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restaurant
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…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 »Robin Recommends…Paul Martin’s American Bistro
Paul Martin’s American Bistro
Proprietors: Brian Bennett, Paul Fleming
Services: At the heart of all great food is fresh, local, peak of the season ingredients. Paul Martin’s aims to take diners back to the farm with meat raised in a humane and wholesome way, locally sourced organic produce, the best of both wild and farmed fish, artisan cheeses and cured meats from small local purveyors. Brian and Paul spent more than a year handpicking the sources for Paul Martin’s menu. The thorough search produced 40 partnerships with thoughtful, local farmstead producers, 80 percent of whom are located in Northern California and with the opening of El Segundo they have developed a great network of local southern California producers as well.
Robin’s Thoughts: What a find! When you dine at Paul Martin’s American Bistro, you will have the pleasure of eating real food. The focus of Paul Martin’s American Bistro is to offer healthy and delicious choices that not only taste great but also are good for you, and good for the planet. The chef will prepare your meal just as you want it to be, including special requests such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Visit their restaurants in Roseville or El Segundo — you will be glad you did!
Contact Info
Web: http://www.paulmartinsamericanbistro.com
Phone: 916-783-3600, 310-643-9300
Email:ben@paulmartinsamericanbistro.com, mark@paulmartinsamericanbistro.com
Posted in restaurants, Robin Recommends... | Tags: Eat, healthy, organic, restaurant | No Comments »Eat Well
Tricks of the trade – Restaurant Survival 101.
Imagine This: A much-anticipated dinner at that new restaurant you have been so eager to try, perhaps in celebration of an anniversary or a promotion. It’s been a busy day without much time for lunch. You are ravenous when the hostess seats you and thrilled when the bread, oil, and balsamic vinegar arrives. Marveling at the chewy texture of the ciabatta while enjoying a glass of wine, you contemplate the menu. Along with the divine roasted beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad, you enjoy a second and maybe a third piece of bread. When the entrée arrives twenty minutes later, you are amazed to find that you are no longer very hungry!
Of course you feel compelled to at least try the entrée, which is delicious, leading to an enticement for a couple more bites, and before you know it, you are uncomfortably full! Does this sound familiar?
Eating out does not have to be a free-for-all in terms of indulgence. It is entirely possible to enjoy a fine meal out (or in for that matter), eat well, become satisfied and well-fed, but not over-fed. Read the rest of this entry »
