Seeing Sacramento & Beyond
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialDecades of Dinky Dining Deliciousness
Jim Denny's Outdoor Patio
What the best thing about Jim Denny’s is can surely be debated. Could be the food, could be how hard you have to work to get the food. Could be the nostalgia, could be all the Food Network attention it gets. Could be watching the gals behind the counter operate like a (fairly) well-oiled machine, could be sitting outside on a warm, lazy morning. Could be the charming retro vibe, could be that the small but mighty structure stands out like a sore thumb amongst a set of otherwise-numb fingers.
Sad to say it was my first visit to Jim Denny’s in Downtown Sacramento, especially since I was born and raised here. What excuse do I have other than being a creature of habit and allowing most of my younger-year decisions to be made by others?! Anyway, what matters now is that I’m a bit more “in the know” when it comes to this long-held tradition and establishment.
Saturday morning, 10:40am, November 19
We were able to find a seat right away because a couple of barstools opened up right as we walked in, and we got to watch the cook juggle Hubcap pancakes and monster omelets right in front of us. But then we had to wait nearly an hour to actually eat anything. In hindsight I think it’s good to know this kind of thing ahead of time, so you don’t bite someone’s head off if you happen to stumble in starved from the get-go.
We got the Works Omelet, which they recommend sharing. Loaded with meat, cheese and veggies, and served with toast and potatoes on the side, it was a nice hearty meal. We both agreed, however, that my husband could have eaten it all himself (if I’d be willing to roll him home, that is). And the $11.50 price tag seemed a little high, but we’re probably paying for TV-worthy food at this point. Still, steaming and delicious, it hit the spot and then some.
Founded in 1934, Jim Denny’s certainly has a certain charm, and I had the urge to back up the truck, hook it up and take her away with us. Overall, the staff was friendly but not sweet-as-pie. Curiously, I’d say at least half of the diners were out-of-towners. The place is mostly counter seats because the back part of the “building” (if you can call it that) is for food prep, dish washing and what-not. There’s more to the story of course – check out their website and reviews on Yelp - just don’t believe everything you read. The website says they’re closed Saturday and Sunday. (I found this to be half true).
816 12th Street (between H & I), 916-443-9651
[P.S. If you do eat the whole thing yourself, there are plenty of hotels nearby to fit any budget. Check out the hotel finder on www.DiscoverGold.org]
Authentic Sacramento
Sacramento’s (Fall) Splendor
What makes Sacramento authentic? What makes it unique? People who live here often forget about its rich history, and that’s probably a pretty typical learned reaction to one’s environment. Like waking up to a gorgeous view every morning… The “novelty” will inevitably wear off a bit, the sheen dull a little in the repetition of the beauty. It’s just human nature, they say, although many of us do try not to fall so hard into these ruts.
I write about the greater Sacramento area all the time, and even I forget about some of her substance, significance, glory, gorgeousness, character and charm. So I’m going to be starting a new series on ‘Authentic Sacramento.’ Because every place we inhabit becomes a part of us, and it’s up to us to pause and take notice.
If you have any personal thoughts on what makes Sacramento authentic, please leave a comment here.
Have a great day!
~Melanie
Serendipitous Saturdays
Digging for nectar at Miner’s Leap!
So like many things in life, we found it by accident. On the way to Bogle we passed a very appealing-looking winery with signs that read: “Wine Tasting”, “Today” and “Open”. That’s all it took for us to turn the car around and make a detour from our original plans. Although we did manage to make it to Bogle before they closed, our first experience at Miner’s Leap was an all around pleasant – dare I even say inspiring – one.
From Mandy’s energy and friendliness to lazy rescue dog Lilly, from luscious red wines to well-stocked beer refrigerator, and from scenic grounds to getting to know Stefani, in total it was more than we bargained for… but in a ‘more is more (and better)’ kind of way.
Sipping wines just outside the 111-year-old barn with views of Yolo County’s agricultural landscape, Tom and I enjoyed hearing about Mandy’s adventurous life-shift from Cabo San Lucas to Clarksburg. A bit later lounging on the well-manicured patio overlooking the event grounds, we sipped a cool brew in the warm autumn sun and contemplated risk and worth in life.
