300 + REASONS TO BRAG
THANK YOU FOR MAKING US YOUR PREFERRED CHOICE IN WATER FILTRATION
since 1899.
Thank you for voting us Best Hospital.
Your recognition of our people and our work means so much to us.
Since 1899, St. Joseph’s has been dedicated to caring for all who enter our doors. Our very foundation was built on the principles of humankindness and responding to the needs of the community. And today, that hasn’t changed. We believe humankindness means not only providing our patients with exceptional clinical care, but also treating each person as a unique individual with dignity and respect. Thank you for your support and for trusting us to care for you and your loved ones for generations.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton.
CONTINUUM OF CARE SERVICES
The Continuum of Care Services is a team of RN Case Managers, Clinical Social Workers, Discharge Planners, and the Transition of Care Team. We are dedicated to serving our patients with coordinating community-based services and post discharge needs to provide quality care and a smooth transition from discharge to home.
SpaklingSUMMER SMILE!
Illa Cox is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, BRN – certified aesthetics, instructor, and has been a certified injector for eight years. She graduated with honors from Sacramento State University, where she obtained her nursing degree and then completed a family nurse practitioner program at Sonoma State University. Following that, Illa earned her doctorate of nursing practice from Touro University in Nevada. With more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, she has worked in emergency departments all over California.
As the owner of Cox Medical Aesthetics, Illa works to help patients achieve the look they desire. And with more than a decade of experience in the industry, she offers wonderful customer service from the moment you enter the clinic to when you leave. All of this ensures that your skin needs are met and you walk out of the clinic feeling radiant.
At Cox Medical Aesthetics, Illa believes in ongoing education and staying up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. She is dedicated to providing clients with customized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and desires. At Cox Medical, safety and comfort are prioritized at every stage of the treatment process and clients are well-informed and comfortable with their procedures. The ultimate goal is to exceed client expectations and establish long-lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and exceptional service.
Services:
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
VITAMIN INFUSION
(GLUTATHIONE, VITAMIN C, B, NAD, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, NIACINAMIDE, RIBOFLAVIN, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE & VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS)
HYDRAFACIAL
IPL (INTENSE PULSE LASER)
IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE AND COLOR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
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.
Clean air for our community. OUR COMMITMENT
At the Port of Stockton, our first priority is protecting the wellness of the surrounding communities through initiatives that help ensure the air is cleaner for all. From advanced emission control technologies to using zero-emissions equipment, we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of our environment and the air we breathe.
Chair William R. Trezza, Vice-Chair Stephen Griffen
Commissioners David B. Atwater, Anthony Barkett, Michael Patrick Duffy, Allen Sawyer, Margaret Shea Stephens
Port Director Kirk DeJesus
When you’re ready for a business loan, let’s talk shop. Dedicated to you, not just your account. Since 1867.
We’ve built trust and loyalty with generations of businesses because we actually listen. At Bank of Stockton, you work directly with the decision-makers whatever your unique business needs are, our custom-tailored solutions can help solve any problem with speed and flexibility.
UNDER HER SPELL
Black Candle Women tells the story of four generations of females who are forced to grapple with a curse. “As the story unfolds, we go back in time to 1950s New Orleans where we learn about the curse’s origin through the prospective of the family matriarch,” explains Diane Marie Brown, the book’s author. BY
NORA HESTON TARTE
THE USA OF SJC
Take a culinary road trip across the country without ever leaving San Joaquin County. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
BEST OF 2024
Every year we celebrate the best of the best in San Joaquin County, as voted by you—our readers! Learn everything from who to call in a dental emergency to where to pick up a wedding dress. BY THE SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE TEAM
BEER & BASEBALL IN BOSTON
What do you do with a summer vacation in Boston? If you ask us, it’s as simple as this: beer, baseball, repeat. The history alone is reason to indulge in an evening (or two) at Fenway Park. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
A STAR STRATEGY
The Ehlers Family understands the intricacies of making wine and keeps its finger on the pulse of changes in the industry, always delivering what clients want. BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON 54 92 97
WE
YOUR COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
In the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s 2024 Annual Report, we highlight some of our departments and programs, new initiatives, continued progress, and significant milestones. Please read the report to learn more about the programs and services offered by your county office of education, and the work we do to educate, innovate, inspire, and serve students, families, and our community.
journey.
Aesthetic Lab, the award-winning medical spa with two locations in Modesto and Turlock, California, led by Dr. Nandeesh Veerappa and Gifty Aidoo FNP-C. A team of highly trained professionals, dedicated to providing exceptional and personalized aesthetic services to help you look and feel your best. Voted Modesto Best MedSpa 2022, we take pride in our commitment to safety, the latest scientific evidence, and quality products to achieve outstanding results. Join us at Aesthetic Lab and experience personalized care and outstanding results in a warm and welcoming environment.
A CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT
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, Rebekah Moan, Angela Rudolph, Sarah Steffens
CREATIVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
MIguel Barajas, Dan Hood, Suzanne Ledbetter, Sarah Steffens
MARKETING
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Michelle Cox
CIRCULATION
DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim
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M. Knapp
Over 60 years of Vision Care
STOCKTON LODI MANTECA TRACY SONORA JACKSON
Mohammad Pathan M.D. Joseph Zeiter Jr. M.D. John Canzano M.D. Richard Wong M.D.
John Zeiter M.D.
John Zeiter Jr. M.D.
Erin Doxtader O.D. Katelyn Balancio O.D. Ralph Miranda O.D.
Jennifer Pham O.D.
Joseph Zeiter M.D.
TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE
PEOPLE TO KNOW
UNDER Her SPELL
STOCKTON-BORN
AUTHOR IS BEHIND BLACK CANDLE WOMEN
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Black Candle Women tells the story of four generations of females who are forced to grapple with a curse placed on their family by a Voodoo sorceress. The curse promises to kill anyone who may fall in love with one of the women, which leads them to live a mostly secluded existence. When the youngest member of the family brings home a boy, we
begin to learn the ins and outs of the curse. “As the story unfolds, we go back in time to 1950s New Orleans where we learn about the curse’s origin through the prospective of the family matriarch,” explains Diane Marie Brown, the book’s author.
The child of educators, it’s no surprise Diane grew up reading. “I had great memories in bookstores in Stockton,” Diane says, mentioning Barnes & Noble at its original location as well as B. Dalton Books. “[The malls] had small bookstores and I would spend what felt like hours there… just hanging out and reading.”
Published in February of 2023, Black Candle Women has already been optioned for a television miniseries by Jenna Bush Hager’s production company, Thousand Voices (which is associated with NBC Universal), after becoming a pick on her Today Show book club list, Read with Jenna. According to Diane, her production company has tied the project to Carla Banks-Waddles, one of the showrunners for Bel-Air, and is currently pitching it to streaming networks.
Diane would stay on the show as an assistant producer and move up to a full-time producer if renewed for a second season.
