Workshop Meals, Accommodations, and Directions
Your daily workshop fee includes breakfast and lunch. Dinner is on your own, or with other members of the group, at restaurants in nearby Nevada City or Grass Valley. We serve hearty, tasty, home-cooked breakfasts and lunches each day, and we promise you won't go hungry! Our participants consistently tell us how much they enjoy our food.
Each workshop participant arranges their own accommodations. Below is a partial listing of area favorites. Nevada City and Grass Valley are home to dozens of hotels, motels, and quaint bed & breakfasts. Many workshop participants choose to bring their spouses with them as the area is a perfect weekend get-away, with shopping, dining, theatre, music and other recreational activities. We are also one hour from the Lake Tahoe recreation and ski areas.
For more information on lodging, restaurants, area events, recreation, and more, there are two excellent local websites www.ncgold.com andwww.downtowngrassvalley.com
Accommodations
Prior workshop attendees have stayed at the following places and were happy with the facilities:
The Outside Inn Â
530-265-2233 www.outsideinn.com  575 E. Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959 Located 2 blocks from downtown Nevada City (a 20 minute drive from the workshops). This is the closest motel to the workshops in Nevada City. Quaint, eclectic, remodeled 1940's motel. We tend to hear the most positive reviews from this motel.
Best Western / Gold Country Inn
530-273-1393  www.bestwestern.com 11972 Sutton Way, Grass ValleyÂ
Grass Valley Courtyard Suites
530-272-7696  www.gvcourtyardsuites.com 210 N. Auburn St, Grass Valley, CA 95945 Newer hotel in Grass Valley.
Milano's Inn
530-292-0193Â www.milanosinn.com. 27949 Cherokee Street, N. San Juan.
This small family B & B is the closest accommodation to the workshops (about a 10 min. drive). The owner (Jeannie) has been flexible with previous workshop participants so you can ask her if she will reduce the room price slightly since your breakfast is included in the workshop fee. The only disadvantage to staying close to the workshop location is that you will need to drive into Nevada City each evening (a 20-25 min. drive) for dinner, as there is only one restaurant in the N. San Juan area that serves dinner. Otherwise, this is a good, reasonably-priced choice.
Holiday Inn Express Gold Miners Inn
530-477-1700  www.ihg.com 121 Bank St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Featuring quality lodging with high-speed internet access, meeting and banquet rooms, a deli, and a day spa. The hotel architecture was influenced by the many buildings of historic Grass Valley and is conveniently located in the downtown area for walking tours and shopping. Newest hotel in Grass Valley. Good coffee shop on site with tasty baked goods and treats (Bank Street Café).
Sierra Mountain Inn
530-273-8133   www.sierramountaininn.com 816 W. Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945  Historic inn that has been remodeled. Close to downtown Grass Valley.
Holbrooke Hotel
530-273-1353  www.holbrooke.com 212 W. Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Historic hotel in downtown Grass Valley.
Vacation Rentals
You can often find beautiful vacation rentals through VRBO for the same price or less than some area hotels. If you are interested in possibly sharing a vacation rental with another workshop participant, give us a call and we will let you know if anyone else in the class is looking to share a rental house or condo. Please be sure to check the location of the vacation rental as we are in a rural area with mountain roads. Some locations will add considerable driving time to our facility (check driving times on Google Maps). www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/california/gold-country-high-sierra/nevada-city
Nevada City B & B’s
There are nine Bed & Breakfast Inns in Nevada City – most of which get excellent reviews, the most popular being: Broad Street Inn, Emma Nevada House, Piety Hill Cottages. You can see B & B descriptions on Trip Advisor at: www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g32771-Nevada_City_California-Hotels.html
Restaurants/Nevada City
Prior workshop attendees have recommended the following eateries:
Friar Tucks
A Nevada City classic. House speciality is fondue of all kinds. Also serving steaks, ribs, prime rib, duck, fish, crabcakes, salads. Desserts and good coffee drinks. Live acoustic music nightly in nice bar area. Dinner served until 8:45 pm. A bit more upscale than some other places listed. 111 N. Pine St, Nevada City. 530-265-9093.