Only getting tidbits of the colorful stories – the winery owners, their staff and animals included – their immense zest for life shows in their presence, their openness, and their wines alike. Making the very best of what they have to work with and being willing to risk it all, if necessary, in order to live to the fullest… Well, it’s not an easy way to go about it day to day, but it’s certainly a courageous and admirable one. And if a Miner’s Leap is one of faith – equipped with some preparedness and a love for both the experience and effect – I think that’s a mighty fine way to find and define success.
Miner’s Leap Winery
54250 S. River Rd., Clarksburg
916.641.7944, www.MinersLeap.com
What is Mother Nature Trying to Tell You?
Wind is whipping around the building like whirlpools of air and tree limbs are knocking against my windows with determination. The sky above us is crystal clear, and although it is nearly 70 degrees outside, my skin is cool to the touch. Sometimes the weather reminds me of a certain season, and then I realize we are actually residing at the opposite end of the year. This time, however, it feels like fall… and it really is.
I don’t always mind the wind, but when it moves as fast as a speeding car, it certainly makes me thankful for my shelter.
And speaking of gratitude, here are just a few ways to give back locally ~
ANIMALKIND
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals www.sspca.org
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary www.happytails.org
Mountain Lion Foundation www.mountainlion.org
HUMANKIND
Loaves & Fishes www.sacloaves.org
Ronald McDonald House www.rmhcnc.org
Crisis Nursery www.kidshome.org/what-we-do/CrisisNursery.php
If you can’t offer time, money or resources, at least be compassionate toward animals, kind to your fellow man, and creative about ways in which we can possibly ease future suffering.
(Hm. All this – just because of the darned wind?!)
When Cultures – and the Living and Dead – Mingle
Life and Death = ?
When I saw the altar in the middle of Sacramento’s popular Zocalo restaurant, and the lights dimly lit all around, I grew more curious than usual. What exactly was this Day of the Dead celebration? Resembling a miniature Tim Burton movie set, the table had shelves and curvaceous lines with gangly skeleton-like figures fully clothed and even fuller of life. With large hats, feathery boas and musical instruments, they made death seem like nothing to fear, perhaps just an after-hours party to celebrate the freedom from mortal existence and bad mortgage loans.
The celebration typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd – in conjunction with Catholic holidays All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – although some in America (perhaps incorporating Halloween) begin celebrating on October 31st. Instilled with rich culture and long-standing history, el Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday in Mexico and other North, Central and South American countries.
Not to say there isn’t mourning for loved ones who’ve passed, but this is a celebration of their lives, their spirits, their transcendence, and their return as well. Marigolds, for instance, are often chosen because it is believed that their scent can lure the dead back to visit. And since “the path back to the living world must not be made slippery by tears,” this celebration has all the fixings of one hearty party.
People gather in cemeteries, cleaning and decorating gravesites, making offerings to the departed, enjoying picnics and socializing with others. There are large feasts – often in the early morning or evening hours – and town center gatherings with street vendors selling colorful decorations and treats like sugary skulls and sweet bread made with “bones of the dead”. The holiday can be traced back to the Aztecs, and according to Wiki, “similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.”
A great deal of art is inspired by el Dia de los Muertos and much respect is paid to this multi-faceted holiday. It makes me think about how often we speak of our dead in the past tense, and how it feels so untrue… Borrowing from other cultures, perhaps I can start a new tradition within my own family this year
This one’s for you, Dad.
For some related Sacramento area events, visit:
www.sacramento365.com/search/results
[Image from Wikipedia]
Here’s Your Passport to Fun this Weekend
Great Wines + the Great Outdoors!
Start in any of the following towns – Davis, Winters, Vacaville or Capay – and then enjoy the scenery as you meander to the next. While passports aren’t required to be present, you will need one in order to partake in all the extra VIP fun. Passports are $40 and more information can be found at the link below.
Enjoy the bounty and beauty of Northern California!
