John Zeiter M.D.
John Zeiter
Jennifer Pham O.D.
Joseph Zeiter M.D.
Celebrating the season. Since
1867.
The holiday season is the perfect time to spread joy to our valued customers and friends. As temperatures fall, leaves tumble, and snow blankets the mountaintops, families and friends come together to celebrate cherished traditions.
The spirit of good cheer and wonder fills the air. We are especially thankful for the relationships we share within the communities we proudly serve during this festive time.
Bank of Stockton wishes you the happiest of holidays!
WITHSTANDING THE TEST OF TIME ®
SAN JOAQUIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
For over 100 years, San Joaquin General Hospital has been more than a place of healin g— it’s a lifeline to our community.
From advancing medical education to unwavering compassion, our legac y reflects a deep commitment to every individual we serve. We remain devoted to advancing medical excellence and fostering a healthier, stronger community for all of San Joaquin County.
DAILY SNOWFALL ON THE BRICKWALK
December 1 – 31
5–9 pm | Every half hour
SANTA CLAUS & CHUG-A-BUG TRAIN
December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15
Fridays 5–7pm | Saturdays & Sundays 12–3pm
FOOD DRIVE
Podesto’s Market and Trader Joe’s Saturday, December 14 | 9am—3pm
LIVE MUSIC DAILY
December 1 – 24
GIFT GUIDE
Scan here to view!
EARLY LEARNER PROGRAM
since 1899.
Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center opened its doors as St. Joseph’s Home and Hospital in December of 1899. Its founder, Father William B. O'Connor, collaborated with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to assist a local group of physicians in finding a suitable place to treat their medical and surgical patients with specialized care. As the population of Stockton and the surrounding towns increased, St. Joseph's grew alongside the community to meet the complexities and challenges of delivering quality health care—leading the way with firsts in cardiac, cancer, maternity, pediatrics, and emergency care services.
Celebrating 125 years, St. Joseph's Medical Center is proud to serve the Stockton community. For more information, please visit dignityhealth.org/stockton.
Contents
LEADING THE CHARGE AT VISIT LODI
Becoming the new president and CEO of Visit Lodi wasn’t on Wes Rhea’s radar. Since 2005, he’s been promoting Stockton in some form or fashion – first through the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce where he was a one-man operation with a budget of $97,000 – and then eventually as the CEO of Visit Stockton, an organization he helped form. BY
REBEKAH MOAN
TIS THE SEASON
The month of December is a time when magic comes to life. The holiday season is filled with cheer in the form of bright lights, festive events, opportunities to dress up, live entertainment, and more. So how will you celebrate the magical winter season? Fill your calendar with San Joaquin County’s best outings to get you into the holiday spirit. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
HELLO 2025: TOP 3 NEW YEAR DESTINATIONS
Looking for the perfect place to usher in 2025? We’ve rounded up three of the U.S.’s most notable New Year’s Eve destinations. Whether you want to listen to live music until the clock strikes midnight, have big plans to see a college bowl game, or prefer a more serene landscape (still with fireworks), we have you covered with three top choices to bid adieu to 2024 and officially welcome 2025. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
SUSHI THAT'S PICTURE PERFECT
Mikasa shines during the holidays. Sushi has caught our eye since it’s been on American menus, beginning in the 1960’s. It’s debut in Los Angele’s Little Tokyo attracted businesspeople and immigrants alike, and soon drew the attention of intrigued Americans. In the 1980’s sushi was associated with the health, and fitness community, for its perfectly portioned bites of protein, fats, and carbs. BY SARAH STEFFENS
Introducing Illa Cox FNP-C DNP
I
MORPHEUS 8 FACE AND BODY
(MICRONEEDLING RF)
SKIN TIGHTENING & LIQUIFYING FAT
NEUROTOXIN
DERMAL FILLER
SCULPTRA
PDO THREADS
VI CHEMICAL PEEL
HORMONE THERAPY PELLETS
VAGINAL REJUVENATING
(STRESS AND URINARY INCONTINENCE)
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
PRP
VITAMIN THERAPY FOR HAIR LOSS
HYDRAFACIAL
IPL (INTENSE PULSE LASER)
IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE AND COLOR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
VITAMIN INFUSION
(GLUTATHIONE, VITAMIN C, B, NAD, CALCIUM
GLUCONATE, NIACINAMIDE, RIBOFLAVIN,
MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE & VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS)
lla Cox is a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner who graduated with honors. She is an emergency room NP, a certified aesthetic instructor, and a professor at Stanislaus State University. At Cox Medical, Illa believes in continuing education by staying up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. Illa ensures that safety and comfort are prioritized at every stage of the treatment plan. As the owner of Cox Medical Aesthetics, Illa works to help clients achieve the look they desire with a full medical consultation, facial anatomy assessment and detailed plan of care that is dedicated to providing a customized treatment plan that is tailored to what the client desires. The ultimate goal is to exceed client expectations and establish long-lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and exceptional service.
DISH
BIDDING ADIEU TO 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with change—and, I dare say, growth—here at San Joaquin Magazine. We’ve said goodbye to team members who have moved on to new adventures and warmly welcomed fresh faces to the fold. We’ve forged connections with new clients while bidding farewell to beloved businesses that have closed their doors. I think we can all agree: it’s been one eventful year.
With this in mind, we can’t help but feel a spark of curiosity and optimism for what lies ahead. And so, as the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share some of our favorite ways to celebrate in San Joaquin County. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy night with family or a lively gathering with friends, you’ll find dozens of ideas in this issue to make this season one to remember.
For more than 20 years, we’ve worked to shine a positive light on our community, and we’ll continue to do so in 2025. We’re grateful to all of you—our readers and residents—who make San Joaquin the resilient, vibrant place it is. So, let’s lift our glasses together to welcome a new year filled with hope, unity, and the promise of whatever the future may hold. Cheer
PUBLISHER | EDITOR
Tony Zoccoli
EDITORIAL TEAM
REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynette Carrington, Rebekah Moan, Angela Rudolph, Sarah Steffens, Virgina Prior, Erin Meyering
TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miguel Barajas, Dan Hood, Sarah Steffens, Shannon Rock, Carissa Dugoni
CREATIVE TEAM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli
MARKETING
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Michelle Cox
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim
Feeling lost and over whelmed?
Let us help you regain control and take your life back. At St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, quality care, in an environment that fosters communication, trust, and personal growth. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are dedicated to helping those we serve to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. In addition, we have a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program designed to meet the needs of adults who are uninsured or underinsured with a history of opioid or stimulant use dependency. Whether you need assistance dealing with depression, anxiety, or substance dependency, or are seeking counseling, we can help.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton/behavioralhealth
Medication Assisted Treatment Program described is supported by Grant Number H79TI084141 from SAMHSA.
