For those lucky enough to have a garden or a spot of land big enough to plant living things, this class is for you. Wondering how to make your yard flourish? At the Sacramento Public Library’s Arden branch, master gardeners from the University of California’s Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources will demonstrate how to lay the foundation of good gardening by cultivating and nurturing compost. Free, 3 p.m., Saturday, October 3; 2443 Marconi Avenue; www.saclibrary.org.
If you’re looking to hear the all-too-popular verse/chorus/verse format, you’ll be sorely disappointed by the lineup at this year’s Noise Fest. It’s been two decades since the first soirée took place at Oak Park’s Guild Theater, and the awesome tradition continues this weekend starting at Luna’s Cafe on Friday and ending with a boom for two days at Café Colonial. And while you may not recognize 99 percent of the acts on the bill, it’s simply because artists of this ilk tend to stray from most traditional venues. Included in this three-day festival are performers from all over the area including (but certainly not limited to) Skunk Puppet (Long Beach, California), Beauty School (San Francisco), Fletcher Pratt (Oakland), Uneasy Chairs (Seattle), Conscious Summary (Los Angeles), Juice Machine (Eugene, Oregon), The Stolen Elk (Sacramento) and Security (Rocklin). If you’ve attended one of the many Noise Fest shows over the years, you already (somewhat) know what you’re in for. For the casual concertgoer who would like to add some musical breadth to his/her limited palatte, the keys to the kingdom are yours. Bring some cash to buy some merchandise as well. For additional info visit Norcalnoisefest.com
The Sacramento Comedy Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, will be hosting the fifth annual Sacramento Comedy Festival and they’ve now expanded to a whopping nine different venues. The party kicks off on Oct. 2, 2015, and lasts until Oct. 10 and takes place at regular hot spots like Punch Line Comedy Club, Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and the Sacramento Comedy Spot. But also the festival includes some non-traditional venues such as the Starlite Lounge, Ooley Theater, Luna’s Café and more. Expect some spirited sets by Myq Kaplan of Last Comic Standing, Mo Mandel from truTV’s Barmageddon, and Rick Overton (actor/writer Emmy Award-winning comedian). There will also be a special Lavender Lights—Gay and Proud show on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Punch Line Sacramento featuring the hilarious Ronn Vigh (Last Comic Standing). Those who love improv will be delighted that Bay Area group 5 Play will perform two shows in two venues over the first weekend as well. If that weren’t enough, there’s even a Stand-Up Comedy Competition, which will have 60 comedians competing for a generous $2000 purse. Come for one show or buy a festival pass. You won’t be disappointed either way. Check out Saccomedyfest.ticketfly.com to get the lowdown.
Like supporting local artists? Enjoy lining the pockets of normal people like yourself instead of multinational corporations? If so, make the trek to the R Street Corridor and bring the family for a night to remember. For those who’ve never owned anything by any of the vendors in attendance, chances are you will end up making a purchase after touching and holding one of the many artists’ crafts. Just some of the small independent “companies” include Brown Pigeon, Graphic Anthology, Chelseafish Ceramics, Northern Needle Co., Tusk + Cardinal, Revival Vintage Co., Scumugs, Little Saint Soap Co., Rae + Bay Designs, Ingot and Aradia Glass Craft. For the beer enthusiast, Makers Mart has you covered with offerings by New Belgium, Oak Park Brewing and even Berryessa. Let your kids enjoy themselves in the Kids Zone and trade places with your partner while one peruses the artist’s tables and the other babysits. After that, you can watch and listen to some great sets by Pets, Pregnant, Gentleman Surfer, James Cavern, Lunaverse featuring Zoey B and So Much Light. Forget cleaning the house or doing any mundane chores and leave all that crap for Sunday. You’ll thank us later for the tip. Type Walpublicmarket.com/event/rstreetblockparty into your browser for more info.
Auburn’s the New Plague is undoubtedly the area’s longest-running death metal band, and have earned the respect of its peers by opening for countless national acts. To say that singer-guitarist Adam Whitley is menacing onstage would be a gross understatement, although he is quite the approachable guy before and after the sets. Fans of Immolation, Goreaphobia, Sinister, and Sadistic Intent should flock in droves to see this rare Sacramento show. And, while the band hasn’t been as prolific as it should be, the group recently came together after a lengthy hiatus to spread bucketfuls of hate. 670 Fulton Avenue, www.facebook.com/thenewplagueband.
