Aaron and Erin are having a baby

Finding out a baby’s gender is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. How and when couples do this differs greatly. Some people are guessing as soon as they find out they are pregnant and will have a gender test at their 20-week-scan. This means that they can purchase gender-specific baby products and generally prepare for their new baby in relation to its gender. This has led to the recent craze of gender reveal parties, where people find out their baby’s gender and reveal it to family and friends in a number of different, inventive ways. In fact, some people are so desperate to find out the gender of their baby as soon as possible that people have started to test a method called the Ramzi Method. It’s suggested this can work out your baby’s gender right at the start of pregnancy, during the 8-week-scan. On the other hand, other parents don’t want to find out and will hold off knowing until the baby is born. Perhaps they like a surprise!

Modern ultrasound tests (similar to those used in other medical worlds that you can click here to see) take the guesswork out of baby genders long before birth. In our case, we wanted to find out, but wanted to share that experience with our loved ones. Erin had gone in for the test earlier in the day, but instructed the operator not to reveal the gender. Instead, the result was put in a sealed envelope. Later, we gathered some family and friends together at Old School Restaurant in Redding for our own little Gender Reveal Party. Here’s the results:


Photo by Skip Murphy Redding CA 2013

Got this tweet from Bruce Ross (@bross_RS):

“Careful with that. OB’s gave us two boys — Sophia and Lucia. // RT @ReddingFDotD: A #Redding Gender Reveal Party ReallyRedding.com/?p=8045”

That would be funny! Guess there’s limits to this science stuff.

Bruciante Wood Fired Pizza on Hilltop

Ruh roh! We are told Bruciantes has closed. Stuff happens.

Oak fired pizza. How could that NOT be awesome? Sure enough.
Bruciante wood fired pizza in ReddingBruciante wood fired pizza in Redding chalkboardThis portable wood fired oven goes from 800 to 1200 degrees, so pizzas cook blindingly fast.

Which is good, because Bruciante’s is a drive-by kiosk. They converted one of our many, too many, local drive-by coffee kiosks into this way cool restaurant idea.

They make each pie to order, but it doesn’t take long. They use an herb infused dough to give each creation a thin and light toasted crust.

I went expecting the usual pizza choices, pepperoni mushroom olive combos and such. But owners Larry and Robin have kept the artisan style menu sleek and focused.

They aren’t open weekends. Only during the week Monday through Friday, 11 am to 7 pm. And if it’s raining, well… it’s a wood-fired outdoor oven. So perhaps call ahead at (530) 242 6128

Go on over to Bruciante’s Facebook Page and give it a Like.
Bruciante wood fired pizza in Redding menuBruciante wood fired pizza in Redding pepperoni and sausage

Bruciante wood fired pizza in Redding
Reese and Teela get the orders going
Bruciante wood fired pizza in Redding mascot
Odi the mascot dog, for Bruciante

Lovely sunset from View 202

View 202 delivers.
View 202 Restaurant in Redding California by Skip Murphy 2012View 202 Restaurant in Redding California by Skip Murphy 2012 SalmonView 202 Restaurant in Redding California by Skip Murphy 2012
Located on a bluff overlooking the Sacramento River to the west, it’s on Hemstead near Cypress.
View 202 Restaurant in Redding California by Skip Murphy 2012 SRXView 202 Restaurant in Redding California by Skip Murphy 2012Certainly one of Redding’s signature restaurants. They may not deliver their terrific food (not sure about that) but they surely deliver the views.
530-226-VIEW (8439) Mon-Thursday 11a-10p Friday and Saturday 11a-midnight Sunday Brunch starts at 10a-10p
Salmon pink skies as garnish, from yesterday evening. No visit to Redding is complete without a meal or a drink on their patio. View 202.

View 202 | Web Video from Chris Vanderschaaf on Vimeo.

View 202b-1280

View 202c-1280

French chef Reynald Tel wows the Miracle Mile

French Chef Reynald Tel in Redding CA

Reyanld Tel in Redding ca
Chef Reynald explains the menu. The menu changes continuously.
Appetizers in ReddingFrench food Reynald style in redding

Gourmet food in Redding Ca
Rib eye steak in Redding CA

Chef Raynaud in Redding CA
Chef Reynald Tel
Acting on a tip from blogger Marc Beauchamp, we’ve become big fans of chef Reynald Tel and the Bourbon & Bull. He cooks with continental flair and friendly style, and best of all, he performs right in front of patrons. The grill is off to the side of the bar. The food is terrific and inexpensive.

Guilty confession: Although this bar is among the closest to my home, I’d never actually set foot inside until Marc’s article. Huh. Great scoop, Marc. The things you might learn about your hometown from a blogger. I’m telling you, don’t miss this treat.
Bourbon and Bull in Redding CA
Formerly BT's - Bourbon & Bull, 610 N Market St Redding CA - Open for Lunch and Dinner

Sakura Sushi serves savory seafood

Sakura Sushi in Redding
This is the first place I ever tried Sushi, many years ago. At lunch with friends from the nearby Citizen’s Utilities office. I guess I’d led a sheltered palate up until that memorable day in the early ’80s. I fell in love with the fine art of Japanese cuisine right then, and so this warm and welcoming restaurant holds special place in my heart.
Sakura sushi in Redding
For those in the know, this restaurant still represents something quite different than what you’ll find in a Chinese restaurant, or some supermarket cold shelf. It’s authenticity.