Established in 1993, we have been representing San Joaquin Valley community members and their families for more than 20 years in catastrophic injury cases. Our offices are in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, not Los Angeles or San Francisco. We are well versed in the local rules and have a deep knowledge of the arbitrators, judges and court system. This unique knowledge and ability to navigate the local system has produced more successful results for our clients. We intend to maintain our status as the leading personal injury firm in the Central Vally by extending our service capabilities and our local presence to meet our client’s needs.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Story ideas, manuscripts, or comments can be emailed directly to the managing editor. Please include your name, daytime phone number, and email address.
E-mail NORA@SJMAG.COM
WRITER’S GUIDELINES
San Joaquin Magazine is always on the lookout for story ideas and talented freelance writers. Story ideas, email us at Nora@sjmag.com. San Joaquin Magazine also accepts freelance contributions, however, there is no guarantee that manuscripts or photography, solicited or unsolicited, will be returned.
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Lawrence M. Knapp
TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE ON
LEADING the charge at VISIT LODI
FORMER VISIT STOCKTON CEO BECOMES HEAD OF VISIT LODI
Becoming the new president and CEO of Visit Lodi wasn’t on Wes Rhea’s radar. Since 2005, he’s been promoting Stockton in some form or fashion –first through the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce where he was a one-man operation with a budget of $97,000 – and then eventually as the CEO of Visit Stockton, an organization he helped form.
When Wes left Visit Stockton in September, the budget was $1.7 million and run by a team of nine. “It’s one of the things I’m proud of the most – growing Visit Stockton to what it became,” he says. During his tenure, Visit Stockton not only grew its team and budget, it became more than a tourism organization and partnered with the city to help locals. The organization worked closely with the City of Stockton to produce
says. “Visit Stockton took a leadership role in doing that with outreach and building partnerships.”
Wes plans to do that by attending street fairs, community meetings, community events, and more.
Part of Wes’s deep love of Stockton could be because he grew up in North Stockton, his father was born in Stockton, his mother still lives in the area, and so does his grandmother. Plus, his wife’s family are all in Stockton. Given his connection to the area, why move to Lodi? When the previous Visit Lodi CEO Nancy Beckman announced her retirement earlier this year, she texted Wes and asked if he would think about applying for her job. His response was an immediate, “I don’t think so.” However, he started contemplating it and realized he could take on a new challenge without completely uprooting his life (although he is moving to Lodi in the spring). “The more I thought about it, I texted Nancy back and said I think I want to go after this,” he says. That doesn’t mean Wes was a shoo-in for the position – 200 people applied and he spent a cumulative four hours in interviews.
“There was no reason to leave Visit Stockton,” he says. “I could have stayed, but the opportunity presented itself and there was nothing I left unfinished at Visit Stockton. And leaving gives someone else an opportunity to come in and put their own spin on tourism.”
At Visit Lodi, Wes works with a team of three and his vision is to elevate Lodi and make it more visible to the region, the state, the nation, and the world. The end goal is to bring more awareness about what Lodi has to offer and that means not only advertising outside the region but also making sure locals understand what Visit Lodi is trying to achieve. Wes plans to do that by attending street fairs, community meetings, community events, and more.
“Our end goal is to bring visitors to Lodi so they spend money, which helps the tax base and benefits residents,” he says. “I try to remind folks that our efforts to bring visitors to our community benefit all residents of Lodi. Tourism is the front door of economic development. No one moves a business or decides to move to Lodi without being a visitor here first.”
festivals such as the Stockton Flavor Fest, and during COVID-19, Visit Stockton helped with small business grants by handling the paperwork and supporting grant distribution. It’s unusual for a tourism organization to work so closely with a city but it’s in line with Wes’s ethos. “It’s cliché that a rising tide lifts all boats. People say that because it sounds cool, but I truly believe we need to all work together to elevate a destination,” he
Ultimately, Wes wants Lodi to thrive. “We’re here to support our community so anything we can do to better serve the community, we want to hear about it,” he says.
VISIT LODI
Providing over four decades of dedicated service to United Way of San Joaquin County, Donna Ng has had th e opportunity to work in a variety of positions at the nonprofit organization. The native Stocktonian started out with United Way after high school through a summer youth program.
“I felt that if you believed in yourself and have a passion and drive for the work you do and ability to help others, you have a potential to achieve your goals.”
“The gentleman running the program said, ‘If they like you, they might keep you,’ and that kind of stuck with me!” says Donna. She went on to attend Delta College while doing a work/study program with United Way. She has now been with the organization over 40 years and currently serves as the director of donor relations.
Ng was raised in Stockton and embraces the history and culture of the city. “We were raised here in the south side of Stockton and we didn’t move until I was in high school, then we moved to North Stockton,” Donna says. “This was our home and I didn’t know anything else.” She didn’t consider moving or think of pursuing other opportunities, choosing to stay committed to her hometown.
Donna is a private person who prefers to stay out of the limelight but she gave a shout-out to the Wonder Women feature in San Joaquin Magazine back in 2020 where local women making a difference were featured. “My boss had just come on board at the time and another gal (Amy Ferrell) and we were doing it together, and I was fine with that,” she says.
One fun longtime hobby for Donna has been collecting Mickey and Minnie Mouse memorabilia, figurines, and other items. She says that she particularly likes kitchen items or collectibles that are themed for the holidays. Now that she has amassed a large collection, she adds that she’s looking to collect other things that might be more meaningful.
COMMITTED to Community
What advice would Donna give her younger self when she first started in her career? “Love what you are investing yourself in,” says Donna. “I felt that if you believed in yourself and have a passion and drive for the work you do and ability to help others, you have a potential to achieve your goals.”
BE A PART OF SOMETHING TIMELESS
Give Your Business
The Results It Deserves!
I’m With the Band
NURTURING THE TALENTS OF LOCAL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIANS
BY ANGELA RUDOLPH
Ahush comes over the packed Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College as the lights come up, illuminating the stage filled with musicians who have worked years to hone their skills and prepare for this moment. The conductor gracefully begins, and the sounds of classical music fill the air. Hairs on the arms of the audience go up, and tears fill some of the eyes of parents, family, friends, and community members as collective emotions swell with the beautiful compositions.
The musicians are students from school districts all over San Joaquin County. Many have been playing their
instruments for years and all have worked diligently to make it to this stage.
