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It was a night to remember – Sunday, the twenty-seventh of September, California pear growers, close family and friends, and local Sacramento-area folks gathered on a historic wooden bridge over the Sacramento Delta in the heart of one of the largest pear-growing regions in the state.
The setting could not have been more picturesque with guests seated at one long table running the length of the bridge. The bridge was built in 1951 to connect the world with Deadhorse Island – named long ago for thee place where retired workhorses could peacefully live out the rest of their days. Today, the island is home to cornfields and Dixie Wilson, 86, who built her home there in 1968. She was in attendance at the event along with her sons and grandchildren, who farm pears and other products in the Delta.
Before dinner was served, guests mingled and took in the scenery while enjoying local drinks and offerings, including a delicious pear and gorgonzola-topped Murino pizza from Sacramento’s Hot Italian. Dawson’s Steakhouse of the Downtown Hyatt Regency shook up Bosc Pear Martinis and Bogle Vineyards poured wine from Clarksburg just down the river. Other libations included brews from Sudwerk Brewing Co. in Davis, and River City Sodas locally-made by Blue Dog Beverages Co.
After being seated for dinner, guests held hands for a blessing delivered by Joy Baker, a member of one of the many families with long-standing roots in pear farming in attendance. The delicious meal was prepared from locally-sourced products by Mark Morias and his team at Giusti’s Place – which sits directly across the river from the bridge. ‘Family-style’ salads were placed along the row of tables, including a salad featuring Delta Islands Organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil, and another with Rio Vista-grown California Endive, fresh local pears, Point Reyes Blue cheese and candied walnuts. The main course was perfectly-cooked Barrel-Smoked Pork Rib Roasts with Caramelized Pears served alongside Dixon sweet corn. Ending on a sweet note, Golden State Fruit of Lodi provided dessert drays of dark chocolate crumbs, dessert pears and Fiscalini cheese paired with Bogle Petite Sirah Port – which guests continued to enjoy immensely as they watched a gorgeous sunset over the Delta. The beautiful evening was capped off by a Supermoon Eclipse, which cast a red glow into the night.
Throughout the evening, a local, young, talented photographer by the name of Skyler Stanley displayed some of his work, which includes shots of Delta bridges, and beautiful sunsets – much like what our bridge dinner guests experienced for themselves that very night. Skyler was kind enough to capture many scenes from the event on film and we’re pleased to share them with you on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
Between the local offerings enjoyed, the conversations shared and the incredible scenery viewed, the evening could not have been more perfect in its embodiment of the Farm-to-Fork spirit that strives to build bridges between farmers and the Sacramento community just up the river. Thank you to all who joined us and to those who made it possible!