Diane said the offer came early—before the book was even published. Explaining the process, Diane says her publisher was sending out copies to various book clubs, journalists and influencers nearly a year before it was due out. This is common practice for new releases.
“I really liked what Jenna and her company… said about their production company, their ideas, and so I said yes to the option,” Diane explains. While she could have waited to see what other interest came after publication, she decided she didn’t need to. So, for eight months before her debut novel even released, Diane was keeping this huge secret about the television series.
“The ceremony itself was wonderful… It was just an amazing experience to go back and be a part of that,”
Marie Brown on the LHS HOF ceremony
The story was partially influenced by Diane’s childhood, much of which was spent visiting family in Louisiana. She remembers fondly traveling by train from the Amtrak station in Stockton through Los Angeles and into New Orleans each summer as a child because her mother refused to fly. Today, she lives in Southern California but she still considers Stockton a second home, one she visited frequently before losing her father last August (her mother passed eight years ago). “With the exception of Covid, I was visiting my dad... about once a month.”
She most recently returned earlier this year to attend a ceremony celebrating her induction into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame, a campus she hadn’t stepped foot on since graduation. “It was such an amazing ceremony,” she recalls. “It was just done with a lot of care and a lot of love.”
The book itself has received a lot of praise.
Other notable authors have called it “propulsive and poignant,” as well as “a spellbinding romp.” It is available both online through Amazon and at bookstores including Barnes & Noble. The paperback version is due out July 9.
LEARN MORE: DianeMarieBrown.com
Diane
JULY 4
4th Of July celebration
Join us for a festive 4th of July celebration with our annual parade. Enjoy a day packed with free and enjoyable activities for the whole family from morning ‘til night!
August 17
Downtown Tracy Wine Stroll
November 23
Ornament Stroll
VOTED ONE OF TRACY’S BEST EVENTS!
Explore Downtown Tracy as you taste a variety of wines, local bites, and groove to great tunes. Wine down with friends for an
Discover the magic of the holidays in Downtown Tracy! Explore festive décor, enjoy a carriage ride, support our local businesses, and register for a free,
September 28
Street Dreams Car Show
October 19
Candy Crawl
Get revved up for some free family fun and check out the coolest cars in our community. You won’t want to miss these classic rides!
Are you ready for a spooktacular time? Bring your ghouls and goblins for a free trick-or-treating event in Downtown Tracy. Groove to eerie tunes, show off your costumes, and enjoy family-friendly fun!
December 7
Holiday Light Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Embrace the joy of the season during our annual tree-lighting ceremony and parade! Make sure to grab your photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Join us for a festive evening in Downtown Tracy!
LOCALS TO KNOW
In the MOVIES
JIM ANDERSON TRANSITIONS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BIG SCREEN ACTION
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
It’s been a fun series of events that has given Manteca resident, Jim Anderson an unexpected career post-retirement. After serving as a Navy corpsman in San Diego, he was a deputy sheriff and detective, then retired. His next career move was pure Hollywood.
A technical advisor was needed for the TV series “I Faked My Own Death,” and Jim obliged, reporting to set to advise on the intricacies of a police segment. When the director finished the scene, he asked the advisor what he thought. Jim explains, “I said, ‘That didn’t look real at all!’” The director asked Jim to show him what he would do.
Jim explains, “I kind of did my thing and said, ‘Let me see your hands! Get on the ground, now!’ And then I did the cuffs... and then I heard, ‘Cut!’ and ‘We’re going to use it.’” That was the take that made the show. He embraced the excitement of being on set and using his technical expertise and know-how.
Jim subsequently worked to secure other jobs in TV and film that would eventually earn him a Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) Card, which made him eligible for the union and additional jobs. Jim has since acted in TV shows Alcatraz, I (Almost) Got Away with It, and 13 Reasons Why, along with movies Contagion, Deadwood: The Movie, and the upcoming film Dreams with Jessica Chastain. Jim singled out Deadwood: The Movie as his favorite filming experience to date, noting he clicked with actor Gerald McRaney, who is a
reserve deputy sheriff in New Orleans.
In other big news, Jim was cast in an untitled Paul Thomas Anderson movie that is currently in production and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn. The title of the film and its plot are under lock and key, so Jim is unable to say anything about it now.
Multi-talented, Jim is also the front man for an Elvis Presley tribute band, Jim Anderson & the Rebels. He also occasionally works on criminal investigations when he is not on set. “SAG is a great union, and they pay well, but if I’m not working (on movies), I have to be working,” he finishes.
SPOTLIGHT
Fig & Fern
A HOME DÉCOR STORE LANDS IN WOODBRIDGE
BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D BY CARISSA DUGONI
Kelly Osborn opened Fig and Fern Home to be her happy place. “Woodbridge is up and coming with new restaurants and I felt this was the perfect spot to open,” says the Lodi realtor and interior design fanatic. The store officially opened for business on April 4. An avid entertainer and perpetual host herself,
Kelly gravitates toward items she’d use and carries some personal favorites in store. “We have a large selection of cocktail glasses, decanters, cocktail napkins, trays, charcuterie supplies, boards, mini bowls, jams, sparkle honey, and mustards.” Her other favorites are the aromatic products, including candles and room diffusers of varying scents.
In addition to these pieces, the inventory encompasses a variety of home decor, accessories, garden items, and gifts, offering a well-rounded selection for everyone in Lodi—and beyond. Plus, an ever-changing stock keeps it fresh. “I love meeting everyone who comes into the shop and we already have regulars who stop by weekly to see what is new.”
No stranger to retail, Kelly was the original owner of Willow Tree Children's Boutique in Lodi that opened in 2003 (although she later sold it). It’s clear to say she’s happy
to be back in business with a new store and concept. “One of my favorite things about the store is being able to help customers pick out pieces for their homes or style an area for them,” Kelly shares. Fig and Fern is truly a culmination of many of her passions and pursuits.
Stop in to start a bridal registry or take advantage of the store’s monthly classes including a craft cocktail class set for July. There’s also seasonal grab bags that offer discounts on quarterly items.
