Been in hibernation this winter? It’s time to get out of the house and witness the glorious unfurling of spring at our region’s farmers’ markets. Yesterday at the 8th & W Street farmers’ market, I marveled at the ruby-red strawberries, crisp, rubber-banded bunches of local asparagus, and radiant daffodils. There were even teeny vegetable plants for sale – time to start thinking about planting that annual vegetable garden! And remember, produce is not the only thing available at our farmers’ markets: you’ll also discover locally crafted olive oil and cheeses, as well as (in some markets) meat and seafood.
Check out this site for a guide to the region’s farmers’ markets: http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com
The Shack in East Sacramento stopped serving its very popular brunches a year and a half ago. But due to “persistent requests” by customers, the restaurant has decided to bring brunch back. The menu is largely the same, with a few notable additions – the “Pile ‘O Potatoes,” housemade breakfast potatoes topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes, then covered with melted cheese (you can also add eggs or meat); and the stellar salmon Benedict, which I consumed in about 20 seconds flat on Saturday. Two poached eggs are stacked on a savory scone with smoked salmon, then sprinkled with capers and chives. Drenched in hollandaise sauce and served up with crusty, hot breakfast potatoes, this may be my new very-favorite brunch item. Other not-to-miss brunch items are the “Huevos del Shacko” and the Guinness corned beef hash.
The Shack is located at 5201 Folsom Boulevard. For more information, visit http://www.eastsacshack.com or call (916) 457-5997.
