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Grass Valley
Robin Recommends…Nevada City Seafood
Nevada City Seafood, Inc
Business: Specialty Seafood
Services: What sets Eric and Enedina’s seafood apart from other local markets is freshness, not to mention the variety. Eric drives to the wharf in San Francisco three days a week to bring back to Nevada County the freshest fish available in the foothills. They started the business after struggling to find fresh fish locally to serve at their own dinner table and are very pleased with the number of Nevada County residents who agree! Eric “has it down to a science” in terms of how much fish to bring back from the wharf, to maximize freshness while minimizing waste.
Robin’s Thoughts: The first thing I noticed was that the Nevada City Seafood storefront does not smell fishy! What keeps me going back however, is the friendly customer service provided by the knowledgeable staff. I have made special requests that have been filled with a smile, such as slicing thin a piece of ahi tuna, and during one visit, I inquired about smoked salmon and was pleasantly surprised when Enedina offered me a small sample of three varieties. Yum! They also sell locally made breads and olive oil, another example of commitment to our community. I am especially delighted that Eric and Enedina provide biodegradable and recyclable containers from Xtremely GREEN (another local business: http://xtremelygreen.com), and encourage customers to consider bringing along a small cooler to cut back on the use plastic bags. Good thinking! When Nevada City Seafood is on my list of stop-ins, I grab a cooler, toss in a couple of ice packs, and bring my fish home chilled and ready for dinner!
Contact Info
Web: stay tuned!
Phone: 530-274-2919 Address: 1020 Whispering Pines, Suite G,Grass Valley, CA
Email: nevadacityseafood@gmail.com
Robin Recommends…The Flour Garden Bakery
Flour Garden Bakery
Business: Bakery and CyberCafe
Services: Rather than baking with the commercial/industrial methodology of using manufactured mixes and artificial flavorings, Flour Garden bakes with a special blend of classical European-style and California health consciousness. Combining this blend of quality and beauty is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Everything is made from scratch. It is also much more costly to bake with the finest quality, most nutritious, ingredients; but the Flour Garden is determined to produce food that is not only delicious, but also nutritious.
It is also the Flour Garden’s intention to serve the community by providing a “well-lighted place” where everyone will feel welcome and cared for. On any given morning, one would find a rich blend of the local populace: Republicans and Democrats, students, doctors, school teachers, construction workers, local law enforcement officers, artists. There is a children’s area with a smaller table and chairs, and children’s books. There are handicapped-accessible restrooms. Classical music, usually. Or jazz. All of these reflect a welcoming and serving of the community as a whole.
Robin’s Thoughts: I have long appreciated Flour Garden! There are so many choices, depending on your mood and time of day. My personal favorites: organic peanut butter on a whole grain toasted bagel, coconut macaroons, pumpkin muffins, hot chai and ginger cookie (a must have combo–especially in the winter!), frittata (great for a quick lunch), to name just a few. I have ordered special-made cakes and have been appreciative of the real frosting, as opposed to the artificial stuff offered at other bakeries; numerous pies for the holidays; and the bread, oh my, the bread–something as special as the edible bread basket for Thanksgiving, Tibetan multi-grain, seeded baguettes, I could go on and on. A new addition to the offerings at Flour Garden are a line of Gluten Free breads, goodies, and soups. This is yet another reflection of the commitment that Susan and Bill have for the health and well-being of our community. I must also mention the daily soups — made from scratch, absolutely delicious, many are vegetarian and/or vegan, and they are all for eat-in or take home.
Flour Garden is fully engaged in our community. Susan and Bill generously donate their wares to various organizations as well as sponsor fund-raising events. The ambiance provided at their bakeries is inviting and comfortable. Their commitment to our physical health as well as to the health of our world is to be acknowledged and to be thankful for. Flour Garden combines flavor, satisfaction, and consciousness in a way that is a treat for all.
