Are You That Woman

Walnut Grove Iron Works - Meet you maker

In 2005, Patrick Daniel transformed the 1920s Imperial Theater into his steel fabrication and blacksmithing studio.  He found his way from sheet metal work to commercial welding. Eventually, customer demand and a desire to be more creative motivated his move to decorative arts. “My parents were both creative. There’s something inside of everyone, but you have to discover what it is.” Son Jason Puckett was always helping, a dedicated worker, and shares that creative DNA.  Best friends, father and son have similar styles collaborating on every project.  Courtyard gates are popular but they fabricate everything from furniture to decorative wall hangings. The expanding art garden is a must see!

4160 Market Street, Walnut Grove, CA
(916) 776-2156
Friday 8am to 4pm
Saturday 8am to 4pm
Sunday: 8am to 4pm

If my Subaru can't get me there, 
that's a good reason not to go!

Carroll Thomas: California's Centennial Artist

Originally published Sierra Heritage 2010

In 2006, it was a great pleasure to meet Carroll Thomas as he celebrated the opening of his Big Pine art gallery. What’s the big deal you may be asking yourself?  Well, Carroll had also just blown-out the candles (figuratively speaking) on his 96th birthday. The wide-eyed response to both amazing feats was, "No! Way!" He was the spriest 96-year-old I had ever met, "C'mon now. You can't be a day over 80!"

It was awe-inspiring to bask in the artistic glow of this true California treasure. 

It’s appropriate that he should be living and working along side the oldest living things on Earth...the ancient bristlecone pines, which he captured on canvas as a sprightly 96-year-old. California is blessed to have so many of the oldest, tallest, only-est, largest things on the planet. Including, of course, Carroll.  He is the oldest living American painter, still creating works of art, while personally operating and maintaining his own gallery.

As he approaches his 100^th birthday, the time to celebrate and honor this California classic really is now. Carroll’s had a few health issues the past year. However, he still paints almost every day. Quite a feat since he started painting as a nimble nine-year-old.

    The Rest of the Story:  California's Centennial Artist

 

   

Two Rivers Cider Company a Sacramento Maker

There were few craft ciders 25 years ago. When opportunity knocked, Vincent Sterne answered. His was a pioneering effort since there was little information and no one on the local craft cider scene.  Any given week there are 12 cider varieties from apple and fruit to hops! Two Rivers Cider is drier and made from 100% fresh-pressed apples. No added sugars or preservatives. It’s the “real McCoy”!  Along awaited tasting room opened in 2016. Cyclists will love the eclectic collection of bikes and very family friendly.

Live music and fun and games for kids of all ages. Very dog friendly. Bring a picnic. Call ahead about food trucks, house-made pizzas and BBQ.

4311 Attawa Avenue, #300, Sacramento, CA
Days and hours vary seasonally; Tuesday-Sunday spring and summer.

There is wine and then the Amador cookie the best ever

Journeying today to the annual Barbera Festival, I have many things on my mind including the sights, sounds and tastes of incredible wines and foods at this highly-regarded event. The highlight, of course, is California's unsung varietal wine, Barbera!

The Barbera Festival is an outdoor wine and food festival highlighting Barbera varietal wines from more than 70 wineries from throughout California and beyond, including the Sierra Foothills, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Paso Robles, Livermore, Ventura County, Lodi and the Bay Area. In addition, noted area restaurants and chefs will again offer prepared gourmet food for sale, and over 60 vendors of art and artisan crafts will be showcasing their wares.

While I'm heading for a long day of festivities and feasting, my journey must include Andrae's Bakery in Amador City. I am really not big into desserts or chocolates; yes, I know it's sacrilege by some people's standards! But I have to tell you, Andrae's has created this irresistible Nibby Cookie- chocolate, hazelnuts, and cocoa beans -- that is just about the yummiest thing this side of Heaven. I will not be deterred. These cookies will be mine. Also, a stop at Fine Eye Gallery in Sutter Creek will round out a perfect day exploring Amador County.

That said, better get going. Long day ahead and my Subaru is waiting.

If my Subaru can't get me there, that's a good reason not to go!

 

 

 

Isabella Corsetry a Sacramento Maker

Erin Bray, Isabella Corsetry designer and maker, was a stay-at-home mom who fell in love with period costumes and architecture. Her passion inspired a foundation collection of extraordinary modern-day and traditional corsets. You don’t have to be a dedicated tight-lacer, but “waist cinchers” can trim up to 10 inches. Endless combination of fabrics, trims, buttons and bows, patterns are drafted by hand and cut based on real customers. All finish work is under Erin’s careful watch. The well-loved and most popular Josephine “under the bust” corset is ideal for daily wear.

Isabella Corsetry
2311 S St, Sacramento
(916) 612-4075
Open by appointment

Susan Sipe Rabinovitz a Sacramento Maker

If less is more, the same is true at Little Relics Art & Jewelry Gallery. Susan Sipe Rabinovitz forges diminutive wearable art – bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants – using 14th-century goldsmith techniques. A bench jeweler, a hammer and torch are the tools of her trade. “My inspiration comes from Jean Miró a pre-cubist, abstract artist, Midtown architecture and my daughters.” A Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts graduate, Susan put herself through school making earrings for Nordstrom. Now, she sculpts precious metals and jewels into custom-made keepsakes and, also, does repairs.


Little Relics Art & Jewelry Gallery
1111 24th Street
Sacramento, California
Monday-Friday 11am to 6pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm 

More about Little Relics: Socially Responsible Bling featured in Submerge magazine

Benjamin Schwartz a Sacramento Maker

Studying film at the prestigious Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Ben Schwartz returned to Sacramento roots to complete his degree. He started making films and then settled on a 9 to 5 State job. A regular paycheck with benefits seemed like a safer route, but not his destiny.  A chance meeting with British shoemaker was pivotal. Nine years later, his shoes are made for walking.