Two concerts are held each year, sponsored by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) in partnership with the San Joaquin County Music Educators' Association and San Joaquin Delta College: The High School Honors Concert and the Middle School Honors Concert. Three ensembles perform during each concert: the Honor Band, Honor Choir, and Honor Orchestra.
To make it to the stage, students apply through digital audition recordings, and local music educators gather to determine who will participate in the ensembles. Students then audition live to
decide placement and begin the five rehearsals before the performance. These dedicated musicians get the chance to challenge themselves in a new environment with top talent from around the County and perform under the direction of professional symphony conductors or college band instructors.
“Through exposure to diverse repertoire, networking opportunities, and skill development, the Honors Concert not only enriches students' educational experiences but also contributes to the personal and artistic growth of music students,”
Julia Cornejo, Project Liaison, Student Engagement and the Arts for SJCOE said.
One student, Atticus Chan, a senior from Lincoln High School who plays the French
Horn, will be participating for the fourth year in January.
“Playing in the Honors Band is always special to me because all the musicians come together temporarily to create beautiful music. The dedication and work ethic is shared by all members of the band, and it is inspiring to see how much we can do. As a senior, this will be one of my last high school performances. I want to make it one of the best I've ever had,” he said.
DATES OF PERFORMANCES:
THE HIGH SCHOOL HONORS CONCERT: Saturday, January 11, 2025
MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS CONCERT: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Top Five Cruises to go on Before You Die
TRAVELS SPECIALISTS RON & BONNIE CENTERS SHARE THEIR TOP FIVE CRUISES
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Ron and Bonnie Centers are the franchise owners of Expedia Cruises in Stockton, a full-service travel agency. As avid cruisers themselves, they’ve created a list of the top five trips to take before you kick the bucket with plenty of variation and cruise dates for each.
ALASKA
CRUISE TOUR
Cruising through Alaska is a common “must” for people who like to cruise. Seeing the glaciers and main cruise ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway are part of the appeal, but a cruise that includes excursions on the interior side of The Last Frontier by land and rail allow for escapes into Denali National Park and even the Yukon. Consider Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean for your cruise line and add on a Denali & Yukon land tour.
EXPEDITION
CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA
True adventurers can get up close and personal with penguins in their natural habitats and explore the rest of the frozen continent by Zodiac boat or submarine. Custom Expedition ships make the journey feel more luxe, and if you’re brave enough, you can participate in a true polar plunge. Consider Viking, Celebrity, Hurtigruten, Seabourn, and National Geographic/Lindblad for your cruise line.
PANAMA CANAL
These immersive tours give explorers a taste of local life and culture. Stop by South American cities in Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and of course Panama while you cruise through the historic locks between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Consider Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean for your cruise line.
RIVER CRUISE THROUGH EUROPE
There are many iterations of this cruise but each allows guests to dock right into downtown ports of iconic European cities as they ride along the Rhine or Danube rivers. Some highlights include visits to majestic castles and vineyards with stops in places like France, Germany, Prague, and more. Consider Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Scenic for your cruise line. Ron and Bonnie are even hosting their own group trip in 2025.
THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS
The Arctic Circle and the midnight sun draw cruisers to the inland fjords stopping off in both small native villages and cosmopolitan cities across a picturesque coastline. Fans of Alaska will likely love this trip through the amazing Norwegian Fjords. Consider Hurtigruten, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Viking for your cruise line.
Lodi's New Way to Play Hyperbowling
HIT THE LANES FOR A GAMIFIED VERSION OF TRADITIONAL BOWLING
BY SARAH STEFFENS
St-t-trike! We love bowling. It’s a good, old-fashioned sport for people of all ages. Honestly, it’s a classic friends-and-family activity. But not much has changed in bowling over the years—or so we thought! Hyperbowling, a new, and innovative form of bowling, combines traditional bowling with interactive technology. It was started by a leading bowling products and technology manufacturer, QubicaAMF and ultimately it uses augmented reality to “hype” up, traditional bowling. Players use bowling balls embedded with RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) tags that hit illuminated targets, with various games modes and challenges. Hyperbowling offers a variety of games for all skill levels, encouraging strategic thinking and precision. The newest bowling alley in San Joaquin County—Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar—boasts the game’s latest technology, allowing locals to come and experience hyperbowling for themselves.
Lodi Bowling’s manager, Desiree Lomas, describes hyperbowling as “an exciting
and engaging fast paced game where every ball is different. It's like playing a physical video game on a bowling lane! The video game-like vibe features challenging moving color targets, progressive levels, real risk and reward, and score multipliers, so you can win big.”
Whether a seasoned bowling enthusiast, or a casual bowler curious about the new craze, you can count on hyperbowling to become a new favorite amongst family and friends alike. “Our guests love hyperbowling,” says Desiree. “It gives a fun, alternative spin to a classic sport. The video gamelike feel attracts our younger generation, as well as giving a more experienced player a new twist to their existing love for the game.”
Lodi Bowling has options to play a classic round of bowling, and also offers arcades, virtual reality, billiard games, and live laser music shows. The alley takes walk-ins for those looking for some last-minute fun, and reservations for larger groups and parties.
LODI BOWLING LOUNGE & BAR
A NOSTALGIC Night Out
THE STOCKTON SYMPHONY IS PLAYING TO A (SOMETIMES) YOUNGER CROWD
Dressing in your finest clothes, adorning yourself with your best jewelry, slinking your arm through that of a dapper man—a night at the symphony used to represent affluence and intrigue. It was a somewhat common date night for those in certain social circles, but as its attendees aged, some feared the symphony would lose some of its sparkle.
We’re here to put worry to rest. For example, the most recent Stockton Symphony performance saw an estimated 1,000 people in the audience—many of whom were kids.
“The Stockton Symphony is one of the oldest continuously operating orchestras in California, celebrated for delivering outstanding live performances and engaging the community,” says Scott Watkins, CEO. “Traditionally, a night at the symphony was an occasion for dressing up and enjoying an
elegant evening out. It symbolized cultural refinement and a deep appreciation for the arts. People saw it as a social event as much as a musical one, where they could mingle with others who valued the beauty of classical music and live performances.”
A symphony today may be described a bit differently. Scott uses words like inclusive, exciting, and experience. “We blend tradition with innovation, offering a welcoming atmosphere for seasoned concertgoers and first-time attendees alike.”
While the majority of the audience is made up of adults mostly age 65 and older, families and younger individuals are starting to show up more often. Some of that youthful excitement is likely a response to the Symphony’s initiatives to attract a more diverse audience, using experiences to draw them in such as a Star
Wars themed concert with light show.