Contact Info
Web: http://flourgarden.com/
Phone: 530-272-2043; Sutton Way store; check website for Neal Street, and Auburn store info
Email: copeland@flourgarden.com
Posted in Eat, restaurants, Robin Recommends..., specialty shops | 
Tags: Auburn, bakery, Grass Valley, Nevada City, organic, restaurant, whole grains | 
No Comments »Robin Recommends…BriarPatch Co-op
BriarPatch Co-op
Business: Natural Foods Community Market
Services: BriarPatch Co-op is a member-owned community market. BriarPatch provides a balance of affordable natural, organic and local products and is committed to customer service, consumer education and supporting local economic renewal. BriarPatch carries the finest lines of organic, healthful and nutritious foods, including a large natural meat, poultry, and award-winning fish department. In addition, their extensive bulk foods section entices shoppers to reduce packaging waste while saving money! BriarPatch also has large vitamin, body care and houseware departments with knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions. The bi-monthly newsletter is a useful resource as it offers delicious and healthful recipes, highlights community connections and local resources, and features important current events related to food, health, and nutrition.
Robin’s Thoughts: I have been a BriarPatch member for 22 years. The co-op is my favorite grocery store and deli and I definitely recommend shopping there for many reasons, one being that there are no products with trans fats on the shelves. Other reasons are the incredible produce that is offered, as well as the cheese selection and the delicious deli items. BriarPatch is committed to our community as is evidenced by their support of local farms, annual donations made to various non-profit groups, education offered in the newsletter, and on-site classes taught by local experts in the Community Room.
Contact Info
Web: http://briarpatch.coop
Phone: 530-272-5333
Email: info@briarpatch.coop
Posted in groceries, Robin Recommends... | Tags: co-op, community, Grass Valley, organic | No Comments »Sundays start with a ride
My husband and I have a standing bike ride date on Sunday mornings. We leave from our house around 8 AM and head off for one of our local loops. The morning air is delicious and oh-so-cool, the smells are damp and fresh, and there are fewer cars on the roads this early. This morning, barely awake was how I felt as we started, but I returned feeling invigorated and zippy. What a great way to start the day — exercise, pleasant temperatures, being with my sweetie, enjoying a quiet ride on familiar roads.
What’d I eat when we got back? A cold, crisp apple smeared with almond butter! Yum.
If you have not been out yet this morning, take this opportunity now, before it gets too hot. If the day is passing you by, make a plan for next weekend to enjoy an outdoor exercise session early in the morning — your day will be better for it!
Happy Sunday.
Robin has made me want to do more for myself…
“When I began to work with Robin as a client, she immediately recognized that my success involved more than treating issues relating to my heart. Her knowledge and caring has given me the opportunity and confidence to improve my overall health and mental outlook for the future. I have received excellent care from many doctors but what may be more important is that Robin has made me want to do more for myself.”
—Pat G., Client
Posted in From our clients... | Tags: Grass Valley, heart, knowledge, Nevada County, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, success | No Comments »Robin’s continual encouragement to pick a quit smoking date inspired me to finally do it.…
“Robin’s continual encouragement to pick a quit-smoking date inspired me to finally do it. She gave me the tools and strategies I needed to become a successful non-smoker!”
—Kathy D., client
Posted in From our clients... | Tags: encouragement, Grass Valley, strategies, tools | No Comments »Front Porch Morning
Summer mornings are peaceful at my house. All mornings are actually, but the summer at 6 AM is a special time to enjoy. The air is simply delicious—fresh and cool and inviting. With a cup of coffee, I head out to the front porch. First I must check to see that the resident frogs are not hiding under the cushions on the couch. I don’t know why they seek shelter on the couch, but there they are most mornings. Assured that it is a frog-free zone, I can settle in.
How delightful it is! A rooster from a far-off neighbor greets the brightening sky. Some mornings I can hear the coyotes howling as they sign off for the day. As I sit quietly, the sun slowly ascends, illuminating the sky and lighting up the treetops. Over several minutes, I witness the subtle change from dawn to day. In harmony with the morning, I feel my own energy shift internally, as I transform to what will soon become my daytime vigor.
But it is the birds that lure me out at 6 AM, day after day. Ah, the birdsong! Variety is the spice of life, and we have it: Grosbeak, Robin, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Finch, Stellar Jay, Woodpecker—acorn and my personal fav, the pileated—and some mornings if I am really lucky, I can discern the call of a Kingfisher up on the irrigation canal that meanders through the forest. The birds serenade me, they sing to celebrate the new day, their various sounds merging into one fantastic symphony. I breathe, I quiet, and I breathe some more. I express gratitude for this gift of nature—the sunrise, the forest, the fresh air, and the birds. My heart is filled with joy! I am ready to jump into my day.
Posted in Updates | Tags: birdsong, breathe, Grass Valley, morning, Nevada County, peaceful, Relax, sunrise | No Comments »
