Christian Brothers Wine, Beer & Food Extravaganza is September 7th!
Right before RB and I take off for Napa again this year!! <—excited!! :), We’ll be attending the Christian Brothers Wine, Beer & Food Extravaganza on September 7th from 7pm-10pm at the Christian Brothers Campus. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event.
The Christian Brothers Wine, Beer & Food Extravaganza is the premiere food and drink event in Sacramento. It features hundreds of California’s finest restaurants and wineries, and showcases the best of local breweries throughout the state. The Christian Brothers Wine, Beer & Food Extravaganza has raised millions of dollars to put towards tuition funding and community outreach programs throughout the area.
Tickets are $70 today only, and then tomorrow the price goes up to $80 per person. You can buy tickets here. This year’s event features special add-ons like transportation and a cigar lounge.
Featured wineries and breweries at the event will be:
August Anthony Vineyard, Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Bogle Winery, Brother Timothy Mont La Salle Vineyard Estate, Cannonball Wine Company, Cartlidge and Brown, Carvalho Family Winery, Columbia Crest Wines, Corralitos Wine Company, Girard Winery, Greystone Wines, Harbison Wines, Harney Lane Winery, Jeremy Wine Company, Josh Cellars, Klinker Brick Wines, Line 39McConnell Estates, Madrona Vineyards, Mumm Napa, Michael-David Winery, Moniz Wines, Oakstone Winery, Pacific Wine and Spirits, Padis Vineyards, Pedroncelli Winery, Peirano Wines, Rodney Strong, Revolution Wines, Rombauer Vineyards, Scheid Winery, Schug Winery, Scribner Bend, Scott Harvey Wines, Senders – Wine with a Cause, Stama Winery, Terra d’Oro Winery, Thorny Rose Wines, Troubadour Cellars, Wente Vineyards, Wreckless Blenders, and ZD Wines
Auburn Alehouse, Firestone Walker, Guinness, Hoppy Brewing, Knee Deep Brewing, Lockdown Brewing, Lost Coast Brewery, Mendocino Brewing Company, Miller-Coors, New Belgium Brewing, Pyramid Alehouse, Rubicon, Ruhstaller, Sierra Nevada, The Shack, Sutter Buttes Brewing, Track 7 Brewing, Two Rivers Cider Company
Click here for a list of restaurants.
Through the proceeds from this event last year, the alumni association was able to net over ninety thousand dollars, which went to the school’s tuition assistance program.
Due to the generous efforts of our sponsors and vendors, along with the hard work of the Alumni Board and volunteers, students who would not have been able to attend Christian Brothers High School were able to do so.
Please mark Friday, September 7, 2012 on your calendar and plan on joining us for what promises to be another fantastic event.
You can follow Christian Brothers Wine Beer & Food Extravaganza on twitter here. Cheers! 🙂
Pour for Prevention to Benefit Child Abuse Prevention Center is August 25th
Pour for Prevention presented by UC Davis Children’s Hospital, McHugh, Koepke & Associates, Antiquité Maison,Southwest takes place on August 25th from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Pour for Prevention is the Child Abuse Prevention Center’s wine tasting event to be held at Antiquité Maison Privée (2114 P Street), known as the “jewel of midtown.” This stunning property with its 1920’s Mediterranean charm makes for an unforgettable venue and has been designated a historical treasure by the City of Sacramento.
This event features a vast array of wines from California wineries who will “pour” to prevent child abuse. Guests will enjoy light appetizers and desserts.
Art! An amazing art display will feature renowned and up and coming artists whose pieces you won’t want to miss.
Live music and a silent auction with something for everyone will round off the event. You won’t want to miss the party at this midtown jewel.
Here’s a list of the food donors that will be at the event:
Wine, Beer and Food Donors
Amador Cellars, Beth Sogaard Catering, Bistro Michel, Blue Diamond Growers, Bogle, Boissett Family Estates, Bonitata Boutique Wines, Capital Confections, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Clif Family Winery, Deaver, Edible Events, Ehrhardt Estates, Grange Restaurant and Bar, Helwig Winery, Heringer Estates Winery, Hoppy Brewing Company, Lake Solano Vineyard, Leatherby’s Family Creamery, Lewis Cellars, Mama Kim Cooks, Michael David Winery, Noodles & Company, Olive Garden, Pearl on the River, Peirano Estate Vineyards, Piacci, Robert Mondavi, Tanis Vineyards , The Blind Pig, The Melting Pot, TLC Delivered, Weibel Family Vineyards and Winery
Tickets
$40 each or two tickets for $70, $50 at the door. Purchase tickets online here. To pay by check, make check payable to the CAP Center and mail to: CAP Center, 4700 Roseville Road, North Highlands, CA 95660
Want to become an event sponsor? Are you interested in being a wine or food vendor, donating an item for the silent auction, displaying your art, or volunteering? Contact Cathy Kauffman at 916 244-1927
For more information about the Child Abuse Prevention Center you can visit their website here.
The State’s Premier Wine and Food Event is August 18th!
Here’s a press release from my friends at the California State Fair!! 🙂
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2012) – The state’s finest winemakers, vineyards and wineries will be honored on Aug. 18, when California’s Grape & Gourmet – the country’s largest tasting of award-winning wines – returns to Cal Expo.
