Grass Valley: Winning Praise from Star Performers
HISTORIC GRASS VALLEY draws outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, food and wine lovers—and increasingly, huge stars in music and entertainment.
Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Judy Collins and others all have performed in our foothills town, thanks to The Center for the Arts, a regional hub for performing arts.
Audiences love the shows, but the feeling is mutual, according [...]
We need a “Mini Mondavi” in western Nevada County
PERFORMING ARTS IS ON THE UPSWING in western Nevada County, thanks to invigorated leadership at The Center for the Arts, InConcert Sierra, Music in the Mountains, Nevada County Arts and other nonprofits—as well as enthusiastic audiences.
As a result, what seemed like “Field of Dreams” thinking in the past, must become a top priority: Working together [...]
Culinary Adventures – take a cooking class
“No one is born a great cook—one learns by doing.”
-Julia Child,My Life in France
In 1948, Julia Child found her true calling. She moved to France, developed a passion for French cooking and authored books that became essential for food lovers.
In 1993, we recall attending the annual Western Cable Show and marveling at a new channel [...]
Award-winning pizza & burgers in the foothills
Last year, restaurateur Shawn Randazzo was crowned world-champion pizza maker at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas for his authentic Detroit-style recipe. It is the pizza industry’s most prestigious award.
Now the award-winning pizza is coming to downtown Grass Valley, at KJ’s Pizza & Lunch Express at 121 Neal Street. KJ’s pizza-makers are being [...]
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 [...]
Beer & Food Pairings: “We want a lively dance”
EVEN WINE LOVERS HAVE learned that craft beer has an amazing ability to pair with food. Beer-and-food tasting events have multiplied, and more restaurants are offering “beermaker” dinners, pairing beer with menu items.
Some people say lager is like white wine, and ale is like red. “When matching beer and food, the most important thing to [...]
Attend the Foothills Celebration on March 2 for food & wine galore
THE FOOTHILLS CELEBRATION on Saturday, March 2, now in its 12th year, is an ideal time to taste the foothills’ wines while strolling the streets of historic Grass Valley.
Sip from more than 30 wineries, while sampling hand-crafted delicacies from about 25 local eateries, featuring favorite nibbles from their menus.
One of the more decadent offerings—strawberries dipped [...]
Carpe Vino in Auburn: The best of food & wine
DO YOU NEED EXCEPTIONAL BUT affordable wines to pick up on the way to the high Sierra for a winter getaway? Visit Carpe Vino in Old Town Auburn. Better yet, stop for dinner, a foodie’s delight, with fresh, local ingredients. But be sure to reserve a table. (Guests must be 21 years of age or [...]
Art Works Gallery: Meet the Artist
MORE ARTISTS ARE JOINING ART cooperatives to help sell their artwork. They can show their work year-round, share their knowledge and pool ideas.
We like the co-ops because we get to meet the artists, who agree to volunteer some of their time in the galleries. It’s a more personal experience, just like meeting a winemaker.
When it [...]

