Misters Frame the View at the New Crawdads on the Lake

Weeks of buzz and happenings around the region have piqued the interest of “Folsomites” and beyond in anticipation of the opening of Crawdads on the Lake. Seen from above and below, haze from their patio misters identify the scenic hillside location of Crawdads on the Lake which is located at the intersection of the American River and Lake Natoma. This new “hot spot” has taken over the space once occupied by the former Cliff House of Folsom, and its new owners have created a knock-out gathering hub, giving it a fresh infusion of the “it” factor.

Restauranteurs Todd Zancaner and Trevor Shults are the pair behind the popular destination Crawdads on the River, known as Sacramento’s festive riverside eatery and bar. They have now brought their experience and reputation for serving up a spectacular menu, cocktails, and live musical entertainment to what is thought to be the best restaurant view spot in Folsom and its surrounding area.

Living up to the Hype

Our Koolfog taste team decided to take a field trip to Crawdad’s on the Lake to see what this new place has to offer and, of course, check out the new patio misters we installed. We settled on a Wednesday “Hump-Day” excursion to meet at 4:30 p.m. We thought for sure we would have no problem getting a table (they don’t take reservations) on an early, mid-weekday.

It seems the anticipation of Crawdad’s much-lauded opening was not to be underestimated. 

Although the venue has increased its parking capacity as well as partnered with the Historic District of Folsom’s Shuttle Service to offer free rides from various pick-up spots in Old Folsom, there was a line formed from the roadway to gain access. We decided to park on Sutter Street and walk across the iconic Rainbow Bridge adjacent to the property.

The path to Crawdad’s on the Lake is simply stunning, and from Rainbow Bridge, we could see lovely clouds floating in the wind. Propelled by the patio misters installed on the restaurant’s deck, it became a bright oasis. Once inside, we grabbed a beverage at the pub-like bar while waiting for misters folsom crawdadsour terrace table to be ready. Glancing around the crowd, we admired the modern rustic décor and large windows that open out to the exterior patio with an indoor/outdoor walk-up bar service. The facilities remodel has greatly expanded the property, offering approximately 8,500 square feet of indoor dining space and approximately 2000 square feet of outdoor seating with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Natoma’s blue waters as well as a bevy of recreational swimmers, kayakers, and nature lovers.

A Hot Spot with Cool Misters

As mentioned, the place was packed without complaint, or, as they say, “the joint was jumping!”.  Casual diners mingle with hipsters in a scene to be seen in its smashing ambiance. One of the lucky ones, our crew was seated in a prime location…under the cool misters right at the deck railing with the most amazing view. Patio misters flank the length of the deck, sheltered by shade sails and evening café lights that sparkle at dusk. With the sun shining and temperatures high, we perused the mouth-watering menu before selecting our fare. We noshed on both the traditional and Ahi Nachos (definitely recommend) while getting a breezy refresh from the overhead misters.

A New Chapter in Folsom’s History Books

Crawdads on the Lake in Folsom is a gem that truly deserves high praise. With its delicious food that tantalizes the taste buds, refreshing beverages that quench any thirst, and a cool outdoor patio with misters to create a perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the view, it’s clear why this place is quickly becoming a beloved spot in the community. As word spreads, there’s no doubt that Crawdads on the Lake will soon carve out its own iconic chapter in the history pages of Folsom, becoming a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

Restaurant Remodel? Consider Outdoor Misters

Taking over a restaurant is a challenging endeavor. Taking over a 35 year-old restaurant in a historical building with a vision for its resurgence is a valued commitment. Riley’s On Sutter rebranded the space, once housed by the longstanding Hacienda Grill. Located on the upper second floor of the Hacienda Building, it is situated on the busy corner crossroads of Sutter and Riley Streets, hence its current moniker. Since its debut, it has, consistently, hit the mark as a popular culinary hot spot, that attracts hungry guests visiting the area. Rich in history, the Historic District began in the 1850’s and is a preserved representation of a Gold Rush era town. Set among old western styled buildings and weathered facades, upscale bistros, wine cafes & festive pubs mix with fashionable retail shops to attract visitors. This is a historic district that has embraced modern amenities including commercial outdoor misters. Along this “strand”, guests are welcomed with outdoor misters on sidewalk eves, patios, and decks.

