Eight or nine years ago, my mom was a bone marrow donor for a complete stranger. She had put her name on a registry in the late 80's and was called to duty. It was a painful procedure (she says it wasn't bad but I cry at paper cuts) but I'll spare you the details since this isn't a medical blog! Anyway, she had the procedure done at Sutter Medical Center and once she was released my father took her, my grandmother and me to Biba for a celebratory dinner. To me it was a huge deal because I'd loved Biba Caggiano's cooking show and Biba herself is a cancer survivor. I remember the meal being delicious but mostly I remember Biba coming to our table to tell my mom she was proud of what she had done.
Almost a decade later, I recently went back to Biba. This time, instead of dinner it was six friends, a baby and lots of wine! It may come as a surprise to some, but Biba has a fabulous happy hour. You won't find shot specials and the decor is a bit... mature! But the specials are perfect for anyone's happy hour budget. The drink menu consists of $5 classy cocktails like Manhattans and half price wines. I had a Matchbook Temperanillo for $5 which was wonderful. We shared a bunch of $5 appetizers, including calamari, gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce and bruschetta topped with seared tuna and pesto. Yum!
The bartender was really friendly and made delicious drinks. Our server was really accommodating even when the dining room got busy she was still back-and-forth to the lounge attending to our every need. There's a lot to be said for amazing service!
I think Baby Blake enjoyed happy hour too! While the girls were sipping red while, he had his own bottle of "house white!"
So, if dinner at Biba seems a little extravagant, head over for happy hour. You'll get a taste of the incredible food and service the restaurant is known for without breaking the bank!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cin Cin!
Biba has started a weekday happy hour that looks like it's not to be missed!
Monday through Friday
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
$5 cocktails: Absolut Vodka Martini, Lemon Drop, Ruby Slipper, Makers Mark Manhattan
1/2 price glasses of Sauvignon Blanc,Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Merlot
$5 small plates: Calamari Fritti, Housemade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce, Grilled Caggiano Italian Sausage on Soft Polenta, Bruschetta, Seafood Cakes
Monday through Friday
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
$5 cocktails: Absolut Vodka Martini, Lemon Drop, Ruby Slipper, Makers Mark Manhattan
1/2 price glasses of Sauvignon Blanc,Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Merlot
$5 small plates: Calamari Fritti, Housemade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce, Grilled Caggiano Italian Sausage on Soft Polenta, Bruschetta, Seafood Cakes
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
It's time to start thinking about New Year's Eve. If you're like me, it's one of those holidays you'd rather avoid. But you can't. So why not drink and dance the night away--perhaps with some new friends (especially some new friends that might provide that ever-so-important midnight kiss?) Meetup.com has great activies (although I'll admit I've never been to one), and the Downtown group just sent the email below (I cut and paste for you!). Sounds like fun. If I wasn't already going to Mother Hips at Marilyns, I might look into it.
From Marsh's email:
Announcing a new Meetup for Downtown/Midtown!
What: New Decade New Year's Eve Party!
When: December 31, 2009 9:00 PM
Price: $59.00 per person
Where:
Masonic Temple
1123 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Downtown/Midtown Meetup & Friends cordially requests the pleasure of your company at our
2010 New Year's Eve Gala!
A Celebration of Wine, Music, and Dance
MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!
Sacramento's premiere New Year's Eve Gala will be held at the Elegant Masonic Temple located in downtown Sacramento. Join us for an unforgettable night as you ring in the New Year! Don't miss this incredible value as we close out the first decade of the 21st Century in style!
Upscale or Cocktail Attire Requested
Thursday, December 31st at 9:00PM
Please reserve your tickets soon. Ticket prices go up on December 26th!
ADMISSION INCLUDES OPEN BAR & UPSCALE APPETIZERS!
Tickets are only $59 | $69 after 12/26 l $79 at the door
You do not need a date to attend: Both singles and couples will attend the gala. Whether you come by yourself or with friends, you will have a wonderful time!
