Are You That Woman

Fair Oaks Chicken Festival Celebrates Local Clucks

September 17, 2022, 12-6 p.m.

11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Free, forpd.org

Join the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District for the Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. This year’s event will span over the course of the day with pop-up events in the Village of Fair Oaks & at the Fair Oaks / Orangevale Grange. The main festival will take place at Fair Oaks Park.

• Chicken Stock (live music)
• Rocky’s Roost (kids' park)
• Feed Court (food trucks) presented by SactoMoFo
• Watering Hole (beer & wine sales) presented by Fair Oaks Rotary Foundation
• Craft and Community Vendor Booths
• Cornhole Tournament presented by Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce & Orangevale Cornhole CCA
• Cluck n' Crow Contest presented by Kiwanis Club Orangevale - Fair Oaks
• GREAT Chicken Decorating Contest
• Community Spirit, and much more!

Here's the original story from the very first Chicken Festival!

By: Barbara Steinberg

Fair Oaks, CA--Why DID the chickens cross the road? Evidently to get out of the way of the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. Yes, Fair Oaks Village! Where chickens and roosters, like queens and kings, are treated as honored dignitaries! These feathery fowl were reason to rejoice at this first-time event which paid homage to our chicken brethren. Colonel Sanders would be proud.

For decades this feral poultry has wandered the main streets and back roads of historic and tranquil downtown Fair Oaks. Annoying to some residents beware of poultry poop but beloved by most. I remember my own first encounter at the Slocum House, dining in elegance as a rooster and his harem clucked and strutted their way across the patio. A string of chicks in tow.

On a poultry-perfect September day locals came out to dance, dine, and drink in the center of town. The poultry clucked as the vendors hocked everything chicken from hand-crafted quilts and stained glass to chicken paintings and tiles. And no one went hungry: The chickens scratched while the human force chowed-down on hot ‘dawgs', ice cream, BBQ beef brisket, and, yes, irreverently, chicken. For anyone willing to get-up with the chickens, the festival breakfast was something to crow about: Scrambled eggs (ouch!), biscuits and gravy, ham, pancakes, and coffee, OJ or milk…all for the paltry price of $5. Needless to say, it was well-worth the wait.

There seemed to be something for everyone, with no complaints from the chickens. A flock of kid activities were organized in Village Park. Face painting, gold panning, games, bug-petting zoo, and potting plants kept the young chicks smiling. Many, along with their parents, could be seen kicking up dirt at the Festival Stage serenaded by local bands including ‘fave' Mumbo Gumbo and their raucous "Everybody Loves Barbeque." Cooking demonstrations and wine pairings were held at Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater while a beer garden of microbrews could be found on the other side of town.

The festival also included a barbeque competition hosted by the local Oak Hardware and the Big Green Egg which claims to be the "world's best smoker & grill." The ceramic Big Green Egg is a versatile and effective outdoor cooker designed for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking and barbequing all kinds of foods. Ten competitors were given instructions on how to fire-up and control this mother of all eggs. There were special sauces and dry rub; chicken, fish, and kabobs; and special techniques which included cans of beer and cast-iron skillets. "Judging is based on appearance, taste, and tenderness," said Darry Smith, one of the judges and a seasoned professional in the world of BBQ competitions. Truthfully for hours I was thinking Dr. Seuss. Then, brushing the feathers from my eyes, "Oh, I get it…big egg!"

I had to dash off before the final judging. Based on the determined looks, perspiration, and smoke in the air each chef was resolute to be rulin' the BBQ-roost by day's end. With any luck, this event may someday answer the unanswerable of which came first…the chicken or the (Big Green) egg?

The wonderfulness of this event is its old-time appeal. The Fair Oaks Village, thankfully, maintains its small town charm while surrounded by fast-moving freeways and the ever-changing modern world. For more information the festival visit FairOaksChickenFestival.com or other happenings in the Village fairoakschamber.com.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.

Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine

For more than 25 years in the same location. They must be doing something right.

A welcoming, "Howdy!" was the start of another 5-star Wednesday dining experience. Thank you to Maxine and May for an entertaining evening. We were laughing and smiling from the moment we sat down. And the rest of the regulars who were clearly having a good time. The coming and going of DoorDash and Grubhub pick-ups a clear indication of the popularity of Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine. The staff was on a first-name basis with many of the takeaway customers. And as soon as we introduced ourselves, they were talking to us in the same way. We loved the window into the kitchen watching the fast-paced cooking  of this two-person team Cindy and Chan. Exhausting!!!

