San Joaquin Magazine February 2023

THE CARE YOU NEED, THE WAY YOU WANT IT.

Health care should be hassle-free. At Kaiser Permanente, it is. With connected teams and flexible ways to access care, it’s easy to get the support you need to stay healthy — when and where you need it.

kp.org/centralvalley

Khourdaji,

Jack Sharkey, PA-C Raylene Blandino, PA-C Sahar Khourdaji, Esthetician Christian Jones, MD Erin McGee, NP-C

Bank With Us Love Your Bank

When your bank merges, is acquired or moves, it can affect you in ways you may not appreciate. Don’t like the idea of being caught in the middle of change you didn’t ask for? Fall in love with your bank again with Bank of Stockton!

Bank of Stockton has been a stable and secure choice for more than 155 years. We offer all of the products and services customers expect from a bigger bank along with the advantages of a bank that is truly invested in you and your community.

A As the fourth busiest Port in the state, we want to keep busy connecting with you, our community To do that, we conduct public boat tours so residents can learn about the Port’s past, present, and future. We visit classrooms so students can learn about ever ything from our wildlife programs to our shipping activities. We participate in the Rotar y Read-In program to help broaden childhood literacy. And we hold coastal clean-up days so i interested locals can help us keep our shores pristine, for our children and theirs.

A successful partnership tomorrow depends on what we do today.

FEBRUARY 2023

Features

A LIFE BEHIND THE LENS

Despite the obviousness of how perfectly Shannon Rock fits behind a camera lens, the path to get to where she is today was not a straight one. BY NORA

HESTON TARTE

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TACO ‘BOUT

Abundant crops and a thriving Hispanic and Latino population means here in San Joaquin County, we have access to some of the most delicious tacos in the world. BY

SARAH STEFFENS

START YOUR DAY WITH COMAL COFFEE

Drinking coffee as a way to begin the day is a ritual all over the world, but did you know there are regions where coffee is known to grow best? Guatemala is one of those regions, and you can find Guatemalan drip coffee right here in SJC. BY

SARAH STEFFENS

IN SEASON: BOUNTY OF BROCCOLI

If there is a vegetable that is as American as apple pie, it has to be broccoli. Available year round, simple to cook, and adored by both children and adults, broccoli is a shining star in California’s agricultural landscape.

BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Sure, it may be a Hallmark holiday, and plenty of people choose not to celebrate V-Day. But if I’m being honest, it’s not the love I’m planning to cheers to either. In fact, I’m pretty deadest on using the holiday as an excuse to eat every delicious special in San Joaquin County. And no – that doesn’t mean I’ll be braving the crowds for a prix fixe dinner menu (although if you’re planning to dine out on Valentine’s Day, we highly suggest the option). It means I’m going to be ordering a basketful of heart-shaped goodies from every bakery in town, stopping into chocolate shops to take advantage of decadent deals ahead of the holiday, and dashing my dinner—perhaps a heart-shaped pizza?

Our pages this month are full of opportunities to make the most of the month of love while filling your stomach. And when you’re not gorging on sweets and treats gifted to you by loved ones (or yourself, self-care everyone!), we think you can make room for the real lover’s meal—tacos. That’s right. February for us is, shamelessly, all about food; our big hooray to celebrate a job well done on that healthy eating journey we embarked on in January (and perhaps have already given up). It’s also a good time to bid adieu to Dry January and embrace a very wet February, one pillared between elevated tastings at local wineries and a boisterous Wine and Chocolate weekend. We hope you’ll join us in our celebrations, and share your favorite meals on social throughout the month by tagging us @sanjoaquinmag

Happy reading!

TONY ZOCCOLI tony@sjmag.com

THOUGHTS HAVE A HEART

LASTFebruary is American Heart Month, and it also happens to be the perfect month to lend your support to the American Heart Association. The local chapter serves both the Stockton and Modesto communities, and several cities within San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. To learn more about how you can support, head to Heart. org.

FEED YOUR SOUL

Keeping in the theme of celebrating food, did you know February observes many different cuisines with national holidays? Throughout the month, celebrations include dark chocolate, cherries, grapefruits, sweet potatoes, hot breakfasts, exotic vegetables, berries, barley, star fruit, and more.

PUBLISHER | EDITOR

Tony Zoccoli

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

FOOD & WINE EDITOR: Suzanne Ledbetter

TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynette Carrington, Megan Meintasis, Angela Rudolph, Sarah Steffens

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sophia Elle, Dan Hood, Suzanne Ledbetter, Sarah Steffens

MARKETING

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Michelle Cox

CIRCULATION

DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE PUBLICATION FAMILY SALES

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscribing to San Joaquin Magazine ensures that every month you will receive our latest edition right in your mail box. Although we distribute copies to hundreds of area pickup locations, our publication is in high demand and locations often run out quickly.

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Subscriptions available through our website at SJMAG.COM, so you don’t miss another issue!

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.

ADVERTISING

San Joaquin Magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach area residents throughout the county. We offer multiple opportunities to achieve the results your business desires. With over 17 years of magazine publishing experience and multiple publications to choose from, it’s no wonder residents continuously look to our family of publications. Visit the ADVERTISE link on our website or call 209.833.9989 to request a printed media kit.

SPONSORSHIP

San Joaquin Magazine prides itself in actively supporting organizations that make the city a better place to live and work. If you wish to partner with us and would like more information, please contact

TONY ZOCCOLI, PUBLISHER

TONY@SJMAG.COM

ADVERTISING / EDITORIAL OFFICES

SALES OFFICE

SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE

1463 Moffat Blvd, Suite 4, Manteca, CA 95336

Phone: (209) 833-9989

JUSTICE IS LOCAL. YOUR LAWYER SHOULD BE TOO.

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.

Lawrence M. Knapp

A Life Behind the Lens

SHANNON ROCK SHARES STORIES OF FINDING HER PASSION, AND THEN USING IT TO HEAL

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D SHANNON LEA ROCK

Shannon Lea Rock is an accomplished photographer. In addition to gracing the pages of San Joaquin Magazine frequently with her work, she has also photographed countless couples, products, small businesses, and editorial shoots, as well as big brand promotional content for large companies like Deloitte Digital. The truth is, she’s done a little of it all, impressing the masses with her editorial approach to still photography. Despite the obviousness of how perfectly Shannon fits behind a camera lens, the path to get to where she is today was not a straight one.

The military vet got into her first career in large part because, at 17 years old, she was financially motivated. Being a cook, at the time, came with the largest cash bonus in the service, so learn to cook she did. After serving, Shannon continued on her culinary path as a chef but soon learned feeding the masses wasn’t really feeding her soul.

It was around this time that a past significant other suggested film as a career choice. Always enamored by TV and movies, the professional shift made sense to Shannon, and she pursued a degree in motion pictures and television—one that fizzled when she learned the film industry lifestyle wasn’t really her speed.

Shannon did, however, put her film degree to good use when her brother

got married and she gifted him and his new spouse a wedding video as a present. She posted it online, and immediately the inquiries started trickling in. Shannon was hired and her new job was as a wedding videographer. So why, she had to ask herself, was it still not sitting right? Luckily, Shannon had gotten close with this gig, and it was a natural transition into still photography where now she runs Preserve Studio, a Photography and Film company offering high-end portraits, business branding through imagery, marketing and product shoots, editorial images, and commercials, along with photography and videography for local elopements and weddings and destination and adventure nuptials. In the midst of this, she had a sister

company with her mother, a wedding floral design company called Rosemarry & Vine, which has since morphed into floral workshops, mentorships, and floral design for editorial shoots.

