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!

 

Meet Russell Hudson – Koolfog Premier Sacramento Partner

When you see an outdoor cooling system in the Sacramento Valley region, there’s a good chance that Russell Hudson has had a hand in it. Hudson is a go-to partner for local installation and service on Koolfog’s high-pressure misting pumps and accessories that provide outdoor cooling and comfort to commercial and residential clients.

Hudson has built a reputation in the Sacramento area as a seasoned contractor and owner of Hudson Construction, specializing in renovation and construction management. He is well-known throughout Sacramento’s craft-beer industry having successfully remodeled an established brewery and of course, the many pubs he’s outfitted with Koolfog misters. Prior to getting his own contractor’s license, Hudson worked as Superintendent for Nimbus Ponds supervising commercial projects including various shopping centers, business complexes, Wintun Tribal community in Cache Creek, Tribal Health Center in Oroville, Montano De El Dorado in El Dorado Hills, and The Fountains at Roseville.

The Fountains at Roseville project marked the first time Hudson was introduced to Koolfog and its misters and fountain fog effects. The centerpiece of the Fountains in Roseville shopping promenade is a “spectacular dancing fountain”, a destination for gathering. This magnificent outdoor fountain features water jets, lights, and fog synchronized to music and choreographed to move with the rhythm of the songs. Hudson worked to integrate the automated systems and install Koolfog fog rings to create billows of fog during the “main show”. Since then, Hudson has worked with Koolfog’s team as a reseller and installation contractor bridging landscape and architectural enhancements to clients via misters and fog.

 One of the most challenging Koolfog projects Hudson has encountered is a large equestrian property that houses two animal shelters and stables. The two shade structures are located in pastures adjacent to a barn with horse paddocks. The idea is to provide temperature-controlled cooling for horses as they seek refuge. A motion detector automatically turns on the misting system to cool the horses as they rest. The overall system required two misting pumps located in different areas (with trenching into a pasture) as well as automated program controls to manage multiple cooling zones. It’s these types of challenging designs, learning new things, and helping others that motivates Hudson. 

During the past two years, Hudson has brought his industry knowledge of Sacramento’s hospitality industry to collaborate on the design and sales of outdoor misting systems to restaurant sidewalks, parklets, patios, and courtyards. As restaurants were forced to serve guests in outdoor spaces, new ideas and technologies were embraced to make dining outside the “new normal”. Most of these outdoor dining spaces are now here to stay. According to Hudson, “I’m proud that Koolfog systems can be a cost-effective outdoor cooling solution to help with restaurant recovery as well as contribute to the economy. Working to create misted environments in micro-climates in beer gardens, café’s, pubs, bistro’s as well as upscale restaurants is fulfilling and a reminder that we can find and bring enjoyment by enhancing environments with mist.”

Hudson’s handywork can be enjoyed at unique venues such as Device Brewery, Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse, and Midtown’s Cantina Alley, to name a few. He’s also worked closely with the Selland Family Restaurants, including the Selland’s Market-Café on

Broadway, a favorite haunt where Hudson enjoys dining under the misters, himself. “It’s been a blessing to provide them with quality service and a quality installation to promote their business.”

Patios… A Dining Experience for all Seasons

For over 20 years, Sellands Family of restaurants including The Kitchen, Ella Dining Room and Bar, and OBO’ Italian Table & Bar, & Sellands Market Café’s have long been established as some of the most coveted culinary destinations in the Sacramento region.  Fine handcrafted foods and outstanding flavors of the highest quality ingredients offer, seasonably fresh, farm to fork foodie experiences. The trio of Selland’s Market Cafés are a charming collection of dining destinations found across the distinctive valley locales with beautiful patios, two, outfitted with misting systems installed, for guests to enjoy the best al fresco feasting.

Weekly SPECIALS offer Dinners for 2 on a prix fixe menu @ $29, selected by the house each week. Known as one of the best deals around town, guests can share a bottle of wine and a meal such as the recent medley:

restaurant patio mistersTandoori Chicken Breast
with Saffron Rice Pilaf
& a side of Cucumber-Red Onion Relish,
topped with Cilantro
Paired with a Select Bottle of Wine

The impeccably designed café’s are set with an open air concept that welcomes with a bright, sunny palette bringing in light from the patio areas.  On days when the weather invites outdoor dining, visitors can take their orders from the culinary smorgasbord of deli and gourmet fare and enjoy the dog-friendly patios dotted with garden lights, fabulous flowers, shade covers, umbrellas and misting systems for cooling.