Huge menu made the decisions difficult. An order of pan-fried pot stickers were rushed to the kitchen because they take time to prepare. Then an order of Mu Shu Pork and Chicken Chow Mein. Already knowing it was going to be too much food, we couldn't resist and had plenty for another meal. And then before our food arrived, Maxine brought us both a complimentary bowl of Egg Flower Soup. It was fantastic! Even on this incredibly hot day we slurped it right down.

Everything was so fresh. And thrilled to know they shop the Chico Farmers Market. We strongly support all things local and happy to put Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine on our star-studded list of local deliciousness. We will definitely be back and have already shared this outing with other Chico friends.

 

Basque Norte Restaurant 5-star local favorite Butte County and beyond

 

 

Yes, we just added our names to that list of Basque Norte Restaurant fans. Our friend Jamie nudged us to find our way there. Didn't require too much nudging and so glad we took her advice. Family-owned and operated since 1975 it's clearly doing something very right.

Many of the reviews refer to this traditional Basque-style dining as a "steak restaurant"! While they do have a great selection of steaks, this so much more than that.

I'll get to the food. What I want to talk about is the amazing service. The owner, Susie, happily greeted us eyes smiling above her COVID mask. We had a reservation and were quickly seated in the main dining room. A Wednesday night, the place was bustling. Many families and larger groups - we were just a twosome. Our server, Tracy Hord, was quickly at the table. She was scrambling - as were all the other servers. All women! At least that night. They were carrying loaded plates of food and busing their own table. Tracy said she'd be with us quickly - she had hot food waiting to be delivered. We smiled and said we could wait.

Our first time at Basque Norte. The prices are reasonable considering the volume of food. Like everyone else, we left with more than one container of leftovers - two be to be exact. Many tables had three or four. Yes, your eyes are bigger.... Our leftovers lasted for two more dinners. In the future, we'd likely share an entrée. But we also want to try the tapas menu in the bar. The extensive menu of steaks, seafood, lamb, pork, and pasta. You couldn't possibly leave hungry.

Back to our server Tracy who has worked at Basque Norte for more than 15 years. In between her sprints to get to tables and food, she shared some of the history of the restaurant and other places to dine in Chico. We also shared some of our other local and regional favorites. Her service was definitely 5-star plus!

My husband ordered a 1/2-rack of ribs. The meat was moist - just falling off the bone. I had the marinated, grilled chicken breast. Enormous. It was a little dry, but the flavor was great! We really loved the Basque-style red beans - a little spice was just perfect. And the side-order of spaghettini was DELISH - just the right amount of garlic. Really had to resist eating too many of the side dishes that are included with the family dinners.

This locally-owned and locally-loved restaurant is worth a visit. We will definitely be back. Great food. Incredible service. Warm hospitality. Thank you Tracy!

California's Redwood Coast: Now I lay me down to sleep at Inn at 2nd & C

 

Road trip! The beginning of this extended journey we headed out for Eureka, California. It had been many years since my last visit and was excited to retrace my steps and road warrior miles. 

The Inn at 2nd & C was a wonderful start to our 17-day road trip. So glad we landed here our first night on the road. Thank you to manager Geoffrey, and greeter dog Max whom we loved. Good news: The hotel is dog-friendly on the first three floors! Great location to walk to good food, art, and retail. Lunch at Vista del Mar just a few blocks away we shared fish & chips and cold beers. Definitely a locals place. That night, we drove over to Jetty Samoa for drinks alfresco and then dinner at Café  Marina and Woodley's Bar - revisiting all my haunts from years ago. Everything close to or at the water's edge. And an easy walk or drive from the Inn.  The next morning we gleefully found our way to Los Bagels another longtime local in the region. Let me just say - BEST BAGELS ever. And organic!!! The Inn does provide a wonderful continental breakfast in the lobby area.

Our king suite at the Inn was so comfy and quiet. Wonderful linens and towels make such a big difference. Big windows and lots of light. No coffeemakers in the rooms but an easy trip to the lobby first thing in the morning to bring our caffeine brew to our room. Also, met one of the housekeeping staff - forgive me forgetting her name - she was just incredible. The restaurant was closed the night we stayed. Hope to enjoy that on our return. Public spaces on every floor were so welcoming. Books, board games, and puzzles - plenty to keep friends and families occupied day and night.

The Humboldt County Visitors Bureau has just relocated down the street. If you need any guidance for places to go in the region - check them out at 422 1st St, Eureka, CA 95501.

Next time more than one night in Eureka!

PS - Was bothered to see that some reviewers dinged the Inn because of social issues in the area - saying it was dangerous or unsafe.  We never felt unsafe!

Morro Bay: Nature Sublime

Inhale. Watch the sun set behind Morro Rock, bark at sea lions, call to a night heron, and walk in silence beside a forest of pygmy oaks.  At every turn, open spaces and environmentally sensitive biomes of extraordinary splendor await.  Miles and miles of nature preserves, state parks, state beaches, and magical places with names like The Elfin Forest elevate Morro Bay’s allure.  From a waterfront perch at the Inn at Morro Bay, only one question emerges, “What next?” Mother Nature worked overtime to create this canvas.  It deserves all your attention.

Turn right out of the Inn’s parking lot. Head for Montaña de Oro State Park toward shoreline and estuary views.  In just a few miles, the road narrows; the “real” world drops away.  Some days are sunny.  Today, fog drapes the hillsides but without diminishing the heightened anticipation to reach Sandspit Beach – a four-mile “ecologically diverse” sand dune area separating Morro Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

One vehicle in the parking lot alludes to a park ranger, nowhere to be seen.  Out of your own four-wheeler, the world is quiet. You zigzag along with the boardwalk, along sensitive dunes dotted with sand verbena and lupine.  A slight rise in the dune and –  suddenly – stillness to crashing waves! A view that thrills you to the bone.

Breathe. One seriously long, deep breath of the fog, the mist, the ocean air.

See. Open your eyes, wide! Really, really wide to an abundance of sand, shore birds, ocean debris, wildflowers, pounding surf. Incredibly, you are the sole inhabitant on this expanse of beach inside Montaña de Oro State Park.  Imagine the coastal Chumash who once called this home.

Step. Follow the footprints – some four-footed – the comings and goings of previous visitors. The tide rushes up and laps at your feet, washing away remnants of your passing and those before you.

Gaze. Scan for signs of life. A troop of curlews hurries in and out of the surf chasing an elusive breakfast.  A band of brown pelicans rises and falls with the light as if on some unseen carnival ride.  Bashful snowy plovers sneak – left, right, left right – over dunes to  protected nesting ground.  A gang of turkey vultures nibble on the carcass of a dolphin, its mouth agape in a petrified smile.  Heartbreaking, still, it is the nature of things and now part of this memory.

Sun and fog debate which will prevail over today’s weather. Fog appears to be winning.  Though a distance away, you linger in hopes that Morro Rock will reappear through the mist. Not to be on this adventure. After a mile on the spit, it’s time to turn back.

A ghostly surfer slips the top of a wave, a solitary figure, as you depart. Exhale.

Stockton Boulevard’s Medical Mile

Along Stockton Boulevard, a mile-long complex of medical facilities, support systems and education and research centers put this district on the world map!  Teams of professionals and volunteers provide compassionate care to patients and families
and the community.

The Boulevard’s “medical mile” history dates back to 1871 with the relocation of the Sacramento County Hospital (aka Sacramento Medical Center).  With time and many changes, the Medical Center officially became the UC Davis Medical Center (2315 Stockton Boulevard) on July 1, 1978. Spread out over more than 142 acres, the campus is a nationally recognized academic medical center offering primary care for all ages, specialty care in 150 fields, and the latest treatment options and expertise for the most complex health conditions.

On April 14, 1997, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California (2425 Stockton Boulevard) opened and accepted its first patient for care. A new era in treatment for children, the community welcomed Shriners with open arms. More than 70,000 children have been accepted for care since it opened.  The hospital has become the busiest pediatric burn center in Northern California and ranks with UC Davis Children's Hospital as one of the "Best Children's Hospitals" for pediatric orthopedics. Northern California Shriners Hospital treats children who have orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip, need for specialized plastic surgery and other complex surgical needs.

The Firefighters Burn Institute (3101 Stockton Boulevard) is small but mighty. Built in 1933, the beautifully restored fire station was once home to Engine Company 9. Following the tragic 1972 Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour plane crash, it became agonizingly clear that Sacramento lacked sufficient burn-treatment facilities to deal with such a catastrophe. Soon after, Sacramento Fire Department Captain Cliff Haskell and Firefighters Local 522 went on a fund-raising mission. The Firefighters Burn Institute was dedicated on Dec. 21, 1973.  A charitable foundation, the Institute works closely with Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California and UC Davis Medical Center. They fund continuing education and medical research for the staffs of both hospitals.