The 17th annual Grape & Gourmet is a celebration of the prestigious California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the oldest wine competition in the United States.
Winners were announced in June and will receive their awards at Grape & Gourmet, prior to the public tasting and wine sales.
The public event is 3-6 p.m. in Cal Expo’s air-conditioned Building A/B. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Online group sales of 10 or more are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.calexpo.com
Award-winning wine will be available for sale by the bottle and case. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the California State Fair’s scholarship program, which this year awarded a total of $32,750 to 27 students.
California’s Grape & Gourmet features pours of the State Fair’s medal-winning wines, award-winning beer from the State Fair’s Commercial Craft Brew Competition, award-winning cheese from the Fair’s cheese competition, and samplings of great food from area restaurants.
In this year’s Commercial Wine Competition, 2,890 entries were received from 688 participating wineries. Seventy-two judges on 18 panels awarded 2,156 medals, including 74 Double Gold, 268 Gold, 1,195 Silver and 734 Bronze.
Complete results of the wine competition appear in “California Wine” magazine, a publication of the California State Fair, which will be available at the event and at Save Mart Supermarkets in the near future.
SPECIAL TREAT (or not)!! Archive post from cakegrrl.com below!!
Here are a few pics from the event a few years ago. (The last time they had it indoors at Cal Expo, and wayyy before I was Paleo).
Trader Joe’s Loot
Trader Joe’s Mountain of Stilton
Chicken Cones, Red Lion Hotel. It’s chicken, but in a cone, get it? 🙂
Wine in a carton. New home of missing persons ads?
Bread spread by Nugget Markets
Traffic Snarl…
Bread spread from the Bread Store… *who knew there’d be all this bread?*
Neat hops display.
Mason’s ahhh-amazing ahi tuna with broth.
A very yummy rose by Valley of the Moon.
Shout out to the Bread Store for the Ciabatta loaf I scored at the end of the night and the olive loaf they gave to my stunning mystery companion. Mulvaney’s was serving two refreshing sorbets–one with mint, maybe basil in there too? The other one was fig. Both fantastic! 🙂
Steiner Feast 2012 is August 11th, Noon-4pm
Share the Bounty with the Steiner Road Wineries
Sat., August 11, 2012 from Noon-4 pm
PLYMOUTH, CA – July 17, 2012 – Everyone is invited to Share the Bounties of Summer with the Wineries of Steiner Road.
This FREE Food and Wine event will delight the senses. Guests can stroll through the beautiful grounds of eight wineries, taste a variety of wines, and enjoy special treats featuring local summer produce.
How about some small bits including Zucchini-Tomato tarts, grilled polenta w/ vegetable marinara, local grown veggie lasagna, squash & tomato caponata, pork tamales with local corn, green bean salad, tri-tip sliders, and some baby blueberry pies and tartlets?
Plus, Amador Farmers will be set up at various wineries to sell fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Steiner Road – in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, off Highway 16 – is home to many award-winning wineries. Just 45 minutes from Sacramento and 2 hours from Reno, Tahoe & the Bay Areas, it is an easy day trip to the friendly Amador County Wine Country.
Visitors also can enter to win four tickets to the Big Crush Harvest Festival Oct. 6 & 7 by visiting at least 5 of the 8 participating Steiner Road wineries: Shenandoah Vineyards, Amador Foothill, Bella Grace, Deaver Vineyards, Driven, Dillian, Renwood and Dobra Zemjla.
Steiner Road Wineries, off Shenandoah Road (Hwy. E-16), east of Plymouth, CA, in Amador County. Questions: Contact Robert Sobon, (209) 245-4455, INFO at SOBONWINE.COM
Denio’s in Roseville to Host “Taste of Summer” Event on August 4th, 10am-1pm
Saturday August 4th from 10am-1pm, Denio’s will be hosting its inaugural “Taste of Summer” event, complete with a kids zone and “Salsa Showdown.”
Join Denio’s for a fun-filled day as they celebrate the area’s largest Farmers Market in a whole new way!
The “Salsa Showdown” will be a “Chopped” style competition with local culinary students and judged by some of the area’s top professional chefs.
Receive complimentary produce tastings, salsa-making tips and recipes, and so much more. Plus, the kids will enjoy their own exclusive “Fun Zone.”
Denio’s Farmer’s Market and Swap Meet open at 7am. They are located at 1551 Vineyard Road, Roseville. You can visit them online at Denio’sMarket.com
You can find them on Facebook here and follow them on twitter here. To get an idea of what Denio’s is like, you can check out their You Tube channel here.
Hot off the Grill: 2012 Sacramento Burger Battle is September 18th at Raley Field
If you haven’t heard about the 2012 Sacramento Burger Battle by now, you’re probably living under a huge chunk of charcoal!! Sacramento’s first charity burger cook-off and tasting event, the Sacramento Burger Battle, will be held on National Cheeseburger Day, Sept. 18, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Raley Field.
Of course, the organizer of the event is a friend of mine, so I have had the privilege of knowing all about the event for a few months now. I was particularly interested in helping promote this event because all of the ticket sales benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2001. Though my Crohn’s is in remission and it rarely bothers be (due to my diet and exercise regime), I know there are many people who are hospitalized and operated on every year (and even die) from Crohn’s Disease.
The Battle Details:
Up to 15 Sacramento-area restaurants will create their best burgers in the hope of being named the Best Burger in Sacramento.