"I found this book on making shoes, but didn’t act on it for about a year. There were no apprenticeships; it was just a hobby.  A friend suggested having the designs factory made, but we decided to make them ourselves.  In 2014, there was one prototype when we went online. The idea of work changes when you work for yourself; more hours than you’d ever work otherwise. I sold everything I owned and, with two friends, we “bootstrapped” the business. It’s surprising, in a good way, how much local support we received. We’ve become such a throwaway society, I want to be a model for other small brands being mindful and making things that last."

Benjamins Shoes
1104 R Street, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95811
Tues.-Sat. 11am to 7pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm

California pumpkin patches are open for business

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm - Wheatland:  Plan your visit carefully. This an all-day affair. Three-acre corn maze, u-pick pumpkins; petting zoo, train rides, food, hayrides, carousel, pony rides, sunflower labyrinth, pie, fudge, and more! These great pumpkins lives on Pumpkin Lane. 
(530) 633-2568

Historic Hawes Farm - Anderson:  Long before the corn maze was even dreamed about, Hawes Farms was growing pumpkins. They have shipped these little round orange balls all over California from Redding to San Diego, from Eureka to San Luis Obispo! They raise morethan 30 varieties, always searching for the best characteristics. Bring your friends and family to the 10-acre corn maze and GET LOST together!!! Two miles of trails!
(530) 365-8488 • Toll Free: (800) 54 HAWES

Earthbound Organic Farm - Carmel Valley:  Corn Crazy marks the opening of Carmel Valley’s only organic corn maze. In October, the Farm Stand transforms into a pumpkin-filled playground for Harvest Festival, their biggest celebration of the year. (831) 625-6219

Moore's Pumpkin Patch - Castro Valley: Children can use our provided "Pumpkin Patch Travelers" otherwise known as red wagons to transport their "perfect pumpkins". Then on to the carnival rides you'll see the popular "Super Slide" and various children's rides. (510) 886-6015

 
 The Rest of the California Pumpkin Patch Story.... 

Yuba Sutter Harvest Dinner magically delicious

Rating:  Star*Star*Star*Star*Star*

First Yuba-Sutter Harvest Dinner exceeded all expectations!

There's something so special about dining outdoors, especially in early autumn when California evenings are warm and dry with a promise of cooler days ahead. On October 8th, more than 100 friends of Visit Yuba-Sutter gathered to celebrate a bountiful harvest and feast. We dined and wined enjoying all the best of the region.

Late afternoon on Plumas Street in Yuba City, glasses of chilled champagne with local pomegranate syrup garnished with rings of Asian apple pear greeted us. Small bites featured balsamic, prune, goat cheese, arugula and walnut bruschetta and smoked porkloin skewers with prune-chipotle glaze. Yes, those dried plums have grown-up and are delish!

After an hour of lighthearted cheer, we made our way to alfresco tables adorned in autumn finery and flanked by sunlit sycamores. Once seated, we got down to the serious business of dinner! Between pleasantries and laughter, four incredible courses and wines were served and consumed. Many oohs and aahs. Smiles. OMGs! Selfies and cell phone food photos followed. 

Yuba-Sutter chefs, purveyors, farmers, vintners and organizers outdid themselves. The evening was over far too soon with everyone agreeing the intimacy, elegance and warmth of the Harvest Dinner was more than we ever imagined. The presentations and creativity -- well, you wish you were there! As flower arrangements and place settings were cleared, we all asked, "What's the date for next year?" I hope I'm on that invite list!

 

 

 

Locavores love Old Town Elk Grove Farmers Market

Rating:  Star*Star*Star*Star*

Still uber cool, I know I must be getting older. How many times do I now say, "back in the day"?  Too many to count. So, back in the day...we use to go to Old Town Elk Grove! Comfy and quaint and ahead of the curve,we enjoyed Elk Grove Brewery brews and German food. That was then this is now. Lola's now lives at what was once the brewery. It's been too many years, seriously! Why? It's still so sweet and getting sweeter all the time. Motivated by news of a new farmers market, I made the short trek to Old Town Elk Grove and was not disappointed.

The new Old Town Elk Grove Farmers Market is finding its way—just five months new—it will get there. Allan D'Anneo, Market Manager, Living Smart Farmers Markets, is bringing locally grown, locally made, locally good to Elk Grove. Watsonville, Capay Valley, Sacramento, Lodi, Escalon—all good things from the earth— raspberries, apples, carrots, heirloom tomatoes, cheese, honey, peppers YUM! Bread, baked goods, tamales, good dogs (and I do mean tube steak) kettle corn (of course) and more! Delicious homemade goodies for your pooch, handcrafted soaps and body products, colorful tees, sea glass jewelry, and exotic goods, Yes, they're off to an excellent start.

It was quiet on this Labor Day Sunday—okay by me, but I know the vendors are eager to greet and meet you! Fabulous live music—this time the incredible and so mellow Jessica Malone and Matthew Hevesh!  More events coming to this corner including the 6th Annual Tomato Taste-off, September 18, 2016 and Pumpkin Patch and Paint, October 2nd and 30th.

The fifth star is coming for this rising star on the ag-tourism, farmers market circuit. And Old Town, I'll be back sooner than later! Are You That Woman is the ultimate omni-local. Lola's Lounge is now on the bucket list along with Bob's Club, a dive bar after my own heart. And just up the street, Boulevard Bistro! Stay tuned and @Visit Elk Grove!