Strung across the patios for strategic areas to offer respite, the misting systems add a layer of visual content to the colorful plated tables, amazing aromas, and overall dining experience.  When turned on (spring through fall are optimum times to seek refreshment from the sun’s glow), the café’s patios turn into magical bistro settings that give off a festive vibe with a fashionable scene.

Koolfog’s taste team has dined at each Selland’s Café with a unique experience at each one.  We recommend dining under the misters with the following sumptuos selections:

 

Sample:
SELLAND’S wood-fired MARGHERITA PIZZA
Made with tomato coulis, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomato-leek confit, parmesan, basil, this pizza can be modified gluten sensitive as well as vegetarian.

Savor:
HERB SALMON FILET SALMON FILET PROVENCAL
A delicious filet featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, leeks, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
This dish is gluten sensitive, dairy-free.

Salad:
GOAT CHEESE & APPLE
Mixed greens provide a tasty bed for goat cheese, apples, toasted walnuts, and red onion, tossed with their golden balsamic vinaigrette. For an additional fee, add chicken, tri-tip, salmon, bacon, avocado or farm eggs to any salad.

Sweet:
STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PARFAIT
You can’t go wrong biting into a soft but crunchy spoonful of strawberry mascarpone cream, pound cake, strawberry jam, and vanilla streusel.

Snack:
CHURRO COOKIE
Enough said. Don’t leave without one.

Selland is the perfect place to celebrate springtime, fresh blooms, and fresh healthy food.  So sieze the day and get out of the house (or the office) and head to your nearest Sellands’s patio to spend brunch, lunch or linger for into the afternoon to eat, mist, and be merry.  You can also partake in Selland’s holiday menus and special event catering for your home parties and they also offer takeout, curbside pickup & delivery.

Device Brewing Company Installs Koolfog Patio Misters

If the cold weather has you dreaming of warmer months, head over to one of Device Brewery’s Sacramento region locations to enjoy the best of every season. Device Brewery is a family-run nano-brewery with three places to sip and savor stouts, ales, IPA’s and a host of delicious food snacks. Recognized as a fine producer of craft beer, Device Brewery is building quite the treasure trove of awards enhancing their reputation as creators of some of the best craft lagers around. Each location is unique in ambiance with varied bites and special brews poured seasonally as well as those year-round standards such as Device’s award-winning Integral IPA.

INTEGRAL IPA
2019 NORCAL BREW COMPETITION
GOLD MEDAL WINNER

West coast-style India Pale Ale brewed with Midwest malt, Northwest hops, and California ale yeast. Copper color. Medium body, dry finish, medium bitterness, and light caramel malt flavors. Dry-hopped with Mosaic hops to give a very pleasant hop aroma of berries, citrus, and tropical fruits.

The Device Brewery & Taproom on 14th Avenue showcases honored beers that are now distributed throughout Northern California from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, and Bakersfield to the Oregon border in more than 2,500 retail accounts. But those lucky dwellers in the Sacramento region have their choice of sampling some of the best craft brews in town. When at the Device Brewery Taproom be sure to check out the menu and try the Pork Schnizel with Dijon Demi-Glace, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Veggies, Lemon Pinwheels, and Chives.  Add your own twist with customizable “Nacho Nods” adding a choice of sour cream, pico, cheese, jalapenos, chipotle, grilled or crispy chicken. 

If you are in the mood for a quintessential city craft brew tasting experience, head to Device Brewery Ice Blocks Midtown location. Situated amidst an artful mix of warehouse structures, historical architecture and high-tech neighbors embodying a cool place for businesses, retail and lifestyle residences, Device Brewery is the heart of the scene.  Grab a crowler or a growler of “Made In Sac” IPA with house-made Mac & Cheese with Bacon.

