Archive for April, 2009
Brunch Recommendations for a Sac Foodies Reader
Today we received an e-mail from a Sac Foodies reader asking for brunch recommendations. We started to write her back when we realized we had so many ideas that we should share them on the blog!
The E-mail: “I was wondering if you can recommend a comfortable, somewhat inexpensive, yummy place to have brunch at this Sunday for a group of friends and I. We try to get together for brunch at least once am month and try not to go to the same place twice.”
Julie Ficker – “My fav is Tower Cafe. But allow time, there is almost always a 20 – 30 minute wait.”
Liz Conant – “The Riverside Clubhouse is great for large groups and has a fun indoor/outdoor indoor patio – plus they take reservations. Or, if you want something a little more edgy, try Ink Eats & Drinks and don’t miss the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar.”
Kris Caputo Hurley – “I love Roxy!”
Jenna Kirkwood – “A place that’s totally out of the way, but a really cool place to go for brunch is the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove. It’s an old hotel right by the river that used to house a Speakeasy in the basement during prohibition. They’ve kept a real art deco feel to it and do a huge champagne brunch. Or, my stand-by brunch spot is Awful Annie’s – both the Auburn and Lincoln locations are great for leisurley breakfasts with friends.”
Brittany Mohr – “I’m a Café Bernardo fan all the way! Highly recommend the eggs bernardo if you’re a benedict fan!”
Let us know if you agree or have another recommendation by leaving a comment below!
7 comments April 29, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday: 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins
The Delta Breeze may have blown away last week’s record-breaking high temperatures, but that doesn’t mean a return to more spring-like weather will be a reason for the Sac Foodies to miss out on the chance to have some Baskin-Robbins ice cream at a fraction of the regular price. Stop by any Baskin-Robbins store on Wednesday, April 29 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and enjoy a 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream or 3-ounce Soft Serve for just 31 cents. As part of the promotion, Baskin-Robbins will donate $100,000 to the National Volunteer Fire Council’s National Junior Firefighter Program, which engages youth and encourages them to become members of the emergency services. Be sure to arrive early, as we’ve been told the line for 31-cent ice cream tends to get long.
If one scoop isn’t enough for you, not to worry – Baskin-Robbins says you can get up to three at a time, and yes, you can get back in line for seconds. For more information on the 31 Cent Scoop Night, go to the Baskin-Robbins website or stay up to date with the latest breaking ice cream news by following them on Twitter.
If you can’t make Wednesday’s 31 Cent Scoop Night but are still on the hunt for some budget-minded ice cream, some Baskin-Robbins stores also offer scoops of ice cream for $1 on Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to close. You might find one of us taking advantage of this deal at the downtown Davis or East Sacramento locations, but not all stores participate in this offer so it’s best to find your local store and call before venturing out.
By Rich Uyttebroek 
Photo from user iirraa on Flickr
Add comment April 28, 2009
Festa di Vino Event Recap
On Saturday night, a few Sac Foodies attended the 7th annual Festa di Vino event held at the Aerospace Museum of California. We had a great time eating and drinking our way through the evening and even got to take a ride on a fighter jet simulator!
One of the foodie highlights of the night was the fudge we sampled at the Women’s Empowerment table – it was impossible to eat just one piece! The fact that the Todd Taylor winery table was right next door didn’t hurt either – the fudge and their Zinfandel were like a match made in heaven! Here’s the recipe for the fudge if you’re feeling the craving:
Women’s Empowerment Fudge
Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 tablespoons highest quality vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract
Grease an 8 X 8 inch pan and set aside. Combine the first five ingredients (but only half of the butter) in a saucepan and stir until chocolate is melted over medium heat. Bring mixture to a rolling boil. Turn to low heat until a candy thermometer reads 234 degrees. Remove from heat. Add remaining butter and allow it to melt without stirring while mixture cools to 130 degrees. Add extracts and mix only until combined. Pour into greased pan and cool until firm. Cut into 1-inch pieces to serve.
Another highlight of our evening was the skirt steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus at the Zigato’s Bar & Grille table. Served with a touch of balsamic glaze over the top, this one definitely left us wanting seconds!
Next it was over to the Buonarrotti Ristorante table where we had a few helpings of a delicious brie cheese appetizer. The size of a large pizza, the brie included cranberries and walnuts in the center with a phyllo dough casing – can you blame us for having thirds?
Then it was on to dessert at the Cupcake Cravings table where an array of mini cupcakes awaited us. Check back on Sac Foodies later this week for Christine’s review of her private wedding cupcake tasting at the Cupcake Craving store.
We had a great time at Festa di Vino – after all, it’s hard to go wrong with an evening of wine, food and good company!
By Jenna Kirkwood 
Brittany Mohr 
and Liz Conant 
2 comments April 27, 2009
Asparagus!
