EatDrinkPlay
MERCURYNEWS.COM » EASTBAYTIMES.COM
001 SECTION F
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
The portside city of Stockton buzzes with possibility these days, from the hip restaurants that have opened recently downtown to the vibrant green spaces, where residents, Bay Area expats and visitors frolic.
Make
TIME for
STOCKT N PAGE 2
DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
More inside
4
Eat: This Stockton hot spot woos passersby with Breakfast Totchos and other great bites.
8
Drink: Sip your way through Lodi’s charming wine country, with stops for other tasty fare.
10
Play: Grab the kids for a jaunt that includes a children’s museum, outdoor flicks and Smack Pie.
Play
NEXT WEEK
5must-see foodie TV shows
F2 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rent a paddleboat and you can swan around the 10-acre lake in Stockton’s Oak Grove Regional Park in grand style.
24 HOURS
in Stockton By Nora Heston Tarte » Correspondent
10 A.M.
Frittatas and crepes
It doesn’t take long to get to this city, especially when you’re zooming against traffic. Stop at Cast Iron Trading Co. at 114 N. San Joaquin St. to fuel your day. Once known as Cast Iron Cheese, Eric Lee and Tommy Mogan’s eatery became popular with locals as a pop-up shop and street food vendor. Now they serve specialty coffees and housemade breakfast items from a brickand-mortar downtown. Dine in or get it to go. Or take a detour to Midtown Creperie at 2319 Pacific Ave. This New Orleans-inspired gem serves crepes both savory and sweet — plus beignets. DETAILS » www.facebook.com/CastIronTradingCo.; midtowncreperie.com
11 A.M.
Makers and shops
Part maker’s market, part food festival, part concert in the park — there’s no other street fair quite like the 3-year-old Stockmarket. This every-other-month showing of artists, makers and entrepreneurs hocking their wares at Martin Luther King Plaza has continued to grow. It’s a one-stop shop to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and goods of Stockton. The next Stockmarkets will be Aug. 11 and Oct. 13, so if you’re there another day, you’ll need to make other plans. Luckily, Stockton has some robust shopping centers, including Lincoln Center, where the clothes are posh and the housewares are on-trend.
When you live within driving — or BARTing — distance of San Francisco, it’s easy to forget Northern California has another portside city, one that’s less busy, less expensive and often easier to reach. Stockton is an up-and-comer with plenty to boast about, from big city attractions (think food trucks and shopping) to small-town charms (homemade ice cream, anyone?). Slip away from the Bay Area’s hustle and bustle to spend a day in Stockton, just a hop, skip and a jump away from home. Here’s the perfect itinerary for that jaunt. Grab bites from food trucks, listen to music and browse the makers booths at Stockton’s Stockmarket, which is held several times each summer. VISIT STOCKTON
DETAILS » www.stockmarketca.com; lincolncentershops.com.
12 P.M.
Bites and brews
Stockton is home to a fleet of street-food trucks that frequent downtown and the surrounding area. From gyros at Go Falafel Extra Virgin Greek Food to fine Cuban cuisine at Elsa’s Paladar, there’s a little bit of everything on wheels. Green Papaya, which was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives,” brings a mix of Lao and Thai food. Most of the trucks post locations on Facebook and tracking down a favorite is half the fun. Both Go Falafel (www.facebook.com/GoFalafel4u) and Elsa’s (http://bit.ly/2M0FrRs) are often parked on Pacific Avenue near Benjamin Holt Drive. Find Green Papaya’s truck and fast-casual restaurant at www.facebook.com/ greenpapayaft. Then head for Channel Brewing Co. at 110 N. San Joaquin St., next to Cast Iron Trading. Four friends opened this brewpub last year, on a mission to brew good beer STOCKTON » PAGE 5
Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre was built in 1930. Today, this historic landmark blends modern technology with architectural wonders and classy decor. VISIT STOCKTON
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP F3
A flavor for every palate.
In this city strategically situated along the California Delta, the river flows out to the coast, cultures converge, and worlds come together in unexpected ways. Experience Stockton’s abundant liveliness through events, attractions, dining, shopping, and more!
Questions? You can text us! Get a live response 8am-8pm seven days a week.
877.778.6258
Request Your Free Visitors Guide and Farm Guide Today!
877.778.6258 125 Bridge Place • 2nd Floor • Stockton, California • Located in Downtown Stockton
F4 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
MAKE TIME FOR STOCKTON
SUZANNE LEDBETTER
Chef Eric Lee’s Cast Iron Trading Co. has been dishing up Breakfast Totchos and other creative comfort fare in its brick-and-mortar quarters in downtown Stockton since 2016.
THE DELTA’S HIPPEST RESTAURANT — AND ITS CRAZY CREATIVE CHEF By Angela Hill Correspondent
Taco. It’s an al pastor, jackfruit taco with an avocadocashew crema and pineapple pico do gallo and radish.
The most common comment chef-owner Eric Lee hears when a new diner steps into his Cast Iron Trading Co. is “Hey, this reminds me of a hip/cool restaurant I know in (insert hip/cool big-city here).” It’s always said with a tone of surprise, he says, when folks discover such a fab spot in … where are we again? Stockton? Yup, on the ground floor of downtown Stockton’s historic Belding Building, where an art collection rotates on the exposed-brick walls and the furniture was built by Lee and crew, foodie delights abound. There are Breakfast Totchos (Tater Tots-style nachos, $6.75), bourbonbarbecue pork sliders (two for $8.50) and carrot-parsnip fries ($4.50), plus a solid selection of craft brews. Cast Iron is part of a convergence of cool in the slowly JACKIE BURRELL — STAFF revitalizing downtown area, thanks in large part to high Stockton’s Cast Iron Trading Co. promises “hella good” food prices in the Bay Area pushing people farther east. A and it delivers with fare such as these addictive fried mac lifelong foodie and Stockton native, Lee, 36, and a busi- ’n’ cheese balls stuffed with bacon and pickled jalapeno. ness partner started Cast Iron as a pop-up shop in the equally cool Stockmarket, Stockton’s lively market and maker fair. Their brick-and-mortar eatery debuted in the and cookbooks. That’s been my culinary school and I fall of 2016. just go on being creative from there. Naturally, we had questions — about the restaurant’s evolution, its ever-changing menu and its chef. And Lee What’s your approach to the food? was happy to answer.
it like being part of the downtown revitalization? Q What’s It’s been good. A lot of people would consider us pioneers, businesses that are really taking adA vantage of downtown Stockton’s affordability. It
you get into this business? Do you have a culinary background? Q How’d Well, yes and no. I come from what I consider a foodie family. We’ve always taken an interest in A craft food and drinks — all things craft and cool. I never went to culinary school, but I’ve worked in restaurants — both front-of-the-house and back-of-thehouse — since I was in high school and have always been drawn to cool restaurants and creative spaces. “While I have some kitchen experience, I grew up in this age of the Food Network and celebrity chefs, people like Anthony Bourdain who really showed us what food is all about as a culture. I feel like you pick up so much from those shows, from YouTube tutorials and videos
Q I’d say we’re elevated pub food. We try and take advantage of the fact that we’re in the Central A Valley and there’s great local stuff, but we’re not ex-
actly Chez Panisse. Because of the price point, we can’t go all seasonal or all organic all the time. There’s definitely a push toward more vegetarian and vegan items and I see us trending more in that direction. I think the industry is doing that as a whole. I always tell people, vegan is the next bitcoin.
