Wordless Wednesday: Guisti's | Walnut Grove, CA

In this photo:

The ceiling of the bar area at Guisti's Restaurant.

Guisti's is located in Walnut Grove right on the Sacramento Delta and has been a local favorite for nearly 100 years!

Dinky Diner | Clarksburg, CA

Within the last few years, food trucks and sidewalk carts have been migrating out of their conventional sites such as construction zones, carnivals, and college campuses. Redefined and redesigned, these "meals on wheels" can now be seen popping up in high-frequency areas where even the most discernible diner isn't afraid to sidle up to the takeout window.

For example, just take a look at what's out there roaming the streets and parking lots in these select cities:

Portland - The Brunch Box, Dog Eat Dawg, Whiffles Fried Pies, The Curbside Grill, Creme de la Creme, and Big-Ass Sandwiches.

San Francisco - Amuse Bouche, Roli Roti, Adobo Hobo, Spencer on the Go, and The Mobile Pho Truck.

Los Angeles - The Grilled Cheese Truck, Coolhaus, Koji Korean BBQ, and The World Fare Bustaurant.

Now, if you're thinking that you need to travel to the nearest big city to sample such fare, don't. Because parked alongside South River Road in nearby Clarksburg sits the Dinky Diner, a converted travel trailer that's been a community destination for breakfast and lunch since 1998.

Founded by Carl and Viki Clayton, the Dinky Diner was created shortly after the two won the California lottery. At least, that's the local folklore as we understand it from bits and pieces heard here and there. But whatever their origins, the formula for success is simple in that customer satisfaction comes first and menu items are served hot, fresh, and lip-smackin' good.

Popular items include the Chili Cheese Fries, the Philly Cheesesteak Saute, the Deli-Sliced Pork Saute, and the Clarksburger, a no frills, two-handed signature sandwich that hits you with a flavor punch! And for those hot days, take the edge off with one of their real ice cream milkshakes or an old-fashioned root beer float.


Everything is made to order by a three-person crew, and they do their darn best not to step on each others' toes in the cramp quarters of the "kitchen." As one member commented, there's a methodical order to their madness "that's never dull."

The Dinky Diner is open between March and November, Wednesday through Saturday. So, you'll want to plan your visits accordingly.

And one other thing, be sure to dust off your social graces and polish up on your personal stories of the Delta when visiting the Dinky Diner. A communal environment is cultivated here, meaning that getting to know your neighbor is the norm under the shaded picnic tables and bench seating along raised flower beds.

Dinky Diner
36339 Riverview Drive
Clarksburg, CA

R. Kelley Farms | Sacramento, CA

According to a recent report published by the Sacramento Council of Governments' Rural-Urban Connection Strategy, there are over 231 farms and ranchers in the region who sell their products throughout the year at various venues such as farmers' markets, roadside stands, food co-ops, and grocery stores.

Given this staggering number, it was no surprise to find dotted along a small stretch of the Old River Road (CA-160), signs that pointed us to R. Kelley Farms, a family owned farming venture which has been providing healthy fruits and vegetables to the surrounding community for over 15 years.


Located about 1.5 miles north from the the sleepy town of Hood, R. Kelley Farms is owned and operated by Ron Kelley and his wife, Ella. And both very much involved in every aspect of their business, whether its overseeing sales to ensure that each visitor's needs are met or being up every morning to fill each bin in their shed with such seasonal items as black-eyed peas, okra, sweet corn, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, sweet onions, speckled butter beans, lima beans, crowder peas, purple-hull peas, green beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, and sweet melons. Believe it or not, this ONLY covers their Summer pickings. When Fall rolls around, these very same bins are replaced with pumpkins, squash, collard greens, turnips, spinach, broccoli, rutabagas, and brussel sprouts.

But what also sets R. Kelley Farms aside from others in the area is that they also let you self-pick your own fruits and vegetables. It's a short tractor ride out to the fifty-eight acres of well-groomed crops, where everything is in reach and certainly ripe for the picking.


So, whether you're looking for ways to supplement your own backyard garden with other exciting fare or you're city slickers like us, be sure to stop by for a little bit of fun and a whole lotta love and appreciation. Do keep in mind, however, R. Kelley Farms is only open from July through October.