TREAT YOURSELF!

Riley’s On Sutter opened in 2023 and has a unique menu (not just pub fare) that infuses different ingredients and techniques into their appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, and more. The extensive bar features a great selection beer, wine, margaritas, and cocktails to pair with your food. Our very experienced “taste team” happened to work up an appetite when the temperatures hit 105 degrees in Folsom on a summer’s Wednesday. Happy Hour begins at 11 am, Wednesdays- Fridays and we could not have been happier and cool on the dining under the outdoor misters. Our recommendations:

Share:
Mini Ahi Tacos
Made with avocado, mango-jalapeno salsa, soy, wasabi, crema, and wonton crisps.
We paired this a Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Solo:
Riley’s Burger
American cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, house sauce + French Fries + Choice of Pint of Beer or Fountain Soda

The Patio Deck Is a Show-Stopper with Outdoor Misters

The “new and improved” ambiance sports an updated interior décor, seating, and art to create a festive, yet beautiful environment. The restaurant has made great use of the space so that the flow of service is streamlined and crowds can move around smoothly. The outdoor deck is, definitely, a place to be “scene” and on any given day, you will find a throng of customers enjoying an al fresco dining experience Riley’s On Sutter’s upper deck. Overlooking the Historic District, the deck is gathering spot seen from the streets below and invites with a fun vibe.
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The deck has a shaded cover that compliments the restaurant exterior. White patio lights, big wood beams, and black metal, accent the “sun-screen” without deterring the open air feel. Outdoor misters have been applied in the form of fans as well as outdoor mister lines to create a warm welcoming environment with a cool and comfortable atmosphere. If you want to find out more about Koolfog’s state-of-the -art misting technology with expert design, manufacturing, and installation, visit www.koolfog.com.

Refresh with a Beer Under the Patio Misters at Sudwerk Brewing Co.

On a warm day in the Central Valley, patio misters can be seen from the roadways approaching the causeway between Davis and Sacramento. In contrast to the heat, the plumes of cool mist welcome guests hinting that Sudwerk Brewing Co. is open for business. Known for its fine craft beer and amazing food fare, this refreshing oasis is also a hub for community arts, culture, events and more! 

 

patio misters sacramento

Most recently, Sudwerk Brewing Co. was featured on the Food Network ™’s new show hosted by Guy Fieri titled “Best Bite in Town”. It involves Fieri and friend Noah Cappe, teamed with chefs Tiffani Faison and Jet Tila, to sample dishes from a selected city’s most popular restaurants. Fieri and his “Bite Club” tasted bites from Sudwerk, The Hotdogger, Hikari Sushi & Omaskase, Tommy J’s Grill & Catering, sudwerk sacramentoHandheld Sweet & Savory Pies and Zumapoke & Lush Ice. While The Hotdogger took the win, Sudwerk’s’s Chef Troy Lockwood served up a delicious dish of Grilled Fish & Chips with Caviar Sturgeon, Avoccado Tartar Sauce, House Made Potato Chips/and Charred Lemon. Soo good!!

Established in 1989, this German-inspired brewery blends traditional beer-making processes with innovative California artisan craft practices. The result, the creation of one of the region’s most award-winning breweries with a collection of some of the finest beers in the West.

Awards by the numbers:

  • 8 Medals for The People’s Pilsner at the Great American Beer Festival
  • 13 Awards won at the California State Fair Beer Competition
  • 18 Total Awards received from the GABF
  • 2021 – The year Sudwerk was awarded Brewery and Brewer of the Year in the United States in production size.

A Dock to Host Community
The Dock is a designated are that serves as “a seasonal, experimental playground where curious consumers can taste the creative efforts of our brew.” This is a family and dog-friendly space that hosts live music, fundraisers, and community events. On any given day, you might find festive booths and a crowd of eager revelers joined in celebration. In addition to providing the perfect University, laid back vibe, The Dock features Sudwerk’s Concert Series, an Oktoberfest tribute, and special events such as the annual Davis Cherry Blossom Festival.