One of my all-time favorite vegetables is asparagus. I love it in salads, soups, pasta, wrapped in prosciutto…pretty much any way you can think of preparing it. If you love asparagus as much as I do, then head on over to Stockton this weekend for the Asparagus Festival. Beginning today through Sunday, you can see bands like Papa Doo Run Run and The Tubes (as well as other entertainment all day long) and, of course, eat your way through Asparagus Alley. According to the Asparagus Festival Web site, last year, more than 45,000 pounds of asparagus was consumed from deep-fried asparagus (45,000 orders), Asparagus Tri-tip Sandwiches (9,000 orders), Asparagus Burritos (4,000 orders), and pasta dishes (8,500 orders). Yum!
You can buy tickets online or at the festival.
Adults (18-59): $12.00
College Students with Proper ID: $7.00
Teens (11-17): $7.00
Children 10 & Under: FREE with paying adults
Seniors (60 and older) & Persons with Disabilities: $7.00
Following is my favorite way to prepare asparagus. It’s simple, delicious and pretty healthy too!
Roasted Asparagus
1 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F. Simply cut off the ends of the asparagus (maybe 2 inches), place in roasting pan, drizzle with extra virgin oil and add salt and pepper (maybe 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper). Toss well and roast for 17 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. That’s it! So simple and delicious and you don’t need mayo –it’s perfect on its own.
By Kim Bedwell 
Add comment April 24, 2009
Ah, Sunday Dinner
I don’t know about you, but when I was a girl, Sunday dinner was a pretty big deal. Unlike the school week, when dinner had to be more casual due to after-school activities and homework, we looked forward to the big Sunday meal my Mom planned. Whether we grilled steaks or enjoyed a slow-cooked pork stew, the meal began and ended with something especially delicious. This was not a fly-by-night affair, but a family event – a time to slow down and enjoy before the craziness of the week began yet again.
I found myself remembering these moments last Sunday, when I had my first opportunity to eat at Hawks in Granite Bay. I enjoyed their mouth-watering version of Sunday Supper on their serene patio. I love that they’ve resurrected a tradition for those who either choose not to cook or are too busy to do so on Sundays.
The Sunday Supper menu changes each week, based on what’s in season and readily available, so check out their web site for current menus. On the menu this past Sunday, I enjoyed:
• Delta asparagus gratinee (perfectly cooked with a nutty buttery flavor)
• Carnaroli risotto with spring vegetables and parmesan (with unbelievably sweet and gorgeous heirloom carrots)
• Grilled Berkshire pork ribeye with chickpeas and roasted peppers (the smoky flavor of the meat melded beautifully with the sweet roasted peppers, a nice foil to the slightly bitter greens)
• Strawberry soup with crème fraiche gelato and mint syrup (need I say more?!)
This inclusive menu was $35 (each Sunday, the price range is between $35-40), and for Sunday Suppers, the wine list is 25% off. Kids who’d like to experience the Sunday Supper menu can dine for $20, or if you have a picky eater (like I do), you can order standard kid fare (chicken fingers, burgers) for between $6-9.
If you haven’t been to Hawks, you must go. Located in the Quarry Ponds Center, Hawks is fine dining in a beautiful setting. But don’t let the fine dining moniker fool you – kids are most welcome, as are the flip-flop crowd returning from a jaunt at the lake.
Hawks offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The interior is a gorgeous mix of marble, slate blue velvet and black. The patio is a great place to lounge with a cocktail or two next to the fire pit and fountain, or relax and eat with the rolling hills and pond in the background.
Hawks also offers a special incentive at quarryponds.com: you can purchase a gift card for Hawks at 25% off. For example, if you purchase a $50 gift certificate, it costs only $38.
Like its chef/owners, Michael and Molly Fagnoni (and adorable Lucy), Hawks is a memorable and enjoyable mix of culinary artistry and comfort. This week’s menu looks unbelievably delish (I may have to go this Sunday, too!). Or, if you’d like to treat your mom, grandmother or other special woman in your life to a wonderful meal, make reservations for Mother’s Day.
Hawks
5530 Douglas Blvd., Suite 110
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916-791-6200
Drop us a line and tell us about your Sunday dinner traditions.
1 comment April 23, 2009
Festa di Vino Anyone?
Looking for something fun and foodie for this weekend? We’ll be attending the 7th annual Festa di Vino, the wine and food gala hosted by the Point West Rotary Club. We were glad to hear from Amber that one of the beneficiaries of this year’s ticket sales and silent auction will be Women’s Empowerment.
Check back next week for a recap of our fun foodie happenings from the Festa (say that 10 times fast!) or purchase tickets and check it out yourself this weekend. Come on, you deserve a treat, right?! Here are the details:
What: Festa di Vino wine and food gala
Who: Winemakers from throughout Northern California and local Sac-area restaurants and caterers will be there serving up food and wine pairings. Some of Sacfoodies’ favorites will be there, including Kru.
When: This Saturday, April 25 from 7pm – 10pm
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
Cost: Tickets are $55 each or $50 for two or more tickets (remember proceeds go to charity!)
We hope to see you there!
