Solano – Zio Fraedo’s
Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, located on the waterfront in Vallejo, is more than a meal with a view. It’s a family tradition. Owner Tony Loforte has had a long relationship with another successful restaurateur – his father; Tony Loforte Sr., who has run Zio Fraedo’s of Pleasant Hill for the past 35 years. Tony Loforte Jr. and his wife, Sherry, have run Zio Fraedo’s of Vallejo for the past seven years. The restaurant overlooks the Vallejo Marina, providing diners an expansive water view from the ballroom or outdoor seating. A view of the latest sporting events on three large HD TV’s and a well-stocked bar also provides a view more to the liking of sports fans.
The cuisine at Zio Fraedo’s is most closely identified as Italian, but also includes a varied range of continental specialties that covers French cuisine or even the occasional Bratwurst. They also handle banquets and catering in their spacious dining area. The family feeling extends to the staff, many of whom have been with the establishment from the beginning and are attentive and courteous without being overly formal. Tony and Sherry Loforte are carrying on the family tradition in Vallejo with great taste and style in a beautiful setting.
23 Harbor Way, Vallejo, CA 94590 • (707) 642-8984 • www.ziofraedos.com
Wardlaw Dog Park – The Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s 2.2-acre dog park includes two separately fenced areas: a small one for elderly and shy dogs, and a much larger fenced area for active dogs that enjoy romping and socializing. Dog owners will find shared watering/washing facilities with positive drainage that receives multiple treatments before it enters the storm drain system. Multiple picnic areas are provided around the site for all users. The site includes a restroom, a bridge to the Blue Rock Springs Corridor and a parking lot with room for concession trailers. This park was designed by utilizing the “best of the best” from other facilities around the state.
“Our first and last priority is making sure the customer’s happy,” says Daniel Collier, Store Manager of Diablo Foods in Lafayette. “My grandfather, Ed Stokes, started the business 43 years ago. One of the cornerstones of the business has been customer service; it all starts there.”
hat has made Diablo Foods the go-to location it is today. “There are a lot of beautiful markets out there, but there are only so many products you can differentiate yourself with,” Collier explains. “It’s that experience you get when you walk in; we just have an overall good feel and energy of the store due to the people we have here.”
Marking its 65th anniversary in 2012, Vallergas Market is still providing the city of Napa with fresh, quality produce, meats, seafood and gourmet accoutrements. Longtime residents have seen the shop grow from a tiny storefront on First Street (where Copia is now located) to a modern, one-stop grocery megamart.
Vallergas is one of the few places where Napa residents can visit a knowledgeable butcher, eager to offer suggestions on what to cook for one’s family. The star attraction, as most Napans will agree, is the deli with meats and veggies topping sandwiches that are as fresh and tasty as you can find in wine country.
The Lawrence Hall of Science, the University of California, Berkeley’s public science center and the leading provider of science education outreach programs in Northern California, has a new site in Vallejo.
open Wednesday – Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Get free admission on your first visit or come to the FREE drop-in programs on Thursdays.
Every 30 minutes, Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser bursts from the earth with an eruption of steam and water to heights reaching up to 100 feet in the air. Napa parents have, for generations, taken the opportunity to educate their children on the wonders of this geothermal and seismic phenomenon. Geysers like Old Faithful are a genuine example of the earth’s volatile forces still at work.
After watching the impressive natural spectacle, families can enjoy treats purchased at the snack bar or munch on pre-made picnic lunches and then walk over to the petting zoo, providing an afternoon in Calistoga that is both informative and entertaining.
In the heart of Napa Valley, tourists and residents have consistently made the Rutherford Grill a must stop destination along Highway 29 and the western avenue of wine country. Although owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which boasts high-profile dining establishments across the country, the refined-rustic menu and setting at the Rutherford Grill is inspired by the insouciant spirit of Napa Valley. “We are sort of casual up-scale,” says Sarah Feely, General Manager. “I think what our customers appreciate is our kind, sophisticated service. Our servers and staff really work to take care of everyone.”
he food is cooked with care, often using slower, long-roasting and open-fire methods to ensure that the ingredient quality shines. “We are famous for our pork ribs,” says Feely. “The meat just falls off the bone. They are our most popular item by far. But our French Dip is great too. And the iron skillet cooked cornbread is the best. We make everything in-house, including our bread which is baked fresh every day.”
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is owned and created by John, Dave and Chris (three brothers, of whom John and Dave are twins). They have two locations: Pleasant Hill and San Bruno. Having grown up in the restaurant business, the boys ventured out first with their Pleasant Hill location, later followed by San Bruno. They serve up great food – breakfast, lunch and dinner – for their guests, and strive to make their parents, who also gave them their start in the business, proud. Their goal is to make you feel like you’ve stopped in for a family dinner and left with one of the best meals you’ve ever had.
