Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "craft"

Locally owned: Old Soul Co., Jason Griest & Tim Jordan

2013-04-25T18:44:59Z

An artisan coffee roaster and baker brought their old world values into a new world context when they created the Old Soul Co. boutique coffee roaster and bakery in midtown. Roaster Jason Griest was co-owner of the Naked Lounge when he met baker Tim Jordan, who was one of his early customers. The two realized that they both shared an old world appreciation for true craftsmanship and for quality products that spoke for themselves without the need for glitzy advertising methods.

Old World Model

Griest said that he and Jordan pictured American immigrants, from the 1700’s and 1800’s, arriving in New York on boats and bringing their strong work ethic and craft to the new world to make better lives for their families. He and Jordan wanted to emulate the model of lives being built around and fulfilled in mastering a craft, said Griest.

Starting as a Wholesaler

In 2006, the two men combined their artisanal skills and opened a wholesale business where they could produce superior coffee and baked goods and distribute them to local restaurants and markets. They were drawn to an old warehouse on the alley behind 17th and L Streets and spent the next four months jack hammering and sandblasting to convert it to space suitable for commercial food preparation.

After completing the renovation, Griest and Jordan worked eighteen-hour days roasting and baking and perfecting their crafts. They made wholesale connections with establishments such as Mulvaney’s restaurant, Taylor’s Market, Temple Coffee and the Waterboy. Customers of these establishments began asking about the source of the products and soon started showing up at the warehouse wanting to buy coffee and pastries directly from Old Soul Co., said Griest.

Opening the Doors to the Public

The new business owners had not planned to sell their products to the public and were not set up for it, but they also did not want to turn people away. Griest and Jordan created an informal arrangement—if they were in, the roll-up warehouse doors would be open and people could enter, help themselves to coffee or baked goods and leave money in a jar. The system worked on trust and Old Soul became a “hidden gem” where people could show up at midnight on some nights and find freshly baked bread and brewed coffee.

Within four months of opening the roll-up doors, the place became so popular, Griest said, that he and Jordan had to figure out how to run a retail business – including setting menus, providing enough products and hiring and training staff.

Expanding to new locations

Other opportunities soon appeared, including the chance to buy the Java City/Weatherstone building. Griest said that they were not looking to expand, but the place was such a cultural icon with a “great patio and a cool brick building,” that they took the leap.

They were “just getting our feet cemented with Weatherstone,” said Griest, when they were presented with an opportunity to open a shop in Oak Park, in space being vacated by Starbucks. Again, they were not looking to grow, but Griest says they went ahead anyhow because of the chance to connect to the Oak Park community and be part of its developing hub.

In 2010, Old Soul Co. was selected as a local vendor for the new Terminal B at the Sacramento International Airport. Griest and Jordan opened a full café at the site and everyday they bake their goods from scratch on site. The café’s location before the security stations limits sales to flying passengers but does make the place available to the public, said Griest. In the next few years, the partners hope to open several more full cafes in Sacramento.

Artisanal philosophy

Griest said that one of their mottos is “Today we’re good. Tomorrow we’ll be better.”

As an example, he cites a trip he took last year to Ethiopia. It was a new experience for him to meet coffee bean farmers and directly contract for the purchase of high quality beans. He plans to visit Panama, El Salvador and Peru in the near future to establish additional relationships with farmers with the goal of getting the “best beans from the best artisan farmers in the world.”

Old Soul’s tea products are all rare and high quality ones from China, said Jordan. All the tea comes through a business whose owners know the farmers and the craftsmen transforming the leaves into tea.

In addition to its wholesale and retail businesses, Old Soul caters events. The company makes its products from scratch.

“All sandwiches are on bread baked in-house and quiches and soups are made from scratch every day,” said Griest. “We even make or own vanilla and caramel syrups for coffee drinks,” added Jordan.

Griest says that to be successful in a small enterprise, one must have a passion for the business. He is very passionate about coffee.

“I love coffee and everything about it: drinking it, the scene, the people and their stories and the reality and romance of how bean seed gets from small farmers in third world countries to the U.S.”

Nonprofit literacy program

“Sacramento Has Soul” is a nonprofit literacy program founded by Griest, Jordan and Jordan’s wife Jill Withrow. The nonprofit adopted the Peter Burnett Elementary School and collaborated with Reading Partners, a group that trains people on how to tutor students. Last year volunteers, including many Old Soul customers and employees, donated close to 5,000 hours helping students who had fallen behind in their reading skills, said Jordan.

Upcoming events

Old Soul Co. has several special upcoming events. On April 27, local chocolatier Ginger Elizabeth will host a Coffee Day at her 1801 L Street shop. At the event, she will offer desserts featuring coffee from local roasters, including Old Soul Co.