A Cold Beer on a Hot Day With Misters On Tap
This brewery also brings people together over a good beer and a meal shared in its spacious dining room.  The mouth-watering menu includes kid friendly option and a special Sunday Brunch offering. Then there is the 3500 square foot beer garden. This open-air environment sports a shade, structure, fire pits and of course, patio misters.  If you are craving an al fresco pint, this is the spot to choose from 48 taps of thirst- quenching Sudwerk’s finest beers, nosh on a burger, or chill with a River City Beer Float.

To quote their website:
“This Is Sudwerk. We’re big believers in enjoying a good beer and a good meal, paired with a friendly place to share it with friends.”
A friendly place that has invested in misters to keep their friends cool and comfortable. So raise a glass in cheers to Sudwerk!

Break Even Beermakers & Koolfog Misters Welcome Beer Garden Season

Springtime weather warms up just as small batches of liquid gold are mined at Amador City’s Break Even Beermakers. If sampling fine craft beer is your thing, you’ll want to make one of the best day trips to sip suds under the misters near me and you and the Bay Area and the Sacramento, Central Valley, and Sierra Foothill regions. You get the “draft”… beer garden season is here!

Sipping Small Batch at the Source
One of the many charms that characterizes Break Even Beermakers is its Amador home. Known as California’s smallest incorporated city, Amador City provides the perfect setting for Break Even’s taproom, with a reputation as a small-batch brewery with a big personality. From its cleverly named beverages to its fun and flavorful food menu choices, this place takes advantage of the best of the West’s agriculture by cultivating a celebration of California’s farm-fresh offerings. Local, regional, and sustainably sourced ingredients take center stage in every taste with hops and fruits picked from the family ranch, less than five miles from the brewery.

Break Even Beergarden’s Best- A Sampling

  • The Hoppy Heater: Hundred Percent: Strata (pineapple rind & smooth mango)
  • Bluebelly (sippin’ beer)
  • The Head of Joaquin Murieta (guava West Coast tropical funk)!
  • Oh, and there are fresh batches of Amador Gold, (honey-buttered bread)

It’s All in the Design
The brewery’s dog-friendly venue has many spots to sit, be social, and take in the scent. Within the old bones of an original building structure, the interior has been renovated with a bohemian bent, natural materials, and an open-air feel. The front porch and the umbrella-shaded back patio with picnic tables are not only aesthetically pleasing hubs but stylish and comfortable spaces. 

According to one online reviewer: “The high line elevated water misters in the high heat, and the outside cabana offered relief from the scorching sun.”

misters on restaurant patio

The misters are carefully spaced for optimum evaporative cooling. That means the misters emit a fine foggy haze on very hot, dry days that cools the ambient temperature without making the air feel wet.  Place around the eves of the structure, misting lines, and misting nozzles receive water from a high-pressure pump that atomizes the droplets that come of the misters. If you are ever interested in professional design like this, a Koolfog estimator will come on-site to provide consultation and measure all spaces to design a misting system solution that meets every customer need. 

Music, Special Events, And Misters
Clients that host different events throughout the year, including warmer seasonal months, are recommended to call Koolfog on-site as early as possible as part of your event planning preparation. 

Break Even Beermakers hosts many different events featuring live music, a great environment, as well as fabulous food. Refreshments including wines, ciders, sparkling water, and, of course, the arguably best backroad beer in Motherlode country, invite California explorers to cool off under the misters with a cold one.

Drake’s Brewing Company – The Barn West Sacramento

outdoor mistersDrake’s, The Barn, West Sacramento is a restaurant and beer garden known for its vibrant and diverse gathering scene near the Sacramento River. Located in West Sacramento’s Bridge District the two-acre area is a popular and versatile destination spot with a fun outdoor atmosphere cooled by misters during warmer weather. Lawn chairs, fire pits, food and drink draw a festive crowd with different entertainment events including yoga at sunset in the adjacent meadow, live music, outdoor movies and daily themes that spice up the attractive venue.