Passport Weekend ~ October 8 and 9th, 10AM-5PM
http://rootstowine.com/
Bows & Arrows: “Other” & Everything all at Once
In the mood for something fresh, a bit different, perhaps eclectic, useful and entertaining? How about a Downtown boutique that sells vintage and second-hand clothing, jewelry and art… One that also has a mini café with treats, spirits and plenty of space in which to relax, read or ponder the state of your reality… A spacious outdoor patio with an almost other-worldly feel, straight from a whimsical dream… A creative venture-venue that hosts artists, Second Saturday parties and unique musical guests…
Bows & Arrows – It’s a one-stop-shop for things a little left of center and experiences akin to a slightly alternate dimension. Check them out for a pair of 80s jeans, a glass of Allagash White, an artist’s rendition of the atmosphere (this Friday), or a gaggle of musical groups you’ve never heard of (but likely won’t forget).
Tues – Sat, 11-11
1815 19th St., 916.822.5668
http://bowscollective.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bowsandarrowsvintage
Thirst-for-Knowledge Quencher
Honoring the Past & Those Who've Come Before Us
What brings this coming-of-age story up for me? Well, September is whizzing by and October is right around the corner, which typically makes me think of Halloween, alter egos and harvest moons… But now that I know October is also ‘Celebrate National Archives Month’ and the first annual ‘Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl’ has been announced, I too can get in that back-to-school spirit.
WHEN & WHERE:
October 1, 11AM-4PM
California State Archives, 1020 ‘O’ Street
California State Library, 900 N Street
Center for Sacramento History, 5551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.
The Sacramento Room (@ the Central Library), 828 I Street
HOW & WHO:
Start at any one of the locations above, appreciate rarely-seen historical photographs, books, artifacts and collections, take a tour, ask questions, and learn how intriguing and useful these historical resources can be.
WHY & WEB:
Because history helps put things in perspective.
http://sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com
Ladies Who “Lunch”
Inside Arden Fair Mall
We get together to see each other, first of all. We get together to shop, secondly. And finally, when we’re famished and need re-fueling, we’ll eat together. We’ve been doing it for decades now – my mom and I – cutting out of school or work early for some power shopping.
When I was school-aged and not yet able to drive, my mom would pick me up from school mid-day for an afternoon of shopping and lunch at one of Sacramento’s major malls (Arden Fair, Country Club or Sunrise, usually). And with each mall came its own dining theme. For instance, at Sunrise we’d eat at the same dark cozy café and I’d order the same dang thing every time – club sandwich. At Arden – which was so different back then than it is now – I recall Carmel Corner popcorn and Orange Julius’ (must have been a late afternoon snack).
It only happened about twice a year, when my mom would pull up in her chariot and rescue me from math, science and P.E. for one day. But during the summer when my cousin Heidi was visiting from L.A., we’d all spend a day in Old Sacramento, shopping and dining like clockwork in the Firehouse’s courtyard… turkey sandwich, no mayo, and a 7-Up.
Just as Sacramento, its shopping venues and dining scene have changed, so have our habits morphed to reflect the times, although not entirely. Yesterday I met my mom in Old Sacramento for some shopping and lunch, and I found comfort in recalling the old and gratitude in the longevity of the ritual.
Whether it’s shopping to enrich our upcoming experiences or lunch to reconnect and reload, sharing our favorite pastime together allows us to not only continually re-bond, but perhaps even strengthen the threads of our existence… This time, I took Mom to Ten 22′s outdoor patio. While it wasn’t the first time I’d been there, I didn’t order the veggie Panini like I usually do. I actually tried something new.
Sacramento Wins ‘Miss Congeniality’!
Fun, Affordable...Finally!!
What are the ’10 Most Fun, Affordable U.S. Cities’ according to an article by Vanessa Wong of Bloomberg Businessweek and featured on MSN this morning? I can’t tell you about the other nine for sure (because the cover shot of Sacramento got me a little excited), but I can tell you that yes, Sacramento made the list! Cited for its numerious museums, restaurants and bars, lively downtown areas and affordable home prices, Sacramento is an all-around pleasant city in which to live or visit. Many of us already know this, but at least she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves.
Way to go, hometown~
http://realestate.msn.com/10-most-fun-affordable-us-cities/?GT1=35006#1
or www.msn.com (article is feature number 2 of 7)
[Image courtesy MSN/Kyle Monk]
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.