The Challengers:
- de Vere’s Irish Pub
- The Porch
- The Eatery
- Restaurant Thir13en
- Kupros Bistro
- Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar
- Michelangelo’s
- Delta King
- The Chef’s Table
- Squeeze Inn
- The Golden Bear
The Judges:
Guest judges include food writers Rick Kushman and Erin Jackson, local chef Bret Bohlmann, and Rick Mindermann of Corti Brothers.
The Beverages:
Beer and wine tastings feature samples of regional brands, including Crispin Cider and Sierra Nevada.
Audience Participation!
Attendees can sample burgers from participating restaurants and vote for their favorite burger to receive the People’s Choice Award.
Not Just Burgers!!
Featured entertainment includes a live art installation by the nationally acclaimed Tekstartist from Carlsbad, California. The final piece will be auctioned off during the event to raise additional funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
Fine Print:
Admission to the event is limited to adults 21 and over.
About the 2012 Sacramento Burger Battle
Conceived by Rodney Blackwell, a nationally ranked burger blogger based in Sacramento, California, Sacramento Burger Battle’s purpose is two-fold: to showcase the local dining scene, and to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Blackwell’s commitment to helping find a cure for Crohn’s and colitis started four years ago, when his daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s.
You can “like” the Sacramento Burger Battle on Facebook here and for all the latest burgery gossip on the event, you can follow them on twitter here.
Ready to buy tickets? You can get them online here!
Miner’s Leap Winery Summer Jazz Series Continues Saturday, July 28th
The concert features ANALYSIS with A.D.and special guests Cynthia Douglas and Taylor the “Donn” Burrise.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 @ the door. The first 50 guests receive a FREE glass of wine.
Wine Club Members: $15 plus a FREE glass of wine.
A down-home BBQ is available for purchase by Sacramento’s very own Sandra Dee’s BBQ & Seafood.
Space is limited. Call (916) 813-6909 or email miners leap at gmail.com
The Miners Leap tasting room is open:
Friday 1 to 6 p.m.
Happy Hour 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
54250 South River Road, Clarksburg, CA 95612
They also have a concert planned at the winery on September 8th, 2012 with Levi Huffman and ANALYSIS. For more information, go to their website here.
You can “like” Miner’s Leap on Facebook here.
We Conquered the Big Rib at the California State Fair!!
OMG! We conquered the big-*ss Rib Steak!! It was soooo good. We were able to order it right off the grill & medium rare without extra sauce! It costs about $16 and it feeds 2 people. It was perfect for the caveman and the cavegrrl… I am pretty sure we were the happiest couple at the fair sharing that big old hunk of meat! 🙂
And we landed in the wine garden (big surprise! ;)) with a mini picnic sponsored by one of my favorite food booths at the fair (conveniently located within the Wine Garden) Pignotti’s!! This year, they’re serving up my favorites again… the fruit plate, the salami plate, and the cheese plate. There’s also a meatball with pesto sauce that you should try.
Of course, we didn’t eat the bread on the plates, but I am showing you what you will get on the plate when you order. You can probably ask them to leave it off your plate entirely if you want. 🙂 Here’s a little slide show of the must haves (especially when you are sipping those California State Fair Medal winners!!):
BY THE WAY!!!!!
Come out and see me tomorrow, (Friday, July 20th from 5-7pm!) In the California Food Building (where the permanent exhibit buildings are located).
I will be making bacon wrapped dates and a cocoa hazelnut spread served with bananas! And you will get to taste test them for FREE!! And maybe by tomorrow I will have figured out a catchy name for the hazelnut spread!
You’ll also get to meet my partner in crime, The Running Bum aka Andy aka caveman, and we’ll talk about Paleo, what we eat, our staple kitchen ingredients, and other fun recipes!!
And since we’re talking about food, here’s the latest press release with the 2012 Cooking Competition Results:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 19) – The California State Fair announces winners of its California’s Kitchen challenges and competitions for adults, children and professional chefs.
Best of Show:
Jams & Jellies Show: Claudine Kelly of Orangevale, for Blueberry Pomegranate Jelly
Kidz Jams & Jellies Show: Ashley Olson of Kingsburg, for Strawberry Balsamic Thyme Jam
Soft Spreads & Fruit Show: David Conrad of Stinson Beach, for Bearss Lime Curd
Pickles, Relish, Sauce & Salsa Show: Joan Edelsohn of Moraga, for Blackberry Barbecue Sauce
Kidz Soft Spread, Fruit, Pickle & Sauce Show: Matthew Silvera of Sutter, for Pickled Green Beans
King Arthur Flour Cookie Contest in Kidz Kitchen:
First place: Lincoln Marks of Rancho Cordova, for Kettlecorn Cookies
Second place: Catherine Gallagher of Sacramento, for Almond Strawberry Tea Time Cookies
Third place: Kaitlyn Ripley of Carmichael, for King Arthur’s Cookies
Poppy’s Baby Cake Contest in Kidz Kitchen, sponsored by C&H Sugar:
First place: Lindsey Abernathy of Sacramento, for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Second place: Madilyn Ripley of Carmichael, for Poppy’s Baby Cakes
Third place: Jamie Grgich of Elk Grove, for Marzipan Ladybug Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Awards of Merit – Aysia Seals of Citrus Heights, for Aysia’s Rainbow Vanilla Cupcakes;
Demetrius Marshall of Sacramento, for Demetrius’ Out of this World Triple Chocolate Cupcakes;
Esther Ambrose of Galt, for Flower Power Poppy Baby Cakes, and
Evangeline Gardiner of Loomis, for Rainbow Cupcakes
Professional Chef Challenge
Preliminary rounds winners, who will compete in the finals 4-6 p.m. July 29:
Chef F.J. Villalobos, of 58 Degrees & Holding Co.
