Tightwad Tuesday: Piatti
Attention all Italian food lovers! Piatti, an Italian trattoria in the Pavilions Shopping Center in Sacramento, is currently offering a three course dinner special for $20! Start the meal with your choice of a small Mista salad, Caesar salad, or cup of soup. For the main course, order any of Piatti’s small pastas like the ravioli, linguini, bucatini, or tortelloni. We suggest you save room for dessert because you will get to choose from three Italian favorites: tiramisu, gelato, or sorbetto. And don’t forget, an authentic Italian meal is never complete without wine; add a glass for just $2!
The special is available during Piatti’s dinner hours, seven days a week. For more information call (916) 649-8885.
Piatti
571 Pavilions Lane
Sacramento, CA 95825
Add comment February 9, 2010
Valentine’s Day Specials at Local Restaurants
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you haven’t already made plans, have no fear, we’ve put together a list of local restaurants and their Valentine’s Day specials.
4th Street Grille - Choose from two special Valentine’s Day dinner options: the Four Course Prix Fixe dinner for $85 per couple that includes one appetizer, two salads or soup, two entrees of your choice and one dessert to share or order a la carte from the 4th Street Grille’s Valentine’s Day Dinner menu. For more information visit 4th Street Grille or call (916) 448-2847.
Cosmo Café - Cosmo Cafés Valentine’s menu is available after 5p.m. from February 12-14 and includes a three course meal with menu items like asparagus, swordfish, and chocolate cake for $40 per person. Call (916) 446-9800 or visit Cosmo Café’s Web site for more information.
Delta King- Pilothouse Restaurant – Have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Pilothouse Restaurant, Choose from two dining options for Valentine’s Day: a three course Twilight Dinner for $49 per person or a four course Pilothouse Valentine’s Dinner with a complimentary glass of champagne for $75 per person. Click here for reservations or call (916) 441-4440.
Ella Dining Room and Bar – Get ready to pop some bubbly at Ella Dining Room and Bar! Ella’s Valentine’s Day dinner special includes a bottle of champagne per couple, followed by three dinner courses, and a dessert for $125 per person. For reservations call (916) 443-3772 or visit Ella Dining Room.
The Firehouse Restaurant - The Firehouse Restaurant has a five course Valentine’s Day dinner menu with items like lobster bisque, filet mignon, pork tenderloin, and more for $115 per person –plus, there’s a separate vegetarian Valentine’s Day menu. Make reservations here or call (916) 442-4772.
Piatti - If you are a fan of Italian food, you’ll want to check out Piatti’s Valentine’s Day menu. For $60 per person you and your date can enjoy a four course meal, a glass of champagne, and Chocolate Budino or Prosecco Zabliogne for dessert. (916) 649-8885.
Plan B - If you want to really indulge this Valentine’s Day, Plan B has a Valentine’s menu that will allow you to do just that! For $55 each, you and your date can enjoy a four course meal with options like oysters, salmon, and cheesecake. (916) 483-3000
Spataro Restaurant and Bar - Enjoy Valentine’s Day in the sleek and contemporary environment of Spataro Restaurant and Bar. Spataro’s three course Valentine’s Day menu, $40 per person, consists of items like lobster risotto, duck, and chocolate-hazelnut cake. Click here for reservations.
Melting Pot - If you want to “stir things up” this Valentine’s Day, head over to the Melting Pot. The Melting Pot has two Valentine’s Day dinner menus: a four course meal for $75 per person and a five course Lover’s Lane Package for $250 per couple—includes a single rose, two splits of Chandon, extended private seating, and a souvenir photo. Both dinner options come with your choice of any of their Decadent Chocolate Fondue for dessert. (916) 443-2347
(Pictures courtesy of Flickr user _rockinfree)
Brew It Up - Hurry over to Brew It Up this Valentine’s Day because if you are one of the first 150 ladies through the door, you’ll get a rose!Their full dining menu will be served in addition to Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials and a 4 Course Special for $59 per couple that includes a shared appetizer, soup or salad, entrees, and desserts. Make reservations online or call (916) 441-3000.