Q Tell us about some of the dishes. Brussels sprouts taco has been a big hit and it’s a staple of ours. We’re also doing a StocktoA The
really gave us the opportunity to do this here and curate top-to-bottom — everything from the aesthetics to the menu. We have live music on Friday nights, we host art shows, we’re doing a pop-up ramen night, we’ve had guest chefs here. It’s fun to be able to have that creative license. We hear people say, ‘I don’t feel like I’m in Stockton. It reminds me of a hip restaurant in S.F. or L.A.’ Eventually, we hope that stigma goes away and it’s like, hey, this is just Stockton!
Q What’s next? I’ve acted as executive chef from day one, but I’m kind of at the point where I can pass on that reA sponsibility. I have some really talented people working here now. I’m still the one in charge and making the decisions, but now I want to be a restaurateur and not just stuck in the kitchen. We have a really popular salad dressing and fry dipping sauce, our Green Godzilla dressing, and I’m hoping to bottle that in the near future. tips for other cool places to eat, drink or play in Stockton? Q Any I tend to stay downtown pretty often. I’m definitely a fan of the craft coffeehouses down here A like Trail Coffee, Terra Coffee Roasters, Red’s. There’s a ton of great ethnic cuisine, because it’s such a diverse population. Channel Brewing Co. is right next to us in the Belding Building. There’s a new barbershop that just opened up, Golden Rose. And of course, the Stockmarket. It’s an awesome event in Stockton.
I NG T A R B E L CE l N! al
things
9 2 Y L U J pm , Y A D SUN to 5:0 0 m 10:0O0DaI GRAPE
L NDS G R O UET // LODI L A V I E T TR FES ORD S
413 E
THIS WEEKEND, WATCH THE SUNSET, SHOP THE FARMERS’ MARKET, AND STOP FOR TEA. Not sure what to do next? Visit Haggin. Our beautifully remodeled art galleries feature fascinating works of art while our history galleries offer a glimpse into Stockton’s past. Drop by and See Art in a New Light. Full Sun:
The Boomer List:
American Women Artists Illuminate the Haggin Museum
Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
AUG 2 - SEPT 16, 2018
OCT 4 - DEC 30, 2018
1201 N Pershing Avenue • hagginmuseum.org • @hagginmuseum
US FA B U LFOOOD
H E
Free
$8AI NNCE $1E0GAATT E A DV
OR
FUN AF LL
E RODUCE P A D A R M O N S T A GE R M A AI D L I N
F LOCKE
r 12 n Unde Childre
ITALIA
TH
SPpOreseSnIteTd by E E L A U Q PAS rraiolo xine Fe n & Ma Joh
The Sambado family JOHN & MAXINE
FERRAIOLO FESTA-ITALIANA.COM • 209.242.9970
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP F5
Stockton FROM PAGE 2
and encourage outdoor living. The Channel squad has seven brews on tap, ready to taste and featuring everything from a sour IPA to a blonde ale. Tip back a few, or grab a six-pack to go. The staff is required to be walking encyclopedias on the best places to hike, paddleboard and play disc golf nearby — so if you’re up for an adventure, don’t be afraid to ask. Still hungry? Every dessert is Instagram-worthy at Stockton’s House of Ice Cream at 947 N. El Dorado St., where the over-the-top treats are made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients. Order up a crazy milkshake — horchata, perhaps, butter brittle or PB&J — served in a Mason jar and topped with a doughnut. DETAILS »
channelbrewing.co.; www.houseoficecream.net
3 P.M.
Splashes and trails
How can you visit a portside city and not get in the water? The 180-acre Oak Grove Regional Park on Eight Mile Road is one of the best parks in the Central Valley. Hook a catfish in the 10-acre lake or rent a paddleboat ($6) and splash about. There’s disc golf, hiking trails, a nature center and picnic areas, too. Plus it’s pet friendly, although Fido ($1) will need a leash. DETAILS » 4520 W. Eight Mille Road; www.sjparks.com. Parking is $5-$10 (no credit cards).
6 P.M.
Dinner and a show
Stockton’s food scene has taken off. It’s hard to go wrong with delectable eats from celebrity chef Michael Midgley and waterfront Mexican cuisine at Nena’s Mexican restaurant. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of casual and elegant, step into De Vega Brothers, a white-tablecloth Italian restaurant known for its traditional eats. Finish your evening at Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre with a show — a comedian, perhaps, musician or classic movie. Built in 1930, this historic landmark blends modern technology with architectural wonders and classy decor. Don’t miss the 1,200-square-foot marble mosaic floor in the center of the lobby. You’ll find an event schedule at StocktonLive.com that ranges from epic Pink Floyd tribute band Brit Floyd to ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro and more. Midgley’s Public House is open daily at Lincoln Center; www. midgleyspublichouse.com. Find Nena’s Mexican Cuisine at 445 W. Weber Ave.; www.nenasmexicanrestaurant.com. De Vega Brothers is at 5757 Pacific Ave.; www.devegabrothers.com. The Bob Hope Theatre is at 242 E. Main St.
DETAILS »
ABOVE: Channel Brewing Co. opened its tasting room last year in downtown Stockton. JACKIE BURRELL — STAFF
TOP: The Nature Center at Stockton’s Oak Grove Regional Park mixes education and recreation. DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
11 P.M.
Zzzzz’s
Hit the pillow at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, where the rooms are spacious and there’s room to lounge just steps from the Stockton Arena and Banner Island Ballpark. Plus the hotel’s Delta Bistro serves a mimosa brunch on Sundays.
LEFT: Built in 1930, Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It hosts concerts, classic movies and more. VISIT STOCKTON
DETAILS »
110 W. Fremont St.; universityplazawaterfronthotel.com
FLYSTOCKTON
SKIP THE TRAFFIC OF THE BAY
BE IN, OUT, AND ON YOUR WAY! Affordable flights to: Las Vegas San Diego Phoenix
FlyStockton.com
Eat
RESTAURANT BUZZ
Find the latest restaurant news at mercurynews.com/lifestyle/eat-drink.
F6 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
HOME PLATES
DINING SCENE
MAKE TIME FOR STOCKTON
The kuchen quest
MICHAEL MIDGLEY earned celeb-chef status on television. Now he runs his own Stockton restaurant. NAGLEE PARK GARAGE
There are as many types of kuchen recipes as there are German cooks, says reader Judi Sayler. “My kuchen recipes are handed down from my grandmother, who was a ‘German from Russia.’ She made several types of kuchen crusts. But my favorite is her recipe for a shortbread-style crust.” Kim Boatman While kuchens Columnist often use plums, Sayler has made this recipe using fresh figs. So when Susan Carothers wondered what to do with her bounteous fig crop, I thought of the kuchen recipe Sayler sent a while back. We need these sorts of relaxed, forgiving recipes at this time of year. I’ve seen kuchens made with peaches and figs, which strikes me as a lovely combination.
Naglee Park Garage has reopened, offering “globally influenced neighborhood cuisine,” owner Mark Ostrowski says.
Reopened Naglee Park Garage offers new menu By Linda Zavoral and Jessica Yadegaran Staff writers
VISIT STOCKTON
Chef Michael Midgley has been featured on foodie TV shows including “Top Chef” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” These days he helms the kitchen at Midgley’s Public House in Stockton.
STOCKTON’S
GETTY IMAGES
German kuchens are usually made with plums but figs also work admirably well.