Chef Evan Elsberry, of Evan’s Kitchen
Chef Cecil Rhodes II, of Bella Bru Café Carmichael
Placer County Vintners Association Presents the Grape Days of Summer on August 4th and 5th!
The Grape Days of Summer on August 4 & 5, 2012 is Placer County Wine Trail open-house event hosted by Placer County Vintners Association (PCVA).
Enjoy wine tasting and small plates of food at participating wineries along with music and educational experiences along the trail. In addition to each general wine tasting line-up, wineries will provide an educational experience that takes you “From Vine to Wine.” This is something this region has never offered before. Join in on the fun, and taste some great award winning, small production wines, while you learn something from the winemakers themselves.
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, August 4 & 5
TIME: 11am to 5pm both days
WHERE: Placer County Wine Trail – Auburn, Lincoln, Loomis & Newcastle
COST: $30 advance / $40 door, $10 Designated Driver
PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Bonitata, Casque, Ciotti, Cristaldi, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Lone Buffalo, Mt. Vernon, Pescatore, Popie, Rancho Roble, Secret Ravine, Vina Castellano and Wise Villa.
ACTIVITIES SUMMARY: Food or music at each winery. Special activities include Vineyard Tours; Cork Presentations; Oak Flavors in Wine; Blending Seminars; Harvest Equipment, Solar Energy, and Sheep in the Vineyard; Placer County Wine History; Vertical Tastings; and Barrel Aging and Sampling.
Purchase tickets by clicking here!
California State Fair Kicks Off Tomorrow! Win 2 tickets and FREE Parking!
The California State Fair is here again, and this time I will be doing a cooking demo at the fair on July 20th, from 5-7pm! I will be there to discuss the Paleo diet and to make a dish for audience sampling!! Come out and say hello and see what the Paleo thing is all about.
In celebration of my appearance at the Fair, I am giving away a pair of tickets, complete with a parking pass to one of my readers. To win, please comment below and tell me what you are most looking forward to at the fair! (If you’re anything like me, it’s the wine garden and the Mick Martin concerts!) I’ll also be heading to Pignotti’s booth (located in the wine garden) for my cheese and fruit plate! 🙂
The person with the best entry wins (you have to be local to win)…Giveaway ends tomorrow at noon! Ready…. GO!!!
Also, read below and check out some of the new attractions at the fair this year (via a press release from the California State Fair Media Department), or you can read my State Fair review from last year. I found some really healthy options at the fair:
Better hours and a slew of new attractions are among the highlights of the 2012 California State Fair, which runs July 12-29 at Cal Expo.
The fairgrounds will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Magical Midway hours are 2-11 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday, noon-11 p.m. Wednesday, and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Kids Park will be operational 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
In keeping with the theme “Fun That Moves You,” the 2012 State Fair introduces an array of entertaining, challenging, educational and thoroughly enjoyable activities and experiences for all ages. Most of them are free with fair admission:
“Wizard’s Challenge” (in front of Bldg A) – Explore the magic and wonder of science in a 9,600-square-foot, Medieval-themed, mostly interactive exhibit. Morph your face with someone else’s in the Morphing Mirror. Try to identify mysterious smells in Common Scents. Dare to walk through the Dragon’s Lair. Make beautiful music with the Enchanted Organ and Steel Drums. Take on all-comers at the Giant Chess Set. There are 20 activities in all. And don’t miss the Magic of Science stage show with three performances daily. “Wizard’s Challenge” is sponsored by SMUD.
“Sun-Maid Celebrating 100 Years of Fruit and Sunshine” (Expo Center, Bldg 3) – The Kingsburg-based company, a cooperative owned by nearly 1,000 families who grow raisin grapes, celebrates 100 years of a thriving enterprise by displaying from its collection two paintings and a chromo lithograph by the celebrated America artist Norman Rockwell. The Sun-Maid celebration also includes an interactive exhibit that tells the story of dried-fruit production in California and the history of the iconic Sun-Maid Girl. The Sun-Maid chef will cook up heritage recipes in the Sun-Maid Kitchen.
“Girl Scouts Zone”(Bldg A-B) – Celebrating 100 years of scouting, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California worked with Randy Roberts, deputy director of the Crocker Art Museum, and museum consultant Rachel Tooker to create an interactive exhibit that shows how Girl Scouts discover, connect and take action to make the world a better place.
“Toytopia 2.0” (Expo Center, Bldg 5) – Sacramento’s Stage Nine Entertainment returns with an interactive exhibit for folks of all ages. Doodle on the world’s largest Etch-a-Sketch and pretend that you live in a giant dollhouse. Build something with Legos and other construction toys. Visit the stuffed animal Toytopia Zoo. Check out model planes, trains and automobiles, and play the day away at a retro game arcade. Don’t forget to visit the official Toytopia store inside the exhibit.
