Proceeds from Rare Find coffee to help save worlds jaguars

About a year ago, The Bee dropped by Rogers Family Co. in Lincoln to check out its coffee operation and learn about its philanthropic efforts in Panama. The coffee company roasts beans under a variety of brand names, including San Francisco Bay Coffee and the Organic Coffee Co.

Now, the companys released Rare Find, a fair trade coffee with proceeds to benefit the wild cat conservation organization Panthera. The coffee costs $11.99 for a 12-ounce bag and $22.99 per pound of whole beans; 20 percent of online sales will go toward Pantheras efforts to protect jaguars. Ten percent of wholesale and distributor sales will also go toward this cause.

We are honored to work with Panthera to preserve the jaguar #x96; which is one of natures treasures and one of the great symbols of the wild #x96; for future generations, said Jon B. Rogers, the president of Rogers Family Co., in a statement. We hope that Rare Find coffee can make a meaningful contribution to the effort to save jaguars in coffee-growing regions where weve seen firsthand how our industry can play an important role in preserving nature.

For more information: www.rogersfamilyco.com.

#x96; Chris Macias

Mark your calendars for Sacramento Chef Challenge

Sure, its only January and its cold outside. Warming us up, though, are thoughts of the 10th annual Sacramento Chef Challenge on June 23.

Right now, event organizers are looking for participants #x96; restaurants, wineries and breweries #x96; who want to show off their fare to the public at one of Northern Californias top culinary events. For the vendors, it means exposure. For attendees, it means lots of noshing for $25 per person (tickets are on sale now).

The program is to include two culinary competitions, wine- and beer-tastings, food samplings, a raffle and silent auction, and entertainment.

Vendors can win prizes courtesy of www.sacdine. com, sponsor of the Peoples Choice Awards.

For tickets and more information: www.chefevent.com or call Jessica Bean at (916) 381-1300, Ext. 170.

The Chef Challenge benefits INALLIANCE, a nonprofit organization that supports people with developmental disabilities.

The event is planned to take place at the groups campus headquarters, 6950 21st Ave., Sacramento; (916) 381-1300, www.inallianceinc.com.

#x96; Allen Pierleoni

Latin music, food will share billing at Antigua restaurant

Have you ever checked out Yoshis, the live music spot and Japanese dinner house with locations in San Francisco and Oakland? A new Sacramento spot, Antigua Cantina Grill, aspires to be the local equivalent and with a Latin twist.

So far, Antigua has booked Salvador Santana #x96; son of famed guitarist Carlos Santana, and a fine musician in his own right #x96; to play at Antigua on March 9.

Meanwhile, Antigua is under- going a few months of soft launching. Located in the former Three Monkeys spot at 723 K St. #x96; which catered to those who wanted sushi, pork sliders and bratwurst in a single setting (aka. hardly anyone) #x96; Antigua wont have a formal grand opening until May 5 (aka. Cinco de Mayo). For now, Antigua is open for happy hour and as a nightclub from Thursdays through Saturdays.

The main menu for Antiguas restaurant is still under development #x96; as is the space itself, with some flooring still under way #x96; but aims for a Latin bistro-style of cooking. Look for announcements about a special Valentines Day dinner and more music bookings in the near future.

Were taking European and modern techniques, and fusing the flavors to come up with something different, said Sid Aguirre, Antiguas general manager. What Im also excited about is when we do live concerts, people can literally get off light rail and walk right into the gate for the event.

For more information: (916) 444-1323 or www.antiguasacramento.com

#x96; Chris Macias

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