American River Trees (Sacramento)

Bunch of trees with great fall color and beautiful light emblazoning leaves near American River.

Crocker Holiday Artisan Market (Sacramento)

Didn't know what to expect from this three-day Arts Fair in Sacramento that Robin signed up to do. Some stuff, like this get your photo shot with a Victorian Santa looked pretty kitschy, it is set in a Scottish Rite Temple, plus I could hear some Kenny G Christmas music. But these are just random first impressions. Peel back the outer layer, and you'll find this is one of the best Arts Fairs in the Bay Area. 

These folks are super-organized with a crew of cheerful, helpful volunteers. There's plenty of parking, the location is near central Sacramento, the overall quality of the arts and crafts is very high, and the audience is well-matched for the goods. And did I mention the high quality complimentary coffee for vendors and their booth assistants?

Robin's booth with her Morel (light green) and Chanterelle (scarlet & gold) tea towel designs, now also on linen, in addition to cotton muslin. These were selling like hotcakes.

Two vendors near us: one of two great glass-makers, and in the background, the gentleman selling his renderings of famous monochrome photographs of jazz legends such as Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Count Basie and many others.

Above are two shots of Geoff Graham, a Vallejo Artisan who makes ceramics using designs in the vein of the Etruscans and Ancient Greeks. We love this guy's work.

A couple of artists whose work caught my eye.

Silk scarves.

Knives!

Stone turning sculptor Jack Richardson. Most impressive work I saw today.

Nice live music. Harp trio on a raised dais where many a masonic ritual has taken place, I'm sure.

Thanksgiving Harvest Feast

Rich carves the turkey. He had it done quickly with his efficient set up.

Karen brought a delicious salad.

Some of the sides. From top left (clockwise): Bob's Wild Rice dish, a Turkey shaped bread from Boudin Bakery, sweet potatoes.

Preparing for the thanksgiving harvest feast.

From top left: Robin's Gigante Beans, then her Pear Tart (there was also Mincemeat & Pumpkin pie), then the Broccoli Rabe sauteed with garlic & extra virgin olive oil.

Rolled these up by freshly washed and dried hands. Finger food. Try to make them flat.

Neutral oil, medium high heat.

Figured these paper plates would help soaking up any excess oil

Somebody's completely focused on the action.

Pretty happy with how they turned out. Better than the ones I made a few times at a restaurant.

Yo Sushi (Glen Cove, Vallejo)

Robin & I tried to come here once before, but it was insanely packed. There was good review of this local chain (I believe there's five Yo Sushi restaurants in all now) on the Internet which highlighted the fact this is a very non-traditional sushi place.

Gotta admit, I was pretty skeptical. The place is loud with Japanese videos and lively decor. Plus there's menus everywhere. When we arrived there was only one customer, but it started filling up fast as soon as we had ordered, paid and sat down. I was on the fence about whether it is tacky and garish, or festive and super-modern.

Note the Nigiri clock. And the sign that says that employees must "wash hands."

Once our Maki (rolls) were ready, our fears began to allay. At first, I couldn't tell if the staff looked like a bunch of irresponsible youngsters or light-hearted folks who can handle anything. They got this order done quickly, but there was nothing about it that seemed rushed. While we ate and saw the lunch crowd increase, I could see how poised they were.

First roll--closest to the viewer in foreground--is the Oregon roll: Salmon & Avocado. Nice, simple. Love the teardrop shape. Next: Spicy Garlic White Tuna. What's not to love? These kept getting better.

Third roll: Rick Rolling. Just kidding: Rock 'n Roll. I've had this one before: Eel, avocado, cucumber and Tobiko.

The finally, the best for last. We were getting full already. Thankfully we had room for what has to be the best Maki/sushi roll I've ever had: Bonito Dragon. Crab meat, Avocado and Cucumber topped with Unagi, Avocado and Bonito flakes. The blend of flavor and texture is just superb on this one. 

Definitely one of the best restaurants in Vallejo. And pretty cheap for sushi. But I've yet to go to Michael Warring.

Robin & I decided to return again to Yo Sushi, and started off with a very generous helping of Wakame and some nice hot miso soup, perfect on a cold night.

Then we got the same rolls we got last time. Somehow, they tasted even better.

And we got some fried scallops.

www.getyosushi.com