Are You That Woman

California Joie de Vivre Hotels Say "Thank You!"

JDV Thanks You with this special offer:
You may not have won an Explore California Passport, but they're making it easier for you to enjoy a summer getaway at a Joie de Vivre hotel. If you book your hotel stay with JDV by June 1st, you will receive a $50 credit for each night you stay, included on your bill at checkout – yours to use towards dinner, a spa treatment, or just save it in your pocket for the rest of the summer. Book online at www.SummerCaliforniaFriends.com

CHECK AVAILABILITY  |  SEE ALL HOT DEALS!

Terms: Book this rate plan to receive a $50 credit on your bill upon check-out for each night of your stay. No required minimum night stay. This offer is valid for stays May 26, 2009 through September 10, 2009. The offer is only open to reservations booked in advance of stay. The offer may not be applied to existing reservations, other offers or negotiated or group rates. The offer is based on availability and may not apply to all room/suite types. Blackout dates may apply and vary by hotel.
This offer is only available when booked directly with Joie de Vivre online at www.summercaliforniafriends.com
from May 26, 2009 through midnight June 1, 2009.
The $50 credit is not redeemable for cash.

The Art of Luna's in midtown Sacramento

 

Courtesy of Luna's Cafe& Juice Bar

Today's world is moving fast. The newest, latest, greatest things must be completely cool and on the edge to keep-up with the hip and happening crowd. Facebook,Twitter, Euro-lounges, wine bars...and how many of these things will still be around in six months or six years?

It's nice to find that some things don't change. They are comforting and warm when you rediscover them after a few months or years of absence. Just such a place is Luna's Cafe & Juice Bar.

Luna's is not complicated. Never has been and never will be. But what it is, is very real and true -- and at its inception, it was the latest, greatest, coolest and hip place to be. Since 1983, Art Luna has been serving the simpler things in life:  great sandwiches, tasty breakfasts, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and great fruit smoothies -- decades ahead of all those fruit-smoothie wannabees (i.e. high-end juice joints).  Luna's is the original "juice bar." 

Actually, without being redundant, Art's smoothies are an art. Let's call them by their real name, "licuados" -- fresh and luscious. A Latin American handmade blended beverage similar to a smoothie made with milk, fruit, and usually ice. Let me tell you though, this is the REAL thing and those folks over at JJ could learn something from Luna's.

And on top of all the avocado and sprout sandwiches and eggs steamed on the espresso machine...what about the weekly cultural events: live music, poetry readings, art displays, and resource information regarding other events happening throughout Sacramento. The art of Luna's is about the food, the entertainment, the people, the place...and, of course, Art.

After so many years away, I am happy to have found my way back to Luna's Cafe & Juice Bar!

California Extra Virgin Olive Oils Spotlighted at Yolo Competition

The Olive Press Takes "Best of Show"                                             

Already known as the most highly-awarded producer of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, The Olive Press once again earned high accolades and awards at the prestigious 2009 Yolo County Fair Olive Oil Competition held in April, with an impressive 15 medals in all, including a Best of Show, Best of Class, and Gold for its Lime Citrus Olive Oil. 

Gold Medals were awarded to an additional seven Extra Virgin Olive Oils including Ascolano, Koroneiki, and Sonoma Valley Blend. along with Best of Class medals going to both Sevillano and Mission. Gold was also awarded to Marquesa and Lunigiana Estate Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Silver Medals were awarded to Arbequina and Italian Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oils, along with Jalapeno Oil at this important competition.

All of these award-winning olive oils can be sampled at The Olive Press Tasting Room and retail shop, conveniently located on Highway 121 in Carneros adjacent to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards at 24724 Highway 121/Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA. In addition, a second retail location is located at the Oxbow Public Market, 610 First St. in downtown Napa.  Both locations are open to visitors 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

A complete list of the 2009 winners is available online.

Vintage dinnerware, martini shakers, aprons, and radios galore

If You're a Collector, DiSH the Shop Will Blow Your Mind! And Chocolate Lovers...Come On Over, too! Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©   

In a small, old-fashioned, out-of-the way shopping district in Sacramento's Land Park neighborhood, DiSH the Shop is Disneyland for anyone who collects vintage kitchenware and accessories of any kind from the 1930s to the 1960s. It's a colorful array of everything from complete sets of dinnerware and cut crystal to showroom-new chrome toasters, waffle irons, aprons, tablecloths, and radios -- that's just for starters.

When you walk through the door you will be asking yourself, "Is this for real? Or are they reproductions?" It's that fantastic. The owners, Cecilia Gray and Lee Anderson, former professors at Sac State, opened DiSH in early December 2007. Their former lives had them both working at CSU Sacramento and the contents of DiSH the Shop is a lifetime of collecting. More recent acquisitions continue to fill the shelves and corners of this tiny space. All of the displays -- carefully thought out -- are dizzying; you just don't know where to look first.

Bauer, Fiesta, Catalina, Franciscan, Redwing China, Russel Wright, Vernon...you will find yourself walking in circles. This is one of those things that must you must see to believe and experience first hand.

As if all of this weren't enough, they also carry what some consider to be the finest handmade chocolate truffles this side of...well almost anywhere, or in this case, San Francisco which is where they are made. The XOX Truffles are tucked away behind the counter. If you can resist the temptation to indulge, they are a most special gift for the chocolate lovers in your life. If you're looking for an unusual wedding gift or a gift of any kind, DiSH the Shop is calling your name.

DiSH the Shop
2747 Riverside Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 448-4828
[email protected]
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11-6pm