The shop is open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for now, and holiday hours take effect after Thanksgiving.
calendar
NORA HESTON TARTE
JULY 4
Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Stockton
Head to downtown for a colorful and patriotic parade through the streets. The United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County is behind the event—a great way to kick-off Fourth of July celebrations. Downtown Stockton
MULTIPLE DATES
Passport to Adventure
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is opening its doors on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July with special activities for families. All of the activities— including crafts, entertainment, stories, and poetry—will have a cultural focus. One parent admission is free with each paid child. 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi
13-14
Stockton-Con Summer
Stockton-Con is expanding, offering seasonal Comic-Con-style events to celebrate pop culture, comic books, card and video games, anime, manga, science fiction, and the movies, toys, and television that spawn from them. Don’t miss the summer spectacle at Adventist Health Arena from 11 AM-5 PM each day. Money raised supports local charities and organizations. 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton
SAN JOAQUIN PRIDE CENTER
ARTIST
SPOTLIGHT
JULY 2, 30, 6-8 PM
The Pride Center welcomes Queer/Trans/ BIPOC artists with Jo Marie and Deborah Staehle visiting July 2 and Oliver Opus and Ruschawn coming in on July 30. 937 N. Yosemite St., Stockton
STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY
JULY 3, 13, 20
Stockton 99 Speedway is hosting three races this month. There will even be a fireworks show at the July 3 event. 4105 N. Wilson Way, Stockton
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
JULY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
A new band serenades the crowd every Wednesday at Victory Park as part of a summerlong free concert series. 1001 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton
LINCOLN CENTER
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
JULY 5, 12, 19, 26, 6-9 PM
The Brickwalk will come alive with music every Friday throughout the month. 374 Lincoln Ctr., Stockton
THE EVERYTHING BAGEL NATURE WALK
JULY 7, 10-11:30 AM
Former National Park Service ranger-turned-docent Margaret Pearson Pinkham takes hikers on a 1/2-mile trek along the Yokuts Trail at Oak Grove Regional Park. 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Lodi
MAIN STREET MARKET IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON
JULY 9, 4:30-7:30 PM
Once a month from April to July, this fun, food-centric festival takes over Courthouse Plaza. Grab grub from the market and enjoy craft vendors, live music, and more. 306 E. Main St., Stockton
THE CONCERT: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
JULY 14
The excitement of ABBA hits the stage at Bob Hope Theatre for one night only. Come and enjoy the catchy tunes and glittering costumes of this iconic band. 242 E. Main St., Stockton
STOCKTON TEQUILA FEST 2024
JULY 27
SMA Entertainment is behind this musical event featuring El Chicano, Dezzy Hollow, The Delfonics Experience featuring Norman Carter, Rappin’4Tay, and Latin Magic Band at Weber Point Events Center. 221 N. Center St., Stockton
LEYENDECKER PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
JULY 20
Artist Kris Finch will lead a live painting demonstration at the Haggin Museum for fans of J.C. Leyendecker. 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton
JEFF DUNHAM: STILL NOT CANCELED
JULY 24-25, 7-10 PM
Perhaps the world’s most popular puppeteer, Jeff Dunham is returning to Bob Hope Theatre for a two-night performance of his newest show. 242 E. Main St., Stockton
STOCKTON PORTS HITTING CLINIC WITH CECIL FIELDER
JULY 27-28, 9 AM-NOON
Sign up before it sells out! Kids ages 8-15 can attend a two-day hitting clinic with former Major League All-Star and World Series Champion Cecil Fielder at Banner Island Ballpark. 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton
TRACE ADKINS: SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA TOUR
JULY 26, 7:30 PM
The Grand Ole Opry singer with more than 11 million albums sold will grace the stage at Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts. 1000 I St., Modesto
CHRISTMAS Christmas in July at Pixie Woods
JULY 20
Get a dose of holiday festivities early. Santa Claus visits Pixie Woods, offering photo ops for kids. Plus, there are themed arts and crafts. Rides and attractions are also open. 3121 Monte Diablo St., Stockton
GLAMPING SUMMER CAMP-IN AT GREAT WOLF LODGE
THROUGH AUGUST 25
Manteca’s Great Wolf Lodge will participate in the brand’s annual camp-in, adding experiences to the indoor waterpark that play on a traditional camping experience. Stay the night, earn badges for taking part in fun events, and participate in campfire singalongs in the lobby each evening. 2500 Daniels St., Manteca
TRAVEL THE COUNTRY, WITHOUT LEAVING TOWN
THE UNITED STATES OF SJC
UNITED STATES SJC
Take a culinary road trip across the country without ever leaving San Joaquin County. With a variety of restaurants from Tracy to Lodi, Manteca to Stockton, there’s plenty of authentic cuisine representing all 50 states here in SJC. We’ve rounded up twenty of our favorites so you can feel like you’re exploring the world this summer even if you never leave the state. Want to know where to indulge, or learn a thing or two, about American foods? We’ve got you covered.
TENNESSEE
LOUISIANA
TENNESSEE
In Tennessee, Nashville-style hot chicken is a regional delicacy. Nash + Tender, with locations in both Lodi and Stockton, brings those authentic Southern flavors to San Joaquin County with a menu rich in juicy chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and salty crinkle-cut fries with the option for a little heat, or a lot!
INDIANA
Did you now Indiana is perhaps the most historic location for popcorn fanatics? As the home of both Orville Redenbacher and Weaver, two of the largest popcorn companies around, there’s a long history of the snack food here. In San Joaquin County, that crown belongs to Calivirgin. The purveyor of wine and olive oil makes their popped corn stand out by dressing it in a collection of herbs and oils from the brand’s culinary line. So, while the movie theater butter flavor may be a classic, the elevated options here offer more creativity.
WASHINGTON
While apple cider roots run deep in New England, the hard apple cider sold by The Cider Brothers through Scotto’s Wine and Cider comes from fruit sourced in Walla Walla, Washington. Starting with great apples such as granny smith, golden russet, gala, and red delicious, the winerymeets-cidery turns out an interesting lineup of hard cider flavors that include hints of zinfandel and jalapeno depending on your flavor of choice!
NEW YORK
From bagels to cheesecake, there’s a lot of foods with a foothold in the Big Apple. However, it’s the pizza that has us mesmerized. At David’s Pizza in Stockton, the handcrafted pies come in a variety of flavors featuring the handtossed thin cross the region’s pizzerias are known for, and never skimping on the flavor whether you’re digging deep into a David’s Combo or keeping it simple with a Hawaiian Delight. Now the only question is, do you fold it, or not?
MISSOURI
I bet you didn’t know one of St Louis’ most iconic cuisines are fried ravioli. Toasted, or fried, ravioli is made by coating ravioli pasta in a thick breadcrumb mixture and cooking until it’s crispy. Served more often as an appetizer at pizza parlors or Italian eateries, the golden-brown squares of deliciousness are then dipped in marinara, or another sauce of your choosing. Locally you can grub on fried ravioli at David’s Pizza, Garlic Brothers, and Angelina’s Spaghetti House.
NORTH CAROLINA
Red crab originates in North Carolina (or Australia if you’re looking at the international picture). At Bud’s Seafood Grille in Stockton, red crab and Dungeness crab are mixed together to create most of their crab dishes, including a crab meat cocktail, a Louie salad, or a crab melt.
ARKANSAS
Deep in the south, they like food deep fried, and there’s no exception when it comes to Arkansas where fried pickles got their start. Legend says Bernell “Fatman” Austin popularized the dish in 1963 in Atkins, Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them in California. At Squeeze Burger and Brew, fried pickles are served in planks with a side of ranch for dipping so the crumbly, breaded outside compliments the soft and warm inside.
