Quick Bites

Esquire Grill has unrolled a new Happy Hour special, "5 for $6 till 7:00." Five cocktails, five wines by the glass and five appetizers are only $6 until... well, I think you get it. Cocktails include Key Lime and Basil Sapphire martinis and the appetizers look pretty yummy.

More details here.

Also, Tuli Bistro has added an "Afternoon Delight" menu. From 2:30 to 5:00 on weekdays, there will be selected beer ($2) and wine ($5) specials as well as Chef's Tasting Boards, which include your choice of tasty bites ranging from risotto balls to a variety of cheeses and meat selections.

You can check out those details here.

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday has become a ubiquitous term in Midtown this summer. I'm not sure who started it, but it is everywhere. While the days of meandering through Midtown neighborhoods on your cruiser may be over (due to the impending Northern California monsoon), there are still plenty of great deals and fun activities in Sacramento on Sundays. If you've survived your Saturday night, head out drinking on Sunday. Or fight that hangover with bottomless Mimosas.

This was my day yesterday (and I'm really glad I had today off for Columbus Day):

Brunch at Tuli Bistro. Ok, certainly not budget friendly, but holy cow was it good! Bottomless mimosas were a good deal at $8 per person. Their version of Eggs Benedict was so good I could have licked my plate. Jen's spicy goat cheese scramble looked delicious. The people at the table over had the breakfast pizza and the biscuits and gravy. I'm not sure Tuli can make anything that's not spectacular, and with brunch they really seem to have hit their stride. Super laid back, friendly service, and a beautiful day on the patio. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my day.

Jen and were on our bikes and headed over to Taylor's Kitchen for their weekly "Dick's Picks" wine tasting. I love this wine tasting. For $10 Richard Ebert, wine guy of Taylor's Market and Taylor's Kitchen, pours 6-8 of his current favorites. There's no real method to his madness, he just wants people to try something new. He's great--funny, friendly, loves to tell you about wine and quote Shakespeare. His wife is always there and she's super adorable. They have a great cheese and snack selection to munch on, and they are always willing to pour a little more if you haven't quite decided on a wine. Dick also picks wines that are super economical--I don't recall ever seeing anything over $20 on his list. Now, you may be asking why I would promote a $10 tasting when there are plenty of wineries around where you can taste for free (and I protest when they charge). I know Dick is going to pour something worthwhile. The wine is always good, the company is always fantastic, and they are always generous with the pours. It's totally worth the $10.

And more wine at 58 Degrees... Ok, it's no secret that my girlfriends and I love 58 on Sundays. Their no-corkage fee Sundays are a fabulous idea. Post not-so-great-Sac Bee review and perhaps in response to these tough economic times, 58 has reworked their food and wine menus. The result is more economical food choices (instead of the full cheese plate you can pick one or two, etc) and even cheaper wines. They have a few reds under $30 a bottle, which is a great deal normally, and on Sundays when you take $15 off the price it's a fantastic deal. Our service last night was still a little on the sketchy side, but there are some servers who really know their wine. Sit at the bar for the best service.

So, dear readers, what's your favorite Sunday spot?

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!