Jernigans Tap House & Grill
Small neighborhood place. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, sliders, tri-tip, veggie burger & sandwiches, fries, onion rings, soups and stews, desserts. Beers and root beer on tap. Serve until 9 pm, 10 pm on Sat./Sun. 123 Argall Way, Nevada City. 530-265-6999. ($$) www.jernigansgrill.com
Matteo's Public
Pub/Brewhouse Bistro. Steaks and ribeyes, fish tacos, soups and salads, chicken wings, sandwiches, sausages, fish and chips. Dinner served until 9:15 pm, and 11 pm Saturday and Sunday. 300 Commercial St, Nevada City. 530-265-0782 ($$) www.matteospublic.com
Mi Pueblo Taqueria
This small, family-owned taqueria is located in Nevada City’s historic district and serves authentic Mexican food in a cute, low-key setting. Large selection of tasty dishes including traditional street tacos, burritos (dry or wet), enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, carnitas, el pastor, salsas, ceviche, grilled fish tacos, chili rellenos, pozole, quesadillas, tamales, flautas, sopes, churros, flan and other mexican desserts, beers and sodas, horchata. Located at 104 Union Alley (next door to the Chamber of Commerce). Open until 9 pm (possibly later on Friday and Sat). 530-478-1584. No website yet, but they can be found on Yelp.
New Moon Café
Contemporary seasonal California cuisine, in a more upscale setting. Soup, speciality salads, pasta and ravioli of the day. Menu items vary: prawns, chicken, steak, duck, fish, risotto, gnocchi. Dinner seatings until 8:15 pm. 203 York, Nevada City. 530-265-6399. Closed Mon. ($$$) www.thenewmooncafe.comÂ
Northridge Restaurant
Friendly neighborhood pub serving an extensive tasty assortment of burgers, pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches, fish & chips, and sports on TV. Beer and root beer on tap, plus desserts. Very casual, so it’s okay to show up in your shop duds. Dinner served till 8:30, Fri/Sat until 9 pm. 773 Nevada Street, Nevada City. (Northridge is easy to get to, but slightly tricky to find as it is on a side street. When you come to the intersection where Hwy. 49 meets Hwy. 20 at Nevada City, just past Coyote Street hang a left onto Hwy. 20 instead of turning right toward Nevada City. You will go approx. 1/2 mile. Make a right at the first street – Nevada Street. You will be in a residential neighborhood. Go one block. Pub is on the left.) 530-478-0470. ($-$$) www.northridgerestaurant.comÂ
Sopa Thai
Local favorite. Traditional Thai food in a very pretty setting with a lovely outdoor patio. We recommend the Chicken Sate, Yum seafood salad, larb salad, yellow curry, drunken noodles, Pad Talay (a favorite – stir fried mixed seafood in a spicy sauce. Ask for mild if you only want a touch of heat.), Mango Red Curry, Pumpkin Curry Delight. Dinner served until 9:15 pm. 312 Commercial Street, Nevada City. 530-470-0101.
Sushi Q
Sushi and other Japanese dishes, and interesting Asian salads. The baked mussels appetizer is delicious. We also like the calamari and scallop appetizers, the Ruby Slipper, and the shiso saucy roll. Reservations usually needed. Open till 8:30 pm. 238 Commercial St, Nevada City. 530-265-5757.
Treats
Delicious local homemade ice cream, including typical flavor favorites plus some amazing unique ones like Saffron Pistachio, Lemon Custard, Violet, Chardonnay Sorbet, Coffee Broaster, and Mint that tastes just like fresh spearmint leaves from the garden (warning, it’s strong!). Ask for tastes. Also have homemade hot chocolate and other popular hot drinks including Affogato (a scoop of ice cream with a shot or two of espresso poured over it). Located on a tiny side street in downtown Nevada City (across from Ike’s Quarter Café, near Sopa Thai and New Moon Café). 110 York Street, Nevada City. 530-913-5819. ($) www.treatsnevadacity.com
The Willow
You will pass this roadhouse steak joint on Hwy 49 leaving Nevada City on the way to Kent's shop. FYI - you can't under-dress here, so don't hesitate to stop at the end of a long workshop day still dressed in your dirty duds. Funky tavern atmosphere, but reputed to have decent steaks in 8 oz, 12 oz, & 16 oz sizes. (50-cents less if you’re willing to “cook your own.”) They also serve ribs, chicken, halibut, catfish, pork chops (no burgers). If you’re into charred meat, iceberg lettuce salads, and baked beans, this is the place. Veggie burger is only non-meat entrée available. Dinner served daily until 8:45 pm. 530-265-9902 ($-$$)  www.thewillo.com
Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.
