Seeing Sacramento & Beyond
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for August, 2009
Comprehension 101
Crest Theatre Stage
After an hour-and-45-minute historical tour of Downtown Sacramento, what do I remember? What can I recall? What are my lingering impressions? What have I learned?
Well, For one, I’ve learned that people with a lot of knowledge/information tend to talk really fast. Too fast sometimes for my ears (ok, brain) to absorb. But people particularly “in the know” also tend to be quite inspiring. For while I couldn’t literally catch every word, I was sure hanging on those that penetrated my somewhat-slow-learner bubble.
I’ve always known Sacramento’s history was fascinating – The Gold Rush, Wild West, Transcontinental Railroad, Pony Express, Electrical Light Parade, etc. And that the people who helped create and shape this fort/colony/town/city are the true gems of the region. But there are always more juicy morsels and curiosities hiding beneath the surface…
For instance, the Crest Theatre has her grandeur, her history, her ghosts… and Kurt Cobain’s footprints in the basement.
Then there’s that stuff about D.J. Shadow. And did you hear about the chandelier from the Vatican in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament?
I’ll tell you what else I didn’t know: Just how fascinating the art and architecture of the Downtown Plaza really is! Nor did I know just how much history resides behind, beneath or within the heart of so many Sacramento business, such as the Esquire Theatre and Esquire Grill.
And yet I’ll tell you what I do know: I’d take that tour of K Street (‘Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow’) again in a heartbeat; hopefully this time absorbing just a little more… because to wander and wonder with awe is my favorite way to stroll about life!
{A variety of daily and weekly tours are now offered by Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP). Great for visitors and residents alike! www.DowntownSac.org}
p.s. Thanks for a fun and engaging afternoon, Shawn & Shana!
Sweet Sacramento~
Shari's Berries
For a girl without a tremendous sweet tooth, sometimes still, the right sweet treat comes along at just the right time…
Shari’s Berries began operating in 1989 as a retail and local delivery business in the Sacramento area. It was born from “the simple desire to create the world’s greatest gourmet dipped strawberries.” Using only the finest ingredients and most succulent berries available, Shari’s quickly earned a reputation that’s grown nationwide.
Once you’ve had one of these luscious treats, you’ll know what all the drooling fuss is about. But when you go to order them for a loved one, party or business associate and perhaps find the prices surprisingly ‘reasonable’, be forewarned that the guaranteed yummy, safe and timely delivery might be what amounts to the prettiest penny of all. After all, they are perishable, and you’ll want these babies in tip-top shape! Because in this case, you do get what you pay for. (Know any football fans?!)
I’d also like to acknowledge DoubleTree’s cookies, because somehow, they’re there when you need ‘em. Like today, for instance… (Thanks, Betsy!).
With the simplest of ingredients – chocolate chips, flour, walnuts, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, rolled oats, lemon juice concentrate, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt and cinnamon – these cookies evoke one simple outcome: Bliss.
(Might even be worth getting a room for the complimentary cookie alone).
Of course, when it comes to sweet things in Sacramento, this is just the tip of the snow cone…
Sacramento’s TV Series: The Mentalist
The Mentalist
Apparently, the television show ‘The Mentalist’ is “set” in Sacramento. Naturally, most of it is filmed in Los Angeles. But just this past week, Sacramento saw it’s ‘own’ series come to life in its own backyard, when The Mentalist and its stars came to town on Thursday and Friday. As I was fortunate enough to be cast as an Extra, I can shed a little inside light on what this was actually like…
The morning was rather cool and breezy for August, I noted as I walked past the Star Waggons lined along N Street. On the way, ‘Starsky’ passed us on the sidewalk and spouted a hearty ‘hello’. I know I was smiling at him, but think I was too stunned to respond. (Now I feel bad). Anyway, after signing in, warbrobe checks and some general instructions (and gentle warnings), wee extras took a seat in the holding area and prepared to be ignored for much of the day.
But this did not end up being the case. In fact, I haven’t worked that hard since I attempted Yosemite’s Half Dome in college. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Because sometimes, there’s just nothing like being in the midst of all the lights, camera, action. But moreso, because the degree of separation significantly narrows when one is allowed a literal glimpse into something normally so far removed from us.
I mean, there I was ~ getting to know my fellow extras while trying to keep in step with instructions, while trying not to trip over my high heels, while baking in the afternoon sun, while trying to be as natural as can be… as veteran directors and high-profile actors worked their magic right before my eyes ~ in some cases, just 2 feet from me.
If you’re the type to get star-struck, there’s just very little time to languish in your titilation. Because show biz is a serious business after all. And if you’re going to be even a fraction of a part of it, you’d better do your job well – even it’s just walking in a straight line from point A to point B.
Oh, the pressure – It very well could make or break you. Most importantly, just keep breathing (passing out on set is not the kind of attention you want to bring to yourself). And remember not to think you’re better than anyone else.
But don’t think you’re any less than, either.
P.S. The Mentalist was filmed on and around the Capitol grounds
[photo courtesy: www.thrfeed.com]
Handy Dandy Downtown
Uncommon Finds at Italian Imports
I walked down the street slowly – because it was a hot one – and was surprised at how many people were nonetheless out and about. They were on bikes, pushing strollers, sitting on patios and porches, chatting on street corners, coming out of shops… you name it. I, on the other hand, was on an unusual but not before unheard of quest to find champagne and appetizers for later that evening.
There being no grocery store in the immediate vicinity, I assumed I’d likely return empty handed, but figured it was at least worth a try anyway. Then I noticed a couple reading the lunch specials on a menu board outside Italian Importing Co. They were, it seemed, looking for the perfect place to stop for lunch. With a deli counter and both indoor and outdoor tables, it’s a fine choice for a casual lunch downtown indeed.
But although lunch was not my personal goal on this day, I entered the shop at my own risk. What I found – to my ease and delight – were exotic groceries imported from Italy, an entire wall of wine (and champagne!), fresh fruit, cheeses and sliced meats, sparkling Italian sodas, olives, and well… a mission mightily accomplished – just 3 blocks east of my origination.
I say: When in doubt ~ ask around, check it out ~ why not try?!
Tower: A True Sacramento Icon
’500 Days of Summer’ is only playing one place in the Greater Sacramento area: Tower Theatre. Although my boyfriend and I had to make the trek in from Woodland, the movie proved to be worth it. And the theatre herself? She’s always worth it.
The Tower has a long and glitzy history, and today it retains much of its old world charm with a more modern laid back attitude. But since we were running a little late, I didn’t have as much time as usual to admire her interiors. What I did notice, however, is that I was more comfortable in my chair than I’ve been in a movie theatre chair for a long time. Coming from a girl who gets pretty ancy after an hour and a half, that’s saying a lot.
If you love old theatres, definitely visit this one soon. We lost the Alhambra a long time ago… and no one around here has forgotten the loss. http://savethetowertheatre.org/
Gov’s Mansion’s Gotta New ‘do
All Dolled Up
There’s a lot more that can be said… but given I’m short on time, I’ll just share what’s on my mind:
Why does everything in this photo appear to be pointing UP?
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which she was built, the rivers that flow through her, the bounty around her and the people who make it their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town after a cleansing rain.
There’s truly something for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and nighttime adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