Kuchen Serves 10to 12 INGREDIENTS
1cup flour ¼ cup powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup melted butter Filling: 2large eggs 1cup granulated sugar 1cup sour cream ¼ teaspoon salt 3tablespoons flour 2tablespoons sugar-cinnamon mixture to sprinkle on top Fresh fruit such as peaches, figs, apricots, dark plums or prunes DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 425degrees. Make a shortbread crust, by combining flour, powdered sugar, salt and melted butter in a bowl. Using a fork or pastry cutter, combine the mixture and pat it evenly into a pie dish. Flute edges at top. For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugar, sour cream, salt and flour. Mix until smooth. Cut fruit into thin slices and line the bottom of the crust until completely covered. Pour filling over fruit. Sprinkle top of filling generously with cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 10minutes, then reduce heat to 325degrees. Check kuchen in 25minutes for doneness. Baking time will vary, depending on whether you use a glass or metal pie plate. Bake 5to 10minutes more, if needed, until the center is set. Cool before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. — Contributed by Judith Sayler
Second helpings The simple buttermilk pie recipe we featured recently didn’t suit Thea Vaughan. She thinks grated lemon zest and lemon juice would work better than the lemon extract she tried. “And the texture was odd, not like cheesecake, which I guess I was expecting,” she says. I think of buttermilk pie as having more of a silky custard texture, though versions with a little cornmeal or flour in the filling may be a bit firmer. I grew up eating buttermilk, chess, custard and similar pies, and I think of them as more comforting and homey than particularly flavorful.
Request line A neighbor hopes you can help on her mission to nudge her husband toward healthier eating habits. She figures chicken soups are a place to start. She’s not looking for basic chicken noodletype soups but versions that allow her to sneak in more veggies — but not tomatoes because of her own health restrictions. And Maddie wants to make hummus bowls with interesting toppings. Send recipes, tips and requests to Kim Boatman at HomePlates@ bayareanewsgroup.com.
‘TOP CHEF’ ALUM
DISHES By Angela Hill » Correspondent
Chef Michael Midgley is a big dude with a big personality, a trait earning him celebrity-chef status on everything from “Top Chef” to “Cutthroat Kitchen.” And this love of living large extends to big food at Midgley’s Public House in his hometown of Stockton. He opened the place in 2014, with a menu that features American fusion dishes and mega meats, boasting offerings like a 48-ounce tomahawk ribeye ($75) and blueberry pork with shaved fennel and blueberry sauce ($26). Public House has become extremely popular, drawing locals and out-of-towners alike. Now settling into life post-TV stardom, Midgley is focused on the restaurant and raising his three kids with his wife, Laci. We caught up with Midgley for a short chat about the eatery, life and his Kindle cookbook, “20 Easy Recipes: Awesome Food Anyone Can Make (with a little help from me!).” MIDGLEY » PAGE 7
Mike Midgley’s Shrimp and Crab Seafood Cakes Serves 6to 8as a main course INGREDIENTS
1pound shrimp, shelled and deveined 1pound lump crabmeat 1red onion 1bell pepper 2celery ribs 1bunch cilantro 1jalapeno ½ cup mayonnaise Old Bay seafood seasoning Tabasco sauce Worcestershire sauce Flour 4 eggs, beaten well Panko bread crumbs Oil, for frying Sriracha mayo, for serving DIRECTIONS
In a food processor (or with a knife), chop the shrimp into a paste. Transfer to a bowl and combine with the crabmeat. Dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, cilantro (leaves and stems) and jalapeno. Add to the crab mixture. Add the mayo, a good pinch of Old Bay and a few dashes of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. Form the seafood mixture into balls or patties about the size of your palm. Set out 3pie pans or shallow bowls. Fill one with flour, one with beaten eggs and the third with panko crumbs for breading. One at a time, roll each seafood cake in flour, then egg, then panko. Heat a pot of canola (or similar oil) to 350degrees. Fry the seafood cakes until golden brown; drain on paper towels. Serve with Sriracha mayo. — Mike Midgley, “20Easy Recipes: Awesome Food Anyone Can Make” (Publish Green, 2014)
The neighborhood joint is again welcoming the neighbors. After a soft opening, the Naglee Park Garage reopened June 14, thanks to the efforts of a restaurant industry veteran who moved to the area and fell in love with the quirky spot nestled in this close-knit neighborhood near San Jose State University. Owner Mark Ostrowski aims to make good on his plan to “re-create an environment that the neighborhood will embrace again.” To wit, he’s retained the look, the bricks, the bar and the homey vibe of the former garage at 11th and San Carlos streets. The restaurant still seats 28 and the patio 72. What’s new? Table service has replaced the Garage’s old model of counter ordering. On the menu, diners will find a small, defined array of dishes that this small kitchen can execute well, Ostrowski said. Call it “globally influenced neighborhood cuisine,” he said, adding that former owner “Lou (Silva) was always experimenting. We want to push the envelope even further.” Among the dishes on the inaugural menu are spicy skillet prawns with chorizo and polenta; cast iron chicken thighs with wild mushrooms; chilled summer corn soup with basil and roasted corn relish; fried chicken chicharrones with a Fresno chile glaze and Point Reyes blue cheese; and Peruvian mango ceviche with wildcaught mahi mahi and aji amarillo. There are riffs on the Naglee Park faves: The new halfpound Garage Burger comes with white cheddar, caramelized onions and herb aioli on an Acme bun and is served with sea salt fries. And local Brussels sprouts are pan-fried with Molinari pancetta, shallots and organic honey. For dessert there’s vanilla bread pudding with orangecardamom whipped cream and bourbon caramel sauce. Dinner is served from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Brunch hours will be added later. Details: 505 E. San Carlos St., San Jose; Facebook. com/nagleeparkgarage.
Monkey Thai adds second Alameda restaurant
MIKE MIDGLEY
Mike Midgley’s Asparagus Rangoon This simple recipe was inspired by deep-fried crab Rangoon, the classic cream cheese and crabmeat-filled wonton appetizer. Here, cream cheese-slathered wonton skins are wrapped around tender asparagus spears for an appetizer chef Mike Midgley calls just “too easy.” INGREDIENTS
1package wonton wrappers 1package cream cheese 1bunch asparagus, trimmed Oil, for frying DIRECTIONS
Lay wonton wrappers flat on your work surface. Add as much cream cheese as you can and still be able to roll them up. Place an asparagus spear in the middle of each and roll it up like a cigar. Wet the edge with a little water to seal. Fry them in a pan until golden. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping. — Mike Midgley, “20Easy Recipes: Awesome Food Anyone Can Make”
Five years after opening their Monkey Thai in downtown Alameda, the owners have branched out with a second location, also in Alameda. Prapaporn Yuin and Khermmerin Thungjaimon hosted a grand opening celebration June 15 at the Alameda South Shore Center. Besides the popular pad thai, yellow curry and basil chicken, the new location also offers the “Monkey Combo” — a full-meal deal — on weekdays for $9.95 to $13.95. The South Shore eatery is open daily for lunch and dinner. The original restaurant is located at 1930 Main St. Details: www.monkeythairestaurant.com.