ALABAMA
Fried green tomatoes are another specialty from the south. Taking a healthful food from the garden and deep frying it is just what they do in the South. However, the dish didn’t become popular until the 1970s, when Jewish immigrants allegedly brought the dish to America. At Bud’s Seafood Grille, fried green tomatoes sometimes grace the menu, and if you haven’t had them before, it’s important to note the flavor is very different from red tomatoes. Green tomatoes are soft but not juicy, moist, and sour.
ALABAMA
NORTH CAROLINA
MISSOURI
WISCONSIN
DELAWARE
If the First State is known for any culinary contribution to the U.S., it’s their salt and vinegar fries, not to be confused with salt and vinegar chips. A true specialty, they aren’t easy to find, but Bird Dawgs boasts the hard-to-find favorite through its Stockton-based ghost kitchen. You can order the grub through DoorDash, including handcut French fries with a salt and vinegar seasoning. The menu also steals favorites from other states, serving its fried pickles sliced and its own version of a Nashville hot chicken sandwich.
HAWAII
What’s more Hawaiian than Hawaiian shaved ice? After all, the state pride is in the name. At Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice in Stockton, they specialize in exotic flavors such as pickled mango and lychee. This version of the island dessert is about as authentic as it comes; after all, the owners, David and Ululani Yamashiro started the venture in Maui before bringing it stateside.
MAINE
New England clam chowder is perhaps well known, but Maine clam chowder is a dish all its own. Made with a milk base and traditionally never thickened with flour, it’s an interesting juxtaposition to the perhaps better known versions that tend to be both thinner and brothier. At Midgley’s, Maine clam chowder occasionally graces the menu as a specialty and is best enjoyed in a bread bowl. It’s also an award-winner on the clam chowder circuit, where celebrity chef Michael Midgley routinely takes home top prize.
LOUISIANA
Instead of being known for a dish or two, Louisiana truly has a cuisine all its own. Specialties include chicken gizzards, catfish po boys, and red snapper. A lot of the items are pulled from the sea and served in a seafood boil style. At Ray’s Chicken and Fish Mart, diners can delve into a menu filled with Louisiana favorites. There’s even gumbo and jambalaya. And there’s a second location in Sacramento, too. You can also get your Cajun on at Blazin Cajun
MASSACHUSETTS
If you’re headed to Massachusetts, you’re likely going to stop for a lobster roll at least once. Starting with a grilled, hotdog-style bun, lobster rolls are then stuffed with buttery, soft lobster meat and served open faced like a sandwich. Depending on where you go, the lobster meat can be served chilled with chives and celery or warm and dunked in butter. You can grab the delicacy at Ray’s Chicken and Fish Mart or go the big chain route with an option from Red Lobster
OREGON
Not all blackberries are marionberries, but all marionberries are blackberries—where have we heard this before? In 1956, the USDA Agricultural Research Service started breeding blackberries to create a new kind of berry known for its sweeter and juicier taste and named for the County in which it was extensively bred and tested—Marion County, Oregon. Marionberries are routinely used in jams and desserts, and in Lodi, Lisa Hassett, owner of Frosted Flour has been known to whip up a marionberry pie upon request.
PENNSYLVANIA
It’s not the enter state that gets credit for this culinary masterpiece. Philadelphia specifically is home to the philly cheesesteak sandwich. The East Coast specialty is made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and onions served in a hoagie roll. Many places also add bell peppers, although the original philly wouldn’t include those. Looking to get your hands on one locally? Sluggers Grill & Deli in Stockton keeps the classic on the menu.
WISCONSIN
Cheese curds are also known as squeakers, getting their name from the “squeak squeak” sound they make as they caress your teeth while you chew. Wisconsin, with its reputation for all things cheese, is where these little dumplings developed, but with all of the dairies around San Joaquin County, you don’t have to go far to find cheese curds. Some restaurants sell them deep fried, but at Stuyt Family Dairy they are made fresh, and available to purchase by the bag.
MARYLAND
The north Atlantic is definitely a haven for seafood, and when you go to Maryland, crab cakes are often on the menu. The history here runs deep, noting crab cakes as early as the 19th century when indigenous people in the Chesapeake Bay region started making them. While there are a million different preparations of crab cakes now, in Maryland, true crab cakes contain two ingredients: blue crab meat and Old Bay seasoning. The Oxford Kitchen serves theirs with a small side salad and a creamy dipping sauce. Popo’s on 6th serves a crab cake salad on their Sunday brunch menu.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Shrimp and grits first appeared in a recipe book in the 1950s as a breakfast recipe in Charleston, South Carolina. Later, the dish became so popular that the state named it the official food of South Carolina. Outside of the south, shrimp and grits isn’t as popular, and it can be harder to find on menus in the West. However, if you’re in Tracy, you’re in luck. Popo’s on 6th, keeps the southern delicacy on their Sunday brunch menu, featuring sauteed shrimp alongside Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions over cheesy grits. It’s a far cry from the original recipe, but it’s just as delicious.
ARIZONA
While most Mexican food has origins south of the border, chimichangas are a different story. There is a battle between El Charro in Tucson and Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix with both claiming to have served the first chimichanga, but at the end of the day, the accolade goes to the state. Similar to a burrito, the deep-fried dish is filled with a combination of rice, beans, meat, and cheese. At Don Luis Mexican Restaurant, the chimichanga lunch and dinner are both completely customizable, served with Spanish rice and beans.
TEXAS
When it comes to BBQ, there’s a few regions that claim their own style, and one of the most iconic is Texas. Locally, Fat City BBQ & Brew serves up fresh cuts of meat and several sides that straddle the line between California and Texas style. The dino ribs, a type of smoked beef ribs, however, are certainly a Texas delicacy, along with hearty sides including mac and cheese and coleslaw. This specific cut of rib refers not to the back, but rather the short plate located below the rib primal of a cow.
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
We salute the winners and runner-up of our annual readers poll — businesses that have earned the respect and support of their customers.
2024
Best of the BEST
We’re celebrating the businesses driving our county forward, with recommendations and accolades doled out by our readers. Whether you’re looking for the best place to grab a cold brew or the best place to enroll your child in a karate class, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of SJC’s BEST businesses — decided by you!
Bud’s Seafood Grille
BEST RESTAURANTS
There’s everything from sushi to sukiyaki, ramen to don buri, and more. Whether they are setting rolls on fire or serving up sizzling plates, everything that comes out of the eclectic Japanese kitchen is delicious. Stop in for lunch or dinner and fill up on a wide variety of yummy foods, and don’t forget to wave to the owners, who are likely hard at work serving customers while you dine.
Papa Urb’s Grill
Mikasa Sushi
Best FINE DINING
The Kitchen @ StoneBrier
BEST Mexican Restaurant
1 Don Luis Mexican Restaurant has long been a favorite for Mexican fare in Stockton. The colorful restaurant has an extensive menu of classic and modern dishes, plus drinks that are worthy of your Instagram grid. Whether you’re celebrating with family, trying to impress on a first date, or have a lunchtime hankering for a burrito, Don Luis is there to quelch all of your cravings.
