The below post comes to us from IFBC17 sponsor and host Visit Sacramento, whom you will be able to meet September 29 – October 1 at IFBC. Also, make sure to check out our new post-event blog tracking page for attendees from which Visit Sacramento will randomly select a winner for a trip for two to Sacramento. Click here for more details.
And if you haven’t registered for the conference yet, please do so now. Prices increase July 1.
Sacramento was proclaimed “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital” in 2012, paying tribute to the region’s 1.5 million acres of surrounding farmland and 365-day growing season. While the idea of farm-to-fork may be nothing more than a slogan in some cities, for Sacramento, fresh food is a way of life. The region produces more than 160 commodities ranging from almonds, to sushi rice, to caviar, so it’s no surprise that our restaurant scene is packed with delicious options.
After you’ve finished your plate, there are still plenty of ways to explore the tastes of Sacramento. A few options to consider while you’re in town:
- Raise a pint – Once the “beer capital of the West,” Sacramento’s craft beer scene has reemerged with more than 50 regional craft breweries to explore. From a Brew Bike tour of downtown pubs, to a passport program that offers free brew-goodies, the city is packed with options for brew fans.
- Shop ’till you drop – The Sacramento region is home to more than 40 farmers markets, many of them year-round fixtures. Visitors can get a taste of local foods while enjoying music, food trucks, kids’ activities and more.
- The Midtown Farmers Market: Seasonal offerings and much more in a lively, urban neighborhood setting. Year-round, rain or shine on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 20th St. between J & K Streets in Midtown Sacramento.
- Sacramento Central Certified Farmers Market: The largest California Certified Farmers Market in the state can be found year-round on Sundays from 8 a.m.-noon at 8th & W Streets under Highway 50/80 in Downtown Sacramento.
- Enjoy the show – Sacramento’s new Golden 1 Center Arena is also getting in on the city’s fresh food scene, in a major way. The arena’s lead chef Michael Tuohy and his culinary team source 90 percent of the arena’s food and drinks (including beer!) from within 150 miles of the building. Meaning even if you’re enjoying a concert, NBA game or another thrilling event at the arena, you’re also court-side to a spectacular meal.
- Meet the locals – Sacramento’s food scene is also being fueled by skilled purveyors who develop delicious products that are quickly getting noticed across the country. Preservation & Co.’s Jason Poole has created signature bloody mary and margarita mixes, pickled garnishes and other treats that are staples in Sacramento’s restaurant scene, and they can be found at major retailers nationwide. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, Ginger Elizabeth can’t be beat. This renowned chocolatier sources locally for ingredients like lavender and honey, creating addicting confections that will have you coming back for more.
Sufficed to say, there’s never been a more delicious time to explore Sacramento. For more information about our region, visit visitsacramento.com.