“It’s such a surreal experience being able to go to a concert hall and not only hear, but also see and feel the music being played,” says one young symphony attendee and a former intern at the Stockton Symphony, Charlotte Han. “The best moments are when the piece is so intimate that you can almost feel the whole audience holding their breath, and then the exhilarating peaks that follow where you feel the rush of adrenaline course through your body.”
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
IN SAN
The month of December is a time when magic comes to life. The holiday season is filled with cheer in the form of bright lights, festive events, opportunities to dress up, live entertainment, and more. So how will you celebrate the magical winter season? Fill your calendar with San Joaquin County’s best outings to get you into the holiday spirit.
HOLIDAY Favorites
SANTA TRUCK
Every year, the Lodi Fire Department drives Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus, around town for Santa sightings on the back of a fire truck. The routes are posted on the Lodi Fire Department Facebook page so community members know when and where they can wave to Saint Nicholas. Facebook.com/LodiFireDepartment
SANTA TRUCK
HOLIDAY VILLAGE AT
VILLAGE WEST MARINA AND RESORT
In 2023, the Village West Marina and Resort started a new tradition—a holiday village. The free event caters to families of all ages, hosting a lighted boat show and a petting zoo and offering photos with Santa Claus, face painting, balloon animals, and live Christmas music. There will also be bins to drop unwrapped Christmas gifts for kids through the Toys for Tots organization. The event takes place Dec. 6, 6-8 PM.
WREATH WORKSHOP
Head on over to Calivirgin for a wreath making workshop hosted by Anna-Sinclair from Huckleberry Blooms. Step-by-step instructions makes building a modern wreath as easy as 1-23. It all takes place Dec. 1 with 11 AM-1 PM or
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Head to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum to admire the 70+ decorated trees on display. Over two days—December 7 and 8—guests of the museum can marvel at over-the-top decorations and themed presentations.
A TALE OF TWO NUTCRACKERS
At the Grand Theatre in Tracy, Central West Ballet is bringing the lore of The Nutcracker to life. The magical tale that includes sugar plum fairies and a rat king will grace the stage on both Dec. 6 and 7 with a 7 PM performance on Saturday followed by a matinee performance at 1 PM on Sunday.
And if you can’t make it to the Tracy performances you have a second chance to catch the excitement. The same dancers will perform at the Gallo Center for the Arts Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 21-22. On Dec. 20 there will be a special jazz-inspired performance of the show dubbed Nutcracker in Jazz! replacing the more traditional scores with big band Christmas sounds.
JINGLE MINGLE –HOLIDAY SIP N SHOP
For two days—Dec. 7-8— Calivirgin has invited local vendors to visit the winery and sell their unique gifts to tasters. Everything from holiday décor to homemade candles, baked goods to floral arrangements, will be for sale, plus on-site food trucks will provide hearty meals to accompany those glasses of wine.
STOCKTON LANTERN FESTIVAL
This is a different kind of light display. The lantern festival opened for the season on Nov. 22 and plans to welcome guests through Jan. 19. Much like last year, the lighted event follows Koda’s Journey Through the Magic Ocean at the Stockton Ballpark. The event was inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns combined with tens of thousands of LED lights, resulting in a beautiful array of colors that help tell a dreamlike story to those of all ages. Stocktonlanternfestival.com
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS REENACTMENT
The beloved Tim Burton tale of Jack Skellington and his search for something more comes to the stage at the Grand Theatre in Tracy. The Children’s Dance Theatre will bring the classic story to life, bouncing between the magical worlds of Halloweentown and Christmastown. The reenactment will take place four times from Dec. 13-15 with one matinee performance.
SANTA SUNDAY AT THE HAGGIN MUSEUM
The Haggin Museum is playing host to Santa Claus on Dec. 8, noon5 PM. From 1:30-4 PM Santa will be present at the decorated Haggin Museum to meet with kids and hear all about
their Christmas wishes. There will be cookies and punch, too!
MASQUERADE BALL
Looking for a fancy night out? The Woman’s Club of Lodi is hosting a Christmas Masquerade Ball combining the magic of the holiday with the intrigue of a masquerade. The Clubhouse on Pine Street will come alive with dancing and music. Guests are encouraged to don both formal attire and a mysterious mask while sipping signature cocktails and enjoying an elegant dinner sure to excite. The rest of the evening will be spent on the dance floor punctuated by the sounds of Crystal Image and DJ Bashkingz. The event promises a truly over-the-top experience from 5-11 PM on Dec. 14.
HOLIDAY TRIVIA NIGHT WITH QUIZMASTER
KEVIN & DJ DAREN
This special trivia night is holiday themed! Get ready for great music and challenging questions all with a festive flair. The event takes place at Calivirgin Dec. 14, 6-9 PM
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Santa’s elves will be on board the train to guide passengers in holiday singa-longs, elfish games, and fun festive activities. Children can remind Santa how nice they have been all year with a letter to Santa.
All the way from the North Pole, Santa Claus joins us for a visit with each family. Don’t forget your camera! Santa and friends are sure to bring smiles and joy to all aboard.
Feel free to come dressed in your cozy PJs to add even more magic to your holiday experience. Each ticket includes a 1-hour train ride, hot cocoa, a souvenir mug, and a cookie.
Seating will be available in our indoor cars. SierraDinnerTrain.com
Cuckoo Clocks
UPCYCLED PENGUINS
Every 2nd Saturday of the month, the Haggin Museum welcomes guests to participate in a family activity. In the spirit of the season, December’s event will be a penguin craft, using recycled materials to create your own cozy penguin art. The craft is designed for children ages 5-12 and the program will last from 1-2:30 PM on Dec. 14.
FRIENDS OF THE FOX PRESENT HOME ALONE
The Friends of the Fox series at Bob Hope Theatre shows classic films every month. In the spirit of the season, Home Alone will be shown on Dec. 15. As always, a live organ concert will proceed the film. There will be plenty of entertainment in the lobby when doors open at 1 PM followed by a live concert at 1:30 PM and the movie screening at 2 PM.
PAMELA MCCOLL AT THE HAGGIN MUSEUM
As part of the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at The Haggin Museum, Pamela McColl, historian and author of ’Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem, will lecture on the 200-year-old literature that has become a December staple in households across the U.S. and present the work of Winslow Homer, Gertrude Kaye, Joseph Leyendecker, and more.
