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WITHSTANDING THE TEST OF TIME ®
November 23rd & 24th from 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable day with wine tastings featuring over 20 selections , including our newly released 2023 vintages and award-winning favorites.
Enjoy live music by the Nick Elwood Band , savor delicious tacos from Arteaga’s, and explore handcrafted creations from local artisans.
Challenge friends to games of bocce ball or horseshoes, browse offerings from talented local artists, and take home a commemorative wine glass—all for just $25 per person.
Club members enjoy a special rate of $15 per person.
Dress in your favorite camping clothes to win prizes and discounts, & feel free to bring a picnic to make the day even better.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17TH | 2:30PM
IMPACTHigh
Contents
23
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Educator Phillip Hon is acutely aware that no day is guaranteed. “Because I've seen my life as limited I have a strong desire to leave a mark and impact on the world knowing how precious and finite life is,” Phillip says. He’s striving to do that with the school he founded: Unbound Stockton Community School. BY
REBEKAH
REDISCOVER THE STOCKTON MARINA
One of California’s grittiest gold rush cities has long been reinventing itself, thanks to the waterway that first brought commerce here in 1849—and the job is still underway. BY GINNY PRYOR
48 55
SAN JOSE THREE WAYS
The heart of Silicon Valley is popular with tech magnates, but it’s also a destination filled with exciting adventures, delicious food, and big city attractions. Whether you’re coming in to watch the home team play, here for a high-end meal, or brought the kids out for a weekend, San Jose is bursting with opportunities for every kind of traveler. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
GLAM FOR THE GRAM
Every weekend’s best meal is that late morning gathering where the menu is both savory and sweet and cocktails are always encouraged. On Saturdays and Sundays, The Kitchen @ Stonebrier turns out a line-up of delicious dishes primed for mid-morning grubbing. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
MOAN
Zeiter
Erin Doxtader O.D. Katelyn Balancio O.D.
Jennifer Pham O.D.
Joseph Zeiter M.D.
ENJOY YOUR FAMILY
As the crisp autumn air settles in, we can finally say goodbye to the heat and welcome the cool embrace of fall. It's that time of year again when we dust off our jackets, start planning for the upcoming holidays, and prepare for the joyful rush of family reunions and celebrations.
This season brings with it the excitement of holiday guests, the joy of catching up with loved ones, and yes, even those fun little disagreements over how to best prepare the holiday meal. It's also a time for announcements of big life moments—like who’s getting married next year or welcoming new members into the family.
As we prepare to entertain and create lasting memories, don’t forget to take advantage of the exceptional venues our area has to offer for dining and entertainment. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant, an exciting holiday event, or a show that lifts your spirits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This month is truly brimming with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences. So, raise a glass, celebrate the season, and make the most of the joyful gatherings and festivities that make this time of year so special. Here’s to family, love, and all the wonderful moments ahead!
Nora Heston Tarte
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, Carissa Dugoni, Dan Hood, Sarah Steffens MARKETING
Michelle Cox
CIRCULATION
DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim
Established in 1993, we have been representing San Joaquin Valley community members and their families for more than 20 years in catastrophic injury cases. Our offices are in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, not Los Angeles or San Francisco. We are well versed in the local rules and have a deep knowledge of the arbitrators, judges and court system. This unique knowledge and ability to navigate the local system has produced more successful results for our clients. We intend to maintain our status as the leading personal injury firm in the Central Vally by extending our service capabilities and our local presence to meet our client’s needs.
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THE CARE YOU NEED, THE WAY YOU WANT
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.
TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE
LOCALS TO KNOW
Community Education
PHILLIP HON ADVANCES PLACE-BASED LEARNING IN STOCKTON
BY REBEKAH MOAN / D BY DAN HOOD
Educator Phillip Hon is acutely aware that no day is guaranteed.
He was born with a rare chronic immune deficiency called Chronic Granulomatous Disease that affects about four to five in every million people worldwide. Essentially, his white blood cells are unable to properly fight off infections and he grew up taking daily medication, getting injections three times a week, and spending a lot of time in hospitals.
“Because I've seen my life as limited I have a strong desire to leave a mark and impact on the world knowing how precious and finite life is.”
“When I was born, the life expectancy for someone with this disease was in their 20s, although now it is much higher,” Phillip says. “But because I've seen my life as limited I have a strong desire to leave a mark and impact on the world knowing how precious and finite life is.” He’s striving to do that with the school he founded: Unbound Stockton Community School.
Phillip grew up in Stockton and his early academic experiences set him on a trajectory to create Unbound. “I had a really rich academic experience from a content knowledge and skills perspective,” he says. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2006 where he was very active taking not only AP classes but also
involved in student leadership and local community programs.
“The narrative I felt to be successful in life was achieve academic success and then leave the community,” he says. And that’s the narrative he enacted.
After graduating from Lincoln, Phillip studied at Stanford, got two master’s degrees—one from the University of the Pacific and the other from Columbia University—and moved to Hawaii where he was both a teacher and a vice principal. While there, he was exposed to place-based learning, which is education that occurs in and about the community rather than solely in the classroom.
“I started reflecting that I’d missed out on the community experience in Stockton even though I was set up for academic success,” he says. “I was afforded many opportunities and I appreciate them, but not every student has to leave Stockton to be successful. I wanted to create change here.”
Phillip moved back to Stockton in 2019 to start Unbound Stockton Community School, a school based on community engagement and leadership.
“At the end of the day, this is home, my family continues to be here, and so much was given to me,” he says. “I wanted to take what I learned in
Hawaii and teach the kids here to care about their community, too.”
Set to open in the fall of 2025, Unbound is a community-focused, free public charter school for 4th through 8th graders. For the past four years, Phillip and his team have offered free camps and community experiences to local children where they learn academic skills in a community setting such as Yosemite Street Village and the Edible Schoolyard Project.
When the school opens next year, every four-week learning unit will have what the students learn in math, English, science, and social studies tied together with one rich community learning experience. For instance, partnering with the Edible Schoolyard Project, the first week, students will tour the community farm and be pitched a problem of practice for the kids to solve. They’ll conduct interviews, research gardens, and in the fourth week, present their solution back to the partner organization, Edible Schoolyard Project.
“These aren’t field trips,” Phillip says. “The community experiences are rigorous and meaningful ways to teach about the local community and reinforce academic skills.”