Daily Promos at Drake’s: The Barn through 2023
TUESDAY – Truckin’ Taco Tuesdays (various food truck specials)
WEDNESDAY – Pizza & Pint Combo Deal
THURSDAY – Trivia Night
FRIDAY – Beer & Bourbon Special
SATURDAY & SUNDAY – Bucket o’ Beers

Drake’s Brewery began in the “brew-story” as an early Bay Area craft brew maker. It now has four locations including The Barn. This is Drake’s West Sac place to grab a cold one and relax. The location is also a stone’s throw from Sutter Health Park, the home of the Sacramento River Cats baseball team, making it a great game day stop. As summer ball season heats up, fans can be found lounging under the misters in, what can be described, as a tailgate affair.

Drake’s craft beer offering is extensive featuring a variety of house beers, specials, and guest beers as well as cocktails, spirits, ciders. Farm-to-fork dining includes fresh and seasonal ingredients with a rich display of pizzas, tacos, and brunch fare to be found. Guests can, also, saddle up to the YO?LO! Food Truck for sandwiches, sides, and more. The Barn is dog-friendly, and kids are welcome to share in the stellar bites sure to excite little ones.

Every Saturday and Sunday* from 10AM-2PM enjoy brunch specials and beats starring some of our favorite local DJs

  • THE PITCHER’S MOUND LOADED BREAKFAST SKILLET – Eggs, country potatoes, cheddar/mozzarella blend and mushrooms. Topped with cilantro lime crema, guacamole, green onions, and cilantro.
  • FRENCH TOAST – Thick slices of french toast topped with whipped butter, and a berry compote.
  • THE BARN BRUNCH SANDO – Fried egg, hash browns, cheese, bacon, soft herb medley.
    pepper jam.
  • BREAKFAST BURRITO – Barn potatoes, soft scrambled egg, bacon & cheese blend in a flour tortilla. Served with house salsa.
  • KIDS FRENCH TOAST STIX – Served with fruit salad.
    Brunch runs from 10AM-2PM, pizza & burger service starts at 12PM, and all other food items are available at 2PM when brunch ends.

outdoor misters sacramentoDrake’s The Barn in West Sacramento is a unique and vibrant destination that seamlessly blends food, drink, and entertainment to create a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Nestled along the Sacramento River, this rustic-chic establishment has become a local favorite and a must-visit for tourists exploring the region.

With its scenic views of the river, a commitment to sustainability, and to making guests comfortable with the installation of outdoor misters, Drake’s The Barn is a true gem in West Sacramento, offering a delightful blend of flavors and experiences.

Restaurant Remodel? Consider Outdoor Misters

Taking over a restaurant is a challenging endeavor. Taking over a restaurant and remodeling is daunting. Taking over a 35 year-old restaurant in a historical building with a vision for its renovation is a valued commitment. Michael Sanson, owner of Plank Craft Kitchen and Bar, has made his mark on the local Sacramento regional restaurant scene with his well-respected, popular culinary hot spot, located in the Folsom Historic District. Rich in history, the Historic District began in the 1850’s and is a preserved representation of a Gold Rush era town. Set among old western styled buildings and weathered facades, upscale bistros, wine cafes & festive pubs mix with fashionable retail shops to attract visitors. This historic district has embraced modern amenities including commercial outdoor misters. Along this “strand”, guests are welcomed with outdoor misters on sidewalk eves, patios, and decks.

No stranger to the machinations of working with historical landmark buildings, Sanson recently took over the former Hacienda Del Rio Restaurant with a plan to rebrand the space, housed on the upper second floor of the Hacienda Building situated on the busy corner crossroads of Sutter and Riley Streets.  After investing in a significant face-lift, Hacienda Real Mexican Grill and Cantina opened Spring of 2023 with a menu offering appetizers, salads, soups, and traditional Mexican fare with a flair. The extensive bar features margaritas, mules, mocktails and bottled and draft beer.

outdoor misters sacramento

 

Hacienda Real Must Have:

 Vampiro Asada Tacos
Marinated steak + avocado salsa + cabbage + radish + oaxacan cheese + lime on crisp tortillas; Served with three (3) soft corn tortillas and served with rice and choice of beans.