“It took a couple of steps to get there,” Shannon says of her path to photography. But now that she’s arrived, she wouldn’t trade it for anything. And while off-beat elopements, couples shoots, portraits, and branding imagery are her favorite avenues, Shannon has also ventured off into another project, one that explores inner beauty through highly stylized and emotional photoshoots that aim to capture the truth, substance, pain, suffering, and triumph of her subjects. It’s a project that once landed her the cover of San Joaquin Magazine (January 2021) and later earned her a one-week exhibit at the Haggin Museum. Her subjects include everyone from women struggling with outer beauty as they undergo breast cancer treatments and body-altering surgeries, to those who have lived with and survived bulimia, anorexia, depression, mental health difficulties, and even suicide attempts.

While the portraits evoke both the beauty and the inner turmoil of her subjects, the messaging is hopeful. Subjects share their stories as they are coming out of the anguish, showing the importance of inner beauty and being who you are despite how the world may meet that somedays. “There’s something very intimate about it,” Shannon says of her photography. “I feel like I’m getting a chance to reveal their soul, visually. The end goal for anyone seeing my work is to feel emotion, and if I am doing it right, to walk away in awe.”

The project is still developing and has even shifted gears a few times, but as Shannon collects stories to tell, she is also prepping to create a coffee table book—one that will send proceeds to the nonprofits of her subjects’ choosing. “Every single experience within it makes me feel so amazing,” she says. “To help someone, to make them feel beautiful, to help them heal, to validate their lives and their stories, and finally to give the onlooker hope as well.”

It’s also, in an indirect way, an avenue for Shannon to heal her own traumas, from childhood bullying to losing her father to suicide to a handful of abusive relationships. “In the beginning, it was about making people feel beautiful,” she says. “I didn’t realize how much help I needed to give myself and how much healing I needed to do until I started diving into that project.”

Looking to the future, the book isn’t the end of her journey to help others. Shannon wants to start mentoring a team of photographers to assist in handling the growing load of weddings and more. She also wants to help others in getting their businesses off of the ground both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

See more at ShannonLeaRock.com

What’s more frustrating than feeling offbeat?

Never finding out why.

Irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, sweating, discomfort in the chest. These all point to a possible heart rhythm disorder, which is something you shouldn’t ignore. We’re here to help you find answers. And we’ll be here for you every step of the way. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton/cardio.

MUSIC

HEAVY METAL FUSION

PACIFIC HEAVY METAL COMBINES CLASSICAL MUSIC WITH ROCKSTAR ENERGY

Imagine the big boom of drums, a fast melody played on guitar, a steady bass keeping time, and heavy metal vocals playing covers of your favorite songs. It may sound like a scene you’d run into at a bar on a Saturday night, but then add in a 30-50-member chamber orchestra. Now you have something special.

Pacific Heavy Ensemble is a heavy metal orchestra run out of University of the Pacific. It started in 2018, the brainchild of students Peter Altamura and Brandon Lindner. “We wanted to create something in the UOP conservatory that was different than anything that had come before,” Peter says of the collaboration, which plays most heavy metal covers in Faye Spanos Concert Hall and the DeRosa Center Ballroom. “The next semester we recruited 40 students to play in the ensemble and played a small ‘test’ show a couple months later.”

After Peter graduated in 2022, he came back to UOP as a visiting lecturer and

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

faculty advisor of Pacific Heavy Metal. While three players took over the studentrun program—Drummer Jon Herbers, Guitarist Logan Adams, and Flutist Marc Anderson—Peter still has a heavy hand on the production ‘s administrative side.

“We mostly play covers, but at the last concert we played two of my original songs that I wrote for my senior project,” Peter shares. “We’re here to have fun, perform thrilling concerts in a conservatory setting, spread the influence of metal and its many facets, deter stereotypes within the genre, and give the players and audience an experience like no other.”

Peter best compares the group to Metallica with the SF Symphony or The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. While the focus is on the quality of the music, the group also strives to provide an experience not unlike a high-profile concert. “We have rival attendance to concerts put on by the school administration with popular artists,”

he says, describing the sound as “a fusion of classical style playing in tandem with heavy, loud, drums and guitars, and crazy sounding vocals.”

Thanks to a sound rental company that mics every instrument, sets up big speakers, and mixes 60+ microphones with audio engineers that perform front of house sound for major touring artists, Pacific Heavy Metal’s last concert reached sound levels of a medium-sized rock concert, hitting 110 decibels. “It’s a massive effort, but the result is a loud, great sounding experience for the audience and the players.”

MCKEE STUDENT ART EXHIBITION CELEBRATES 92ND YEAR

THE COLLECTION IS ON DISPLAY FEBRUARY 2 TO MARCH 19

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Storytime. Robert T. McKee was born and raised in Stockton in the early 1900s. He studied art and theater around the world for many years before meeting and marrying Eila Haggin. When McKee heard of the efforts of the San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society to build a history museum in his hometown, he convinced Eila to contribute to the efforts. She did, and with her donation of a portion of her father’s estate and local fundraising efforts, the Haggin Museum came to be.

But McKee didn’t just want to support the vision of the society; he had some ideas of his own. So, in return for the donation, he and Eila requested a student art exhibition be a part of the programming to encourage youth to get involved in the arts. That was the start of the McKee Student Art Exhibition, the longest running student program of its kind in the country.

In its 92nd year, the McKee exhibition

will be on display at The Haggin Museum from February 2 until March 19, showing off the artistic talents of local students from grades kindergarten to 12. Students from every school in the region are invited to submit.

The result each year is a staggering 1,000+ submissions collected by teachers and deemed the best in class. While on display, both the Museum’s Tuleburg and West galleries will feature two- and threedimensional pieces of art in a variety of mediums, including crayon, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil and acrylic paint, photography, and more.

For Leanne Lee, the McKee art exhibit gives her daughter, Chloe, an opportunity to explore her artistic side, a passion the mother says she passed down to her 11-year-old daughter. A student at Presentation Parish School, Chloe has participated in the event for multiple

years. Being part of the McKee contest, Chloe “learned new ways to create art,” her mother says. “It helped with her confidence with drawing and creating new things out of her own imagination.”

While Chloe has big dreams of becoming a lawyer one day, right now art is where her heart lies. After school, she comes home to sculpt and paint pottery, read books, and watch K-Pop videos.

The McKee exhibition “really showed how kids' minds are so creative and imaginative,” Leanne says. “[Chloe] loved to see other kids' creative artworks.”

COMMUNITY ARTS

Creekside Center

5 star facility with medicare.gov

Creekside Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Stockton, CA. Our center has an attractive warm atmosphere in a neighborhood setting. Patients and family can stroll the beautiful courtyards and sit in the lounge by the fire. At Creekside Center, we offer select menus and snacks in dining rooms with a garden setting. The facility offers in-house therapy 7 days a week in our Rehab Recovery Suites. All care is patient-centered and promotes independence The goal is to return our patients to good health and spirit.

Your life can change in an instant. That’s what Axel Tanner discovered during his final years studying at the University of the Pacific. Axel, who graduated with a music industries studies degree in May 2021, has leveraged the power of social media to jump start his career in the highly competitive industry.

With over 1.1 million followers on TikTok, Axel (@AxelTanner) is making his mark, but it’s not as a music producer or a musician himself. Instead, he’s a very popular music curator. Posting almost daily, Axel shares his music taste with his followers via video lists of artists you may not have heard of yet and helps songs that deserve a listen get a much-needed boost. His approachable and charismatic manner in his videos makes the viewer feel like a close acquaintance as he shares these “hidden gems,” and that’s exactly how Axel feels about his followers— they’re his friends.

“Building a community is my priority. I would never share music that I don’t genuinely enjoy, and it’s important to me to build a collaborative space with artists and listeners,” Axel explains. “That’s how we can build more than just a moment together–this community becomes a

family of genuine fans within an interactive space. It’s not about getting ten thousand streams of a song, it’s about those moments when someone reaches out and leaves a comment saying a song they heard on the page saved their life.”

