If you've been awake in the last few days, you know it's been dreary, rainy and cold. So, what's the best remedy for the chills? I'd say a hot, humongous bowl of pho from Tamarind will cure what ails you.
The little restaurant on J Street offers eleven different kinds of pho, Vietnamese noodle soup. The bathtub-sized serving that I ordered consisted of shrimp, chicken, rice noodles and a rich, savory beef broth. Other pho choices have beef, other meat combinations and a vegetarian option. The broth was so incredibly flavorful that it was simply lovely to just sip and savor each spoonful. Plus, before the soups came to the table, the server delivered a heaping plate of basil, lime, bean sprouts and jalepenos so we could garnish our own bowls. Also on the table was a selection of other condiments - plum, chili and bean sauces, etc. so every time you order, your soup has unlimited possibilies.
I should've saved half the bowl for the next day's lunch but it was too good to stop eating. More good news, my meal was $7.
In addition to the pho, Tamarind offers a selection of egg noodle soups, vermicelli and meat dishes. I think most menu items are under $10. Tamarind, at 2502 J St., is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Dine Downtown Week - Brilliant!
This Dine Downtown week is a good idea. No, it's a great idea! A bunch of wonderful restaurants let you sample their wares for just $30. That $30 gets you three courses and that's a good, delicious deal.
My epicurean friend Nancy and I decided to try Mason's. I had been there once several years ago and remembered it being good, but expensive, so this was a great chance to go back. I think one of the reasons that it's expensive is that the service is fantastic. My napkin was placed on my lap, the water in my glass never dipped a half inch below the lip. The server was knowledgable and attentive. The other half of the equation is the food. A different server brought us a "gift from the kitchen" -- salmon tartar on a homemade sweet potato chip. Yum! A great way to jump start the palate. As for the Dine Downtown menu, there were two choices for appetizer, two for entree and one for dessert. Nancy chose the winter citrus and organic chicories with fresh goat cheese flan. I think she liked it, but I was busy devouring my Jerusalem artichoke, toasted cashew and wild mushroom soup with cashew cream. This is going to sound weird, but it had a light flavor of BBQ potato chips. That's a compliment though! The soup had a really rich, smoky flavor and could really have been a meal on it's own. For the main course, my friend opted for the sauteed Atlantic salmon filet with roasted garlic smashed potatoes and sauteed broccoli rabe. I chose the grilled hangar steak with house cut garlic fries and soft herb chimichurri. I will admit that after the soup I was half-full and wasn't able to eat my entire dinner. I loved the steak, but I have to say that the garlic fries were unbelievable. Big chunks of garlic and herbs with just the right amount of salt. At this point we're both stuffed. I'm not really a dessert person (and of all the desserts, bread pudding is pretty low on the list) so I figured I'd have a bite and call it a night. Instead, I found myself in love with roasted pear and candied walnut bread pudding with bourbon anglaise. It was served warm with fresh whipped cream that was absolutely divine. I ate the whole damn thing and by the time I got home my jeans were a size too tight.
I'm not sure what our meal would have cost on the regular menu, but I was quite satisfied for $30. Mason's is never going to be a weekly - or even monthly dining spot, at least not until this blog becomes a money-maker - but when Dine Downtown week rolls around next year I'd definitely consider coming back.
My epicurean friend Nancy and I decided to try Mason's. I had been there once several years ago and remembered it being good, but expensive, so this was a great chance to go back. I think one of the reasons that it's expensive is that the service is fantastic. My napkin was placed on my lap, the water in my glass never dipped a half inch below the lip. The server was knowledgable and attentive. The other half of the equation is the food. A different server brought us a "gift from the kitchen" -- salmon tartar on a homemade sweet potato chip. Yum! A great way to jump start the palate. As for the Dine Downtown menu, there were two choices for appetizer, two for entree and one for dessert. Nancy chose the winter citrus and organic chicories with fresh goat cheese flan. I think she liked it, but I was busy devouring my Jerusalem artichoke, toasted cashew and wild mushroom soup with cashew cream. This is going to sound weird, but it had a light flavor of BBQ potato chips. That's a compliment though! The soup had a really rich, smoky flavor and could really have been a meal on it's own. For the main course, my friend opted for the sauteed Atlantic salmon filet with roasted garlic smashed potatoes and sauteed broccoli rabe. I chose the grilled hangar steak with house cut garlic fries and soft herb chimichurri. I will admit that after the soup I was half-full and wasn't able to eat my entire dinner. I loved the steak, but I have to say that the garlic fries were unbelievable. Big chunks of garlic and herbs with just the right amount of salt. At this point we're both stuffed. I'm not really a dessert person (and of all the desserts, bread pudding is pretty low on the list) so I figured I'd have a bite and call it a night. Instead, I found myself in love with roasted pear and candied walnut bread pudding with bourbon anglaise. It was served warm with fresh whipped cream that was absolutely divine. I ate the whole damn thing and by the time I got home my jeans were a size too tight.