The Device Pocket/Greenhaven Taproom+ Kitchen has delicious dishes and a bevy of beer on tap to enjoy. This hot spot has a weekly Taco Tuesday fest as well as Weekly Trivia. For those seeking the perfect place to host a celebration, this Device Brewery location offers a distinguished special events venue. In Spring and Summer months the patio is thriving with those reveling in the breezes floating over the nearby Sacramento River while basking in the sunshine holding a mug of the seasonal:

IN THE AFTERGLOW MUNICH HELLES
2017 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER

A crisp and light German-style Lager. This tasty brew is perfect on a warm day and leaves you wanting more.5.2% ABV – 16 IBU

Indoor dining, take-out, outdoor heaters and patio misters can be found at all locations to make the most of guest comfort.  In addition to sharing their passion for craft brew, creating a comfortable environment to sip and savor is one of Device Brewery’s tenets. Based on reputation and local business referrals, Ken Anthony of Device Brewing Company commissioned Koolfog to create comfortable outdoor patio environments for its customers at two different Sacramento area locations. 

patio misters sacramento
Using industrial suspension lines, stainless steel compression fittings, and high pressure evaporative cooling pumps, Koolfog designed, manufactured and installed custom fogging systems to keep customers cool and comfortable during the hot months from May to October. 

According to Anthony, “This is not a backyard misting system you could buy at a big box hardware store with vinyl tubing that hooks up to your garden hose faucet. This is an advanced technology that looks great, and when the fog is covering our patio on a hot day, our guests are surprised they are not getting wet. The evaporative cooling is that fast! I also think that when people see others enjoying one of our award-winning beers on the patio with fog everywhere, they want to share that same experience. It really draws people in. I’ve recommended the Koolfog system to several of my peers in the food and beverage industry.”

Girl’s Night Out at Shangri-La… Not Just For Grown-Ups

Planning a celebration for teens is not always easy. Recently, FogGirl 2.0 (our older daughter is FogGirl OG) had planned a fun evening in Old Sacramento to celebrate her 15th birthday. She and her squad anticipated a night without chaperones to enjoy riverside eats and a ride under the stars on the Waterfront Park Ferris Wheel. Unfortunately, the morning of the big day, there was a snafu and reservations were canceled.

We began the scramble to come up with an equally exciting agenda, with the energy imagined for a 15th soiree, when Shangri-La Restaurant in Fair Oaks came to mind. Koolfog has worked with Shangri-La to provide cooling misters for guests as well as staff and our team loves the ambiance as well as the food. Shangri-La is an amazing destination offering flavorful gourmet fare on a pristine Palm Springs-inspired patio. Bright colors mix with a bocci court and an outdoor bar creating a festive scene and be seen oasis. Filled with palms, flamingos and a tres chic vibe, this sophisticated setting offered the perfect place to impress style-minded teens. With a shout-out to the understanding owner, Sommer Peterson, we were able to secure a last-minute reservation and the day was saved.

The girls were excited for this new adventure, an opportunity to get their glam on, take lots of photos, and try new tastes. Upon arrival, the ladies were greeted by the wonderful staff and were delighted to experience the “Mojito Mocktail”. Described as a “treat with a lemongrass twist’, the youthful gals were able to lift their glasses to cheer the birthday girl while adding a splash to their sense of adulting.

patio dining shangri la fair oaksShangri-La’s menu is spot on with the versatility to satisfy diverse crew cravings and dietary needs that include gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, carnivorous, and carb-friendly. La La’s Grilled Cheese mingled on the table with shrimp and the Steak Frite Burger, while bites of the Baja Fish Taco’s and Ahi Poke were shared. Fried Mary’s Chicken was a fan favorite with a fancy dessert plate sweetening the meal. The Candy Bar, a stacked brownie with peanut butter mousse, candied nuts, and caramel, gloriously ended the party on a high note.

FogGirl 2.O and her pals had the best night with a fashionable event that was compared to the likes of a “Gossip Girl” worthy gathering. “Shangri-La magically takes you to another place and the food was amazing. But what really stood out was the customer service. The friendly attention we received and the great service truly made us feel welcome. Sommer Peterson even took time from her busy schedule to check in on us.”

It is no easy feat to wrangle a group of teens into trying a new spot or find a fun activity to keep them safely engaged. The team at Shangri-La has outdone themselves on all levels…with not an eye-roll in their midst. Put this venue on your list of “must-do’s” for your teen’s “girl’s night out” with the confidence that they will keep cool under the misters and leave the restaurant feeling special as they have enjoyed a uniquely tasteful culinary experience. With Homecoming right around the corner, make your reservations now!

2021 Home Improvement Trend: Patio Misters To Optimize Lifestyle Spaces

Patio misters, a previous mainstay in many dry climate areas, became a huge “must-have” in 2020 as outdoor retail, dining, exercise, and entertainment spaces became precious commodities. There has been a surge in the procurement and installation of misters at restaurants, parklets, gyms, even cosmetology schools whose instruction was moved outside. Patio misters have been attached to free-standing structures, tents, patios, loggias, terraces, and garden planters to offer respite from hot weather temperatures.

With the advent of Covid-19, many took inventory of their living and lifestyle situations while enduring the realities of isolation. Faced with working at home, playing at home, exercising at home, and entertaining at home, people began to fundamentally change their view of how they would prioritize the use of the space available to them. Home improvements, enhancements, and optimizing the use of outdoor spaces became investment opportunities for homeowners.

Selecting Premium Patio Misters
Patio Misters are considered high-pressure fog solutions for commercial and residential applications. Also referred to as “patio misting systems” and “cooling mist systems” the evaporative cooling technology produces fog by strict definition. Misting systems are designed appropriately to each target environment, which includes the misting pump, water treatment, controls and the distribution line and nozzles.

Koolfog specializes in designing and manufacturing patio misters that are customized to specific environments. With more than 30 years of experience in high-pressure evaporative cooling and special effects, Koolfog solutions are both effective and consistent. With optimum, long-lasting performance Koolfog patio misters can cool an expansive area by up to 35 degrees when designed for size, performance and automated control.

Patio Misters Add Value to Residential Homes
Residential owners invest a sizeable amount of their income to landscape and beautify their outdoor living spaces. Now more than ever, patios and decks are being designed as an extension of the family room, ideal for entertaining small gatherings, dining al fresco, exercise, reading, and homework. However, when seasonal temperatures rise, these activities can be subject to the elements making the environment uncomfortable or even unhealthy during a time when every bit of real estate matters.

According to Nicole Dibble, Realtor with Keller Williams Luxury, “Investing in patio misters adds value to your residence and enhances your lifestyle opportunities by improving upon your property. Much like adding a pool or solar to your home, the addition of patio misters is an enhancement that allows you to capitalize on using your living space. People and pets are cooled, the environment is enhanced and gardens are humidified to create an appealing outdoor oasis.”

With vaccines rolling out, society as a whole is looking to the future and looking forward to a post-pandemic sense of normalcy. As this crisis continues and evolves, however, it remains to be seen if we will be faced with cohabitating with the virus for some time to come. Therefore, patio misters will be a sought-after home enhancement to optimize living, working, and dining spaces and this trend will remain a focus from 2021 forward. Get ahead of the rush to install a custom patio mister and call Koolfog now!

Koolfog’s 2021 Seasonal Guide for Installation & Maintenance of Outdoor Misting Systems

This past year has been a whirlwind experience for everyone. Whether you stayed at home or ventured out for a bit of outdoor fun and food, this pandemic has taken us all for a ride. The ups and downs of closures and openings have affected everyone. Koolfog pivoted its sales and design resources to help as many clients and new customers as we could during last summer’s surge while following CDC and OSHA guidelines to keep everyone safe.  outdoor misting systems

We are hopeful about the new vaccines being given but before we look forward to a return to “normal”, we anticipate more uncertainty before we can truly say that the COVID-19 crisis is done for good. To help our outdoor misting system customers plan ahead, we put together this seasonal installation and maintenance guideline. If you find that you need technical assistance with your misters, call our technical support team (link to contact) or your local installer for assistance.