PARADES AND TREE LIGHTINGS
HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN TREE OF LIGHTS
Many cities in the region celebrate the Tree of Lights, memorializing family members lost and loved. Head to Ripon on Dec. 2 for a 6 PM event at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall, visit Escalon at Main St. Park or Doctors Hospital of Manteca Dec. 3 at 5:30 PM, go to Lodi City Hall at 5:30 PM Dec. 5, see the lights come alive on Main Street in Rio Vista and at Wells Fargo Bank in Lockeford Dec. 7 at 5:30 PM, and finally head to Tracy on Dec. 10 for a 5:30 PM lighting at City Hall.
LODI PARADE OF LIGHTS
This electric parade will glide through Downtown Lodi, following a route along South School Street and West Pine Street, on Dec. 5. More than 80 floats adorned in brightly colored lights are expected to participate, accompanied by marching bands, dance groups, and other themed vehicles. The fun takes place 6:15-9 PM.
DOWNTOWN STOCKTON ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
The City of Stockton knows how to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Instead of offering a simple ceremony, Weber Point is turned into a winter wonderland Dec. 7, from 3-7 PM. The holiday festivities are nearly endless, including live caroling, faux snow, and appearances by both Santa Claus and the Grinch (who will both be available for photos). Food trucks will provide plenty of grub to fuel you through the evening, which also boasts shopping vendors. Don’t forget to watch the tree come to life at 5:30 PM when the lights officially turn on for the season.
ANNUAL LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Downtown Stockton comes alive with twinkling lights as the Lighted Boat Parade makes its way into the Downtown Stockton Waterfront. Many boats are outfitted with lights and yachts decorate to festive themes. The cheery event is sponsored by Stockton Yacht Club and held Dec. 7 from 5 to 7:30 PM, immediately following the tree lighting ceremony at Weber Point.
BRIDAL EXPO
Sunday JANUARY 19th 2025
TRACY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Head to 10th Street between A and B streets to glimpse the annual Holiday Light Parade. When the parade, which starts at 6 PM concludes, the Tree Light Ceremony will begin at the Front Street Plaza.
RIPON LIGHT PARADE
Ripon hosts its very own community parade on Dec. 12. Bring your comfy chairs, cozy blankets, and thermoses full of hot chocolate. The fun begins at Almond Valley CRC as the parade moves down Main Street and ends at Industrial Avenue. The theme this year is “O Christmas Tree.”
THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
STOCKTON CHORALE: HERE WE COME A CAROLING
Stockton Chorale is putting on a holiday concert Dec. 7 and 8. The live event, held at Atherton Auditorium at 7 PM on Dec. 7 and Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist at 3:30 PM on Dec. 8, will include a lineup of holiday tunes and will even welcome singers from McNair High School Choir to join on stage Dec. 7. Tickets for those under 18, or students with valid ID, get free admission.
STOCKTON SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS
Head on down to Atherton Auditorium for one of the Stockton Symphony’s most popular events. On Dec. 15 the entire family is invited to sit for a concert of holiday songs headed by Peter Jaffe (music director) and featuring the Stockton Youth Chorale. Get prepared to hear all of your favorite holiday songs including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” and recognizable tunes from Home Alone, The Nutcracker, Frozen, and more.
JACK WRIGHT’S NEIL DIAMOND CHERRY CHERRY CHRISTMAS
Fans of Neil Diamond will love this festive show. The highly acclaimed national touring production champions Neil Diamond’s Christmas music and TV specials alongside some of his more notable Top 40 hits. The production will take place at Hutchins Square Theatre on Dec. 7 at 3 PM. Patrons of all ages are welcome.
GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
In Modesto, the Gallo Center for the Arts dedicates their entire December calendar to holiday fun. Beginning on Dec. 1, Peablo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Ruben Studdard, and Haley Reinhart perform holiday favorites in a Home for the Holidays musical event. On Dec. 3, Pink Martini will welcome China Forbes to join the group for a multicultural, holiday extravaganza featuring a large collection of festive songs sung in a variety of languages. On Dec. 4 Kenny G will perform his The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour followed by Irish Christmas in America on Dec. 5.
The weekend will welcome two nights of performances by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra as they perform their own Holiday Pops! concert on Dec. 6 and 7. On Dec. 8, Jane Monheit’s Christmas Show will take the stage. After Nutcracker performances on Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22, All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 will be performed by the Gallo Center Repertory Company. On Dec. 17, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra will offer a Holiday Candlelight Concert featuring classic Christmas hymns and carols. The month will conclude with the Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024, a Gallo Center tradition, on Dec. 23. This year’s “friends” include Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley, and Rebecca Jade. After that, the theater goes dark for the remainder of the year.
RUN FOR A CLAUSE AND A CAUSE
SANTA DASH
This run isn’t solely for exercise. Whether you choose to run the 1K, 5K, or 10K at this event,you’re encouraged to do it dressed as St. Nick (or one of his famous friends). The courses wrap around the University of the Pacific campus and it becomes a great spectator sport even for those who choose not to run. The first 50 people to show up will be rewarded with Stockton Kings tickets! Some of the proceeds will benefit The Midsole Project.
STOCKTON SLEIGH 5K RUN
Held at Adventist Health Arena, the third annual event encourages community members to run or walk 3.1 miles. Hosted by The Milechasers Run Club, the Dec. 14 event will take place 8-11 AM in the heart of Downtown Stockton. Dressing up is highly encouraged so be sure to don your season’s best as you get ready to run. To celebrate your finish, there will be hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and live music, plus appearances from Santa Claus and The Grinch.
WEBERSTOWN MALL EVENTS
SENSITIVE SANTA
There are plenty of opportunities throughout the month to get your picture taken with the big guy, and most are available at other holiday-themed events. However, for those who may need a less stimulating environment to visit Santa, the Weberstown Mall will offer pictures for those on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities a special time frame to get one-on-one time with Santa himself. Head to Center Court in Weberstown Mall from 9-10:30 AM on Dec. 8 to visit. Reservations are encouraged.
PAWS AND CLAWS
On both Dec. 2 and 9, pets are invited into Weberstown Mall to get their photos taken with Santa Claus. All pets need to be on a leash or in a carrier, but no reservations are required. Pet hours run 5-7 PM.
STORYTIME WITH MRS. CLAUS
What better way to hear famous Christmas tales than from the mouth of Mrs. Claus herself. The youngest believers will enjoy an afternoon of Christmas stories, arts and crafts, and a special treat. Mrs. Claus is the event’s guest of honor, interacting with kids for the full hour of fun, 11 AM-noon.
COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS
Following story time on Dec. 14, kids can enjoy a sweet treat with Mrs. Claus from 1-2 PM. Mrs. Claus will be there to answer questions and interact with children as they enjoy free cookies and holiday crafts.
Wishing you a season of smiles!
Hello 2025!
THREE TOP DESTINATIONS FOR RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D SELECTED PHOTOS BY MIRANDA TILLINGHAST & VISIT NASHVILLE
Looking for the perfect place to usher in 2025? We’ve rounded up three of the U.S.’s most notable New Year’s Eve destinations. Whether you want to listen to live music until the clock strikes midnight, have big plans to see a college bowl game, or prefer a more serene landscape (still with fireworks), we have you covered with three top choices to bid adieu to 2024 and officially welcome 2025.
A ROCKIN’ COUNTRY CELEBRATION IN NASHVILLE
When in Music City, Nashville’s Big Bash is the place to be on Dec. 31. And the focus is, of course, on country music. The free event takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll as its headliners for 2024-2025.
The Jack Daniels-sponsored event features an open musicfestival styled space with a large main stage, plenty of drink trailers,
New Orleans
Westin Maui Resort & Spa Oahu
Nashville
escape
photo ops throughout the park and more. The centerpiece of the celebration—aside from the music—is the famous music note drop, which signifies a Nashville version of the ball drop in NYC’s Time Square.
When you’re not partying past midnight with the biggest names in country, the focus can still be on the tunes. After all, it’s called Music City for a reason.
Head to Broadway—Nashville’s downtown— and catch live music every night of the week. Bars here are often owned by famous musicians, including Kid Rock, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and more. Step into any of their multistoried bars for levels of live music, large dance floors, and plenty of flowing drinks. Most even don a rooftop so you can cool down and check out the scenes below.
Less rowdy country music attractions include live performances by the world’s biggest country stars at places like Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. If you need a history lesson, or just want to see some of the most iconic instruments and outfits to come off stage, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
If you get into town early enough, you can also attend a Music Row Happy Hour event. Held at Margaritaville, fans of The Highway on Sirius XM will be excited to see Buzz perform the weekly Friday show live, and maybe even get on the air. Some weeks country artists stop by to serenade the crowd. December 27 is the last scheduled event of 2024.
AN OVER-THE-TOP PARTY IN NEW ORLEANS
If you’ve heard of New Orleans, you’ve heard of Bourbon Street—and that’s just the beginning of the fun in New Orleans Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Bourbon Street is notorious for hosting big parties like Mardi Gras and rowdy Friday and Saturday nights. New Year’s Eve is actually hailed as the location’s busiest night, with plenty of debauchery promised. Here you’ll skip from bar to bar, many with second story balconies where you can buy beads to toss onto the street downstairs while listening to DJs and live music in each spot. Even if you
Miranda Lambert
don’t pop inside anywhere, you can walk up and down the iconic road and have just as much of a party. However, we do warn, that on NYE, it’s completely packed.
Live music and big ticketed parties are the main NYE attractions. Get tickets to Big Night New Orleans New Year’s Eve, an annual party held at The Filmore on Canal Street. Ticket prices vary depending on if you purchase general admission, all-inclusive, or VIP. There are multiple themed party areas within the 22,000-square-foot venue, casino games, a silent disco, and live music from multiple bands and DJs. It’s just one of many similar events, including celebrations at The Riverview Room, Bourbon Street, the Steamboat Natchez, and more.
Wherever you end up, a view of Jackson Square is a must as this is where the fleurde-lis drops 25 feet at midnight. Entry into the events at Jackson Square are free, but that also means they get crowded so it’s recommended to arrive early. The night’s fireworks are set off over the Mississippi River and are visible from Jackson Square, as well as other parts of the city.
Another option for New Year’s Eve, or any other evening you’re in town, is to visit Frenchman Street. A less crowded, less-rowdy, less-touristy section of the city, it’s known as a playground for some of the area’s best musicians, and jazz music reigns supreme.
Or if you want to stay close to the action without being a part of it, book a dinner reservation at one of the French Quarters best restaurants. You’ll be close enough to see it all happen with a comfortable seat for the duration. Many will have prix fixe menus for the evening, and if we know one thing, it’s that food is New Orleans’ best export.
While drinking and live music are on the itinerary for New Year’s Eve, the best part of New Year’s Day is attending the Sugar Bowl. The 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl will be held in the Caesar’s Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints) on Jan. 1. And while watching two teams take each other on in the playoff quarterfinal is a huge part of the fun, it’s also the festivities surrounding the events that are worth attending.
On Dec. 31, the participating schools host a Mardi Gras-style parade, featuring dancers, marching bands, colorful floats, and plenty of swag tossed into the crowds. The evening of the game, show up early to Caesar’s Superdome to toss some bags, participate in competitive bar-style games, and have a few drinks at Tailgate Town held in Champions Square.
New Orleans
have a few options. There are of course the ocean-front hotels along Waikiki Beach. There’s also The Laylow just a couple of blocks from the water, and it plays host to a fun NYE celebration at its outdoor bar and restaurant, The Hideout. The ticketed event held on the open-air lanai features passed appetizers and a midnight champagne toast with general admission tickets or VIP tables and firepit reservations available for guests 21+. Not to mention, a DJ will spin records from 9 PM to 1 AM. The next day you can recover over brunch at the same locale.
And, if you decide to book a room at The Laylow for the duration of your stay, you’ll be treated to an on-site, outdoor, second story pool, outdoor meals hosted on the lanai (and around the firepits) morning, noon, night, and late night, and high-rise rooms with spectacular views and balconies looking over downtown.
Perhaps one of our favorite experiences is ringing in the New Year from the Pacific Ocean. With views of the Honolulu skyline and the spectacular Waikiki fireworks display, ships take off on late night journeys one night of the year. One option is aboard the Makani Catamaran. The 1.5-hour tour offers unlimited champagne aboard a luxury sailing catamaran with both covered and open air seating.
Regardless of which adventure you choose, New Year’s Eve in the U.S. promises to be a spirited event. Whether you stay close to home or take an epic once-in-a-lifetime trip is up to you.
A BEACHFRONT FETE IN LUXURIOUS OAHU
Oahu has many shores to explore, but when it comes to a NYE celebration, there’s no place quite like Waikiki Beach. Hawaii’s very own party town offers plenty to do on a regular week but come for the celebratory end of year party and you will not be disappointed.
Location is everything, and the big fireworks display shoots off at midnight over the Pacific Ocean near Waikiki Beach. You can see the show from any of the waterfront hotels and bars along the beach, plus many simply trek down to the shore for their own viewing party. If you want to eat while watching the show, book a 11:30 PM reservation at Duke’s Waikiki or Moana Surfrider.