2 Habanero Hots
3 Miguel’s Mexican Dining
BEST PIZZA
1 David’s Pizza is a staple on our Best Of list, constantly earning honors for its lineup of delicious pies. The handcrafted, New York style pizza has been around since 1993 and a commitment to quality, local ingredients, and a family friendly dining room are at the forefront of the award-winning business model. Stop by either location—there are restaurants on both Hammer and March lanes—to indulge in a slice.
2 Michael’s Pizza
3 Dante’s Pizza & Café
BEST
SANDWICHES
1. Genova Bakery is famous for its breads, found in restaurants and markets throughout San Joaquin County, and it’s those same, homemade breads that steal the show at the old-world Italian deli in Stockton. Stop in for made-toorder sandwiches, including a list of specialties, or buy your bread for the week. Plus, you can shop other Italian goods in the market. Its current owner, Tim Canevari, took over in 2004 after falling in love with the spot as an employee during his high school years.
2. Podesto’s
3 Gian’s Delicatessen
BEST Seafood
1 Bud’s Seafood Grille
2. El Rancho Inn – Steak & Lobster
3 Mezzo
David’s Pizza
Don Luis Podesto’s
Best STEAK/ PRIME RIB
1. American Waffle Diner has a long history in Stockton, and while it turns out a full breakfast and lunch menu daily, its namesake waffles are clearly amongst diner favorites. Stop into the establishment and order up a fresh stack of fluffy waffles topped with cotton candy or drizzled with fresh maple syrup. From fresh berries to whipped cream, there’s plenty of variations and toppings to choose from. Our personal favorite? Our namesake, the San Joaquin Magazine waffle. 2
American Waffle Diner
Komachi Sushi
Mezzo
BEST Wine & Drinks
BEST Winery
1 Macchia knows how to pour wine for any occasion, or mood. Every bottle has a fun moniker like ambitious or mischievous, making wine purchases even more fun than they already are. And while the wines are delicious, the winery itself doesn’t pale in comparison, offering a large lawn, live music, and plenty of affordable vinos made from grapes discovered in California’s best AVAs. Macchia literally translates to “the spot,” and it is clearly “the spot” to be.
2. Mettler Family Vineyards
3 Intercoastal Wine Company
BEST COFFEE SPOT
(LOCAL)
1 Terra Coffee serves coffee with a smile. The Yosemite Street business is always bustling with happy customers stopping in for their morning
roast or even a light breakfast or lunch. The friendly atmosphere is perfect for a grab-and-go experience to start your morning or to hang around for a bit. We recommend taking advantage of the on tap cold brew or diving into a delectable pastry. Don’t forget to ask about their vegan options.
2. Trail Coffee Roasters – Lodi
3. Empresso Coffee
Downtown Stockton
BEST Wine & Drinks
1 Oak Farm Vineyards promises more than one way to taste vinos at their expansive Devries Road property. The picturesque winery, situated in the heart of Lodi wine country, is nothing short of spectacular. And while you’ll come for the wines, you’ll stay for the live music, lawn picnics, and delicious food menu recently added. The experiences are endless, especially for wine club members.
2.Michael David Winery 3 Macchia
BEST Shopping
BEST AUTO DEALERSHIP
Consignment Shop
1 The Cove in Stockton is a consignment store that invites many local businesses to participate. In fact, 40 local, small businesses sell their goods at the single location. The store was started in order to give vendors a daily space to sell instead of relying on pop-ups and street fairs. There’s everything from stickers to customized cups to clothing and more. And while most consignment shops refer to used goods, this one sells new items.
2. New & Again Consignment
3 Hidden Gem
BEST Gift Shop
Best Wishes carries everything you need to be remembered as a quality gift giver. From adorable housewares to baby clothes and toys, there’s a little something for every occasion at the Lincoln Center shop. And to make it even easier, Best Wishes also sells a variety of cards and gift wrap so you can get it all done in one place, seven days a week.
Best Pet Supplies
1 Carter’s Pet Mart has been serving the Stockton community—and beyond—for more than 25 years, so it’s no surprise it has become a go-to for pet owners throughout the region. The pet supply store carries everything you need to care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and other small mammals. Plus, you can even get your dogs groomed here! Buy food, ask the experts about training aids and, stock up on cool clothes and toys for your favorite four-legged family members.
BESTHealth
BEST ALLERGIST
Allergy Immunology & Asthma Medical Group is there for you whether you’re suffering from a seasonal ailment or a year-long problem. Instead of simply treating symptoms, the talented team at Allergy Immunology gets to the root of the problem to lessen or eliminate allergies completely. They also treat asthma and other health concerns at their medical clinics, including in Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, Elk Grove, and more.
BEST Day Spa
1 Wine & Roses Hotel, Spa & Restaurant
2. Perfect Balance Day Spa
3 Serenity Medi-Spa
Best Dentist
1 Todd A. Franklin, DDS
2 Martin Dentistry
3 Lester Low DDS
Best Cosmetic Surgery
NURSING HOME
1. O’Connor Woods
/Meadow Wood
2 Golden Haven
3. Rio Las Palmas
1. Dr. Hugh Vu is a boardcertified plastic surgeon practicing out of Stockton. Whether you’re interested in a face lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or something else entirely, Dr. Vu specializes in procedures designed to help patients look and feel their best. Over the years, Dr. Vu continues to hone his skills in order to offer the most advanced surgical and cosmetic procedures to the Stockton community, and beyond.
2. Plastic Surgery Center of Stockton
Best DENTIST (PEDIATRIC)
1 Martin Dentistry isn’t only a pediatric dentist office. The family-friendly practice treats those of all ages, making it a one-stop shop for your family’s dental needs, including, of course, the smallest patients, too. Based in Stockton, Dr. Doug and Dr. Dax are committed to providing optimal care and low costs to patients while focusing on both routine cleanings and more intensive procedures such as crowns and bridges.
2 Lester Low DDS,
3 Kids Care Dental
Best Dermatologist /Skin Doctor
. In Shape
BEST Eye Care/ Optometrist
1. Zeiter Eye Medical Group will have you looking snazzy in the latest eye trends. Focused on complete eye health, the talented team sees patients across several offices in the Central Valley and beyond, treating everything from glaucoma to cataracts. So, whether you need surgical intervention, medical management, or a simple prescription, all of your needs can be handled in one place.
2. Brookside Optometric Group
3. Midtown Optometry
1. Hospice of San Joaquin is there for patients and their families when end of life care becomes necessary. Not only does the organization care for those through their medical issues, optimizing comfort, they also work with families during their grieving process every step of the way. From choosing where your loved ones will live out the end of their days to paying tribute to their lives after death, Hospice of San Joaquin is constantly championed for both their personal touch and quality medical care.
2
Summer Vibes
Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi
Allergy, Immunology & Asthma
Medical Group welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi to their practice.
Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in Charlottesville, VA. He then went on to complete residency training in Internal Medicine at NYU-Winthrop Hospital in Long Island, NY and subsequently Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
and Immunologic Disorders. He is an active member of the AAAAI, ACAAI and WAO.