Check out these three West Coast food festivals Hungry for something truly memorable? Food festivals are one of the ultimate cultural experiences, especially during the summer and fall, when the weather is ideal for being outdoors. From savory eats to quaffable beers, cooking demonstraDINING » PAGE 7
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP F7
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
And, yes, you can expect the unconventional holiday flavors. Salt & Straw has become known for some wacky ice cream experiments, like Dracula’s Blood Pudding on Halloween and buttered mashed potatoes and gravy on Thanksgiving, in addition to its work with inner-city schools and student inventor flavors, like nacho cheese ice cream, which we tried. The two new Salt & Straw shops will be located at 1309 Burlingame Ave. in Burlingame and 250 University Ave. in Palo Alto. Check back for opening dates.
Dining FROM PAGE 6
tions to wine seminars, food festivals offer a window into a place or city and its most creative makers. Here are three worth checking out. SF Street Food Festival: Oct. 13. This La Cocina-backed one-day extravaganza is the food truck festival that started it all. Meet the chefs behind La Cocina success stories, like Sabores del Sur and James Beard-nominated Reem’s, and sample their goodies. The festival, which takes place at the Potrero Power Station, has grown over the years but organizers have kept it affordable and family-friendly. Tickets are $10, compared to the hundreds it costs to attend other food festivals. 420 23rd St., San Francisco. www.sfstreetfoodfest.com Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival: Sept. 7-9. Push your summer Tahoe trip into September to indulge in this three-day gathering of chefs, artisanal purveyors, brewers and winemakers at Northstar California Resort. Watch chef demonstrations, like last year’s Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-off, try hands-on cooking, attend a farm-to-table dinner, wine seminar or luncheon. Tickets and details still pending. 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee. www.gotahoenorth.com. Feast Portland: Sept. 13-16. Arguably the most creative and multifaceted food festival in the country, Feast Portland is four days of frenetically paced food and drink fun featuring leading and emerging national culinary talent in more than 40 unique dining experiences. The Bon Appetit-backed Feast takes over Portland, shutting down streets and venues for Night Markets, cooking competitions, insider parties and more. New this year: An ’80s vs. ’90s cooking throwdown among 20 celebrated chefs and a Pacific Rim-themed Night Market. Look for appearances by Dominique Crenn, Sean Brock, Andrew Zimmern and other celebrity chefs. Ticket prices vary. Multiday packages including hotel accommodations available. Tickets and lineup: www.feastportland.com.
The Halal Guys take over former Locol digs in Oakland
THE HALAL GUYS
The ultimate question at The Halal Guys is whether you want white sauce, hot sauce or both. A Sunnyvale restaurant will be the company’s fourth in the Bay Area.
Philz heads for Lafayette; Coffee Shop comes to Concord, Danville MONKEY THAI
Alameda’s second Monkey Thai restaurant has just opened at South Shore Center.
JOSEPH GEHA — STAFF
SALT & STRAW
Salt & Straw ice cream expands to Palo Alto, Burlingame this fall
Salt & Straw’s peppermint cocoa ice cream features homemade peppermint patties chopped into rich chocolate ice cream.
Coffee drinks, including a couple of mint mojitos, await a customer on the bar at Philz Coffee.
Summer weather means we’re already craving ice cream. But the Peninsula and South Bay have to wait the entire season for the likes of Salt & Straw. The Portland-based gourmet ice cream company has announced plans to open shops in Burlingame and Palo Alto this fall. This marks the first expan-
sion outside of San Francisco for Salt & Straw, which is run by cousins Kim Malek and Tyler Malek. They opened their San Francisco shops in Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley in 2017. In San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, you can expect offerings from the
San Francisco menu, including freckled mint TCHO-colate chip, and Mt. Tam with Acme bread and sour cherry jam, as well as classic flavors such as sea salt with caramel ribbons, chocolate gooey brownie and vegan roasted strawberry coconut.
Midgley FROM PAGE 6
The Halal Guys, the fast-casual restaurant best known for its sauce-laden gyro and chicken over rice, is taking over the spot formerly housing Locol and Plum Bar in North Oakland. The Middle Eastern restaurant, which will be located at 2214 Broadway, is the fourth Bay Area location for The Halal Guys, which started as a hot dog cart in New York City. It is set to open this summer, and given the success of the Berkeley, San Jose and San Francisco locations, The Halal Guys should do well in the North Oakland spot despite the struggles of former tenants. Stay tuned for opening dates.
I was born and raised here. Every time I left here to go A out on a journey in my life, I always ended up back home. Plus, I wanted to raise my family here, have the kids know Grandma and stuff.
Central Contra Costa County is about to get a major caffeine boost as two gourmet coffeehouses make their way to Lafayette, Concord and Danville. First, there’s Philz Coffee, which has announced the sixth East Bay location for its hand-poured, mint-topped java, in Lafayette. Philz, which is also known for tasty kouign aman and hummusslathered bagels, will take over the spot formerly occupied by Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches at 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd. It’s one of many new options along the boulevard where the stylish Batch & Brine recently opened. For more information, go to www.philzcoffee.com. Coffee Shop, which doubles as a popular wine and beer spot for coffee drinkers in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Alamo, announced plans to move into The Veranda in Concord this summer as well as another location in Danville. For more information, go to www. coffeeshop411.com. Send restaurant tips to Linda Zavoral at lzavoral@bayareanewsgroup.com
each other up from day one. I decided I’d play it like the surfer/ laid-back dude and that worked pretty well for me.
Q
Any more TV stuff lined up?
FILET & LOBSTER
RIB EYE
NEW YORK STEAK
PORTERHOUSE
Q What’s life like as a celebrity chef? Q Not that I know of. Food Network is, like, you’ve been on I dunno, kinda like Cheers, A a lot of shows, we’re looking for you know? We have tons of A It’s still kinda, well, just faces. Besides, I never started regulars. It’s a great local spot, A crazy, you know? I don’t re- new cooking to try to be on TV. I’ve the neighborhood’s super friendly, ally feel that way. I’m from here What’s the Public House vibe?
the staff knows what people like. We really try to focus on service.
and I live here. Everyone just treats me like every other chef.
been cooking since I was 14. Right now, I’m focused on making the restaurant the best it can be, raising the family. All good stuff.
Q Q What’s the cookbook like? We’ve got a cold artichoke I was watching the show Q dip for summer. A seafood with my wife and I was talkA A cocktail. Watermelon salad with ing a bunch of trash about it. She feta, olives and mint. Some big was, like, you could totally do It’s recipes anybody can do steaks, of course. Oh, and the that. So we looked it up. There — that’s the point. There are A Scooby Snacks. Those are baconwas a casting call in San Frantons of cookbooks out there that What are some of your newest dishes right now?
wrapped (crackers with cheese).
Q
Why did you settle in Stockton?
How’d you score your “Top Chef” gig?
cisco that weekend. So, yeah, I went to the casting call and got on the show. It was quite a ride. Everybody was kind of sizing
are stupid-complicated and hardto-find ingredients. My thing is to make it simple and taste great. Pretty basic, ya know?
San Joaquin’s Premier Restaurant serving “Certified Angus Beef” (CAB)
Excellence In World Class Dining (209) 477-6133 • 501 N. Lincoln Center www.papapavlos.com • papapavlos@sbcglobal.net
Population: 300,000 Daytime Population: 130,000 Regional Trade Area: Over 500,000 Excellent Freeway Access to I-5, SR 99 and SR 4 Available Industrial Space & Property
AFFORDABLE BUILDINGS
UNPARALLELED TRANSPORTATION
ABUNDANT AND DIVERSE
and land for development or expansion.
inland port, rail, airport and major highways.
workforce.
290.937.8539 / economic.development@stocktonca.gov
Drink
TASTING ADVENTURES
Find more winery and brewery inspiration at mercurynews.com/lifestyle/eat-drink.
