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40-645: The Nut Tree Railroad was started in 1953 to serve the customers of Vacaville's Nut Tree Restaurant. Two years later its tracks were extended to the Nut Tree Airport to shuttle pilots to and from the restaurant. The railroad's main station was the Nut Tree Toy Shop where riders would purchase their tickets. Famous riders of the Nut Tree train included Ronald Reagan , Shirley Temple , Fred MacMurray , California governor Pat Brown , champion boxer Max Baer , Bozo

80-455: A 2-acre amusement park, and a 3.4-acre event center." Nut Tree reopened in 2006 as a mixed-use development of Snell & Company. It contains Nut Tree Family Park (children's amusement park), Nut Tree Bocce Grove ( bocce ball venue), Nut Tree Village (restaurants and stores) and Nut Tree Complex (retail, hotel, offices, residences). Retailers operating at opening were Best Buy , Sport Chalet and BevMo! . The restored Harbison House (which

120-576: A combination of Mediterranean climate , geography and geology of the region's proximity to the ocean, its movie roots in Hollywood , its technology roots in Silicon Valley and the Napa wine country , as well as its major produce production. California used to be part of Mexico which influenced the state's food. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats – many of them organic – are commonplace. Their prevalence

160-535: A large population of Salvadorans ( pupusas are stuffed tortillas from El Salvador ). "Fresh-Mex" or "Baja-style" Mexican food, which places an emphasis on fresh ingredients and sometimes seafood, inspired by Baja California fare, is popular. El Pollo Loco , a fast-food chain that originated in Northern Mexico, is a common sight. Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill , Baja Fresh , Wahoo's Fish Taco , Chronic Tacos , Chipotle , Qdoba and La Salsa are examples of

200-578: A luncheon hosted by (California) Governor George Deukmejian for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the State capitol. Beginning in 1980, Nut Tree was home to a month-long October harvest event called 'Pumpkin Patch'. Pumpkin Patch attractions included a great scarecrow contest, a giant pumpkin display and weigh-in, and pumpkin carving contests. The Nut Tree Restaurant was an early pioneer of California cuisine , with fresh fruits and vegetables featured in

240-400: A steakhouse that serves Italian-American food, which includes their noted dish Joe's Special . While gastropubs are not unique to California, the concept of the gourmet hamburger is very popular. California-style pizza focuses on non-traditional pizza ingredients, such as fresh produce and barbecued meats. First popularized by Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurants, it was later brought to

280-411: Is abundant. Sardines , oysters , and salmon were formerly major industries in the state, before declines in fish stocks. The Chinook salmon is native to California and are known to spawn in local rivers, however they are considered an endangered species in 2023. As one of the U.S. states nearest Asia and Oceania , and with long-standing Asian American and Oceanian American populations,

320-608: Is driven by the local climate, which is largely a mild Mediterranean climate , and includes a variety of microclimates , as well as health-conscious diets and lifestyles. In Northern California, with wine country nearby, French , Italian , and Mediterranean inspired food is prominent, as well as Asian-inspired fare. Many of the restaurants, cafes, bistros, and grills use ingredients sourced from local growers and farmers' markets . A unique sourdough-style bread has its origins in San Francisco. The California coast , especially

360-494: Is famous for the tri-tip , a special kind of beef cut that can be grilled, baked, braised, or roasted. California's barbecue style is also influenced by the styles of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, brought by Dust Bowl migrants. Chicken, beef ribs, sausages, and steaks are also grilled or smoked in a barbecue pit. The barbecue sauce used in this state is tomato-based, as with all other western states. Santa Maria barbecue , however, uses no sauce, relying instead on

400-469: Is very influential and popular in California, particularly Southern California. Commercial taquería -style Mexican fast food, consisting of offerings such as burritos , refried beans , tortas , tacos , nachos , and quesadillas , is widely popular. Taquerías can be found throughout California. Traditional Mexican food , while not as common as commercial food, is still widely prepared and abundant in

