Esperanza and Luis sell their Tamales at the Farmer’s Market in Redding. A yummy tamal in the morning makes the rest of the day go well (just $2). They have beef, pork, chicken, and a veggie version. All good. We like them all. You can get their salsa, and put on red or green sauce, and sour creme even. Delicious. Then, take home a half dozen or so fresh ones for dinner later (just $10). Steam them up, and wow. Wow.
As an aside, Redding based Esperanza Tamales only sells at Farmer’s markets. While they would like to have a storefront operation, they just don’t have the means to put that together. Hmm. Maybe you have an empty storefront in town. You’re not alone. There’s about a million square feet of empty commercial space in Redding. Maybe you could make these folks a deal. Low startup, moving to a better net as they build. Could be a better option for your other tenants than just another marijuana collective. Or maybe a good addition to an otherwise vacant strip mall. These tamales generate traffic. Just ask the other vendors at the Farmer’s Market. They all eat here. Call Esperanza (530) 222 8541 if this idea started some gears moving in your mind.
I’d eat there.
Really Redding
Pat Karch Band at Sundial Bridge Cafe photos
We went for a walk to the River Trail yesterday evening, down from Hilltop, a nice short cardio walk. We didn’t know there was a band playing. Approaching from the north side, we could hear Pat’s unmistakable keyboard licks from a mile away. I knew who it was after just the first few bars. Pat Karch is an awesome player.
Joe Catanio joins the trio to sing the standards. Pat is such an amazing player. Even though his singing and keyboard chops are so overwhelming, he is the kind of player who brings out the best in others around him. That’s why he plays in so many bands around here. Talent and class, the rarest combination in musicianship. Plus he’s really nice. A true Redding treasure. Upright bass player Bruce Calin, and percussionist Bobby Viramontes laid down the the groove nicely. They showed their skills and fit the bill.
Then a leisurely stroll back to the bridge brings the color.
What a great evening stroll. The river-cooled air carried waves of jazz aloft, and was perfume for all the senses. Does it get any better than this? Did I mention they are playing there again tonight?
It don’t mean a thing if it aint got that swing. The bridge was totally swingin’.
Ruby's "We'll fetch your lunch!" startup brings on the flavor
I ran into foody entrepreneur Cheryl Gomes yesterday on her daily delivery run. Her lunch delivery business is named after her dog Ruby. She will bring you lunch if you call or e-mail her before 7:30 am that day. She takes special care in her preparation to make sure sandwiches don’t arrive soggy. Cheryl is a treat on her own, and her delivery is sure to brighten your day and satisfy your lunchtime needs. Call her at (530) 921 1587, or e-mail her at rubysdish@gmail.com. Highly recommended!
Airpark Cafe a very pleasant surprise
Some friends and I met today for lunch at the Airpark Cafe, at Benton Airpark off Placer Road up the hill at Gold Street. I didn’t even realize there was a restaurant up there, on the second floor. I was pleasantly surprised to find a really nice setting. I suppose it wasn’t quite on par with some of the cafes you might see if you head to JUSTLOVECOFFEEFRANCHISE.COM but it sold coffee so I was happy!
The breakfast and lunch only menu is very complete. I had an excellent BLT accompanied by terrific fresh fruit, and I saw some delightfully creative looking burgers go by, with fragrant garlic fries. Yum.
Described as the “best kept secret in Redding,” here is the Facebook page for the Airpark Cafe, or call at 530 241 4204. Open 8am-2pm Monday – Sunday. Great service, complete menu, really interesting views, and open 7 days a week. Near the dog park too. Plus, you can fly in, or just watch the flights in and out. Well worth checking out. Tell ’em you saw it at ReallyRedding.