Friday, May 30, 2008

A Cause to drive over the Causeway

My company decided to ship me out to our Davis office for the past two days (thanks, Yelena), and while I was pretty annoyed about the fact that I'd have a drive considerably longer than my usual jaunt down J Street, it actually turned out to be a culinary adventure. Too bad I'm actually supposed to be working most of the time I'm here.

My only previous experiences with Davis cuisine were slices of Woodstock pizza over beer bongs and shots at my best friend's house prior to hitting up a frat party. No surprise, I don't really remember too much about it, except that the pizza was DAMN good. But let's face it, any pizza is good when beer and cheap vodka are involved.

I decided to venture out a little bit, since I'm a little bit older, a little wiser, and a tad bit more sober (I did say "tad"). Also, I'm here during the day, and have to drive back. So no drinking. (Although I will admit, the G Street Pub was calling my name...)

Yelena suggested I try the Farmer's Kitchen Cafe for lunch because they have yummy sandwiches. Also, they specialize in gluten-free products. I'm not going to go into it, but I've recently discovered that I have an intolerance to wheat. (Freaking awesome for a good little Italian girl who loves her pasta, let me tell you!) It's a cute little cafe with a brief menu and has a lot of organic and local items on it. I had a tuna sandwich on gluten free bread. The tuna was really good, while a little messy (apparently whatever they used instead of mayo isn't as sticky). It had great flavor though, and tasted a lot fresher than the kind that you normally get. If you never had gluten free bread, it's a little strange. A little wetter and denser than normal bread. It had good flavor though, and while it was an overall wet meal, was satisfying. The service was a little odd. Yelena had told me about the Jane Goodall type that runs the place (She even has a book on Jane Goodall for customers to read. I almost laughed out loud.) and that she's a little spacey. I waited for my check for over 10 minutes. They seemed to forget about me. Also, they serve you luke-warm water, although they do put a lemon in it. I want to go back and try some of their other gluten free products some time.

Today I wanted Thai Food. After walking around downtown Davis and getting a little lost (only I could get lost in a town that's about 5 square blocks) I found Thai Bistro. They had a great lunch menu and I opted for the Drunken Noodles (I forget the Thai name, but it's number 20). Bright, crisp green beans, yummy onions, tomato and red bell peppers. The chicken was just right--not too tough as it sometimes can be. The sauce was the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Delish! Could have fed me twice, but I was starving and ate 3/4 of it and just ate the rest... what can I say, it was THAT good!

Jennifer always recommends Sophia for Thai, as does my sales manager who lives in Davis. And there is always Woodstock's. It was amazing to me--there are so many choices for food here! Got to love a college town. I also noticed that Aioli has a restaurant here, as does Bistro 33. But if you're going to come here to eat, I would go for the more adventurous and ethnic choices. There's even a Bohemian restaurant (I'm not sure what they would serve). If you're interested in more food choices for Davis, check out this great website: www.daviswiki.org. They have great reviews, price ranges and recommendations. They'll also tell you where these restaurants are because I can't remember. I got lost in Davis, remember.

Friday, May 23, 2008

A Second Opinion

I'll admit I wasn't wild about GV Hurley's the first time I went. (http://sachappyhour.blogspot.com/2008/04/gv-hurleys.html) The waiter asked if I wanted a lime twist in my gin and tonic which threw me off from the start. I've been back twice since -- once for drinks and once for dinner -- and my opinion is starting to evolve.

I met friends for a drink on a very busy Second Saturday. Fortunately, there was room at the bar so I had a comfy vantage point from which to enjoy the place. One thing I noticed (granted we sat out front the first time) is that I love the layout. The large circular bar provides the perfect centerpiece to what's happening all around you. It's perfect for a quiet conversation or for a larger group just to hang out and drink. The crowd seemed to be a lot more balanced than on those earlier visits and it wasn't uncommon for barflies to strike up conversations with nearby diners (and vice versa).