Dr. Balduzzi is an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, and follows both professional and collegiate sports actively. A former Lacrosse goalie for the University of Buffalo, Jeffrey continues to enjoy a variety of recreational activities including, but not limited to; golfing, fishing and alpine
Dr. Balduzzi is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, as well as a BC/BE trained specialist in Adult and Pediatric Allergy, Asthma
Practicing with Dr.’s George Bensch, Gregory Bensch and Michael Balduzzi our providers continue the utmost care for your allergy, immunology & respiratory needs.
BEST Health
BEST URGENT CARE
1. California Urgent Care has locations in Manteca, Stockton, and Lodi, allowing the facilities to treat patients throughout San Joaquin County with ease. Walk-in visits are available outside of medical
emergencies to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. The four locations provide everything from COVID-19 testing and physical exams to diagnostic services, x-rays, occupational health, and pediatric services. Medical appointments are also available same day or
through telehealth online. Serving the community since 2011, the comprehensive urgent care centers are a favorite amongst community members.
2. Stockton Urgent Care
3. Sutter Gould Urgent Care
BEST Services
BEST Caterer
BEST ACCOUNTANT /CPA FIRM
1. Iacopi Lenz & Co is dedicated to getting clients the biggest returns possible, all while taking the stress out of tax season. The dedicated team of professionals offers personal service for both businesses and individuals to make filing and paying taxes easier. Work with the accounting firm early to ensure you’re maximizing your potential refund and taking advantage of services yearround. In the end, you’ll be able to leave the hard work to the professionals while you reap the benefits of their expertise.
2. Tholborn & Ostrowski
3. Bowman & Company
Best DryCleaner
1. Parkwoods Cleaners is a clear winner when it comes to dry cleaners in the area, earning the top spot from our readers for their professional demeanor, friendly staff, and impeccable service. Parkwoods cleans everything from precious garments and fabrics to heavier items such as bedding, drapes, and other fine textiles. Stop by one of their Stockton locations to see the magic for yourself and ensure your most prized possessions get cleaned.
1. Bank of Stockton has been a pillar in our community for decades, serving generations of families throughout San Joaquin County, and even beyond. With a team of knowledgeable professionals available to assist every step of the way, Bank of Stockton can help anyone manage their wealth, complete day-to-day banking tasks, and even keep their money safe while avoiding targeted money scams. Available online, in person, and by phone, its easy to conduct your banking business around the clock, and without losing that personal touch.
BEST Pet Spa/ Groomer
Best Law Firm
PET BOARDING
George Azevedo Jr. from State Farm goes above and beyond when it comes to his clients. Offering a variety of insurance services to clients out of his Lincoln Village office, making sure people are protected is his number one priority—and he does it all with a smile on his face. As a State Farm agent, George also has the backing of one of the biggest insurance businesses on his side. George specializes in both auto and
insurance and has been a Chartered Life Underwriter with the National Association since 1983.
BEST Parenting
BEST Home
Best Custom Blinds
Best Floor Covering Store
1. Classic Design Interiors carries every type of flooring you could imagine, from plush, stain-resistant carpet to classic, quality hardwood and everything in between. At Classic Design, you’re getting more than a contractor; the talented design team is there to help you bring your dream home to life, starting from the floor up. A large collection of stone, tile, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and carpet ensures you’ll find everything you need in one spot without having to compromise your final vision.
2. GHP Flooring
Best Furniture Store (modern)
BEST Home Water Filtration
AquaKleen provides clean, purified drinking water to individual homes and businesses throughout San Joaquin County—and beyond. The water treatment system uses a variety of applications to refine, soften, neutralize, clarify, and filter every drop of water in your home so you know your family is consuming the highest quality water possible. Choose between multi-stage refiners and drinking water solutions like the reverse osmosis process to enjoy an abundant supply of clean, clear, and great tasting water every time you hit the tap.
Contractors Lic #886537
Voted 1st for Kitchen & Bath Remodeling & Floor Covering Store
Voted 2nd for Interior Designer & Custom Blinds
Painter
Best Real Estate Agent
1. Lance McHan has been serving the community as a real estate agent, buying and selling homes, for more than six years. He set out in the business to redefine what it meant to be an agent, breaking down some of the less admirable stereotypes. And now Lance has brought his son into the family business, buying and selling homes alongside each other and championing the communities they call home.
2. Patrick McGuire, 3. Charles Lewis
Beer & Baseball in Boston
AN IMMERSIVE FORAY INTO NEW ENGLAND CULTURE
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
ESCAPE
CITYPASS
When you’re looking to explore the bigger tourist attractions in a city, you can save some serious dough with a CityPASS. When you book the CityPASS in Boston, you’ll get access to the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Boston Harbor City Cruise, Franklin Park Zoo, Harvard Museum of Natural History and the View Boston Observation Deck.
What do you do with a summer vacation in Boston? If you ask us, it’s as simple as this: beer, baseball, repeat. The history alone is reason to indulge in an evening (or two) at Fenway Park. As part of the original eight charter franchises in Major League Baseball, the ninetime World Series Champions have been a team since 1901 and playing at Fenway since 1912. There’s more to do than root for the home team though; read on for some of the city’s best experiences and fully immerse yourself in the local beer and sports culture.
BATTER UP
Baseball fan or not, there’s a lot to explore when it comes to Red Sox fandom in Massachusetts. Catching a game at Fenway Park is on every MLB fanatic’s bucket list, but don’t stop there.
Come early for any game and explore Yawkey Way. The street outside of the ballpark closes to vehicle traffic (and requires a ticket for entry) three hours before each home game. During this time, you have a few options. You can peruse Red Sox merchandise at the Official Red Sox Team Store or grab beers at nearby bars. There is also food served in tented areas along Yawkey.
Cheeky Monkey is a personal favorite, serving up a variety of beers (plus other drinks from its full bar) and global-inspired cuisine. The best part is you can rent shuffleboard and pool tables by the hour in the back room, whether you’re pre-gaming or
partying late night.
Another option is to get into the stadium before the first pitch is thrown and spend some time collecting souvenirs and playing games that test your skills—like how fast you can throw a pitch yourself.
No trip to Boston is complete without a Fenway Park tour. After all, Fenway earned the title of "America's Most Beloved Ballpark” for a reason. Along the tour you’ll learn a lot about the history of the park and the team, plus likely hear a few colorful opinions about what is quite possibly the worst trade in sports history (cough cough, Babe Ruth). On the tour, you’ll get to sit atop the Green Monster, standing 37 feet 2 inches high overlooking left field, and see the famous red bleacher seat in the outfield. While sitting atop the Green Monster is one dream, eating inside of it is another. Bleacher Bar gets busy, especially before a game. That’s because the bar steps down inside of the Green Monster (accessible from outside of the ballpark) and has open windows looking out onto the field. This is a popular place to watch batting practice, especially if you can snag a table right up against the windows (don’t worry, chain link keeps you safe from taking a foul ball to the dome). Fun Fact: When you’re dining inside of Bleacher Bar, you don’t want to miss a second of the action. That’s why small windows above the urinals in the men’s restroom look out onto the field. Don’t worry, the windows start at the neck up.