F8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
Calendar
WEEKEND GASTRONOMY
WINE COUNTRY WINING + DINING M2WINES
LODI STYLE
LANGETWINS
LangeTwins’ patio, located outside the tasting room in Lodi, is perfect for sipping your wine alfresco, with a customized cheese plate.
IF YOU GO Idol Beer Works: Brewery and taproom open Thursday-Sunday at 100A S. Sacramento St., Lodi; www.idolbeerworks.com. Fat City Brew & BBQ: Fast-casual barbecue restaurant and brew house open TuesdaySunday at 1740Pacific Ave., Stockton; fat-citybrew-bbq.business.site. Fenix: Urban-vibe New American restaurant open Wednesday-Sunday at 117W. Elm St., Lodi; fenixlodi.com. Segale’s Double Dip Gallery: Ice cream shop and gallery open Monday-Saturday at 222W. Pine St., Lodi; doubledipgallery.com. West Oak Nosh: New family-friendly gastropub open WednesdaySunday at 10W. Oak St., Lodi. M2 Wines: Small, modern tasting room open Thursday-Monday at 2900E. Peltier Road, Acampo; www. m2wines.com LangeTwins: Winetasting room open from noon daily at 1525E. Jahant Road, Acampo; www.langetwins.com.
By Jessica Yadegaran jyadegaran@bayareanewsgroup.com
We’re chilling inside a massive, stateof-the-art brewery with a cold IPA in hand and a fierce game of tile rummy on the table. Huge roll-up glass doors protect the large fermenters, bustling beer garden and colorful taproom, which has, on any given day, about 10 beers on tap, a live band and a food truck parked in front. Idol Beer Works is the kind of neighborhoodLODI »
defining spot you’d typically find in Oakland or Berkeley. But it is here, in an old Giant Discount Tire shop on South Sacramento Street in Lodi (which is, if you haven’t noticed yet, Idol spelled backward). We arrived here in the San Joaquin Valley on a cool Saturday morning in late May, tasked with uncovering new, irresistible eateries and beer and wine hubs in a weekend of unhinged gastronomy. LODI » PAGE 9
PHOTOS: JESSICA YADEGARAN — STAFF
ABOVE: Open since 2017, Idol Beer Works is located in an old tire shop in downtown Lodi. TOP PHOTOS: Clockwise from top left — M2 Wines in Lodi specializes in small lots of zinfandel plus carignane and viognier; Lodi’s Idol Beer Works serves Germanic-style beers and IPAs; pork schnitzel topped with pickled onions from West Oak Nosh gastropub; Fenix restaurant’s New American cuisine is made using ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.
Yoga in the Vineyard: 10:30 a.m.-noon today. Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery, 24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos. Enjoy an outdoor, all-levels yoga class, followed by a wine tasting with cheese and crackers. $30. http://bit.ly/2KrlG4n Monterey Beer Festival: 12:30-5 p.m. July 7. Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. Beer, food and entertainment. $20-$70. www. montereybeerfestival.com Somm Series: Let’s Taco ’Bout Wine: 6-8 p.m. July 10. Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore. Estate sommelier LeeAnn Kaufman leads an entertaining and educational taco-and-wine pairing class at the winery. $65. www. concannonvineyard.com Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 1415. Downtown Los Altos, Main and State streets. Fine art, concerts, children’s activities, food and drink. Free. https:// bit.ly/2FwMDA8 Opera in the Vineyards: 5:30-9 p.m. July 15. Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery, 1356 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. Bring a picnic and enjoy opera arias under the twilight sky at this event that benefits Livermore Valley Opera. Wine available for purchase at the winery (no outside alcohol allowed). $50-$55. livermorevalleyopera.com The Art of Wine and Vines: Through July 15. Healdsburg Center for the Arts, 130 Plaza St., Healdsburg. The world of wine is illustrated through a showcase of realistic, abstract and multimedia art, including painting, sculpture, photography and video art. healdsburg centerforthearts.org Pub in the Park: 11 a.m.4 p.m. July 21. Red Morton Park, Redwood City. Lounge in the park, listen to live bluegrass, play lawn games and sip local brews in a British-style inflatable pub. www.redwoodcity.org/pubinthepark Oakland Wine Festival: From 11 a.m. July 21, Joaquin Miller Community Center, 3594 Sanborn Drive, Oakland. Educational wine tasting, brunch and dinner. $35-$75. www. oaklandwinefestival.com Pig, Pizza and Pinot Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 21. Landmark Vineyards, 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. Pinot noirs paired with whole roasted pig and freshly made pizza provided by Girl and the Fig. $45-$60. www.cellarpass. com/pig-pizza-pinot-festivaltickets-2935 Santa Cruz Passport Celebration Day: Noon-5 p.m. July 21. Participating Santa Cruz Mountains wineries. Purchase a yearlong Santa Cruz Mountains wine passport, which is good for one “passport experience” at each participating winery, plus quarterly celebration days — including July 21 and Nov. 17 — when more than 50 wineries will offer special activities for passport holders. $65. www. scmwa.com Alexander Valley Film Society Summer Drive-In Series: 6:30 p.m. July 21. Cloverdale Citrus Fair Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale. Fill the station wagon with the family and head for Citrus Fair for this retro series that pairs local food, wine and beer from Bear Republic Brewery and Cloverdale Ale with screenings of “Back to the Future” (July 21) and “The Wizard of Oz” (Aug. 18). Car tickets are $40, individual tickets (bring your own chair) are $12 in advance. www.avfilmsociety.org Taste Our Terroir: July 26-29. Livermore Valley wineries. This annual food and wine affair opens with a food and wine pairing ($85) that partners 20 winemakers with Bay Area chefs, followed by 10 food and wine events ($35-$115), including a Wente winemaker lunch, a Murrieta’s Well vineyard hike and a Page Mill and McGrail Vineyards’ winemakers’ concert and party. www. lvwine.org Sip, Savor and Sunset: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through Sept. 2. Rutherford Hill Winery, 200 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford. Bring a picnic (or purchase a Dean & DeLuca cheese and charcuterie plate) and enjoy wine tasting during the winery’s new summer sunset series. No reservations necessary. www.rutherfordhill.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP F9
M2WINES
Old vines, including cinsault first planted in 1886, are used in creating M2Wines. The winery, which opened four years ago in Acampo, specializes in small-lot, fruit-forward red wines.
Lodi FROM PAGE 8
PHOTOS: JESSICA YADEGARAN — STAFF
West Oak Nosh in downtown Lodi is split into a bar, above, with garage-style roll-up glass, and a family-friendly restaurant. Each table at Fat City Brew & BBQ in Stockton is adorned with five barbecue sauces of varying heat and spice. At right is a two-meat plate with all the fixings.
