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Now on to the The San Joaquin valley
Everyone knows DrTranquility knows Spa's and great food. I was recently in the San Joaquin Valley for B Well TV, with my good buddies Steven Paul (from Bouquet of Fruit and The Gourmet Shopping Network) and his brilliant PR person extraordinaire Cory. We popped over to a restaurant that specializes in producing succulent and amazing cuisine that utilizes all of the amazing produce from this incredible region called the San Joaquin Valley, called appropriately so The Chefs Table. PS - If you missed out on our Drtranquility Talk with Steven, pop over to DrTranquility.com and check it out.
So back to my favorite the food... I was perusing a menu that is a foodies dream when Steven suggested I try the gnocchi... knowing my gnocchi well and how difficult it is to find well prepared gnocchi outside of Tuscany where I fell in love with it, so I passed it by. Boy what a mistake, it melted in my mouth... although my Jumbo Sea Scallops Florentine, prepared with
Linguine, Roasted Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, served with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce.... was to die for as well. The culinary delight, presented by the Executive Chef - Malachi Harland, who by the way comes from an impressive pedigree in the restaurant business, having grown up working in his parents’ famous local eatery. His formal education took place at the Culinary Institute of America in New York... Need we say more, he prepared this amazing Crispy Potato Gnocchi with Summer Beans & Roasted Tomato Salad, Olive Vinaigrette and Argentine Reggianito Cheese flawlessly. Every dish that came out of this kitchen was impeccable!
The uniqueness of the valley is that the growers and farmer's produce a rich variety of produce, wines and cheese. One of the more interesting farms on our tour with Steven and Corey was surprisingly enough a herb farm, called the Squaw Valley Herb Garden's.
This is another "must do", which is great for the entire family. Needless to say with my background and certifications in Botanical Medicine, I was seriously intrigued. Interestingly enough, there are many integrations of traditionally utilized botanical infusions into many of the products produced in the San Joaquin Valley... read on to discover more. Squaw Valley Herb Gardens located on the way to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks, is an amazing place where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty and aromatherapy, as you enjoy fascinating history, demonstrations, culinary, medicinal and household recipes, together with remedies for beauty, health and flavor. See hundreds of herbs and a hillside of lavender, creatively grown at the home and gardens of artists Rosemary Nightingale & Tim Friesen. The Herb Tours and Lavender Wreath Making Classes make this ideal for children. In fact the valley has so much to offer whether your are after a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Another great example of the valley is Bravo Farms Cheese Factory, which is great for kid's. 
Bravo Farms Cheese Factory is a cute venue with incredible artisan cheese. Our favorites are the Original Chipolte and the Creamy Pepper Jack.
The valley has aspects that could easily be compared to regions in dare I say France or Tuscany...... in our own American backyard!There are many family hotel/motels for the family to stay, simply google Fresno CA Lodging. Our favorite of this group so far is the San Joaquin Hotel, In fact we highly recommend it.
Now for couples on a wine tour weekend.. looking for luxurious and intimate lodging amenities, There are some amazing little B and B's such asWicky-Up Ranch Bed and Breakfast
A historic California ranch offering guests a rare lodging opportunity to experience first-hand the farm stay accommodations at a working organic citrus ranch.
A night’s stay in the Harding Room is simply presidential. And though it is doubtful that Warren G. Harding, 29th president and distant cousin of Fred E. Harding, ever slept here, he most certainly would have enjoyed his stay.
And that’s what hosts Monica and Jack Pizura have known for quite some time. In fact, Monica, a relative of Fred Harding, grew up on the Woodlake ranch and for many years dreamed of opening the historic property to the public. That dream came to fruition in January of 1997 when Monica and Jack officially opened the Wicky-Up Ranch Bed and Breakfast. What they are offering visitors is a unique California guest ranch experience. We love Monica and Jack and we highly recommend you have a massage while you are there... DrTranquility recommends it!!
We also passed by Cedar View winery an artisan winery, they also have a beautiful B&B, and the views are amazing! DeBenedetto Orchards figs...I now love fig's!
The DeBenedetto family farming tradition in America stretches back to the 1920’s when brothers Mauro and John DeBenedetto, along with their mother and fellow Italian friends immigrated from Bisceglia, Italy through Ellis Island to settle in Central California and began working the agriculturally rich lands of the San Joaquin Valley.Check out the library on DrTranquility.com for a great recipe!
While we were in the valley we visited Kingsburg Orchards as well. If you have ever purchased Asian Pears at Costco, you know how crisp, crunchy and delicious they are - The best quality fruit ever!! You must also try their Dinosaur Eggs and the Donut Nectarines, the kids will absolutely love them!! Andy, one of the grandsons was kind enough to give us a private tour and as we sampled our way through the orchard(literally), he explained the history and varieties of fruit. Their own inventions/proprietary varieties were just superb! . Kingsburg is American through and through, all of their fruit including their proprietary varieties,of which they are justifiably proud, are grown with ethics and care. Yet another example of the San Joaquin valley family owned and operated business, something that resonates throught the valley. Take a peek at their site and reach for their fruit next time your in Cost
co...I can personally guarantee you won't be disappointed.Now onto one of the most amazing vineyards in he San Joaquin Valley... Quady Winery
At Quady we were taken on a wonderful tour of the vineyard by Dave and Darren, the assistant winemaker. They explained to us their amazing process from start to finish.