440-533: The North Coast and Central Coast regions, is a source of seafood , which is a staple in the California diet. California produces almost all of the country's almonds , apricots , dates , figs , kiwi fruit , nectarines , olives , pistachios , prunes , and walnuts . It leads in the production of avocados , grapes , lemons , melons , peaches , plums , and strawberries . This agricultural diversity of California's Central Valley provides fresh produce in

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480-551: The Baja-style Mexican-American food trend. Fusion cuisine is quite popular in California. The emphasis of California cuisine is on the use of fresh, local ingredients which are often acquired daily at farmers markets. Menus are changed to accommodate the availability of ingredients in season. Some restaurants create a new menu daily. California chef Wolfgang Puck is known as one of the pioneers of fusion cuisine, popularizing such dishes as Chinese chicken salad at

520-616: The Clown , and Julia Child . Following the 1955 expansion of the Nut Tree Railroad to the Nut Tree Airport, the route at the original Nut Tree included a tunnel and a bridge. When the Nut Tree closed in 1996, the train was driven into the railroad's tunnel and sealed in. During those years the train, Engine Number 5, was purchased by the City of Vacaville to ensure its preservation while many of

560-575: The Nut Tree Railroad, adding a carousel and children's park to the Nut Tree Plaza that August. As of 2021, the Nut Tree Train is back and sporting an environmentally friendly "green" bio-diesel engine. 38°22′13″N 121°57′44″W  /  38.37031°N 121.96213°W  / 38.37031; -121.96213 Nut Tree Nut Tree is a lifestyle center in Vacaville, California near

600-552: The Nut Tree had open for public tours during its final years of operation) is a major centerpiece of the development. It opened in October 2009. Between the time that the Nut Tree closed and its building was demolished, the Northern California Renaissance Fair was held on its grounds for several years running. The Nut Tree Family Park closed on January 14, 2009, due to the lack of attendance. On August 22, 2009,

640-556: The Nut Tree restaurant migrated to the Coffee Tree. The Coffee Tree building was demolished in 2005. The Nut Tree ceased operations in 1996 due to financial issues brought about by a family feud that was taken to court. The main Nut Tree buildings were demolished in the fall of 2003. The Coffee Tree restaurant across the I-80 freeway, another part of the original Nut Tree holdings, was demolished in late 2005. The old original Harbison house

680-586: The Nut Tree was named grew from a black walnut that pioneer Sallie Fox had picked up along a trail in Arizona before arriving in Vacaville in 1859. By its second year, it was serving a average an average of 950 cars per day. The Nut Tree grew as US 40 became Interstate 80 . At its peak, it contained a restaurant, an outdoor eatery, a bakery, a gift shop, a toy shop , the Nut Tree Railroad that gave rides from

720-574: The Nut Tree's furniture. A 1957 trip to Denmark gave Ed Power and Don Birell the idea of designing the Nut Tree's patio area to resemble the Tivoli Gardens with special lighting and kiosks. The Coffee Tree was a coffee shop and restaurant that was a subsidiary of the Nut Tree. The Coffee Tree opened in 1965 across Interstate 80 from the Nut Tree restaurant. The Coffee Tree building was designed by architects Dreyfuss and Blackford in 1965. The Coffee Tree building with its distinctive curved roof line

760-570: The birthplace of the French dip sandwich in 1908: Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original . The Hangtown fry, is a type of scrambled eggs made of a concoction of eggs, bacon, and oysters. It was a Gold Rush-era invention popularized in Placerville and San Francisco, and it was considered an expensive luxury. A Mission burrito is a type of burrito that first became popular during

800-508: The classic drive-in and modern drive-through restaurants. Fast food restaurant chains such as McDonald's , Jack in the Box , In-N-Out Burger , Carl's Jr. , Wienerschnitzel , Del Taco , Taco Bell , Panda Express , Original Tommy's , Fatburger , The Habit , and Big Boy were all established in Southern California. Regional fast-food menus differ, generally depending on