That’s part of the reason why the school is called Unbound.
“Our vision is to have kids who are learning within the community and with diverse groups of peers. They are ‘unbound,’ free from the constraints of a typical school where learning has to happen just on a school campus,” he says.
UNBOUND STOCKTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
HEALTH
Lead with the Heart
HOW TO HANDLE HEART DISEASE AS A FEMALE
BY SAN JOAQUIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Heart disease is frequently perceived as a male health issue, but it's time to shift that narrative. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Despite the statistics, many women remain unaware of their risk and the distinct ways heart disease can manifest in them.
RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Heart disease can be subtle, and its symptoms might not always be as dramatic as commonly depicted. Women should be vigilant about a range of symptoms, many of which can be mistaken for less severe issues:
CHEST PAIN OR DISCOMFORT: WOMEN MAY EXPERIENCE A MORE SUBTLE DISCOMFORT OR PRESSURE IN THE CHEST.
Shortness of breath: With or without chest pain, often mistaken for anxiety or stress.
Nausea/vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
Fatigue: Unusual or unexplained fatigue, particularly if it is profound and persistent.
Pain in Other Areas: Women might feel
pain or discomfort in areas like the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Light-headedness/dizziness: These symptoms can indicate reduced blood flow and should be taken seriously, especially if they occur alongside other symptoms.
DISTINGUISHING HEART DISEASE FROM OTHER CONDITIONS
Heart disease shares symptoms with several other conditions, making it crucial to distinguish between them. For example, heartburn usually feels like a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, and might be relieved by antacids.
Muscle pain or strain often results from physical activity and is typically localized to a specific area with tenderness on touch. Unlike heart pain, it usually improves with rest and may be associated with a recent activity or injury.
Anxiety can mimic heart disease symptoms, such as chest tightness or palpitations. However, anxiety-related symptoms are often linked to stressful
situations or panic attacks and might improve with relaxation techniques or stress management.
Lastly, symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and malaise can be confused with the flu. Viral infections often have accompanying symptoms like fever and chills, which are not typical of heart disease.
TAKING ACTION
Routine doctor visits and annual physicals are crucial for monitoring, early detection, and prevention of heart disease, providing a proactive approach to maintaining heart health. The primary care physician team at San Joaquin Health Centers focus on early detection of risk factors, screening for heart disease through annual physicals and tests such as EKGs and cholesterol panels, while encouraging healthy habits.
SAN JOAQUIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
For over 100 years, San Joaquin General Hospital has been more than a place of healin g— it’s a lifeline to our community.
From advancing medical education to unwavering compassion, our legac y reflects a deep commitment to every individual we serve. We remain devoted to advancing medical excellence and fostering a healthier, stronger community for all of San Joaquin County.
SPOTTED: GREAT HORNED OWLS
“Owls in San Joaquin County are not uncommon,” Jim Rowoth, a member of the San Joaquin Audubon Society, says. “They simply are rarely observed due to their nocturnal habits.”
So, if you want to spot a great horned owl, how do you find them? They are common year round and tend to gravitate toward woodlands, parks, and old abandoned buildings. They also have a telltale hoot— not all owls hoot. You’ll be able to distinguish this particular breed by its large, thick body and prominent feathered tufts on its head that look like horns.
“Since most of these species are nocturnal, if you see an owl during the day, it will probably be sleeping quietly in dense vegetation. Most normally perch high up in a tree, close to the trunk,” Jim shares.
Over the past few years, Jim says he’s never seen more than one great horned owl at a time, but places to find the solitary creatures include the Stockton Rural Cemetery and quiet parks. They can be hard to spot but understanding bird behaviors helps. Great horned owls will be most vocal during breeding season, which begins in January. They will also start looking for old, abandoned hawk’s nests around that time. With barer trees in winter, the owls can be easier to spot.
“They can often be located by paying attention to other birds. Many smaller birds will become agitated and betray the location of a predator, such as an owl, by squawking loudly in concert with other birds,” Jim explains. “If the racket appears to be directed at a particular location in the tree, look carefully. There may well be an owl simply trying to take a nap while all heck breaks loose around him.”
If you want to see an owl in action, you’ll need to venture out at night, when it can be trickier to see what’s hiding in the trees. However, if an owl is on the hunt, you might notice. Fun fact: “owls often swallow their prey whole—fur, feathers, bones and all,” Jim shares. “Their stomachs form little packets of undigestible fur and bones, referred to as owl pellets. You can sometimes find these tight little grey packets of undigested material beneath the trees where they roost.”
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
WILD SJC
FIGHTING BACK Against the Tripledemic
BEWARE THE WINTER TRIFECTA OF FLU, COVID-19, & RSV
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
This fall and winter, the tripledemic may be back. Diagnoses of COVID-19 and the flu are already up, and RSV is expected to circulate.
According to Kaiser, vaccination offers the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from all three viruses, and available flu shot clinics are aimed at making the annual shot easy to get. The clinics, which opened in August, offer walk-in flu shots for all members at facilities in Modesto, Manteca, Stockton, and Tracy. Hammer Lane Pharmacy also offers the shot, which
is covered in full by many insurance companies.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot to everyone over six months old. While getting the shot early helps, it isn’t too late.
Not every flu shot is created equal. Every year, a new flu vaccine is formulated to best protect against that season’s expected illnesses. The flu shot for the 20242025 season is considered a trivalent shot, which means it offers protection against three flu viruses: an A(H1N1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria virus.
In general, the risks
associated with getting the flu shot are low. Some people may become dizzy or faint from the shot itself (not the ingredients inside) and there is an uncommon correlation with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the body’s immune system and nerves. Most people report no symptoms or mild symptoms such as pain at the injection site or soreness in the extremity where the shot was received.
It’s important to note that the flu vaccine only protects against the flu (and more specifically the three strains mentioned above). COVID-19 vaccinations are separate and include annual or biannual booster shots after initial vaccination. Both are voluntary.
