Archive for February, 2010
No matter the occasion, Paragary’s is sure to impress
A few friends and I recently decided that we were long overdue for a ladies’ night out. Feeling like we’d slipped into the “come home from work and veg out on the couch” routine, we needed an excuse to get dressed up, treat ourselves to a nice meal and glass of wine out, and of course, gossip the night away. So, when I got an email about Paragary’s Bar and Oven’s iEat Loyalty Program exclusive, I knew it’d be the perfect place for us to try out.
For $20 per person, we were each able to indulge in a very generous 3-course dinner. The only downfall was that there wasn’t a single thing on the menu that I didn’t want to try! We quickly solved that problem by each ordering something different and sharing bites – one of my favorite dining techniques.
For starters, the potato and leek soup was perfectly creamy and so deliciously filling that I had to cut myself off half way through the bowl to save room for my entrée! Once our main courses of beef short ribs, grilled boneless half chicken with polenta and grilled asparagus, and linguine and clams arrived, they immediately started making their way around the table.
Being a huge fan of seafood, and clams in particular, I was not the least bit surprised that the linguine and clams ended up being my favorite dish. Don’t be mistaken, though – there wasn’t a single piece of food left on our table by the end of the night. Needless to say, we were very impressed with each dish!
For dessert, we each opted for the Crème Brulee, but soon found out that there was only one left in the restaurant. To apologize for the inconvenience (and probably to avoid a fight over the last dessert!), the staff was kind enough to open up the full dessert menu to us. And oh, what a dessert menu it was! To put it simply, there’s just no picking favorites between the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake, the Crème Brulee and the Seasonal Fruit Warm Crisp.
Although the $20 3-Course Dinner deal is now over, I can’t wait to go back and try out the rest of the menu. Whether you’re looking for a good date spot, a nice place for a ladies’ night out, or just some good food, Paragary’s Bar and Oven is a definite must try.
Paragary’s Bar and Oven
1401 28th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 457-5737
By Cecily Fuller 
Add comment February 26, 2010
Soup Series: 7th Annual Empty Bowls Event
Like the warm & fuzzy feeling you get by reading “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” some of Sacramento’s favorite eateries are offering up soups that will warm your heart and your bowl.
Last week, the Sac Foodies had the opportunity to preview some of the soups planned for the 7th Annual Empty Bowls event – an initiative that combats hunger in Sacramento County while offering attendees a selection of the area’s best soups. A ticket to the March 8 or 9 event includes the choice of a beautifully crafted ceramic bowl made by local high school students and artisans, plus a gourmet soup serving from one of nine area restaurants. Benefiting Sacramento’s River City Food Bank, this popular event has been a sell-out in previous years.
For more info and a full listing of restaurants, click HERE.
In the meantime, here’s a little taste of what you can expect:
Liz Conant 
- “I was lucky enough to pick-up a to-go order of two delicious seafood soups from Scott’s Seafood: Scott’s Boston Clam Chowder and Crab Bisque. The chowder was perfectly creamy with just the right mix of clams and potatoes. And, I thought it was interesting that they use Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in the soup – can’t go wrong with that! The Crab Bisque was unique as it has quite a kick from the cayenne pepper. The crab tasted fresh and between both soups and the fresh bread they supplied for dipping, this was more than a filling meal for two, and perfect for a cold February evening.”
Christine Schunk 
- “Chef Shannan Berg at Café Bernardo does soup right. We tried the Potato Roasted Red Pepper Soup which was full of flavor and hearty enough to make a meal out of. Chef Berg let us know that the soup is even popular in the summer months – which says a lot for the high temps we reach here in Sacramento! Delish!”
Karlie Bettencourt 
- “I picked up the tortilla soup from the Vizcaya Pavilion and Mansion, a beautiful white mansion with a large water fountain in front and beautiful garden courtyard in back. As I made my way to the kitchen to get the soup I took in the scenery, and for a second I forgot I was in Midtown. It was tortilla soup – one of my favorites! The soup had large pieces of chicken and vegetables in it and was topped with delicious tortilla strips. There was a very homemade taste and quality to it.”
2 comments February 25, 2010
A Trip to Firenze – Or the Next Best Thing…
Back in 2004, I was lucky enough to study aboard in Florence, Italy, where, like anyone would, I fell in love with the food, the wine and the culture. But it wasn’t until just a year or two ago that I was introduced to Trattoria Corso in Berkeley and felt like I’d finally discovered a local restaurant with food truly reminiscent of Florence. (Side note: If you are familiar with Rivoli, also in Berkeley, you’ll most likely enjoy Trattoria Corso as well – same owners).