“Birds in Paradise”(Floriculture) – Wander deep into the “jungle” where macaws, Amazon and cockatoos inhabit the “parrot tree.” Marvel at colorful peacocks, along with a charm of finches, a colony of canaries, along with kookaburra, amazons, curassow and other “singers.” Experts will be on hand to talk about the feathered flock. And look for exotic plants, many of which were propagated and nurtured in the State Fair’s Landscape Yard: vanilla orchid, sugar cane, cocoa, coffee, banana, papaya and pineapple. Free California poppy-seed packs will be given away while supplies last.
“Wet ‘n’ Wild” (Bldg B)– The California Department of Water Resources and California Department of Fish and Game team up on a water and wildlife exhibit designed to educate the public about native animals and how water impacts their habitats. See raccoon, bobcat, bald eagle, rattlesnake and amphibians in enclosures similar to their native habitats. Watch educational and entertaining presentations with a beaver, turkey vulture, North American porcupine, desert tortoise and hawk at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
“We Stand on Their Shoulders”(Bldg A) – Sacramento State professor emeritus Felicenne Ramey created a documentary–style exhibit in which photographs of elderly African-American men and women are paired with their musings on life. Ramey began working on the project in 2009. The exhibit comes to the State Fair after making its debut earlier this year at the Sacramento State library.
“ ‘The Flying Marbellos’ & Friends” (Expo Center, Bldg 7) – Vallejo dentist and artist Victor Chaney creates wacky and hypnotic kinetic sculptures, including the circus-themed “The Flying Marbellos” and “H2-Opus,” a musical fountain. See six of his unique works in the Fine Art building.
Guinness World Record attempts– Be a part of history at the California State Fair as not one, but two, world records are challenged. The world’s largest cocktail, a Margarita, will be built starting at 10 a.m. July 13 in an enormous stainless steel shaker on Palm Avenue. A Roseville woman will attempt the longest continuous Ferris wheel ride. She’s set to begin her quest at 5 a.m. July 23 in the Magical Midway. She’ll have to outlast the Los Angeles police detective who set the current record of 25 hours in June 2012.
My First Ride (Cavalcade of Horses arena) – Never been on a horse before? Now cowboys and cowgirls of all ages can saddle up for a jaunt around the arena. Rides will be given at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 15, 17, 24, 27 and 28. At 3 p.m. every day, kids can participate in stick-horse games and pony painting.
On the Magical Midway – Butler Amusements amps up the fun with old favorites and some new attractions, including White Water Log Flume, Mega Drop Tower and Circle of Champions. The Zillerator Coaster makes its return to the 2012 State Fair.
High Fly’n Zip Line (behind Expo Center, Bldg 5) – Also debuting at the 2012 State Fair, brought in by Butler Amusements, is a 600-foot-long zip line on which up to four riders will fly along at 35 mph. The highest elevation is 60 feet. Riders must weigh between 30 and 250 pounds. Zip line tickets are $20 and do not include State Fair admission. Carnival wristband and carnival tickets cannot be used for this ride.
Gran Jaripeo con Ezequiel Pena y Mucho Mas– The action includes a bull-riders-only rodeo, renowned Mexican entertainer Ezequiel Pena who will perform as he rides around the arena on horseback, and much more. (4-10 p.m. July 29, Horse Show and Rodeo Arena)
In addition to the new attractions, these are among the old favorites back at the 2012 California State Fair:
Live thoroughbred horse racing in the Miller Lite Grandstand (July 12-15 and July 19-22), big-name entertainment on the Golden1 Stage, the Livestock Nursery, Children’s Dairy Center, Dianne Olds Rossi and her Magical Dancing Horses, Metal Mayhem Destruction Derby (cars and RVs), Counties Exhibit, Fine Arts, cooking competitions in California’s Kitchen and The Farm, Operation Postcard, Friends of the California State Fair’s Brewfest, Youth Art & Design Expo, Gospel Festival and the Sacramento Mile.
In addition, California’s Grape & Gourmet returns to Cal Expo on Aug. 18. Tickets are for sale now at www.bigfun.org and www.calexpo.org
You can like the California State Fair on Facebook here and follow them on twitter here.
The 2012 California State Fair runs July 12th-29th at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento
Fair hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Admission: $12 general, $10 ages 62-plus, $8 children 5-12. Children under 4 free.
(Discount tickets on sale until July 11.)
Parking: $10. For more information: www.bigfun.org
Roseville Fountains Summer Art and Wine Stroll featuring Placer Wines on July 21st!
If you follow my site at all, you are well aware of how much I love Placer County wines. I find many of them comparable to Napa Valley wines without the high price tag. RB and I celebrated 4th of July with this 2009 Proprietor’s Blend from Fawnridge Winery.
Also, my current favorite wine, a 2008 Rousanne, is also made in Placer County by Casque Wines. So, if you love wine and haven’t made it up to the Placer/Loomis/Auburn area, you’ll have the opportunity to taste in Roseville at the Fountains on July 21st! Hope to see you there. Details are below:
Placer County Vintners Association and Fountains at Roseville present “Summer Wine Stroll.”