For RSV, there is a one-time vaccination recommended for those ages 75 and older, or those ages 60-74 with chronic medical conditions or who live in a nursing home. Other people who should get the RSV vaccine include mothers 32-36 weeks pregnant and babies 8 months or younger whose mothers were not vaccinated. This vaccination is not needed annually.
calendar
NORA HESTON TARTE
NOVEMBER 2-3
Sandhill Crane Festival
The cranes are coming back to town. Witness the migration of more than 8,000 Sandhill Cranes who call Lodi home for the winter. Participate in the annual phenomenon by taking a wildlife tour. CraneFestival.com
NOVEMBER 22-23
San Joaquin Potters Guild Annual Fine Arts Festival
More than 20 local artists create their own ceramics and other art forms to put on display over the two-day event, held at the Central United Methodist Church. Come to peruse the works— largely featuring clay and glass—presented in the ceramics show and perhaps take home a piece for your private collection.
3700 Pacific Ave., Stockton
NOVEMBER 28 Thanksgiving Run and Walk Against Hunger
Run along the Stockton waterfront on Thanksgiving morning while raising money for the holiday nutrition programs at the Emergency Food Bank. The event is sponsored by the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation.
404 W. Fremont St., Stockton
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS STREET FIESTA
NOVEMBER 2, 11 AM-5 PM
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Mexican Heritage Center. The event features everything from mariachis to Aztec dancers. 111 S. Sutter St., Stockton
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS STREET FIESTA AT WEBERSTOWN
MALL
Pay your respects at the community ofrenda in the JC Penny Court, plus live entertainment, food, a kid zone with face painting, and more. 4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT THE CATALYST
NOV. 2-3
Enjoy live cultural performances and music over an evening of tradition and celebration at The Catalyst Studio on Nov. 2 followed by an all-day celebration on Nov. 3. 926 N. Yosemite St., Stockton
HOLIDAY Nutcracker!
Magical Christmas Ballet
NOVEMBER 9, 7-10 PM
Start celebrating the season early with this beloved family tradition. The Nutcracker ballet is a coveted experience and it’s coming to Stockton for one night of early holiday fun. A team of skilled dancers steal the show. 242 E. Main St., Stockton
LOBSTERMANIA
NOVEMBER 2, 5-10 PM
LOEL Senior Center is cooking up a Louisiana-style lobster boil. A silent auction and dancing follows. 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S PRISTINE SEAS: BRINGING THE OCEAN BACK
NOVEMBER 7-JANUARY 26, 2025
This Haggin Museum exhibit focuses on the health and beauty of our oceans, highlighting global expeditions in an artistic and educational way. 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton
BECAUSE KIDS AWARDS
NOVEMBER 7, 5:30-8:30 PM
The Because Kids-Action on Behalf of Children (ABC) awards recognize those who participate in child welfare. The celebration takes place at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel. 110 W. Fremont St., Stockton
7 SUMMERS FEATURING
BOBBY ZOPPI
NOVEMBER 8, 8 PM
Morgan Wallen’s tribute band takes the stage at the Grand Theatre for one night only, playing the country star’s biggest hits. 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy
STOCKTON HMONG NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
NOVEMBER 9-10
Embrace Hmong culture by participating in cultural sporting events, dining on customary food, enjoying onstage performances and live music, and donning colorful, folkloric outfits. 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
ELF: THE MUSICAL
NOVEMBER 8-10
Saint Mary’s High School’s theatre program presents this hilarious and fun holiday show at the Charlene Powers Lange Theatre in Hutchins Street Square. 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi
TOAST TO THE TURKEYS CELEBRATION
NOVEMBER 9, 11 AM-2 PM
Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary pays tribute to their resident, rescued turkeys, offering tours, a vegan lunch, and a silent auction. 14741 Wing Levee Rd., Stockton
VETERANS
7TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
NOVEMBER 11, 9:45 AM-NOON
This year’s veteran’s celebration, hosted by The United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, pays tribute to local veterans throughout San Joaquin County. This year’s focus is on female veterans. 242 E. Main St., Stockton.
LEE WALKER OF THE STRAY CATS
NOVEMBER 15, 8 PM
Come see this music legend rock his giant, upright bass, and more. 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy
TROUT BOUT
NOVEMBER 16, 6 AM-12:30 PM
Cast your line at Oak Grove Regional Park for a chance to win prizes in youth, teen, and adult categories. The lake will be stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout. 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton
3RD ANNUAL CELEBRATE CULTURE EVENT
NOVEMBER 16, 11 AM-5 PM
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a collection of vendors, speakers, live performers, Native American art, and more. 1658 S. Airport Way, Bldg. #3, Stockton
LINCOLN CENTER CHRISTMAS FAIRE
NOVEMBER 17, 11 AM-5 PM
Lincoln Center? How about the North Pole?
The Stockton shopping destination transforms into a winter wonderland with visits from Santa and his reindeer, festive train rides, holiday music, and even snow! Lincoln Center, Stockton
STOCKTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS HIGH IMPACT
NOVEMBER 17, 2:30-4:30 PM
Revel in the sounds of Symphony 5 from Beethoven, as performed by some of the symphony's best talents. 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton
STOCKTON LANTERN FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 22-JANUARY 19
Come see all the pretty lights at Stockton Ballpark when the Lantern Festival returns to Stockton. 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17
11 AM–5 PM SANTA CLAUS VISITS | HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES | CHUG-A-BUG TRAIN RIDES HOLIDAY SHOPPING PROMOTIONS |
CHRISTMAS FAIRE
EVENTS
Brighter Days Ahead
HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN CELEBRATES LIVES OF THOSE LOST
BY REBEKAH MOAN
The Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights ceremony is an opportunity for anyone in the community to recognize, pay tribute, and honor their loved ones, according to Sandy Stoddard, Hospice of San Joaquin’s director of development and marketing. The ceremony was started in 1988 by Mark Rasmussen, a PG&E employee who wanted to honor his late wife, Kathy, and raise money for Hospice of San
Joaquin at the same time.
Hospice of San Joaquin is a nonprofit hospice with a six-bed facility. Money from Tree of Lights helps care for patients and funds bereavement programs, support groups, a children’s grief camp, counseling, and other patient service programs all free of charge.
“We take care of everyone no matter their ability to pay or
if they have insurance,” Sandy says. Hospice is a Medicare benefit but not everyone has it or they aren’t old enough to receive Medicare. However, no one is declined service at the organization and that’s why fundraisers such as Tree of Lights are so crucial. Sandy is hoping altogether the eight Tree of Lights locations will raise $325,000. The largest tree is at Delta College on the corner of Pacific and Yokuts. Each colored light represents
26 at Delta College.
