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Nevada City
Robin Recommends…Ike’s Quarter Cafe
Ike’s Quarter Cafe
Proprietors: Ike and Adrienne Frazee
Services: Ike’s cuisine is that of Louisiana, New Orleans to be specific. They chose New Orleans because the food is warm, tasty, and delicious, in addition to reflecting the melting pot that is New Orleans, with a Cajun foundation, and diverse ethnic contributions.
Ike’s is certified with the Green Restaurant Association, as is reflected in their choice of free-range meats, and organic flours, grains, produce, eggs, and dairy products. The to-go containers and cutlery are recyclable and biodegradable. At Ike’s, the belief is that good quality food and the attitude in which it is prepared makes for a happy belly.
Robin’s Thoughts: From the lovely outdoor patio, to the friendly atmosphere, to the amazingly diverse menu with many items being vegetarian variations on classic New Orleans style dishes, Ike’s is one of our community’s favorite restaurants. I love that the veggies are organic and local–my favorite is the gingered greens. Last time I had lunch there, the grilled tempeh, mushroom, and gorgonzola sandwich was rich with fabulous flavors and textures. Ike’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner–they are busy most of the time, allowing you to settle in for a good visit with your meal mate.
Contact Info
Web: http://ikesquartercafe.com
Phone: 530-265-6138 Address: 401 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA
Email: ikesquarter@att.net
Posted in Eat, restaurants, Robin Recommends... | 
Tags: Eat, local, Nevada City, organic, restaurant, sustainable | 
2 Comments »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 New Moon Cafe
The New Moon Cafe
Proprietors: Peter Selaya, Buzz Crouch
Services: A love for food and community led to an infusion of our resources and talents to create The New Moon Cafe. We are fortunate to still be serving food in an ever expanding community. Creating a place that honors international culinary influence yet relates to our mountain town remains our greatest desire. Big city dining with a small town atmosphere and lots of love. Sophisticated, comfortable and thoughtful. Our welcoming community supports the local, natural and organic foods that we’ve been lucky enough to use since the warmest of beginnings.
Robin’s Thoughts: I have enjoyed numerous superb meals at The New Moon Cafe! There are so many details to rave about: the friendliness of the wait-staff and their knowledge of menu subtleties as well as of the wine list; delectable flavors of the varied entrees offered, with a focus on organic, local produce and meat and including several vegetarian choices; the sinful (but smartly portioned) desserts; and our special window table…The New Moon is where John and I go to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and other distinctive occasions.
Contact Info
Web: http://thenewmooncafe.com
Phone: 530-265-6933 Address: 233 York Street, Nevada City, CA
Email: mail@thenewmooncafe.com
Posted in Eat, restaurants, Robin Recommends... | Tags: Eat, local, Nevada City, organic, restaurant, wine | No Comments »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 »
