Following the standard-gauge tracks of the Sierra Railroad, an oldlogging line that dates back to 1897, the Golden Sunset Dinner Train in Oakdale offers gourmet meals, entertainment and a leisurely ride through wonderful countryside. The train's part in numerous Hollywood movies filmed alongside it as well as on-board earned the train the nickname of the "movie railroad."
www.sierrarailroad.com

Aquatic Cow
Located in the basement of an old building on the south shoulder of Highway 49, The Aquatic Cow, with its catchy name, provides a refreshing change to cuisine typically not found while driving through the sierras. Bringing elegant dining to the foothills, The Aquatic Cow with its art deco interior and lavish menu is a perfect end to a day of antique shopping and sightseeing in
beautiful Amador County.

Egyptian Class
Born and raised in Egypt, Shayma Hassouna moved to America just over ten years ago and desired to educate others about the ways and traditions of the Middle East. She created "Reach Out and Touch: Exploring the Middle East," a 6-week class at the Davis Art Center where Shayma and students discuss superstitions, music, politics and the roles of women in Egypt. One class each semester is devoted entirely to cooking an authentic Middle Eastern dish for students to learn that Middle Eastern love is expressed by the food and hospitality that one shows towards guests.
www.davisartcenter.com

Functional Foods
We visit Dr. Liz Applegate, a nationally renowned expert on nutrition and fitness, who is a faculty member of the Nutrition Department at the University of California, Davis. Applegate is the author of several books including the Encyclopedia of Sports and Fitness Nutrition. She has also written over 300 articles for national magazines and is Nutrition Editor and Columnist for
Runner's World magazine and the
past weekly Nutrition Columnist for
OnHealth.com.
www.lizapplegate.com

Mexicana Bakery
There is a cultural crossroads in the south area of Sacramento where several Mexican bakeries churn out thousands of delicious baked goods every day. We tour the kitchen of La Mexicana Bakery in south Sacramento to learn the time-honored traditions that go into making some of the best Mexican breads and desserts this side of the border.

Market Ladies
We profile a quintet of friends deemed the "Market Ladies" who have met at every Sunday at the farmer's market for the last 19 years to share easy and inexpensive ways to create a dish for next to nothing. The head "market lady" Angelia Jovanovic is a mother of four and says she constantly has to find unique and healthy ways to feed her busy family. She learned the secrets of preparing nutritious yet tasty, inexpensive meals as a grocer's daughter.

The Kitchen
Hold on to your forks! You're in for quite a meal and quite a show at The Kitchen in Sacramento. This unusual restaurant features unique demonstration dinners with a special flair that only owner and chef Randall Selland can produce. Tune in and find out how The Kitchen's legion of chefs prepared a great meal right before your eyes and some entertainment on the side.
www.thekitchenrestaurant.com

Foresthill Steak
Join us as we travel back in time for a visit and a bite to eat at the Ore Cart Steakhouse & Red Dirt Saloon in Foresthill, featuring authentic 1850s décor.
http://www.foresthillmall.com/orecart.htm

Other Stories
We also take cooking classes in Napa and visit one hot sauce lawyer.

Season eight of "Central Valley Chronicles" is underwritten in part by Classic Living.