Wood-fired speciality pizzas (selections change with the season), craft beer brewed in their own 7 barrel brewhouse, regional wines, hard cider, soup, salads, small selection of sandwiches, baked goods (cake, pie, cookies, brownies), and coffee, tea and espresso. If you are into non-conventional pizzas Kent recommends the “pear, gorgonzola, and mushroom” or the “in-season veggie” pizzas. Other recommendations are the “Sample flight” (beer sampler), eggplant pizza (when available), and house salad. Majority of their food is sourced from local organic producers. Note: service can sometimes be slow here, but they also serve later than other places in the area. Food served until 10:30 pm on Friday & Saturday, 9:30 pm on Sundays (bar closes 30 minutes later.) 211 Commercial Street, Nevada City. 530-470-8333.Â
Restaurants/Grass Valley
Asian Garden
Chinese food in a pleasant casual atmosphere. Vegetarian & fish available. Sit-down or food to go. 12074 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley (Brunswick exit, near McDonalds). Serve until 8:45 pm. 530-273-0666. ($-$$) www.asiangardengv.com
Briarpatch Community Market & Deli
Natural/organic foods. If you are looking for healthy/organic or gluten-free food check out “The Patch,” a popular local co-op. Soup & salad bar, hot entrée buffet, hot & cold sandwiches, wraps, daily specials, drinks. Eat-in or food to go. Hot food available until 8 p.m. Cold deli & market open till 10 p.m. Very casual indoor and outdoor seating. 290 Sierra College Dr, Grass Valley. 530-272-5333.
Cirino’s Main Street Cafe
A Kent personal favorite. Cozy place with a nice italian menu that includes some American dishes. We like the grilled salmon with garlic mashed potatoes, penne chicken dijon, risotto with fresh tomatoes and basil, grilled artichokes. Friends like the clam chowder, steak, and their Bloody Mary’s. Separate bar also serves appetizers. Dinner seated until 8:45 pm. 213 W. Main, Grass Valley. 530-477-6000.
Diegos
Unique little restaurant serving fresh, home-cooked South American specialities from the Chilean region. We particularly like the achiote grilled chicken, portobello or veggie stuffed crepes (panqueques), soups, salads, homemade rolls, and desserts. Outdoor Patio. Dinner served until 8:45 pm. Tip: food always seems better the earlier you arrive. 217 Colfax Ave, Grass Valley. 530-477-1460Â
India Oven
Large variety of entrees, plus vegetarian & fish available. Will sometimes make things not on the menu if you request them. We recommend ordering from the menu over the buffet (food not as good from the buffet for some reason). Dinner served until 8:45 pm. Closed Monday. 722 Freeman Lane, Grass Valley. Located next to J.C. Penny. 530-477-5670. ($$) www.theindiaoven.com
Jimboys
For a quick Mexican meal try Jimboys (Brunswick exit, across from McDonalds). This popular local taco chain started in Grass Valley in 1949 and has very good “fast food” Mexican. Both sit-down and drive-thru available. Favorite items are the combo plates, enchiladas, tacos, chili rellanos. Open till 9:30 pm ($) 1937 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley. www.jimboystacos.com
Kaido Japanese
This place is a favorite for sushi and Japanese food. Try the Bridgeport, Godzilla, or Pink Cadillac rolls. If you like sashimi, try the Hawaiian Poke. If grilled fish is a favorite ask if they have Hamachi Kama (it’s grilled fish cheeks—which sounds weird but is delicious!). They also have teriyaki and tempura. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner until 8:45 pm. 207 West Main St, Grass Valley. 530-274-0144. ($$$) www.kaidosushi.com
Pete’s Pizza & Tap House
Pete’s is an excellent stop if you are looking for a “monster” slice of hot pizza served with a cold beer on tap. Pete’s recently moved into a spiffy new location in downtown Grass Valley. One of the best things about Pete’s is you can buy a whole pizza or pizza by the slice (slices are huge). They also offer calzones, hot subs, salads, and even gluten-free pizza for those in need of GF. They are also open later than other area restaurants — 11 pm Fri & Sat, 10 pm Sun-Thu. 114 W. Main Street, Grass Valley. 530-274-9600 ($)  www.petes-pizza.com Â
Sergio’s Cafe
Nice variety of menu choices ranging from caprese, calamari, antipasti, crab cakes, clams and mussels, soup and specials of the day, to pastas (ravioli, fettucine, lasagna, gnocchi, spaghetti), Risotto (pescatora or wild mushrrom), grilled Salmon, cioppino, chicken piccata or marsala, rib eye, pork osso buco, veal dishes, entrée salads, and desserts (tiramisu, pannacotta, mousse, fruit and cheese). Open till 9 pm. 109 Mill Street, Grass Valley. 530-274-2600. www.sergioscaffe.com
Tofanelli's
A wide variety of menu choices. Filet mignon, rib eyes, beef wellington, sirloin burgers, lamb shanks, prime rib, pork chops, chicken marsala and piccata, seared ahi, shrimp, scallops, salmon, lasagne, variety of pastas & vegetable or seafood risottos. Dinner served until 8:45 pm. 302 W. Main St, Grass Valley. 530-272-1468Â
Thai Kitchen
Reasonably-priced food, very casual. Open 7 days. Dinner until 9:15 pm. 149 S. Auburn St, Grass Valley. 530-272-5282 ($$) www.facebook.com/Thaikitchengrassvalley
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Directions
Directions.pdf (download and print)
Map only
