I’ve always been a Cosmopolitan girl, myself.
There’s something incredibly classy and chic about a pink drink rimmed with sugar and garnished with a lime. It screams super sassy and lover of summer.
This week is Midtown Cocktail Week in Sacramento, an entire seven days dedicated to your favorite gin and tonic. Sponsored and hosted by a variety of Midtown restaurants and bars, this series of events and classes is dedicated to celebrating the diverse mixology that Sacramento offers, as well as educating bartenders about the best way to shake their martinis.
Midtown Cocktail Week kicks off with a Punch Bowl Bunco Party, a special event devoted to making the quintessential party punch bowl concoction – both with and without alcohol. Some special events (including this one) require pre-registration, so be sure and get your name on the list early.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday include workshops and events such as a Bartender Mixology Competition, a gin-making class titled “Hello Gin! Where Have You Been?” and a Cuban-themed cocktail celebration at Zocalo.
Friday night jump starts the weekend with The Greatest Cocktail on Earth event that will turn the Citizen Hotel Ballroom into a circus. Saturday and Sunday wrap up the week of festivities with The Science of Food and Drink mixology lesson, followed by a tropical luau.
So, whether you’re a Cosmo girl like me or a guy that likes his martini extra dry and shaken not stirred, there’s something for everyone at Midtown Cocktail Week.
Photo courtesy of Flikr user Ralph and Jenny.
Patio Happy Hours, Perfect for Hot Summer Nights
I love summer.
For the people of the Sacramento Valley, June, July and August are marked with thermometers reaching 80 degrees at dawn, afternoon swimming and air-conditioners running on high well into the evening.
The upside to this hot, hot heat is that the evenings here in Sacramento can be the perfect time to relax outside, if you don’t mind it feeling a little bit like you stepped in to an African safari.
We have a few suggestions for some happy hours that have great outside patios for enjoying the balmy summer nights.
First and foremost, Cafeteria 15L is my absolute favorite place for evening cocktails in midtown. Not only do they have great patio dining, but you have the chance to sit in tented bungalows worthy of a poolside spot at the Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel. With their billowing white canvas covers, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic summer rendezvous or a casual cocktail with a friend.
Best appetizers hands down are the Grilled Asparagus and the Trio of Fries, which includes regular, sweet potato and garlic. Cafeteria 15L also has $4 well drinks, $5 glasses of wine and $6 martinis. Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Another place I love is Lucca. This charming Mediterranean/California cuisine bistro is the perfect place if you’re feeling adventurous and bit like you need a vacation to the Greek Isles. Its outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and imagine you’re staring out into the ocean off of the Santorini coast.
My recommendations for appetizers at Lucca include the Zucchini Chips and the Bruschetta. As for drinks, when in the Mediterranean, don’t skip the wine.
One great way to find other happy hours is just walk around. I have found many a drink special by just parking my car, getting some exercise and paying attention to the sandwich boards posted outside.
Happy summering!
Cafeteria 15L
1116 15th Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 492-1960
Lucca Restaurant and Bar
1516 J. St
Sacramento, Ca, 95814
(916) 669-5300
Photo courtesy of Fickr user Seriously Photographic.
Mediterranean Summer Salad
I am always on the lookout for creative ways to eat veggies.
Though our potluck theme this year was All-American, I decided to make a summer salad based on my time living in southern France. I figured hey, they gave us the Statue of Liberty, and what’s more American than that?
I love this salad because it’s cool, crisp and refreshing. Just perfect for those hot afternoon barbecues!
Recipe: Mediterranean Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 3 large Hot-House Cucumbers
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 3 Yellow Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Feta Cheese
- ½ cup Italian Dressing
Instructions
- Cut all vegetables into small, bite-sized chunks.
- Combine in large bowl.
- Dress with cheese and Italian dressing of your choice.
- Serve cold.
Bon appetit!
Father’s Day Foodie Event Round-up
Dad. Father. Pops. Gramps. Daddy. Whatever you call him, he’s your old man and this Sunday is Father’s Day.
Here are a few events happening around Sacramento that can spice up your Dad’s day and help you celebrate together.
Father’s Day Barbecue at Ten22, Sacramento
Ten22 is celebrating Dads by offering a $15 special meal created by Chef Jay Veregge. Offerings include a choice between braised beef brisket, sausage links and grilled chicken breast and all options come with potato salad, pinto beans and corn on the cob. Also happening this weekend is the PGA US Open, which you can watch on the big screens at Ten22. To top it off, happy hour prices are available on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m, while you watch the Open of course.
Morton’s The Steak House, Sacramento
This delectable steakhouse offers a special three-course meal that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $69 per person. Entrée items include Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, Cajun Ribeye Steak, Broiled Salmon Fillet and Chicken Christopher.
The Firehouse Restaurant, Old Sacramento
The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento is must-do for Fathers who crave the stuffed polenta or the Wild King salmon. Also featured is the Artisan Cheese Plate with fromage from three different countries.
Il Fornaio, Roseville
Does your Dad love Italian? Take him to Il Fornaio in Roseville (there’s also a location in Sacramento) where he can get a special lunch or brunch a la carte. This Italian ristorante is serving up its three-course Taste of Toscana for $29.99. We suggest you also order up the Toscana wine for $14.99.
Worried about how you are going to burn off all those calories consumed on Dad’s day?
We thought so. Never fear, there’s a 5k happening in Roseville you can join in on, so no worries about your waistline.
Father’s Day 5k Run For Families,Roseville
Taking place in Roseville, this fundraiser takes course-goers through the Miner’s Ravine Trail and raises money for the Sacramento Areas Emergency Housing Center, which is one of the only shelters in the area that allows the entire family to stay. The race begins and ends in Sculpture Park. For more information, click here.
That’s our official round-up! Feel free to check out opentable.com or about.com for more inspiration on Dad’s day dishes.
Davis Beerfest 2011
Stout. Porter. Hefeweizen. Pilsner.
For beer lovers everywhere, just the sound of these brews is enough to make mouths water.
The world’s third most popular beverage-beat only by water and tea-is at the center of a foam-guzzling culture that geographically ranges from the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany to the pubs of London, England and, more locally, Beerfest 2011 in Davis.
Davis’ fourth annual Beerfest is kicking off its hop-filled festivities on Saturday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sudwerk Brewery.
The fest is hosted by Citizens Who Care, an organization that is dedicated to helping the elderly and their caretakers.
The $35 price of admission includes the opportunity to taste more than 100 handcrafted beers, tour the Sudwerk Brewery, the ever-festive availability of Nugget-provided sausage, and of course, a commemorative souvenir mug…which is definitely why I’m going.
There will be about 40 local brands represented, including my favorite as a recent Chico State grad, Sierra Nevada.
Tickets for designated drivers are also available for a discounted price of $10, which includes food and unlimited soft drinks. Win.
Photo courtesy of Flikr user VXLA.