Enjoy an evening of great music and dancing
Listen to the Upbeat sounds of Sacramento's favorite jazz band - Midtown Jazz while you mix and mingle from 9:00 to 10:30pm. At 10:30 pm DJ Greg of A Special Request will spin the classics from the 70's and 80's. He'll also play a medley of slow jams for the romantics in the crowd.
About the Venue
The Sacramento Masonic Temple has been the location of choice for hundreds of weddings, holiday parties and banquets, the stunning 8,000 square foot room accommodates up to 600 for cocktails and hor d'oeuvres. It is the largest venue in Sacramento and is conveniently located near the State Capitol.
The Sacramento Masonic Temple offers convenient parking and easy access to Interstate 5
Please note that all online ticket sales are final. No refunds.
We are unable to offer refunds or cancellations once a ticket has been purchased.
Tickets will be released at the entrance only to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting photo ID.
This gala will sell out! Please note that all attendees must be 21 or over to attend.
Our open bar includes wines from the following local wineries:
Vino Con Brio Winery
Perry Creek Winery
Nine Gables Winery
Terre D'oro
It will also include a selection of upscale beer from one of Sacramento's better Breweries.
Appetizers!
Experience the taste of the Mediterranean.
In addition to our open bar and midnight champagne toast, Chef Elias owner of Tony's Deli will prepare delectable appetizers representing the flavors and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean for you to experience and enjoy.
Menu
Jumbo Prawns on Ice with Cocktail Sauce/Lemon Wedges
Oysters in the Half Shell on Ice
Smoked Salmon (Lox) with all the trimmings
Mediterranean stuffed Grape leaves
Mediterranean Ravioli Salad
Assorted Imported & Domestic Cheese with Assorted Crackers & Baguettes
Deluxe Vegetable Platter (In season Vegetables)
Cajun Sausage
Mild or Spicy Italian Sausage
Italian or Swedish Meatballs
Please note that all hosted service, both appetizers and wine & beer will stop at Midnight.
No Host cocktails will continue to be served after that.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Can't find someone to watch your children?
Use our nanny service. Your child will celebrate new years in a separate area on the premises which will only be accessible by parents who use the service. We'll have a play area set-up for your children's enjoyment.
$20 first child, $10.00 for each additional child. Ages 3 to 14.
NEED A RIDE HOME?
To insure you arrive home safely we'll provide end of night shuttle service, with next day pickup to retrieve your car- $20 roundtrip (15 minute radius of the Masonic Temple)
Valet Service $10
Coat Check $2
To book your limousine ride call 916-922-5466
We'll offer special hotel rates-TBA
We're partnering with the following meetup groups to make this event a success:
Single in Sacramento
Addicted to Adventure
MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!
Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/downtown/calendar/11996962/
From Marsh's email:
Announcing a new Meetup for Downtown/Midtown!
What: New Decade New Year's Eve Party!
When: December 31, 2009 9:00 PM
Price: $59.00 per person
Where:
Masonic Temple
1123 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Downtown/Midtown Meetup & Friends cordially requests the pleasure of your company at our
2010 New Year's Eve Gala!
A Celebration of Wine, Music, and Dance
MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!
Sacramento's premiere New Year's Eve Gala will be held at the Elegant Masonic Temple located in downtown Sacramento. Join us for an unforgettable night as you ring in the New Year! Don't miss this incredible value as we close out the first decade of the 21st Century in style!
Upscale or Cocktail Attire Requested
Thursday, December 31st at 9:00PM
Please reserve your tickets soon. Ticket prices go up on December 26th!
ADMISSION INCLUDES OPEN BAR & UPSCALE APPETIZERS!
Tickets are only $59 | $69 after 12/26 l $79 at the door
You do not need a date to attend: Both singles and couples will attend the gala. Whether you come by yourself or with friends, you will have a wonderful time!