Unlike Supercross or motocross, where getting the holeshot (the best start out of the gate) usually equates to placing high on the podium, Endurocross is a wholly different beast. The tracks feature many obstacles not unlike a professional motocross trials event, including (but most certainly not limited to): logs, rocky terrain, large over-sized tires and virtually anything that makes finishing a race near impossible. Folks expecting riders to fly by at warp speed and triple jumps will be sorely disappointed. However, those who enjoy a race that always includes lots of action, crashes and more inconsistency than imaginable will be pleased with this spectacle. This year’s race features amateur classes in addition to veterans, an awesome women’s class and, of course, a wicked assortment of national pros. One of the coolest things you can do at this event is walk the track (for an extra cost) to experience just how daunting the course is. Bring some extra cash for T-shirts and swag since this is one event you’ll want to share in bragging rights. Tickets start at $12.50 for kids and go as high as $45 (with VIP track walk). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the action starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. More details at Sleeptrainarena.com
Although the ratio of men to women will be heavily skewed towards the latter, there is no reason males should forego a little fashion consulting. The Fall Stitch Swap soiree on Sept. 26 will be hosted by Juniper James, a local fashion styling and consulting company. Come welcome the new season by flushing out your used wardrobes and/or home decorative pieces and mingle amongst local fashionistas. It’s not often events of this ilk are held and your attendance is what keeps these events happening on a continued basis. Enjoy beverages, small talk and even meet some of the area’s most prominent fashion bloggers for a Q&A from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., then shop the racks. If you purchase the $10 ticket, you get your first eight items and three raffle tickets and additional items are only $1 a piece. If you’re purchasing in a pair, pay only $18 and get admission for two with the same number of goodies. Bring a bag since you’re bound to be bringing home some new items that’ll make heads turn and yearn. Join the event page on Facebook by searching for “Fall Stitch Swap” and visit Juniperjames.com for more info on the event’s producers.
Overused foodie jargon like “artisan,” “organic” and “farm-to-Fork” should have been abolished from the English language years ago, when it seemed like everyone jumped on the healthy food fare bandwagon. However, this weekend’s Farm-to-Fork Festival at Capitol Mall Greens promises you will be treated to some of the best products and food samples in the region and then some. And while the event is free to the public, you will most certainly need cash or credit cards on hand to pay for libations and eats. Expect lots of beer and wine vendors, the obligatory kids’ zone and more demonstrations that you can count. From Azteca Street Tacos to Crystal Basin Bistro, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op to Passione Pizza, there will be something for everyone. My personal favorite, Insight Coffee Roasters, will also be on hand alongside the equally impressive offerings of San Francisco Bay Coffee. Expect to hear live music from Tyler Rich, Brett Dennen and Stroke 9 while you indulge and take selfies and, most importantly, the occasional food porn photos to share on Instagram. The festival starts at 11 a.m. and ends not-so-promptly at 6 p.m. For more info check out Farmtofork.com
Launch a dance, dance spiritual revolution at Fenix Drum and Dance Company.PHOTO BY EVAN DURAN
Best place to get some rhythm
Fenix Drum and Dance Company
While the Fenix Drum and Dance Company often performs live, it also teaches some wonderful classes that mix the traditions of the Caribbean with styles from West Africa and the Congo. Starting at $45 a month, you can attend one class per week and learn how to not embarrass yourself at the next hippie drum circle you encounter at a music festival. Don’t know where the one count starts or what a repeating four-bar refrain means? Doesn’t matter. An open mind and a pair of hands is all you need to get started on some cool African instruments. 2110 Del Paso Boulevard, www.fenixdrumanddance.com. E.J.
Best selfie-ready mural
“Everything Went Black” at Warehouse Artist Lofts
If you search #WarehouseArtistLofts on Instagram now, you’ll scan through photos and photos and photos of unique works of art completed in the artist corridors. But earlier, when WAL first opened, most shots were of Jose Di Gregorio’s “Everything Went Black.” More specifically, of people posing in front of Di Gregorio’s “Everything Went Black.” The striking blend of colorful celestial imagery and Di Gregorio’s signature geometric patterns—plus the sheer wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling magnitude of the lobby mural—leaves you in a state of awe. And then, of course, you want to snap a selfie and show your friends. 1108 R Street, www.josedigregorio.com. J.B.