I'm not sure what our meal would have cost on the regular menu, but I was quite satisfied for $30. Mason's is never going to be a weekly - or even monthly dining spot, at least not until this blog becomes a money-maker - but when Dine Downtown week rolls around next year I'd definitely consider coming back.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Quick Link
If you're looking for Happy Hour information, there's a "quick link" to the constantly updated list in the right hand column of this home page. Cheers!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Important Happy Hour Update!
A couple of important updates for all you happy hour goers...
Lucca has a happy hour until 6. I accidentally threw away my little scrap of a napkin that had the details, but they have both drink and food specials. If anyone goes and gets the specifics, please let us know so we can update the list. And tell Patrick I say hello.
Also, The Grand Wine Bar has a great happy hour until 6:30. A limited selection of their wine is 2 for 1--an awesome deal when they can push $10. They've also increased their menu and now have food. I only had the cheese, but it was spectacular.
Drink up!
Minor change: as of 1/15/08, the Grand's special went from 2-for-1 to Buy One, Get One at Half Price.
Lucca has a happy hour until 6. I accidentally threw away my little scrap of a napkin that had the details, but they have both drink and food specials. If anyone goes and gets the specifics, please let us know so we can update the list. And tell Patrick I say hello.
Also, The Grand Wine Bar has a great happy hour until 6:30. A limited selection of their wine is 2 for 1--an awesome deal when they can push $10. They've also increased their menu and now have food. I only had the cheese, but it was spectacular.
Drink up!
Minor change: as of 1/15/08, the Grand's special went from 2-for-1 to Buy One, Get One at Half Price.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Tuli Bistro
Ok, I really was trying to think of something cute to go with Tuli, but it just wasn't happening.
I've been to Tuli twice now, once for dinner and once for lunch. There's something that is really understated but lovely about this restaraunt. It's vey small, with only a few 2 tops and bar area available inside, and several tables available outside. In our world now where everything needs to be super sized and larger is always better, I actually think this is a benefit for Tuli. You're in a friendly, neighborhood place. It's kind of like eating at one of your friends' houses, only with perhaps a better wine list and a menu with more options. One of the chefs remembered me the second time I was there, and it was several weeks later. That's fantastic.
My first night there, I had a fantastic risotto with bacon and bleu cheese. It was tasty and delicious, and perfect for a cold winter night. Jen had their Humboldt pizza with pesto and oven roasted tomatoes. Equally delicious, the pizza crust and the toppings fun and interesting. The second time I was there, I saw them roasting the tomatoes. They go right into the same oven as the pizzas, and while this sounds rather uninteresting or special, it was proof that this restaurant does not cut corners on anything. You can also see them cooking everything--so you know exactly what goes into your food and how it's prepared.
My second trip, for lunch, I had a cup of their soup of the day and the albacore tuna melt. Everything was fabulous and tasty. But while the food is great, and the I don't think you can find a better value anywhere in Midtown (if you're into value), I think the true beauty of Tuli lies in its ambience. Everytime I go in, even my first time, I feel like I'm entering a long-lost friend's kitchen. They are very open and friendly, the food is incredible, and the wine list is interesting. I really can't think of a negative about Tuli, except maybe that I can't go there every day.
You can find Tuli on the corner of 21st and S, and their website (with menus!) at www.tulibistro.com.
Cheers!
I've been to Tuli twice now, once for dinner and once for lunch. There's something that is really understated but lovely about this restaraunt. It's vey small, with only a few 2 tops and bar area available inside, and several tables available outside. In our world now where everything needs to be super sized and larger is always better, I actually think this is a benefit for Tuli. You're in a friendly, neighborhood place. It's kind of like eating at one of your friends' houses, only with perhaps a better wine list and a menu with more options. One of the chefs remembered me the second time I was there, and it was several weeks later. That's fantastic.
