Food Stuff

As an occasional contributor to Fork It magazine, this writer snagged a complimentary pass to the quarterly’s inaugural awards show, . Fork It’s editor in chief, Audrey Wells, presided over the affair at the Empire nightclub on June 20. The program offered appearances from celebrities like Kings honchos Jerry Reynolds and Geoff Petrie, News10 anchor Jennifer Smith, and V101.1 radio personalities Lee Perkins and Christina Martinez. The hors d’oeuvres were delivered by tray-bearing servers announced with thumping fanfare, like boxers entering the ring. Alas, the cocktails were no-host. Twelve Forky awards were handed out in categories such as best bartender (Matt Lonergan of Il Fornaio in downtown Sacramento), best fine dining (The Kitchen) and best new restaurant (Masque Ristorante). Randy Paragary received a flashy video tribute as he was ushered into the Forky Hall of Fame. The night had some awkward moments, but, all in all, The Forkies offered surprise and dash befitting our increasingly lively downtown.