Stockton 11/26 Ripon 12/2
Manteca 12/3
Lodi 12/5
Rio Vista 12/7
Lockeford 12/7
Escalon 12/3
Tracy 12/10
Hospice of San Joaquin warmly invites you to honor the memory of your loved one. Light up a light in their name and join us at one of our ceremonies to celebrate their life and legacy. Visit hospicesj.org/events/tree-of-lights to purchase your light.
Stockton 11/26
Stockton 11/26
Ripon 12/2
Ripon 12/2
Manteca 12/3
Manteca 12/3
Escalon 12/3
Escalon 12/3
Lodi 12/5
Lodi 12/5
Rio Vista 12/7
Rio Vista 12/7
Lockeford 12/7
Lockeford 12/7
Tracy 12/10
Tracy 12/10
Stockton 11/26 Lodi 12/5
Hospice of San Joaquin warmly invites you to honor the memory of your loved one. Light up a light in their name and join us at one of our ceremonies to celebrate their life and legacy. Visit hospicesj.org/events/tree-of-lights to purchase your light.
website.
The organization usually receives between 8,000 and 9,000 tributes and the first tree lighting will take place on Nov.
“I think Tree of Lights has become a family tradition for many to kick off the holiday season by lighting a light and gathering for a ceremony,” Sandy says. “Each city has its own ceremony and it’s a way to remember our loved ones. It’s like a memorial service for many people but also a very positive kickoff to the holiday season and we hope everyone will join us and light up a light.”
Rediscover The Stockton Marina
PORT CITY’S CROWN JEWEL HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE
BY GINNY PRIOR
One of California’s grittiest gold rush cities has long been reinventing itself, thanks to the waterway that first brought commerce here in 1849—and the job is still underway. Stockton’s strategic location at the head
of a navigable channel that connects to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the reason for this rejuvenation that is feeding businesses, big and small. It starts with the Stockton Downtown Marina.
Constructed by Bellingham Marine, the Stockton Downtown Marina has been winning design awards since it opened in 2009.
“It’s a super high quality marina with wide concrete docks,” says the facility’s director, Chris Magra. Dozens of houseboats sit in covered slips, another prominent
feature. The canopies keep the rain and sun off the boats and are stylish, like wind sails.
“At night, it’s all lit up with big flood lights. It looks really amazing,” says Chris.
The state-of-the-art marina draws boating enthusiasts from all over the region, with
three guest docks close to a vibrant entertainment district. The baseball dock is walking distance to Banner Island Ballpark, home of the Athletics Single-A team, the Stockton Ports. The ballpark also hosts the annual Lantern Festival, an extraordinary artistic endeavor featuring hundreds of giant LED-lit lanterns and 11,500 feet of fabric. Next door to the ballpark is Adventist Health Area, where the Stockton Kings of the NBA G league play.
A second guest dock, what Chris calls “hotel dock,” services the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, a resort-style hotel with 179 rooms and a waterfront outdoor pool and courtyard with fire pits and ping pong and pool tables. The courtyard often hosts live music, weddings and conference events. The hotel also offers over 10,000 feet of event space and dining in the Delta Bistro and Lounge. Just steps away is the Weber Point Event Center, the park-like setting for everything from jazz concerts to the annual Christmas Tree lighting.
The third guest dock at the Stockton Downtown Marina connects visitors to the Waterfront Warehouse, an old mill that’s been renovated to house a number of small businesses and restaurants, including Nenas Mexican Cuisine. Peke’s Ice Cream is a favorite on those steamy Stockton days and there are several novelty and boutique shops in the two-story waterfront building.
The entire marina and deep-water channel are connected by a promenade, and walkable to downtown, the Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre, restaurants, nightclubs, the Children’s Museum of Stockton, and more, which can be found on the Visit Stockton website.
By the fall of 2025, the new Stockton City Hall will open next to the Waterfront Warehouse, bringing hundreds of city employees to the marina. The building will have a waterfront courtyard for events and replaces a city hall that opened in 1926. Also slated for the waterfront is a new development of lowincome and market rate housing.
Another anticipated boost to area commerce is the arrival of the last wooden-hull minesweeper of its class, the USS Lucid. The World War 2 ship, currently being restored, is expected to move to the Stockton Historical Maritime Museum by October of 2025. The goal is to have it open for public tours and special events on the 250th anniversary of the US Navy.
Speaking of ships, you can charter a boat at the Stockton Downtown Marina through Captain Ray’s River Tours. Ray Kalman’s 42-foot Sabre Yacht is a stylish way for up to six passengers to explore the San Joaquin River as it winds lazily past the Port of Stockton, waterfront restaurants, mini mansions, and island watering holes. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a vital North American waterway,
supplying the drinking water to 25 million Californians; but it’s also a place to see a large variety of birds and marine-life.
“We’re a stopover on the [Pacific] Flyaway, so you’ll see herons, egrets… and during the salmon run the sea lions will come in and you’ll see them laying out in the back of the tug boats,” says Ray.
With his happy hour flag flapping merrily in the breeze, Captain Ray’s super-varnished teak yacht slices stealthily through the brackish waters as he points out everything from historic shipyards to cargo ships at the Port of Stockton. Around
one bend, he takes delight in pointing out a Stockton oddity—a mini statue of liberty on a point overlooking the water. Sunset is the most popular time for a river cruise, when the lights along the water start to twinkle and the sun casts a pastel glow on the sky. Fishermen cast their lines for the last strikes of steelhead and sturgeon, and waterfowl take refuge on channel markers and long stretches of shoreline.
At its heart, Stockton is a river town, with all the history and promise that one of America’s great waterways brings. Captain Ray says people want to explore the river to find out how it moves. “It’s system of levies and canals—you just don’t find too many deltas to explore. So, it’s just the enjoyment of being on the water.” It’s why the Stockton Downtown Marina has become the soul of this port city.
LOOK Hot for the Holidays
PUT
YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD THIS
BY ANGELA RUDOLPH
HOLIDAY SEASON
It’s the holiday season, which means spending time with friends, family, and people we may not get to see frequently. While it’s a time of joy and celebration, it can also be a little exhausting. Here, Illa Cox, founder of Cox Medical Aesthetics, gives us tips on what treatments could help us get that pep back into our step so we look and feel our best, and what could make for great gifts during the season of giving.
WHAT TREATMENTS OR PROCEDURES DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS TIME OF YEAR AND WHY?
