[That's Lynn on the right.]

Lynn has been posting on Sacatomato since last fall, but I never properly introduced her. She's got a really diverse background, which always makes for a more interesting person, I think. Now, she's in charge of the demo kitchen at Whole Foods on Arden Way, so stop by and say hi to her there or, better yet, here!

This is Lynn's description of herself:

From au naturel (Colorado mountains) to intense corporate life (Chicago), ski bum (work hard, then travel in off-season) to long workdays with lots of travel (endless), it was all fun at the time (and I’m glad for the experiences). But a longing set in, a longing for something more. I’d been touching those bins crested with freshly picked grapes, taking part in harvests, frequenting farmer’s markets, and god knows all the “BLD’s” enabled me to taste wonderful food around the country, not to mention my own personal travels. Thus my passion about food and wine pushed its way to the surface, becoming more important than the work, the big bonuses and the perks. That life ended and, in a mere six weeks, I was living in Canada pursuing my passion at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver.

Afterwards, I was blessed to do a "practicum" at The Waterboy in Sacramento with the amazing Rick Mahan. I spent time working with Andrew Hillman, CCC, astounding chef and teacher. And now I do what I love: cook, experiment with new dishes, host dinners for dear friends, continue to learn, teach and share about food and wine, supporting local food producers, and more related to these items.

I’ve tested and made all the dishes I share with you on Sacatomato, and many by friends and family as well. From Sacramento and Northern California to much more, please do come by often to check out our new posts--we’d love to see you around. Your comments are always very much appreciated!

Posted by Ann Martin Rolke at 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

You may have noticed that I haven't posted much recently. I've been busy welcoming a new addition to the staff: Eva Rolke (pictured above). She'll be covering a limited beat, focusing on local milk products. But you'll also see some guest posts from other area foodies in the cominig weeks. The first is from Paul Somerhausen of Sacramento Epicureans. If you don't know about that group, look it up to see all of the upcoming tasting events on the schedule, such as the group's 4th anniversary Moroccan meal on November 30, and a Peruvian meal, coming in January! Paul also sends out local food news, such as this recent email:

A friend of mine has started a site where he wants to list all the taco trucks in N. California. If you know of one or more and feel like helping out, click here.

Let me know if you'd like to guest post anytime on a local food source, restaurant, or other delicious find. I'll be taking all the input I can get while I get the new hire trained!

Posted by Ann Martin Rolke at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Ann is a culinary consultant in Sacramento and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. She has worked extensively in the food world in restaurants, test kitchens, food marketing, publicity, copyediting, and writing. She has cooked at Red Sage in Washington, DC; Bread Alone Bakery in Woodstock, NY; and at BIX and Mecca in San Francisco. Ann worked for over four years at Ketchum in San Francisco, in the test kitchen and in the food marketing department, helping to promote the food products of clients as diverse as Kikkoman International, Inc., the Almond Board of California, and the National Potato Promotion Board. She has most recently developed recipes for companies such as Perrier and Driscoll’s and copyedited the 8th edition of The Professional Chef for the Culinary Institute of America. Her first cookbook, Hands-Off Cooking, will be published by Wiley & Sons in 2007.

But mainly she likes to eat good food.

Posted by Ann Martin Rolke at 1:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Here is what I know; a little over a year ago my husband and I launched a food magazine. The magazine has been a gift on so many levels but there are limitations. First and foremost, our publication is quarterly and obviously so much is consumed, learned, opened and closed in between issues. This blog gives me the chance to address food in Sacramento in real time. Secondly, I have never felt that the publication was the appropriate vehicle with which to give my un-edited opinion about the local food scene and trust me I am opinionated. Okay, already not really a bio...but I will end by saying that food at its best is the ultimate moment. It is beyond the act of eating, it is that moment when you taste or bite into that perfect flavor and texture. I have these moments in our Capitol city all the time and I want to share them. There is nothing better then knowing where you can find that perfect espresso, or the best hamburger or deli sandwich, or that pie crust that leaves you breathless. So it really doesn't matter who I am, what matters is that you will hopefully find my words helpful in the discovery of great food in our community. Besides, Ann, my partner in crime, has a weighty enough resume for the both of us.

Posted by Jennifer Cliff at 4:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)