Even the restaurant itself feels authentic, with framed menus from Italy adorning the walls and an open kitchen with pots, pans and utensils in seemingly constant motion. Here are the dishes I sampled on this particular visit to Trattoria Corso:
The funghi pizza was covered in mozzarella and fontina cheeses and topped with mushrooms and white truffle oil – if you ask me, it really doesn’t get better than this! I had to stop myself from eating too much of it so I could enjoy the pasta dishes that I knew were coming up – and I was glad I did!
We tried the pappardelle (made in house!) with braised rabbit ragu as well as the orecchiette con salsiccia, a pasta dish with house-made pork sausage, little neck clams and rapini. Even I was unsure about the combination of the clams, pork sausage and rapini but I was amazed to find that this was by far my favorite dish of the day. I was literally using bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce on this dish! The pappardelle was delicious too – you just can’t go wrong with homemade pasta and sauces.
Trattoria Corso has officially become my go-to for when I’m craving that homemade Italian comfort-style fare that I loved to eat in Florence. Now I’m curious – does anyone know a place like this in Sacramento? If so, please share by leaving a comment below.
Trattoria Corso
1788 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 704-8004
By Liz Conant 
Add comment February 23, 2010
Cheers to Sacramento Beer Week 2010!
Whether you are a beer and wine connoisseur, love to support local products and businesses, or are just looking for something fun and different to do, next week is the week for you!
Monday marks the beginning of Sacramento Beer Week 2010! The week of events will celebrate Sacramento’s rich beer culture and will kick off with the Inaugural Gala, “A Salute to Sacramento Beer History,” at the historic Colonial Theater at 6 p.m. on Monday.
The week will bring beer dinners and food pairings, pint nights and brewery showcases, and beer specials and happy hours at places such as Brew It Up!, Rubicon Brewing Co., Pyramid Alehouse, 3 Fires Lounge, and L Wine Lounge, just to name a few.
In addition to the daily activities throughout the week, the Sacramento Hopheads will present a week-long scavenger hunt! While visiting Sacramento Beer Week events, contestants can collect items and photos proving their attendance for a chance to win some great prizes. Team sizes are limited to no more than four contestants and the official list of scavenger hunt items will be posted to the Web site on Sunday, February 21. Points will be tallied and winners chosen on Sunday, February 28 during the check-in party at The Shack from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m..
For more information about Sacramento Beer Week 2010 events, visit www.sacramentobeerweek.com .
1 comment February 19, 2010
Dinner at the Shady Lady Saloon
The first time we blogged about the Shady Lady Saloon, we were anticipating it’s opening along with other new businesses on the 14th & R Street Corridor, like Burgers & Brew and Magpie Market & Cafe. Last summer, Sac Foodie Maria blogged about her experience “Taking a Walk on the Shady Side,” and made it sound so good that I had to try the Shady Lady myself.
Visiting for dinner and drinks with a few friends on a weeknight, we had no trouble getting a table. However, the Shady Lady tends to get very crowded and loud on the weekends, so the best bet for sitting down to eat is probably on a weeknight, or early on a weekend.
We started our meal by sharing an appetizer of crispy pork belly served on top of thinly sliced potatoes, with frisee salad and topped with a fried quail egg – delicious (we ate every last bite)!
Next we tried the Mussels & Beer dish of Prince Edward Island Mussels and chorizo served in a stout-based broth with grilled sourdough – another hit!
Dishes also enjoyed at the table included the caesar salad with chicken and artichoke hearts and the Shady Lady cheeseburger and fries. You definitely won’t go wrong by ordering one of these dishes either!
The Shady Lady also has an excellent selection of drinks available from wines by the glass, to an array of beers on draft and plenty of 30’s style cocktails to choose from. Next time I visit Shady Lady I plan to try the weekend brunch – I hear it’s delish (menu available here if you want to take a peek).
Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 231-9121
By Liz Conant 
2 comments February 18, 2010
Fat Tuesday!
It’s Mardi Gras and you know what that means…a lot of eating and celebrating. But why stop on Tuesday? Here is list of local celebrations that will fatten up your entire week.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood – Sacramento & Roseville (client): Celebrate Mardi Gras February 15-17 with McCormick and Schmick’s authentic New Orleans specials. Menu items include Crab Hush Puppies, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, Mini Oyster Po’ Boys, and Sausage and Shrimp Etouffee. Two very unique cocktails will also be available: Black Magic and Voodoo Buzz. (916) 442-8200
Mikuni- Join Mikuni’s Mardi Gras Masquerade at 8:00 p.m. to close on Tuesday, February 16. Mikuni will offer a special small bites menu which includes items such as a spicy tuna hand roll, edamame, and Freaky Fries. There will also be $5 Mardi Gras drink specials, free tableside entertainment, and of course, beads! (916) 447-2112
M!X Downtown- M!X Downtown is hosting a Mardi Gras Bash Wednesday, February 17. Described as “Bourbon Street meets L Street ,” enjoy $6 Hurricane’s, costume dancers, complimentary masks, balloons, and beads, all from the rooftop of M!X. Drink specials are available 9:00-11:00 p.m. (916) 442-8899
Barcode- Celebrate Mardi Gras with Barcode Nightclub and Lounge on Wednesday, February 17 and get free admission all night long. Postponing celebrating till the weekend? Barcode will also have a Fat Tuesday celebration Saturday, February 20. Enjoy $4 Southern Comfort drinks, $5 Hurricane’s, and free beads. For more information click here, or call (916) 929-0232.