Some of my favorites include those that will make a big impact on skin renewal and give you a nice glow while restoring some of the damage we experience the rest of the year. Morpheus8 is an advanced microneedling procedure with radiofrequency technology that contours, lifts, and tightens the skin.
Botox is another great choice as it helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines to create more youthful and natural beauty. You can do this every three to four months to keep skin tightened but be sure not to forget it during the holidays.
VI chemical peels help
lighten areas of the skin darkened by the sun or skin conditions like melasma. They improve the production of collagen and elastin resulting in the improvement of fine lines.
HydraFacials are a multistep process combining deep cleaning, exfoliation, and extraction of debris from clogged pores, adding hydration and leaving a more refined, radiant appearance to your skin. These treatments can help your skin look youthful for holiday parties.
‘TIS
THE SEASON OF GIVING! WHAT ARE GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS FOR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES?
While gift certificates are always a great choice as the person can pick exactly what they want, you may also want to consider something more personalized like the Epicutis Luxury Skin Care Set, the Epicutis Cleansing Essential Set, or the Cox Medical Aesthetic
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrating Serum. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in our bodies and by applying it to the face, it helps to keep moisture trapped in the water cells toward the surface of the skin, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. COX
19 Downtown Mall, Lodi (209) 712-3579
CoxMedicalAesthetics.com
for the bride
WEDDING
Minding your Q’s and Venues
Make sure you know who your contact at the venue will be, how much time they’ll be able to devote to you and your wedding, and that you jive – you’ll be working very closely, after all.
ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A VENUE BY FAITH LEWIS
The venue sets the tone of your wedding and is instrumental in making your vision a reality. But it’s more than the brick-andmortar offerings that can make or break your big day. Make sure you won’t have any unpleasant surprises by asking these questions before booking the venue.
LOOKING AT LOGISTICS
How many people can be accommodated, what dates are available, and when do we pay?
We trust you’ve already thought of these, but that doesn’t make them any less important! You should already have an idea of the size of wedding you want, as well as your budget. Consider how your
guests will get to the venue and where out of town guests can stay. Bride tip: Don’t commit to an exact date before you’ve chosen your venue. You’ll have more flexibility if your dream venue is already booked.
ALL EYES ON YOU
Will you have the venue all to yourself or will you be sharing the limelight (and the staff’s attention) with another bride?
While many venues will only host one event at a time, sometimes cleanup from an earlier wedding might run long and you’ll need to adjust your own dayof timeline on the fly. Other venues may offer several ceremony spaces,
accommodating several events at once. You need to determine how likely it is that you’ll run into a staffing snafu or other problems sharing the space, or just ask how the venue handles scheduling in these cases to ensure another bride on property won’t compete with your big day.
BOTTOMS UP
Does the venue have a bar?
What might seem like a given could turn out to be a more complicated factor than you thought. Not all venues have bars. Other venues may have a bartender on staff, but don’t provide the alcohol or only accept cash. Bride tip: If your dream venue doesn’t have a bar, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker! Look into
mobile bars like Belle and Aventure Mobile Bar Co.
WHO’S WHO
Who is your contact at the venue and which vendors do they recommend?
Make sure you know who your contact at the v enue will be, how much time they’ll be able to devote to you and your wedding, and that you jive – you’ll be working very closely, after all. Your venue can also be a huge resource when you’re looking for other vendors. Chances are they have their favorites.
Wines for Every Bride and Groom
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
One of the upsides to living and getting married in wine country is the breadth of vino available at our fingertips. Whether you’re working with a venue that stocks its own varietals or you plan on bringing in some of your f avorite local
wines fro m places nearby, you may have trouble selecting the perfect wines to represent you. With this fun breakdown, we’ve come up with some suggestions to get you started.
FOR THE VINEYARD BRIDE…
If you’re getting married at a vineyard, opt for a zinfandel or, especially, an old-vine zinfandel to show off the best assets of your wedding venue. We’re fairly certain that just about any local vineyard you choose will be serving up zins since it’s the county’s specialty, so you can’t go wrong with what’s on site.
FOR THE UPSCALE, ROMANTIC AFFAIR…
If you’re hosting a black tie wedding, perhaps illuminated by city lights at University Plaza Hotel, opt for deep Bordeaux varietals. This includes bold cabernets and fruit-forward merlots (which have made a comeback— trust us!) Something about these dark, heavy reds just screams elegance to us.
FOR THE ITALIANINSPIRED EVENT…
This is more about the venue and overall air of the wedding. Several venues throughout San Joaquin County are built on Italian inspiration. And many restaurants that may be housing smaller
receptions are Italian, too. So, choose appropriate varietals to match the theme— we’re thinking a Nebbiolo or barbera, born in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy.
FOR THE GOLF COURSE WEDDING…
A big bonus of saying “I do” on one of our local courses it getting to choose what wines to usher in from a neighboring vineyard. If you’re getting married outdoors on the course, it’s likely warm and you may want to choose lighter wines for guests. We recommend any refreshing white varietal—Acquiesce sells whites only—or lighter pinot noirs.
FOR THE WINEENTHUSIASTS
If you consider yourselves wine lovers, this is your opportunity to have a little fun. Choose off-beat varietals not everyone will have tried before, perhaps a tempranillo, Verdelho, or albarino will be fitting.
FOR THE SENTIMENTAL COUPLE…
How sweet would it be to toast your new nuptials with a bottle that holds a special place in your heart? Perhaps it’s the first bottle you shared together, or from a favorite wine-tasting excursion. Whatever it is, you won’t get bored sharing the story of your wine from table to table.
If you consider yourselves wine lovers, this is your opportunity to have a little fun.
WEDDING
Lick Observatory
Petiscos
3 Ways to see San Jose
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE IN CALIFORNIA’S TECH CAPITAL
Less than 90 minutes from Stockton sits San Jose. The heart of Silicon Valley is popular with tech magnates, but it’s also a destination filled with exciting adventures, delicious food, and big city attractions. Whether you’re coming in to watch the home team play, here for a highend meal, or brought the kids out for a weekend, San Jose is bursting with opportunities for every kind of traveler. Read on for our suggestions.
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Santana Row
Santana Row
FOR THE FOODIE
The San Jose dining scene is overflowing with delicious, international restaurants boasting Michelin stars and private dining experiences. Home to one of few remaining Koreatowns in California, that’s just the beginning for travelers looking to deep dive into a world of diverse cuisine.