My first night there, I had a fantastic risotto with bacon and bleu cheese. It was tasty and delicious, and perfect for a cold winter night. Jen had their Humboldt pizza with pesto and oven roasted tomatoes. Equally delicious, the pizza crust and the toppings fun and interesting. The second time I was there, I saw them roasting the tomatoes. They go right into the same oven as the pizzas, and while this sounds rather uninteresting or special, it was proof that this restaurant does not cut corners on anything. You can also see them cooking everything--so you know exactly what goes into your food and how it's prepared.
My second trip, for lunch, I had a cup of their soup of the day and the albacore tuna melt. Everything was fabulous and tasty. But while the food is great, and the I don't think you can find a better value anywhere in Midtown (if you're into value), I think the true beauty of Tuli lies in its ambience. Everytime I go in, even my first time, I feel like I'm entering a long-lost friend's kitchen. They are very open and friendly, the food is incredible, and the wine list is interesting. I really can't think of a negative about Tuli, except maybe that I can't go there every day.
You can find Tuli on the corner of 21st and S, and their website (with menus!) at www.tulibistro.com.
Cheers!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Bohemian Rhapsody
(Okay, okay, that's a cheesy title. I couldn't resist)
As much as I love food and dining out in Sacramento, I inevitably get stumped on the "where should we go to eat?" question. It's not as though there aren't a lot of places to go, but for some reason it's awfully hard to decide sometimes. Carmen and I went to look at a friend's art exhibit yesterday and wanted to get a bite to eat afterwards. She drove (a little below the speed limit and in at least one circle) through midtown as we tried to decide. I ran through about 10 suggestions, but nothing stuck. Finally Carmen said she'd always wanted to try that "Czech-Italian place next to the pub in East Sac." That place is La Trattoria Bohemia on J Street.
The place has a real neighborhood feel. We were only the second table when we sat down, but the restaurant started to fill up by the time we paid our bill. The menu offers Czech specialties like Goulash and Chicken Paprikash, as well as Italian staples like pasta & pizza. Carmen ordered the Spinach Ravioli with Pesto ($13.50). I opted for a bowl of the Chicken & Dumpling soup ($4.50) & a Spinach Pizza ($11 for baby spinach, artichokes, chicken, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese and olive oil). The soup was piping hot with big pieces of chicken, veggies and delicious dumplings. My pizza had a doughy crust and was loaded with fresh spinach and piles of cheese. The 8" personal size is enough for last night's dinner and today's lunch. Carmen really enjoyed her pasta and remarked on the freshness of the spinach in her homemade pasta.
Surprisingly, we both had a glass of wine. She chose the Castello d'Albola Chianti ($7.50) and I went for the Hey Mambo! red ($6.75), just because it had a fun name. The desserts looked good too (apple struedel, tiramisu) but I already had my heart set on Big Spoon across the street (http://sachappyhour.blogspot.com/2007/10/fro-yo-faceoff.html).
La Trattoria Bohemia is a great, little place with a warm atmosphere. Next time you can't make up your mind, it's definitely worth a stop.
As much as I love food and dining out in Sacramento, I inevitably get stumped on the "where should we go to eat?" question. It's not as though there aren't a lot of places to go, but for some reason it's awfully hard to decide sometimes. Carmen and I went to look at a friend's art exhibit yesterday and wanted to get a bite to eat afterwards. She drove (a little below the speed limit and in at least one circle) through midtown as we tried to decide. I ran through about 10 suggestions, but nothing stuck. Finally Carmen said she'd always wanted to try that "Czech-Italian place next to the pub in East Sac." That place is La Trattoria Bohemia on J Street.
The place has a real neighborhood feel. We were only the second table when we sat down, but the restaurant started to fill up by the time we paid our bill. The menu offers Czech specialties like Goulash and Chicken Paprikash, as well as Italian staples like pasta & pizza. Carmen ordered the Spinach Ravioli with Pesto ($13.50). I opted for a bowl of the Chicken & Dumpling soup ($4.50) & a Spinach Pizza ($11 for baby spinach, artichokes, chicken, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese and olive oil). The soup was piping hot with big pieces of chicken, veggies and delicious dumplings. My pizza had a doughy crust and was loaded with fresh spinach and piles of cheese. The 8" personal size is enough for last night's dinner and today's lunch. Carmen really enjoyed her pasta and remarked on the freshness of the spinach in her homemade pasta.