On my third trip back I came for dinner. Our server was really attentive and helpful, especially since we were the slowest orderers ever. I hadn't seen my friends in a while and we spent a lot of time talking and not much time looking at the menu. We settled on the calamari and salmon chips for appetizers. The calamari was some of the tenderest I'd ever tasted -- very impressive. The salmon chips were just OK. The dish is basically fish and chips with salmon instead of cod. It's batter is lighter than the traditional dish, which made the aioli that was served with it seem too heavy. The entrees were meatloaf, shrimp & pasta, tri-tip and a chopped salad and everyone seemed pleased. I had already had quite a bit of Pinot Grigio so I didn't take proper mental notes on the meals.

Anyway, it was a major improvement for me. The bar is fun, the crowd is lively and the back patio is pretty cool.

I'll forgive the lime twist.

Shout Out from San Francisco!

Cowtown no more? The San Francisco Chronicle says Midtown Sacramento is "hot, hip... and stylish!"

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/18/TRIJ10JUPH.DTL&hw=sacramento&sn=001&sc=1000

Hip, artsy heart beats in Sacramento's midtown
'Grid' turning into the place to hang out

Spud Hilton, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, May 18, 2008

It used to be the most you could say about Sacramento's midtown was that it has pleasant, tree-canopied streets and row after row of Victorian-era homes, most remarkably well-preserved.

Yawn.

What used to be a cultural dead zone and excitement black hole between downtown and the burbs, however, quite suddenly has a hot, hip, walkable neighborhood at its heart, with dozens of stylish white-linen restaurants, of-the-moment boutique shops and galleries, and a sophisticated bohemian vibe not typically associated with, well, Sacramento.

It still has the trees and Victorians, but hardly anyone notices those anymore.

The midtown - officially called "the Grid" by locals and some savvy marketing firm - is still a work in progress, but it easily offers enough new diversions for a Sacramento weekend that have nothing to do with Gold Rush history or gargantuan shopping malls. The whole of the Grid is about 2 square miles, but at its center are about 24 square blocks (from 16th to 24th and from J Street to Capitol Avenue) that offer an accessible concentration of hip bistros and shops, including one intersection from which a well-thrown baseball could hit two funky coffeehouses, a wine-tasting shop and adjacent bar, three eclectic boutiques and four restaurants that would rate well by San Francisco standards.

Among the newer businesses is Newsbeat, a magazine, candy and smoke shop on 20th Street that carries a mind-boggling array of titles (usually a positive sign about neighborhood sophistication). Owners Janis and Terence Lott had a downtown store, but closed it to move into the MARRS (Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene) building, a bunkerlike retail development built into a 1940s warehouse. Now it has umbrellas and a wooden deck that provides bistro dining and sipping for Peet's Coffee, Luigi's Pizza Parlor, Mexican restaurant Azul and, eventually, a chic lounge and restaurant to anchor it.
"We're very excited about it all," said Janis Lott. "We feel like we're right at the heartbeat of everything."

Why go now: This latest incarnation of this neighborhood is barely old enough for preschool, which means it's growing - in size and sophistication - without yet succumbing to the pretentious crowds and the insufferable trendiness typically associated with an "arts district."
Backstory: Much of the renaissance can be attributed to new mixed-use loft housing that has sprouted in the past year or two (including two projects that filled what had been longtime vacant lots), as well as to savvy retail developers making sure that the young professionals who move in have a sophisticated selection of restaurants and shops.

Checking in: Lodging is relatively sparse, save for the cookie-cutter chains nearby that cater to conventioneers. Amber House Bed and Breakfast was highly recommended, but was booked for my weekend. I stayed instead at the Residence Inn Capitol Park (Marriott) near the east end of the park. A little pricy, but includes full breakfast, free wireless access and a full kitchen - which comes in handy with refrigerating and reheating leftovers from the previous night's bistro-hopping.

