LOVE IS IN THE AIR

from San Joaquin Magazine February 2023

DRINK THE RAINBOW

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

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