Sacramento... more than a Cow Town

Monday, June 13th. This morning I decided I would go down to Moon River Inn and just get a feel of what it’s like being in the kitchen alone. I visited Saturday night, and observed Richard (Chef Pannell) do his thing for a private event held there. He kicked out a few tapas and bar meal orders for a few, and although it wasn’t a lot, I was able to see that everything he does, he does with perfection. In any event, it didn’t feel like a commercial kitchen to me; didn’t feel “right”. So, I wanted to give it another chance. Every Chef knows that it has to feel like home.

I drove down only to find that no one was there to let me in. I couldn’t get in, and Richard was off teaching a culinary course. By the time his class was over and he was available to meet me, I was headed down the highway! Jumped in my car and I just let it take me away. I first headed up Highway 160 towards Clarksburg. After a few miles of nothingness, I soon began to see the Sacramento River to my right and farmland to my left… grapes, no less! I was really getting into it… imagining myself in my 1990 XJS V12 Jaguar Coupe, white scarf draped around my face, Ralph Lauren light horn sunglasses; breeze in my hair… look at me, look at me..weeeeeeee! Hummm.. What is this sign, I see? The Sugar Mill, you say? Al-righty! Right turn it is. And oh, what a find!! The Old Sugar Mill is actually that. An old sugar refinery turned wine mecca. I’m in heaven. What’s the big deal, you ask? Well, the local community decided to redevelop the building and land for wineries to crush, sell and showcase their wines from grapes grown in the Delta. Old Sugar Mill grew out of a vision of a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves while finding that perfect bottle (or case) of wine. Reminder to self: “It starts with a vision”.

It’s a beautiful space. Who would have known? Six wineries are represented: Todd Taylor, Heringer Estates, The Three winery, Carvelho, Solomon Wine Co and Clarksburg Wine Co. I think it’s certainly worth the drive. Check them out at http://www.oldsugarmill.com/ The sad news is that they are only opened Wednesday – Sundays. I’ll have to come back for the full experience.

Got back in my car, now headed in the other direction off I-160. It’s getting hotter, about 90 degrees now. Looks interesting there over the bridge. Wow… Scribner Bend and Bogle wineries are here.. OMG! I have been so busy dissing Sacramento, comparing it to Portland and San Francisco, that I didn’t allow myself to open my mind and explore Sacramento or neighboring Yolo County. My ignorance, my loss.

Light Bulb. Call husband and have an impromptu picnic on the river. I make the call and Charles met me at the Bartley Cavanaugh golf course in Freeport. We parked the jeep and jumped in one car setting off for our adventure, stopping at this off-the-beaten-path market for picnic snacks and wine. We stopped for our picnic just outside of Locke, under a shade tree, facing the river. For those of you who don’t know, Locke is this tiny little town just outside of Walnut Grove. It was founded in 1915 by the Chinese who were here to work on levee construction and looks pretty much now like it did in the 1920s. In the 1940's restaurants, fish markets, gambling halls, boarding houses, brothels, grocery stores, a school, clothing stores, and other businesses lined the streets of Locke. The school house and many other buildings still stand and are open for viewing! It’s a must see. In 1970, Locke was added to the registry of national historical places because of its status as the only town in the United States built exclusively by the Chinese for the Chinese. And here I thought San Francisco’s Chinatown was the only town in the US built by the Chinese. Jeeze!

Once I got Charles to let his hair down and drop the notion we were looking for a state park with appointed picnic tables, or an outside restaurant patio section, we enjoyed a nice lunch and bottle of wine along the river. Still early and restless, I called my Aunt Addie and we were off -- back on I-160 heading towards Brentwood, CA. Fast forward, we had an amazing visit and eye-opening drive along the river.

My inspiration today came from the drive. I passed many wineries, livestock and dairy farms, as well as fruit and vegetable farms. It conjured up feelings of fresh foods and fresh open air. I think I want to start out doing the arts and crafts and music festivals… It will be a way to get my name out there, showcase my specialties and make a little money to boot! Unemployment is not going to last forever, folks. You hear people say all the time how good it feels to get paid doing something you truly love, right?? My dream still involves having to come up with capital, but I’ll have no overhead or expenses which come inherently with owning a restaurant. This will come; but when it’s time.

Sacramento will never be a Portland or San Francisco in terms of restaurants or culture, nor will the Sacramento Valley or Delta wineries have the status that the Napa Valley holds, but there is something special and unique about the area. I am beginning to come around. “Be the change you want to see” is not limited to government or social revolution. One day we'll be listed in the NY Times or food and travel channels as a "must visit" city in America. I will be the change.