WHAT: This summer wine tasting event features the wineries of the Placer County Wine Trail, local artisans and munchies from Fountains Restaurants. Stroll the beautiful outdoor setting of the Fountains, taste local wines and listen to the rockin’ & jumpin’ blues music of Johhny O, the Blue F.O.’s featuring Connor James as part of the Fountains Summer Concert Series.
WHEN: July 21, 2012
Vintners Tasting: 6-8:30pm.
Concert & Wine Bar: 8-10pm.
WHERE: The Fountains at Roseville, 1013 Galleria Blvd, Roseville, CA.
PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Bonitata, Cante ao Vinho, Casque, Ciotti, Cristaldi, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Fortezza, Green Family, Lone Buffalo, Mt. Vernon, PaZa, Pescatore, Popie, Secret Ravine, Rancho Roble, Vina Castellano and Wise Villa.
TICKETS: Concert is Free. Wine Tasting is $25 in advance / $30 at the door. All tickets include wine tasting from 6-8:30, munchies and a souvenir wine glass. $35 VIP Ticket includes the addition of “preferred concert seating.”
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: www.placerwine.com
AT THE DOOR: Cash or Check Only
For more information, contact placer(nospace)vintners at gmail.com
Tickets can be purchased online here.
Summer White Wines at 40% Off this Weekend at Casque in Loomis
Currently one of my favorite things to do is pack a picnic (Paleo, naturally) and head up to Casque Wines for live music. That’s just what we did last weekend. We grilled up a grass-fed ribeye sent to me by Rocky Mountain Organic Meats (chilled it) and put it on top of a salad. I also made salsa and guacamole to go on the side as a sort of dipping sauce. Lime, cilantro, strawberries, then melon for dessert–and a glass of Casque’s newly released Vin Gris rose. Good times!
Stop by the winery this weekend to pick-up a mixed case of 2008 and 2009 summer white wines at 40% off the case. Wine Club Members get a whopping 50% off. This deal is available for a limited time so don’t miss out. All of the wines for sale are award winners!
Quinn Hedges is in the house TONIGHT from 6-9! Feel free to bring your own food or appetizers or pick-up some tasty yet affordable food from the Gourmet Garage next door and listen to some great live music. I have heard Quinn play before at The Chef’s Table, so I can tell you he’s great!
Casque is Open: Thursday – Saturday 12noon – 9pm, Sunday 12noon – 5pm at 3273 Swetzer Road in Loomis. Just 5 minutes from the Horseshoe Bar Exit at I-80. www.casquewines.com or 916-660-9671.
You can find Casque on Facebook here. You can find Rocky Mountain Organic Meats on Facebook here and follow them on twitter here.
Robert Cray Plays Uptown Theatre in Napa, September 8th
Five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray will be making a stop in Napa at the Uptown Theatre on September 8th, 2012.
Recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (at 57 years, the youngest living inductee) Cray is considered “one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.” Rolling Stone Magazine (April 2011) credits Cray’s Strong Persuader with reinventing the blues with his “distinct razor sharp guitar playing” that “introduced a new generation of mainstream rock fans to the language and form of the blues.”
Cray has recorded fifteen Billboard charting studio albums, performed thousands of sold out shows, and has written or played with everyone from Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from Bonnie Raitt to John Lee Hooker.
With over 12 million records sold and his own line of Fender guitars, Cray has established himself as a genre defining artist- breaking through the pop ceiling with his gate crashing/blues-edged trademark sound and distinct style that has become a signature blend of r&b, pop, rock, soul and traditional blues. The New York Times says, “his voice, alternately smooth and craggy, is often richer and more emotive than Mr. Clapton’s, and he knows the best ways to use it,” while Guitar Player Magazine noted, “Robert Cray is not only making great music he’s making history…”
Gluten and Sugar Free Baking in Sacramento
OK, I know how that sounds. To anyone on a standard American diet, sugar free and gluten free sound like flavor free. I am here to change your mind! 🙂
On Sunday, I retired my old website, cakegrrl.com. I didn’t see the point of maintaining the blog because the name alone is 180° degrees from the lifestyle I now lead. The site contained hundreds of recipes containing processed food, wheat, sugar, etc. and I just didn’t want to tie myself to any of that anymore.
So now, here it is… I have redirected the cakegrrl.com traffic to this site, and I am hoping my long time readers will embrace the change. One thing I decided I would do over the weekend, is make myself available for hire again as a baker. The only catch is that the treats I make will be gluten and sugar free, as well as entirely from scratch and made from organic ingredients whenever possible.
Last year, I had high aspirations of being on the Food Network show Cupcake Wars, and my pals Ryan Donahue and Moriah Piper helped me make an audition video. Though I didn’t make it on the show, this video shows some of what I can do, why I believe in gluten/sugar free, and it still makes me smile when I watch it. 🙂
Is a cake made from almond flour Paleo? Hmm… not exactly, but the desserts I make are far more healthy and nutrient dense than a cake made with vegetable shortening, flour, and sugar (not to mention soy, soybean oil and artificial colors/flavors). Everything you see in the slideshow above is gluten and free of refined sugar. The chocolate I use for my truffles, cookies, cakes etc. is 70% cacao content or higher.
If you have a gluten allergy, or have adopted a gluten-free or Paleo lifestyle for whatever reason, and you are looking for someone to cater dessert or a cake for your event, you can contact me at misscavegrrl at gmail. I am especially interested in working with gluten free or Paleo brides-to-be! Cheers!
