‘A is for Amador’

By Antoinette May

Amador residents think their county is pretty special—at least that’s the story I hear.

Recently I’ve received a series of ebullient write-ins singing the praises of various watering holes and other attractions in Amador County. Amadorians don’t just enthuse about restaurants either. Their passions are startlingly eclectic. Not too surprisingly, some of their favorite haunts are my own as well.

Sutter Creek’s Pizza Plus, appears to be high on everyone’s rave list. I surely agree. A group of us “discovered” this creekside bistro early in the summer and have gone back again and again. We think they have the best pizza ever. Check out 20 Eureka St., Sutter Creek. Phone: 267-1900.

Only a few doors down the street, you may perchance meet a tall dark stranger (or something like that). On Purpose, Sutter Creek’s “new age” emporium offers tarot readings by medium April Hughes. And that’s just for starters. Whether you’re a seasoned seeker or merely out for a lark, On Purpose promises an out of this world experience.

First off, there’s a dazzling array of meditation crystals ranging from mammoth amethyst geodes to tiny pieces of fossil. Singing bowls guarantee to raise your vibes. Exotic jewelry will surely beguile you, while esoteric books pledge mystic revelations.

Finally, if you don’t like what April’s cards reveal, you can always buy one of the many and varied tarot decks at On Purpose and do your own reading. (On Purpose, 60 Main St. #3, Phone: 267-0710.)

Another Sutter Creek hot spot is TeaEra at 34 Main St., Sutter Creek. (209) 267-0333 Yes, you’ve read about it here. More than once. This is that wonderful fantasy tea place where you can create a legend in your

own life time. Think rose bouquets, lacy table cloths and exquisite china. Enjoy a cup of Ceylon Supreme or come back for a planned-to order- candlelight dinner. Think romance with a capital R.

Not far away at Clark’s Corner in tiny Ione, where coffee matters. Lattes, espressos and cappuccinos are merely the beginning. This class act operation might have been plucked from North Beach, Fleet Street, the Village or the Left Bank.

Think about it: A coffeehouse’s draw is its ambience, that air of vibrancy, the excited buzz that telegraphs a happening place where issues are debated, deals struck, reputations made or unmade.

Go to Clark’s Corner to talk about the latest novel you’ve read or possibly find a corner to write your own. A literati audience waits to share your creativity on the coffeehouse stage where artists of all kinds perform. It’s a great place to see and be seen. 12 Main St. Phone: 274-2233

There’s a different kind of buzz at nearby Jackson’s Rancheria and Hotel. The question here is will you be the next millionaire? Maybe, somebody has to win. In 1985, Native American Margaret Dalton, a widow with four kids, opened a bingo parlor in her house. It failed. She tried again. And again. Impressed by Margaret’s spirit, the Tribal Government of the Miwuk Reservation agreed to back a fourth try.

Today the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel has fifty gaming tables and more than 1500 slot machines. Luck was a lady to Margaret but it took courage and determination to win the jackpot. The moment you hit the casino floor, you feel that same energy—non-stop action round the clock. Whatever your game, you’ll find it at the Rancheria. While you’re there, gambol into Raging River for a snack. 12222 New York Ranch

Road, Jackson. Phone: 822-WINN.

Take a drive tour through Amador and the Shanandoah is sure to call you. Thanks to early Gold Rush pioneers, most of California's oldest vineyards are located in Amador County. Concentrated mostly in the Shenandoah Valley, northeast of Plymouth, the county’s thirty plus wineries grow more than 2,700 acres of grapes and produce some of the best zinfandels in America. Amador’s production of intensely flavored reds is attributed to its high percentage of old vines. Several working vineyards date to the 1850s.

History is built into the area as is hospitality. No elitism here, wineries reflect the unassuming character of the valley and are mostly family operations. An afternoon of wine tasting involves traveling along rural back roads with views of rolling hills and peaceful valleys where you’re likely to meet the vintners themselves and hear their stories firsthand.

The new kid on the block is Andis Wines, a boutique winery constructed from parts of wine barrels. The tasting room affords some of the best views in the valley with a large picnic area outside.

Though specializing in the zinfandel that’s making the Shenandoah Valley famous, Andis also puts out an excellent cabernet franc. Grapes at Andis are hand sorted and fermented in small lots to promote those three qualities that wine makers talk about and wine drinkers seek: grace, character and distinction.

Admittedly, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Amador has so much to offer. Consider the mines, the caves, the gold mining, the historic graveyards and antique shops. Amador’s attractions are many and varied. But let’s hear from Cavaleras and Tuolomne. Surely you’ve got some favorites haunts. Let’s hear about them. Tell me!