840-499: The diverse culture of California and is influenced largely by European American , Hispanic American ( Mexican , Latin American , Spanish ), East Asian and Oceanian influences ( Japanese , Chinese , Korean , Filipino , Vietnamese , Thai , Hawaiian ), and Western European influences ( Italian , French , Portuguese ), as well as the food trends and traditions of larger American cuisine . The main trends were influenced by

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880-688: The ethnic Mexican American border communities of San Diego , the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the San Francisco Bay Area , and in Mexican-American enclaves throughout California. Examples of these foods include tamales , tortillas , tostadas , mole , menudo , pozole , sopes , chile relleno and enchiladas . In addition to Mexican food, California restaurants serve up nearly every variation of Central American food there is. For example, pupuserías are common in areas with

920-454: The ethnic composition of an area. In Southern California, smaller chains like The Hat feature hamburgers, Mexican food, chili fries, and pastrami . In Northern California, smaller chains like Gott's Roadside feature Niman Ranch hamburgers with toppings like avocado, ahi burgers, salads, and they have a full wine bar with many local varieties; and the local chain Original Joe's is

960-508: The flavor of the tri-tip and the slow live-oak fire over which it is cooked. Pork baby back ribs are popular for barbecue in the Western region in comparison to the popular use of spare ribs in the United States. Southern California's car culture and the population's reliance on automobiles for transportation throughout California's vast cities, has widely contributed to the popularity of

1000-524: The gift shop. A recipe book called Nut Tree Remembered - The Cookbook was printed by the Vacaville Museum in 1997. It contains 40 recipes, and more than 100 photos and graphics from the restaurant and retail stores that closed in 1996. As of September, 2015, they still accept phone orders for the remaining copies. Don Birrell served as the design director for the Nut Tree from 1953 until his retirement in 1990. Ed Power hired Charles Eames to design

1040-490: The grand opening celebration was held for the reopening of the Nut Tree, under the new ownership of Westrust . The new Nut Tree adopted some of the original attractions, such as the Nut Tree Railroad and other historical elements of the original Nut Tree, along with new elements such as a carousel. 38°22′12″N 121°57′41″W  /  38.36994°N 121.96135°W  / 38.36994; -121.96135 Cuisine of California The cuisine of California reflects

1080-501: The intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 505 . The original Nut Tree opened on July 3, 1921 on the Lincoln Highway (old U.S. Route 40 ). It was created by Helen and Ed "Bunny" Power as a small roadside fruit stand, and built near the site of Helen's childhood home (' Harbison House ' dating from 1907), which she and her husband purchased from her parents not long after their 1920 marriage. The black walnut tree after which

1120-614: The masses by restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen . Carne asada fries are a Mexican-American dish originating in the Chicano community in San Diego. The dish typically consists of french fries , carne asada , guacamole , sour cream , and cheese . Cioppino is an Italian-American seafood stew invented in San Francisco. It often features crab, shrimp, clams and firm-fleshed fish cooked with herbs in olive oil and wine, with onions, garlic, tomatoes and sometimes other vegetables. It

1160-535: The other buildings did not survive. As developer after developer tried to purchase the Nut Tree property from Vacaville, each one was told it could have the land as long as the Nut Tree Railroad was reopened. Finally in 2006, developer Snell & Co. reopened the railroad in the Nut Tree Family Park. In January 2009, the Family Park closed again. In July 2009, developer Westrust bought the property and reopened

1200-399: The recipes. By 1978, it was identified as "the region's most characteristic and influential restaurant." It also featured small loaves of wheat and rye bread, cooked fresh each day on the premises. A notable feature of the restaurant was its large indoor aviary, which had glass walls extending from floor to ceiling. Nut Tree knives and cutting boards, as well as books on aviation, were sold in

1240-568: The restaurant Ma Maison in Los Angeles. His restaurant Chinois in Santa Monica was named after the term attributed to Richard Wing, who in the 1960s combined French and Chinese cooking at the former Imperial Dynasty restaurant in Hanford, California . Barbecue has been a part of California cuisine since Mexicans cooked beef in pit barbecues on ranches since the 1840s. Santa Maria, California,

