Skip@RR | ReallyRedding

March 13, 2015

Shades of Kassie blows up YouTube

An acquaintance runs a YouTube channel from her home in Redding. Kassie recently blew past 100,000 subscribers! Her videos have been viewed nearly 6 million times!

“I am a girly girl that LOVES makeup and fashion…pretty much anything beauty related! I can’t wait to share my makeup & beauty tips and tricks with you!! Don’t forget to subscribe! 🙂 xo”

And evidently lots of folks have been more than happy to subscribe. Kudos and admiration to you Kassie!
Making it happen with multimedia and social networking from Really Redding.

March 12, 2015March 12, 2015

JJ’s in Hat Creek features locally farmed meats

JJ’s is located in the Hat Creek region on Highway 89 at Old Station.

It’s a cozy, country style cafe, popular with locals and tourists alike. And there’s a patio out back too. Regardless of the weather, JJ’s has accommodation for everyone. Their spacious setting, and their efficiently-worked kitchen that has the best refrigeration options (check out this refrigeration company for more information) allows them to prepare the best food for all of the customers who pass through here daily. Something as small as this could have an effect on how successful a restaurant can be in the long run. As it has a patio, it’s already one step there.

Their meat comes from Hat Creek Grown in the Hat Creek area. From the JJ’s Cafe website:

Home-style Goodness, and lots of it!

At JJ’s, we bake our own breads, pastries, pies, cookies, and more. We cure our own corned beef and smoke our own pastrami and pulled pork. Our burgers are made from a 1/2 lb of locally-grown, grass-fed Black Angus and served on a fresh-baked bun. Most people would look to restaurant consulting companies to help them set up and run, but in this case we pushed on without this and made our own little cozy place.

Come on up and join us. You won’t go away hungry!

JJs food Below, a triangle peg game at every table on which to test your IQ. My score was predictably low, so the lovely Karry enjoyed showing me up. JJs IQ

The Hat Creek highlands are as lovely a spot as you can find on this planet. The journey to JJ’s from Redding is as important as the destination. Hat Creek is world famous for amazing fly fishing, and the scenic wonder of its lava rock lined journey from volcanic heights to the sea. Savor the skies, mountains, and trees, and then on to JJ’s for a special meal.

We see the owners Chuck and Anne Woodman are mentioned in the newspaper today as planning on opening a restaurant in downtown Redding. But why wait? JJ’s is open now. Seasonal hours posted on the JJ’s website. JJ’s Cafe 13385 Hwy 89 Old Station, CA 530-335-7225

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015

Solar goat shades

Spotted this pastoral view in Bella Vista today. Goats taking shade under solar panels. A truly green scene.

I imagine there’s a lot of livestock around here that would enjoy some solar shades.

March 6, 2015

Thank you Redding Fire Department

I just happened upon these good people training about fire stuff, so you know, they can be all like READY TO SAVE YOUR LIFE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE.

I just want to say thanks, in advance. I haven’t ever yet needed your services directly, but it’s good to know you are there for me, and all of us in Really Redding. Carry on.

March 4, 2015

Yaks in Dunsmuir

Yaks began as a few coffee houses in Redding, and became just a couple locations in Siskiyou County. The Dunsmuir Yaks has been getting a lot of attention lately in social media and word of mouth. We can see why.
Fanciful art and lighting now grace the formerly ordinary looking diner on the interstate.

Below, a Fermented Garlic Burger, with garlic parmesan fries. Who knew you could ferment garlic?They have 20 brews on tap! Below, a yaks exclusive from beloved Fall River Brewery. Nitro Hexagenia. This version of the always-welcome Hexagenia IPA is infused with nitrogen instead of carbonation. The resulting bubbles are almost microscopic, and result in a completely different mouth feel. When poured, it looks like a reverse waterfall in the glass.Above, an aptly named Bacon Overload Burger and fries. There is Ranch Sauce and Lavender Ketchup for dipping.

Below, their signature Sticky Bun with Baileys Irish Creme sauce.
There might not be a more visible location in Dunsmuir from Interstate 5, so it’s easy to find. But it seems that social media has blown up about the Dunsmuir Yaks, and that’s what’s been driving the traffic to their door. We rarely see Yaks without their parking spaces full.One of the Top 100 restaurants in the U.S? Maybe so. Certainly one of the tops around Really Redding.

Here’s a link to the Yaks Dunsmuir website, although it didn’t have menu when we last checked. Another website keeps the Yaks Beer Menu available, though. Impressive!

March 3, 2015

Mt Shasta from the north side

Just had to stop and take this today while out on some business. Click to embiggen.
There should be a lot more snow on her this time of year. Beautiful yes, but definitely a glass-half-full scene for me.

February 27, 2015

Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir

Image from Hedge Creek Falls from a few days ago. A beautiful short hike in Dunsmuir California.
Hedge Creek Falls 2 You can walk behind the falls pretty easily. Just about an hour or so north of Really Redding.

February 25, 2015

Photographer Ryan Albaugh

Photographer Ryan Albaugh lives and works in the Fall River region of eastern Shasta County. The area is full of majestic scenery and people enjoying a country life not typically seen in most of California. That sense of place that lends richness to his subjects, which he does a great job of capturing. Click on any image to go to his site.
Below, one of my favorites. Of course, a photograph is only captured light. But sometimes, just sometimes, the light comes from within the subject. And then it’s magic. Like this. Yeah, click on this one.Well worth your time to look over his portfolio at http://www.albaughphoto.com/. Even better, hire a session. Your light is waiting to be captured. Ryan also does landscape photography, and of course his subjects are often stunning views of glorious eastern Shasta County. You can order them directly from his website, which is convenient. And you can also get in touch with Ryan on Facebook and Twitter @ryanalbaugh.

Exposing the Intermountain perspective of Really Redding, via your skilled aperture.
Carry on, lensman.

February 23, 2015

Cafe Maddalena in Dunsmuir

Approaching Cafe Maddalena from across Pine street, subtle clues suggest this isn’t your typical northstate eatery.
Inside you’ll find a diminutive space, making it all the more intimate. Warmer weather allows more dining on their back patio.

Seen here, the Trio of stuffed eggs. Elegant and tasty, each with a different variation of stuffing.
Soup of the day was a rich Potato and Leek creation.
The kitchen opens to the dining area. Our server Sarah was attentive and knowledgeable.

Grilled mahi with tapanade, roasted garlic aioli, rice sautéed spinach, olives & capers.

Crispy quail stuffed with pancetta & savoy cabbage over risotto with mushrooms & brussel sprouts.
Located at 5801 Sacramento Ave., Dunsmuir CA 96025 (530) 235-2725 HOURS: Thursday–Sunday, 5 pm–9 pm. There’s a menu at the Cafe Maddelena website. The menu changes regularly. I like how the wines available by the glass are chosen to pair well with the current menu. An indicator of the overall thoughtfulness put into their service.

They recommend making reservations, and they aren’t kidding. We had often tried to get in while passing through Dunsmuir, only to find disappointment instead. Do call ahead.

February 18, 2015

Blooming Winter on Eureka Way

Just a bit more gloating about our fine Winter weather. Spotted these blooming trees in front of a medical building on Eureka Way in Redding and grabbed these images with my cell phone. Spring is still 30 days away.

More stunning in person, but this will have to do. It’s blooming Winter in Really Redding.