When he discovered the massively popular social media platform, TikTok, Axel would post a mixture of his own music along with lesserknown artists he was discovering. (True fans can try to find some of those early TikToks featuring Axel’s originals by scrolling back over years’ worth of posts to see him playing piano or guitar) His videos went viral, growing that community exponentially, and now it’s all about giving the artists that he discovers more visibility with the millions of eager ears Axel has accumulated on his page.

What does the future hold for Axel? Time will tell! “Just a few years ago I was a music producer and thought that would be my career but it’s taken a totally different turn.

I’m open to anything,” says Axel.

TIK-TOK

BY ANGELA RUDOLPH

A WORLD DOWN UNDER SCUBA DIVING FINDS FOOTING IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Have you ever wanted to embark on a scuba excursion? Well now is the time to dive in head first. While Stockton has its own waterways, it’s pretty far from a body of water large enough to dive in. That’s where Justin’s Scuba Time, Inc. comes in. As San Joaquin County’s only PADI 5-Star Center, the Stockton dive shop offers certification in scuba.

“We spread out our classes over the course of four days. Two days in the pool and two days in the open water environment,” explains Derek Gentry, a scuba instructor at Scuba Time. To get scuba certified, you start at the indoor pool at the dive shop and then embark on a weekend trip to either Monterey (cooler months) or Lake Tahoe (summer) to finish certification.

From there, the world of diving is your oyster. “We offer all types of specialty diving classes like dry suit diving, diver propulsion vehicle diving, search and

recovery, and the list goes on,” Derek says. Many continue their dive education by diving with their instructor in advanced courses after securing their initial certification. Scuba Time also offers a once- or twice-a-year dive trip that customers can attend. The first one back from COVID-19 is this month, a six-day vacation in the Cayman Islands at an all-inclusive diving resort. “Imagine traveling across the world diving in waters that house the most beautiful underwater creatures on the planet.”

Regardless of your interest in diving, Derek ensures just one time and you’ll be hooked. “We have taught people with lifelong fears of the water, claustrophobia, amputees, men, women, and children starting at the age of 10 years old. Nobody is too late or early to start learning how to be comfortable in the water and start diving.” In fact, the only person Derek says who shouldn’t dive is someone whose

doctor won’t sign off on the activity. The initial certification process is straightforward. For $535, aspiring divers get four days of instruction, all of the necessary learning materials, and an equipment rental package. The cost does not include open water trip accommodations or personal dive items such as a mask, snorkel, wetsuit booties, and fins.

Still nervous? Start small. Derek says, “We offer a Discover Scuba Diving class where we do one pool session just to get a feel for diving and not ‘jumping into the deep end’ right away.”

Taking it to Heart

GARY OLLIS OWES HIS LIFE TO ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER, LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS, AND HIS WIFE

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Gary Ollis could have easily become another heart attack statistic if not for the quick thinking of his wife and the lifesaving treatment of first responders, doctors, and staff at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

July 11, 2022, after a night of working, Gary had a moment of weakness and went out to his garage and in his own words was “doing stupid things.” He came back in the house, sat on the bed, and didn’t feel well. “I had a doozy!” exclaims Gary. “I had a ‘widow-maker’ heart attack. I had 99.9% blockage in my main artery.”

He recalls that his chest was hurting, and he explained it to his wife, Jennifer Ollis. Then the pain infiltrated his left arm and Jennifer immediately recognized the symptoms as a heart attack, called ‘9-1-1’, and had Gary chew and swallow four aspirin. In

three-to-four-minutes, paramedics arrived and took Gary to a waiting ambulance. He coded six times before he even got to the hospital.

A recent reunion with the staff at St. Joseph’s was a welcome moment with those Gary now considers family. “The entire cardiac team that worked on me… Every nurse, doctor, IV vampire… Every person who worked on me, I was able to meet and take pictures with. I gave them all a set of angel wings,” explains Gary.

“Dr. Richard Waters, he is my true hero! All the AMR guys were there, too.” The angel wings were signed by the Ollis’ family and hang in the workplaces of those who gave him a second

chance at life.

The heart attack was a wake-up call and Gary has been clean and sober. He has also changed his eating habits by avoiding fried foods and adding more fruits and vegetables. A lifelong car mechanic, Gary recently took on a job at the Odessa Car Auction Yard and is embracing this new chapter of life.

Gary routinely talks to the AMR staff that gave everything to save him. He also honks at the fire station staff that responded to his emergency whenever he drives by—a gesture they return when they drive by the Ollis’ home, too.

“Dr. Richard Waters, he is my true hero!”

Robert Leposavic, M.D. Mohs Surgeon Stephen Doggett, M.D. Non-Invasive Radiotherapy

Joselyn Johnson, N.P.

Time: 6-8 PM

EVENTS

The Legacy of Souper Supper

ART EXPRESSIONS’ ANNUAL FUNDRAISER IS BACK

IT’S

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

For ten years, Souper Supper has been a staple event in Stockton. Sponsored by Art Expressions of San Joaquin, a nonprofit aimed at making art accessible to the community and celebrating local artists, the beloved event is emerging from a two-year hiatus.

Last held in February 2020, mere weeks before the pandemic shutdown, Ana Vera, president of the board of directors for Art Expressions, is thrilled to get the event back on the calendar. But this year’s celebration is bittersweet. What should be a purely joyous occasion, has been tinged with sadness after the passing of Chris Thompson, the local artist who supplied the hand-crafted bowls for the event over the last six years. Unfortunately, Chris died in a car accident in

2022, but not before he created 200 bowls for the event.

The remainder of the bowls—Ana says they decorate and fire about 350 bowls each year—were created by Tara Heinzen, a previously local artist who was involved in Art Expressions before she moved away.

Artists and members of the board come in and paint the bowls however they choose, ensuring no two are the same. Then, Chris fires them, finishing the process. This makes the bowls microwave safe, a rarity with many place settings.

The bowls, which are purchased with tickets to the event, are kept by the recipient, and many who attend each year, such as Ana herself, end up with colorful and diverse collections. For those who are not familiar,

the bowls are used to house soups from 12 local chefs, tasted throughout the day on February 17. There is also a silent auction, a raffle, dessert, wine, and other refreshments.

The funds from Souper Supper, held at the Stockton Hilton, support several efforts throughout the year. “We turn around and we use those funds to do free art classes at the public libraries,” Ana says. The supplies are purchased and left for kids to keep. They also offer classes at the Children’s Museum of Stockton, fund exhibits, and pay for Wednesday night drawing classes hosted at The Catalyst.

Through the LOOKING GLASS

ARTIST LIZ KNIGHT-URY BRINGS STOREFRONTS TO LIFE THROUGH VIBRANT MURALS

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON / D SARAH STEFFENS

As a Kindergartner, Liz Knight-Ury was crushed when told to put down her crayons and stop drawing so the class could move on to something else. Her love of creating evolved into painting and now, as the owner of Painted Designs by Liz, she translates her artistic skill into gorgeous storefront murals seen throughout the community. Her childhood passion matured in her teen years. “In high school, a select handful of students who showed great artistic skills were chosen to be a part of the independent art program,” she explains. “As an independent art student, you were able to have a great portion of your school day dedicated to art, full use of all art classrooms on campus, and we’re not given assignments, rather the freedom to use all supplies needed to create whatever you desired.”

Liz first painted murals in her childhood bedroom, happily coloring every square inch of her walls and ceiling. Later, a friend who owned a small business, asked her to paint her store windows for Christmas. “I figured I would paint one storefront for my friend and be done. I was wrong… I have not stopped painting windows since that day,” she says.