Petiscos earned a positive reputation in large part because its owners have a Michelin star from their other restaurant, Adega. And while Petiscos doesn’t
designation itself, it’s still worth a visit on your food tour of the city. Petiscos boasts Portuguese fare including tender octopus, traditional cornbread, codfish croquettes, clams, and more. The land and sea menu is filled with classic dishes and tempting twists served as small plates easy to share.
Valley Fair Mall is a dining destination itself, filled with everything from dessert hotspots to fine restaurants. Stop by famous finds like Eataly or Mastro's Steakhouse. Some of the best food can be discovered in the most unexpected places including the food court and smaller storefronts.
French-inspired modern hotel. And while the location is ideal, it’s not the hotel’s only draw. Hotel Valencia boasts a rooftop pool, luxurious rooms and suites, and its own delicious dining destination.
Not far from the mall is Santana Row, a high-end shopping and entertainment district in San Jose. Here we recommend grabbing a room at Hotel Valencia, the only hotel in Santana Row, so you’ll be just steps from the action, and a short trek to the mall and other excursions.
Upon entering you’ll know you’ve stumbled across somewhere special, as the wrought iron details in the threestory rotunda are your first taste of the
Oveja Negra is the on-site eatery boasting indoor and outdoor dining. The open-air courtyard feels magical as the sun dips and casts a romantic glow across the space. The menu specializes in unique tapas with a modern twist, and while the spotlight is on lunch and dinner, there is also a weekend brunch and a special three-course Txuleton Tuesday dinner featuring a 35-ounce Tomahawk steak to share.
If you decide to venture out for dinner, look no further than Left Bank Brasserie
Urban Putt
Hotel Valencia
Just down the street, the French menu is as simple as it is diverse. Enjoy starters of succulent calamari boasting flavors of citrus and fennel or escargot served with a Pernod garlic butter. The Ahi Tuna Tartare is blended with avocado, cucumbers, fried shallots, and Espelette pepper best served across expertly grilled toast points and the Steak Tartare boasts capers, shallots, and Dijon served with the same mini toasts.
For your entrée, don’t skip the Trout Almondine with tantalizing flavors of brown butter and roasted almond. Or dive into the Duck Confit complimented by stone fruit, frisee, and a sweet cherry tang.
Last, but certainly not least, San Jose’s Little Italy is a worthy stop off for hungry visitors. Located steps away from the SAP Center (home of the San Jose Sharks), The Littlest Little Italy is a brand-new food hall filled with menus of Italian classics including everything from pizza to sandwiches. For a sit down option in the neighborhood, consider a reservation at Paesano Ristorante Italiano or skip Italian and dive into plates at Poor House Bistro, which specializes in Cajun fare, or Henry's Hi-Life BBQ Joint. After dinner, slip into the Italian Cellar Speakeasy Bar. As of last month, Little Italy has a brand-new attraction; the Italian American Museum opened October 14 and serves as a cultural hub and community nexus for Italian Americans.
FOR THE FAMILY
There’s so much to do with kids of all ages, and with differing interests. The Winchester Mystery House, of course, is the most well-known of the attractions. Built by an eccentric architect, Sarah Winchester, there are many tales swirling around the incomprehensible mansion filled with doors that lead nowhere and staircases of varying depths and sizes. A tour may tell you some of the creepy stories about the home’s designer while also focusing on the peculiar architecture and Sarah’s tragic past. Expert Tip: Winchester Mystery House is located walking distance from Santana Row (and Hotel Valencia)
If a tour isn’t enough, spend your day perusing the modern attractions such as a shooting gallery game—there are 38 targets in all—or head out to the stables for axe throwing. The Winchester Mystery House even hosts an interactive Halloween
experience annually, and this year’s run goes through November 2.
After you’ve learned all there is to know about the kookiest house in California, consider exploring the local museum scene. There are more than 50 museums in San Jose including some seriously kid-friendly destinations. The Tech Interactive, for example, gives kids a place to explore topics like genetics, earth science, alternative energy, virtual design, and more with hands-on applications. It’s just the beginning of the area’s options though; there’s also the Discovery Museum with a life-size Monopoly board available to rent and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, designed with the Temple of Amon at Karnak in mind. The latter houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America.
While there is more than one miniature golf destination in San Jose, they are not all created equally. We just cannot stop hyping up Urban Putt, the newest miniature golf game to hit downtown. While the amenities (including a full bar and kid-friendly mocktails) make it a fun place to eat lunch, watch TV, and hang out for an evening, it’s the inspired holes that have us still talking about it, months after our visit. Some holes play more like video games than miniature golf including one where you use a periscope in a submarine-themed room to aim your ball for a holein-one. Each of the 18 unique holes leans into the tech surroundings providing creative obstacles and dynamic themes.
We also highly recommend stopping into Social whether you brought the kids or not. The
Children's Discovery Museum
neighborhood bar has an upstairs and downstairs filled with bowling, arcade games, pinball, pool, skee-ball, shuffleboard, hoops, and more. It’s also a good place to watch the local games if you didn’t get tickets to see any in person.
The clock is ticking on Great America. The 112-acre Santa Clara amusement park that shares a parking lot with Levi’s Stadium is set to close in 2033—although rumors have circled it may happen sooner. Because of its impending expiration date, a visit to San Jose is perhaps the best excuse to hop into neighboring Santa Clara and spend your day playing carnival games and hitting high speeds on iconic rides.
FOR THE SPORTS FAN
San Jose is close to Levi’s Stadium where the San Francisco 49ers play. It’s also home to the San Jose Sharks, the Bay Area’s only NHL team. And don’t forget the MLS team, the San Jose Earthquakes.
Fall puts all three major league teams in season, which means the hardest decision may be which game to attend. If you can fit them all in, we highly recommend it. The Earthquakes play at PayPal Park, and when there isn’t a home game for the men’s team, you may be able to catch the Bay FC’s National Women’s Soccer League. The San Jose Sharks turn evenings on the ice into flashy experiences kicked off by the team of all stars skating through the famous sharkshaped tunnel, barreling out of a toothy and menacing almostgrin.
When the Sharks don’t have a home game scheduled, the SAP Center is transformed into an entertainment venue playing everything from Disney on Ice shows to concerts headlined by some of the biggest names in music.