Best does-it-all artistic spirit
The Brickhouse Gallery & Art Complex
Housed in a 1920s-era sheet metal building, the Brickhouse Gallery & Art Complex has been a hub of creativity in Oak Park since 1993. The charming brick exterior houses a gallery as well as artists’ studios and space for performances, classes and group activities. Whether it’s poetry or book readings, exhibitions, live music or meetups, the Brickhouse fosters an eclectic spirit, vibrant creativity and a do-anything vibe. 2837 36th Street, (916) 475-1240, http://thebrickhouseartgallery.com. R.L.
Best music therapy
Sacramento Taiko Dan
Jumping around, banging on thunderous drums and getting all sweaty—that’s a form of meditation, right? It is if you’re a taiko drummer. The modern style of taiko drumming started in Japan after World War II and quickly spread around the world. The Sacramento Taiko Dan is one of the best groups around—and not just because it has the biggest taiko drum in North America, at six feet tall and 800 pounds. If you think meditating is boring, but you still need a way to calm your mind, go take a class so you can get loud and sweaty while seeking inner peace. 2121 Blumenfeld Drive, (916) 444-5667, www.sactaiko.com. N.B.
Best hip-hop that don’t stop
Blue Lamp
Unlike some places we won’t mention, this Midtown music venue didn’t turn its back on live hip-hop immediately after that unfortunate shooting outside of a local Nipsey Hussle concert in February. Indeed, artists from the 916 have long considered Blue Lamp the place to keep it real. We asked David Crosby, host of the GRIND hip-hop showcase, to weigh in: “It’s a blessing to see an owner of a club be so supportive. [Gabi Garcia] backs everything we do and exhausts all her resources so it succeeds. … Blue Lamp is one of the best venues I’ve ever thrown shows at. It has the warm family vibe to it and they honestly care about their customers.” 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, (916) 455-3400, www.bluelamp.com. RFH
Best roving theater troupe
The Alternative Arts Collective
Since a devastating fire uprooted it last year, the local performing and visual arts hub has relied on the kindness of stranger stages to put on its bold reinterpretations of Shakespeare classics. Last month, Carmichael’s Chautauqua Playhouse lent its hardwood so TAAC could present a heavily altered adaptation of the bard’s Macbeth, featuring gender-blind casting and a harder-to-kill Lady MacBeth, among other changes. As director David Blue Garrison said at the time, “This is beneficial for both companies, and we hope to explore similar collaborations with other groups while we search for a new theater of our own.” All the world’s a stage, indeed. www.facebook.com/thealternativeartscollective. RFH
Best Latin culture educator
Latino Center of Art and Culture
Don’t get confused: After 40 years, La Raza Galeria Posada recently changed its to the Latino Center of Art and Culture. That decision was partly to invite all cultures to celebrate Latin heritage, regardless of speaking Spanish. The organization continues to educate the community about Latin and Chicano culture through art, music and festivals. One of those fabulous festivals is its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, which transforms the corner of 20th and J Streets into a Mexican village and graveyard. A whopping 8,000 people attend each year to indulge in a bit of Latin history. 2700 Front Street, (916) 446-5133, www.lrgp.org. S.R.
Best art show benefiting sexual assault survivors
Art with a Heart
Art with a Heart annually showcases work by local artists, but there’s a twist: many of the artists are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. All proceeds benefit My Sister’s House, the only nonprofit in the area to provide culturally relevant services specific to the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander survivors. That includes a six-bed shelter and program focusing on economic independence. This year’s fundraiser just passed, but you can still catch a full survivor art show on the Sacramento State campus slated for early fall. www.my-sisters-house.org. B.P.
Best accidental gallery
Son of a Bean
Since opening last year, the coffeehouse has been democratic about letting local artists display their works, as long as there’s wall space to accommodate them. By steady evolution, the eclectic décor has come to reflect the diverse talents of the community, from Mexico City native Raul Mejia’s large acrylic provocations to Julie Okahara’s vivid ink imaginings and mixed-media paintings. Owner Michael A. Chaves, a part-time photographer, recently bought one of the pieces himself and is considering making room for the metal sculptures of a cop’s brother. He also just booked his first jazz musician, completing his monopoly of the senses. 1029 Del Paso Boulevard, (916) 274-4953, www.facebook.com/sonofabean13. RFH
Best off-the-grid nightlife
A Toucha Class
You don’t get this kind of charm, soul and variety at a Midtown bar. On Friday, dancers descend onto A Toucha Class for a live deejay spinning old-school R&B and hip-hop. During the week, happy hour cocktails are served from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. while pool games crack in the background. The kitchen dishes out hot wings, catfish nuggets and chicken sandwiches while the bartenders pour with genuine friendliness. Don’t forget extra entertainment bonuses, such as comedy nights for both local and traveling talents, and open-mic poetry sessions. Get off the grid and become one with the regulars at A Toucha Class. 4217 Stockton Boulevard, (916) 451-1786, www.facebook.com/playmakersatouchaclass. S.R.