Liz enjoys challenge in her art, and her most difficult murals are often her favorites. “My favorite window designs usually happen during Christmas. I always joke that I am part elf (short and crafty) and filled with the spirit of the holidays,” Liz laughs. She is known for her signature whimsical swirls, and she loves to see the smiles on the faces of those who see her murals.

Liz’s murals can be found in storefronts in Downtown Lodi, particularly on Pine Street. “I

FOLLOW ALONG @painteddesignbyliz Facebook.com/PaintedDesignByLiz

have many businesses that participate in holiday paint that changes throughout the year and the seasons all over the Lodi area,” she says. “The small businesses I work with throughout the community are all awesome… They keep my artwork forever changing.”

STOCKTON STREET ART

WHERE TO SEE THE CITY’S MURALS

BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D VISIT STOCKTON

Looking for a background for your next Instagram photo? Why not feature Stockton’s art on your grid? There are no shortage of murals throughout the city, and new ones appear to be popping up every day. Check out some of our favorites throughout Stockton, but remember, below is just a small sampling of what the city streets have to offer.

Sam Majeed paints his unique style of colorful street art on buildings across the country. One such piece called “The Pawnshop” landed in Stockton. The artist used the blank canvas to create a graphic appreciation of the city and some of its main characters. Find him @ dopaminecolors

359 E. MArket St.

This intriguing block in Stockton is filled with murals by artists from around the world. The colorful geometric illusion named “Power Through” comes from a Parisian artist with a heavy following, Astro Graft. Peep his other works @ astro_odv_cbs

215 N. California St.

The art here caters to the theme of the building, a nod to Mexican culture on the side of the Mexican Heritage Center. The vibrant colors and symbolic energy speak volumes about artist Carlos Marquez’s work.

111 S. Sutter St.

Jeremy “Kolourlab” Johnson is responsible for the brightly painted, cartoon-esque mural found on the side of the OTB Discs building, evoking the Stocktonbased artist’s signature style. Find him @ kolourlab

255 E. Alpine Ave.,

Perhaps one of Stockton’s most iconic murals, the Mamba Mentality piece was created as a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna by a pair of local artists. It took two to bring this piece to life, honoring Kobe not just as a basketball player but as a family man, as well. See their work @koniack and @g.fngrz_

216 N. California St.

Adjacent to the work above, Kia Carter doesn’t just have famous California Street tree art dubbed “Plant the Seed” to be proud of. In addition to the bright mural featuring a tree with its trunk made up of two shaking hands, Kia also paints murals inside of buildings around town. Lao, Der! is a delectable new Laos restaurant in Stockton featuring a stunning cultural piece by Kia. Find her on social @ colorfulkia

216 N. California St.

Tag Photos #VisitStockton and post!

OYSTER SHOTS

HEAD TO BLAZIN’ CAJUN FOR THIS EVERYDAY SPECIAL

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Any day of the week, customers at Blazin’ Cajun Restaurant in Lodi can throw back an oyster shooter for just $5. Starting with a fresh Pacific oyster inside of a shot glass, bartenders then layer on Bloody Mary juice and top it with vodka. The shot, which is best enjoyed after eating a tasty raw oyster from the menu—according to owner Sam—gets its kick from the rim. Using a fresh wedge of lemon (later used to garnish the glass) to wet the top before dipping the shot glass into Old Bay seasoning is the final touch to this fun party starter.

WELCOME TO VALLEY SOBER

Since 2009 we have been providing Sober Living/ Recovery Residence and therapeutic supportive structured housing opportunities for adult men or women struggling with substance abuse/addiction challenges.

We provide a comfortable way to improve the likelihood of long-term sobriety!

Our homes are located in Stockton and Lodi

Completely furnished; Free Wi-Fi and utilities, On site

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY THIS MONTH

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

FEBRUARY 2-5

Disney On Ice – Road Trip Adventures at The Stockton Arena

Disney on Ice is back with a new tale to share! Mickey and his friends take to the ice to show off their world-class figure skating skills and kids will be thrilled to see their favorite characters come to life, including Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more, over seven spectacular shows.

248 W. Fremont St., Stockton

FEBRUARY 3-5

Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend

For the 26th year, Lodi will celebrate two of its favorite exports—wine and chocolate— at a collection of more than 20 local wineries. Stop in for tastings paired with sweet treats and other weekend specials. The fun kicks off with an evening experience on February 3, followed by a day of winery tours and a wine maker’s toast on Sunday.

Participating wineries

FEBRUARY 24-26

Ripon Almond Blossom Festival

Perhaps the most anticipated event in Ripon, the almond blossom festival celebrates the beauty of the blooming pink flowers throughout Ripon with a festival, queen coronation, carnival, fun run, and more. The entire event is family friendly and kicks off a year of festivities in Ripon. 1201 River Rd., Ripon

DELICATO VINEYARDS ANNUAL ARTS SHOW

FEBRUARY 4-25

Ogle over more than 300 pieces of artwork from local artists and those beyond San Joaquin County. 12001 CA-99, Manteca

FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

FEBRUARY 5, 2:30-4 PM

The 66th season of chamber music presented by Friends of Chamber Music at Faye Spanos Concert Hall continues with a Dover Quartet performance. 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton

JOAQUIN JEEPERS CRAB FEED

FEBRUARY 11, 4-11 PM

‘Tis the season for scrumptious crab feeds! Head to the Stockton Ballroom for this special treat, benefitting the Slick Rock Trail, and featuring all-you-can-eat crab, tri-tip, pasta, salad, bread, and dessert. 9650 Thornton Rd., Stockton

NORCAL GLADIATORS YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER CRAB FEED

FEBRUARY 11, 4:30-7 PM

Stagg High School plays host to this charitable evening, featuring all-you-can-eat crab, salad, and bread. There will also be a live DJ, cash raffle prizes, dancing, entertainment, and more. 1621 Brookside Rd., Stockton

COMEDY Whose Live Anyway? At the Bob Hope Fox Theatre

FEBRUARY 19, 7-9 PM

Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray are taking their Emmy-nominated TV show on the road, using audience suggestions to fuel their improv comedy and fill the night with laughs. 242 E. Main St., Stockton

SUPER CRAB BOWL

FEBRUARY 11, 6:30-10 PM

Get ready for dinner, drinks, and dancing! Proceeds benefit the Stockton Host Lions Club Scholarship Foundation and other local charitable projects. Held at Presentation Church. 6715 Leesburg Pl., Stockton

STOCKTON SYMPHONY: RAY CHARLES TRIBUTE

FEBRUARY 11-12

Head to The Atherton Auditorium for this onenight-only event, celebrating the music of Ray Charles, led by Victoria Bond, guest conductor. 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton

ART EXPRESSIONS SAN JOAQUIN SOUPER SUPPER

FEBRUARY 17, 6-8 PM

The annual event is back! Grab a bowl and sample soups from 12 impressive local chefs while supporting community art. 2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton

COMBAT VETERANS OF AMERICA ASSOCIATION

8TH ANNUAL CRAB FEED

FEBRUARY 18, 4:30-8:30 PM

The Robert Cabral Agricultural Center will host the annual event, complete with food, raffles, prizes, dancing, and vendors. 2101 E. Earhart Ave. Stockton

STOCKTONCON WINTER

FEBRUARY 25-26, 11 AM-5 PM Because one StocktonCon wasn’t enough. Enjoy everything you love about this beloved event with a special winter edition of the celebration at the Stockton Arena. 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton

STOCKTON POLICE K-9 CONNECTION CRAB FEED

FEBRUARY 25, 7-11:45 PM

Show your support of K-9 Connection by attending the all-you-can-eat event. In addition to plates brimming with marinated cold crab, salad, pasta, and bread, guests can also enjoy dancing, drinks, and raffle and door prizes. 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton

THEATER Love, Loss, and What I Wore

THROUGH MARCH 11

The Stockton Civic Theatre will be performing its own rendition of this play of monologues and ensemble pieces, covering several topics related to being a woman and how clothes fit into those stories, or, in some cases, even create them. 2312 Rosemarie Ln., Stockton

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TACO

BY SARAH STEFFENS / D BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER & SARAH STEFFENS

‘BOUT

WHERE TO DINE WHEN YOU’RE CRAVING TACOS

Tacos are one of the most perfect foods. Protein from well-seasoned and marinated meats (or beans, for our nonmeat eaters) held together by warm, soft corn tortillas (wholegrain carbohydrate), and topped with fresh salsa, sweet cilantro, onion, lime, and avocado (veggies and healthy plant-based fat full of vitamins and minerals). As a result, you may be surprised to hear, tacos are arguably one of the more balanced meals out there. Besides being able to boast of good nutrition, tacos are loved by the masses. After all, we’ve dedicated a whole day of the week to them with Taco Tuesday. Abundant crops and a thriving Hispanic and Latino population means here in San Joaquin County, we have access to some of the most delicious tacos in the world. Keep reading for some of our favorites to enjoy any night of the week.