By Jenna Kirkwood 
1 comment April 23, 2009
Sacramento Burgers & Brew Review
As I’m still pretty new to the Sacramento area, I’m always on the lookout for fun places to eat. However, I still hadn’t found that special combination of great food and drinks in a place where you can also just feel free to hang out. I guess I’d call it a unique combination of not-just-a-restaurant but not-just-a-bar either. Last week, I really think I might have found it in Burgers & Brew.
The Sac Foodies have raved about the Davis Burgers & Brew location before. So when the Sacramento location at 14th and R Streets finally opened, I jumped on the opportunity to review it and had no trouble convincing a few friends to join me for a Friday evening excursion. Although it was busy, we were seated right away at a prime patio table. Now, of course I knew it was called “Burgers & Brew” but I wasn’t nearly prepared for the amazing beer selection that was available. Actually, I think the menu consisted of about two pages of food and four of five of beers! We sampled a few Belgian beers, including Delirium Tremens (a personal favorite) as well as Hoegaarden, a white ale. After that it was on to Japan for a ginger beer called Kiuchi Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew. They even had a Banana Bread beer on the list but unfortunately they were out – next time!
When we finally got around to placing our order, it was a tough call as usual for me, but I went with a turkey burger with avocado and pepper jack cheese and upgraded to the curly fries – how can you not? One of my dining companions went with a buffalo burger and side salad, another with a cheeseburger and garlic fries and the third had the jalapeno bacon burger and curly fries. The garlic fries were so good that I am not sure if I’ll go with the curly fries next time or the garlic – decisions, decisions!
We left feeling stuffed and happy and agreed that we could envision many more summer evenings spent on the patio at Burgers & Brew. Have you tried the Sacramento location yet? How does it compare to the Davis location? What did you order? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave us a comment below!
Burgers & Brew
1409 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 442-0900
By Liz Conant 
7 comments April 22, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday: Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day
Are you planning on bringing your daughter or son to work with you this Thursday? If so, consider taking your child out for a “business lunch” at McCormick & Schmick’s (one of our clients). This Thursday, all school-aged children dining with their parent at any McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant in the country will get a free lunch in support of the national “Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day!
Children will be able to order from the daily printed menu which features the signature “Fresh List” highlighting fresh seafood selections, pastas, salads and sandwiches. At 1:00 p.m., McCormick & Schmick’s will host a “Seafood Show & Tell” that provides an opportunity for children at the restaurant to learn more about different seafood species.
If you’re local, you can visit the Sacramento McCormick & Schmick’s located at 11th and J Streets or the Roseville location at 1194 Roseville Parkway. Or, visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com to see more restaurant locations.
Add comment April 21, 2009
Patio Dining Week Preview
Hopefully, you all enjoyed the sunshine as much as we did this weekend! The great weather got us thinking about all of the fun that summer brings, especially foodie fun! Pretty soon, we will be featuring a week’s worth of posts on Best Patio Dining in the Sacramento area - but first, we want to get your thoughts on what you’re looking forward to about warm weather dining. Let us know by taking our poll (in the sidebar), or leave us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
3 comments April 20, 2009
Picnic Day at UC Davis
This Saturday, UC Davis holds its annual campus-wide open house, fondly known as Picnic Day. But don’t let the name deceive you – Picnic Day is about much more than just staking out the best on-campus picnic spot. Practically every UCD department will be hosting an exhibit showcasing their research, current projects, and much more. This year Picnic Day is part of UC Davis’ ongoing centennial celebration, so it promises to be bigger than ever. We couldn’t have asked for better weather this weekend, so if you haven’t had the chance to experience a Picnic Day firsthand, make the quick trip over to Davis and check it out!
Since UCD’s large food science department practically gives it the honorary title of “Foodie U,” here’s an overview of some of the activities geared toward the food enthusiast at Picnic Day:
The recently-completed home of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science will play host to the Food Science and Technology Exhibit, where you can see demonstrations from UC Davis researchers. Plus, don’t miss the free ice cream! The exhibit is open from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Mondavi Institute, located across from the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the south end of the UCD campus.
While you’re at the Mondavi Institute, stop by the Good Life Garden anytime between 8:00am – 3:00pm to learn more about organically grown and locally sourced foods. See if your taste buds can tell the difference!
Even if you didn’t pack a picnic, you won’t have to worry about going hungry. More than a dozen food vendors will be set up as part of the Student Organization Faire in the East Quad, selling a variety of ethnic foods, with all the proceeds going to the sponsoring organization. Or, venture off campus and dine at one of downtown Davis’ many eateries. Here’s a list of a few we’ve featured in the past on Sac Foodies:
- Burgers & Brew – 403 3rd St. (at C Street)
- Dos Coyotes Border Café – North Davis (The Marketplace) and South Davis (Oakshade Center)
- Taqueria Davis – 505 L St. (at 5th Street)
- Tuco’s Wine Market and Café – 130 G St. (at 2nd Street)
Whatever you decide to do, happy Picnic Day from the Sac Foodies!
By Rich Uyttebroek 
Add comment April 17, 2009
Everything posted on this blog is stated as personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Fleishman-Hillard or its clients.