Build your own poke bowl—and send your mouth to the tropics—at Fish Face Poke Bar.PHOTO BY EVAN DURAN
Best oral trip to Hawaii
Fish Face Poke Bar
In Hawaii, beach-time lunch runs involve driving to the nearest fish market and munching on cubes of raw ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s called poke, and it’s in Sacramento at last thanks to Kru’s Billy Ngo. At his latest venture, Fish Face, you build your ultimate poke bowl with options for protein, sauce and other fun additions. Will it be tender octopus dressed in spicy kimchi and daikon sprouts? Or Passmore Ranch sturgeon in yuzu ponzu, avocado and mango? Close your eyes, taste the ocean and imagine sand between your toes. 1104 R Street, Suite 100; (916) 706-0605; www.fishfacepokebar.com. J.B.
Best reason to cook for yourself
Mei Mei Noodle Factory
It can be tempting to drive to your favorite South Sacramento restaurant anytime you have a handmade noodle craving. But damn it, you should use your kitchen and actually cook once in a while. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you roll your own noodles. Hit up Mei Mei Noodle Factory instead. Find noodles for stir-fries or big bowls of udon alike—just $1.19 per pound and way better than even the fresh noodles you see at most Asian grocery stores. Need another endorsement? Just ask the chefs over at Mother. 1710 10th Street, (916) 448-2938. J.B.
Best Russian cheese selection
Berezka Market
Tiny Berezka is tucked away in a tired, nondescript strip mall that most folks can’t even see when driving down Sacramento Avenue. Although the market carries some of the best chocolates from Russia and other specialty goods, the cheese is the real lure. That’s in part because—unless you’re already a Russian cheese expert—you never know what you’re buying until you’ve had a taste. Due to language barriers, Berezka employees describe the store’s many varieties of cheese the same way: “Russian cheese.” Luckily, you can sample until you find the right one—and then buy by the pound. 958 Sacramento Avenue in West Sacramento, (916) 374-8834. E.J.
Best morning tiramisu
Dianda’s Italian Bakery and Cafe
Tiramisu is the undisputed king of Italian desserts—don’t even try to argue here—and like carrot cake, it passes as a substantial breakfast item if you’re willing to lie to yourself a little. Dianda’s Italian Bakery & Cafe crafts not only one of the best slices of ’misu in the area, but grabbing one is easily done for Fair Oaks-dwellers on a time-crunched commute to the office. Dianda’s take is perfectly portioned, not overly sweet and a steal at only $3.75 a slice. 10131 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks, (916) 966-3757. J.C.
Best local pizza you shouldn’t ever forget
Luigi’s Pizza Parlor
We screwed up. Last year, SN&R published a cover story ranking the best pizzas in the region—and we straight forgot Luigi’s in south Oak Park! Maybe it’s the location (too off the grid), or maybe it’s Luigi’s commitment to classic pies (too old school). Anyway, I personally felt like a dumb dog for neglecting to include Luigi’s in the region’s top 10—it absolutely is—and started frequenting the pizzeria again this summer after softball games. Memories: that Luigi’s House pie, what with its trio of meats, dipped in ranch dressing. If that’s not true Sacto, then I don’t know what is. Special shout out to Celso Brida, the boss at Luigi’s, who left this world in March. Rest in peace, sir. 3800 Stockton Boulevard, www.luigispizzaonline.com. N.M.
Best buffet for dinner
Pooja Indian Grill
Here’s why Indian buffets aren’t always ideal: they’re only at lunch and the naan usually dries out. Pooja Indian Grill—already a purveyor of some of the finest Indian food in the area—solves both of those issues. The restaurant started offering dinner buffets on Friday and Saturday nights for about $16, and the naan is made-to-order for each table. Absolutely brilliant. On a recent evening, there was crispy fish pakora, lamb that slid off the bone, thick saag paneer, aromatic goat curry and a wide selection of Indian desserts for ecstatic overeating. 1223 Merkley Avenue in West Sacramento, (916) 375-8906, http://poojaindiangrill.com. J.B.