Hornblower Cruise - Spend Valentine’s Day on the Sacramento River aboard one of Hornblower’s unique Valentine’s Day cruises. Hornblower will have a two hour Sacramento Cupid’s Valentine’s Brunch Cruise that includes sparkling wine and a full brunch buffet. Another cruise option: the three hour Sacramento Sweethearts Valentine’s Dinner Cruise that includes a four course meal. Cruise prices and availability vary. Call 1-888-HORNBLOWER, or visit their Web site.
Grange –Grange is offering three different Valentine’s Day dining options: three courses for $55, four courses for $65, and five courses for $75. You will also have the option to add cocktail and wine pairings to your meal.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood-Sacramento (client) - “Indulge Your Taste for Romance” and let McCormick and Schmick’s take care of the details. McCormick & Schmick’s will offer any guest that makes a Valentine’s Day reservation an “above and beyond” service in which the restaurant will order roses from a local florist to be delivered to the guests table upon arrival for dinner. Prices and exact flower arrangements vary by location, and guests will have the option to include the roses on their dinner bill or be billed separately. Additionally, each guest can request to have a special personalized message included on their dinner menu or a personalized note card on the table. Dinner options include Oyster Rockefeller, a filet combo, a lobster combo and desserts! Call (916) 442-8200 for reservations or book online here.
1 comment February 8, 2010
Super Bowl Deliciousness
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here and it’s all about the great food…oh, and football of course! Do you have your menu ready yet?? Here’s what some of the Sac Foodies have lined up for the big game!
Maria Chacon Kniestedt – I’ll be serving up some delicious chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya on Super Bowl Sunday because, well, all of the signs were there: Just this past weekend, my husband asked if I would make some Cajun fare, like jambalaya or red beans and rice, for dinner soon . Then, I learned the New Orleans Saints would be in the Super Bowl – not that this made an impression (clearly, I’m focused on Kings basketball not football!). Right now, I’m reading a great book that’s set in New Orleans (James Rollins’ Altar of Eden), and then, this morning, the epiphany: the perfect recipe for jambalaya in today’s Sacramento Bee. I simply can’t ignore a good theme! I’ll add a crisp green salad, some crusty pugliese and whip up some beignets for dessert. You know it’s going to be a great day when food AND books AND sports come together.
Brittany Mohr – My favorite part of the Super Bowl is almost always the commercials! But when it comes to food, you just can’t beat the dips – homemade guacamole is usually my vice.
Karlie Bettencourt – My grandma always made Wiener Crescent Roll-Ups for holidays and birthdays. So in honor of tradition, whenever I need to make an appetizer, Wiener Crescent Roll-Ups are the first thing that comes to mind. They are so easy to make (only two ingredients: cocktail wieners and crescent rolls) and are always devoured within 10 minutes. Try serving them with mustard, ketchup, or other dipping sauces for a little extra flavor. My Super Bowl just wouldn’t be the same without them!
Cecily Fuller – I’m all about the dips on Super Bowl Sunday. Salsa, seven layer bean dip, guacamole – you name it, I’m game. Guacamole is always a favorite, so I’ll definitely be whipping up some of that, but I want to try something new, too. I think this Spicy Blue Cheese Dip I found on the Food Network Web site will be the perfect addition to those spicy chicken wings I can never seem to get enough of!
What’s on your Super Bowl menu? Are you trying out a new recipe, using an old standby or ordering out? We’d love to know!
Add comment February 4, 2010
Smith Island Baking Co.
I’m pretty sure that by now our obsession with food has come across loud and clear. And, while we focus on our beloved Sacramento area, we’re on the prowl for good food with a good story anytime and anywhere. Recently, one Sac Foodie took a trip back east to Maryland for the holidays and stumbled upon a gem that we just couldn’t ignore: Smith Island Baking Co.