Picture of me was taken by Debbie Cunningham. Check out her Facebook page here!
California Love Truck Launches to Offer a Restaurant on Wheels Featuring Local Produce and Meats
Just received this press release from my friends at Casque Wines in Loomis. (That’s the home of my favorite wine, a 2008 Roussanne. :)) Come up to the winery on June 30th (next Saturday) and check out the wines and the brand new California Love Truck! —cg
MoFo Truck will offer Distinctive Ethnic and Comfort Foods to Sacramento and parts of Placer County
The California Love Truck today announces the launch of their mobile food business to focus on distinctive ethnic and comfort food focused on local produce and meat products. The California Love Truck is the dream of Johnny Breedlove, Jr. who gained his experience in the kitchens of a number of local high end restaurants. His goal is to take his unique mix of comfort and ethnic foods and provide a different twist to offer a restaurant flavor on wheels.
California Love Truck will be supported by Johnny Breedlove and two close friends who are all use to working in tight quarters from their kitchen experience. They will bring their new cuisine primarily to the streets of Sacramento with an occasional trip to Placer County for special events such as their launch party at Casque Wines in Loomis California on June 30th, 2012. The truck will pull into the patio of this urban winery to introduce people from around the region to their amazing cuisine on wheels paired with some of the region’s top award winning wines from Casque Wines.
- Breedlove gained his experience working in the kitchens of the Brewster’s Bar & Grill, Café Bernardo, Shady Lady and One Speed Pizza where he mastered the skills of butchering meats, seafood, poultry while prepping vegetables and food items in all mediums of ovens, grills and fryers. He acquired hands on experience in all methods of broiling, grilling frying, sautéing, with the added skills of portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and marinating. Additionally he has a background in pizza dough and sauces. In some of those stints he learned the art of maintaining inventory to ensure a smooth service period in an impeccably sanitary work area, which will aid in running his own business.
- California Love Truck has a close knit team to prepare and then complete and cook the food in tight quarters while bringing the varied ethnic offerings with a twist. To assist Breedlove with the food prep, cooking, and service include Eddie Torres, a graduate of the Art Institute, with a focus on refining the art in the food and a background in food and wine pairing will bring significant experience and presentation skills to ensure the food looks as good as it tastes. Cordell Herrera has served as a line cook gaining his experience to keep it fast with high quality while dealing with the pressures of delivering a quality product.
- Local produce and what is currently available will drive the menu which will change with the seasons. Items such as Pork Belly Tacos and Meatball Sandwiches will feature Bledsoe Pork, Blood Orange Salad and Chicken Wings with an Asian Sauce that will capture the attention of any Ranch Dressing fan but open their world to bright, new and fresh flavors.
- The California Love Truck Launch Party will be held on the back patio at Casque Wines on Saturday, June 30th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Singer/Songwriter Jon Dufour will play a variety of original and well known songs from decades past, with some sing along to provide something for everyone. The winery is located at 3273 Swetzer Road in Loomis California, just 3 minutes off of I-80 at the Horseshoe Bar exit.. It is located next to Loomis Basin Brewery so beer patrons will also be able to pick up food at the winery and take it to the patio at the Brewery to enjoy. Click here for event details.
- California Love Truck has lined up several locations including the Thursday night Sactomofo Roundup, Norcal Food Truck events all over Sacramento, and Wednesday Lunch at CalPers from 11-1. They are still securing additional locations and recommend you follow them on Facebook and Twitter to hear about their current locations. www.calilfornialovetruck.comFacebook: CaliLoveTruck
Twitter: @CaliLoveTruck
ABOUT CALIFORNIA LOVE TRUCK
Lack of time shouldn’t mean sacrificing a quality meal in today’s fast paced environment where taking the full hour or longer lunch is hard to come by. California Love Truck’s goal is to provide locals a pre- lunch, lunch, and late afternoon unique food experience. Their focus is on serving the best of local produce and meat products offering a distinctive flair with ethnic and comfort foods. The California Love Truck team strives to provide the quality of a fine restaurant in a eat-on-the-run approach.
Run for Independence to Benefit Elk Grove Food Bank is June 30th
Join me and hundreds of other runners and walkers at this year’s Run 4 Independence in Elk Grove on June 30, 2012.
The race will be a 5 and 10K event with a kids run, and the funds raised at this event will impact seniors, men, women, children and the homeless by providing food, clothing and services year round.
Register now for $30, before the price goes up on June 16.
How to Register: Preregister online, use the mail in registration form, or pick up a packet before race day.
Packet Pickup: You may pick up your race packet and register on Thursday, June 28th from 3pm-7pm or Friday, June 29th from 10am -7pm at
The Running Zone
8470 Elk Grove Blvd., #135
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 478-9663
Form a Team! Now through June 14, we are encouraging families, friends, coworkers, neighbors and club members to join the movement to end hunger in Elk Grove by forming a team and participating together!
This year we have two ways to register your team: Register online or use the mail in registration form.
Teams must be a minimum of 5 members for “official” team status. Teams will receive special recognition at event. Choose a team leader to coordinate the registration for the team. Please specify the name of your team on your registration form.
All teams must register and registrations must be received BEFORE June 15th.
For more information, visit the Elk Grove Food Bank Services’ Run 4 Independence website. You can find them on Facebook here and follow them on twitter here.