Enjoy an evening of great music and dancing
Listen to the Upbeat sounds of Sacramento's favorite jazz band - Midtown Jazz while you mix and mingle from 9:00 to 10:30pm. At 10:30 pm DJ Greg of A Special Request will spin the classics from the 70's and 80's. He'll also play a medley of slow jams for the romantics in the crowd.
About the Venue
The Sacramento Masonic Temple has been the location of choice for hundreds of weddings, holiday parties and banquets, the stunning 8,000 square foot room accommodates up to 600 for cocktails and hor d'oeuvres. It is the largest venue in Sacramento and is conveniently located near the State Capitol.
The Sacramento Masonic Temple offers convenient parking and easy access to Interstate 5
Please note that all online ticket sales are final. No refunds.
We are unable to offer refunds or cancellations once a ticket has been purchased.
Tickets will be released at the entrance only to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting photo ID.
This gala will sell out! Please note that all attendees must be 21 or over to attend.
Our open bar includes wines from the following local wineries:
Vino Con Brio Winery
Perry Creek Winery
Nine Gables Winery
Terre D'oro
It will also include a selection of upscale beer from one of Sacramento's better Breweries.
Appetizers!
Experience the taste of the Mediterranean.
In addition to our open bar and midnight champagne toast, Chef Elias owner of Tony's Deli will prepare delectable appetizers representing the flavors and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean for you to experience and enjoy.
Menu
Jumbo Prawns on Ice with Cocktail Sauce/Lemon Wedges
Oysters in the Half Shell on Ice
Smoked Salmon (Lox) with all the trimmings
Mediterranean stuffed Grape leaves
Mediterranean Ravioli Salad
Assorted Imported & Domestic Cheese with Assorted Crackers & Baguettes
Deluxe Vegetable Platter (In season Vegetables)
Cajun Sausage
Mild or Spicy Italian Sausage
Italian or Swedish Meatballs
Please note that all hosted service, both appetizers and wine & beer will stop at Midnight.
No Host cocktails will continue to be served after that.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Can't find someone to watch your children?
Use our nanny service. Your child will celebrate new years in a separate area on the premises which will only be accessible by parents who use the service. We'll have a play area set-up for your children's enjoyment.
$20 first child, $10.00 for each additional child. Ages 3 to 14.
NEED A RIDE HOME?
To insure you arrive home safely we'll provide end of night shuttle service, with next day pickup to retrieve your car- $20 roundtrip (15 minute radius of the Masonic Temple)
Valet Service $10
Coat Check $2
To book your limousine ride call 916-922-5466
We'll offer special hotel rates-TBA
We're partnering with the following meetup groups to make this event a success:
Single in Sacramento
Addicted to Adventure
MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!
Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/downtown/calendar/11996962/
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Hashi Specials
Hashi has some great specials for these "tough economic times." Aside from their very filling $7.50 lunch bento box (miso, steamed rice, 2 gyoza, salad and your choice of two other items), they have $1 handroll night on Monday and $1 nigiri night on Tuesday. The nigiri is limited to about 12 fish choices and there are about eight handroll options. On Wednesdays they have half-off selected rolls. Their regular happy hour isn't too shabby either: $3 well and drafts and $3 - $6 food specials. I can't find their website, but they're located at 2110 L Street in Sacramento, formerly Stonegrill.
Dine Downtown for $30
Been wanting to try a new Sacramento restaurant, but don't want to spend a fortune? Dine Downtown week starts on January 8th. For 10 days you can try a three-course meal for $30 a person. Restaurants include Biba, Ella, Cosmo Cafe, the Grange and Mulvaney's. A full list - some with menus - is at this link.
Paragary's Starts Happy Hour
Paragary's is kicking off a new happy hour from 4:30 to 7:30 weeknights! 7:30!! That's awesome! There aren't a lot of details other than food and drinks start at $3! Check it out here.
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