foothill
May 2014
connoisseur a guide to local wine, beer, food, and art
2 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 | Foothill Connoisseur
Have a Look! The Importance of Defining Your Style Submitted by Denise Wilson, owner of Jane
F
requently I’ll ask a customer, “What’s your look?” The most common response? “Uh, I don’t really have one.” If you can’t pinpoint your style—what says “home” to you—it can be difficult to create a harmonious living space; you’re likely to buy things that don’t work together. Defining your style: One way to determine your look is to study what you’ve bought in the past. Are there any pieces you’ve had for awhile that you still love? See if
you can detect a common thread among any of them. Some possibilities:
The importance of tacking a word to your look: It helps you stay
Your look might be:
Clean with simple lines Ornate Cute Exotic Rustic Southwestern, Early American
Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist, Shaker Victorian, Colonial, Traditional, Vintage Country, Farmhouse, Beach Cottage, Shabby Chic British Colonial, Caribbean, Tropical, Hawaiian European Country (French, English, Italian, etc)
Another way to discover your look is to peruse decorating magazines. Find rooms that appeal to you and see what words the writers use to describe them.
focused. For example, when I’m looking for a certain paint color, I will silently describe the color I need. Gray with an undertone of brown, for example. I will repeat this frequently to myself as I’m looking at chips.
Submitted by Jan Fishler wo years ago, on their way back from South Africa, Jan Fishler and Janine Martin realized how much they enjoy small group travel. Fishler, who had coordinated the Africa trip, saw it as a safe way to visit exotic destinations without having to figure out all of the details. Martin liked the idea
Don’t buy on impulse: Especially at the beginning of this new way of shopping.
If your pieces could be described as:
Join Jan Fishler and Janine Martin on a Tour to India
T
It prevents me from being distracted by a beautiful color that won’t work.
of seeing new places and traveling with others from our community. On the plane ride back, the two women decided India would be their next destination. They signed up as tour coordinators for what promises to be a trip of a lifetime—India: The Golden Triangle to Kerala. The 14-day tour,
which departs on November 7, 2014 (back in time for Thanksgiving), will hit the highlights of northern and southern India including: old and new Deli, Agra and the Taj Mahal at sunset, Ranthambore for a game drive to see tigers and other exotic creatures, the architecture of Jaipur, the fishing
Additionally, being able to describe your look will help a salesperson keep you on track when you’re out shopping. She can guide you to what will work, saving both of you time and energy.
It’s easy to revert to old habits, buying what grabs you in the moment. A friend with great design sense recently said the following as she was weighing a possible purchase: “I can’t decide if it should be
village of Cochin, the backwaters of Kerala cruising aboard a traditional houseboat and city Mumbai. Included in the price is breakfast, most dinners and lunches, airfare from the Sacramento airport, four–star accommodations, an expert tour guide who is available 24/7 and an option to extend the trip. The complete itinerary is available at http://janandjanineinindia.grouptoursite.com. In addition to sight-seeing, Fishler, an author who teach-
es memoir and other writing workshops, will provide daily writing prompts and an after-dinner writing support to anyone wanting to participate. “Writing is an ideal way to record your thoughts and feelings about various sights, sounds, and smells and preserve memories for years to come,” Fishler said. Martin, a certified instructor, will offer optional T’ai Chi/Qigong classes. According to Martin, “When you’re on the road—especially when you’re
mine or if I’m just happy it’s in the world.” Just because you love something doesn’t mean you have to own it. (By the way, my friend went home and decided against the purchase.) Parting words: When you’ve discovered your look, own it. Don’t apologize for liking a style that might currently be out of favor. If it makes you happy, that’s the only thing that matters! Jane is located at 704 Whiting Street in Grass Valley, 530-802-5025.
away from your familiar routine, movement and meditation can keep you energized and healthy.” Those interested in learning more about the trip, or who want to join Jan and Janine in India, are invited to meet at Summer Thyme’s Bakery, 231 Colfax Ave in Grass Valley at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. If you can’t make the meeting, call Fishler for details at 530-277-9173. Fishler and Martin are encouraging people to reserve their seats now as the trip is filling fast.