Pear Fair | Courtland, CA

Of all the food festivals that we've had the pleasure of visiting, only one holds a sentimental place in my heart: Courtland's Pear Fair. Now, there's nothing particularly unique that sets the Pear Fair apart from any other food festival. Rather, it is the only one where my grandmother had been a participant, representing the best the Sacramento Delta has to offer in terms of hospitality, knowledge, and a passion for good food. Bringing her together with the Pear Fair was a match made in heaven, and as kids growing up in her shadow, we had front row seats. As I recall, she not only shared stories of what it was like to live in the Delta, but she was also not shy to talk about one of the region's leading crops. It seemed like there wasn't a thing she didn't know ... But I'm digressing.

So, what is the Courtland Pear Fair? For starters, it began in 1972 as a moderate celebration to welcome the Bartlett Pear harvest. Since then, it has become a long standing summer tradition reflecting both the character and lifestyle of rural life while offering a wonderful day of entrainment, festivities, food, and drink to over 8000 annual visitors. Admission is free, however, proceeds that are raised throughout the day via parking, food sales, and souvenirs go to support educational scholarships and programs as well as the Courtland Volunteer Fire Association. So, not only are you in for good time, but you're helping to sustain a community.

During our recent visit, we began the day by attending an all-you-can-eat breakfast, which featured dollar-sized pancakes and home-made pear sausage. We followed this with a walk through the arts-and-crafts pavilion, the history museum, and the cocktail garden where one can sample pear-tinis, pear mojitos, and a selection of pear ciders.

There's a little bit of everything for everyone, including food competitions (don't miss the pie eating contests), cooking demonstrations (learn how to make a pear cooler), and a parade (check out the newly crowned Pear Queen and her court of Junior Pears). And the food? With no shortage of vendors, you're certain to find something whether its pear ice cream, pear strudel, pear crisps, pear bread, and, of course, Courtland's famous pear pie. Nothing is held back here, folks, and it's not hard to see why this is one of the most anticipated events along the Delta.

So, now you know why my grandmother never hesitated to donate her time at the Courtland Pear Fair, and why going to the fair with my own family has special meaning. My memories of her will always be cherished.

Husick's Country Store | Clarksburg, CA

One of the exciting things that we've been noticing with each new pass through the Delta wine country are the unique shops and marketplaces that have come into their own over the years. Husick's Country Store is of no exception.

After a few years of extensive restoration, Dennis and Zina Sheya opened Husick's Country Store in 2007 in what was known in Clarksburg as Husick's Hardware, a storefront that once filled its shelves with eclectic merchandise and housed a variety of services including a post office, barbershop, and soda fountain. Although the past has given way to the present, much of that old-fashioned character still shines through. I don't know if it was the Adirondack chairs on the patio, the creak of the hardwood floors under each footfall, or the friendly and helpful staff, but we felt quite at home and everything that seemed complicated suddenly became simple.

So, we sidled up to a picnic table, took turns looking at the in-store displays, and stayed for lunch, which was prepared fresh behind a full-service deli counter. From classic sandwiches, grilled panninis, and sweet desserts, there was plenty to choose. We were even pleasantly surprised to note on their menu that for every Thursday night throughout the summer, the folks at Husick's host dinner events that highlights the best of the Delta's farm fresh ingredients, including specially selected wines and spirits.

We also learned that staying in touch via their website or their mailers has an added benefit since, on occasion, Husick's holds seminars such as olive oil tastings and food competitions like its annual tomato contest where categories include biggest, reddest, juiciest, and ugliest.

Food, family, and fun. Husick's certainly has it all, and it shows.

Husick's Country Store
36510 Riverview Drive
Clarksburg, CA 95612

The Old Sugar Mill | Clarksburg, CA

Driving through the Sacramento Delta, the idea of wine tasting is something that would not ordinarily come to mind let alone be a suggestion. But since 2000, the region has developed not only a name for itself, but also an award-winning reputation. And the group of wineries found at the Old Sugar Mill is of no exception. Group, you ask? Yes! There are six to be exact: Todd Taylor, Three, The Solomon Wine Company, Heringer Estates, Clarksburg Wine Company, and the Carvalho Family Wines.

Located in what is known as the Clarksburg American Viticulture Area, all six wineries benefit from w chat they describe as the "same morning fog and cool breezes from the San Francisco Bay that shape the growing seasons in the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma." Except, the thing is, they are all found along the Sacramento Delta, meaning that the wines developed here have embodied the bold flavors, rich aromas, and branded sensitivities that are unique to the area. But don't take my word for it. Tastings are open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00a-5:00p. Come on out for a visit. You'll not only be glad that you did, but you will be pleasantly surprised.