The Buzz

Spotlight on Auburn Businesses Part I: Carpe Vino is No Compromise

This is the first in a Series of blogs where I will be highlighting new and old businesses unique to Auburn. This is my way of supporting our town's "Think Auburn First" campaign, which I read about in the Sentinel and was reminded of more recently in Gary Moffat's column, "Don't Drive to Roseville; Think Auburn First", a few months ago.

In his article, Gary mentioned several reasons why so many of us head down the hill to shop instead of buying locally. He talked about the supposedly lower prices offered by the big box and chain stores and the fact that many of us want what we perceive to be better price/selection/value from the bigger stores. Being a Bay Area transplant myself, I must admit that I used to be one of those weekend mall-goers and monthly Costco shoppers. However, lately the trips down the hill are few and far between for several reasons.

1) The sky-rocketing price of gasoline nullifies the few pennies I might save by driving down the hill to the big box stores.

2) What used to be a "quick trip" is now a bloody nightmare since I must drag four whiney children along. Yes, the exponential growth of my family makes car trips something I avoid at all cost.

3) I simply did not know what shopping opportunities were available to me here in Auburn.

This is a point that Gary also made reference to in his article. "Many Auburn residents are simply unaware of what is available in this town."

Personally, I have found this to be very true. After having lived here for nearly five years, I started making some of my own local discoveries when the AuburnBuzz was launched last year. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many lovely and unique shops and restaurants that I never knew existed. The Longhorn Meat Company, Creative Endeavors, Wild Flower, Winston Smith Books, Ultimate Beauty Supply and La Fornaretta Restaurant to name a few. Over the last year, I have made it a point to cut down on my trips down the hill, and instead take the time to discover more local businesses that can be found in the nooks and crannies of our historic town. I choose to support our local small-business owners whenever possible and I have found it is also a great way of connecting with people and getting to know our community better.

After being so inspired by Gary Moffat's article, which was completely on target in my humble opinion, I would be remiss not to mention the wine bar and restaurant, Carpe Vino, which is owned and run by Gary and his son, Drew, at the top of the list . I just had my first opportunity to check it out a few months ago and was not disappointed. (Yes, I realize it has been open for several years, but pregnant patients and nursing mothers are generally not allowed to partake at the wine bar). The ambiance created by the interior brick walls, low lighting, and local artwork displayed on an impressive cabling system was more than I expected. That is not to mention the terrific selection of wine and the most friendly and knowledgable staff you could ask for. Not being a wine conisseur myself, I rely heavily on the recommendations of the experts behind the counter. I can't wait to go back and try some of the Amador County varieties Gary recently added to his selection. I have been told by many the food is par excellence, but will have to discover that for myself the next time around. As Gary would say, see you in the wine bar!

While I found the service at the wine bar to be excellent, I must say that 'lack of customer service' is one reason that Gary forgot to mention in his previously-mentioned article that drives many of us down the hill. Unfortunately, both my husband and I have experienced sub-par customer service more times than we would like to remember at local Auburn businesses. Without mentioning any specific names, there have been numerous occasions we have felt the customer service was severely lacking and perhaps the help didn't try harder because they thought theirs was the only or best option in town. Au contrare. There is ALWAYS another option. We may give the business a second chance (everyone has an off day, right?), but if the service is bad two times in a row, forget it. We won't go back and would rather drive a longer distance for a better experience. We try to patronize those businesses that seem to appreciate their customers the most. Let me add that we are not extreme picky people, but we do expect common curtesy, friendliness, and just the slightest aire of helpfulness. Cheers to the Auburn businesses that already have this figured out!!!!!!

Bouncing around Old Town Auburn today was pleased to learn about all the changes taking place starting with the Gold Rush Mall where I learned Mimi of  The Silver Store will soon take the best location in the front of the mall; congrats to Mimi who has waited well over a decade for this opp.  Mahogany Gail moves to Tea Thyme up Sacramento Street as TT is now out of business.  Roseanne has opened a boutique in the back of the mall next to the veteran Sharon Stanley of  South of  The Border.  The Brookside eatery appears to be holding its own while Stan of  The Gold store is suffering with a serious injury and the Indian store has folded their tent.  I was very impressed with the scintillating lustre of  The OT Gallery and enjoyed my connection with the always enthusiastic Doreen Kidd who waxed joyously about the success of the Gallery.  Congrats to Kidd and all the creative artists.  Enjoyed a cup with Courthouse Coffee Owner Linda Lareau and daughter Lisa with her fashion-grooved daughter sitting outside on the sunny patio.  Headed over for a visit with good pal Syl Bruce who had her staff re-inventorying at the new location at the end of  High Street where Syl says she is happy in her new digs and will soon advertise a grand opening.   Plan on eating at Pasquale Ts next week at their new location next to the Downtown clock tower.  As a consumer, I'm pleased with all the changes and look forward to my shopping/dining choices in our happy hamlet.

It is being said that 2008 is the beginning of a major shift in growth/change/upheaval and one can certainly appreciate the economic reality with higher gas prices, etc; but life does, hopefully, go on.  Ran into good pal Syl Bruce as she headed over to Depoe Bay on High Street where I joined her and bumped into fellow golfer Donna Arz who was with Jack Bangs.  While waiting for our order at this very busy coffee house, chatted with AJ columnist Susan Rushton whom Bruce brought up to speed regarding her new location for Southwest Silver:  Just a stone's thrown away on High adjacent to Sundance Computer (recently moved to Palm Avenue).  Although the new location is smaller in size, the richly painted walls create a trading post atmosphere which will contribute to an alluring look for Southwest Silver when the place is put together.  Good luck to Syl in her new digs and congrats to Depoe Bay for spreading their wings with more menu selections and tables to nosh/network/connect.