WHERE WE’RE DRINKING
Before the game, we’re grabbing beers at one of these local establishments: Boston Beer Works, Cask n Flagon, or Jerry Remy’s.
WHERE WE’RE EATING
The culinary offerings in the Fenway neighborhood have evolved quite a bit. Eat at DW French, Tenderoni’s, Sweet Cheeks Q, nathálie, and Time Out Market.
WHERE WE’RE SLEEPING
If your goal is to stay near Fenway Park, book a room at The Verb Hotel. Situated in the shadow of the stadium, the music-themed hotel offers a retro vibe and recently added guest room trailers.
DRINK UP
When it’s not game day, you’ll have all day to explore the city’s best landmarks. And several of those just happen to be cold, frothy, and hoppy. In Boston, it’s customary to drink Samuel Adams, the flagship brand of the Boston Beer Company. Named for one of our Founding Fathers, there is even a place where you can drink a cold Sam Adams while staring at a cold Sam Adams (a bar located just across the street from his grave)
Other beer bucket list items include sipping a brewski inside Bell in Hand Tavern, Boston’s oldest continually operating bar (minus a brief hiatus during prohibition) that served its first drink in 1795. Located just around the corner, The Green Dragon Tavern also has a storied history, counting Paul Revere and John Hancock amongst its regulars after it opened in 1654. It’s said to have played an important role in the War on Independence.
For a more modern history, visit Cheers. The pub is a classic amongst tourists, featuring the iconic façade on Beacon Street. You’ll take a few steps downstairs and quickly be transported to that place where everybody knows your name. The walls are filled with knick-knacks and bits of nostalgia, plus a store inside serves branded merchandise.
You won’t be surprised to hear that Boston is home to a few Sam Adams breweries. The downtown taproom is the most convenient to visit and includes a robust menu, such as Sam Adams beers you can’t get at just any neighborhood bar. As an added bonus, there is a rooftop terrace overlooking some of the city’s most iconic buildings and its walking distance from many of the main attractions. Step in here with an appetite. There is plenty of food to eat alongside a beer flight of Sam Adams brews, including the most famous Boston Lager and seasonal sips.
Perhaps the best way to sip your way through Boston is on a tour. The city is not short on pub crawl offerings from businesses such as Boston Crawling and Bar Crawl Live. If you like your beer with a side of history—perhaps haunted history—we prefer a ghost tour meets pub crawl hybrid. Nightly Spirits, Boston Ghosts, and Ghost City Tours all operate throughout the city. Some even stop at a speakeasy along the way.
BEANTOWN PUB
Beantown
LOCAL HISTORY
Since we’re all about getting creative on how we consume our history, a Duck Tour is a preferred method of transportation while learning about the city. You’ll see—and hear—them all over town. The amphibious vehicles transform from tour buses to boats as they take tourists around the city, pointing out historic landmarks, offering suggestions on where to visit, giving a brief history of much of the city, and creating a lay of the land you can refer back to later. Guests aboard can often be heard quacking at the captain’s request.
When you’re near the water, it’s hard to pass up an opportunity to explore the local aquarium. The New England Aquarium is a must for families and other tourists. Huge penguin habitats let you get up close to the animals and observe their silly antics, but the real treat is outside, where rescued sea lions put on a show in the pool.
Another must-see is View Boston, a 360-degree observation deck that provides views of the entire city, high above the heart of Boston. The experience is tempting both during the day when clear skies help you see beyond city limits and at night offers when there is opportunity to see a different side of Boston, one that is all night skies and twinkling lights. While you’re here, dine in the sky. The Beacon, inside, boasts 33 miles of breathtaking views with seasonal beverages and bites while Stratus specializes in specialty cocktails.
to the bottle’s namesake.
Pub is the name of the corner bar situated just across the street from Sam Adam’s grave. If you grab a seat on a bench outside, it’s easy to raise a toast
Wine Dine
TA Star STRATEGY
E2 FAMILY WINES HAS A CELEBRITY TOUCH
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON / D BY CARISSA DUGONI
he Ehlers Family understands the intricacies of making wine and keeps its finger on the pulse of changes in the industry, always delivering what clients want. As a result, their business, E2 Family Winery, is an iconic Lodi staple that continues to make premium California wines at affordable prices, utilizing a creative marketing strategy.
Brett Ehlers is the vintner at the helm of E2, and he brings with him a wealth of wine history knowledge and industry experience. “I’m the fourth generation [winemaker] and my daughter is the fifth,” explains Brett. “It’s rewarding when you have
something that’s been in the family for so long and somebody before you worked as hard as they did to give you the opportunity to take it to the next level.”
He recognizes that what has been passed down from his great grandfather is now thriving and is even better than it was in previous decades. “The excitement is the opportunity to compete against prior generations and in growing something to a new level,” Brett says.
E2 produces chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, rose, sparkling wines, dry wines, sweet wines, and just about everything else. As Brett advances in his winemaking skills, he continues to explore new grape varieties and experiment with combinations. Now that he’s running the winery with his brother, Steven Ehlers, and sister, Elishia Ehlers, he likes the freedom to expand his skills.
One of those ventures includes delving into custom bottling of its wines. “Being a small winery, we tend to do things outside the norm,” Brett says. When a celebrity, brand, or
event wants a custom labeled wine, E2 is willing to pivot and has the flexibility to make smaller batches that a large winery doesn’t have. Some brands that E2 Winery has done private label bottling for include Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, a touring rock band, WWE, the NFL Hall of Fame, and Tennessee's month-long remembrance of Elvis.
Brett works with a direct-to-consumer licensed program that allows him the access to sell private-label wine in all states, even utilizing unique or rare bottles that wouldn’t normally be available for wine bottling. Most of the process of bottling these types of wines is done by hand.
Celebrity aside, anyone can visit—and purchase from—E2. The wine club allows the flexibility of choosing six or 12 bottles per quarter, available for pick up at the winery or to have shipped to a home or office. For club members in the area, VIP perks include behind-the-scenes club member only events, first access to new releases, barrel tasting, release parties, winemaker autographed bottles, wine pairing events, and more. Other exciting wine clubs that exist under the E2 Winery Wine Club umbrella include Fred Biletnikoff (former NFL wide receiver), Greg Vaughn (Sacramento native and former MLB player) and Becca Kufrin (of The Bachelorette fame).
“Ultimately, I’m creating a marketplace and wine club that all of those brands operate on, so when somebody joins that wine club, they’ll be wine club members of all of them,” says Brett. This will allow members to get shipments of any of the E2 Winery Wine Club selections, providing more access and lots of excitement.