Winter
Let’s begin with Winter expectations as we are in this season currently. Now is, actually, a great time to think about the INSTALLATION of your outdoor misting system. If you think this is something you want in place for the onset of summer’s heat, you should definitely schedule a FREE estimate as soon as possible. We know this doesn’t seem like a priority and the weather isn’t necessarily suited for outside entertainment, however, planning ahead can set you up so you can get ahead of the spring rush.

Spring
With pandemic repercussions continuing to concern, Koolfog expects its own surge as the first signs of warmth begin to draw folks outside. Businesses will be looking at ramping up their service and space requirements and residents will be realizing how they wish to spend their time at home while riding things out. Our estimators and design team will be ready to assist you.

For those businesses and homeowners with an existing outdoor misting system, now’s the time to bring them out of their winter hibernation. Call your installer if you require assistance with any of the following:

  • Reconnect your dormant mister system to its main power and water supply
  • Change oil
  • Inspect the system and nozzle integrity
  • Replace misting nozzles that are not performing
  • Perform an active run-thru to ensure that the system is misting the area optimally

Performing general maintenance on your outdoor misting system during spring is important because it extends the life of your misters and ensures that everything is fully functional when summer’s sizzling temperatures climb.

Summer
Summer at Koolfog is fast and furious and we have all cylinders firing! From manufacturing to our customers support team, everyone is going non-stop. This is our peak season when the weather is hot and folks want their outdoor misting systems working perfectly. If you find that you need technical assistance with your misters call our technical support team or your local installer for assistance.

Fall
When it begins to cool down, most use their outdoor misting system less in anticipation of moving to indoor activities. Misting system maintenance protects your misting system during the winter months when your system is inactive. Although you may be in an area where the days are still reasonably warm, just one night at low or freezing temperature can create cracks, bursts or leaks in your misting system’s pipes and components. Even without freezing, water sitting in the pipes can become stagnant and should be emptied when you aren’t using your misting system for a long time. Regular Fall maintenance should include these steps:

  • Disconnect the water supply
  • Complete minor repairs
  • Air purge lines using compressed air
  • Replace water filters with dry & canister o-rings with new, for quick start-up in the Spring.

Our team hopes that Koolfog’s 2021 Seasonal Guide for Installation & Maintenance of Outdoor Misting Systems will help you make your planning and decision making a little easier.

36 Handles Public House EDH Creates Patio Oasis With New Koolfog Misting System

Does this heatwave have you craving an iced cold beer? Are you too hot to cook but don’t want to brave the elements? Don’t let COVID cabin fever get you down. Head on out to 36 Handles Public House in El Dorado Hills for a truly refreshing experience. The crew at 36 Handles has created a chill patio with a misting system to enjoy craft beers, fine cocktails and curated pub fare while managing social distancing guidelines with outstanding friendly service. 

On approach, you’ll be welcomed to a beautiful outdoor oasis filled with spaced out tables, lifted umbrellas, and awnings and pillars that seem to climb with greenery.  Open-air natural lighting mingled with ample shade allow guests to enjoy their surroundings and take the opportunity to get outside. 

 

El Dorado Hills Misting Systems

 

Misting System Helps Beat the Heat

On this particular day, the terrace was filled with people noshing on colorful plates and drinks while working on various activities. One person had their computer out for what appeared to be a working lunch. Another person was relishing in a solo lunch to read and a few tables were talking and laughing in celebration of COVID-19 deprived social interaction…all in 100-degree heat. Patrons didn’t seem to mind because their misting system was in full operation. Koolfog’s high-pressure misting system can cool ambient temperatures up to 30 degrees depending on outdoor conditions. 36 Handles Public House has used this technology to their benefit and has installed mist lines on their walkways, surrounding structures, and above their dining area to create a truly comfortable environment. So don’t let a heatwave stop you from sampling the many suds on draft. 

What’s in a name? that which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet.”- William Shakespeare —

36 Handles website boasts, “True to our name, we feature 36 draft lines. About 10 of our lines stay with the same staple brews while the other 26 are on a constant rotation.” California craft blends are aplenty such as local California State Fair winner, Folsom Dam Good Pilsner (Fort Rock Brewing, Rancho Cordova), and 805 Blonde Ale (Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles). Just as famed classics including Guinness Draught (Guinness, Saint James’ Gate, Leinster) can be found on tap. With a daily happy hour to kick back, blow off some steam and taste some amazing dishes, try dining under the misting system at 36 Handles Public House to restore the spirit!