The Elk Grove Food Bank serves approximately 32,000 each year. This past year they had an unprecedented 40 percent increase, especially among seniors and children.
Sacramento Zoo King of Feasts Food & Wine Event is June 23rd! Enter to win a pair of tickets!!
The animals will show you how to party at the Annual Sacramento Zoo King of Feasts – Food & Wine Luau on Saturday, June 23, 2012!
The event will be held from 6-9pm and feature 26 restaurants, 26 wineries and breweries, live entertainment, hula-hooping, three silent auctions and exotic animals throughout the lush setting of the 14-acre Sacramento Zoo.
Sacramento Zoo is located at the Corner of Land Park Drive & Sutterville Road
Ticket Prices: $50 in advance, $60 day of event. To purchase tickets click here or call (916) 808-5888. 21 and older please.
Proceeds from the event benefit Zoo improvements, education programs and wildlife conservation.
Would you like to win a pair of tickets to one of Sacramento’s BEST food and wine events? Well, you’re in luck! I am giving 2 tickets away right here on cavegrrl, next Friday, June 15th at 3pm!
All you have to do is:
1. tell me your favorite animal at the zoo in the comments section below, and
2. either tweet this post on twitter (with the hashtag #saczooKOF) or share this post on Facebook with all of your friends. USE THE SHARING BUTTONS BELOW 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am looking for lots of enthusiasm, people!! I will be awarding the person who has the most creative response and the most shares. (PS: You and your guest must be 21 to win/attend).
Talk about the event on twitter with the hashtag: #saczooKOF
Tell all your friends you are coming by RSVPing on Facebook here. 🙂
Black & White Affair to Benefit Camellia Symphony Orchestra on June 10th, 4:30-7:30pm
A Black & White Affair Annual Food & Wine Benefit to support the Camellia Symphony Orchestra will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2012, 4:30-7:30pm at Scribner Bend Vineyards: 9051 River Road, Clarksburg, CA 95832 (Just 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento)
Enjoy a warm summer evening at Scribner Bend sampling award winning regional wines and amazing culinary creations. Camellia Symphony ensembles will provide the music making it a perfect evening on the Delta.
Cost per person: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. You can purchase tickets here.
Black and white attire encouraged.
There will be a silent auction at the event complete with spa packages for two, winery tours and fine wines, designer jewelry, weekend getaways to the coast and foothills and much more!
Participating wineries will include many of the Clarksburg appellation wineries as well as other regional wineries.
Food tastings will be provided by area caters and some of Sacramento’s most popular eateries. You won’t want to miss the food and wine pairings.
For more information about Camillia Symphony Orchestra, check out their Facebook page here.
A Divine Affair on May 25th, 6pm at Jackson Rancheria
Wine lovers are invited to enjoy A Divine Affair on Friday, May 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Grand Oak Ballroom and Garden Terrace at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel.
The event features dozens of Northern California wineries, plus food and entertainment.
Tickets are $30 in advance and are available online or at the Dreamcatcher’s Club® in the Casino.
To purchase tickets, click here.
The day of the event tickets are $35 and must be purchased at the Dreamcatcher’s Club® (no tickets available online or by phone on May 25). Must be 21 to attend.
Tickets include a complimentary wine glass and tray, wine tasting and food. Wine purchases may be ordered, but must be shipped by or picked up at the winery.
Live entertainment will include a smooth unplugged show by the Rhythm Vandals and acoustic melodies by Manny Sousa.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Amador County Recreation Agency and the Jackson Rancheria Parks and Fields Restoration Fund.
Healthier Fare at the California State Fair!
I love going to the California State Fair every year. I visit several times during the duration of the fair, and enjoy the exhibits (especially the California county exhibits), the wine garden, the concerts, and just people watching in general. 🙂
This year, I have changed my focus a little with my side business and this website. I no longer make cakes or sweets or anything that I shouldn’t be eating. Well, anything I shouldn’t be eating I certainly don’t want to try and sell to you.
So now, I want to report more on healthy living… or at least making healthier choices. In this post, I will show you that YES, there are better food choices at the fair. You can make it out alive without having a “deep fried” anything. No one is forcing you to eat a funnel cake, ok? If you are currently on a diet or have been advised by a doctor to stay away from sugar and excess fat, you don’t have to avoid the fair altogether. Read below for some information on vendors I visited that carry lighter food choices!
After I obtained my chicken kabob, I headed over to the wine garden to try some award-winning wines and to taste the wine of the day. Tip: Buy a souvenir wine glass for $7 and when you buy a glass of wine you actually get more like a glass and a half. The volunteers at the wine garden are very nice people and a lot of them are pretty knowledgeable about wine without being snooty, so if you are a wine novice, feel free to ask questions and really get dialed in to a wine you like before you buy! 🙂
Also, don’t miss this coming Friday’s (July 29th) wine event at the fair. The Taste and Celebrate the Best wine event (formerly California Grape & Gourmet) is the culmination of the Golden State’s premier wine competition. This special celebration of the State’s world class wine industry will include a tasting of California gold medal winning wines as judged at 2011 California State Fair Wine Competition. Proceeds from the Taste and Celebrate the Best event will benefit the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program. You can buy tickets here. (scroll down to the Taste and Celebrate the Best event).
cavegrrl.com 