Smith Island, Maryland is a remote fishing community with a rich history…that produces quite possibly even richer cake! The story goes that as far back as the 1800s, watermen’s spouses on Smith Island would send them out during the autumn oyster harvest with quilts, their daily necessities and, of course, cakes. When they noticed that the traditional, thicker cakes became stale too quickly, they developed a method that would bring fame to this little island in years to come.
Smith Island cakes are made from scratch with seemingly impossible-to-make thin layers, stacked high with cooked fudge in place of the typical butter cream frosting. The unique cakes kept the Smith Island watermen full and satisfied for days back in the 1800s and have become a staple for the island in their ability to be shipped across the country without losing flavor or moisture.
When Smith Island Baking Co. kindly offered to send the Sac Foodies one of their Chocolate Fudge cakes to review, we happily accepted the “difficult” task! Now, keep in mind that this cake traveled all the way from Maryland to Sacramento – so this was the true test. – Cecily Fuller
Jenna Buhagiar – Such a dense, filling cake! A sliver is really all you need to get a delicious sweet fix. I’m thinking it might also be good at breakfast-time accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee, so I may just have to try that out.
Kim Bedwell – What I liked about this cake is that it wasn’t too sweet. Just the right balance of chocolate and cake. I bet it would be even better with a fresh cup of coffee.
Christine Schunk – While I was cutting myself a piece of this layered goodness, the packaging the cake was shipped in actually caught my eye. Smith Island sends their cakes in a really cute cake dome-type tin – love it!
Shelly Kessen – Yummy! The cake is so pretty, too. It was the first time I had heard of them, but it won’t be the last that I give them a try.
Brittany Mohr – I’m not a big cake person, and I had THREE slices. I only admit that because it was so good that I don’t regret my decision to indulge. Some things are just worth the splurge, and the chocolaty layered goodness of Smith Island Cake is one of them.
John Armato – Beautiful presentation, both cake and charming cake tin. Loved the fudge. Drier than I expected. Have a GREAT back story. Loved the history.
Smith Island cakes can be ordered online at http://smithislandbakingco.com.
Smith Island Baking Co.
20926 Caleb Jones Road
Ewell, Smith Island, MD 21824
(410) 425-2253
Add comment February 3, 2010
Tightwad Tuesday: Do you feel lucky?
Head over to Centro Cocina Mexicana tonight any time between 5p.m. -9 p.m. and try your luck with their 50/50 Tuesday special. Order any food item off the dinner menu and when it comes time to pay the tab, you’ll be asked to roll a die instead: odds, Centro pays for your meal up to $20, evens, you pay. It’s that simple.
Centro has an extensive dinner menu that includes empanadas, chalupas, tamales, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more. They also have a Happy Hour which runs Tuesday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6p.m. With a menu like that, it looks like you’ll be a winner either way!
Visit Centro’s Web site for more information about the 50/50 Tuesday special.
Centro Cocina Mexicana
2730 J. St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 442-2552
1 comment February 2, 2010
House Kitchen & Bar: It’s Officially Open!
When we got word that House Kitchen & Bar, the new restaurant at 555 Capitol Mall, had finally opened, we promptly scheduled a lunch trip down the street. Not that we don’t love our old standby lunch destinations like Il Fo, Subway and the hot dog cart, but we’ve been looking forward to having a new dining option within walking distance of our office.
Arriving at the restaurant at Noon, we found the place bustling and almost every table full of diners. We even caught a glimpse of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson digging into lunch at the new restaurant.
Unfortunately, we working girls did not have time for table service, so we placed a to-go order instead. Here’s what we tried:
Liz Conant- “I had the a sandwich called the hot press (I think!) with turkey, bacon, ham, cheddar, tomatoes and a special aioli mayo on foccacia. Served with a side of fries, this was more than a filling lunch! I’m looking forward to going back and sampling more menu items, especially when House opens for dinner, which I hear should be soon….”