Koolfog Taste Team Appetite:

  • Bar Cravings, Zucchini Fries
    • Frid Zucchini Sticks served with Buttermilk Dressing
  • Handhelds, Proper Bita
    • Stacked Bacon, Heirloom Tomato, Avocado, Little Gem Lettuce, Basil Aioli on Grilled Surdough
  • Love Handles, Chocolate Lava Cake
    • Warm Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream

Go to 36handles.com for more information.

 

 

Outdoor Misters Add to the Magic of Shangri-La Restaurant in Fair Oaks, California

Storytelling lore shares tales of an imagined paradise, isolated from the world, a utopian land of mystical happiness. So when Sommer Peterson, entrepreneur, and restaurateur, planned the opening of her next big project, she set her sights on creating a stylized escape in the concept of Shangri-La.

Peterson, founder of the famed Mini Bar SF and artistic genius behind the award-winning Mission Bowling Club, is no stranger to an inventive challenge. In fact, her tenacity and originality reflect a passion she has built her reputation on. She explains, “I love to create environments and design experiential spaces that go beyond the traditional dining establishment fare. Shangri-La Restaurant is my vision of an urban escape, a place to fully engage and immerse oneself in a ‘happy place’.

outdoor misting shangri-la

Finding potential in an old mortuary location, Peterson boldly opted on accessing the 1-acre plus setting to breathe life into an epicurean vacation spot while paying homage to one of her own favorite retreats…Palm Springs. Peterson liked the bones of the building’s architecture and repurposed it in mid-century modern fashion as a chic gathering place to welcome all who pass through its entry. Hidden behind a peek-a-boo fence, constructed for privacy, guests are dazzled by large windows that give an open-air detail extending to a patio filled with dining tables, a fire pit, bocce, and an intriguing indoor/outdoor bar service. Proving an exciting addition to the Sacramento region’s culinary scene, embracing the beauty that is Shangri-La is truly a treat.

Taking inspiration from the legendary Parker Hotel of Palm Springs, Shangri-La Restaurant boasts splashes of bright yellow, a terrace dotted with umbrellas, and sports outdoor misters to cool as well as add to the ambiance. Peterson says enthusiastically, “I wanted a dining destination that has a colorful, fun vibe that screams, ‘I have arrived’. I believe we’ve curated elements that make the experience feel like a quintessential Palm Springs resort. With the convenience and comfort of outdoor misters, guests can celebrate the best of California’s laid back luxe lifestyle”

Outdoor Misters Can Be As Essential As AC for the Food Service Industry Operating in the “New Normal”

Covid-19 has put unprecedented stress upon the restaurant and entertainment industries, impacting almost every facet of their business. While foodservice has overcome this ever-changing landscape, it has vacillated between indoor, curb-side, and now, ostensibly, outdoor dining,

Restaurant owners have had to rapidly pivot to accommodate Covid-19 public health initiatives. With outdoor spaces subject to extreme and seasonal climate changes, the health of both staff and guests remains a priority.

Peterson understands this dynamic and contends, “With the pandemic raging, I’ve basically had to turn an inside restaurant… to an ALL outside experience. Keeping customers and staff healthy and happy is my most important goal. While I can’t control the outdoor weather, the installation of outdoor misters has off-set the heat. Kind of like climate control for outside. It’s as essential as an indoor AC.”

Palm Springs and Sacramento regional areas share a common seasonal phenomenon… it’s sizzling hot in the heat of summer and this stifling heat is a deterrent to businesses that have no option but to operate outdoors. Thus, outdoor misters have become an important part of Peterson’s successful re-opening of her business during Covid-19 by offering the ability to seat more customers comfortably, offering her hard-working staff a much-needed respite, and staying true to the Shangri-La atmosphere she has manifested.

Shangri-La is an Al Fresco Foodie Find

If the description of this seemingly ideal scene doesn’t lure curious adventurers, the food is a slice of heaven that cannot be overlooked. Shangri-la Restaurant specializes in seasonal, contemporary American fare and handcrafted cocktails. With a host of veggie and gluten-free options, you’ll want to indulge and imbibe in the finest sourced ingredients.

