SacFoodies

By Ana Marie and Sara Ortega

Ana Marie:

When one hears the name Noodle & Company, thoughts about appetizing Asian cuisine or tasty Italian pasta may come to mind.  Yet, unbeknownst to many, Noodles & Company is so much more than merely noodles!  This charming restaurant prides itself with a diverse menu that ranges from Japanese Pan Noodles to Wisconsin Cheesesteak to Chinese Chopped Salad and even Thai-Curry Soup!

In addition to a world class selection of delicious cuisines, Noodles & Company guarantees the ultimate home-made experience. The employees will welcome you like an old friend. Each restaurant location is designed to provide an inviting, casual ambiance for the whole family. And the best part is that the each delicious dish is prepared with plenty of tender love and care to ensure your dining experience is a memorable one. 

When we visited the restaurant for the first time, it felt like walking into grandma’s kitchen. Each member of the staff is eager to welcome you. The goal is to make its patrons so comfortable that you would choose Noodles & Company for lunch, dinner and even desert! Our lunch started with their signature Chicken Noodle Soup, made with chicken breast, celery, carrots, onions and wavy egg noodles. The portion was perfect and the taste was so comforting it gave me nostalgic memories of mom’s cooking.

The next dish we sampled was their newly created, limited-edition, spring Garden Pesto Sauté. The dish is a blend of warm, freshly-cooked pasta and a fresh airy spinach salad. It was a fusion of spring asparagus swathed in a light lemon Genovese pesto sprinkled with red bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, pecans, and feta over gluten-free fusilli noodles. I was blown away by the burst of flavor and quality of this dish. It was the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and hearty pasta. I was happily satisfied after the meal and couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Sara:

This Spring, Noodles & Company is offering their “A World of Spring” menu featuring fresh asparagus. We were lucky enough to be invited to a special tasting of the spring menu at the Loehmann’s Plaza location and get our asparagus fix! I had personally never been to Noodles & Company before this visit so I was very excited to see what they were all about. To start, the personable staff had the whole place glistening and feeling like home—something about it was just more comfortable than the average restaurant experience. 

Our meal began with the Tomato Basil Bisque which was heartier than any other tomato soup I’ve ever tasted. The soup was a perfect combination of salty and spicy. The bite-size chunks of real tomato, with touches of parsley and basil for garnish, really made the dish feel homemade and just for me! I had typically always stayed away from tomato soups because I couldn’t stand the watery texture, but this soup was nothing like that.

The Spinach & Fresh Fruit salad on the side was a perfect solution for the hot weather. The fresh-cut apples, pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon with balsamic fig dressing was unbelievably refreshing.

If there are two things I love, it’s pasta and spicy food. The Penne Rosa pasta dish that came next brought these two components together into one beautiful plate. The penne pasta was covered in a spicy tomato cream sauce, made with mushrooms, tomato, spinach, and fresh parmesan cheese. I was hesitant to try spicy pasta, but this plate far exceeded my expectations and I would definitely order it again.

When I say that the whole experience had a very homemade and home-grown feel, I mean it. All dishes are made to order and I definitely tasted the difference. I also had no idea of the accommodations Noodles & Company made to accommodate customers with allergies and special dietary needs. They’re ready to substitute any vegetable, sauce, or even regular pasta with whole grain or rice pasta to satisfy your appetite. They even offer different portion sizes of their dishes to make sure you are able to closer monitor your own portions!

Noodles & Company

2435 Fair Oaks Blvd

Sacramento, CA 95825

(916) 484-7250

The SacFoodies were a guest of Noodles & Company, and although the dinner was complimentary, the opinions expressed are our own.

When working in food communications, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fad.

You know what I’m talking about. Those highfalutin ingredients and dishes that sound just as good rolling off the tongue as they taste rolling on it.

Truffle-infused such-and-such. Organic trendy-berry compote. Grass-fed dodo eggs, 17 ways.

It’s easy to forget that sometimes simple can be good, too.

Less is more.

And ease of preparation is key.

Case in point: When I was faced with the need to throw together a side dish for a recent family gathering, I knew I needed something requiring simple ingredients and even simpler prep.

To the rescue? My invaluable Epicurious app, which pointed me in the direction of this highly customizable recipe for Creamy Chive Potatoes from the May issue of Bon Appétit.

Like with most recipes, I riffed a bit on the ingredients. They call for chives. I threw in rough-chopped basil instead. I also added garlic because, well, I can’t not cook with garlic.

The exercise reminded me of something. When in a pinch, simple solutions can be a lifesaver. They can also open the door to new possibilities and inspire experimentation and discovery, too.