Best love-filled bowl of menudo
Alonzo’s Coffee Shop
In order to properly dress a bowl of tripe-filled menudo, you must have lemon wedges, diced onions and oregano. Wanda Alonzo, owner of Alonzo’s Coffee Shop, personally sees to it that each customer receives all the fixings that make this hearty, Mexican breakfast soup so enjoyable. The recipes at this family owned and operated restaurant are more than 40 years old, belonging to Wanda’s husband, Jesus. He died 13 years ago, but Wanda and her son, Samuel, continue to keep his spirit alive via their wonderful homemade food. 5649 Stockton Boulevard, (916) 453-9225. S.R.
Best nighttime wake-up call
de Vere’s Irish Pub
Sometime you want to catch a buzz, but you don’t want to be sleepy at the same time—and you’re way past drinking vodka-Red Bulls. Enter the Irish coffee—and no one in town does it better than de Vere’s. They mix Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and coffee, which makes for a warming, bittersweet drink. It’s then topped off with very sweet, thick, fresh whipped cream, which contrasts well with the whiskey-coffee blend. They are a little steep at $8—and on the small side—but they are absolutely delicious. 1521 L Street; 217 E Street in Davis; http://deverespub.com. A.C.
Best vegetarian food for omnivores
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
It seems like every couple these days has one omnivore and one vegetarian. Unfortunately, the latter tends to miss out on the best dishes at most local restaurants. Not so at Abyssinia. The tofu awaze tibs are extremely tasty, with a wonderful texture and seemingly perfect blend of chili, garlic and onions. Or try one of the menu’s many different wot-style dishes, a sort of stew with special spices and loads of clarified butter. Omnivores and vegetarians alike will leave plenty satisfied. 346 Fulton Avenue, (916) 481-1580, www.abyssiniaethiopianrestaurantsacramento.com. E.J.
Best surprise soda aisle
La Superior Hillsdale
Venturing into this particular La Superior leaves you inundated with the smells from the adjacent taqueria and with more primary colors than the Gobstopper wing of the Willy Wonka Factory. But venture you must, because an entire aisle is dedicated to bottled soft drinks—the majority made with real sugar instead of nasty high fructose corn syrup. Domestic brands like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper sit cozy next to Latin American brands like Jarritos and Inca Kola. 5731 Hillsdale Boulevard, (916) 332-6200, www.lasuperiormercados.com. J.C.
Best pupusas
La Hacienda Mexican & Salvadorian Restaurant
Hiding in a sad, decrepit-looking shopping center are some of the best pupusas around. For the uninitiated, pupusas are a traditional Salvadorean dish that fuses a special, thick cornmeal dough—also known as masa de maiz—with just about any filling you desire. The most popular is the cheese pupusa made with fresh, soft quesillo that oozes out of the center—but the seasoned chicken and refried bean varieties are excellent too. La Hacienda’s offerings change regularly—at just $2.50 per pupusa, come often, come hungry and try them all. 3315 Northgate Boulevard, Suite 9, in Natomas; (916) 921-1282. E.J.
Best reason to say “put an egg on it”
Hankook Tofu House
I adore runny eggs and put them on just about everything: salads, pastas, sandwiches, you name it. Hankook Tofu House is all over the egg game already. The Korean restaurant specializes in tofu soup: bubbling red broth, intense spice, silky tofu and—if you ask nicely—an egg on the side. Your server will crack it in, and then you can gently push the yolk underneath the kimchi, mussels or whatever else you have in there. You’ll sip and savor the soup—momentarily forgetting about the egg altogether—and just as you think the meal is ending, you’ll meet your rich, yolky reward. 9521 Folsom Boulevard, Suite A; (916) 364-1950. J.B
Best sausage from a true meister
Morant’s Old Fashioned Sausage Kitchen
In Germany, you can’t just open up a sausage shop and expect everything to be gravy. You have to earn that right through rigorous education and a certification process that proves that you are, in fact, a sausage meister. We should also have such high regard for tubed meats in the United States, but until we reach that enlightened state, we have Morant’s, run by certified meister Dirk Müller. Free yourselves from the shackles of bastardized brats in the name of the real thing. 5001 Franklin Boulevard, (916) 731-4377. A.S.
Eddie