Our culinary adventure actually started en route to Lodi, on the Miracle Mile in Stockton, at a barbecue joint called Fat City Brew & BBQ. Fat City used to be a Big Green Egg retail shop, but the grills have been relegated to the corner to make room for a 28-tap brew house and fast-casual restaurant using the awardwinning rubs and sauces of Manteca-based Rob’s Smokin’ Rub & Frog Sauce. You order at the counter from large paper menus and wait for massive sandwiches delivered on aluminum trays brimming with juicy tri-tip or grilled chicken, accompanied by delicate, housemade potato wedges shaped like Pringles (we loved those) or meat plates featuring their popular baby back ribs. Service is friendly, the game is always on and frequent tap takeovers — from Tracy’s Morgan Territory Brewing to San Diego’s Pizza Port Brewing — means Fat City is already a destination for California craft beer fans. After making our way to Lodi and checking into our bed-andbreakfast, Bella Vino, we took a nap in the living room — and awoke to the chatter of guests in town for a square-dancing convention. That was our cue to get washed up for dinner and head out. Bella Vino was an easy halfmile walk down tree-lined South Hutchins Street to our dinner restaurant, Fenix, in downtown Lodi. Fenix has an urban vibe and specializes in New American cuisine using ingredients from nearby farm and producers, including a handful of Lodi wineries. Expect crowds, especially on weekends, and order a bunch
of warm small plates, like the roasted heirloom carrots ($11) with romanesco, housemade labneh and pine nuts, and cheddar bacon biscuits ($4) with peppered maple syrup and honey butter. Chef Richard Hyman, formerly of the River Mill in French Camp, delights with pretty plating, especially when it comes to entrees such as the pan-seared Hokkaido scallop ($14) nestled atop forest-green pesto risotto, or bright white pan-roasted Alaskan halibut ($19) served on a black plate and topped with a tomato and garlic confit. Too stuffed for dessert, we took advantage of the fresh evening breeze and were walking down West Pine Street back to our bed-and-breakfast, when a neon ice cream cone sign beckoned us. Inside Segale’s Double Dip Gallery, we discovered the watercolor paintings of artist and owner Tony Segale, as well as antiques and handmade jewelry by local artisans. Segale’s doubles as a scoop shop, serving up Sacramentobased Gunther’s Ice Cream in little takeout boxes. Our favorite: a refreshing and fruity, bright magenta sorbet made with Michael David Winery’s petite sirah. Lemon custard is exceptional, too. We spooned up every last bit before calling it a night. We awoke Sunday to a day of wine tasting, starting at M2 Wines in Acampo. M2 opened four years ago, but the open-air tasting room, located on the estate vineyard, is so modern and pristine, it felt like opening day. The winery specializes in small-lot, fruit-forward red wines, particularly from prized zinfandel vineyards, in addition to a viognier and rosé. But our favorite was the 2015 emtwopointone zinfandel ($28). The name is a riff on insuffer-
able computer and mobile phone software updates, but the wine is an absolute delight — lush, smoky and perfect for summer barbecues. From there, we headed 2 miles down to LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, home to a fifth-generation Lodi winegrowing family. The property is massive, with a grassy lawn where families were playing outdoor Jenga, while sipping rosé and nibbling wood-fired pizzas straight from the oven. But the sleek redwood bar inside the tasting room is where the magic happens. We tasted a half-dozen LangeTwins wines, including standouts like the 2017 chenin blanc ($20), a zippy citrus refresher perfect for salad, and the inaugural 2015 Montepulciano ($25), a bright, mediumbodied, plummy red exclusive to the winery. Those soft tannins whet our appetites and sent us racing back to downtown Lodi and its newest eatery, West Oak Nosh. The trendy gastropub, which is split into a bar and a familyfriendly dining room, complete with community tables and chalkboards, opened just last month and is still working out some minor service kinks. But the vibe and food are spot-on. It offers a small menu of handmade sausages ($8), sandwiches ($9) and shareable bites like a warm, salt-glistening Bavarian pretzel ($6) and classic deviled eggs ($8). Plan to split the pork schnitzel, a massive, gloriously pounded and breaded pork loin topped with crispy slaw, chipotle aioli and pickled red onions on a pretzel-knot bun. As we headed home, I realized it was yet another example of a meal and dining experience I’m used to having in Berkeley or Oakland, yet happy to experience — again and again — in Lodi’s wine country.
Book your event with us! 4,752 sq.ft. Ballroom with ample pre-function space
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Education for what’s next
Discover what’s next in your future. University of the Pacific offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 30 graduate degree programs. Pacific.edu
Eight breakout rooms Two boardrooms
18 acres in beautiful Micke Grove Regional Park 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi 95240
(209) 956-1310
SanJoaquinHistory.org
2323 Grand Canal Boulevard, Stockton
stockton.hilton.com
Play
SUMMER GETAWAYS
Find more travel inspiration at mercurynews.com/lifestyle/travel-play.
F10 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
MAKE TIME FOR STOCKTON
9
DELTA SUMMER EVENTS
Heading to the Delta this summer? Here are nine sensational events and festivals to add to your calendar. Concerts in the Park: Stockton’s Victory Park hosts 12free concerts over the course of the summer. Bring a picnic and enjoy the live entertainment from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 22. 1001 N. Pershing Ave. Free. Details: www.visitstockton.org/ events/concerts-in-the-park Stockton Beer Week: This 10-day celebration will hold beer events, including tap takeovers, beer and food pairings, trivia night and the third annual Brews & Shoes Showdown run. The Brew Fest runs July 13-22. $35. Details: stocktonbeerweek. com Movies at the Point: Head for the Weber Point Event Center this summer with blankets, chairs and a picnic for this Movies at Dusk series, which includes a screening of “Captain Underpants” on July 13, “Despicable Me 3” on Aug. 10, “Jumanji” on Sept. 14and “Coco” on Oct. 12. Free. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Free. 221N. Center St. www. downtownstockton.org/events Taste of the Delta: The 17th annual food and wine festival showcases the restaurants, breweries and wineries of the California Delta region. Enjoy wine, beer, food, vendor booths and live music from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 4at Village West Marina, 6649Embarcadero Drive. $30in advance, $35at the door. Details: tasteofthedelta.com Stockton Buddhist Temple Japanese Food Festival & Obon Odori: The festivities include Japanese food, flower arrangements, martial arts and a variety of entertainment. This two-day festival will be held Aug. 4and 5at Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820Shimizu Drive. Details: https://bit.ly/2JANXYR Stockmarket: This unique street festival began in 2015 with a mixture of food vendors, artists, makers and live music. This year it will be at its new location at Martin Luther King Plaza, on East Oak Street in downtown Stockton. This season’s events run from 10a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 11and Oct. 13. Free. Details: www.stockmarketca.com Stockton-Con: Get your geek on at Stockton’s own version of Comic-Con. Stockton-Con focuses on San Joaquin Valley artists involved in comics and graphic novels, video games, anime, manga and more. The two-day event runs from 10 a.m.-5p.m. Aug. 18and 19 at the Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St. Tickets $13-$22. Details: stocktoncon.com Stockton Labor Day Pow Wow: The indigenous peoples of the West will share their culture Aug. 31-Sept. 2with the 37th annual Pow Wow, which showcases songs, dances, drums, arts and crafts, food and more. Browse the vendor booths for native foods, artwork, crafts and clothing. Free admission. Details: www.crazycrow.com/site/event/ stockton-labor-day-pow-wow Lodi Grape Festival: Celebrate the grape harvest Sept. 13-16 at 413Lockeford Street, Lodi. The festival offers entertainment, food, vendors, carnival, wine tasting and more. $6-$10. Details: www. grapefestival.com/p/241
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
JACKIE BURRELL — STAFF
STOCKTON’S HAGGIN MUSEUM: Explore fascinating historical displays about the city’s entrepreneurial past, including the famous Stephens Bros. boat design and building company.
DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WAT DHAMMARARAM BUDDHIST TEMPLE: One of the many large statues depicting the life of Buddha.