HABANERO HOTS

Stepping inside Habanero Hots is an experience you do not want to miss. The décor is festive, the colors bright, and the food and drink is out of this world, thanks to the talented kitchen staff. Habanero Hots has an impressive list of taco dinners. They serve Fish and Shrimp Tacos, Asada Tacos, and Chicken Fajita-Style Tacos. One of our favorite menu items is their Taco Tejeno, a Texas-sized flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. They are also known for creating special menu items throughout the year to celebrate holidays and events. Think Corned Beef Tacos for St. Patrick’s Day and Schnitzel Tacos for Octoberfest. They also host family night on Tuesdays, do weekly Tequila tastings on the first Wednesday night of the month, and offer Fajitas & Margaritas on Thursdays. The result? Every night feels like a celebration at Habanero Hots!

TACOS EL MAYITA

The Tacos El Mayita food truck is cooking up tantalizing Mexican street food for all of SJC to enjoy. Based in Stockton, they are open late (until 1am), for those who need a satisfying bite after a night out without the fuss of cooking it yourself. Stop by this truck and enjoy their tacos featuring 10 different meats, and order them traditional, or as birria tacos, perfectly crispy and cheesy. If you prefer some heat with your street food, ask for the Mayita sauce to wow your senses. Tacos El Mayita is committed to keeping their menu fresh and fun with classics and more adventurous picks. Go there to order your favorites, or for something creative.

STOCKTON

STEETZLAN RESTURANT

StreetZlan is known for serving Mexican street food with a twist (think adding an unusual ingredient to a staple, like parmesan cheese to a taco, to make it outstanding). They only use high-quality ingredients in their cooking so customers eat the very best. The team also prides itself on the kitchen’s secret ingredient—passion. They love what they do, and they do it very well. StreetZlan offers a variety of tasty bites on the menu, including tacos. Their Vaquero Tacos are especially unique and delicious. Braised beef birria, Monterey jack cheese, fresh cilantro, red onion, and parmesan cheese fills corn tortillas and is served with consomme (broth) and salsa.

GALT StreetZlan.com

LA MEXICANA RESTAURANT & BIRRIERIA (FORMERLY LOS CHARROS BIRRIERIA)

Birrieria refers to birria, a Mexican meat dish from the state of Jalisco. Traditionally made from goat’s meat, today you can find it made with beef, lamb, mutton, or chicken. It’s marinated in vinegar, dried chilies, garlic, herbs and spices, and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and baptisms on holidays like Christmas and Easter. La Mexicana Restaurant’s owner, Maria Gonzalez, serves up birria in tacos with corn tortillas topped with onion, cilantro, lime, and your choice of green, red, or house salsa. The meat is tender and juicy, and the flavor is bursting in every crunchy yet tender bite. The popular eatery also prides itself on being a family-friendly environment, so customers are encouraged to bring the whole house for a truly authentic taco meal they won’t soon forget.

LODI LosCharrosBirrieria.com

EL PAZCIFICO MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Fish and shrimp tacos find their origins in Baja California in Mexico, and its 800-mile stretch of Pacific coastline. It is likely that they found their way to California in the 1950s, first served in Ensenada or San Filipe, and making their way up the entire coast. Served in stoneground corn tortillas and topped with lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and a sour cream or citrus mayonnaise sauce, traditional seafood tacos are made with grilled or fried

lean and flakey white fish and shrimp caught in the warm waters of Mexico. El Pazcifico Mexican Grill & Cantina captures the big flavor of traditional fish tacos with their Beer-Battered Cod Tacos topped with cabbage, cojita cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce. Looking for something a bit lighter? You can order this taco with grilled fish or shrimp, too. Personally, we suggest you try them all.

LODI

El-Pazcifico-Mexican-Grill-Cantina.Business.Site

TAQUERIA EL RINCONCITO GRILL

Nestor Velasquez, owner of Lodi’s Taqueria El Rinconcito Grill, knows how to make a delicious and unique taco. He marinates shredded beef similar to brisket in savory broth and spices until it is absolutely mouthwatering, and serves it as a Quesabirria Taco, a cross between a quesadilla and a birria taco. Quesabirria is the latest in taco trends. Made with a crispy corn tortilla, the quesabirria is filled with birria beef and either mozzarella or chihuahua cheese (a traditional Mexican melting cheese), and served with onion, cilantro, and green salsa. The result is a highly palatable experience that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and senses on all levels. We’re grateful that Taqueria El Rinconcito is entering their third year of business, after opening in 2020 and surviving the COVID-19 shutdown.

LODI TacqueriaElRiconcito.com

MIGUEL’S MEXICAN DINING

Carne asada (steak) tacos are believed to be the first tacos in history, dating back to the 1500s, and made with thin slices of meat, often beef, cooked over a parilla (a grill heated with wood or coals). It is thought that cooking asada was a social event where friendships were strengthened, peace was made, and business deals were closed. With a beginning as rich as this, is it any wonder we are still gathering with those we deem special in our lives to enjoy asada? Miguel’s Mexican Dining has long been keeping the tradition of asada strong for all who get the chance to dine with them. Established in 1977, they serve a variety of delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex plates and one of their star menu items is their Carne Asada Taco plate, made with strips of tender sirloin steak, and served between two corn tortillas with Miguel’s special pico de gallo sauce.

STOCKTON

OCTAVIO’S

Family owned by the Flores family, Octavio’s is committed to traditional Mexican food, and a great dining experience with stellar customer service. With a menu that is sure to impress all eaters hungry for authentic Mexican cuisine, we’ve got our eyes and appetites set on the Mayan Tacos. Made with cochinita pibil—a Yucatan’s cuisine of slow roasted pork, marinated in spices and citrus juice cooked via a combination of smoke and steam in an underground pit, it has both sweet and earthy flavors of orange, garlic, and achiote (a spice and coloring agent extracted from the seeds of the evergreen Bixa Orellana shrub). It’s served on a corn tortilla with cilantro, roasted poblano sauce, pickled red onions, and razorthin habanero slices, and is held tight by a fresh banana leaf. Pro Tip: When you visit Octavio’s, be sure to sit near the homemade tortilla station to watch the kitchen prepare their fresh tortillas.

STOCKTON

OctaviosRestaurant.com

LA PALMA MEXICAN CUISINE

La Palma Mexican Cuisine is a quaint, authentic dining venue specializing in superior Mexican cuisine. They serve their Carnitas Tacos “TacoTruck” style, topped with onion, cilantro, and salsa verde. Carnitas means “little pieces of meat” and La Palma Mexican Cuisine makes theirs with shredded pork. Because carnitas is made from pork shoulder (also called pork butt), it has a higher fat content helping it to melt in your mouth, the way carnitas was intended to be experienced. Owner Manuel Gucai puts an emphasis on creating experiences both memorable and accessible. He says that dining at his restaurant is like experiencing the flavors, spice, and warmth of Mexico without the air miles. We can all appreciate being able to get away and taste this region of the world without ever having to leave home.