There is a calmness to proprietor Kenji Tanaka. He can stand by quietly, preparing gorgeous works of art that melt in your mouth. Or he can engage you with a sly wit and clear understanding of nearly any topic. Or select a quiet booth. Whatever you like, because at Sakura, the customer is as much the center of attention as the food.
Suakura Sushi in ReddingBut oh, the food. The food is a revelation. And it’s inexpensive. That helps explain why this may be the oldest sushi restaurant in Redding. For those in the know.
Sakura restaurant in Redding
Sakura restaurant 2130 East St Redding (530) 244 0201 Open for Dinners
Located on East Street across from R&R Meats. Recommend you call ahead (530) 244 0201. Their hours are limited. Sakura has a Facebook page you can check and Like too. Sakura is Really Redding.

Cooking class with Cal DeMercurio -a few photos

Chef Cal DeMercurio of The Old School Restaurant on Pine Street is a local celebrity. On Saturday, he held a cooking class at his restaurant in Redding in preparation for Thanksgiving cooks looking to add a few recipes and skills.
Old School restaurant in Redding
cooking class in redding caAnd what an appropriate setting; the Old School Restaurant is located in what used to be the gym for Redding’s Pine Street School. We were able to see the preparation, and taste the results. This sourdough/cheese/balsamic appetizer was sublime. And Cal’s salmon spread, oooh.
Appetizers in redding caCal Whipped up a winter squash soup, and showed us how to make a ravioli for the centerpiece.
soup in redding ca
Wine pairings allowed for thoughtful contemplation of an array of flavor notes.
Wine pairings in Redding Ca
Cal brings the hammer down on a butterflied turkey, and then wraps it around his stuffing mix.
Cal DeMercurio on Redding ca
And we eat the results. Yum.
Turkey dinner in Redding CA
Then it’s time for desert. An eggnog Crème brûlée, a Crème de menthe slice with what seems like Oreo crust. My favorite dish.
desert in Redding CA
community education in redding caWe had a great time and met some terrific people in the casual and convivial setting. Cal is a gifted teacher, and we were hungry pupils. Cooking classes like this one are a fantastic opportunity to expand your culinary knowledge. Moreover, thanks to websites like CocuSocial finding cookery classes in your area has never been easier. No matter what you would like to learn about, there is sure to be a cookery class that covers what you need to know. Anyway, I’ve posted about Cal’s cooking skills at this blog before. We heard about this event from Cal and his e-mail newsletter. You should be on his list. Highly recommended. The Old School Restaurant serves up the Culinary Arts. It’s Really Redding.

Kobe opens! A few quick images.

Coolest/hottest new restaurant in Redding. We welcome Kobe and wish them great success! The only thing more delicious than these images is actually eating there.
Kobe2
Kobe1

Kobe3

Kobe4

Kobe5

Kobe6In addition to the flaming Teppanyaki cuisine sampled here, you can order up artistic sushi with a good selection of Sake. Menu and more at the website for Kobe Seafood and Steakhouse. Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:30pm 7 Days a week. Dinner : 5:00pm ~ 9:30 pm Sun-Thu, 5:00pm ~ 10:00pm Fri-Sat. Located at 1300 Market Street at the corner of Shasta Street. (530)244-1440.

It’s Really Redding.

Nick's Bella Vista Grill

Nicks Grill in Bella Vista CA
Nick’s Grill in Bella Vista looks like an ordinary roadside food stop. Directly on Hwy 299E.
Nicks Grill in Bella Vista CA
They have all the regular food one might expect. And great coffee. Really, much better coffee than you might expect. But that’s not why we’re here.
Nicks Grill in Bella Vista CA
Hot pastrami sandwich nirvana. That’s what I’m talkin’ about! This is why you go to Nick’s.
Nicks Grill in Bella Vista CA
Nick’s Bella Vista Grill, Hwy 299E, in the heart of beautiful Bella Vista CA.

(old) Brick’s Smokehouse BBQ & Grille, on 1718 Placer in Redding

Note: Brick’s is still going strong, but has moved since this post first ran.
Bricks2

There’s a new BBQ joint in town, Brick’s Barbecue and Smokehouse, on Placer just east of Court Street. Longtime Redding folks will recall this as the old Between the Bun restaurant.
Bricks1
You’ll be enchanted by the smell before anything else. They cook with fragrant smoke.
Bricks4
Looks like a family affair. Here’s owner Mike, with his son Dakota.
Bricks3
The kitchen is super clean. The food is terrific and plentiful. We’ll probably be regulars here, and expect they will do well.
Bricks5
Co-owner Solange showed off her lovely Valentine’s nails for fun. Best wishes to this fledgling family business!
Bricks6
Brick’s Smokehouse BBQ & Grille, 1718 Placer can be reached at (530) 245 9158

Fatboys BBQ in Redding

Fatboys barbeque in Redding ca
Fatboy’s Rotisserie in Redding is on Twin View Blvd. They have a great selection of barbeque and more, and 12 beers on tap.
Fatboys barbeque in Redding ca
The food is tasty and served in very generous portions. The pulled pork is my favorite. You can add all kinds of condiments to suit your taste.
Fatboys barbeque in Redding ca
They have a meeting room area too, as seen below, with a flat screen TV. Barbeque and beer. What’s not to like?

Fatboys barbeque in Redding ca

Fatboys Rotisserie and Sandwiches 829 Twin View Blvd Redding, CA 96003 (530) 244-7754 It’s Really Redding.