FUN FOR THE FAM By Nora Heston Tarte » Correspondent
Summer is here and vacation is calling. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a day trip for the whole family, the Stockton-Lodi region is just the ticket. It’s easy to spend a summer Saturday (or two) in these Central Valley cities. Pack up your kids (and your dog) and hit the road for a quick hour’s jaunt, an easy cruise on Interstate 580 toward a summer escape. Here are seven ways to pass the time with the fam, many of them free. And if you want to spend the night, we have a suggestion for that, too, and it involves Yogi Bear and Boo Boo.
JELLYSTONE PARK
LODI’S YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP RESORT: With its riverside location, guests can play at the beach without an ocean nearby, plus enjoy many other on-site activities.
Stockton Children’s Museum
1
Police cars and ambulances and fire trucks — oh my! Full-sized emergency vehicles — and other transportation — are just part of the appeal at this popular children’s museum. Kids can climb on a fire truck and take it for a “drive,” before sliding down the indoor play structure. Enjoy some splashy frolic at the water table, shop at the on-site “grocery store” or dabble at one of 40 interactive exhibits. Each experience, including the rooms dedicated to art and reading, is designed to help kids learn about the world they live in, with hidden lessons on water conservation and wildlife preservation to boot. Admission is $6 per person, ages 1 and up. Open Wednesday-Sunday at 402 W. Weber Ave.; www. childrensmuseumstockton.org.
DETAILS »
Movies at the Point
2
Weber Point is home to many of Stockton’s festivals, concerts and community celebrations, including this free summer movie series. Family-friendly flicks flicker on the big outdoor screen on select Friday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, lawn chairs and blankets, and get comfortable at the Weber Point Events Center, where “Captain Underpants” screens larger than life on July 13. It’s all about the Minions — and “Despicable Me 3” — on Aug. 10, and “Jumanji” on Sept. 14.
DETAILS » Gates open at 6:30 p.m. on movie nights at Weber Point, 221 N. Center St., Stockton; bit.ly/ WeberPointMovies. FUN » PAGE 12
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF STOCKTON: Each experience at the museum, where 40interactive exhibits await, is designed to help kids learn about the world they live in, with hidden lessons on water conservation and wildlife preservation to boot. VISIT STOCKTON
8
9
— Lisa Herendeen, Staff
Quirky minor league ballparks There’s something irresistible about a minor league ballpark. Reasonably priced game tickets, for one thing. Quirky digs and local flavor, for another. Some teams woo with crazy concessions, others with over-the-top entertainment zones — in case you’re not really there for the baseball. Here are five minor league ballparks worth a trip, starting with a charming Northern California stadium. 1. Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark: The home of 3. Texas’ Dr Pepper Ballpark: The Frisco RoughRiders’ the Stockton Ports, an Oakland A’s affiliate, this ballpark stadium took the idea of “ballpark swimming pool” — that’s holds 5,200 fans and a whole lot of history. Locals say a thing in the South — and kicked it up a million notches or Stockton was the inspiration for Ernest Thayer’s famous so when they opened the stadium’s Choctaw Lazy River in 1888poem, “Casey at the Bat.” Grab a bite at the park’s 2016. Now fans can float along a figure eight-shaped waCasey’s Corner Grill — a nod to the mighty slugger who terway, tucked just above the outfield, watching the game. whiffed when it mattered. Head for the cart behind Sec- 4. Iowa’s Modern Woodmen Park: It’s not the hot tub tion 117for fried asparagus stalks — Stockton’s most and tiki village on the banks of the Mississippi River that celebrated crop — coated in tempura batter. Or head for wowed us. It was the “Field of Dreams”-style cornfield in the park’s Back Porch, whose rocking chairs-with-a-view the outfield at the Quad Cities River Bandits ballpark. and all-you-can-eat buffet got a shoutout from ESPN. 5. South Carolina’s TicketReturn.com Field: The Myrtle 2. Michigan’s C.O. Brown Stadium: Ever since the Beach Pelicans’ home turf has a beach. No surfing, but Battle Creek Bombers introduced their hot dog-stuffed you can enjoy your Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza-burger STOCKTON PORTS Twinkie topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprin— a patty tucked between two deep-dish pies — from The Back Porch seating area at the Banner Island Ballpark, kles a few years ago, they’ve tried to top themselves. So a beach chair nestled into the sandy expanse that runs home of the Stockton Ports, features rocking chairs and an far, the follow-ups have included Leggo My Eggo burgers, down the left-field line. Poptarkos and a Cheboygaroni and Cheese. — Staff all-you-can-eat buffet of ballpark faves.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP F11
Inn-Escapable » Lodi’s Bella Vino Bed & Breakfast Ancient grapevines are abundant in Lodi and its surrounding areas. Hotel accommodations are harder to come by. Perhaps that’s why Bella Vino is such a find. The renovated 1912 Craftsman bungalow is located near downtown Lodi, and run by four firstgeneration Lodians. Their personal touch on everything, from the morning yogurt parfait and egg bake to picnic recommendations, is something you’re not likely to find at a chain hotel. ZZZZ’S: All four guest rooms have ensuite bathrooms, crystal chandeliers, iron bedsteads and flat-screen TVs. Decor is vintage wine country romance, which may or may not be your thing, but the rooms are impeccably clean and cozy. The queen-sized bed in our small Zinfandel Room was very comfortable and the pillows were topnotch. (The rollaway for our 7-year-old made for a tight squeeze, but it worked just Bella Vino is a renovated 1912Craftsman bungalow that is walking distance to downtown Lodi. fine.) The Merlot Room up-
PHOTOS: BELLA VINO
Lodi’s Bella Vino is a quiet bed-and-breakfast featuring four clean, cozy rooms. stairs is larger and features a king-size bed. SPLASHES: The bathrooms, which have glasswalled tile showers, are equipped with the basics — hair dryer, travel-sized toiletries and plush towels. EXTRAS: Bella Vino is a quiet place to stay, even at full occupancy. We crossed paths with other guests a
few times and made small talk, but my favorite thing during my stay was curling up on the sofa in the living room with a book, sipping complimentary ancient-vine zinfandel. DETAILS: Rates start at $150 per night. 235 S. Hutchins St., Lodi; lodibandb.com — Jessica Yadegaran, Staff
Wish You Were Here
COURTESY OF ZAMORA FAMILY
ITALY: Sisters Morgan and Cameron Zamora went to Italy with their Nana Kay, Aunt Cesca and cousin Norine. This photo was taken on the Borromean island of Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore near the Italian town of Stresa. “All was so beautiful! There are white peacocks that wander the garden near the palace.” TRAVEL TIPS: “I feel that taking land trips you are able to see and explore much more of the country compared to a cruise. Make sure that your vacation package includes tickets to all the sights and excursions you wish to see ahead of time. This will save time and money. Also, bring comfortable walking shoes.”
COURTESY OF HELLER FAMILY
INDONESIA: Danville residents Mike and Sandy Heller recently completed a three-month cruise around the Pacific Rim. “One of the more unusual destinations was Komodo Island, which is home to the famous Komodo dragons,” Mike says. Actually giant lizards, they grow to be as much as 10feet long, and are the largest lizards in the world. The island is an Indonesian national park, so you must visit as part of a group and be escorted by a park ranger. Although the lizards are carnivorous, they are kept well-fed by the rangers and by the occasional Timor deer that foolishly thinks they are too sleepy to move fast, so tourists don’t need to be too worried. Sandy is on the far right of the picture, while I am hiding under the umbrella — more afraid of the morning drizzle than the lizards!” TRAVEL TIPS: “The lizards don’t care, but tourists might want to plan their visit between June and January, as that is the most reliable dry weather. Being near the equator, the wet season features monsoon rains and winds — not so much fun, considering you will be hiking around the island. Don’t forget a hat and your water bottle. After roughing it with the lizards, the resorts of Bali are less than an hour’s flight away.”