Vampiro sparks visions of “vampires” and seems a mystery when applied to a menu item. So, what is a vampiro taco?  Imagine a recipe that takes a corn-tortilla, cooked on a grill until it turns crackly, then topped with a layer of melted cheese and added assorted protein toppings such as chicken, shrimp, and beef…like a lovingly tendered blend of a taco, a tostada, and a quesadilla.  This yummy “snack” is said to bloom from the streets in the Mexcian State of Sinaloa, with several ideas as to the origin of its unique name.

  • Some say the name tacos vampiros relates to the fanned-out wing shape of the grilled tacos.
  • The garlic added to the “protein topping” is considered “Dracula-repellent”…thus, the vampire reference.
  • It is, also, said that the dish vanquishes your hunger just like blood quenches thirst for a vampire.

Whether the shape, the garlic taste, or its satiating power, tacos vampiros is awesome!

The Patio Deck Is a Show-Stopper with Outdoor Misters
Hacienda Real’s face-lift includes a “new and improved” ambiance with updated interior décor, seating, and art to create a festive, yet beautiful environment. The remodel has made great use of the space so that the service flow is streamlined, and crowds can move around smoothly. The outdoor deck has been significantly enhanced and is the place to be “scene”.  On any given day, you will find a throng of customers enjoying an al fresco dining experience under the outdoor misters on the upper deck of Hacienda Real. Overlooking the Historic District, the deck is a gathering spot seen from the streets below and invites with a fun vibe.

outdoor misters folsom

The deck has been upgraded with a shaded cover complimenting the restaurant exterior. White patio lights, big wood beams, and black metal accent the “sun-screen” without deterring the open air feel. Outdoor misters mounted to fans and outdoor mister lines create a warm, welcoming environment with a cool and comfortable atmosphere. If you want to learn more about Koolfog’s state-of-the-art misting technology with expert design, manufacturing, and installation, visit www.koolfog.com.

Love Dining on Outside? There’s a great “misting system near me”!

Wouldn’t it be great if you could Google your way to find a “misting system near me” so you could determine which restaurants have the best misting systems on their outdoor patios? We think so too. We have found, however, that search engines point to big box retailers to purchase DIY misting kits before seeking out professional misting companies that are experts in their field. In fact, the best misting systems are commercial grade and use high-pressure pumps to deliver atomized droplets of mist that evaporatively cool the immediate are without leaving it wet.

Koolfog is known as a worldwide industry leader that designs, manufactures, and installs the best misting systems on the market. We have an impeccable reputation for using the highest quality materials and our first-class customer service. We help restaurants maximize their service space by making their outdoor spaces comfortable for their guests. That’s why our roster of restaurant clients is not only extensive but our misting systems have been featured in various media outlets as enhancing the outdoor dining experience.

In the Sacramento region, you can find a Koolfog “misting system near me” at many dining and brewpub patios throughout the valley. Delta breezes, fresh veggies, and craft beer signal summer-time staples in our “Farm to Table” capital. As we know, though, seasonal temps can be toasty. Because our clients trust our ability to provide them with the best misting systems around, grabbing a quick bite or sipping on a favorite beverage al fresco is a welcome treat.

The Best Misting System, Best of Brew & More!

Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouse, located in the mid-town of Sacramento, is a local hot spot. This independent craft brewery and smokehouse have a festive atmosphere and an outdoor patio scene with a cool vibe.  A large, colorful mural gives an artsy flare to the terrace that faces the covered outdoor patio. Outdoor string lights illuminate the space, so you can’t miss the “misting system near me” as it surrounds the patio structure.

misting systems near me sacramento

Koolfog takes great care in designing an outdoor cooling solution that meets the needs of outdoor dining establishments. We ensure that the misting nozzles’ position provides optimal coverage without excessive moisture. We place the high-pressure pump (or pumps depending on the size and scale of the facility) in discreet places to minimize noise but with easy access for maintaining the system.

Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouse is a destination experience with special events, beer releases, and Tuesday Happy Hour pricing.  Visitors can tap into their beers (they also have a wine list) and taste from their mouth-watering menu.

 

Dining Under the Misters

Sip: Love Your Roots IPA
A new series of hop focused beers we are using to highlight new hop varieties, farming partners, brokers and new and innovative hop products or technique.

Snack: Pretzel
A vegetarian delight with a side of brown mustard and beer cheese

Splurge: All The Smoke
includes 1/4 lb angus brisket, 1/4 lb pulled pork,1/4 lb. turkey, 1/2 lb. pork belly burnt ends, 1/2 lb. pork ribs, 1/2 jerk chicken, one hot link and one bratwurst plus your choice of (4) 8 oz. sides, 4 pc. bread and house pickles.

urbanrootsbrewing.com

Patio Misters, Pizza & Pints at kitchen747 Bar & Grill

At any given time, kitchen747 is packed with a community of people who come to this Roseville neighborhood locale to socialize, watch sports, eat good food, grab a drink, and play games. The restaurant is a friendly destination designed to entertain palettes as well as past-times, offering ping-pong, shuffleboard, and corn hole. The interior setting has a warm and inviting ambiance with featuring earthy tones, rich woods, and brick. Its rustic charm blends with industrial and modern décor to create a hip vibe. Various sporting events create a backdrop above the bar area with a view of the expansive outdoor dining area. Cozy fire pits warm patrons during chilly weather while patio misters cool guests in the hottest seasons.

A Hub for Roseville Buffs
The restaurant has tons of seating and boasts a huge dining room as well as different outdoor spaces to congregate and indulge. The large patio has a loggia to provide shade with strategically placed misting nozzles set around the structure. On yet, another level up, the rooftop patio sets the scene for viewing sunsets, meeting up, and more. Designing a multi-level misting system can be a challenge. However, Koolfog’s design team is very skilled at handling complex systems and working with different architectural structures. kitchen747’s “penthouse” style area’s patio misters create a comfortable environment for checking out the festivities below as well as taking in the action at nearby Nela Luken Park. 

misters luken park

Nela Luken Park is also a Koolfog customer and another Roseville gathering spot. The park has a large open turf area with a unique water sculpture, featuring playground misting poles. The sculptured mist poles were built to resemble railroad ties in homage to Roseville’s railway history. Nela Luken Park, itself, has railroad tracks formed as paths leading to a central train turntable area…in this case, a round plaza where visitors can gather at to cool off and interact with playground misting poles.  After a day of recreational fun at the park, kitchen747’s expansive outdoor patio is the perfect perch to continue cooling off under the patio misters while grabbing a bite, sipping on a refresher, and catching a glimpse of the Sacramento Valley’s famous sunsets.

Of Parties and Playful Menu Selections
With so many spaces to celebrate, kitchen747 is a perfect place for hosting a party.  The staff provides itself on its top-notch customer service, so guests are in good hands entertaining guests. The restaurant also hosts events of its own, including beer pairing evenings. With over 20 craft beers on tap, they also have an impressive wine list and serve various craft cocktails and mocktails.  The menu is outstanding with different food categories highlighted with a clever play on words. In addition to seasonal menu fare, diners can order from items filed under fork optional, leafy greens, specialty pizzas, fork needed, from the ground, for our offspring (kids menu), desserts and brunch.

patio misters Roseville kitchen 474
 

Mimosa’s & Misters
Kitchen747 is also a fabulous spot to brunch. Brunch. That special weekend experience brings friends and family together to chat about the week’s happenings and share a meal and one of the brunch’s staple pleasers, a mimosa. Sipping a mimosa under patio misters is something to look forward to at kitchen747.  Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM, the brunch menu is quite diverse, with sweet and savory plates mingled with breakfast beverage favorites.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch. Food and Fun. There’s always something going on at kitchen747. Add this hot spot to your list of must-do’s!