Foothill Connoisseur
| Saturday, May 3, 2014 | 3
BriarPatch Introduces Globe-trotting Chef Submitted by BriarPatch Co-op Community Market
“I
love cooking. It’s what I’ve done since I was a little girl, and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Kim Jones, cookbook author and teacher, said. Back in Nevada County after living overseas for twenty years, Jones is settling back into life among the pines. She’s one of BriarPatch Co-op’s newest cooking class teachers, and she’s already gaining a following. She’s very animated and passionate about what she’s teaching. Jones has a lifetime of experience with food, and she brings that enthusiasm into her courses. She graduated at the top of her class in Le Cordon Bleu Cooking
School, a world class institution of culinary arts. While living abroad, she spent a few years in Peru as a restaurant reviewer. She also wrote a Peruvian cookbook that is currently in competition for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Jones speaks about Peruvian food with the dreamy tone of a true devotee. “There’s a whole ancient history behind Peruvian cooking … the ingredients are amazingly fresh,” she said. She explained that there have been many different influences that have made Peruvian cooking what it is today including Spanish, African, French, Chinese and Japanese.
Plus, every growing zone exists in Peru so there’s access to not only quinoa, coffee and the rarest chocolate, but also the best fishing. “You can get some of the best sushi in the world right now in Peru,” Jones said. “It has amazing, world class cuisine.” She’ll be sharing her knowledge and passion of Peruvian cooking on Thursday, May 29 at the BriarPatch Co-op Community Cooking School. The class will include entrees like mushroom ceviche, Lomo Saltado – stirfried beef filet with onions, red bell pepper, rice, and fries, and for dessert, Pie de Limon – lime pie. Peru isn’t the only country this globe
trotter has called home. Jones will also be teaching Mediterranean cuisine at the Co-op Cooking School on Saturday, May 31. “Mediterranean cuisine also has a great history,” Jones said. Not only is it really
healthy and uses a lot of olive oil, the class will also be vegetarian, and the dishes can be used individually or as a side. Plus, she said they’re wonderful in the warmer weather. More information on Kim Jones’ cooking
Back Stage Pass Publisher: Jim Hemig Advertising Manager: Courtney Walker Special Sections Manager: Gabrielle Irvin Account Managers: Stephanie Azevedo, Stacy Bosworth-Hickey, Scott Conley, Jodi Jannings, Emelia Marini, Melissa Rhoden, Shawn Ryley, Chad Wingo
464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945 www.theunion.com • 530-273-9561 Printed with pride by The Union press crew
To advertise in Foothill Connoisseur, please call Gabrielle Irvin 530-477-4255
SATURDAY, MAY 3
PARKING LOT SALE 9am-3pm
704 Whiting Street, next to Gold Country Express Lube* Recycled, Upcycled, Repurposed Garden Art • Furniture • Accessories • Vintage Pieces
*In the parking lot of “jane, design made simple”
530.802.5025
classes are available on BriarPatch’s website, www.briarpatch.coop /community/cooking-classes. Classes usually only allow ten students so there is a lot of one-on-one time with the teacher and the ingredients.
CHALK PAINT DEMONSTRATION Noon-3pm Learn tips from professional Shabby Paints Stylist MICHELE HENDRICKS
4 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 | Foothill Connoisseur
The Magic Carpet: Art Underfoot – Why Own an Oriental Rug? Submitted by Carolien van Straten, The Magic Carpet
A
ny ordinary room can be instantly transformed by adding a beautiful Oriental rug. The right rug, with a harmonious balance of warmth, color and design can enrich and enliven any environment. For centuries hand-knotted rugs have been used for comfort and beauty, as well as valued for their durability. Today they endure as a prized component of our interior environment. Recently, Oriental rug producing regions have endured political challenges and economic changes that are radically impacting the industry, threatening the tradition of hand-knotted rug
production more than ever before. With machine-made, inferior products being mass-produced, authentic Oriental rug weaving is on a steep decline. To help prevent losing the tradition entirely, Cultural Survival projects have been established by a few dedicated individuals to support these weaving communities, and a small number of extraordinary rugs are continuing to be produced. These remarkable hand-knotted rugs, using hand-carded and hand-spun wool, dyed from vegetable sources, are available today at The Magic Carpet, one of only a handful of stores
worldwide offering them. Cultural Survival projects supported by The Magic Carpet are dedicated to fair trade practices with no child labor. A percent of profits from every rug sold is used to help weaving communities build and maintain schools, as well as provide support for literacy and environmental programs. These rugs are made using wool from sustainable sheep herds and dyed with replenishable plant materials. In an age where we are increasingly aware of our footprint and impact, it’s rewarding to know that the purchase of an Orien-
Would you like to travel to India?
