Shari's Berries

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…

Inside Looking Out -Old Soul

I headed from the office to Old Soul Cafe, where I met my friend Julia Seebach, who owns MidtownGrid.com. I forgot my walking shoes, so thankfully it was a balmy 74 degrees and sunny. I took my time soaking up the scenery along the way, even sharing the trek with some co-workers heading to lunch at nearby Zocalo.

After the hugs and kisses and ‘Oh my it’s been so longs’, Julia and I ordered from their scrumptious $4 and $5 menu, grabbed one of the two outdoor tables and waited for our bottomless spinach salad to arrive. People passed through the alley and almost all imparted friendly greetings. One of the Old Soul people came out to water the large and very vertical rosemary plant near us. I might not have noticed had she not begun talking to it in such a sweet manner. Another Old Soul soul popped ‘round to tell us about the daily 2PM coffee tastings they now offer. And then Jason, one of Old Soul’s owners, passed by with a gentle ‘hello’.

I met Julia several years ago when I interviewed her and her husband Scott Smithline about their up-and-coming new business. A year or so later I interviewed Scott again, this time about recycling and the politics of recycling.

It’s funny how I always somehow feel like I’m coming full circle, although never quite closing the gap… perhaps always just open enough to new degrees of experiences, people and perspectives.