Spend your day: Start off at Plum Blossom Chinese Stir-Fried and Bakery Express (slogan: "Authentic yet progressive") for coffee and all manner of buns, from cheese to spicy beef to pineapple. Stroll over to Capitol Avenue and turn toward the state Capitol, making sure to notice the wealth of vintage homes - Queen Anns, California-style bungalows, Arts and Crafts cottages - including an impressive number converted to businesses, including law firms, yoga studios, salons and tattoo parlors. After spending a little time in Capitol Park (technically not in the Grid, but worth the brief detour), head to Capitol and 18th Street for outdoor lunch at Crepeville or Paesanos, taking time to admire outdoor seating at five restaurants at the intersection. Survey the snacking and shopping options at the MARRS building over at 20th and J streets, but return to get an afternoon java at the funky Old Soul Co. coffeehouse, a former warehouse where the baking is a spectator event (no walls separating kitchen from lounge). Browse the shelves at Zanzibar Trading Company (Buddhas and candles) and the French-themed Le Petit Paris (French stuff), and do a little wine-tasting at 58 Degrees on 18th Street before dinner at Zócalo.

Dining: Zócalo is a gorgeous, upscale eating place built into a 1930s car dealership that prides itself on its decor (all artwork and design by Guadalajara, Mexico, artist Ernesto Cruz), its authentic and modern dishes and a truly impressive margarita menu. During the day and on warm nights, the staff opens the giant windows, making even the interior feel like outdoor seating. (Guides labeled Eat the Grid and Shop the Grid are available at most businesses, although quite a few good restaurants are not listed in Eat the Grid, so don't rely solely on its recommendations.)

Don't miss: The Second Saturday Art Walk, a rollicking gallery and boutique event that started small but now requires closed-off streets and crowd control.

Don't bother: Skip Old Town Sacramento on this trip. Relax, stroll and dine with the locals instead.

Word to the wise: Parking is strictly monitored and can be a mess around lunchtime. Leave the car at the hotel (if possible) and walk everywhere.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Cinco de Mayo on Folsom Blvd.

This won't be my longest post or my best post, but I just wanted to make mention of my Cinco de Mayo at El Patron. After a fun party on Tres de Mayo which included multiple tequila shots, a pinata and some painful dancing, I didn't think I'd be going out on Monday night. Sheri and I mutally twisted each others' arms to go out for one drink and some chips and salsa.

We both are former midtowners with homes in Tahoe Park so we decided to stay close to the neighborhood and go to El Patron on Folsom Blvd. The place was packed for the holiday. I literally parked three or four blocks away. They had a special on double margaritas for $9 - and you get to keep the shaker. We each had once of those, which were pretty darn good. The bar also has a impressive selection of tequilas from the plain old Jose Cuervo to some $100 a shot bottles that are on shelves high above the TVs. One we sampled, Clase Azul, tasted like melted caramel -- delicious ($25 a shot). So much for one-drink-and-go-home.

The real attraction was our bartender, Anita, who really made the night fun. She had personality to spare and was great at suggesting things to try. We'll be back, just to hang out with her again.

Our evening at El Patron was a contrast to the big midtown party at Centro's, which I hear had $10 cover and a $20 bar minimum on the back patio. Here, the crowd was friendly, the sun drenched patio was inviting and the drinks were reasonable. Plus, it's always good to try someplace new!

El Patron is located at 6601 Folsom Blvd.

Another reason to start early on Fridays...

Sometimes having nothing to do at work has it's good points (ok, stop laughing). While checking out the Concert in the Park schedule for this summer I discovered that if you show your wristband at participating bars and restaurants downtown you can get extended happy hour specials. That's reason enough to stay on the other side of 16th street. Here's the list... and see you all on Friday!