“In the beginning, the mission was to establish burn care, but then the aftercare became part of the mission,” said Mike Daw, executive director of the institute. “You go through your healing process. There’s not just surviving but there’s thriving, too. So we established other programs for burn survivors (including firefighters) so they can thrive to best of their abilities. We have camps for burn-survivor children, and a support group and retreat for adult burn survivors as well as additional programs.” 

These three shining stars have helped Stockton Boulevard thrive!

Damond Lee: Creating New Memories at Stockton & Broadway

Ori

Originally published January 2020 Stockton Boulevard Partnership directory

A newcomer to Stockton Boulevard, OBA Kitchen was the neighborhood’s only Japanese restaurant when it opened in 2017. Master Chef and owner Damond Lee saw the potential for OBA with its ready-made regulars from Louie’s Chinese Restaurant a neighborhood favorite for 27 years. Damond, along with his partner and Executive Chef Billy Huang, remodeled the interior with wooden floors, rustic Japanese chairs, and colorful murals.

“After immigrating to California in 1992, I began working as a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant in Alameda. I was mentored by the owner, Master Chef Yamamoto, who taught me how to make sushi. It became my passion and thought if I open a restaurant, this is what I want to do! Start-up costs in the Bay Area were too high – along with living expenses – so we moved to Sacramento. We’ve now owned and operated five successful Japanese Restaurants. I met and hired Billy Huang mentoring him to prepare sushi. An excellent chef, he creates all the Chinese dishes and daily Chef Specials at OBA.”

“When we were looking for another location, we saw that UC Davis was expanding and wanted to be part of the evolution. Stockton Boulevard Partnership has facilitated many improvements along the corridor and around our restaurant. It feels safer now. There’s been lots of support from the neighborhood and UC Davis. We kept some “honor items” from Louie’s, the Chinese restaurant that previously inhabited the space. For their devoted clientele, OBA still has Walnut Shrimp and General Chicken, among other Chinese-American classics.”

Damond Lee has created many memories in Sacramento’s dining scene. Before OBA, two additional restaurants, The Izakaya and Sushi Café, and more recently Shoku Ramen Bar, receive rave reviews. About any other restaurants, Damond says, “It’s about timing and economy – if the location is good – I’ll never shut the door and leave my options open.”

Saratoga Revealed

California byways never disappoint. Interstates and boulevards wind their way through the outskirts of San Jose to Big Basin Way and Saratoga Village. The small-town charm and pedestrian-friendly Main Street beckons visitors to walk and explore Saratoga's finest dining, wine tasting, art galleries, and fabulous retail. 

Close by, performing arts venues provide astounding entertainment including year-round and seasonal top-name performers. Historic gardens, hiking, horseback riding, wineries, and breathtaking views are just a few distractions to bring you back again and again.

Unwind and Snooze
Many years ago, Saratoga Oaks Lodge shed its 1955 motel cocoon and turned into a beautiful butterfly. From a single-queen room to two-room suites, it’s the ideal hibernation destination. Treehouse bungalows accommodate couples or groups; the perfect haven to de-stress following the day’s explorations. In-room whirlpool bathtubs and steam-bath showers help you find your bliss. Shaded by majestic oaks, balconies and garden patios are a joy any season. Amenities include microwave, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi, and modified continental breakfast.

Utterly tranquil, pour yourself into village wine tasting rooms Cinnabar Winery, Roudon Smith Winery, Ruth Roberts Wine Collective, and Uncorked.  Walking makes designated drivers obsolete. Nothing goes better with wine than luscious, handcrafted chocolates. Yes, this sinful pleasure is close enough to see and taste at Plumed Horse Chocolaterie by Angelica. Chocolate addicts, this is your new home. Angel’s career as a certified chocolatier was divine intervention. An artist since childhood, she taught herself the fine art and science of chocolate. Delicate works of art, each chocolate gem is hand-painted with colored cocoa butter. Angel created all the recipes - more than 25. Some of the favorites include salted caramel, passion fruit, jalapeno, strawberry, and Sprinkles are for Winners in the shape and flavor of a baby donut. 

Vineyards, Views & Performing Arts Preview
On the edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains, zigzagging and sometimes precipitous roads lead from Saratoga Village to stunning vistas, hidden gardens, and a captivating villa and chateau, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Be swept away by the magic!

Arriving at the regal Mountain Winery, you immediately understand why Paul Masson – the original owner – called it his "vineyard in the sky". Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley below are inspirational. A Saratoga landmark since the early 1900s, the world-class wines and cuisine, and summer concert series catapult Mountain Winery to the top of your bucket list! A sacred feeling exudes within the inner sanctum of the winery.   