 And often, their impact is anything but ordinary.

Apologies for no photo of the finished recipe! Blogger fail.

The dish was such a hit, by the time it even dawned on me to snap a photo, we were down to one scoop of leftovers in a piece of Tupperware.

So you’ll just have to make it yourself and let me know how it turns out. Feel free to put a twist on my version, too.

Just remember to keep it simple.

Creamy Basil Potatoes

Yield: 8 servings 

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

7-8 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 pounds), unpeeled, cut into 1/2” cubes

3 cups half-and-half

1/2 cup chopped basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in a large saucepan and sauté garlic. Combine potatoes, half-and-half, and basil; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer very gently, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender (the tip of a paring knife meets no resistance) and sauce is thick, 35-45 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining whole basil leaves before serving.

Note: The United States Potato Board is a FleishmanHillard client. 

The weather in Sacramento is warming up, and fast! In my book, that means it’s time for a cold drink in a comfortable outdoor space. For other like-minded folks, you’re in luck as this Saturday, May 18 from Noon-6:00 p.m., The Sutter District in Midtown is hosting Party on the Patios.

This summer kick-off event is sure to be a good time, as Sutter District staples The Red Rabbit, Paragary’s Bar and Oven, Centro, Ink, Blue Cue, Barwest, Café Bernardo and Monkey Bar will all host specials on food and drinks!

To ensure that you don’t miss out on any specials, attendees will receive a passport to track all of the locations and specials. To learn more check out the event page on Facebook here!

Personally, I love the idea of a Moscow Mule on The Red Rabbit patio, but we’d love to know—which venue is your favorite Sutter District location to sip a drink on a warm day? 

Looking for ideas to treat Mom this Sunday, May 12?  Look no further because we’ve rounded up a guide to some of Sacramento’s most delicious Mother’s Day events!

• Mother’s Day Brunch with Sacramento RiverTrain: Explore the beauty of Sacramento and enjoy a fabulous three-course brunch with the Sacramento RiverTrain, which will include your choice of a main entree.  General admission is $53 and if you want bottomless mimosas, premium seating, roses for the ladies and unlimited beverages, upgrade to the Gold Service for $67 each. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and departs at 10:00 a.m. 

Sacramento RiverTrain
400 N Harbor Blvd. 
West Sacramento, CA 95605

• Mother’s Day Brunch at Revolution Wines: For a relaxing Mother’s Day treat, take mom to Revolution Wines where they’ll be serving mimosas and sparkling wine on their beautiful patio!

Revolution Wines
2831 S Street 
Sacramento, CA 95816

• Mother’s Day Brunch at Scribner Bend Vineyards:  For the ultimate Mother’s day experience, take mom to the gorgeous Scriber Bend Vineyards just 12 minutes south of the Capitol on the Sacramento River. The menu includes salads, quiche, a pancake bar, carving stations, desserts, and a glass of sparkling wine for guests over the age of 21. Space is limited so make reservations by calling 916-744-1803.

Scribner Bend Vineyards
9051 River Road
Sacramento, CA 95832

• Mother’s Day at Ella Dining Room and Bar: Ella will be serving a three course prix fixe early Mother’s Day supper with a tantalizing menu from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The prices will be $65 per person and $25 per person for children under 12. To see the full menu, click here.

Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

• Mother’s Day Dinner at Ten22: Treat your mom to organic farm to table cuisine with Ten 22’s delicious Mother’s Day meal, where Chef Jay’s three-course menu is $32.95 per person with dishes such as
  Wild Salmon Sauté, Crab “Nantua” Pasta, House-made Pit Ham, Grilled NY Steak, and more! Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Champagne are specially priced at $5. Reservations are recommended.  To see the full menu, click here.

Ten22
1022 2nd St
Sacramento, CA 95814

Yep – you read that right! We were lucky enough to receive a sample of Duck Fat Chex Mix from our friends at Tasting Table. If you decide to try the recipe at home, we recommend you enlist some friends to help you enjoy because we guarantee that once you try it, you won’t be able to stop!

Sacramento will be bustling with Cinco de Mayo events – from tequila festivals to a tamale party or a hilarious night of comedy – there will be something to satisfy every taste. To ensure you get the most out of your Cinco de Mayo weekend, check out our guide to the best of Sacramento’s Cinco de Mayo festivities!

Drink Up!
If you love margaritas, tequila or are simply in search of a good party, attend one of these events to quench your tequila thirst and take your Cinco de Mayo celebration to a new level of fun.