While watching the action is plenty of fun, sometimes you want to be in on it instead. Lucky for sports fans, San Jose is home to Top Golf, a sprawling entertainment venue with hightech golf games made for those of all ages. Book a bay, order some drinks, and make the most of a day on the links.
You’ll send balls flying from the three-story building, playing one of a variety of games ranging from Angry Birds to the newest, Block Party. In addition to the traditional golf experience, Top Golf offers a full restaurant and bar, golf lessons, rooftop fire pits, a 28-foot video wall, and 200+ HDTVs.
BE A PART OF SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL
Give Your Business The Results It Deserves!
Wine Dine
Grab the girl gang—it’s time for brunch!
Every weekend’s best meal is that late morning gathering where the menu is both savory and sweet and cocktails are always encouraged. On Saturdays and Sundays, The Kitchen @ Stonebrier turns out a line-up of delicious dishes primed for mid-morning grubbing.
Imagine a plate of perfectly fluffy pancakes perfected with lemon curd, blueberries, and salted butter before they are sprinkled with a dash of powdered sugar. The sweet, decadent pancakes are made even better when combined with citrus and the slightly nutty flavor of ricotta cheese.
“The lemon ricotta pancakes are a go-to when I’m looking for a breakfast classic with a twist,” says Angelina Perez with The Kitchen @ Stonebrier. “I love the fruit and cream combo with a bit of tang from the lemons.”
If you’re craving those delicious, saccharine sensations at brunch, you’ll also love the French toast made with cinnamon batter and blackberry preserves before they are topped with toasted walnuts and whipped cream. Again, the emphasis is on combining savory and sweet, letting the flavors medley together with strong cinnamon spice, tart fruit, and a nut forward finish that explodes from the walnuts as they’re expertly toasted by Chef Shane Tracewell and his staff.
The Belgian waffles get the same treatment, mixing sharp and acidic fruits with nutty notes and pleasant extras. With this dish, you’ll bite into thick Belgian waffles covered in strawberries and lavender cream, plus pistachios and salted butter for a complex combination of complementary flavors.
Chicken and waffles is perhaps the epitome of sweet meets savory, combining thick, delicious waffles with mouthwatering buttermilk fried chicken. The salted butter and hot honey combination brings heat to the dish without sacrificing taste, plus a side of eggs served to order.
For heartier appetites, consider the N.Y. steak and eggs or chicken fried steak. Aside from the waffles, every other signature dish on the brunch menu comes with a side of Zuk’s potatoes.
The long menu boasts other morning favorites, including a smoked salmon benedict every benedict connoisseur should try. The smoked salmon brings a bright complexity to the classic dish served with capers and dill. If you crave eggs for breakfast, you’ll also see a few omelets choices and a more traditional benedict.
And while you may consider avocado toast a basic breakfast option, the way
Stonebrier does it is anything but. Using local sourdough bread, the toast is piled high with creamy burrata that melts in your mouth, ripe cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots, and a poached egg.
Looking to pair your brunch with buzzy sips from the bar? “Our mimosas are always a great option,” Andrea says. “They are now available in a tasting flight... It’s a great opportunity to try new and refreshing flavors… For a more reserved pairing I would definitely recommend the espresso martini. It is a good mid-morning cocktail.”
If you’re asking our advice, we say bring as many friends as you can muster to dive into the symphony of flavors. The more people at the table, the more plates you can reasonably clear. And while the breakfast options are the crux of brunch, Stonebrier understands the breakfast/lunch hybrid model and offers up plenty of entrees, soups, salads, and sandwiches for those less dedicated to morning food. From short rib melts to ahi tuna sandwiches, pan roasted salmon to pacific fish tacos, there’s little left to crave.
While the current brunch menu is nothing short of divine, it’s not the permanent installation. “Our menus are updated seasonally,” Angelina says. “As each season brings a unique palette of produce, we aim to showcase the seasons’ changes in various ways throughout our menu.”
Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., however the menu can be sampled during the weekly daytime service, as well. .
PUMPKIN SPICE & Everything Nice
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES ADDS A FALL
FAVORITE FLAVOR TO ITS MENU
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Nothing Bundt Cakes has built a reputation for its delicious line up of Bundt cakes in varying sizes. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to share or want to indulge in large or bite-sized individual treats, the brand comes through with plenty of options in a variety of tastes.
While the regular line-up is enough to have you drooling, Nothing Bundt Cakes pulls out all of the stops with their seasonal goods. This fall, the pumpkin spice flavor hit the Stockton location menu with plans to serve the fall favorite through December 8 (or until supplies last). And there’s just something oh-so-perfect about the combination of spiced cake, sweet pumpkin flavors, and
thick, decadent cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dinner dessert to please your family, a sweet treat to accompany your pumpkin spice latte, or simply consider yourself a connoisseur or all things pumpkin spice, head to the Lincoln Center shop before time runs out and get your hands on a Bundt cake, bundtini, or bundtlet.
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
Ra-Ra-Ramen
FIVE PLACES TO GET YOUR FIX
BY SARAH STEFFENS / D BY MIGUEL BARAJAS
An outstanding bowl of ramen should be made with a rich and flavorful broth, including ingredients like shoyo (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso (fermented soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone). Its noodles should be firm but springy and toppings are meant to add both flavor and texture. Ramen should be seasoned with exotic herbs and spices like sesame seeds and oil, chili paste, and garlic, and it should be made with the highest-quality ingredients available. The following bowls of ramen exceed standards.
Komachi’s tan-tan ramen is authentic, comforting, and delicious. It’s made with slowly simmered pork broth, fresh ground pork, and topped with green onion, red pepper, bok choy, corn, soft-boiled egg, and seaweed. Truly a ramen lover’s delight! Specify how you prefer your broth— mild, medium, or spicy.
KOMACHI SUSHI
307 S Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi 95242
209-334-3131
SushiKomachi.com
The Downtown Tracy Farmer’s Market is home to a tasty spot for local ramen. Gokazoku Ramen has been making a unique bowl of noodle soup with toppings such as chicken chashu (slow-cooked chicken breast with rosemary), kamaboko (slices of steamed fish cake with a memorable pink spiral design), and negi (chopped or shredded leeks) Try their chicken or saltbased broths with either pork, chicken, extra-firm tofu, egg, or veggies.