14-Day Tour
Join
Jan Fishler and Janine Martin
Learn more about the trip or if you want to join Jan and Janine in India Meet at 5 p.m May 6 at Summer Thyme’s Bakery, 231 Colfax Ave in Grass Valley If you can’t make the meeting, call Jan Fishler for details: 530-277-9173. Jan and Janine are encouraging people to reserve their seats now as the trip is filling fast.
tal rug is a truly green investment. Owning a Cultural Survival rug, while supporting the weavers and protecting the environment, is a win-win situation for everyone. Considering the qualities of a hand-knotted Oriental rug, the reason for owning one can certainly be monetary investment, but usu-
SUBMITTED PHOTO
A beautiful Barakat Cultural Survival rug enhances a home.
ally the value becomes an emotional one, as many rugs become family heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. Oriental rugs are one-of-a-kind works of art that combine a genius of design and symbolism with extraordinary craftsmanship. With the
time, artistry and skill that goes into creating a high quality rug, it is remarkable that they are still so relatively inexpensive; a fine, hand knotted 8’ x 10’ rug can take three weavers six months to complete and require nearly nine miles of yarn. It takes years for weavers to obtain the skills and
Foothill Connoisseur
knowledge needed; these are family and cultural traditions passed down from parent to child through the ages. The designs contain centuries of history. The Magic Carpet specializes in handmade Cultural Survival, tribal and classical rugs and offers a breathtaking collection of over 1,000 pieces. With 34 years of experience, The Magic Carpet is delighted to share its expertise with you, helping you select colors, designs and rug styles that will enhance your home or office. You can find many of these extraordinary rugs in our upcoming exhibit, “The Continuous Thread,” which opens May 7 and will showcase examples of rug weaving, both traditional and modern, from some of the
finest weavers in the world. Stop by and take advantage of our storewide 20 percent off sale! The Magic Carpet also offers expert washing and repair services, certified appraisals, home trial, delivery and placement services. We invite you to come and enjoy our wonderful collection in our shop or view our entire inventory online at www.themagiccarpet.biz. On our web site you can also find all of our monthly educational articles on the extraordinary art and history embodied by Oriental rugs. For any questions about Oriental rugs, please contact us at 530-265 9229 or at info@themagiccarpet.biz. We are located at 408 Broad Street in Nevada City.
| Saturday, May 3, 2014 | 5
Kodo Arts Showcases Japanese Antiques, Preserves History By Gabrielle Irvin
A
ntique intricate samuria chests, rustic jizai kagis and wooden and stone lanterns currently infuse Kodo Arts Warehouse at 571 Searls Avenue in Nevada City, where Japanese antique connoisseur Jake Costello showcases an array of Japanese antiques. Kodo Arts, owned by Jake and his wife, Yuko, offers a cornucopia of hand-picked, quality Japanese antiques to local enthusiasts and observers twice a year (May and October). Jake, a Japanese antique aficionado, moved to Kyoto, Japan 35 years ago to study shiatsu, Japanese BY GABRIELLE IRVIN massage, and shakuhachi, a An array of Japanese antiques at Kodo Arts Buddhist bamboo flute, and Warehouse in Nevada City. sparked an interest in Japanese antiques. He and Yuko now The Kodo Arts antique, arts live in Nevada City and Kyoto, and textile show is open bebuying, preserving and selling tween 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Japanese antiques. begins today, May 3, and ends
Soroptimist International of the Sierra Foothills
21 Annual Spring Garden Tour st
May 17 & May 18, 2014
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (rain or shine)
on May 11. For more information, call 530-478-0812 or visit www.Kodo-Arts.com.
Kodo Arts
Japanese Antiques
ANNUAL SPRING WAREHOUSE
SALE
Orchid SpOnSOrS:
The Union Newspaper and Rare Earth Landscape Materials Grass Valley Mill Street Clothing, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, Hills Flat Lumber, SPD Market, Weiss Bros Nursery, A to Z Garden Center Nevada City Harmony $20 in advance and $25 at the gardens Books, Prospectors Nursery, SPD Market Penn Valley Nevada Co. Farm Supply & Nursery Lake of The Pines CVS Pharmacy Auburn Eisley’s Nursery For more information Colfax Hills Flat Lumber call (530) 273-7989
BY GABRIELLE IRVIN
Kodo Arts Warehouse in Nevada City has an vast assortment of garden, snow and decorative lanterns.
MAY 3 - 11 10AM - 6PM 9 DAYS ONLY!
