Last Sunday, I was reminded of how wonderful and beautiful Old Sacramento truly is. Although I’ve frequented Old Sac for many family dinners at Joe’s Crab Shack and lunches at Steamers Café, I had never truly explored its vibrant, bustling streets. Being fortunate enough to work within a 1-mile radius of Old Sac’s gorgeous 28 acres on the Sacramento waterfront, it’s a shame that I often take for granted the eye-opening, historic yet always-changing town only a stone’s throw away from our office.
The sun-kissed sky and warm weather called for ice cold drinks and a patio lunch at Rio City Café. My date’s drink of choice was Stella Artois and I was thirsty for bottomless mimosas. While the calamari was delicious, our main entrées were quite spectacular. He opted for the Rio City Burger paired with rosemary fries and my choice was the Salmon BLT with a side of sweet potato fries.
After lunch, we perused the streets basking in the sunlight and window-shopped while appreciating all the arts, antiques and collectibles sold at the classic Old Sac shops. Dessert was sweet perfection as we shared a double scoop of Rocky Road and Pecan Praline atop a chocolate-covered sugar cone.
If you’re like me and often overlook the beauty of Old Sac, below are some reminders of how fortunate we really are to have a place with such a rich history, authentic Sacramento flair and never-ending fun in our own backyard. No matter if it’s your first time, next time, or you’re at Old Sac all the time – next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the wonder of Old Sacramento.
Tip: My date and I purposefully parked on the parking garage rooftop to revel in the scenic view of the iconic Tower Bridge and we savored every second of it.
SacFoodies Spice Rack
A great spice rack is essential to every cook’s kitchen. A little spice goes a long way and whether you prefer sweet, salty or savory – seasoning makes everything delicious.
With the right combination of herbs and spices, a simple dish could be transformed from bland to grand in just a matter of sprinkles. I sought out to discover what the perfect spice rack would consist of by asking my fellow foodies: What’s the one spice you can’t do without or the first spice you’d buy if you were stocking your kitchen from scratch, and why?
The result? The ultimate SacFoodies Spice Rack. Here’s what my fellow foodies had to say:
Amanda Frew: Smoked Paprika. It adds a depth of flavor to dishes that, many times, is that little something that puts it over the top. I add a dash to sauces and chili for a touch of smoky spice and even to dark chocolate brownies for an unexpected kick!
Brittany Gillmor: Black pepper is the spice of my life! When I was little my favorite things to eat were peas with pepper and macaroni and cheese…with lots of pepper. Now I enjoy the flavor black pepper adds to my salads, steaks and beyond.
Brooke Burgess: Nutmeg. Nearly all of my SacFoodies posts are desserts so it’s probably no surprise that nutmeg holds a place of honor on top of my favorite spice list. The warm, spicy sweet flavor adds depth to so many cherished recipes. I also love that it can match well with unexpected savory ingredients like cauliflower, lamb, squash and more.
Christine Schunk: Does hot sauce count as a spice? I put it on everything from eggs to clam chowder to grilled cheese sandwiches; it makes my world go round. But not just any hot sauce. I prefer Franks, Tapatio and Cholula: each one has a special place on our table and in my heart.
Dan Barber: Garlic. The Barbers love Italian food and then there’s the whole vampire thing.
Gayla Schlittenhart: Cardamom. My first taste of cardamom was when I ordered rice pudding with cardamom … delicious. I am a dessert lover and cardamom can be used in many dessert recipes. I am now craving chocolate cardamom cake!
Jake Ferguson: Garlic salt, hands down. I don’t enjoy my food to be overly salty, but something about garlic salt really punches up just about every dish. From pasta, to soup, to veggies, to using it in a rub for BBQ—I never need a ton, but always make sure I’ve got some on hand.
Jenna Buhagiar: Coarse ground black pepper. Love it on everything from sandwiches to seafood. For me, most meals aren’t complete until topped with black pepper.
John Armato: Curry powder. A favorite recipe from my childhood is a quick and easy one-skillet meal that includes curry powder. Not only do I love the flavor, but every time I make it the house instantly smells amazing and I’m transported back to warm memories. You can’t ask much more of a spice than that.