• Cinco De Mayo Celebrations at Zocalo: Zocalo Midtown’s 6^th Annual Tequila Festival will take place tonight! Enjoy appetizers and sample tequila from eight different distilleries and savor a cigar from the cigar bar by Fat Man Cigars from 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 here, or at the door for $25. On Friday and Saturday (May 3 – 4), midtown will be serenaded with live mariachi music. On Sunday, May 5, both Zocalo locations will open their doors at 11 a.m. for a full day of Cinco de Mayo Fiestas – enjoy balet folklorico, drink specials, live mariachi, street tacos, face painting and pig roast!

Zocalo
1801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811
1182 Roseville Pkwy, Roseville, CA 95678 

• Tequila Week at Grange Restaurant & Bar: Grange has unofficially named May 1 – 5 TEQUILA WEEK featuring a signature blend of Herradura Double Barrel Reposado blended by the Grange team on a trip to Mexico last year.  Their special menu will be available during Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m.  Cocktails are $8 / Bites are $5.

Grange Restaurant and Bar
926 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

• Cinco de Mayo at Mayahuel: For the ultimate tequila experience, celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Mayahuel’s two-day fiesta starting on Friday at 4 p.m. If you prefer beer, there will be a beer garden and Aztec dancers at the party. 

Tequila Museo Mayahuel
1200 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

• Cinco de Old Sacto: Old Sacramento will come alive on Cinco de Mayo weekend with a variety of food, drink specials, live music, comedy, karaoke and dancing. Bars included in this year’s Cinco de Old Sacto party will include: River City Saloon, Fanny Ann’s, O’Mally’s Pub, The Other Office, Vega’s, Sports’ Corner, Laughs Unlimited, Coconut Grove, and La Terraza. The party beings at 6 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m.

Old Sacramento
1002 2nd Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Party, Deliciously
To eat, or not to eat? That’s never the question on Cinco de Mayo.  Prepare your taste buds and come with a big appetite to make the most of your Cinco de Mayo menu! 

• Cinco de Mayo with Farm Fresh To You: Bring your whole family to the 2^nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Farm Fresh to You this Saturday, May 4, from 5 p.m.  – 11 p.m. at the Farm Location: 23800 State Highway 16, Capay, CA 95607. Enjoy a full evening of tractor-tram farm tours, kids’ arts and crafts, tortilla-making demonstrations, tomato planting, strawberry harvesting, soccer games and dancing to live mariachi music. Tickets prices are $15 per person through Friday, May 3, or $20 per person at the farm on event day. Kids 12 and under get free admission. All event proceeds benefit The Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit for Sustainable Agriculture. Tickets are available here.

• Tamale Party: Food Co-op’s Community Learning Center & Cooking School is hosting a Tamale Party tonight from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Students are invited to join Chef Dio for a hands-on workshop, where they’ll learn to make delicious tamales in their home kitchen. Prices are $49 for the public and $40 for co-op owners. For more information, click here.

Community Learning Center & Cooking School
1914 Alhambra Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95816

• Fiesta at Centro Cocina Mexicana: Centro will be partying all weekend-long, opening early on both Saturday and Sunday. The two-day fiesta will include drink and food specials, an extended patio, no cover, an outdoor bar, music, and a piñata giveaway!

Centro Cocina Mexicana
2730 J St. 
Sacramento, CA 95816

Laugh Out Loud 

• Sacramento Cinco de Mayo Festival: Enjoy a night of endless laughter at the Sleep Train Arena, where Latin Stars of Comedy: Paul Rodriguez, Carlos Mencia, Johnny Sanchez, Juan Villareal and many others will make your Cinco de Mayo the funniest it’s ever been. Tickets range from $27.50 – $102. For more information, click here.

Sleep Train Arena
1 Sports Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95834

What are your plans for Cinco de Mayo weekend?

Get excited, foodies! The Sixth Sacramento Mobile Food Festival (SactoMoFo 6) will be held this Saturday, April 27 from 11 to 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Downtown Marketplace (under the freeway at 6th and X Streets). SactoMoFo 6 is the biggest food truck festival of the year and will showcase the best local food trucks in town as well as all-star food trucks from all over Northern California. Plus, the event will feature a beer garden and live music.

This is your chance to listen to great tunes, enjoy fresh cold brews and sample some of the tastiest culinary delights in Northern California. The event is free and all you need to bring is a healthy appetite! Parking is $3 or free if you bring a non-perishable food donation for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

With a variety of delicious fare from Sactown’s food truck favorites – Drewski’s Hot Rod, Chando’s Tacos, Krush Burger and over two dozen more – how could you resist not attending this event?

All-star food trucks from Northern California include: Koja Kitchen, We Sushi, Hapa SF, Roli Roti, Spicy Grill and The Chairman.