 

Patio Dining Takes Our Breath Away at The Waterboy

As a young girl, I delighted in my visits to my great aunt’s kitchen. There, she would give us lessons in cooking Northern Italian comfort foods that reflected her early family life around the table. Her recipes were not written down and her dishes were made with heart from ingredients she had on hand. Hand-crafting gnocchi di patate was one of my all-time favorite opportunities. Perched on little stools to reach her counter, we would discuss the quality of the potatoes to perfect the dough, the importance of simmering homemade sauce, and proper finger-to-fork rolling techniques. Despite our lumpy, oversized dumplings, those that children learn from, the best part was sitting down on her warm porch patio to savor the taste of this most amazing pasta plate.

My love of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine has not tapered over the years. In fact, my appetite for food, travel, and culture has led me to explore the many culinary attributes of regions both here and abroad.

So, imagine my delight when I discovered a wonderful Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Midtown Sacramento. The Waterboy can be described as an upscale dining establishment with a seasonal menu celebrating both local flavors as well as the colorful cuisines of Northern Italy and Southern France. The Waterboy’s award-winning chef, Rick Mahan, has been a pioneer of the capital’s farm-to-fork scene and humbly states, “I’ve always taken a great deal of pride in highlighting food originating from a farm. Sourcing seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and curating local food with care has been one of the most satisfying accomplishments of my career.” Chef Mahan’s careful attention to creating fine fare has been extended to the venue’s design details and refined ambiance that make The Waterboy a standout. Mahan has not only created an exquisite menu that brings out the best flavors using the freshest ingredients, but his heartfelt cooking has created an experience reminiscent of those afternoons sharing memories over a plate of pasta.

I discovered The Waterboy when searching for a restaurant to take my BFF out for a special birthday lunch, a post-pandemic field trip of sorts, venturing farther than our Sac-sub-urban hangouts. While many restaurants closed due to the fall-out of Covid-19, I was happy to find The Waterboy had expanded its patio seating to accommodate mandatory outdoor dining. While we looked forward to perusing the thoughtful menu reviewed online, we had no idea our day would be transformational.

Upon arrival, we were escorted through a beautiful modern dining room onto a charming sidewalk patio that matched the light and airy nature of both the people and the place. While the temperatures were climbing, we were comfortably cooled by a custom patio misting system designed by Koolfog, experts in mist cooling. For Mahan, the addition of the misting system made the changes Covid brought to dining a bit easier. He says, “We had such limited seating (during the pandemic), and putting the misting system on our new outside dining spaces, definitely, helped to make it easier to sell reservations on the patio. It has visually made a difference as well. We get noticed, and people are set at ease when they see the mist because it fosters a sense of relief when it’s hot. It looks nice and has really worked to cool customers. We are, really, happy with the Koolfog system.”

patio misting at the waterboy sacramento

Dining under the misters, our birthday lunch began with a bit of bubbly as a friendly staff service person walked us through the specials of the day and asked about any dietary restrictions. While the menu left us with many mouth-watering choices, we fixated on the Potato Gnocchi description. Served in a Mushroom and Eggplant Bolognese with braised artichokes, sauteed garlic, and Reggiano cheese, the combination of ingredients and flavors sounded intriguing. We were not disappointed.

The gorgeous gnocchi smelled of heaven and made a pretty presentation on the plate. With every bite, there was a medley of tastes to compliment the complexity of flavor in our mouths. Yet, these were not the round dough balls of my youth. Chef Mahan’s pasta was petite in size, each artfully rolled and sauced to perfection. The little pasta pieces produced a dazzling pop of spice but worked in harmony as if in appreciation for capturing the essence of its Italian roots. At that moment, I took a breath, taking it all in… it made so much sense for us to be sharing this meal while sitting on The Waterboy’s rustic patio. Our table was set with crisp linens, being cooled by the soft, breezy air…this was the Mediterranean-influenced al fresco escape we had been yearning for… and with that, our post-pandemic milestone birthday lunch became so much more. By sharing the best of The Waterboy’s Italian comfort food, we were welcomed with a side trip down memory lane. Thank you, Chef Mahan; we look forward to many more foody adventures with your genius.

