Monday, May 30, 2016

Heart of Yolo County

Yolo County, the perfect getaway with the right combination of town and country, is one of the original 27 counties created when California  became a state in 1850. It is said that the origin of the name may be derived from the native Poewin Indian word "yo-lo" meaning abounding in the rushes.
Located in the rich agricultural regions of California's Central Valley and the Sacramento River Delta,
Yolo County with a population of 200,000 is directly west of Sacramento, and northeast of the  Bay area counties of Solano and Napa. It makes a  great homebase for fantastic regional exploration. Excitement awaits lovers of art, history, agriculture, eclectic museums, cultural attractions,adventure, wineries and fine dining.
Patchworks of trellised  vineyards, countless wineries, and babbling brooks weave throughout the area, enchanting visitors. As far as the eyes can see the natural beauty of trees, rolling hills, wild flowers, sunflower fields, and farmland spill on to overgrown landscapes.
Here too is where you can have the best of both worlds as Yolo seamlessly combines gourmet and organic food.
Highlights in the area include Velocity Island Park, Capay Valley, Putah Creek Park, Davis Farmers Market, Ag Museum, US Bicycling  Hall of Fame Museum, UC Davis Mondavi Performing Arts Center, Shrem Art Museum as well as vineyards and tasting rooms, breweries, shopping and upscale dining.
Yolo County is a treasure trove to experience and explore.
For more information : Yolo County Visitors Bureau (530)297-1900 www.visityolo.com

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Riverside Community College's Culinary Academy

For many, many years the Southern California Restaurant Writers has been presenting a check from the Doris Crandall Scholarship Fund to several schools with a culinary arts department. For 2016 scholarships  were handed out by President Jim Woodin, and Scholarship Chairman Joe Hilbers to Orange Coast College; Los Angeles Harbor College, San Bernardino Valley College and Riverside Community College Culinary Arts Program.
At Riverside as a member of  SCRW  I had the privilege to go along with Jim and Joe to be part of the presentation, The director of the school 's culinary department, Bagher Moghaddam affectionately known as Chef Bobby sat down with us for a delicious lunch in the School Cafe, prepared and served by the students. Chef Bobby told us about their one year program which has produced many award-winning chefs, even at national levels, and that their students are under the guidance of an international team of certified award-winning chefs.
After lunch Chef Bobby was thrilled to lead us on a tour of the college's brand new facility downtown. His enthusiasm and joy was definitely contagious, and we could wee why when we saw the school's new fantastic state-of-the-art kitchen,classrooms and restaurant.

LUNA

This beautifully dramatic, modern upscale Mexican Kitchen has 2 locations, one in Corona,CA at 980 Montecito Drive, Ste. 110, and the other in Rancho Cucamonga at 7881 Monet Avenue.
Francisco Perez whose dream was to always own a restaurant, worked at several restaurants including being a supervisor at California Pizza Kitchen. Now he and his son Cisco (who had been managing Latin Pop Groups from Mexico) opened Ciscos. Always looking for something new other then tacos and burritos, Francisco and Cisco gave their menu in Luna, a continental flavor incorporating cultures and traditions from across the world.
Specialtles include the ultimate Firecracker Mexican Shrimp; their own version of the Mexican Style Shrimp Cocktail; Cisco's Platter with a taste of many favorites; Drunken Salmon-blackened fresh salmon deglazed with tequila.
Their exquisite  tequila bar has an incredible display of endless choices for your pleasure.
www.lunammk.com

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Buca di Beppo at the Original Farmers Market

Buca di Beppo at the Original Farmers Market is officially open.
For a touch of nostalgia be sure and walk through the Market before reaching the newly opened Buca di Beppo.
Previously the home of Planet Dailies L.A., Buca di Beppo underwent a complete makeover before moving it. Although it definitely has the same beat as all their restaurants with family-style dining, and red and white tablecloths, the new Boca features a series of smaller dining rooms and the ability to accommodate approximately 200 diners. There's a vibrant bar area, large outdoor dining patio and private rooms for events and larger groups.
Staying true to its Italian roots, the restaurant is serving up mouthwatering Italian specialties including Bucca's Spaghetti with Meatballs; Spicy Chicken Rigatoni; Chicken Limone; Veal Parmigana; Chicken Saltimbocca; and Salmon Sorrento.
Dolce, Italian for dessert, highlights the Colossal Brownie Sundae; powerfully flavored Tiramisu; rich creamy Cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts; Chocolate Chip Cannoli;and so many more sinfully delicious offerings.
Located at: 6333 W. 3rd Street in L.A. phone (323) 370-6560 www.bucadibeppo.com