Brittany Mohr-“I’d heard that House was going to be all about comfort food, and in my book comfort food = mac and cheese. So, I ordered the Five Cheese Elbow Mac & Cheese with Applewood Smoked Bacon and it proved to be the epitome of all things comforting. Perfectly warm and cheesy, this dish is listed on the starters section of the menu but was more than enough to satiate my appetite. Next time I’m there, I want to check out the drink menu … anything for the excuse to sip from a Mason Jar while out to eat!”
Jenna Buhagiar- “It was feeling like a ‘go big or go home’ kind of day, so I opted for Christopher’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich dipped in hot sauce with melted bleu cheese and it sure was big. Like the other sandwiches, it also came piled with a side of tasty fries. I’m always a fan of a super-messy, saucy and spicy chicken sandwich, but could always go for more bleu cheese. I’m glad I was able to sneak a bite of Brittany’s mac & cheese – can’t wait to order a bowl for myself next time.”
House Kitchen and Bar
555 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Add comment January 29, 2010
A New Kind of Sushi Comes to Roseville
From the opening of House Kitchen & Bar (review to come tomorrow!) and the Mason’s makeover announcement, there seems to be a lot going on lately in the Sacramento restaurant world. Of course, foodie news is our favorite kind of news so we have no complaints! In fact, we’ve got one more announcement to add to the list.
Tonight marks the Grand Opening of Sake House at The Fountains in Roseville. Sake House is a new undertaking by Randy Paragary of Paragary Restaurant Group and Bob Simpson, owner of Social Nightclub in downtown Sacramento. The mix of their unique backgrounds has resulted in a new type of sushi and sake experience. The restaurant/bar/lounge/nightclub offers a fully furnished 2,000 square foot patio making for a vibrant dining experience that transforms into an upscale lounge late in the evening with DJ music and dancing.
Whether you’re looking to relax, drink or dine, Sake House promises to have it all!
Sake House
1017 Galleria Blvd. #160
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 782-5040
Add comment January 28, 2010
Malabar American Cooking and Cocktails
I’m fairly new to the Sacramento area, so you can imagine how overwhelmed I was with all of the different places there are to eat. I love food, but didn’t know where to start! Well, I was in luck because on my way home one night, a restaurant caught my attention and I knew exactly where my food journey would begin…Malabar American Cooking and Cocktails.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how spacious it was. The dim, earthy lighting gave the restaurant a relaxed, comfortable feel. With a large bar and surrounding TV’s, Malabar is a perfect destination for a night out with friends or a date with a significant other. Conveniently located near Arco Arena, Malabar is also a great place for concert-goers and sports fans.
Now on to the best part: the menu. It was extensive and included hamburgers, pizza, steak, fish, pasta, and Mexican food. Being the indecisive person that I am, I studied the menu for a good 20 minutes before settling on the Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas with black beans and cilantro lime rice. My dining partner got the meatloaf with garlic roasted mashed potatoes, sautéed seasonal vegetables, and home style mushroom gravy.
My Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas were delicious; they had an authentic Mexican flavor with an American twist and the black beans were a healthy alternative to the traditional refried beans.I managed to steal a bite of the meatloaf and mashed potatoes before they were devoured, too. The meatloaf, full of flavor, tasted homemade and the garlic mashed potatoes melted in my mouth.
Malabar’s menu has more than 20 entrees under $10 and a kids menu with all items under $5. For anyone interested in having a cocktail, there is a unique cocktail menu that features Malabar specialties like a Frozen Grape Martini, Pear-Berry Lemonade, and Malabar Rum Runner. Malabar is open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Malabar American Cooking and Cocktails
2960 Del Paso Rd.
Sacramento, CA 95834
By Karlie Bettencourt 
Add comment January 27, 2010
Foodie News: Mason’s is Getting a Makeover!