“My proudest moment in winemaking came at one of the lowest points in my life,” says Brett. “I went to bed one night at my lowest point and at 5:30 AM the next morning, I got a text message from Robert Mondavi, Jr., and he wanted me to make a private label wine with him.” Any doubt Brett had about his winemaking abilities were forgotten, and he now can tap into the expertise of a renowned winemaker with whom he continues to collaborate and call a friend.
E2 FAMILY WINERY
9301 W. Hwy 12, Lodi (209) 443-5911
E2FamilyWinery.com
@e2familywinery
Food Forward Cocktail
CAPRESE MARTINIS ARE TRENDING
STEFFENS
Inspired by the flavors of Caprese salad, this martini has a fresh and creative culinary twist sure to please sweet, savory, and sophisticated palates alike. Elevate your next martini with this recipe sure to become one of your favorites.
Caprese Martini
Prep Time: 5 min
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
4 fresh mozzarella balls
8 oz. vodka or gin
5 oz. tomato juice
4 tbsp. balsamic glaze
8 cherry tomatoes
8 large basil leaves
4 lemon or lime wedges
4 small skewers salt & pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place salt and pepper on small plate. Rim 4 martini glasses with lemon or lime juice. Turn glasses upside down and coat with salt and pepper. Pour one tablespoon of balsamic glaze into each martini glass. Set aside. Fill a shaker halfway with ice, four basil leaves, and vodka or gin. Cover and shake. Remove lid, fill with tomato juice, cover, and shake again. Pour equal amounts into each martini glass. Then, thread four skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a basil leaf. Garnish each martini with a caprese skewer.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SARAH
ARTFUL Baking
LINDSAY ORTEZ BAKES FLAVORFUL SOURDOUGH BREADS
BY REBEKAH MOAN
Feeding people is Lindsay Ortez’s love language. “The time and effort to pour love into something that brings me joy and gives families and kiddos nourishment is a gift,” she says. “It fills me up knowing I enjoy doing something as an artist but it also gives joy and happiness to other people as well.”
Lindsay has been a photographer for more than 20 years but has always baked on the side. She started baking more seriously about 1.5 years ago to help her cope with trauma. She devoted her energy to sourdough bread because it was a scientific process that would challenge her. “I wanted to learn and absorb something new creatively,” she says.
According to Lindsay, her first few loaves were failed, flat, and horrible, but then she figured it out and had so much bread she started giving it away. After months, people asked to buy the bread, and around Halloween, she launched an online ordering system for 20 loaves, which sold out in one minute. Around Thanksgiving, she sold out of 70 loaves within five minutes of posting online that her bread was available. Her home-based business, Artisan Arts Bread, officially became too big for her home.
As luck would have it, Lodi Lounge Pop the Bubbly had unused kitchen space and proposed a collaboration with Lindsay to bake baguettes, sandwich loaves, and cookies starting in February. Lindsay also uses Pop the Bubbly as a location pickup for her sourdough loaves. Beyond plain sourdough, Lindsay’s 10 flavors include jalapeno cheese, lemon rosemary and sea salt, cinnamon raisin brown sugar, sundried tomato and cheese, roasted garlic and herbs, a four-cheese blend, and more.
Her experimentation and love of baking have already earned her acclaim. In Lodi News Sentinel’s Reader Choice Awards, she was voted the third-best bakery. “I have this new business that just blossomed and to be recognized was an honor,” she says. Lindsay also attributes her success to her genuine love for people. “I come from a goodhearted place and that kind of love and energy comes back to you,” she says.
To purchase Artisan Arts Bread, visit Pop the Bubbly, the Thursday evening Lodi Certified Farmers Market.
POTATO Alternatives
Z PHOTOS AND STORY BY SARAH STEFFENS
The potato is certainly a versatile kitchen staple, and loved for its adaptability, nutrition value, and deliciousness. Enjoyed throughout the world, the potato originated in South America, and has become a main ingredient for many cultures globally. With a mild flavor, and comforting texture, it’s easy to use in a variety of recipes from one-pot meals to soups and stews. Whether baked, or broiled, mashed, fried, or smashed, the potato makes a tasty main meal or side dish. Popularly consumed as fries, hash browns, or chips, the potato is more than a crispy snack. It can easily be used in more elegant meals, such as gratins or gnocchi, proving its sophistication extends beyond its humble roots. Despite all of this, home chefs can often feel a bit bored by the classic tuber. We’re here to suggest a variety of alternative root veggies that just might add some zest back into your kitchen. Keep reading to feel inspired by these incredible, edible roots.
YUCA:
Yuca, also known as cassava, has a mild flavor and starchy texture. Often used to make chips, fries, or a mash, it’s also used as a gluten-free baking flour. Rich in carbs, it’s a wonderful source of energy.
CARROTS:
Known for being rich in beta-carotene, carrots are available year-round and are a wonderful replacement for potatoes. Whether eaten raw with peanut butter, or roasted with smoked paprika, they are a naturally sweet root favored by planteaters. Spiral them and top with sauce or mash them into a puree.
YACON:
A versatile root veggie, yacon is naturally sweet with a crisp texture. It’s a probiotic, so it helps with gut health. It’s often used in salads, smoothies, and as a natural alternative to sugar.
JICAMA:
SUNCHOKES:
Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes have a sweet, nutty flavor, and taste great both raw and roasted, as well as added to salads, stews, and purees. Season a tray with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and thyme, and bake at 425 F for 30 minutes, or until golden.
RADISHES:
Radishes offer a refreshing peppery crunch to meals. Slice or dice them raw into salads, pickle them in a jar of salt water, or roast them in the oven for a delicious twist on a garden classic.
Jicama is crisp with a mild sweetness. It’s high in water, making it a hydrating snack post-workout or in the hot summer months. It’s delicious sliced with a squeeze of lime and Tajin seasoning.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH:
Preferred by those watching their carbs, butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A and C, and tastes amazing roasted, mashed, pureed, or steamed. Make it savory with garlic and rosemary, or enjoy it sweet with cinnamon and honey.
TURNIPS:
Rich in fiber and nutrients, turnips are wonderful steamed and mashed with all of your favorite mix-ins, such as butter, milk, garlic, and cheese. They are also delightful chopped and added to the slow-cooker with a roast.
CELERIAC:
Celeriac has a nutty celery-like flavor, and super creamy texture. It’s amazing pureed or mashed with butter, sea salt, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. It’s also great diced and added to soups and stews.
CAULIFLOWER:
Perhaps as versatile as the potato is cauliflower, which can be enjoyed in endless forms. Another lower carb option, cauliflower is amazing pureed and topped with parsley and minced scallion. It’s extra tasty roasted in the oven with olive oil, ground curry spices, and a squeeze of lemon.
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
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
Harryand 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
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
TIME TO CELEBR ATE
Every dish emulates traditions from one region of Asia or combines influences from several locales, such as Hong Kongstyle noodles, both Eastern- and Western-style Chinese, and more, including both classic dishes and more modern inspirations.