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1280-652: The state tends to adopt foods from those national styles. The American style of sushi possibly began in California; the term " California roll " is used to describe sushi with avocado as a primary ingredient. East Asian confectionery such as mochi ice cream and boba have gained popularity throughout California and the United States, with many establishments that produce them beginning in California. Because of California's mostly colonial European Spanish roots, Mexican territorial history, and its original population consisting of Meso-Americans , Spanish colonizers and Mexican ranchers , Mexican and Spanish-origin cuisine

1320-606: The state. With less than 1% of the total farmland in the US, the Central Valley produces 8% of the nation's agricultural output by value. Sunset , a lifestyle magazine of the West published in California, has featured recipes that have influenced the cuisine of California, including the promotion of outdoor eating. In Northern California and the Central Coastal region , Dungeness crab

1360-678: The toy shop to the airport, and the Nut Tree Airport , which is now owned and operated by Solano County . It was a welcome rest stop on the road between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout the year, kids enjoyed giant frosted honey cookies (personalized on request), the numerous "Hobby Horses" rocking horses and riding the train. It welcomed several celebrities, including Ronald Reagan when he became California governor in 1967, Richard Nixon , Danny Kaye , Shirley Temple Black , Chuck Yeager , Peter Marino, and Bing Crosby , among others. On March 4, 1983, Nut Tree catered

1400-524: Was being served in San Francisco as early as 1910 and was popularized in the 1930s in Fisherman's Wharf . A French dip sandwich, or beef dip, is a hot sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a "French roll" or baguette that is usually served plain, but a variation is to top with Swiss cheese, onions, and a dipping container of beef broth produced from the cooking process (termed au jus, "with juice"). Two Los Angeles restaurants have claimed to be

1440-640: Was donated to the Vacaville Museum in 1998 and is being restored in a new location 1000 feet from the original site. In 2002, Snell & Company began the redevelopment project. In 2004, the Vacaville City Council approved the Nut Tree Master Plan with retail, restaurants, offices, housing and an amusement park. In 2006, Nut Tree Plaza opened. In 2009, Snell sold to Westrust, later called Capretta Properties. In April 2022, Nut Tree Plaza

1480-442: Was featured in the October 1966 issue of Architectural Record and received an AIA Central Valley Merit Award in 1967. The interior of the Coffee Tree was largely designed by Don Birrell , the design director of the Nut Tree, along with the Coffee Tree's logo and menu designs. The Coffee Tree displayed artwork from artists such as Ruth Dicker , whose work was sometimes featured in the Coffee Tree menus as well. The Coffee Tree

1520-447: Was known for several of its signature items, such as a large elongated hamburger known as the "Buddy Burger" and an "Ice Cream Clown" (a scoop of ice cream with an ice cream cone for hat and a candy clown face). The gift shop sold Nut Tree frosted gingerbread cookies featuring designs by Don Birrell . It also sold glass jars of colored sugar crystals in an assortment of colors. When the Nut Tree restaurant closed in 1996, many employees of

1560-516: Was said to be created by immigrants in San Francisco from Genoa in the late 1800s. It is a type of Buridda and may be related to the Bourride and Bouillabaisse . Crab Louie is a type of salad that prominently features crab meat. The recipe dates back to the early 1900s and originates on the West Coast of the United States. The exact origins of the dish are uncertain, but it is known that Crab Louie

1600-527: Was sold to Tower Investments. As of 22 April 2022, the Nut Tree Master Plan's 216 apartment-unit land reportedly was sold to a developer,and the 176,000 square-foot business park land is for sale. "The Nut Tree is a 71-acre $ 255 million Master Planned Development being developed by Nut Tree Holdings, LLC, a joint venture of Capretta Properties Inc. and Reaal Ventures Inc. At completion, the Nut Tree Master Plan will include 399,000 square feet of retail space, 140,000 square feet of office space, 216 apartment units,

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