Sac Foodies

By Kris Caputo Hurley  

Aloha! As you may have guessed, my summer vacation was a trip to Maui with my hubby, 7-month old son, and my parents (babysitters!).  My husband and I hadn’t been back to Maui since our honeymoon four years ago, and one thing we remembered fondly was the food.  We were looking forward to enjoying the wonderfully fresh seafood and tropical cocktails again.  Here’s a few highlights!

Our first stop was the touristy Hula Grill in Whalers Village.  Our condo wasn’t quite ready yet and we were absolutely starving after the five hour flight.  It was barely lunch time so we got a table quickly before the lunch crowd took over the “barefoot bar.”  It was my first Mai Tai of the trip and I ordered the Kapulu Joe with Mac Nut Slaw (barbecued pork, grilled onions, toasted ciabatta bun and mango barbecue sauce).  Both were superb.  What a way to kick off a great trip!

The nearest restaurant to our quaint little condo was an Italian grill called Basil Tomatoes.  I was hesitant to try Italian in Maui, but I remembered how much I love the seafood in Italy so we went for it.  I’m glad we did!  The plantation-style architecture overlooking the Kaanapali golf course we were staying on was incredibly charming.  The food was great too!  I tried the special, a pan-fried monchong (I hadn’t heard of this native Hawaiian fish before) served with artichoke risotto and asparagus.  It was decadent and delicious!

Josh and I celebrated our anniversary at the highly recommended Sansei in Kapalua.  Maui’s #1 sushi restaurant doesn’t take reservations so we knew we had a wait ahead of us.  While waiting for a table and sipping on Sauvignon Blanc at the bar, we struck up conversations with other guests and the bartender, Trudy.  Trudy ordered us an amazing appetizer of mango and crab wrapped in a mamenori served with a Thai chili sauce.  She offered to order the rest of our dinner and we took her up on it.  We had no idea what was coming next but Trudy’s choices were magnificent and it sure made for a fun dining experience!

The one reservation we did make was at our favorite Maui restaurant, Mama’s Fish House. We wanted to take my parents there so they could experience the spectacular sunset and fabulous food.  We weren’t disappointed!  I enjoyed my favorite meal of the trip, the Bouillabaisse.  Lobster, prawns, scallops, mahi mahi, and mussels swam in an herb and butter broth that was deliciously drinkable.  The garlic butter toast that accompanied the dish melted in your mouth after a quick dunk in the broth.  It was heaven in a bowl.

My final highlight was breakfast at the Castaway Café.  My mom and I walked along the coast every morning and passed this delightful restaurant daily.  On our final morning in Kaanapali, we dragged the boys over to the hidden gem.  My mom splurged and ordered the combo pancake platter, a combination of macadamia nut, pineapple and banana pancakes served with Lanai sauce, a coconut-like syrup.  To-die-for!

All in all, Maui food no ka oi!

By Jenna Kirkwood 

It’s Mexican night at The Shack!

Dinner:

Chicken Mole
Chili Relleno
Rice & Beans
Shrimp Cocktail
Homemade Chips & Salsa

Dessert:

Banana Fritters

Opens at 6:00, dinner at 7-ish
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
916-457-5997

By Maria Chacon Kniestedt 

It’s become an annual occasion that my sisters and I meet up in Los Angeles each September. My sister Cara and I are only 11 days apart (we’re actually the same age for those 11 days, but you won’t get any actual numbers out of me!), so the excuse is we are celebrating the “September” birthdays. Real reason? Unbelievable shopping and a chance to try new restaurants and enjoy old favorites. This past weekend was no exception.

A Mysterious Green Door

Friday night we had reservations for a new restaurant-club called Green Door. (Not “The Green Door” or “A Green Door,” just “Green Door.”) This swanky destination, complete with Parisian-style décor and dimly-lit atmosphere, is located at Sunset and Van Ness in Hollywood, not too far from the ArcLight Cinema and Amoeba Records.