AMOURATH @ THE HYATT
$1 off Bud & Bud Light, $1 off Appetizers
1209 L Street / 321.3600

FANNY ANN'S SALOON
Free Cover Charge w/ wristband, $1 off Bud & Bud Light Bottles
1023 2nd Street / 441.0505

HARD ROCK CAFE
$1 off Budwesier, Sam Adams drafts
545 Downtown Plaza / 441.5591

LA TERRAZA
2 for 1 Bud & Bud Light, $1 off Appetizers
1027 2nd Street / 440.0874

MARILYN'S ON K
$350 Microbrew Pints
908 K Street / 446.4361

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S
$1.95 Happy Hour Menu (9:30 pm - Close)
1111 J Street / 442.8200

PYRAMID
$3 pints of Curveball
1029 K Street / 498.8900

SAKURA SUSHI & TEPPAN GRILL
$2 Bud & Bud Light, $1 off Appetizers
980 9th Street / 444.1030

THREE MONKEYS
$2 Bud Pints, $2 Coors Light Pints Draft, $5 Kamikazee Shots, $4.50 House Wine by the Glass
723 K Street / 441.4860

TOPPINGZ ON K
Free fountain drink w/ the purchase of a slice of pizza or a hot dog.
Or 15% off any whole pizza pie
716 K Street / 442.9998

TORCH CLUB
$2 off cover
904 15th Street / 443.2797

VEGA'S
$2 Bud Drafts, $3 Premium Drafts
910 2nd Street / 448.1793

ZOKKU
$2 off All Drafts, $2 off Bud & Bud Light
419 J Street | 498.9384

Offers valid only with Friday Night Concert in the Park
wristband at participating locations.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Thai One On

Mmmm... Thai Basil is yummy... But they don't have much of a bar in the restaurant. Problem solved: take the bar out of the restaurant and put it upstairs.

Level Up is one flight of stairs away from Thai Basil but has an energy all its own. The brightly colored furniture is offset by the alternating neon strip that wraps around the window seats overlooking J Street. The walls are adorned with a changing array of local art. I hear a DJ spins at night, but I've never been there that late to witness it myself.

I think I'm burying the lead here, but happy hour, they call it Mingle Hour, goes until 8:00! That's a lot of happy hours!! As noted in the happy hour quick list (http://sachappyhour.blogspot.com/2007/10/cheers.html), Level Up offers $2.25 & $3 beer, call $4.50, wine $5.50, signature cocktails $6.50 and $6 appetizers. You really have to have the lychee mojito. It's seriously out of this world. The appetizers, ranging from coconut and satay chicken to lettuce wraps and tempura vegetables are great for sharing. It's fun to have happy hour appetizers that vary from calamari, nachos and spinach dip. They also have a full menu available with favorites like Pad Thai, Korean short ribs and lamb chops. Another intriguing element... they start serving breakfast at midnight.

I mentioned the DJ later in the evening. Maybe that's when the crowd comes because during the handful of times I've been there, I've been one of the only people in the place. It may not be the place for a raucous after work party, however, if you're just in the mood to try something new, it's a good bet!

Level Up is located at 2431 J Street (http://www.leveluplounge.com/). It is closed on Mondays.

"I Love Sausages," says Carmen


On a warm summer evening there isn't much that's better than a baseball game (OK, there are some things, but work with me here). This past Friday, Carmen and I spread a giant lime green blanket on the lawn of Home Run Hill at Raley Field. Our trip was two-fold, to enjoy our first Rivercats game of the season and to celebrate my friend Nancy's accomplishments as Teacher of the Year in her district (Yay Nancy!!).

We spent $7 for our tickets and $7 for our beer -- a Miller Lite, no less. However, it was $1 hot dog night so $8 for both isn't too bad! It was $1 for ice cream too, but I was too full of beer, hot dogs and garlic fries to partake. Hot dogs never taste as good as they do at a ball park -- even when they're the wimpy $1 kind. Carmen was hoping for sausage, but after the beer broke the bank she stuck to the cheap version.

Anyway, there are lots of promotions throughout the summer:
  • Tecate Fiesta Tuesdays: $3.50 Tecate from 6:00 - 7:00 (pre-game)
  • Miller Lite 'Que & Brew Thursdays: $2 beer and BBQ specials
  • Family Feast Fridays: $1 Drumsticks and hot dogs
  • Fireworks Saturday: No beer specials, but fireworks are cool
Oh yeah... and there's a game or something going on too.