If you’re not in town on exactly New Year’s Eve, you can recreate the experience by attending a ten-minute free firework show every Friday night at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You can even take an evening cruise out into the Pacific Ocean to see the light show from the water. When in Hawaii, you may as well do as the Hawaiians do. Luaus are a popular midnight experience featuring dinner, entertainment, and fireworks. Some of the more popular events on the island include Rock-A-Hula Midnight Extravaganza, Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the Royal Hawaiian Oceanfront New Year’s Eve Luau featuring a champagne toast on the ocean lawn. When it comes to where to stay, you
Oahu
Wine Dine
RESTAURANTS | WINE | DRINKS | SWEETS
SUSHI that's PICTURE PERFECT
MIKASA SHINES DURING THE HOLIDAYS
BY SARAH STEFFENS
Sushi has caught our eye since it’s been on American menus, beginning in the 1960’s. It’s debut in Los Angele’s Little Tokyo attracted businesspeople and immigrants alike, and soon drew the attention of intrigued Americans. In the 1980’s sushi was associated with the health, and fitness community, for its perfectly portioned bites of protein, fats, and carbs. The California Roll, an American adaptation of Japanese sushi using imitation crab, and avocado, perhaps
not ironically named, became the gateway Americans used to approach more exotic sushi rolls, and we haven’t looked back. Its popularity soared, and we crave every bite.
Flash forward to the modern age of technology, where platforms such as Instagram, rule the trends with food and beverages, and it’s no wonder sushi is still at the top of our list for dishes we love to dish about. Sushi, known for its visual, exotic aesthetic, can get pretty impressive when chefs specifically create and craft rolls that are meant to be shared online. Its colors and textures wow both foodies and sushi newbies. Capturing your order in a photo, and positing it on Instagram is an excellent way to add culinary inspiration, and adventure to your feed, while literally feeding your belly some truly delicious food. It’s a win-win, and a fun, and practical way to remember what you ordered, while simultaneously offering ideas for your friends, family, and foodie followers.
Harry Yu, the owner of Mikasa Asian Bistro & Sushi, located in Tracy, just off I-5, makes ordering sushi, and capturing it in photos to post on socials fun, and easy, and extremely tasty. The menu he has created is extensive, full of tantalizing sushi rolls for those experts in what they like, and for sushi beginners, who are looking to expand their palate to the world of all things sushi. Keep reading for some rolls we think you’ll find hard to resist to pose-and-post on Instagram.
Let’s start light, bright, crisp, and fresh. The 49er Roll is just that. Crab meat salad, and creamy avocado is held tightly by nori, and topped with fresh salmon, and an ultra-thin layer of fresh lemon. It’s healthy, and packs a satisfying punch of protein. Don’t skimp on the thin layer of lemon. It adds a surprisingly sweet, and energetic flavor, aiding in digestion.
Move on to Mikasa’s Caterpillar Roll. Fresh nori-wrapped rice holding
crab meat salad, and cucumber, is topped with a big dose of avocado, and topped with eel sauce. It’s sweet, and savory, always a winning combination.
Adventure on to the Dragon Roll, a sushi-lover’s go-to. Similar to the Caterpillar Roll, but boasting with fresh eel, it’s a must for regular sushi coinsurers, and looks beautiful in photos.
When you’re ready to move onto something more different, and daring, try the Honey Walnut Prawn Roll. This roll is bound to impress sushi enthusiasts. It’s a roll with double tempura shrimp, crab meat salad, creamy avocado, and roasted walnuts, with a honey glaze sauce. Think of the roasted walnuts like confetti covering an already-perfect roll of deliciousness.
And, finally, be sure to capture Mikasa owner, Harry Yu’s, Sweet Lover Roll. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen in sushi, a roll of sushi made with tempura shrimp, delectable cream cheese, crab meat salad, unagi, and avocado, topped with a heaping pile of shredded lettuce, sweet mango, diced tomato, and tobiko. It’s festive, and a surprise in and of itself.
We know you’re going to have fun trying all the different rolls at Mikasa Asian Bistro & Sushi. Their visual appeal is Instagram, drool-worthy, and will be a treat to scroll through on your feed. Be sure to follow @ MikasaJapaneseBistro and tag them and @SanJoaquinMag the next time you post these delicious rolls from your very own camera roll!
MIKASA
ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI
2610 S. Tracy Blvd., Tracy (209) 830-8288
MIKASA
JAPANESE BISTRO
15138 S Harlan Rd, Lathrop (209) 858-1818 MikasaBistro.com
WINES TO TRY
WOO GIRL! CELLARS
2021 NORTH COAST BRUT ROSÉ
Winemaker Vivian Valenzuela sources fruit from the Anderson Valley and Mendocino to craft this beautiful blend of pinot noir and chardonnay that gives designated “champagnes” a run for their money. The finished product offers delicate flavors of white cherry, fresh strawberry, watermelon, and a bright hint of lime zest.
New Year
POP BUBBLY TO CELEBRATE 2025
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Whether you’re looking for a bottle to uncork at midnight or need to stock up on a few specialty sparkling wines to celebrate your next big win in life, we’ve got a line-up of delicious and decadent local vinos hand selected with celebrations in mind, all created using the traditional Méthode Champenoise originated in France.
BOKISCH SPARKLING ALBARIÑO
Best described as vibrant and refreshing, this celebratory sparkler is crafted from organically farmed grapes. Upon opening a bottle, you may first notice aromas of green apple, citrus, and brioche. Then, each sip packs a punch of lemon zest, kiwi, thyme, and honeycomb.
WOO GIRL! CELLARS 2021 SMCS NAPA VALLEY BRUT
The fruit for this elevated and lively wine were harvested from the Carneros region. Using both chardonnay and pinot noir fruit, each glass delivers notes of green apple, zesty lemon, and honeydew melon, while the persistent bubbles create a triumphant sipping experience.
DINE in Style
PRIVATE DINING IS OPEN AT THE ASANTA ROOM
BY SARAH STEFFENS
Stockton’s The Kitchen @ Stonebrier is one of our favorite places to dine on deliciously prepared seasonal entrées, appetizers, and cocktails.
But did you know that Stonebrier has a private dining room that can be used for special events? It’s called the Asanta Room. Tucked away from the lively buzz of the main dining area, the private dining room offers an intimate escape where guests can savor a personalized culinary experience tailored to their occasion. We spoke with Stonebrier’s banquet and catering manager, Regina Perez, to learn more.
