ENLIGHTENMENT: Chef Chris Barnum-Dann of Localis and Betty Wine Bar

Hi, this is Vanessa, your salon host.

I’m very excited that that the two chefs in charge of Sacramento’s Michelin-starred restaurants are coming this month for Sunday brunch to talk with us about their craft, their kitchen skills, and what they love most (and maybe dislike) about food, drink and the restaurant business. (Chef Kelly McCown of The Kitchen is joining us the previous Sunday, July 13, at 1 pm.)

Chris Barnum-Dann of Localis has a great story. After spending years as an electrician and musician, traveling with his band and eating his way across the United States, Chris realized he was never going to be a rock star. He also got that the one thing he most loved about being on the road was finding and eating great food. He came to appreciate that this love was concealing an even greater passion—cooking.

Randomly seeing an ad for culinary school, Chris enrolled immediately. Gifted with a discriminating palate and highly imaginative cooking style, he met with quick success — he opened Localis in 2016 and within three years, it was praised by Eater and Wine Spectator, and became a Michelin-listed restaurant.

The first Michelin star came in 2022 and last month, for his expert wine pairings.

Speaking of wine, Chris recently purchased and reopened Betty Wine Bar and Bistro in downtown Sacramento’s Southside Park.

Join me in a talk with Chris Barnum-Dann about his journey from master electrician to Michelin-starred chef, how he makes magical meals and pairs them with wine, the challenges facing restaurants and the wine industry today, and what exiting plans he’s thinking of next.

We’ll bring the bagels and mimosas (sorry, it won’t be catered by Localis!), and please bring your questions for the chef — nothing is too dumb or too small to ask.

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Ruhstaller BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha and N/A beverages. Please feel free to BYO food.

Transportation Options include:

* Hourly street parking meters along L Street

* Covered/outdoor parking garages on L Street/Kayak Alley between 7th and 8th Street

* City garages: Capitol Garage at 1129 10th St. and City Hall Garage at 917 10th St.

* Light rail transit: Ruhstaller is super close to stops on the Blue, Green and Gold lines

For more information about ENLIGHTENMENT and about California Groundbreakers, go to californiagroundbreakers.org

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Sacramento, Music events in Sacramento, Entertainment events in Sacramento.