Despite the unmarked entrance, we arrived and were admitted into the restaurant after two men checked to make sure we were on “the list.” The French-inspired menu was surprisingly short (but not short on flavor), and the wine list extensive (no “by the glass” here). We enjoyed a bottle of Sanford Pinot Noir and each of us ordered something different: Sara had the sea bass and Yukon gold potatoes, while Cara and Katie feasted on crepes – one of black forest ham and gruyere cheese and the other filled with shrimp and spinach – both excellent. I devoured the French Onion Soup with chunks of sourdough bread smothered in fontina and gruyere cheeses – honestly, I think it’s the best I’ve ever had. Our server brought us dessert crepes (gratis!) with birthday candles, which we of course inhaled despite our very full bellies (who can pass up banana/chocolate and strawberry/cream?). I’d love to show these dishes, especially the innovative presentation, but alas there are no photos allowed inside Green Door!

Open Air Latin-Asian Fusion

Saturday night we hit one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Asia de Cuba, located inside the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset in West Hollywood. Despite having a reservation, we waited for almost an hour, but were rewarded for our patience by being seated outside with a gorgeous view of the L.A. skyline and beautiful trellises of vines above. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria and then decided on our strategy: we’d order appetizers and dessert so as not to get overly full. Hah! We over-ordered appetizers and couldn’t finish dessert (carrot cake and “Coco de Cielo” cake, which roughly translated to heavenly coconut cake). Our choices were insanely delicious.

When we finished dinner, we rolled ourselves next door to Skybar – again, one of my all-time favorite places – an open-air bar adjacent to the restaurant. It was there that we saw none other than Mr. Jamie Foxx grooving with his birthday entourage, enjoying a balmy evening in the City of Angeles. And, truly, what is a trip to L.A. without a star sighting?

Breakfast Squared

We wrapped our weekend with Sunday breakfast at Square One, which boasts being one of the top 10 places for breakfast in L.A. – and I can see why. First of all, their breakfast is out-of-this-world delish, and for another, the staff is so happy. Who doesn’t want happy on a Sunday morning? We sat outside on their brick patio with the sun shining and the murmur of the city passing by and enjoyed brioche French toast, a pressed egg sandwich on brioche with tomato, arugula and aioli, as well as scrambled eggs with applewood smoked bacon and a fresh fruit salad. Simply scrumptious!

Another September, another memorable trip to L.A., another 5 lbs!

By Kim Bedwell   

Every new office needs a party (even if you only moved across the street), and last night we did just that with good food and great guests to celebrate the office move of FH Sacramento.

The party kicked off with an informative (and often hilarious) food and wine pairing from David Mirassou, sixth generation winemaker and FH client, and David Katz from the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone. The Davids never fail to both amuse and educate and last night they treated our tastebuds to a couple of Mirassou varietals paired with savory bites from Culinary Specialists here in Sacramento. If you’ve had the pleasure of dining at Mulvaney’s B&L, you may also know they do catering through Culinary Specialists, and similar to my many visits to Mulvaney’s, Culinary Specialists did not disappoint. From appetizing canapés to perfectly sweet tarts, all our guests left sublimely satiated.

Speaking of guests, thanks to all who were able to join us. From old friends including the good people at Java City, Mirassou Winery, California Tree Fruit Agreement, California Grown, 500 N Street and AT&T to new friends such as our fellow bloggers at Sacatomato, SacRag and VanillaGarlic (thanks for the posting today Garrett — photos are gorgeous!), it was a delicious time had by all!

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Book Signing Tonight

Our favorite East Sac neighborhood hangout, The Shack, is hosting a book signing with Tom Myers from 6 - 8 p.m.  Myers’ photography book, “Sacramento Impressions,” will be availble to purchase for $10, and there will be a special wine tasting with appetizers for $5.00.

The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd.
457-5997

By Melinda McRae 

It’s Italian night at The Shack!