“Our Asante Room is a custom room with wood ceilings, unique light fixtures, a 50-inch television with Wi-Fi connection to turn into a computer screen. The room offers a bar and attached patio with seating and a firepit,” Regina says. “We have had a variety of events held in the Asante room from birthday parties… to small intimate wedding receptions.”
Anyone who has dined here knows of Stonebrier’s mouthwatering menu, and how each dish and drink compliments excellent company, inspiring conversation and a memorable environment. We love that the Asanta Room offers all of these key ingredients plus the ease of banquet and catering.
When we asked Regina about special memories that have occurred in the Asanta Room,
she lit up and shared. “There are two events that’s have stuck with me when coordinating these events. One was our first wedding reception that we held. These two people were reunited later in life after history had past, and ended up together, their story along with the décor added to the room made their celebration so special, and heartwarming. Next was a birthday a mother was having for her son that she hadn’t seen in a long time. It was a surprise for him as his immediate family was there to see him as well. The surprise, excitement, and overall emotions just felt in that room was very memorable.”
FOOD SCENE
IN SEASON
Seeds for the Season CRANBERRIES
BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER
Do you ever ask yourself why cranberries are synonymous with the holidays? Maybe it’s the rubyred hue that accents holiday dishes, or the way cranberries add the perfect amount of tartness to rich chocolate desserts. Or wait—maybe it’s the way cranberry juice partners with vodka for a perfect cosmopolitan cocktail!? In any case, cranberries have found their way into the hearts and traditions of American kitchens. But, do you know how they came to be a culinary staple?
Although many indigenous fruits hail from North America, very few have gained celebrity status like the cranberry. Native Americans collected the tiny berry for a variety of medicinal, cooking, and aesthetic uses. These included using the cranberry for dyes in their rugs and blankets, treating tribe members for
stomach cramps and fever, and mixing the pulp of the berry into dried meat or fish. And, of course, the Native Americans are the ones to thank for creating the very first versions of cranberry sauce.
Traditionally, cranberries were grown in the wild on long running vines in sandy bogs and marshes. The labor involved with harvesting cranberries was back breaking work, but cranberry famers were innovative—developing a multitude of mechanization techniques, beginning with large wooden scoops, and eventually with mechanical harvesters combing berries from the vine. Today, cranberries are still primarily harvested along the northern portion of the U.S. from Maine to Washington, and along the Appalachians to North Carolina. They are also grown in the American Northwest along the Oregon Coast.
The first commercial canning of cranberries was in 1912 by the Cape Cod Cranberry Company, which marketed the product as Ocean Spray Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce. The company eventually evolved with other growers to become the famous Ocean Spray, synonymous with cranberries today. These folks have brought you everything from cranberry juice to that crazy glob of jellied fruit served at Thanksgiving meals across America. And in modern cooking, dried cranberries are highlighted in a bounty of the salads found on Pinterest or Bon Appétit. The deep concentrated flavor of dried cranberries is the perfect addition to ancient grains, like quinoa and couscous, or as a contrast to roasted Brussel sprouts.
So, even if Cranberries weren’t your thing as a kid, you may want to consider adding them to your culinary repertoire. You may be sweetly surprised by their versatility!
PORK TENDERLOIN in a Cranberry Cabernet Sauce
INGREDIENTS
2 Medium Sized Pork Tenderloins • 1 Can Whole Cranberries
1 - 1/2 C. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
1 to 2 C. Cabernet, or wine of your choosing
8 Garlic Cloves • Fresh Thyme
Fresh Tarragon • Fresh Rosemary 1/2 C. Butter • Sea Salt and Pepper
DIRECTIONS
Prepare a bed of fresh herbs—rosemary, thyme, tarragon—in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass dish. Remove the pork tenderloin from wrapping, and make four halfinch slits into the pork. Stuff the garlic cloves into the pork and season liberally with sea salt and cracked pepper. Sear pork on all sides in a cast iron or all-clad skillet to brown. Place pork in the glass dish, covering the fresh herbs, and bake for 25 minutes, or until internal temperature reach 165° F. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, whole cranberries, red wine, and a few leaves of thyme and tarragon. Cook on medium until the sauce begins to boil. Reduce the sauce for three to five minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the butter. Slice pork on the bias and finish with a drizzling of the cranberry cabernet sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary. Serve with roasted fingerling potatoes or creamy polenta.
CRANBERRY CITRUS SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
2 Lg. Navel Oranges
1 - 12 oz. Bag Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, about 3 and ½ cups ¾ C. Honey
DIRECTIONS
Use a vegetable peeler to remove three 3-inch long strips of zest from one orange. Blanch zest strips in boiling water for one minute and drain in a colander. Finely chop the zest, and transfer to a small bowl. Quarter Oranges, and pulse with cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the orange zest and stir in honey. Chill sauce overnight, or up to three days. *Gourmet Magazine, 1996.
HOLIDAY CHEER
CAFFEINE Fix
FOUR SEASONAL COFFEES TO FUEL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
‘Tis the season for all things sugar, spiced, and nice—in your coffee cup that is. We’ve rounded up festive coffees throughout San Joaquin County so you can get yourself fueled while checking everyone off your shopping gift list.
PEPPERMINT WHITE MOCHA
From Terra Coffee
The addition of white chocolate sauce makes a regular ‘ol mocha sinfully sweet. Add in the refreshing taste of cool peppermint and we’re done for. This delicious concoction, offered seasonally at Terra Coffee, features espresso and steamed milk and is only available for a limited time. It’s the perfect pick-me-up while wrapping gifts and playing Santa.
CHRISTMAS TREE
LATTE
From Trail Coffee
Roasters
Ok, so it doesn’t taste exactly like a Christmas tree, but it does evoke the feelings of the season. This seasonal sipper boasts complex flavors of rosemary, palo, santo bitters, and oranges for a festive brew that is more herbaceous and spicy than sweet.
SEA SALT CARAMEL HOT COCOA
From Ghirardelli
Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop
So, it’s not quite caffeine, but a sugar rush is just as good, right? This decadent hot beverage will warm you from the inside out, starting with a rich and chocolatey hot cocoa base and building upon the traditional flavors with sweet caramel swirls and a dash of sea salt. Added bonus: If you can brave the cold, they serve frozen hot chocolates, too!
GINGERBREAD
LATTE
House of Coffees
A cozy blend of gingerbread, and vanilla flavor, this seasonal sipper is velvety and delicious and full of holiday spice. Most order up a cup served hot, but surprisingly it’s just as satisfying when iced or blended, too.
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