TickeT SaleS & infOrmaTiOn:
Open to the public twice per year
KODO ARTS WAREHOUSE
571 Searls Ave., Nevada City, CA 95959 478-0812 • www.kodo-arts.com
FURNITURE
HOME DECOR
ART
GARDEN
TEXTILES
6 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 | Foothill Connoisseur
Nevada City Winery Celebrates 34 Years Of Award Winning Winemaking During May Open House Submitted by Rob Byers
N
evada City Winery is celebrating 34 years of award-winning winemaking in Nevada County with their annual Open House Party taking place on May 17 and 18. The featured event over the weekend is the “Bottle Your Own Bottle” party that takes place in the winery’s cellar and barrel room located directly beneath the tasting room on Spring Street in Nevada City. Each year winemaker Mark Foster creates two barrels of two different wines just for this event. This year’s “Bottle Your Own Bottle” event features a deliciously fruity 2012 Zinfandel as well as a
2012 Bordeaux Blend featuring Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. “Cabernet Franc” Foster explained, “is a grape that does really well in our region. It generates great fruit
along with floral and berry aromas and packs a mouthful of flavor. I think people are going to really like this wine.” At the Open House, become the winemaker for the day. Start by
barrel tasting each wine. Then, bottle the wine, cork it, foil the bottle top and label each bottle with your own hand-signed, personalized wine label. Meanwhile upstairs in the Tasting Room,
the winery will host a gold medal wine tasting featuring the 2012 Dolcetto that was a Double Gold Winner at the recent New World International Wine Competition as well as the Platinum Award Winner at the Consumer Wine Awards event. Other gold medal wines include Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Gewurztraminer. Open House activities include live music featuring folk duo Andy and Dianne, and then the Brian Dougherty Trio on Saturday and Bob Mora and the Third Degree Blues Band on Sunday afternoon. The event
also features a cheese tasting featuring Shaft’s Cheese Company, a Sciabica Olive Oil tasting and Kelli’s Cookies and a BBQgrilled lunch. There is a $10 entry fee ($5 for Wine Club Members) that includes all wine tasting, lunch and entry to the “Bottle Your Own” party in the barrel room. The event goes from noon until 5 p.m. both days. Nevada City Winery is located on 321 Spring Street, downtown Nevada City, next to Miners Foundry. The Tasting Room and deck are open daily. Call 530265-9463, or visit www.ncwinery.com.
Foothill Connoisseur
| Saturday, May 3, 2014 | 7
Music in the Mountains Announces Lineup for Summerfest 2014 Submitted by Roberta McClellan
M
usic in the Mountains (MIM) announces its 33rd SummerFest season taking place June 11 through July 3 in the beautiful sierra foothills communities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Long known for its impressive orchestra and remarkable setting, this year’s festival expands to include a diverse array of musicians, soloists and guest conductors. From Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, to Celtic fiddle, to the music of the Beatles and Hollywood, SummerFest 2014 takes us around the world and across the universe, telling stories of adventure, romance and beauty. Five concerts comprise the orchestra series indoors at the Amaral Center at the Nevada
County Fairgrounds. From the legendary Scheherazade, who told 1,001 stories of the Arabian Nights to spare her life, to the thunder and drama of the American folk classic Porgy and Bess, these are stories of love, power and immeasurable beauty. The epic folktale Grieg Piano Concerto will be played by MIM festival pianist-in-residence, Konstantin Soukhovetski, a “young pianist who captivates” with his “distinctive lyricism,” “immaculate technique” and “vigor...refinement... and drama.” Konstantin has garnered rave reviews in his performances from South Africa to Carnegie Hall, and will also be playing the fabulous “Rhapsody in Blue” for our Gersh-
win Extravaganza. MIM Young Composer Project takes center stage with their Prelude for Yuba Salmon, a collaborative art and science adventure culminating in a world premier, and the annual family concert and faire will feature the hottest piece going, Nathaniel Stookey’s “Lemony Snicket: The Composer is Dead.”
And what would a summer festival be without Concerts Under the Stars? Four concerts give patrons an opportunity to picnic and party on the great lawn of the beautiful Nevada County fairgrounds while listening to fabulous music. The series begins with a visit to the Celtic islands with Alasdair Fraser’s Grand Fiddler
Rally, then a celebration of the Beatle’s 50th anniversary of their live performance on the Ed Sullivan Show with the Fab Four, dubbed “the best Beatles tribute in the world” by the LA Times. The MIM Festival Orchestra and Chorus present music from the greatest soundtracks of our time—”Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Star Wars,”
“Harry Potter,” “Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan” and more. And this year’s Happy Birthday USA on July 3 receives a Hollywood treatment, celebrating Broadway, Disney and the Good Ol’ U.S. of A. Intimate Chamber Works concerts open the festival with the popular Young Composers Project featuring 27 new
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS presents Northern California’s Premiere Music Festival in the Sierra foothills
June 11-July 3
Nevada County Fairgrounds & Select Venues Attend all the concerts, or mix and match for a custom music experience–Orchestra Series, Concerts Under the Stars, and Chamber Works. From Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, to Celtic fiddle, to the music of the Beatles and Hollywood, we will take you around the world with stories of adventure, romance and beauty.