STOCKTON

LaPalmaOnTheMile.com

NENA’S MEXICAN CUISINE

Nena’s Mexican Cuisine offers a modern interpretation of classic dishes and an insistence on only the highest-quality ingredients. Owner Maria Salcedo, referred to as Nena and the namesake of the restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a variety of antojitos, or “little cravings,” a reference to Mexican street snacks or appetizers often served as a precursor to the main meal or as a late-night bite after a few drinks out with friends. At Nena’s, order the Taco Vampiros, a street food classic made with two corn tortillas cooked ultracrispy on a comal (Mexican griddle) using a generous amount of melted cheese to create a dish that is best described as taco meets quesadilla. Nena’s serves their Taco Vampiro with steak and extra-hot and spicy sauce for the heat enthusiast, but don’t worry, if you can’t handle the heat, order them Vampiras style for a mild version. Either way, you’re in for a crispy, crunchy, and cheesy treat.

STOCKTON

NenasMexicanCuisine.com

DON LUIS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Owned by Alex Cuate, Don Luis Mexican Restaurant prides itself on providing the SJC with some of the most unique and delicious Mexican dishes in California. They only use high-quality, local ingredients so that they can support nearby farmers and businesses. They’ve been open since 1994, and continue to create a family-friendly eating destination for all of their customers. Their menu is full of interesting combinations, such as the Mexico City Fish Tacos, consisting of grilled tilapia nestled in corn tortillas with lettuce, pico de gallo, and jack cheese and served with guacamole and sour cream. Be sure to also try their Mexico City Shrimp Tacos. To make it extra special, all of their dishes are created with recipes that have been handed down for generations, served with traditional sides such as rice and beans.

STOCKTON

DonLuisMexicanRestaurant.com

EL CHILANGO CHIDO

Serving a tasty twist on Mexico’s favorite recipes, owner Alex Cuate’s El Chilango Chido is wowing us with an impressive offering of tacos. With specialty tacos including the Braised Baby Back Ribs Taco, and their Shredded Chicken Mole Verde with pumpkin seed and chili sauce, the possibilities for unique flavor pairings are endless. Don’t forget to try their Street Tacos, too, served in corn tortillas and stuffed with meat, they don’t contain lettuce, tomatoes, or cheese, but are topped with onions and cilantro and your choice of salsa. Pick between asada (beef), suadero (a thin cut of beef from the part of the cow that is between the belly and leg), chicken, al pastor (sliced pork), carnitas (shredded pork), and longanzina (sausage similar to chorizo). Can’t decide which to order? The Taco Sampler boasts any five from the menu.

STOCKTON

TIO PEPE’S II

Tio Pepe’s II is a family-owned restaurant that prides itself on sharing their heritage by serving the local community authentic and delicious Mexican food. They have been in business for over 30 years, making it a second home for many families in the area. Owner Richard Rodriguez says that his kitchen has witnessed customers’ children bringing in their own children. Now that’s the impact good food will have on generations. They serve all of the classics and the lunch and dinner menu will keep you coming back to try it all. Regulars love the Chicken and Steak Tacos, with the latter served on oversized corn tortillas with Spanish rice, refried beans, and lettuce.

STOCKTON

TioPepesII.com

TACOS

CHAPALA

Tacos Chapala believes in serving big portions at street prices. They offer a tasty selection of tacos, in addition to other meals, and one of their signatures is the Tacos de Tripa. Tripa (also known as chinchulines), is a type of offal or organ meat from the cow’s stomach. It was originally consumed mostly by the working class, as it was a cheaper cut of meat, but today it’s often enjoyed by blue-collar folks and foodies, as well, in part because it’s loaded with essential nutrients. It’s braised and panfried when used in tacos, tucked inside warm corn tortillas. Tacos Chapala sources their meat locally to practice sustainability and to support local farmers. And if organ meat isn’t on your list of proteins to eat, Tacos Chapala has you covered. They offer 10 different meats and an array of veggies for non-meat-eaters looking to indulge.

STOCKTON

TacosChapala.com

LA COSTA TAQUERIA

With indoor and patio dining, and a friendly vibe complete with Mexican music that is welcoming to the whole family, La Costa Taqueria in Tracy is the spot to visit. The best way to dine is to grab a table and order a bunch of taco varieties to share from the menu’s long list, including beef, chicken, pork, veggie, shrimp, and more exotic cuts such as lengua (tongue) and cabeza (head). La Costa Taqueria stuff their tacos with perfectly marinated meat and offer a variety of salsas for toppings. There are a few quirks that come with dining in, like the establishment is still cash only, but the prices remain low despite inflation.

TRACY

ARROYO’S MEXICAN CAFÉ

Arroyo’s Mexican Café is one of Stockton’s oldest, family-owned restaurants. They opened in 1946 and continue to put generations of family tradition and love of fine Mexican dining in every meal served. Their menu pays homage to their history of serving Stockton for 77 years, literally passing down recipes through the Arroyo family. Be sure to try at least one of the tacos, including fish, shrimp, chicken, pork, and carne asada. Arroyo’s adds their toppings liberally, using onions, cilantro, cheese, salsa, and a house-made special sauce. The plates, of course, come with traditional rice and beans. Something that makes Arroyo’s famous are their homemade tortillas. To this day, each one is handprepared with love on the same machine that Arroyo’s has been using since they opened.

STOCKTON ArroyosCafe.com

CASA FLORES RESTAURANT –BROOKSIDE

Casa Flores is owned by the Flores family, who were among the Spanish conquistadores of the 1500s, back then known as The Flores De La Torre Family. Their family migrated from Mexico to Stockton in 1947, and their history eventually led them to open a restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere. There are now several in the Stockton area as well as Lodi. Our suggestion? Start with the fresh, homemade guacamole, or their gravy and cheese dip, and then move onto tacos, served on your choice of corn or flour tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, lettuce, salsa, and cheese. And if you stopped in for breakfast? Enjoy the ultimate breakfast tacos.

STOCKTON MyCasaFlores.com

TEQUILEROS TAQUERIA

When you want to grab a delicious bite to eat at a taco truck that doesn’t compromise quality and taste, be sure to visit the Tequileros Taqueria truck. They serve a variety of Mexican street food such as burritos, fries with savory toppings, nachos, quesadillas, and tortas. And they make amazing tacos, as well. Search the menu for Orden Birria Tacos, a dish made up of three quesa-birria tacos with cheese, birria (shredded beef), onion, cilantro, mild salsa, and a cup of consomme (broth). You’ll love the Taco Tequilero, as well. A small street

taco with big flavor, its shell is cooked with a layer of crispy cheese. If you’re cutting back on carbs, fret not, Tequileros Taqueria serves a delicious Keto Taco, made with a crispy cheese shell (no tortilla), choice of meat, onion, and cilantro, drizzled with Tequilero sauce. Try it with the Jalapeno Teq—a half jalapeño rolled in a crispy cheese crust.

LODI

PENA’S TAQUERIA

It’s hard not to find yourself craving the tender, marinated meat held together by a warm tortilla from Pena’s Taqueria. Winners of the Lodi Taco Truck Cook-Off’s People’s Choice Awards three years in a row, this food truck has proven that hard work, integrity, and a commitment to the best quality food is key to creating an experience nothing short of delicious. Offering a variety of tacos with meats such as beef, spicy or fried pork, chicken, head, tongue, and tripe, we dare you to try them all. The Quesabirria taco is phenomenal, filled with melted cheese, meat, and topped with crisp lettuce, salsa, and onion. Besides delicious tacos that will keep you coming back again and again, be sure to try Pena’s tortas, quesadillas, nachos, tostadas, gorditas, sopas, and their breakfast burritos, stuffed with your choice of bacon, ham, sausage, or chorizo.