The upscale Mason’s restaurant, known for its Modern American Cuisine, will close its doors on February 15 for a complete transformation and will reopen in mid-March as Cafeteria 15L.
The switch from Mason’s upscale fine dining to Cafeteria 15L will offer more affordable American comfort cuisine with a classic flair. Traditional dishes like homemade burgers, meatloaf, pot pies, and mac ‘n cheese are just a few of the menu items that will be served in Cafeteria’s whimsical urban atmosphere. The indoor/outdoor restaurant will feature sliding wood barn doors to create private dining, and will include industrial and antique elements.
Co-owner, Mason Wong, says Cafeteria will be “very approachable, welcoming families, young downtowners, and business people on the go.” Cafeteria will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. And for all you late-nighters, Cafeteria will be open ‘till 3 a.m. Thursday –Saturday!
Cafeteria 15L
Corner of 15th &L
Sacramento, CA 95814
By Karlie Bettencourt 
5 comments January 25, 2010
Foodie Weekend in New Orleans
Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to take my first trip to New Orleans, a city that I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time. Sure, I was looking forward to listening to jazz in the French Quarter, learning about Mardi Gras traditions and having a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s on Bourbon Street, but honestly, above all else I was in it for the food. I had a goal in mind: to sample as many traditional foods as possible in just three days. Here’s how my dining adventure panned out:
Night # 1: Dinner at Cochon
A fairly new restaurant on the New Orleans scene, Cochon opened in 2006 and has already won numerous awards and accolades, so it was no surprise that my fellow foodie travelers selected this restaurant for our very first meal upon arrival. This restaurant feels very casual and welcoming, with rustic-style wood tables and friendly service. Cochon made it easy to knock a few items off my goal list: highlights included the fried alligator appetizer with chili garlic aioli (tastes like chicken!), the hearty rabbit & dumplings stew and the Louisiana cochon, a house specialty dish made of pulled pork which is then pressed back together and pan fried.
Day #2: Lunch at Lüke
One of John Besh’s many New Orleans restaurants, Lüke is Besh’s “homage to old brasseries that once reigned in New Orleans.” We had a fantastic lunch at the restaurant and I was able to try a few more New Orleans specialties including gumbo and fried oysters. As a group, dishes we ordered included: redfish court-boullion, seafood gumbo a la Creole, fried oyster, bacon and avocado salad, the Lüke burger and the croque madame (both of which were so massive that they’re served on cutting boards)!
Day #3: Breakfast at Café du Mond
Typically, I don’t go for sweets first thing in the morning, but after visiting Café du Mond and trying their beignets, I’d make an exception for them anytime. Essentially, a beignet is a fried pastry covered in powdered sugar – good luck eating one of these without making a complete mess! We had a blast soaking up the bustling atmosphere of Café du Mond while enjoying plates of beignets and hot café au laits. Café du Mond is definitely not to be missed on any trip to NOLA.
Day 3: Dinner at Maringy Brasserie
On our last night in New Orleans, we were determined to seek out the best place to listen to jazz, so we headed to Frenchmen Street, known for being a bit less touristy than Bourbon Street with live music every night of the week. We ate dinner at the Maringy Brasserie, where I continued to expand my foodie horizons by ordering good old shrimp ‘n grits, which was one of the best dishes I tried all week. The rest of the group also ordered some amazing dishes including: duck and andouille spring rolls, pappardelle with rabbit ragu, crab cakes with red pepper coulis, seared sea scallops and two out-of-this-world desserts, a lemon and goat cheese layer cake with cabernet syrup and a chocolate espresso torte with grand marnier sabayan.
By the end of the long weekend, I was quite proud of all the new foods I had tried – and also quite full. I left New Orleans with visions of returning for Mardi Gras and more foodie adventures dancing in my head. Until next time NOLA!
By Liz Conant 
1 comment January 22, 2010
Everything posted on this blog is stated as personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Fleishman-Hillard or its clients.
