The senses are a driving force for many, and none are more demanding than the sense of taste. It is the driving force that compels the young and young-at-heart to seek out new and exciting ways to satisfy their culinary desires. And Lodi and its neighboring areas are willing to oblige.

Four years ago, when Stacy Lister and her daughter, Amaris, wanted to go out to eat, there were few options in Lodi. Her daughter has celiac’s disease, which means she cannot eat wheat, rye or barley.

The awakening, rejuvenating smell of coffee in a mug that fits perfectly in your hand. The crunch as you take the first bite of a perfectly cooked waffle. The clatter of a fork hitting the plate, knowing your belly is full and you are ready to start the day but grateful for this brief moment to share a meal.

Rich and I took a quick biz trip to Sacramento Wednesday and when the lunch hour rolled around he surprised me with a trip to the last Sam's Hof Brau in existence.

Just hours after a multi-agency effort to crackdown on probation and parole violators ended in Lodi, a home and a local business were hit by burglars early Saturday.

Just hours after a multi-agency effort to crackdown on probation and parole violators ended in Lodi, a home and a local business were hit by burglars early Saturday.

If hunger is your driving motivation, Lodi and its surrounding areas have a multitude of flavors to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites

Hollywood Cafe on Cherokee Lane will be celebrating two years in business today, as well as some changes that are on the way in the coming weeks.

Livable, lovable Lodi. Come ride your touring bike on miles of country roads past scenic winegrape vineyards. Kayak down the mighty Mokelumne River. Explore the wild and maybe even catch a glimpse of a deer at the Lodi Lake Wilderness Area.

What’s that, you say? You don’t have a bike? You don’t want to get wet? And you see all the wilderness you need from those travel shows on television?

Well, then, you need the slacker’s guide to Lodi.

Lodi will get a taste of Hollywood tonight as actors hang out and sign autographs at a screening of the independent film "In the Eyes of a Killer" at the Lodi International Film Festival at Hutchins Street Square.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

Darlene Machado is the owner of the Hollywood Family Cafe on Cherokee Lane. She spoke with the News-Sentinel on Thursday about how her experiences in the food service industry and people who inspired her. Below is a lightly edited interview with her responses.

Dennis Ziemienski fell in love with Highway 99 from the backseat of a Plymouth station wagon in the 1950s and ’60s. He sipped fresh-squeezed orange juice handed to him by someone inside of a giant orange-shaped stand.

The following is a list of upcoming business events in the Lodi and Galt area: