Koolfog Misting Systems News in the Desert

Some of the Best Outdoor Misting Systems in Midtown Sacramento

February 6, 2024 By Michelle Roe

Sacramento Midtown’s Cantina Alley has one of the area’s best outdoor misting systems to beat the heat while celebrating the finest in Mexican culture and cuisine. This vibrant, award-winning, restaurant location comes alive with sights, sounds, and tastes in an authentic tribute to Mexican tradition. Visitors can’t help but immerse themselves in the festive cantina atmosphere, soaking up the setting and savoring the tantalizing aromas that can transport guests to the bustling streets of Mexico City. Colorful street art, flickering string lights, and rustic wooden tables and chairs create an Instagram-worthy scene that beautifully blends traditional Mexican aesthetics with contemporary design.

Seen & Scene around the Cantina

Cantina “presencia de america latina” mural
“Presencia de América Latina (Presence of Latin America), also known as Integración de América Latina (Integration of Latin America) is a mural painted by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarenaheme that represents the unity and brotherhood of the different Latin American cultures….This mural was impressively recreated at Cantina Alley by local legendary artist Shaun Burner & Miguel Perez. It is located in our staff parking area, facing 24th Street.”

Cantina “perrito” Rooftop Dog
An ode to the Mexican abundance of Mexican dogs that find their perch upon rooftops to guard as well as welcome.

Cantina “VOCHITO” VW Taxi
An actual auto makes an artistic statement featuring popular Latin local transportation.

Cantina “Paletero” Cart
Patrons can grab a tasty street treat from straight from the cart!

El Santo Mural
A can’t miss fantastic homage to Mexico’s cultural comic phenom.

Mezcal, Margaritas & A Magnificent Menu

Featuring fruit as a canvas for creating delicious cocktails and a variety of Mexican craft beers, the margherita’s are to die for and mezcal mixes are sipping perfection. Midtown’s Cantina Alley offers a delightful menu showcasing the rich flavors of Mexico. From classic street tacos to mouthwatering enchiladas, the food at Midtown’s Cantina Alley is prepared with care and precision, using high-quality ingredients to ensure that each bite is an explosion of zesty taste.

Don’t Miss:
The Cantina Cocketeleria: a bold list of signature cocktails including Signature Cantina Margarita made with 100% Blee Agave Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Organic Agave Nectar, with a Salt Rim and different flavors choices.

The House Elote: commonly called Mexican Street Corn, grilled and smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese and lime.

Beyond the food and music, Cantina Alley also hosts special events and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Popular happenings include Mexican Independence, Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo, offering an opportunity for the community to come together and experience the richness of Mexican culture firsthand.

The Best Outdoor Misting System Sets the Tone for An Al Fresco Party
What sets Midtown Cantina Alley apart is its dedication to fostering a sense of comfort and community. Part of this commitment is providing the best outdoor misting system to make guests cool and comfortable on the cantina bar and patio spaces. Laced around the rooftop structures, misting lines and fans provide the perfect ambient environment for optimum revelry. This kind of high-pressure, evaporative cooling technology can be tricky to customize for such a dynamic environment. However, when working with an industry leader such as Koolfog, creating the best outdoor misting system is a sound investment.

In addition, the communal seating arrangement encourages patrons to strike up conversations with strangers, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality. Live music, often featuring traditional Mexican bands or local talents, adds to the vibrant energy of the place. It’s not uncommon to find patrons dancing to the infectious rhythms, turning Cantina Alley into a microcosm of celebration.

Filed Under: Clients, Misting Systems

Drake’s Brewing Company – The Barn West Sacramento

November 8, 2023 By Michelle Roe

Drake’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.

Drake’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.

Filed Under: Clients, Patio Misters, Sacramento News

A Rooftop Misting System Fitted To Attract Hungry “Birds”

August 21, 2023 By Michelle Roe

We’ve all heard the saying, “eat like a bird” to insinuate that someone doesn’t eat much. However, the truth is exactly the opposite. On average, birds eat approximately 1/2 to 1/4 of their body weight every day. Another cool bird fact pertains to a place for the comfortable care of amazing birds…an aviary. According to search vocabulary, “An aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds, although bats may also be considered for display. Unlike birdcages, aviaries allow birds a larger living space where they can fly.” Finally, a “nest” is a cozy place or home for birds, oft situated in lofty places. Well, the creative restauranteurs of Darling Aviary have captured this aesthetic perfectly in the design of a chic rooftop café and bar with colorful décor, and a misting system to keep everyone cool.

Located on K street near the DOCO – Downtown Commons and the adjacent to Sacramento’s Golden One arena (which is home to basketball’s Western Conference favorites, the Sacramento Kings), Darling Aviary is an inviting enclave with a lively social setting. Doubling as a cool spot for cocktails as well as good eats, those 21 and over, enter the building to find themselves enveloped in a vintage styled art deco type of bar. Birdcages can be found throughout as dining guests with reservations (definitely recommend making reservations ahead of time) are escorted to a very discreet elevator at the back of the lounge. A sense of mystery ascends as unknowing guests are whisked upward to emerge onto a sunny rooftop space that is festive and fun.’