COURTESY OF SERROS FAMILY
COURTESY OF SORCI FAMILY
MAINE: San Jose residents Darlene D’Amico-Sorci, right, and her daughter, University of Maine student Dominica Sorci, took a road trip from Orono, Maine, to Boston, with stops along the way including Bar Harbor, Camden, Kennebunkport and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. “This photo was taken at the Bush family summer vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine,” Darlene says. “There was a touching memorial to the president, which included many strings of pearls left in memory of Barbara Bush.” TRAVEL TIPS: “Travel in May before the official summer season starts. There are minimal crowds, less traffic and pleasant weather. Forget the fancy eateries and stop at a lobster shack along the way. Our favorite was Shore Road Restaurant and Market in York, Maine. There, you can casually sit outside on picnic tables across from the ocean and indulge in favorites like fresh clam chowder, lobster rolls, whole lobster and more. Also, take some time to walk along the beach. I gathered some beautiful sea glass and shells in Hyannis Port near the Kennedy compound.”
Share your travels with us! Send your vacation selfies to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Be sure to tell us who’s who, where they’re from and where you are, and include a couple of travel tips to help your fellow readers globetrot, too.
Travel Adventures Unlimited
Princess Cruise Sale June 26-29 Summer 2019 - Spring 2020
Free Premier Beverage Package All Destinations
Call for details
Valerie & Colleen O’Connell
Call M-F 9-5:30 Sat 10-2
(925) 935-7447
1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek www.traveladventuresunlimited.com
CST# 2074362-10
COURTESY BETH KILE-HERCHKORN
VIETNAM: San Jose friends Truc Ton and Beth KileHerchkorn — and their friend Diem Vo, behind the camera, of Ho Chi Minh City — took an eight-day trip to Vietnam recently that included a stop at the Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake in Hanoi. TRAVEL TIPS: “The northern, central and southern regions of Vietnam are very distinct, each with its own climate, accent, cuisine and atmosphere, so if possible visit the whole country,” Beth says. “When requesting a cab or a Grab car — a ride-sharing app — be sure to specify four wheels, unless you want to ride on a scooter.”
NETHERLANDS: Morgan Hill resident Gloria Serros, right, and her daughter Anita traveled to the Netherlands this spring for the Tulip Festival. TRAVEL TIPS: There’s more to see besides the festival, including a flower parade and fields of tulips everywhere.
F12 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
JELLYSTONE PARK
At Tower Park in Lodi, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort offers a family-friendly overnight experience for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sleeping on the ground.
Fun FROM PAGE 10
STAY & PLAY
Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple
3
Stockton’s Wat Dhammararam is too cool to pass up. Better known as the Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple, it features more than 90 colorful, jewel-encrusted statues, including a 50-foot-long recumbent Buddha. Through the artDOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER work, visitors learn more One of the many large statues depicting the life of Buddha at the Wat Dhammararam about the life and story of Buddhist Temple in Stockton. The temple, featuring many large colorful statues, is open the Cambodian Buddha. daily during daylight hours and admission is free. And best of all — it’s free to visit. the region. The Smack Pie DETAILS » Open daily durmenu offers sips from local wineries and breweries. ing daylight hours at 3732 Carpenter Road, Stockton; DETAILS » Open daily at 121 w w w.watdhammararam buddhist.org. S. School St., Lodi; www. smackpiepizza.com.
4Haggin Museum A $2.5 million refurbishment, completed late last year, modernized the decor and added electronic kiosks and new works to Stockton’s Haggin Museum, further connecting the worlds of local history and 19thand 20th-century art. Now guests not only view the displays, they interact with the materials, enhancing visitor understanding. Kids — and adults — will enjoy browsing the J.C. Leyendecker collection of early 20th-century magazine covers and ad illustrations depicting little Boy Scouts, a 1950 Baby New Year and chubby-cheeked kids enjoying Kellogg’s cereal. It’s the largest collection in the world. Don’t miss the history exhibits downstairs, where Willy the Jeep dwells. DETAILS » Admission is $5$8, children under age 10 are free. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month. 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton; haggin museum.org
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort: Skip camping — let’s glamp! At Tower Park in Lodi, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort offers a family-friendly overnight experience for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sleeping on the ground. On-site cabins grant guests the best of both worlds (there are traditional campsites, too) and there are so many activities, your family will never get bored. Miniature golf, laser tag, swimming pools and a hot tub, jumping pillows, playgrounds and gem mining are just the beginning. Yogi Bear and Boo Boo are there to greet fans on the Hey Hey Ride or play a game of volleyball with your cubs. And with its location on the California Delta, kids can be at the beach without being anywhere near the ocean. Plus, the resort is pet-friendly. Details: Campsites start at $54 per night, cabins and cottages start at $115; 14900 W. Highway 12, Lodi; towerparkresort.com
Scone 7Corner Bakery Step in for dessert at a spot where the treats are as clever as the name on the door. Every sweet in the display case is made from scratch — and there’s more here than just scones. Get your hands on freshly DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER baked cupcakes and cookies, or seek out the hidThe Haggin Museum in Stockton connects the worlds of den tea room where a tralocal history and 19th- and 20th-century art. ditional afternoon tea and p.m. Wednesday-Monday. grand high tea service are World of 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi; served on Saturdays. wowsciencemuseum.org. Wonders DETAILS » Open MondaySaturday at 322 N. CaliforChildren of all ages can Smack Pie nia St.; www.cornerscone enjoy this hands-on eduPizza bakery.com. cational museum in Lodi’s historic downtown. Filled All that fun needs fuel — with contraptions that and there’s no need to fight teach kids about energy, over toppings with your electricity, magnetism, op- brood here. At Smack Pie tics and other STEM topics, Pizza, everyone makes their it’s a great way to discover own personal-sized dish, the world in a safe environ- and everything is gourmet ment that encourages learn- and organic. Added bonus: ing. Play with bubbles, learn It’s walking distance from about sound and solve com- the W.O.W. so families can plex puzzles as a family. take in downtown Lodi while hopping from one DETAILS » Admission is $5- location to the next. Mom $7. Teachers are free. The and Dad, treat yourselves museum is open 10 a.m.-5 and indulge in the flavors of
5
6
Featured on the Main Stage at 3PM:
Jill Jones
Prince Protégé, Actress and Songwriter
August 25th 11 am to 7 pm
YOSEMITE ROOMS, CONDOS, COTTAGES AND VACATION HOMES. CENTRAL YOSEMITE!
559-642-2211 www.yosemitewestreservations.com
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY | FOOD | CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA | LGBT+ PRIDE
CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT AND WELLS FARGO PRESENT
MAUI CONDO AND HOME YOUR PIECE OF PARADISE 250+ Studio, 1-, 2- & 3-Br condos in Kihei, Wailea & West Maui (Kahana & Kapalua)
Call us on Maui at 844-368-1406 to save with our best rates! • www.MauiCondo.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH WEBER POINT EVENT CENTER 11AM - 7PM $5.00 ADMISSION
StocktonPride.com StocktonPride