Outlook Forum Attendees Savor 'A Taste of Sacramento'

Visit California honored the Farm-to-Fork capital of the world at Outlook Forum 2023, presenting guests with A Taste of Sacramento for lunch on Wednesday, March 9. This lunch brought together some of the Sacramento region’s greatest culinary establishments.

Starting off with a small bite of heaven, Kirsten Van Peursem showcased the Séka Hills olive oil with a charcuterie station. The company, owned by members of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, crafts artisan foods driven by their commitment to the land and sustainability.

Chef Oliver Ridgeway of Camden Spit & Larder shared how he brings a British zest straight to the capital of the Golden State. He provided guests a taste of this cultural crossover with asparagus and trout roe tartlets.

Balancing out the high scale British delicacies with Latin street cuisine, “Chando” Lisandro Madrigal served his Sacramento staple street tacos. Guests had the option of chicken, carne asada, or veggie tacos from Chando’s Tacos. Sacramento locals praise the brick-and-mortar Chando’s Tacos establishments, but most would argue that the Chando’s truck is the true heart of Sacramento.

Rob Archie, proprietor of several Southern-inspired restaurants, including longstanding BBQ favorite Urban Roots Brewing Co., brought pork belly burnt ends. The prominent restauranteur was on site himself to dish up heaping scoops of slaw to complement the savory BBQ.

From Localis — which just this year earned a Michelin Star in California’s 2023 guide — Chef Chris Barnum-Dann served Emigh lamb meatballs with house-made Harissa labneh.

Billy Ngo from Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine shared his signature poke dish. He helped spotlight the extent of the culinary diversity that Sacramento has to offer.

To top things off with a sweet-tooth satisfier, Ginger Elizabeth Hahn from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates presented a wide array of delectably flavored macarons. Trained as a pastry chef, Ginger opened her very first retail chocolate shop here in Sacramento back in 2008, and her business took flight instantly.

Visit California Commissioner Kevin Fat of Frank Fat’s served a dessert they know to be regularly delivered upon special request to none other than Alicia Keys, their famous banana cream pie. The pie was served at the Taste of California event as well as at the end of Visit California’s Winter Board meeting, where Commissioner Fat was elected to serve as the board’s next chief fiscal officer. Frank Fat’s is an intergenerational establishment that has been serving refined American-Chinese cuisine to the who’s who of the Capital for nearly a century.