EL PAZCIFICO

 BY SARAH STEFFENS

wine & dine

As the days are slowly lengthening into what will soon be spring, many of us in the San Joaquin Valley find ourselves waking while it is still dark and reaching for the promise of a fresh new day---ahh, here comes that first cup of coffee.

Drinking coffee as a way to begin the day is a ritual all over the world, but did you know there are regions where coffee is known to grow best? Guatemala is one of those regions.

Essentially, Guatemalan coffee is Arabic coffee. Its flavor is refined with higher acidity, sweetness, complexity, and it’s slightly lower in caffeine per gram than Robusta, a popular style of African coffee. Guatemala is a volcanic region with very high elevations, and coffee beans thrive in its altitude.

If you’re wondering when this lesson on the distinctions of Guatemalan coffee will kick in as beneficial for you, keep reading.

Inside of a mobile cart in the San Joaquin Valley is family-run business Comal Coffee, serving up hot cups of coffee sourced with beans from Finca Flor Del Cafe in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala. Huehuetenango has an altitude of more than 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), with warm winds from the

mountains at the Mexican plains of Tahuantepec. This allows the beans to grow in a high and dry climate with protection from frost. Its coffee beans can acquire full-bodied flavor with high acidity and fruity notes. If its dawning on you now that we have access to some of the world’s best coffee right here in the SJC, we consider this lesson to have accomplished its mission.

Comal Coffee is owned by husband and wife Ibzan and Zoyla Cifuentes. Hard working with a soft spot for quality coffee that would make their senior family members proud, the Cifuentes are making a splash with their Guatemalan drip coffee.

“We (Ibzan and Zoyla) have always loved to host parties, invite friends over to our house, and serve coffee,” says Zoyla. “We have been very dedicated to making our family and friends feel warmth and love. One day we said we need to do something different for our own family, leave a legacy, so we decided to start a coffee shop, and made it a mobile coffee shop! When we decided on what coffee to serve in our cart, we chose Guatemala coffee. It has sentimental value for our family as my husband’s grandmother from Guatemala would serve it after toasting

the beans on a comal every morning at breakfast.”

For those not familiar with a comal, it is a smooth and flat griddle used in Mexico and Central and South American cooking, often for tortillas, arepas (cornmeal cakes), toasting spices and nuts, and searing meats. Older comals were made of clay, but today they are often cast-iron, similar to the American griddle or cast-iron skillet. When you toast coffee beans in a comal, you have control over their roast level (hint, darker roasts can often mean burnt coffee beans). Comal Coffee toasts their beans to medium, producing maximum freshness and flavor in every cup.

For those who prefer a daily dose of caffeine as something beyond the traditional drip or espresso, Comal Coffee also serves a variety of specialty drinks. Try their Caramel Frappe, Macchiato, Mango Espresso, or Matcha, to name a few. They also have unique iced drinks such as their Dragon Fruit, Blue Razz, and Mermaid refreshers.

“Our favorite part of running Comal Coffee is serving each customer,” says Zoyla. “We love to get to know new people, learn new cultures and lifestyles, and we’re genuinely in love with serving our customers and community.”

WINE & DINE

Beyond the Wine

TWO OF LODI’S FINEST OFFER TASTY BITES ALONGSIDE AWARD-WINNING VINO

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

If you live near Lodi Wine Country, you have undoubtedly spent an hour, or afternoon, at one of the region’s 85 plus wineries. With everything from albariño and cabernet to grenache and zinfandel, the Lodi appellation has a sip for every wine lover. And a few local gems are elevating their game, offering curated bites or hearty offerings for tourists and locals to complement their tasting.

ACQUIESCE WINERY AND VINEYARDS

At Acquiesce Winery, guests have the opportunity to taste at Lodi’s only all-white wine winery specializing in Rhone varieties like grenache blanc, rousanne, viognier, and picpoul blanc. The winery boasts a bounty of best of class awards, and it’s easy to see why. But what truly differentiates Acquiesce from dozens of other local wineries, is their expertly curated bites in tandem with their award-winning wines.

Titled the Elevated Tasting Experience, guests sip and swirl a flight of four wines alongside four beautifully crafted bites complementing their wine counterparts. The accompanying food is like a work of art, adorned with garnishes of fresh herbs and local jams, enriching every sip. A favorite pairing is the 2019 bourboulenc with Devil’s Ruffle, a deviled egg yolk with mayo, mustard, and turmeric. The best part? The experience is only $20 and is free to wine club members. 22353 Tretheway Rd., Acampo

CALIVINES WINERY AND OLIVE MILL

The tasting room at Calivirgin is routinely bustling with happy customers content shopping and sipping with friends. But did you know there is an eclectic and satisfying sampling of food offered alongside their wine tasting experience? With a menu that changes to reflect the seasons, the Calivirgin team has concocted some of the tastiest dishes to try while sipping. Take, for example, the signature pesto popcorn crafted from gourmet basil and garlic olive oils. Seasoned with a dash of coarsely ground sea salt, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the light and crisp sauvignon blanc. We also highly recommend sampling their Taste of Calivirgin, highlighting award-winning garlic olive oil, rosemary olive oil, and Olio Nuevo with custom dipping spices. Served with balsamic vinegar and soft, pillowy puffs of bread, we think it’s a fitting combination of light bites to share. Looking for something heartier, opt for their charcuterie board, seasonal bruschetta, calzone, or delicious hummus plate. 13950 Thornton Rd., Lodi

EATS

Love Affair

HEART-SHAPED GOODIES TO SURPRISE YOUR SWEETIE WITH

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Are you looking to impress someone special this Valentine’s Day? We hate to be cliché, but there’s something pretty cute about heart-shaped fare, especially this time of year. The hardest part is typically finding where to get it from. Don’t worry; we did the digging for you, and we have some ideas.

COFFEE FOR TWO

Towne Corner Café, that cute little coffeeshop that’s part of Wine & Roses, is serving up morning joe with a little extra love. The baristas-slash-artists will add a foamy white heart to the top of your coffee to enjoy on the go, or on your morning date with that special someone. Just be sure to ask for the heart-shaped addition when you order. 2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi

PIZZA, PIZZA

If you’re skipping the crowds and dining in on V-day, you have options for festive food. Dante’s Pizza & Café and David’s Pizza are flipping heart-shaped pies for the holiday. Eat in store or order it to go. 9305 Thornton Rd. H, Stockton and 1744 W. Hammer Ln., Stockton

TACOS

Bet you didn’t see this one coming. Micheladas El Patron serves their tacos in a heartshaped tray. Each order comes with ten tacos of your choice—enough to share with your sweetheart—and can be special ordered through DoorDash, in person, or by calling in. 720 W. 8th St., Stockton

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

Make it custom. Surprise your sweetie with a beautiful board from Delicious Boards. They offer two sizes, 17 inches and 10-12 inches, both heart-shaped and filled with hand-selected meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. 1306 Lakewood Mall, Lodi

BAKED GOODS

There’s no shortage of sweet treats at SweetArts. The Tracy-based bakery is going all in on the holiday by baking up an array of delectable, themed goodies, including heartshaped macarons, sugar cookies, and mini

Visit The Lounge

A NEW WINE BAR BRINGS EVEN MORE WINE TO LODI

Lodi has a new wine business—well, kind of. Lodi Crush has long been operating in the Central Valley’s premier wine destination, offering services to local wineries including destemming, pressing, filtration, storage, branding, and more. And now Winemaker Gerardo Espinosa and his team have found a new way to promote the wineries they work with, and the wines they help to create.