Of Birds, Brunch, And Plentiful Plates To Make People Soar With Pleasure

Must Have: The King’s Hawaiian Toast

The “Nest” is the rooftop space of Darling Aviary and is a feast for the eyes while allowing for the gracious savoring of truly delightful fare. Our Koolfog taste team (which lives for dining under a totally effective misting system…like ours), had the opportunity to enjoy a lovely Sunday rooftop brunch. The environment was full of flare with many parties dressed in honor of the movie “Barbie”™. Bright colors matched the colorful menu, and the presentation of each plate was so pretty. The space is decorated with bird murals, birdcages and flowers with a state-of-the-art misting system expertly placed to provide optimum cooling. The outdoor bar faces table-tops packed with happy customers. No bats, just a fresh take on artisan cuisine with an ambiance that rivals the best.

Koolfog Misting Systems Add To The Scene

Darling Aviary brings the heat when it comes to cocktails, food, and character. Their unique take on the “Nest” is a whole mood. But when that heat is affected by the Sacramento Central Valley Regions actual sweltering temperatures…such a vibe can be sizzled. The mist and fog features create a visual sensation and what better way to make sure all their “birds” are cool and cozy. Koolfog misting systems and fans enable restaurants to do what they do best…create dining experiences to come back for. Come home to the “Nest” at Darling Aviary…you won’t be disappointed.

Filed Under: Clients

Restaurant Remodel? Consider Outdoor Misters

June 29, 2023 By Michelle Roe

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Clients, Patio Misters, Sacramento News

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

June 9, 2023 By Michelle Roe

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.

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

Filed Under: Clients, Misting Systems, Patio Misters

Patio Misters, Pizza & Pints at kitchen747 Bar & Grill

April 13, 2023 By Michelle Roe

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!

Filed Under: Misting Systems, Patio Misters, Sacramento News

Snooks in Sacramento Adds Commercial Misting System for Guest Comfort

October 5, 2022 By Michelle Roe

One of the charms of visiting a vintage town is exploring the local treasures, including restaurants, boutiques, and family-owned businesses. The Historic District of Folsom, California, is filled with vintage charm and offers a memorable experience in one of our nation’s premier Gold Rush towns. Oft called “Old Town Folsom” on Sutter Street, this destination location celebrates the history of the Pony Express, the railroad, and developments along the American River Parkway. This historic district also embraces modern amenities, including commercial misting systems, to attract visitors.

Set among old western-styled buildings and weathered facades, upscale bistros, wine cafes & festive pubs mix with fashionable, retail shops and in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District, Snooks Candies & Chocolate Factory is a stand-out. Established in 1963 by John & Jeannine Snook, Snook’s is a confection aficionado’s dream. Hand-crafted specialty chocolates, truffles, toffee, butter brittle, caramel, and more offer an alluring sweet fest you can’t miss. A trip to Snooks, whether for a hot chocolate and piece of fudge in Fall or to enjoy an ice cream on a warm day, is always a treat.

During the pandemic, many food entities were forced to move their services outside and like many hot spots across the nation, proprietors of Sutter Street in Folsom were forced to provide for guests and employees while braving the elements. Inclement winter weather and sizzling Summer temperatures gave rise to creative solutions to make visitor experiences valuable.

Jim & Renee Snook, the second generation of Snook family candy makers, are determined to give their patrons reason to linger a bit longer by installing a misting system to cool their customers on the patio walk surrounding their corner shop. In their first attempt, Snooks configured a DIY type, big box, low-pressure cooling kit that did not meet their expectations and left visitors wet from dripping moisture.

Now, the Historic District of Folsom has come alive as people return to traditional routines, but they have come to expect elevated customer service and guest experience. Seeing this need, Jim & Renee decided to upgrade their misting system with a commercial grade, custom design by Koolfog. Koolfog configures a cool mist solution that allows for a high-pressure pump to be placed on the building rooftop with wrap-around stainless steel welded misting line and mist nozzles placed approximately 24” apart for optimum distribution. The misting system can be programmed on a timer to release atomized mist that essentially evaporates in the atmosphere to cool the ambient air rather than wet the surroundings. The results have been amazing.

One of the rare features of this hometown chocolate shop is confections are made on view to the public for an interactive experience during the production of confections or enrobing of items along the 30-foot chocolate enrobing machine.

On any given day, the scene at Snooks comes alive with determined sweet tooths lining up to savor scrumptious delights as smiling faces happily lick their ice cream cones on benches outside. The misting system has added to the experience helping to draw more traffic to the chocolate factory with its refreshing visual appeal, inviting people in, and keeping them enjoying themselves a bit longer in the cool air. Nothing better than sharing a bonbon al fresco!!

The Snook’s have also noticed an interesting bonus benefit. No flies when the misters are running! Yes, you heard it. No flies. Snooks has always utilized an air curtain over the entrance doors and an outdoor fan above the doors to keep hot air out and cool air in with the added benefit of keeping insects away. Even with every effort to combat the critters, they occasionally found their way in. Placing Koolfog around the entire storefront has been very effective in deterring the insects. The addition of the Koolfog misting system seems to act as a defense screen…so no flies to take a bite out of the fun! Go to www.snookscandies.com to check out their sensational sweets!!

Filed Under: Clients, Misting Systems

Patio Dining Takes Our Breath Away at The Waterboy

August 10, 2022 By Michelle Roe

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.”

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.

Filed Under: Clients, Patio Misters

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

July 13, 2022 By Michelle Roe

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!

Filed Under: Clients, Patio Misters, Sacramento News

Meet Russell Hudson – Koolfog Premier Sacramento Partner

June 8, 2022 By Michelle Roe

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.”

Filed Under: Sacramento News