Met KAHI Sales Manager Bob Ripley today for a pleasant lunch at The Monkey Cat in Downtown Auburn where we were told by owner Trish that husband Jim Bril is recovering from knee surgery and will return in a month.  Bob and I enjoyed our fish tacos and appreciated the attentive service by the dark-haired waitress with the easy smile.  Bob and I enjoyed our radio/community connections and agreed to connect again very soon.  Best wishes, Jim, for a speedy recovery.

Experienced a joyous day Thursday with guest Cheri Murphy and her rich jazzy singing on KAHI CONNECTIONS and re-connected with Carol/Greg French who guested on THE GOLF CONNECTION.   Post-show, we all headed over to Courthouse Coffee for coffee/chat and connected with Cirby the Golf Vixen who connected with golfer Spencer; and were joined by Big Bad Barry who chatted up Cheri Murphy.  Headed out to the former Red Wagon restaurant on Combie in Nevada County, now under new ownership and called Northridge.  Enjoyed a hamburger/fries and chatted with Husband Jack.  Returned home to roses/candy/baloons/golf shoes with a smile on my face for the perfect day.   Played nine holes today with Donna Arz and Randy and Kurt--good golfers they are--at our favorite place, The Ridge, where Donna and I enjoyed our tasty lunch out on the greens.  I love/love/love it all.  After the nine holes, headed back and caught up with Husband Jack and Stewart Schurr, Dr. PC., who were sunning/dining on the spacious deck.  Ended up home and received some valuable computer tips from Stewart and then received a work-out by the skilled body mechanic Gabrielle Pullen.  I'll sleep tonight.  Oh yeah.

Determined to hold my own against the quirky forces which seems to be shifting the collective consciousness.  Pleased with my choices in Auburn, I've been connecting with pals Spencer and Donna at The Ridge where divine splendor awaits.  This week on KAHI CONNECTIONS, "the legend" jazz singer Cheri Murphy drops by to entertain and connect with our community at The Round Table at Courthouse Coffee.  This morning I head out to Downtown Auburn to enjoy a tasty breakfast at the Auburn Grille where Commander Jack revels in Kim's home-style jam and fluffy eggs and, hey, what about that fresh fruit cup replete with mandarins?  After a check-in with CHC Owner Linda Lareau--and perhaps a walk about Old Town--I'll head this bod toward Raspberry for a round of golf, solo.  Be still this heart which is now in a serene state of  relief due to Stewart Schur, owner of  Dr. PC Computers, who restored my computer to working order.  All happening in Auburn.  Watch out. 

Although I have not yet experienced the fare at Joe Caribe, the newest eatery on Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn, I have heard excellent feedback from those who have joined me at The Round Table and I look forward to savoring those "tasty tacos" as I seem to crave more spicy and zesty foods during these grey, winter days.  And let me say that I continue to enjoy the good food at Lou La Bontes where I was joined the other day by pal Donna Arz and Jack Bangs.  We all enjoyed our tasty meals seated in the corner of the spacious bar adjacent to a warm fire, provided with good service.  I'll be back. 

Local author and former stuntwoman Chris Enss guested today on KAHI CONNECTIONS and talked up colorful women and men of the Old West, many of which are mentioned in Enss'  reader-friendly books which can be found on her website.  Enss always provides a lively program and was well received today by KAHI engineer Barry Stigers and golfer Dave Bedell.  Enss has also authored a book on the Young Duke aka John Wayne and has written a screenplay about Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans.  Hope to connect with Enss next year with her current book.  After the program I headed over to Court House Coffee where I met Dave Bedell who met owner Linda Lareau and we chatted about golf and the community.  For lunch I met up with Dark Horse golfer Terry Love at the splendidly decorated dining room at The Ridge;  and GM Jonathon Martinsen dropped by to say hi and enjoyed meeting Love.  What an enjoyable day was had broadcasting and meeting and connecting.  Thank you, Auburn.

Enjoyed a friendly lunch Thursday after a lively radio program hosting the talented thrush Jane Rivar who enjoyed coffee post-program with her producer Mark and owner Linda Lareau who played Jane's serene CD  Friends Donna Arz and Syl Bruce joined me at the Monkey Cat where I dove into a tasty Crab Melt followed with a shared chocolate dessert with Arz.  Server Trish did a good job of serving the table and we left sated/satisfied, not having seen Jim Brill who works dinners and mentioned when I talked to him later that he will be serving on Christmas Eve.  Jim is a cordial host and worked for many years at Fior D' Italia in San Francisco; so I can say Jim has humility and has made the transition from the big city to our small town.

Kudos to KAHI Manager Jerry Henry who pulled off quite a nice happening at the Monkey Cat restaurant in Downtown Auburn.  Most of the KAHI staff/programmers were on hand for a lively gift exchange overseen by the over-the-top radio talent Dave Rosenthal and for a most delicious dining experience complete with a decadent chocolate dessert.  Gold stars to owner Jim Bril who shared kitchen duties and greeted the guests.  I made an exception as I resist groups/gatherings/meetings; but I thoroughly enjoyed the good company, cameraderie, tasty meal, and long-time-no-see connection with the cordial Owner Jim Bril.   I also enjoyed conversation with Christina and Stewart Schur, owners of Dr. PC, our tablemates.  Now I'll be walking/swinging the sticks with determination to lose those calories and hit the target.  Fore!