Must-Have:
The Shangri-La SLUSHEEZ
“citrusy, layered, focused” citrus green tea-infused vodka, fresh-squeezed lemonade”

SHANGRI-LA BURGER
(served with fries or salad)
Pliny beer cheese, house pickles, aioli, crispy onion strings
– add bacon, heirloom tomato or avocado
– Gardenburger patty available upon request

As those in the know have come to appreciate:

”Leave the world behind and enjoy the fresh air on our expansive patio”

And don’t forget to make reservations to dine under the outdoor misters!!

Shangri-La is located at 7960 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. For reservations and connections please go to shangrilafairoaks.com or phone 916-241-9473.

Please be advised of the Shangri-La COVID HOUSE RULES:
• Please practice social distancing and help do your part to keep guests and employees safe.
• Masks must be worn at all times while moving throughout the restaurant.
• If you get up from your seat, your mask must be on.
• Furniture cannot be moved.
• 2-hour time limit on all tables.

Outdoor Misting Systems Transform Seasonal Traditions into Year Round Opportunities

Amidst the changing colors of tree leaves and a nod to the onset of chillier moods, the autumn season has a vibe all its own.  Fall, typically, heralds a break from summer temps offering a new set of flavorful foods and beverages to suit the weather.  As climate change continues to confuse Mother Nature, higher temperatures are lingering throughout the Greater Sacramento Region.   Unseasonably hot temps means locals can drink a cold craft brew or enjoying a bratwurst in the sunshine.  If you prefer a patio or garden setting to sip and sample tasty Fall traditions, you may want to choose a pub or restaurant featuring comfortable outdoor misting systems. 

“Oktoberfestivities” and Outdoor Misting Systems

Der Biergarten, located in Midtown Sacramento is a unique site that has been designed as a full outdoor beer garden experience. The festive atmosphere is meant for mingling with Corn Hole, Foosball and Ping Pong arranged to start the conversation.  Der Beirgarten’s setting has traditional Biergarten tables with a large bar and restroom convenience area made out of cargo containers. While the month of October, signals cheer for those who adore the German folkfest of lore, Oktoberfest, Sacramento beer lovers can enjoy authentic German beers and sausage year round. With outdoor misting systems at the ready during warmer days, patrons at Der Biergarten won’t sweat their Lederhosen to party outside.

Der Biergarten Celebrates Traditional German Brew and Fare

With 32 beers on draft, including their own brew, Der Biergarten pours German, Belgium, Craft, Stout/Porter, IPA’s and more. They also offer cocktails such Tito’s Moscow Mule that pairs well with some of their famous “Belgies”.  Belgies are an interesting mix of meats, veggies and cheeses served on a “savory” waffle accompanied by Sauerkraut, a pickle, and a choice of Cucumber or German Potato Salad. The menu, also, highlights an assortment of traditional German food including a sausage platter, customer favorite, a Kasespatzle (German Mac & Cheese) and the perfect dough to dip into your beer…the internationally recognized, Pretzel!

Koolfog Taste Team Faves:

Der Biergarten Schofferhofer Starbust

Experimental Beer 4.o% ABV

A truly unique beer. A tale of two beers. The bottom is grapefruit befeweizen and then topped with local two rivers pomegranate cider

Dog Haus Dog

Old Fashioned Fruankfurter with Sauerkraut,Mustard, Tomatoe & Onions on a German Roll

Apple  Strudel

Traditional German Strudel served warm

Garden Party Fun All Year Round!

Visitors to Der Biergarten don’t have to fret that the end of October is coming. Guests to this amazing venue can imbibe, nosh and socialize in any month. You can also book a party to share the array of mouthwatering eats and beyond basic beers.  These folks take their hops seriously!   Just check out their website for specifics but if it’s cold out they have Winter hours and if it’s hot they have Summer hours…even more time to grab a seat under the outdoor misting systems to a swig a pint or two.

 Der Biergarten is located at 2332 K Street, Midtown Sacramento; www.beergardensacramento.com