Patio Misters Welcome Happy Guests to Scarlet’s Specialty Saloon the Power House Pub.

The Sacramento region is known by many names. The California State Capitol City, Farm-to Fork Capitol, The City of Trees, Camelia City, and River City. With so much to offer, Sacramento has become a year-round destination featuring historic landmarks, exquisite dining, entertainment, arts, culture, and shopping. Despite sizzling temps, it’s the summer season in Sacramento where this diverse region shines. Outdoor activity, exploring nature as well as music and food fests, take center stage in the town where two of California’s major rivers meet. Tubing downstream, SUP and kayak adventures give way to hiking waterfalls and wine-tasting. When the weather is hot, celebrating friends and family at open-air gatherings is made possible and comfortable with the use of outdoor patio misters.

The Sacramento and American Rivers converge near Old Sacramento, a beautiful riverfront historic district with cafes, attractions and museums that appeal to all ages. A little upstream, Crawdad’s on the River is packed with après boating revelers sipping on cocktails and feasting on amazing seafood dishes under cooling patio misters. Customers can pull their cruisers right up to the restaurant’s dock for good eats and live music while taking in the most amazing sunsets al fresco.  

 

A New Era

Sacramento City recently (June 2022) approved a policy-making sidewalk, parking lot and parklets a permanent possibility for restaurants seeking such building permits for their establishments. One of the bright spots of the Covid pandemic was/is the rise of these outdoor dining areas. The City has created pre-approved layouts for those wishing to add to their space with requirements for permanent construction materials. Building with stone, concrete or wood makes for the perfect structure for installing patio misters. Permanent structures make an investment in a Koolfog system that is much sweeter and goes a long way in enticing visitors to optimize and utilize such Plein air settings. It is said that the Sacramento downtown area has about 122 restaurant businesses operating this type of outdoor space to date. Koolfog has many clients in these numbers and as competition for capturing patrons increases, we welcome the opportunity to give more outdoor dining areas a bit of cooling pizzaz.

 

Patio Misters on Display in Historic Folsom

An eastern suburb of the City of Sacramento, also located with the Sacramento County borders, is the charming town of Folsom. While Folsom is famous for its prison, it is also one of the finest bedroom communities along the American River. The Historic Folsom District is a unique blend of merchants and history. Updated saloons mix with craft beer pubs in between dining options for all palettes. The streets are dotted with dessert delicacy shops, galleries, an Escape Room, Axe throwing…you get the drift. It’s an eclectic enclave artfully blending modern amenities with Old West vibes. 

At Willamette Wineworks, small bites and charcuteries are paired with amazing wines under their balcony misters. Samplers can enjoy the gentle breeze coming off the water while savoring one of those Sacramento sunsets without breaking a sweat. If you walk down one end of the street to the other, you’ll notice a delightful haze put out by the many patio misters cooling customers streetside. Not only does this create a visually interesting ambiance it is a welcome sign to retail consumers that businesses are open and want them to feel comfortable hanging out.  Strollers on Sutter Street can admire the architecture that dates to the Gold Rush Era. At the busy corner of Riley & Sutter, patio misters invite those looking for a good time to Scarlet’s Specialty Saloon inside the fabulous Powerhouse Pub. Named after The Folsom Powerhouse, an 1895 hydroelectric power station, one of the first in the United States, the Powerhouse Pub sits above this preserved historical site overlooking the water released from the Folsom Dam into Lake Natoma. Weekends are especially lively at the Powerhouse Pub with crowds dancing to live music and a bar scene that rivals city slicker hangouts. The streetside terrace is cooled by patio misters and is a great spot for people watching when the street is closed off for a festive nightly gathering of vendors, tourists, locals, and outdoor dining. Folsom’s Historic District and it’s many restaurants offer, yet, another unique destination within the Sacramento region to step outside to explore the many happenings that make Summer’s in Sac Sensational!