On May 4, Old Soul at The Weatherstone will host a release party for a new coffee beer that it developed in collaboration with Ruhstaller Beer Company. The event will include tastings of “The Kenyan” beer, a barbecue and live music.

The original Old Soul Co. location, The Alley, is at 1716 L Street and is open from 6 am to 7 pm. Old Soul Co. also has locations at The Weatherstone in midtown, at Forty Acres in Oak Park and at the Sacramento International Airport. More information on location, hours and offerings is available at the Old Soul Co. website.

"Locally Owned” is a regular column highlighting local business owners; the backbone of our community and economy. Each column explores the personal stories of owners and the businesses they built.

Crafts and Art Obession

2011-11-15T06:48:57Z

There you can find some the best artists that create handmade jewelry, clothing, food, versatile music, and orginal art just to name a few. Although this event tends to reach capacity, the experience is all worthwhile and unforgettable. This not only promotes the theme and importance of keeping authentic art and music alive, but it gives the artistic owners an opportunity to have their crafts become a career path or a future business. On their website you can find the different types of activities they have each year, and a background story on why and how this event was established.

This extravaganza is dedicated to those artists that have worked hard and have been in the music and original art industry for years, and what is a perfect way to display it with great mini festivities. Also, the price is very cheap. With just one purchased ticket, you can do all the exhibiting and shopping you want to do!

The Harvest Festival has product categories such as body essentials, home decor, woodwork, pottery and ceramics, and so much more. The tour is also in Nevada, Southern and North California.

All-Star Bartenders in Sacramento - Chris Tucker, The L Wine Lounge

2010-12-15T16:34:38Z

Ever wonder who's peer-recognized as the best bartender in Sacramento? Who makes the cocktails that scintillate the palate, dazzle the mind and always keep you guessing? Go no farther than 19th Street: we have a local treasure right here.

For the second installment on the All-Star Bartender Series, I'm speaking of Chris Tucker. Tucker has been a Northern California local for much of his life, and after working in San Francisco for a period of time, and learning a great deal about his craft, he decided there was something special in Sacramento worth coming back for. So upon returning, Tucker has been working with L Wine Lounge and moonlighting at Shady Lady Saloon ever since.

More than any other bartender I've had the privilege to drink with, Tucker can create concoctions that are constantly surprising the palette with the seasonal menus he creates for L Wine Lounge, but even with a jaded drinker like me, he constantly surprises. He's one of the only bartenders/mixologists who I can go to, name an alcohol or a style of alcohols, name a flavor characteristic (sweet, salty, bitter, savory) and have him come back with incredible flavors that don't even have a name, or a random drink he recalled from the 1950s that fell out of favor and is exactly what I described.

Innovative to the last, Tucker is currently showcasing his own take on the 12 days of Christmas with the 12 Days of Toddies. One such Toddy included Benedictine, apricot liqueur, cognac, honey, star anise, lemon peel, orange and grated cinnamon. The lemon peel is flamed with a match to bring out the essence, and the cinnamon is freshly grated right in front of you! This is the kind of attention he pays to his drinks, each one a work of art.

Now don't get me wrong, he may act like a magician, but he's still human – so if you're looking to stump him, it'll be hard, but doable. But unlike many of his trade, there is a genuine appreciation and excitement brought to every drink that the drinker can taste immediately. If I'm feeling creative, whimsical or in need of a really special concoction, it's Chris Tucker I'll hunt down every time.

The Sacramento Press: How did you get your start in bartending?

Chris Tucker: I got my start at America Live! way back in 1993. I'm a prime example of "the right place at the right time." (I) started as a door host, then was asked to train as bartender after two weeks at the door.

SP: What's your favorite drink/cocktail?

CT: The Manhattan. I prefer the Jerry Thomas recipe with bourbon instead of rye.

SP: To you, what's the difference between a mixologist and a bartender?

CT: To me, the term mixologist refers to those focused on the art of drink creation. Possessing knowledge of classic cocktails, base spirits, liqueurs, wines, beers and mixers of all types and combining with proven bartending techniques to experiment and develop new cocktails.

Bartender refers to those charged with tending to the needs of the bar and the bar patron. The skill set, knowledge and level of service should be on par with the establishment and environment and, preferably, raising the standard and guest experience.

SP: What is the next big thing to watch for in drinking/cocktails/mixed drinks?

CT: I hope the trend of drinking quality over quantity continues and that more establishments incorporate seasonal, local and sustainable products on to their menus whenever possible, if not exclusively.

SP: What's your signature recipe cocktail?

CT: I don't think I have one, and I always avoid answering that question.

SP: What's the best way to get a bartender's attention?

