Expanding Eateries: Innovative, reasonable fare

THOUGH MANY RESTAURANTS, cafés and caterers have run into the economy’s buzz saw, we’re glad to tell you about some that are expanding in our region.

They include Kane’s Family Restaurant in Grass Valley, Lefty’s Grill and Emily’s Catering & Cakes in Nevada City, Café Zorro in Loomis and Fifty Fifty Brewing Co. in Truckee, among others. They have been among our favorites for years, because they offer innovative, dependable fare at reasonable prices.

We like Lefty’s flat-bread pizzas (Napa-style with cheese, sliced pear, fresh herbs and Balsamic syrup drizzle); Kane’s $10 or less lunches (a prawn salad with seasonal citrus); Cafe Zorro’s fresh, locally sourced food (Coq Au Vin with local wine); and Fifty Fifty’s craft brews (Manifesto Pale Ale). The dining tabs are all affordable.

People still eat out — they just want to spend less money.

In Grass Valley, Kane’s restaurant is expanding its interior. The 900-sq.-ft. expansion will increase seating in the bar to 22 seats. It also will create a 44-seat lounge, with a fireplace area and skylights.

Kane’s will offer music all week in the new lounge.

Down the street, Gold Rush Burgers & BBQ has built a new patio. Lefty’s Grill, popular for “casual, white tablecloth dining,” has moved to a new Nevada City location, down Broad Street, across Hwy. 49 to 101 Broad Street. The restaurant features a sit-down bar (wine and beer), outdoor patio looking onto Deer Creek, and a private dining room (the “Chef’s Room”). It has a stylish, fresh decor.

Emily’s Catering & Cakes also serves students at the new Emily’s Catering & Café at the Sierra College Nevada County campus.

In Loomis, Cafe Zorro, a long-time locals’ favorite, opened Gourmet Garage—featuring creative takeout food on weekends, catering, and a state-of-the art commercial kitchen, along with banquet seating.

Fifty Fifty Brewing Co. in Truckee is planning to break ground on a new three-story, 21,000 sq.-ft. building this May. It will serve as a larger brewery and production center. (The existing restaurant and brewery will stay.)

Harmony Ridge Market Expands Downtown
Nestled between the valley and summit on Hwy. 20 out of Nevada City, Harmony Ridge Market is a favorite stop to grab a fresh made-to-order sandwich, cheeseburger or double-chocolate brownie.

Now Harmony Ridge has expanded and opened a downtown market in Nevada City at 115 S. Pine St. It is offering fresh-made sandwiches to go (now lacking in the historic downtown), as well as a full espresso bar and homemade desserts.

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