Dinner:
Linguini w/ Fresh Clams
Fresh Grilled Cod
Layered Veggie “Lasagna”
Ceasar Salad
Herb Foccacia

Dessert:
Apple Tart

Opens at 6:00, dinner at 7-ish 
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
916-457-5997

By Melinda McRae

Soil Born Farm Fifth-Annual Autumn Equinox Celebration 
Saturday, Sept. 22 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

Soil Born Farm, an urban agricultural oasis nestled in the heart of the city, is inviting the public to join them for an evening of great music, seasonal and organic food prepared by prominent local chefs, and sample exceptional wines from a variety of local wineries. 

Fine Food:
The Waterboy
SpataroEsquire Grill
Mulvaney’s Building & Loan
Magpie Caterers
Kasbah Lounge
Tapa the World
A Healthy Kitchen
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
Piatti Locali
Slocum House
Regionale Produce
Basil’s by the Lake
Paragary’s Bar & Oven
Eileen’s Kitchen
Quarry Ponds Market Hall
Hawks
Spirit of Sacramento

Wine Tasting:
Bogle
Hey Mambo
Boeger
Lolonis
White Knight
Davis Wine
Plungerhead
Jewel

Music:
Mind X Quartet
Spillit Quikkers

Silent Auction:
Bid on an abundance of items including art, gardening supplies and gift certificates.

Location:
Soil Born Farm
3000 Hurley Way, Sacramento
(916) 486-9686 

Tickets:
Tickets are $50 per person and available in advance at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, 1900 Alhambra Blvd., or from Soil Born Farm (916) 486-9686.  Tickets will not be available at the door and space is limited.  Sponsored by the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op — all proceeds benefit the Soil Born Farm Urban Agricultural Project 501(c)(3).

East Bay Culinary Center Cooking Class
Saturday, Sept. 22nd, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fun With Fall Vegetables!
Chef, cookbook author, sacatomato.com co-founder and culinary educator Ann Martin Rolke will be signing her books and demonstrating how to make yummy dishes using seasonal ingredients, including:
*Pork Chili With Sweet Potatoes
*Nutty Pumpkin Lasagna With Almonds And Sage
*Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas

Samples will be provided, but space is limited to 40 participants — the fee is $40.00

East Bay Restaurant Supply Inc.
522 North 12th Streett, Sacramento
MON - FRI: 8am - 5pm
SAT: 9:30am - 5pm
(916) 440-0620 - Main

By Christine Moravec   

I heart September.  Growing up on a vineyard in Sonoma Valley, September has always been a special time of year. It’s the month when my family gets to see the fruits of our labor, literally.  I went home for harvest last week (we sell to a large sparkling wine label, and so we harvest our grapes when the sugar content is much lower than still wine grapes).  It’s always a kick for me to see my backyard being taken over by the crew of pickers with all their tractors and equipment at 5 a.m.  The crush is on!

While other vineyards across the state are harvesting this month, our own governor has declared September as California Wine Month. In fact, we are currently working with one of our clients, California Grown , to promote not only buying California Wine, but getting out and experiencing the harvest related events and festivals this month – and there are MANY to choose from!  Check out this link for a full list of events: California Wine Events. Being the loyal Sonoman that I am, I must recommend one in particular that is happening later in the month:  the 110th annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, September 28-30 in Sonoma’s downtown historic plaza . It’s the Valley’s second most festive weekend of the year (first is the Fourth of July, but that’s a totally different experience and I won’t even go there).  I have been many-a-year, and this festival truly has something for everyone.