Two wines that stood out and were definitely the Editor's picks here on DrTranquility.com's Relax, Refresh,Renew were:Essensia 2007: Quady’s Essensia is lightly fortified to 15% alcohol and aged in the barrel for about 3 months. This wines balanced acidity and orange aroma provides more of a fresh fruit feel rather then the traditional sticky dessert wine many are accustomed to. Essensia can often make a dramatic accompaniment to dessert. It is sufficiently sweet to harmonize with the sweetness in the dessert, has excellent acidity, and stands up to assertive flavors, such as chocolate.
Deviation wine, incorporating new ingredients from the plant kingdom, delivers higher levels of sensory pleasure than can be done with grapes alone. Its name refers not only to a deviation from winemaking practice but also to the history of specialty winemaking at Quady and as homage to change.
Limón RestaurantThis Peruvian Restaurant prepares amazing fare. Ana Castillo, the Limón owners' (Martin and Eduardo) run the resturant with their sister, .Luz Trigoso, Martin and Eduardo Castillo's mother. The keeper of the family's amazing recipes shares her gifts with all of us. Scrumptious dishes in fact all the dishes we tested were intoxicating. The presentation was artistic and creative with a true flare, the overall experience will not disappoint. There is a warm and family friendly attitude they encourage sharing plates and so we decided to order the appetizer of tartara de atun (diced yellowfin ahi tuna, asian pears, red bell peppers, and rocoto sesame oil, served with ahi amarillo aioli), the ceviche limon (fresh halibut with mixed seafood marinated in rocoto and lime juice, served with yam and Peruvian corn), and the saltado de pollo a DrTranquility favorite (sliced chicken breast sauteed with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with a side of rice),along with the truffle-infused mac & cheese with mascarpone cheese YUM!
BRAGA
Braga Organic Farms started from our love for pistachios and organic food in general.
We loved Braga a small family farm specialized in organic food located in the Central Valley of California and we have been growing and selling organic nuts for the past 10 years.For Braga organic food is not only a business; it really is our passion to grow organic nuts and products that not only taste good but are also extremely healthy for you!Certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), we package and ship our organic food directly from the farm to ensure quality and freshness.One guess where Dr. Susan is getting the almonds for her health tip this month on DrTranquility Today's Health DrTranquility's favorite the pistachios!
We Saved Our Buddy For LastSteven Paul and the team at the Gourmet Shopping Network and Bouquet of Fruit were our amazing guides through the valley. Steven really believes and values the growers and farmers, both organic and non-organic and brings them together in a one stop shopping opportunity for all of us to share, in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Gourmet Shopping Network, a gourmet food portal, based in the agriculturally rich Central Valley of California, announces the launch of its cutting-edge Web site, www.gourmetshoppingnetwork.com, according to Stephen Paul, the company’s founder and director of e-commerce. The parent site consists of seven sub-sites, each featuring individual products lines operating together under the Gourmet Shopping Network (GSN) umbrella.The Gourmet Shopping Network gives us the platform to deliver this product directly from our door to yours.”
GSN’s provides the opportunity for buyers to purchase a variety of gourmet gifts, ranging from dried fruit crates to jumbo chocolate- and candy-covered apples to wine-filled truffles,our favorite here at DrTranquility, chocolate- raspberry. All produced by GSN gifted chocolatier Gina Paul..yes Steven's wife!
Ladies we all know how we love our chocolate, enjoying they touted benefit of : phenylethylamine ,Serotonin(which give us the same positive boost as when we are in love),flavinoid antioxidant benefit from both the chocolate and from the raspberry, sometimes it takes a woman give her chocolate raspberry cups a try you won't be dissapppointed and check out this amazing site!
The Gourmet Shopping Net- work serves as a one-stop shop for gourmet level items with prompt delivery guarantee and site security. “The heart of the Central Valley really lies in its ability to produce the some of the world’s finest food,” said Paul. “We are the bread basket of the world when it comes to level of production, especially at the highest quality.”
Don't forget to catch Steven's informative interview as he sits down with DrTranquility herself to chat about the San Joaquin Valley, and learn what organic really means on DrTranquility Talks only on Drtranquility.com
Sequoia National Park, Mineral King/Silver City, Kings Canyon National Park, Ski Touring/Sledding/Snowshoeing, Lake Kaweah for Water Sports, White Water Rafting, Golf/Miniature Golf, Horseback Riding, Wine Tasting,
Antique Stores, Blossom Trail
Attack the famous Kings River white water rapids, and then return to your cottage in the evening to unwind.
Kings River Expeditions (559) 233-4881
Spirit Whitewater (800) 400-RAFT
Zephyr Expeditions (800) 431-3636
Visiting the National Parks - Distance from Sequoia View - 30 miles
Enjoy breathtaking Giant Sequoias, the largest living thing on the planet, or hike the many scenic trails throughout Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.
National Park Information (559) 565-3341
A Trip to Downtown Reedley - Distance from Sequoia View - 8 miles
Take a look at the famous Mennonite Quilting Center, the Old Reedley Opera House, or enjoy a gourmet lunch and shopping in a "Turn of the Century" atmosphere.
City of Reedley Information (559) 637-4200
Fishing and Watersports - Distance from Sequoia View - 10 miles
Catch and release Rainbow trout in the Lower Kings River, or fish, swim or boat around nearby Pine Flat Lake.
Pine Flat Lake Information (559) 787-2589