Surprisingly, we both had a glass of wine. She chose the Castello d'Albola Chianti ($7.50) and I went for the Hey Mambo! red ($6.75), just because it had a fun name. The desserts looked good too (apple struedel, tiramisu) but I already had my heart set on Big Spoon across the street (http://sachappyhour.blogspot.com/2007/10/fro-yo-faceoff.html).
La Trattoria Bohemia is a great, little place with a warm atmosphere. Next time you can't make up your mind, it's definitely worth a stop.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I guess you could call us wine-os...
I know you all have missed our postings, but with the end of the semester upon me, and the end of year and the holiday season on everyone else (I haven't gotten that far yet) we just haven't had that much time to go out to eat. However, Jennifer and I have had plenty of time to drink (shocking)and I just thought you'd like to know what we've been up to lately.
Unless it's been a really bad day, our drink of choice is wine, and we've made two rather surprising discoveries lately. As much as I love 58 Degrees and other bars around town, I'm just tired of the scene lately. Sometimes I just want a good glass of wine and some nice company. My favorite for the quiet nights is the The Grand on L and 16th. If you haven't been to this little hole-in-the-wall wine bar yet, you have to give it a try. It's a literal hole-in-the-wall, in what was intended to be a parking lot kiosk. But the owners of Aioli took over and reinvented it into a great little space. Check out the amazing decor and the feeling of spaciousness. They have a relatively small list of wines that cover all parts of the world, but you can tell the wines are intentionally chosen for those who love wine. The Grand has also started serving tapas, soup, and panini from Aioli. I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but they look fantastic. I'll be sure to report back when I have.
Our other favorite place lately is Sweetwater on J in East Sac. This is mostly for location reasons, it's on both my and Jennifer's way home (sort of). The wine list is good, but not fantastic, but they do pour you a pretty good sized glass. What they lack for in selection they make up in quality; the Holly's Hill Grenache is a great choice. The service is rather hit or miss, one of our first times there our bartender was fantastic, and last night the service was rather disappointing. But the bartenders are friendly, the clientele is mostly regulars, and the ambiance is great. Check out the rotating artwork. All I've eaten here was calamari, which was delicious and had bits of friend red pepper, jalapenos, and onions.
I recommend both The Grand and Sweetwater if you're looking for a smaller, quieter place to grab a glass of wine. Definitely check out The Grand if you're downtown, and even if not, it's worth the drive.
Unless it's been a really bad day, our drink of choice is wine, and we've made two rather surprising discoveries lately. As much as I love 58 Degrees and other bars around town, I'm just tired of the scene lately. Sometimes I just want a good glass of wine and some nice company. My favorite for the quiet nights is the The Grand on L and 16th. If you haven't been to this little hole-in-the-wall wine bar yet, you have to give it a try. It's a literal hole-in-the-wall, in what was intended to be a parking lot kiosk. But the owners of Aioli took over and reinvented it into a great little space. Check out the amazing decor and the feeling of spaciousness. They have a relatively small list of wines that cover all parts of the world, but you can tell the wines are intentionally chosen for those who love wine. The Grand has also started serving tapas, soup, and panini from Aioli. I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but they look fantastic. I'll be sure to report back when I have.
Our other favorite place lately is Sweetwater on J in East Sac. This is mostly for location reasons, it's on both my and Jennifer's way home (sort of). The wine list is good, but not fantastic, but they do pour you a pretty good sized glass. What they lack for in selection they make up in quality; the Holly's Hill Grenache is a great choice. The service is rather hit or miss, one of our first times there our bartender was fantastic, and last night the service was rather disappointing. But the bartenders are friendly, the clientele is mostly regulars, and the ambiance is great. Check out the rotating artwork. All I've eaten here was calamari, which was delicious and had bits of friend red pepper, jalapenos, and onions.
I recommend both The Grand and Sweetwater if you're looking for a smaller, quieter place to grab a glass of wine. Definitely check out The Grand if you're downtown, and even if not, it's worth the drive.
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