Marybeth Bizjak

Back Writer

Marybeth Bizjak is a writer who specializes in dining, restaurants, chefs and all things food-related. Before moving to Sacramento in 1990, she lived and worked in Washington, D.C., London and San Francisco and wrote for numerous publications, including The New York Times, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, TV Guide, Women’s Wear Daily, W and Premiere. She’s also the author of a book, “Coffee Crazy: A Guide to the 100 Best Coffeehouses in America.”

Fun fact: As a party reporter for Women’s Wear Daily, Marybeth asked Julia Child to comment on the food served at a State Dinner. Child’s review — “the veal was tough and the asparagus was overcooked; it tasted like airline food” — got Child banned from future events at the Reagan White House.

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Ready, Set, Action!

Filmmakers big and small are finding the region a congenial place to make movies

For several days this winter, Sacramentans got to play “Spot the Movie Star” while Leonardo DiCaprio and William Baldwin were both in town filming two different movies at locations all over the city. It begs the question: Could Sacramento become Hollywood North? The city and nearby Placer and El Dorado counties have a growing film industry that brings millions of dollars and thousands of jobs into the region.

Sep 3, 2024 Marybeth Bizjak

Spotlight On: Slow & Low Smokehouse

Sacramento’s original grid guy heads to Elk Grove

Over more than a decade, Sacramento restaurateur Michael Hargis has made a reputation for himself by creating hip, one-off Midtown eateries and bars like LowBrau, Block Butcher Bar, Beast + Bounty, Milk Money and Holy Spirits. Recently he splashed out in an unexpected direction, opening a casually chic barbecuerie called Slow & Low Smokehouse in Elk Grove.

Aug 26, 2024 Marybeth Bizjak

Restaurant Industry Confronts Its Mental Health Crisis Through Art, Dance and Film

Sacramento restaurateurs and artists team up to highlight and address the struggles of restaurant workers

By the end of 2018, Sacramento’s restaurant industry was reeling. That year, close to 20 industry workers — servers, chefs, bartenders and others — died from suicide or behaviors related to drug or alcohol use. In the last month of the year alone, four workers lost their lives.

Apr 18, 2024 Marybeth Bizjak