The Sacramento region is full of fun (and food-related) activities this weekend. Here’s just a few:
Race for the Rock
Rogers Jewelers has come up with a creative ploy to publicize their new store in Sacramento while benefiting a very worthwhile charity. The store is hosting a city-wide treasure hunt on Saturday, June 6th, wherein teams of two – ages 18 and up – “race throughout Sacramento on bikes looking for clues that will lead them to a $25,000 Hearts on Fire diamond ring.” The beneficiary? Sacramento Food Bank. The entire $25 team registration fee directly benefits programs at the non profit. It sounds like a madcap adventure – all clues regarding the diamond’s whereabouts will be delivered to teams’ cell phones via text message. The ring has been hidden somewhere in downtown Sacramento, and if participants are lucky enough to find it, they get to keep it. Registered participants also receive a t-shirt and appetizers at the after-party. The hunt starts at 9:30am on the east steps of the Capitol Building.
For more information about the event and to register, visit www.racefortherock.com
Raley’s Grape Escape
Foodies and oenophiles, it doesn’t get better than this. If you want to nosh and sip wine to your heart’s content, check out the 7th Annual Raley’s Grape Escape on Saturday the 6th. Featuring food and libations from more than 100 local wineries and restaurants, the event also includes a chefs’ cooking competition, live music and art displays. All your favorite producers will be there, from de Vere’s Irish Pub and Lucca Restaurant & Bar to Chops Steaks Seafood & Bar and Zocalo; and wineries include Twisted Oak Winery, Van Ruiten Family Winery, French Hill Winery and even Gekkeikan Sake. Round One of the Chefs’ Challenge (presented by the Institute of Technology) features Michael Tuohy of Grange Restaurant & Bar vs. Ame Harrington of L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen; Round Two features John Gurnee of Mason’s vs. Taro Arai of Mikuni & Taro’s. Don’t miss ’em.
For more information: Visit www.raleysgrapeescape.com
Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th & J Streets, Sacramento
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009
Time: 4pm to 7pm
Tickets (all inclusive): $40.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door
Filipino Fiesta
Want to educate yourself about Filipino food? Check out the Filipino Fiesta on Sunday the 7th from 10am to 5pm at the Jose Rizal Community Center. Dedicated to celebrating Filipino history and culture, the event features a parade, food booths, live entertainment, children activities, and a historical display. Organizers expect over 6,000 visitors to this year’s event, whose theme is “Celebrate Living Traditions.” Admission is free.
For more information: Visit www.sactofiesta.org
When: Sunday, June 7, 2009
Time: 10am. to 5pm
Where: Jose Rizal Community Center, 7320 Florin Mall Drive, Sacramento
Egyptian Festival
If you’re seeking a novel experience this weekend, visit the annual Egyptian Festival, whose theme this year is “A Weekend with the Pharaohs.” Sponsored by St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, the event promises to “transfer [you] from California to an ancient town in Egypt.” Participants can take a picture with King Tut or Cleopatra (using a scenery set!) and try a variety of foods, including beef and chicken kabobs, stuffed grape leaves and falafels (parents: there will also be hamburgers and hot dogs for those picky eaters). Also included is live music by “Flowers of the Nile” and children’s games and activities. Admission is free.
For more information: Visit www.egyptianfestivalstmarysacramento.com/home
When: Saturday June 6th, 10am to 9pm; Sunday June 7th, 12pm to 8pm.
Where: St. Mary Coptic Church, 11055 Hirschfeld Way, Rancho Cordova