Just a few miles away, sequestered on a hillside, the Mediterranean-style Montalvo Arts Center is another Saratoga jewel. The 175-acre estate offers extraordinary performing arts programs, year-round concert series, hiking trails, and gardens. Visitors are invited to discover miles of woodland hiking trails, and formal and informal gardens. Go in search of Sculpture on the Grounds – a multi-faceted installation of works of art.

Enjoy the music of waterfalls and Mother Nature at her finest at Hakone Estate & Gardens. Influenced by Buddhist and Zen cultures, this ever-changing 18-acre landscape presents something new each season. In spring and summer, multi-hued wisteria, azaleas, and rhododendron await. Delicate maples show their best fall colors. Winter brings a wall of camellias. The oldest Japanese and Asian estate garden in the Western Hemisphere, it is also a treasure of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Visitors wander the gardens and meditate on benches overlooking the koi pond or bamboo forest. Hakone also conducts several events including tea ceremonies and Maturi (Spring Festival).

Family-owned and operated since 1893, the 28-acre organic and sustainable Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and Garrod Farms is an experience like no other. Just minutes from the village, enjoy scenic horseback-riding adventures through the vineyards and Fremont-Older Open Space Preserve followed by wine tasting and small bites on the shaded garden patio. 

Feasting
A stunning Victorian houses Bella Saratoga Restaurant. Superbly prepared Italian fare served in an intimate setting makes this a popular destination. Award-winning pastas, local vegetables, fresh fish, filet mignon, and pizzas – plates are bountiful so come hungry. Fronted by a lovely covered patio, ask about dining alfresco in spring and summer.

Haute cuisine! Haute décor! The Michelin-rated Plumed Horse is that. The ambiance exudes chic elegance and comfort. Draped in golden light and warm woods – dining rooms are elegantly decorated – a visual feast. Feel free to roam and ogle the towering wine cellar housing more than 1,800 wines from around the world. But brace yourself! You are about to be treated to gastronomic artistry. Every berry, vegetable, meat, fish, wild game, sauce, and dessert is painstakingly plated. Executive Chef Peter Armellino’s fresh seasonal menus will captivate your palate. Fourteen years on both the tasting and entrée menus, the signature Black Pepper and Parmesan Soufflé, served with uni and Dungeness crab, is the most requested dish. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 5:00 to 10:00 pm. Reservations are available only online and require a three-day advance cancellation. 

One Last Tip
Cyclists adore road trips up Highway 9 into the Santa Cruz Mountains. At Big Basin Café, a wide selection of fresh-roasted coffees and specialty drinks make this a perfect locale for a morning wander or post-bike ride hangout. 

 

Also published: Mountain Democrat and Outdoor Writers Association of California 

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is still one of a kind

To say there is nothing like Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is not far from the truth. It is the only cedar enzyme bath in the United States. An experience like no other, there are hardly words to describe the sublime nature of this Japanese therapy. This coupled with the beautiful gardens and atmosphere of the sanctuary, well, you must see it to understand just how special it is. From the moment you enter, you should feel all stress begin to fall away.

Once you have donned your cotton kimono, your personal attendant tends to your every need. Gaze out on the bonsai garden as you relax and enjoy your enzyme tea. Once enveloped in the enzyme bath you'll be wondering why you hadn't done this sooner, and asking yourself, "How soon can I do this again?"

Following the bath, continue to unwind with a massage or simply partake of the meta-sync music, eye pillow, and a 30-minute nap.

I am fortunate to have enjoyed Osmosis more than once over the years. The addition of the Japanese Meditation Garden....could it get any better? Yes, and it did with the addition of the Field of Hammocks! 

Osmosis is a treat. Enjoy it alone. With friends. With a lover. Some would say the experience is pricey; that's misleading. It's not inexpensive, but it's worth the cost and certainly much less expensive than other spas I have visited. The experience and ambiance are over the top.

If you're lucky enough to indulge Friday through Monday, be sure to visit Wild Flour Bread across the road. This bakery is to bread what Osmosis is to the "ahhh" in spa.

Take your time. Enjoy the drive to this darling hamlet in west Sonoma County. You'll want to find a place to stay nearby and let all that wonderfulness take over. Unwind. Let go. And let Osmosis.

 

 

The Dogs

They run and jump
Laugh and smile
Leaping, tumbling
All the while
Free and rambunctious
In the park
I hear the dogs
As they bark.

Barbara Steinberg
Sacramento
April 15, 2008