Specializing in extraordinary hand-knotted classical and village rugs since 1980
408 Broad St., Nevada City, CA 95959 www.themagiccarpet.biz (530) 265-9229
The Continuous Thread
ORIENTAL RUG EXHIBIT & SALE May 7 - July 15, 2014 This special exhibit will showcase examples of rug weaving both antique and new that illustrate how ancient themes have evolved and continue to influence masterpieces woven today.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Log on and explore: MusicInTheMountains.org Tickets | Information: Purchase online or call (530) 265-6124 10% discount with purchase of 4 or more concerts
Storewide Sale 20% Off Over 1,000 Hand-Knotted Rugs • Beautiful New Shipments
BUYING • SELLING • WASHING • REPAIRING • APPRAISING • RUG PADS
8 | Saturday, May 3, 2014 | Foothill Connoisseur
works by some of the finest young musicians in the region. A feisty and romantic evening of Cuban jazz with the Gardenia Azul Trio joining MIM Festival musicians is designed to get people dancing. Konstantin Soukhovetski will take us to Paris with a concert highlighting solo French piano music. Music that’s created right here and right
dent ronductor. Rumor has it that as a world champion bag piper, Murray may don the kilt for the Grand Fiddler Rally. MIM hosts two up and coming guest conductors—both “crossing over” from great performing careers as violinists. Dawn Harms of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, the first woman to conduct at MIM, will lead the Nor-
now is the highlight of Wet Ink, offering music that’s hot off the press presented by the Nevada County Composers Cooperative. A fantastic roster of conductors will share the podium this summer along with newly appointed artistic advisor, Pete Nowlen. Ryan Murray leads the MIM Chorus as he debuts in his new position of resi-
Co-op Cooking New for spring: Classes 3 classes BriarPatch community cooking School 648 Zion St., nevada city
tue may 6 thu may 8 Sat may 10 tue may 13 Fri may 16 Sat may 17 tue may 20 thu may 22 Sat may 24 tue may 27 thu may 29 Sat may 31 tue June 3
each week!
risotto and Polenta raw Snacks for the family Paleo diet for mental health Pad thai, Burmese Beef make mozzarella! asian Fish Bento Box Pizza mediterranean-style nutrition for Picky eaters tempura & Soba noodles Phyllo dishes & desserts class Peruvian Falafel and Fixins angel Food cake variations
dic Fantasy and HappyBirthday USA programs, while Florin Parvulescu of the San Francisco Symphony, will lead the “John Williams Spectacular” and “Tales of the Exotic East.” This year’s festival also gives you also offers a wide range of free concerts and unique opportunities to experience the music. Tour an authentic Persian tent
during the evening of the “Tales of the Exotic East” concert, or slide in to a speakeasy on Gershwin night. Dress as your favorite character from “Star Wars,” or try to out-decorate the neighbor for the July 3 picnic table contest. See the maestros in action on several designated open rehearsals, or join in a café conversation led by festival musicians
and guest artists. Tickets may be purchased online at MusicInTheMountains. org or over the phone at (530) 265-6124. There is a 10 percent discount when ticket buyers purchase 4 or more concerts. Mix and match from each of the three series for a custom music experience.
Announcing ... Our first concert of 2014
Saturday, June 14
Wine Club Pre-Sale Opportunity through May 8 Wine club members: $40 Non-wine club price: $45 all claSSeS $35 / 30 for BriarPatch owners
$
regiSter and Pay at BriarPatch.cooP
Dinner available from Strings Italian Cafe
Class desCriptions at www.briarpatCh.Coop. weekdays 6 to 8pm, sats 10:00 or 10:30am to 12:30pm
Open 7 days, 7a–10p • 272-5333 290 Sierra College Dr., Grass Valley
www.briarpatch.coop
Si
er
ra
Lit ton Dr.
Si C o er r l le a ge
Ri
dg
e
Rd
.
pre-registration required. register and pay online at briarpatch. coop or at the store with check or cash; for info call 272-5333x134
Co
l. D
N
E.
r.
in Ma
. St
Bear River Wine Tasting 10024 Linnet Lane ¤ Auburn
Conveniently located on Hwy 49 between Bear River Crossing & Combie Road
www.SierraKnollsWinery.com
(530) 269-2327