Kim Bedwell: Salt, although technically it’s a mineral and not a spice, but it’s the most important “spice” in my cupboard. It turns food from blah to brilliant and it’s incredibly versatile (look how many desserts now feature salt). If you are like me, you may have 4 or 5 different salts on hand at any given time. My new favorite is Maldon Salt. It’s amazing!
Kris Caputo: Saffron. My husband has mastered Ina Garten’s Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash and it’s a decadent treat I truly can’t live without!
Liz Conant: Basil! Okay, it’s actually an herb, but either way I love it on everything. Fresh version preferred, but dried can do in a pinch. If you haven’t tried basil on a bagel with cream cheese, you’re missing out.
Maria Kniestedt: Rosemary. I love its woodsy, earthy scent, and I use it in everything from chicken and beef to savory breads (especially focaccia). That I can step outside and snip a few sprigs from my garden is a bonus!
Sallie Poggi: Cinnamon. It instantly brings me back to days in my grandmother’s Greek kitchen as cinnamon walnut cookies and baklava were always on hand. The earthiness of cinnamon instantly makes me feel warm, snug and safe. Plus I use it in everything – oatmeal, crumbles, coffee, or even in chili to add depth!
Sara Ortega: Red Pepper Flakes. Whether on pizza, pasta sauce or sautéed Thai vegetables, red pepper flakes add the edge that basic salt and pepper just can’t beat!
Shea GuntherMaher: Garlic. There’s no such thing as “too much garlic” in my family. The smell of freshly chopped garlic sizzling in the frying pan makes my mouth water. Smother it on meat, on rice, on potatoes, on everything please!
Shelly Kessen: Rosemary. Somewhat for the flavor, but more for the fun my son and I had picking it out and planting it in our first herb garden together.
Vanessa Sapino: Garlic salt. What’s there not to love about garlic and salt? It truly is a versatile go-to seasoning for a wide range of savory foods, such as adding to marinades for meats, or for pastas, breads, omelets, and baked or mashed potatoes.
What’s my spice of choice? Thyme. I love thyme and the subtle minty, woodsy taste it adds to any dish. It serves as an incredibly versatile all-purpose seasoning and when combined with lemon and garlic – the flavor is impeccable.
It’s hard to imagine what food would be like without the wonderful herbs and spices that elevate their flavors. Each spice is uniquely tasty in its own way, and each person is partial to his and her preferred flavors. We’re always looking for the next best spice combination that would tantalize our taste buds and take flavor to the next level, and we want to hear from you! What would you add to our SacFoodies Spice Rack?
2014 Valentine's Day in Sacramento
When you’re lucky enough to have Valentine’s Day fall on a Friday, the options are endless where romantic dining is concerned.
Should you stay in and set the mood in the comfort of your own home? Do you go grand and reserve a table at the hottest restaurant in town? What about the single ladies and gents – should you defy cupid and indulge in solo pursuits on the most romantic day of the year?
Can’t decide? Not to worry, the Sac Foodies are here to help. We’ve created a list of must-dos for love-struck couples, happy homebodies and single ladies and lads to help everyone’s V-Day sizzle all night long.
Valentine’s Prix Fixe Offerings in Sacramento (Make reservations on Open Table or by contacting each restaurant quickly before it’s too late)
- The Melting Pot – $75 per person offers five-courses of mouthwatering fondue dishes with a variety of dessert and entrée options. There’s also a Lover’s Lane package for $125 per person, which offers four courses, sparkling wine and an embossed photo frame. See the full menu here.
The Melting Pot
814 15th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-2347
- Cafeteria 15L – $80 per couple includes a champagne toast, an appetizer, an entrée and dessert options for two. Dinner is served from 5 – 11 p.m. See the full menu here.
Cafeteria 15L
1116 15th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 492-1960
- Ella Dining Room and Bar – An Ella Valentine’s meal is an exquisite four-course adventure paired with one bottle of champagne per couple. The cost is $125 per person and the full menu can be found here.
Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-3772
Creative Ideas for Homebodies (This is what I’ll be doing)
- Netflix subscribers rejoice! Season 2 of the award-winning ‘House of Cards’ premieres on Feb. 14. So tune in, cozy up, and kick off the night with a bottle of red and a home-cooked meal, made with love. Check out these appetizing delights on CookingLight.com for 20 delicious (and healthy!) romantic recipes to set the mood.
- Not in the cooking mood? Here are local hot-spots offering takeout for two.
- P.F. Chang’s – Nothing says takeout, like Chinese takeout! Here’s the full P.F. Chang’s menu to choose from. Call-in your order ahead of time to ensure it arrives quickly.
- Buca di Beppo – Known for their family-style Italian cuisine, Buca di Beppo offers heart-warming, tummy-filling meals to satisfy both you and your love. The best part? They deliver! Check out the full menu here.
- Looking for more delivery options? Look no further than Eat24.com to find any fine dining cuisine in your area that delivers straight to your front door.
- And if you really want to impress that special someone – try this amazingly simple, mood-setting treat guaranteed to wow: chocolate-covered strawberries. Believe it or not, I make these for friends and family at least twice a month because it’s that easy. As in, two-ingredients-one-microwave-and-15-minutes-easy. Here’s my go-to recipe on FoodNetwork.com that never fails.
All the single ladies… Now put your hands up!
- If you’re not marching to the beat of Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ song, then you’re truly missing out. Let your hair down and have more fun on Valentine’s Night, because you CAN! Consider indulging in these activities with a group of your closest pals.
- Harlow’s Restaurant – All-girl rock band, the Rainbow Girls will be performing at Harlow’s on Feb. 14, so turn Valentine’s Day into Ladies Night and enjoy good tunes, cold drinks and great company at Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub.
- Fox & Goose – Enjoy good folk music from Sea Legs and Davis folk rock group, Red Union Blue at local hot-spot Fox & Goose. Event starts at 9p.m. and tickets are $5.
- Shady Lady – Take yourself back to the Roaring Twenties when jazz and blues were all the rage. This Friday at 9 p.m., Shady Lady will bring original blues orchestra and jazz from Sacramento-based musician, Harley White Jr.
- Are you a single homebody? Then I suggest turning Valentine’s Night into a fun friends or family affair. Include a group of friends, your devoted pet, or perhaps your kids or parents and throw in some ice cream, pizza, beer, wine, or all of the above, and pop in your favorite movie for a full family date night!
Tell us, what are your plans for the big day?
Midtown Biergarten Grand Opening
January 24th is a day for Sacramento beer lovers to rejoice.
It’s Friday, a sunny 73, and Midtown Biergarten will open its doors at 3 p.m.
Midtown Biergarten, nestled on the corner of 24th and K Street, is a traditional beer garden with a contemporary twist. With a prime location in the heart of midtown and an open-air style seating area, furnished with wooden picnic tables and catered with German-inspired cuisine – Midtown Biergarten might be the new hotspot for those eager for quality beer, greet food and warm weather.
Only locally crafted beers and authentic German and Belgium brews will be served, and all the food will come from original family recipes and award-winning German butcher, Dirk Muller of Morants.
Photo Credit: Midtown Biergarten
Business hours will be 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
Midtown Biergarten
2332 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 346-4572
www.dbmidtown.com
Sacramento Restaurants Open for Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, Sacramentans were hungry but no restaurant could be found. Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a drink– lucky for you, here’s a list of Sactown places open on Christmas so you won’t have to think! Restaurants are filling quickly so reservations shouldn’t be stalled. We hope you enjoy your holiday and Happy Christmas to all! Be sure to thank those who are working this Christmas to ensure yours is a memorable one!
Buca di Beppo – Opens at 11 a.m.
1249 Howe Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 922-6673
Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Opens at 2 p.m.
501 Pavilions Lane, Pavilions Shopping Plaza
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 286-2702
Capitol Garage – Opens at 4 p.m.
1500 K St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-3633
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood – Opens at 11 a.m.
1194 Roseville Parkway
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 960-4875
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 5
- Next Page »