  During the festival the downtown plaza is split in half:  the west side of the park is local art & jewelry from around the Bay Area, and the east half is local wineries, each with their own tent where you can sample many varietals; many are limited labels.  In the middle of the plaza is a plethora of food booths, and a small amphitheater with a packed schedule.  There is so much to see and do in the park, and you can also wander the square’s perimeter and shop or visit one of the many wine country eateries. Here are a few “insider tips” that I would recommend.  If you end up going (I am!) please drop a line and let me know what you thought! You can check out the Web site for a list of events, but be sure not to miss:

• Vintage Festival Parade – this parade is nothing but a small town struttin’ their stuff, including marching bands, floats, fire engines, wineries, costumes, community groups, etc.  I myself have been a participant many years growing upJ.  This year’s parade is planned for Sunday at noon.
• Grape Stomp –  this event happens on Sunday afternoon, but is definitely one of the highlights.  Ages 5 to 85 come out to compete in teams of two!
• Whiskey Thieves – I grew up with these guys and they are a great band.  Friendly blues that you can dance to or just enjoy while you’re sippin’ chardonnay.  They play around the Bay Area but will sound better on home turf, no doubt.  Saturday on the country-blues stage.
• Eats around the plaza (if you don’t want the booth food) – My top two choices hands down are the Swiss Hotel and The Girl and the Fig.

Here’s a sneak peek of the new wine and cocktail lounge at Bidwell Street Bistro, which officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13:

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Thursday, Sept. 13 is “Cuban” Night at the Shack:

Roasted pulled pork
Plantains
Shrimp salad
Black beans & rice
Flan for dessert

Dinner will be served around 7 p.m. Be sure to arrive early for patio seating and live music!

The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd.
(916) 457-5997

By guest contributor Diane Flynn (Amy Jackson’s mom)

Bidwell Street Bistro is my version of a country club.  It’s a special place where I enjoy going to dinner but it’s more than just a restaurant. It feels comfortable yet fancy, festive and fun.  We usually see someone we know - and if not - the staff feels like friends because we see them so often.  I love the Caesar salad, appetizers and desserts.  There is always a new entree to try and everything is delicious. I like to order mashed potatoes so that I can eat some there and bring home a doggy bag for the next day. 

 
Diane’s recent birthday dinner; executive chef Wendi Mentink, center.

They have a new lounge attached and the live music is great.  I love the wine tastings during the middle of the week.  One night we tasted three different vodkas; too bad we were out of town for the bourbon tasting!  It would be fun to bring my dad to an evening like that.  The owner is very gracious and Wendi, the head chef, is my youngest daughter’s mentor. Wendi provided her with the opportunity to do a senior project there and she went on to culinary school. Wish I could eat there once a week!

 
Amy and Diane, photographed with server Ryan Statham.

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Chardonnay Tasting at Bidwell Street Bistro
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5-8:30 p.m.
$12 per person
1004 East Bidwell St.
Folsom, CA  95630
(916) 984-7500

 By Brittany Mohr

Squaw Valley holds a special place in my heart; right next to the love I have for a great drink perfectly paired with a delicious meal. So when I showed up to Squaw Village on a recent Saturday afternoon to find the 6th annual Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest in full swing, I immediately found myself salivating.

This year’s festival was my first, but certainly will not be my last. The evening started the way my dining experiences usually end – with dessert. The appropriately named “Apple Pie Apple” is a treat for foodies everywhere, especially those with an insatiable sweet tooth like mine. It’s made from a green apple dipped in caramel, then white chocolate, and covered with a thin layer of cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. After indulging with dessert first, my family and I headed toward the Blue Coyote Sports Bar and Grill to reward ourselves after a long day of adventure.

The patio seating of the Blue Coyote was ideal for a warm summer night in the mountains, and we were especially lucky to be entertained by the smooth sounds of funk artists Porter, Batiste & Stoltz, from the Meters. The food at the Blue Coyote was simple and All-American, perfect for an evening outdoors. I ordered the Chicken Caesar Salad, my go-to dinner of choice when the weather’s warm and I’m new to a restaurant. The salad turned out to be exactly what I needed; and the perfect fuel for the hour of sampling and dancing that was to follow.

As if having a great time amongst the best company isn’t enough, all proceeds from the event benefited the Truckee Tahoe Humane Society. Therefore, locals and visitors alike were encouraged to come out and “help and support Tahoe’s pets one beer at a time!”