For more information and the full list of food truck vendors, visit www.sactomofo.com/special-events.com

SactoMoFo 6
700 X Street
Sacramento, CA 95818

Looking for a new breakfast spot? Check out Café Dantorels in Curtis Park for a variety of breakfast options including hearty omelets, delicious crepes and handcrafted lattes and coffees to get your day started right!

Café Danotrels
2700 24th St.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 451-2200

By Jake Ferguson, Sara Ortega and Ana Marie Aguas

“Chipotle’s new menu item” is something you don’t hear often, simply because if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. In all seriousness, Chipotle has been around for 20 years and they have perfected their mantra of ‘Food with Integrity,’ meaning they value quality over quantity. So when we were invited to sample their new menu item, exclusive to Northern California, we jumped at the opportunity. 

Rolling out to 160 Northern California locations, Redding to Visalia and Roseville to the coast, Sofritas is a new protein menu item that can be added to burritos, tacos, burrito bowls and salads—just like chicken or steak. Made from organic, Non-GMO verified tofu from Hodo Soy Beanery in Oakland, this shredded and braised tofu option is perfect for vegetarians, vegans and anybody looking to switch up their normal Chipotle order.

Chipotle began concepting the tofu idea in 2008 and has been working exclusively with Hoda Soy on development during the last two years. The unique thing about Sofritas is that the tofu is not hydrated, but is braised and shredded, giving it the same consistency and flavor profile as many of the meat options available.

During our sampling at the West Sacramento location (big shout out to store manager Joanna and her entire crew), we were impressed with the fact that you won’t find microwaves or frozen products in any Chipotle location and that the guacamole is handmade every day.

Here were our first impressions of Sofritas:

Jake: I thought Sofritas were delicious and I would certainly select Sofritas as an option on a burrito or taco. What impressed me the most is the consistency is not what you usually find with tofu and even with Sofritas, my burrito still tasted like the familiarity of Chipotle.

Ana Marie:  I’ve never had a Chipotle experience I didn’t love, and the new Sofritas flavor only enhanced my affinity for these beloved burritos. The first bite was charged with character. This distinctive tofu mix is layered with a smoky hint of spice, giving it that traditional Chipotle punch with a vegetarian twist. The recipe was rich and full-bodied incorporating a dense, almost meaty texture one wouldn’t expect from a vegetarian dish. What amazed me most about the Sofritas is how this braised, flavor-packed tofu seamlessly complemented the cilantro-lime rice, black beans and creamy textured cheese in the burrito, giving it an exclusive quality no other Chipotle ingredient can. I inhaled the smoke-flavored dish and relished in every last tender bite.

Sara: Whenever I’ve gone to Chipotle in the past I always order the same thing: a chicken burrito. After trying Sofritas in the soft shell tacos, I definitely have a new “regular” dinner choice. The mixture of the Sofritas with the other taco ingredients was the same great product I’m used to getting from Chipotle, but the rich and spicy taste of the Sofritas filling was better than I could ever have expected from tofu.

Sofritas will run you $6.25—the same as chicken. Swing into any location in the Sacramento area and try some today!

Click here to find the location closest to you.

After being unable to attend the 1000 Vegan Cupcakes for Charity: Farm to Cupcake event I had shared earlier this month, I knew I had to make an effort to explore Sacramento’s vegan options for myself.

I finally made the leap and stopped by The Plum Café & Bakery on K Street, located right across from Rick’s Diner. The Plum looks idyllic, situated on the first floor of a classic Victorian with an adorable white picket fence wrapping around the outdoor seating area. Customers can enjoy their meals and desserts on the romantic brick patio with a great view of central midtown.

I went at the end of a work day, so I was lucky enough to try the Red Velvet, Orange Cream, and Boston Cream cupcakes. Here’s a quick rundown of what I had:

Red Velvet: Cocoa Cake with Pink Buttercream & Chocolate Drizzle
Orange Dream: White Cake with Orange and Vanilla-flavored swirl Buttercream
Boston Cream: White Cake with a thin, rich layer of chocolate glaze and a delicious cream filling

Long story short, I fell in love with the Orange Cream! The frosting was to die for and had the sweet and refreshing taste of an Orange Creamsicle.  What I loved overall after sampling these three treats was that each cake was dense and wholesome tasting—not airy and light like a lot of other cupcakes I’ve tried.

The Plum rightfully prides itself on its assortment of natural and plant-based foods and, I can promise you, there’s no sacrificing on flavor when it comes to their cupcakes!

The Plum Cafe & Bakery
2315 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 706-3302