CT: Patience. There is no need to get a good bartender's attention. The bartender should always be aware of new patrons, drink levels of current patrons and where each patron is in the drink order lineup. If you need to get the bartender's attention, you probably need to go to another bar.

SP: Where do you drink?

CT: Anywhere, and as often as possible.

Sadly, too little time and too many brothers and sisters in the industry to support.

Next up: Matt Nurge

Social Media Helps Sacramento Art Scene

2010-07-17T18:29:58Z

Social media has opened a virtual toolbox of resources for artists of all media. Fine artists as well as craftspeople are using Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, and the like to connect with other artists, exchange feedback, share their work with a larger audience, and sell their art.

The Sacramento Social Media Club (SMCSac) is helping local artists further that conversation at a free event on Tuesday, July 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, at the Urban Hive. Called “The Art of Socia Media: How Local Artists, Curators, & Collectors Get Creative with Social Media,” it will feature Eben Burgoon, co-creator of Ebon07 webcomic; Jen Stewart, of Jen Stuart Photography; Marianne Bland, visual artist and manager of Sacto Metro Etsy Street Team; Veronica Delgado of Vera Icon PR; and Jeff Musser, visual artist. Moderator Julie Berge will lead the panel in their discussion of topics such as:

● Niche, online artist communities like Etsy, MyArtSpace.com and d’ART
● Virtual galleries like Flickr and Dripbook
● Twitter tips for connecting and collaborating with fans and collectors
● The benefits of artful blogging

In addition to the informational part of the evening, The Art of Social Media is also a networking event, bringing all of those interested in the local art scene together with food and drink, both before the panel and continuing the conversation after. The event is free and open to the public. SMCSac asks, however, that you register with Eventbrite so that they have an accurate count for the complementary food and beverages.

SMCSac is devoted to expanding social media literacy and sharing best practices among social media practitioners across all disciplines. With Sacramento being home to a thriving and diverse art scene, SMCSac hopes “The Art of Social Media” will serve as a catalyst to its continued growth. Jane Gassner is a member of the Leadership Team of SMCSac.

Call for Regional Artists: Holiday Art & Craft Festival 2009

2009-04-20T23:07:41Z

The Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League of Sacramento are seeking local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work in the annual Holiday Art & Craft Festival taking place November 27-29, 2009. This event features a variety of crafts including jewelry, ceramics, painting, gourmet food, knit items and much more.

The Holiday Art & Craft Festival will take place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center at 6151 H Street, located across from the main entrance of California State University, Sacramento. The event regularly attracts 5,000 to 7,000 shoppers each year, and the venue features ample room for exhibitors and plenty of free parking.

Vendor applications are available online at crockerartmuseum.org/holidayfestival. Applications must be received by July 1, 2009, and applicants will be notified of their selection mid-August. All work submitted must be the applicant’s own original work, no manufactured items will be permitted. All reproductions must be signed, limited editions.

For more information, visit crockerartmuseum.org/holidayfestival.

The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of California, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday; 1st and 3rd Thursdays until 9 p.m. Free admission on Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. is made possible through the support of Bank of America. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

IndieSacramento encourages patrons to adopt a DIY ethic with its May Market

2009-04-02T04:19:11Z

IndieSacramento’s biannual trunk show and craft bazaar happens once again this May 2, from 10am-3pm at Fremont Park in the Midtown/ Downtown Sacramento area. The IndieSacramento May Market hopes to spread a DIY ethic throughout the Sacramento area, encouraging patrons to live both cheaply and creatively during these trying financial times. The May Market boasts over 40 craft and fashion vendors, carrying a wide variety of affordable and fashionable handmade goods. Besides having the opportunity to support local small businesses and crafters, IndieSacramento is also giving patrons the opportunity to dabble in DIY themselves by offering IndieSacramento's first ever Craft University. The Craft University tent will offer craft demos like yarn spinning, as well as craft classes, where patrons can make a new craft, for only a few dollars to cover supplies. Check out the IndieSacramento website in April for a full schedule of the classes and demos that will be offered.

IndieSacramento's May Market presents itself as an inexpensive day of fun for the entire family. Enjoy live music and street performers. Appreciate local food and drink – or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.

Nowadays families are looking for free forms of entertainment. IndieSacramento fits the bill by offering free admission and free swag bags to the first 150 patrons. Swag bags will be filled with all kinds of coupons, samples, and fun handmade items.

If you are one of the lucky few who have money to spend, come out to support the local economy and spread the wealth! You'll find an amazing selection of hand-crafted goods, from clothing and accessories to jewelry to unique and affordable art for your home. Check out the IndieSacramento website for event details and updates.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10am-3pm
Where: 1515 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Admission: FREE, $1 donations appreciated

For information: http://www.indiesacramento.com
Contact: info@indiesacramento.com