GOKAZOKU RAMEN
Downtown Tracy Farmer’s Market, N. Central Ave., Tracy (510) 882-5522
Gokazoku.Wixsite.com/MySite
Ramen at Manteca’s
A Table Wayne’s Kitchen is made with heavenly noodles in a velvety pork broth and garnished with fresh green onions, yellow corn, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, seaweed, and a boiled egg. Expert tip: try it with braised beef.
A TABLE WAYNE’S KITCHEN
293 W. Louise Ave., Manteca (209) 328-1130
at Tracy’s Satomi, especially the classic We love the ramen at Tracy’s Satomi, especially the classic pork ramen made with thin wheat noodles, corn, boiled eggs, and topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and seaweed. Be sure to try their seafood and chicken combinations, too!
SATOMI
819 W. 11th St., Tracy (209) 221-0562
Lodi’s M Sushi bar has a unique variation that we are loving right now—spicy miso ramen. This rich, umami-flavored soup with pork belly, poached egg, chicken, and charred bok choy features a slightly spicy miso broth as its base.
M SUSHI BAR
212 S. School St., Lodi (209) 400-7505 MSushiBistro.com
FOODIE
IN SEASON
Keto Thanksgiving Sides
This Thanksgiving, treat yourself and your loved ones to side dishes that are rich in the flavors of tradition, while leaving you feeling healthy, nourished, and full of energy, with more time for family and friends. The following Keto Thanksgiving side dish recipes rely on the season’s freshest produce to create dishes that will increase your spirit of gratitude without weighing you down.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash
Serves 8
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp. ghee or butter
1 lb. brussels sprouts, end removed and halved
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 slices bacon
1 whole scallion, minced
¼ c. parsley, minced
2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced
2 tbsp. fresh sage, minced
1 tsp. fresh thyme, minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 F. Place trimmed brussels sprouts and cubed butternut on baking tray lined with parchment paper. Toss with ghee or butter. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 20 minutes, then toss and push most of the veggies to one side of the baking tray, arranging bacon slices on the other side. Continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until bacon has finished cooking. Remove from heat, slice bacon in 1/2” pieces, and toss in excess bacon grease. Season with fresh scallion, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Serve and store leftovers in a glass container for 2-3 days in the fridge.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SARAH STEFFENS
Mashed Cauliflower with Turkey
Gravy
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 lb. cauliflower rice
1 tbsp. ghee or butter
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
2/ tbsp. heavy cream
1 whole scallion, minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place ghee or butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Add cauliflower rice, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until soft, about five minutes. Remove from heat. Add to a blender or food processor, along with heavy cream. Pulse until creamy. Serve with turkey gravy and garnish with minced scallion.
Turkey Gravy
Serves 8
Prep Time: 3 min
Cook Time: 10 min
INGREDIENTS:
2 c. turkey bone broth
3 tbsp. ghee or butter
2 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. coconut aminos
2 tbsp. arrowroot powder
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pour turkey bone broth in a medium sauce pan. Bring to medium heat. Add butter, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and coconut aminos. Whisk together until butter is melted. Reduce heat to a simmer. Slowly add in arrowroot powder, whisking very well to avoid clumps forming.
Sausage Stuffing
Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 min to bake bread
Cook Time: 30 min
INGREDIENTS:
Bread:
2 tbsp. almond flour
1/ c. coconut flour
3
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. xanthan gum
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1 tbsp. almond milk
Sausage Stuffing:
1 lb. ground pork
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dried fennel seeds
1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 c. celery, chopped
2 c. cremini mushrooms, chopped
1 whole scallion, minced
¼ c. parsley, minced
2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced
2 tbsp. fresh sage, minced
1 tsp. fresh thyme, minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all dry bread ingredients in bowl and wet bread ingredients in a second bowl. Combine together until fully mixed. Spread evenly in a cast-iron skillet (it’s ok if it doesn’t cover the entire skillet), and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Allow to cool before cubing in small squares to toss in sausage stuffing (you can bake your bread up to 2 days before using, just store in a glass container until ready to use). In a large skillet, brown ground pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried fennel. Brown pork for about 10 minutes. Remove cooked sausage crumbles from skillet, reserving excess grease. Add diced onion and chopped celery and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chopped mushroom and continue sautéing until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Add cooked ground pork back to skillet. Toss well. Add cubed bread and fresh herbs. Toss again. Serve with turkey gravy and store leftovers in a glass container for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Papapavlo’s baklava is created with a family recipe that has been in the Pappas family for generations, originating in Greece.
PAPAPAVLO’S
501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 477-6133
217 N. School Street, Lodi (209) 625-8677
Papapavlos.com
INTERNATIONAL Dessert
NOVEMBER 17 MARKS NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY
BY SARAH STEFFENS / D MIGUEL BARAJAS
Hooray for baklava!
This light and crisp, flaky dessert with sweet flavors and crunchy texture has been satisfying our senses since as far back as the 8th century BC. The dessert has origins in Assyrian culture, though it is likely the Greeks and Turkish who perfected the tradition of preparing baklava in kitchens all over the world.
Baklava is steeped in history and served during celebrations and festive occasions. In Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean culture, it symbolizes hospitality and prosperity. Serving it to guests is a way to offer sincere generosity and hope for a bright future.
Baklava consists of several thin layers of phyllo dough, each brushed with butter, allowing for the most delicate mouthfeel. It is filled with chopped nuts, often pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It offers nothing short of gastronomical delight.
Papapavlo’s has carried on the tradition of Baklava in
both their Lodi and Stockton locations. The restaurant serves it regularly on the menu with multiple iterations. Order it traditional, or try it garnished atop a gourmet cheesecake, a perfect mixture of walnuts, almonds, honey, cinnamon, buttery filo, and honey. It can also be served as a sundae, with baklava crumbled over fresh vanilla ice-cream before it’s topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. If you ask Jennifer Pappas, who owns Papapavlo’s alongside her husband, Andy, the secret to amazing baklava is in the technique. It’s many steps to prepare represent the patience and craftsmanship required to build a successful community. “Papapavlo’s baklava is created with patience and precision. Every layer is carefully created, following a family recipe that has been in the Pappas family for generations, originating in Greece.”
Andy and Jennifer also recommend ordering a sipper to go with your dessert, specifically a mug of fresh coffee, sweet dessert port, or a glass of zinfandel.
EATS
