht Club. The boats arrive by 5:30 pm and
win raffle prizes all while surrounded by beautifully lit trees. During the day,
will be festively adorned to light up the Delta. The best seating is on Weber
families can walk amongst the trees and visit Santa’s Secret Workshop. Ladies
Avenue near the Waterfront Warehouse, in Weber Point, or at the Lexington
Night Out, November 19, 6 p.m. $35. General Admission November 20-21, 10
Plaza Waterfront Hotel. Crawl 5 p.m.-Midnight. Tickets start at $15 which
a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Tea parties November 20- 21, beginning at 10 a.m. $15 for
includes drinks, appetizers, and trolley transportation. Downtown Stockton,
children, $20 for adults. Tracy Ballroom, 430 W. 9th St., Tracy, (209) 832-6052,
(209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
November 19-21, Tracy
www.suttertracy.org/foundation
San Joaquin County Historical Museum: Festival of Trees December 4-5, Lodi The San Joaquin County Historical Museum throws a unique Christmas celebration each year at Micke Grove Park, and this year is no exception. With more than seventy festively decorated trees, Victorian dressed demonstrators, entertainment, old-fashioned crafts, children’s activities, Santa visits, and historical exhibits, everyone will be in the holiday spirit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8 for adults, $1 for children aged 2-10. Children under 2 free. Pre-purchased tickets include free parking in Micke Grove Park. San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 331-2055, www. sanjoaquinhistory.org
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NOVEMBER 2010
photos Kody dubarry
aspiring young singers from ages as young as eleven. Past scholarship
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OUT&ABOUT
I PLAYERS, PARTIES & PREMIERES
This page: KAtty berry, Opposite page: Matthew james photo; katy berry
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Friday Night Live!At Lincoln Center August 20, Stockton A mass of Central Valley-ers enjoyed live music, food, and beer at the Lincoln Center extravaganza, but most could be seen ogling the beautiful cars on display at the classic car show. [1] Joe Semas, Pattie Womer, Rodney Leingang [2] Robert Youngblood [3] Rita Vasquez, Sophia Gomez [4] Michael Canete, Victor Castrejon [5] 1954 Chevy Bel Air in Jade Metallic [6] Angela and Ben Prieto [7] Joel Clifton
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both pages: San Joaquin Magazine
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Wagner Heights 20th Anniversary
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July 28, Stockton Proud employees of the Wagner Heights Nursing and Rehab Center gathered to celebrate twenty years of outstanding service. The milestone was symbolized through a ceremonial ribbon cutting. [1] Bill Mitchell, Jeff Cobb, Jack O’Sullivan [2] Beverly Mannon, Heather McFarland, Lyn Sinclair, Monica Flores [3] David Gram, Kylendu Vasavda [4] Mayor Ann Johnston, David Gram
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OUT&ABOUT
I PLAYERS, PARTIES & PREMIERES
Both Pages: San Joaquin magazine
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“Break the Silence on Domestic Violence” Walk-a-Thon September 25, Tracy
The Starbucks Coffee Company did their part for women by hosting the 8th annual Domestic Violence Awareness walk-a-thon to benefit the Women’s Center of San Joaquin. [1] Ramona, Jack, and Hugh Huerta, Heidi Yurong [2] Cheryl Dodge, Hannais Torres [3] Stephanie Scofield, Cindy Smith [4] Rhonda and Miles Grimes [5] Joelle Gomez
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OUT&ABOUT
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Lodi Wine Mixer
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September 1, Lodi
Lodi Wine Country comes together the first Wednesday of each month at the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center to meet, greet, and enjoy the fruits of their labors with a glass of local vino. [1] Greg Burns, Suzanne Burns, Walley Carpenter, John Calabrace [2] Janice Lucas, Kelly Moore [3] Sarah Gutierrez, Lynn Cesena, Kim Rudow [4] Mike McCay, Shannon Harbert [5] Janice Lucas, Danielle Mondo, Sue Ripken [6] Mandy Raught, Fran Benavidez, Vanessa Foreman [7] Vanessa Foreman, Courtney Thommen
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nOVemBeR 2010
holiday has a rrived , your place to shop for unique extraordinary and whimsical gifts for the holidays! Showcasing Mark Robert’s Fairies, Old World Christmas® and Inge-Glas® Ornaments.
Come join us for our
Open House November 4th
2206 Pacific Ave. • Stockton On the Miracle Mile • 209-933-9009 WithGardenFlair.com