Enter The Lounge at Lodi Crush. Opened in November 2022, the laidback wine bar offers a casual lounge atmosphere to gather with friends and family as well as a full bar. The grand opening was held January 21.

The wines provided at The Lounge all have ties to Winemaker Gerardo Espinosa, whether it is bottling, crushing, blending, or managing vineyards. “Our mission is

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

to provide a platform for up to 12 different artisan wine brands from regions around California,” Gerardo says, including the labels they already work with such as Anaya Vineyards, Jenner Family Estates, Campos Family Vineyards, and Grace Vineyards. “The Lounge’s concept is a place to gather with friends and family and enjoy artisan boutique wines you can’t get at another winery,” Gerardo says.

While wines are available by the glass and the bottle, the flights are Gerardo’s personal favorite because they allow guests to sip wines from four different wineries. The cheeseboards are also worth a try, curated from items provided by local producers, a practice they deploy with their nut and olive boards, as well. “We pride ourselves on promoting local

small businesses,” he says.

While The Lounge opened in the winter months, highlighting its warm and inviting interior, warmer weather brings with it a new way to enjoy by sipping hand-selected vinos on the front patio with a view of downtown Lodi.

In February, the Lounge will also offer some exciting extras in line with the Lodi Wine and Chocolate event, with plans for dinner pairings and special happenings in addition to the release of the company’s wine club.

THE LOUNGE AT LODI CRUSH

Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.

TRACY THAI

1035 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 833-9703

Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill!

Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll (pictured)

MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO

2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, (209) 830-8288

15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, (209) 858-1818

Hailed as one of the most authentic powerhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Komachi offers a diverse array of exquisite dishes, ranging from the freshest sashimi to mouth-watering sushi rolls. “Come as a customer, leave as our family.” Hours: MonThur 11AM to 9PM, Fri - Sat 11AM to 9:30PM, Sun closed

KOMACHI SUSHI

307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, (209) 334-3131 SushiKomachi.com

Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.

MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE

296 Lincoln Center Stockton, (209) 474-7700 MidgleysPublicHouse.com

TAKE A WALK ON THE SWEET SIDE

STOCKTON HAS ITS OWN SWEETS TRAIL

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Visit Stockton launched a smattering of experience-driven trails throughout the city to bolster local business and create gameplay related to exploring Stockton. Joining food-centric trails such as the Stockton Taco Trail and San Joaquin County Farm Guide as well as the Stockton Art Trail and Brick City Bucket List, comes the newest mobile application, this time focused completely on satisfying your sweet tooth. The system works much the same as the others, using your phone to check-in to participating businesses— there are

12 in all on the Sweet Trail—and earning points to exchange for merch. Every check-in is worth 100 points, redeemable for stickers, mugs, or even a t-shirt, and points are valid until October 23.

So, what should you eat along the way? While there are a dozen eateries to choose from, we have some suggestions for making the most of your sweet escape. For starters, if you haven’t tried a cronut yet, DF Donuts & Coffee has you covered with a mascarponefilled option on their saccharine menu. For Mexicaninspired creations, visit La Victoria Delicatessen, a panederia best known for its conchas, cuernitos, churros, and empanadas. The bright pink exterior is hard to miss! If you’re on the hunt for Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Sunset Sweets has you covered, along with many other cool treats.

Some businesses are even offering an extra incentive for those embarking on the Sweet Trail. All qualifying purchases at Tender Donut come with one free donut or a free dozen donut holes. The classic confections here pair well with your morning cup of joe; we recommend a Vietnamese-style iced coffee. But they aren’t the only one doubling down on the promotion. At Dream Ice Cream Parlor, there is a buy two, get one free promotion on the shop’s ice cream scoops and dream buns; at House of Ice Cream, the purchase of one layered ice cream sundae comes with a second one without charge; and Magda’s Cakes will dole out one free cookie with purchase.

Join in on the fun by tagging @visitstockton and using #StocktonSweetTrail on your posts.

WHO’S PARTICIPATING?

Ayy Scream

Bigworm's Bakery and Deli

DF Donuts & Coffee

Dream Ice Cream Parlor

El Frutal

Paleteria Neveria

Fizz Bakery

House of Ice Cream

House of Shaw Cafe & Bakery

La Victoria Delicatessen

Magda's Cakes

Sunset Sweets

Tender Donut

IN

Bounty of Broccoli

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

If there is a vegetable that is as American as apple pie, it has to be broccoli. Available year round, simple to cook, and adored by both children and adults, broccoli is a shining star in California’s agricultural landscape. But repeat after me. We do NOT have to endure the mushy, boiled versions we grew up with. Over the past decade, roasting vegetables, and especially broccoli, has become the favored way to enjoy this hearty staple. It brings out a nutty, umami flavor of the crispy vegetable that is sure to please any crowd. Of course, we can steam, sauté, and even air fry the cruciferous, cancer-fighting broccoli, too.

Low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber, the benefits of consuming broccoli are bountiful. And let’s talk about the multitude of crucial nutrients in broccoli that keep the doctor away. Did you know a half cup of broccoli contains up to 70 percent of your daily dose of vitamin C? Talk about a powerhouse veggie! It also contains healthy amounts of vitamin K1, folate, potassium, and iron. If that doesn’t make you put down this magazine and head to your local grocer, nothing will.

FARFALLE WITH BROCCOLINI, RED PEPPER, & PARMESAN

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

4 oz. parmesan cheese

4 tbsp. olive oil, plus 3 tbsp. for pasta

½ c. chicken broth

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 bunches broccolini

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

Farfalle pasta

DIRECTIONS

In large sauté pan, add 4 tablespoons olive oil and trimmed broccolini over medium-high heat. Sauté for 4 minutes, until florets begin to crisp. Add chicken broth and garlic and sauté for 4 additional minutes. Add red pepper flakes and set aside. Meanwhile, fill a medium stock pan with water and salt. Add farfalle to boiling water and cook for 9 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Drain pasta and add back to pan. Add three additional tablespoons of olive oil to coat. Add broccolini and freshly shaved parmesan. Enjoy!

ROASTED BROCCOLI WITH TAHINI

INGREDIENTS

2 heads broccoli

4 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 tbsp. tahini

¼ c. feta cheese

1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place foil on baking sheet and spray with olive oil. Cut broccoli florets into small pieces and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for ten minutes or until edges are crispy. Remove from oven and drizzle with tahini, lemon juice, and crumbled feta.

MODERN CRUDITÉ PLATTER

INGREDIENTS

1 head broccoli

1 cucumber, sliced

½ c. mini carrots

1 c. Labneh

¼ c. mayonnaise

Juice of ½ a lemon

3 tbsp. tahini

½ tsp. cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. Calabrian chili paste

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a medium-sized bowl, combine labneh, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, garlic, Calabrian chili paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for one hour. Meanwhile, prepare fresh vegetables by trimming stalks of broccoli, slicing cucumber, and washing carrots. Layer crudites on a large platter and place labneh dip in the middle. Sprinkle with fresh herbs of your liking and serve.

DRINK THE RAINBOW

TASTE THROUGH TEQUILA FLIGHTS AT EL PACZIFICO

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

If you’ve ever wanted to taste your way through a rainbow of flavorful margaritas, El Pazcifico Mexican Grill and Cantina has just what you need. They Mexican eatery is offering colorful, fresh, margarita flights featuring six—yes six—flavors for your drinking pleasure. Served on the rocks, and for a mere $35, guests can savor the ever-changing options every time they dine in. On our visit, El Pazcifico tantalized our tequila-loving tastebuds with a collection highlighting fruity flavors like mango, strawberry, blackberry, prickly pear, guava, and pomegranate. We love this concept for so many reasons, but mostly because it allows us to experiment with a multitude of freshly muddled margaritas every time we dine in.