The Park- Celebrate Mardi Gras at The Park on Friday, February 19. You can enjoy $6 Hurricane’s while listening to DJ Eddie Edul. We’ve been assured there will be plenty of beads to go around. For VIP bottle service reservations call (916) 442-7222.
Old Sacramento- Old Sacramento is celebrating Fat Tuesday by hosting a Mardi Gras Pub ‘n’ Grub Crawl on Saturday, February 20. Ten different Old Sacramento restaurants and bars will be participating in the celebration by each hosting their own entertainment and providing individual food and drink specials. There will also be lively street entertainment (a marching band!), beads, costumes and more. The celebration starts at 4:00 p.m. and everyone is invited to join in on the fun. To see a list of all participating restaurants and bars, click here, or call (916) 442-8575 for more information.
Add comment February 16, 2010
Sac Foodies Valentine’s Day Plans
Still not sure what to do this Valentine’s Day? Maybe we can inspire you. Take a look at what the Sac Foodies plan on doing this weekend:
Brittany Mohr- “I like to keep Valentine’s Day really low key, but for some reason this year we have a jam-packed weekend! The plan is to explore the Port & Chocolate Tasting at The Old Sugarmill on Saturday and round it all out with a big homemade fondue dinner on Sunday. Lots of food and fun in store – my two favorite things!”
Liz Conant- “This year, like most every year, I have no fancy V-day plans. I’m planning on spending Saturday with some friends wine tasting and eating chocolate and lots of delicious food and then cooking a nice dinner at home and watching movies on Sunday. Friends, food and wine – can’t ask for a better Valentine’s Day than that!”
Christine Schunk- “Being married to a firefighter I often have to move our holidays around his schedule. So, for “real” Valentine’s Day I’m going shopping. When he gets off his shift on Monday we’ll most likely celebrate with a nice dinner and wine at home – I’m hoping the Nugget has crab on sale, that is our go-to V-Day feast. Or maybe we’ll actually go out to dinner this year since we’ll miss the crowds… I have been wanting an excuse to go to Tucos in Davis, or Buckhorn Steakhouse in Winters.”
Julie Berge- “Joe and I are excited to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple. This year we’re planning on spending a quiet evening at home with some take-out from Mikuni and a bottle of Dom Pérignon we received as a wedding gift.”
Jenna Buhagiar- “We’ve started a tradition of going to the Port & Chocolate Lovers Weekend at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg for our annual Valentine’s Day celebration with friends. This year we’re going on Saturday, so on Sunday we’ll probably stay in, cook dinner and rent a movie. By the way, I do love how the President’s Day holiday falls on the day after Valentine’s this year!”
Karlie Bettencourt- “I am Reno-bound this Saturday for Valentine’s Day. I’m not sure what we are going to do when we get there, but dinner and drinks will probably be involved!”
Maria Chacon- “This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating with the kiddos and three T’s: truffles, theater and thirty-three. We’ll head to Bistro 33 Midtown for brunch and then watch the Sacramento Theatre Company’s rendition of “Thumbelina.” Afterwards we’ll head home and make what’s become a new Valentine’s Day tradition – homemade truffles from this fun and easy recipe we tried last year.”
Leave us a comment and let us know what you plan on doing this Valentine’s Day!
Romantic Chocolate Truffles
1/3 cup heavy cream
6 oz. dark (semi- or bittersweet) chocolate, very finely chopped
2 Tbsp. butter, very soft
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1. Bring the cream to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Wait 1 minute, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Whisk in the butter completely; cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm
2. Scoop out teaspoonfuls of chocolate, then squeeze and roll them between your palms to form cherry-sized balls – a messy job, but fun. (If the chocolate is too hard to shape, leave it on the counter for 20 minutes.)
3. Roll the truffles around in a bowl of cocoa then toss them from hand to hand to shake off the excess. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Makes about 24 truffles.
Per serving: 60 calories, 5g carbs, 1g protein, 4g fat, 5mg cholesterol.
Recipe courtesy of Dorie Greenspan, Parade magazine, February 8, 2009
Add comment February 12, 2010
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
2 comments 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.
3 comments 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
Everything posted on this blog is stated as personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Fleishman-Hillard or its clients.
