Ancient Future Brings New Color to Midtown Sacramento by Barbara L. Steinberg
If you missed today's event at Ancient Future -- My Gypsy Market -- you really missed something!
Something amazing! Something delicious! Something extraordinary! Something visual! Something tactile! Something the likes of which you have never seen in Sacramento. The old church at 24th & K streets has been reclaimed and recreated as a true destination, Ancient Future Urban Sanctuary.
Today's special event featured regional artists -- textiles, crystals, jewelry, paintings, paper maiche -- and whirling gypsy dancers! Just the beginning great things to come.
At Ancient Future prepare your senses to be whisked away! The sanctuary feels like something out of the Arabian Nights. Brilliant reds, light pouring through stained glass windows, cushioned benches beckon you to recline. Today, this haven was a cacophony sights and sounds. A collection of local artists
gathered to display their wares and bring new life to 24th & K.
The Gypsy Market is just a sampling of the treasures inside. The sanctuary is the perfect gathering place for meetings or special events.
The artisan gift shop includes many locally-made items. The foyer invites you to relax, enjoy coffee or tea and possibly something sumptuous from the 24K Chocolate Café! There is so much to discover. Through the doors you’ll find an interior courtyard garden. Fountains and art – recline if the weather permits. Holistic practitioners, artists, and healers dwell within. The menu of offerings is vast and will continue to evolve.
Now, back to the 24K Chocolate Café – descend into the belly of Ancient Future to unearth this bit of gold. Bathed in light from street-level windows, tea candles, and just the right amount of overhead mood lighting you enter a foreign land of sensory overload. The perimeter is lined with interesting cabinets and tables bedecked with a variety of teas, chocolates, and accessories. You will want to explore before, during or after.
Small plates of food are artfully presented – delicious to the eye and palate. House-made crepes, frittata, and salads – carnivore, veggie-head or vegan – all are welcome. Quench your thirst with “spa water” infused (perhaps) with fresh cantaloupe. Then finish up with something sweet. Seasonal fruits, a special poached pear tart, or maybe some chocolate pudding with bacon. How often have I said that everything’s better with bacon?
Platters of handmade truffles are conveniently placed around the room. The moniker of “chocolate café” should have given something away. The owner, Teresa Flint, is passionate about the ancient roots of chocolate. Indulge and be educated.
This insider was blown away by the depth of Ancient Future. Applaud Teresa Flint for daring to envision and execute this magic in today's economy. All comers beware -- she raised the bar.
PS - Check out the tables made from recycled doors salvaged from the building. Hinges still attached to hang whatever.