Local Treasure

I found a local treasure on the corner of Franklin and 3rd. A small wine-and-dine called Pangaea Cafe. Loyal customers might be sipping coffee or a late morning beer from the short, but fine selection on tap. Free wireless and a bookshelf filled with board games suggest you stay a while.

And if you stay, you can bone up on your community news by reading a local newspaper or the neighborhood messageboard.

Pangaea Cafe's location could not have been better planned. Its within walking or biking distance of many houses in the neighborhood and draws from the customer base of Gunther's Ice Creamery across the street.

I had a coffee and sandwich for around six dollars. If youre still not convinced, there is also a fine looking gentleman (with a strong resemblance to Common) who seemingly owns the place.

Zocalo on Sept 16th

I was serenaded by a lively mariachi band last Friday while having dinner at Zocalo. I absolutely recommend the El Burrito if you like carnitas. The vibe was upbeat and casual while the mariachi added a hint of romance and lust.

Im headed back on September 16th at 5pm for Zocalo's Mexican Independence celebration. Live mariachi, folklorico dancers, and tequila flowing.

See "special events" tab in the following link: http://www.zocalosacramento.com/

Ancora Vintage

For the last year or so, Ive been modeling for a small Sacramento-based fashion company called Ancora Vintage. They have the most beautiful pieces... Everything I model, I end up wanting in my closet! Thankfully, I get compensated in clothes.

Here are a few of the newest pieces. OMG, Im in love....

Happy Hour(s) @ MIX

If you were looking for me, tonight I was at Mix for happy hour with the girls. Ive only been for the late night club scene, but I discovered that they also offer a fabulous happy hour. Starting at 5 o clock, you will find mostly a middle-aged and business crowd. Perfect for networking or in my case, finding a professional man.

The vibe is very casual and the roof top setting (half outdoor/half indoor) is perfect for enjoying a cool Sacramento evening. The decor and music also reflect a hip sophistication.. Plush outdoor furniture and tables with built-in fire pits. You may also find a stock broker lighting up a very fancy cigar.

For $100, the girls and I enjoyed nine appetizers and nine glasses of wine! This is a rare find my friends.

Ahi Tuna

Banana Split

Happy Hour ends at about 7 but your presence is welcome for the rest of the night. The crowd transitions to a younger demographic (21-35) by about 9:30 and the DJ will start start spinning and open up the dance floor. Be glad you got there early before they enforced the pricey cover charge!

Florin Farmer's Market.

Ive been plagued by the following dilemma since childhood:

Why is a Cup of Ramen Noodles 50 cents, and an apple 1 dollar?

Ramen is full of fat and sodium, while an apple is full of vitamins and fiber. Why should fresh, healthy, and toxin-free foods be more expensive than low quality, processed foods?
And more importantly, how does one possibly encourage healthy eating when such foods are expensive (and in some low income neighborhoods virtually unavailable)?
We expend valuable resources to bring fruits and veggies to the grocery store (and drive up the cost) when these foods can very simply be grown in our own yards.

Local and Sustainable are becoming two very popular concepts as we finally realize and accept that this planet's resources wont last forever. The enviroment can be spared by avoiding foods that require a great deal of energy to process and distibute.

Our bodies wont last forever either; and we shouldnt have to choose between health and our budget.

I stumbled upon the Florin Farmer's market this morning after finishing Dorene's step class at 24 Hour. I realized I didnt have my wallet, so I booked it back home, picked up Bronx and some cash. I was happy to find all of the white tents still erect and plenty of fresh items to choose from.

All of these items were $1.00 for a pound, except for the apples which were 75 cent per lb. (For comparison- at Belair apples were $1.19 per lb.) Even more importantly though, these foods are healthy and their production is highly sustainable!


Not sure how long the Florin Farmer's Market has been operating but its worth checking out. I went on a Thursday morning but Im not sure if its open other days. They also have plenty of other veggie and fruit options...fresh flowers too.

Bronx

Some favorite images of my darling boy. He photographs so well that Im not sure if I can take any credit for how the pictures turned out.