Wordless Wednesday Sac Foodies Potluck Edition: Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies straight from Pro’s Ranch Market’s bakery in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
Pro’s Ranch Market
1602 Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(661) 725-8920
Add comment August 18, 2010
Potluck Series: Vegetarian 7-layer Dip
1 can prepared spicy vegetarian refried beans
Guacamole, recipe follows
1 jar of medium salsa (I like Pace)
2 cups light sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 jar sliced California Ripe olives
½ cup cilantro
¼ cup chopped green onions (both the white and green parts)
Heat beans in the microwave or on the stove top until smooth and hot. Make sure all of your ingredients are prepared and ready to layer. In a 9”x 13” casserole dish, first spread beans across the bottom of the pan with a rubber spatula. Make sure that the layer is smooth and even, and doesn’t go up the sides of the pan. Next, spread the guacamole over the beans. After the guacamole, layer the salsa, sour cream, cheese, olives, cilantro and green onions, in that order. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!
Guacamole
3-4 medium avocados
2 limes
2 medium tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ yellow onion, diced
2 Serrano chilies, seeded and diced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a medium mixing bowl, scoop out avocados and squeeze lime juice over and mash, to prevent from browning. Add in the rest of the ingredients, omitting salt until the end. (I have found that is very easy to over salt guacamole.) Mash together until the avocado is smooth.
By Emily Hirschman 
Add comment August 16, 2010
What to do… What to do…
There are always many amazing things happening around town, especially in the summer. Here are a few things going on this weekend:
Second Saturday, Midtown and Folsom
Most Sacramentoans know about the Second Saturday Art Walk, in Midtown Sacramento. For those of you who don’t, let me give you the rundown! In celebration of the art community of Midtown Sacramento, on the second Saturday of every month art galleries and restaurants stay open late and invite the public to view art, walk around the neighborhood and enjoy food and drink. For more information and a list of participating galleries, visit the Sacramento Art Walk’s website.
Did you know that there’s also a Second Saturday in Historic Downtown Folsom? Second Saturday on Sutter Street in downtown Folsom is a celebration of art, food, and wine. Restaurants, art galleries and stores will be open late with food and wine sampling, live music, and art displays starting at 5 pm on Saturday, August 14. So if you want to stay a little closer to home, or experience a burgeoning new art scene, check out Second Saturday on Sutter Street. For more information, visit the Historic Folsom Sutter Street website.
A class for the wine lover in all of us!
Sacramento Bee columnist Rick Kushman is back teaching another class called “Why Wine is More Fun Than People Make it Seem,” on Sunday at Lava Cap Winery. This class will focus on red wines, and you don’t need to have taken any of his other classes to participate. Lava Cap is in the rolling hills near Placerville, so you’ll get to taste some good wines in a pretty place.
He’ll cover some basics about reds and what makes them special, and you’ll practice tasting to identify common characteristics in reds. The class is for everyone, and even wine buffs will learn a thing or two! He’ll cover lots of fun things to help make drinking wine even more enjoyable.
This Sunday, August 15,
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Fee is $25.00
Details and signups at www.lavacap.com
By: Emily Hirschman 
Add comment August 13, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Mermaid Seafood and Grille
Oysters Rockefeller: Six oysters on the half shell stuffed with bacon, spinach, Brie cheese and bread crumbs.
According to the menu it’s “a mermaid’s favorite.” (Who knew mermaids love bacon!)
Mermaids Seafood & Grill
2171 Cowell Blvd. Suite F
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: 530-750-2150
Add comment August 11, 2010
Tightwad Tuesday: Midtown Cocktail Week
Get your taste buds ready for this year’s Midtown Cocktail Week! Continuing now through August 15, Midtown Cocktail Week celebrates Sacramento’s cocktail culture.
The week will be filled with fun activities such as cocktail creation education, recognition of local mixology innovators and leaders, and specialty cocktails at participating restaurants.
This wouldn’t be a Tightwad Tuesday without a deal, now would it? Be sure to keep an eye out for great deals around town such as chef’s special late-night at Ella, which includes “Bar Bites” and a full flight/prixe fixe meal for only $20! The celebration only lasts one week, so grab a taxi and some friends and let the cocktails flow!
For more information and event details, visit the Midtown Cocktail Week Website.
By Edie Campbell- Urban 
Add comment August 10, 2010
And the winner is…
Congratulations to Peri P. Re – the winner of the McCormick & Schmick’s dining pass giveaway!
Please write us and tell us how you liked Eat, Pray, Love!
Add comment August 10, 2010
‘Reel’y great deal: Dinner and a Movie
One movie that the Sac Foodies are very excited for is “Eat, Pray, Love,” in theaters starting August 13. The wonderful stories, fantastic travel destinations, and of course, delicious food, make it a must-see for any foodie.
Interested in seeing “Eat, Pray, Love” for only $5? McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant’s Reel to Reel is back and other than being a client, we love their delicious seafood and fantastic happy hour deals!
McCormick & Schmick’s is offering a premium movie ticket for $5 with the purchase of any dinner entrée.
McCormick & Schmick’s has provided us with a $25 dining certificate to give away to one lucky Sac Foodies reader. To enter, post a comment either here, or on our Facebook page telling us which upcoming movie you are most excited for. If it happens to be “Eat, Pray, Love,” and you read the book, what was your favorite country?
For more information and a list of participating theaters, visit the McCormick & Schmick’s website.
A winner will be picked at noon on Tuesday, August 10.
3 comments August 6, 2010
Sac Foodies turns 3!
Well, it’s that time of year once again. That’s right, Sac Foodies has turned three! It’s growing up so fast. *tear*
It was definitely a reason to celebrate and in true foodie style, that meant a potluck. It has become a sort of tradition for the Sac Foodies to congregate once a year around food, family and friends, and feast on a variety of dishes.
This year was the first themed potluck, graciously hosted by Kim. The theme was Mexican, which allowed us to flex our culinary muscles and prepare all sorts of creative dishes.
We would like to share our delicious South of the Border fare with you, so we will be posting the recipes over the next few weeks.
The first recipe to share was made by the newest member of the Sac Foodies and FHamily, Cristina Dayton. This recipe was provided by one of our clients, the United States Potato Board, and is an inexpensive, quick and healthy spin on a Mexican classic.
We hope you enjoy our recipes, as we take you on a culinary tour of Mexico. ¡Cocina y come!
Pork and Potato Verde
Photo by Kim Bedwell
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds. pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (16 ounce.) jar salsa verde
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Mexican seasoning (such as McCormick)
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup rinsed and drained black beans
Sour cream, to taste
Heat oil in a large saucepan; add pork and brown on all sides. Add salsa, chiles, broth and seasoning to pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add potatoes; cook for 30 minutes more or until pork is very tender. Uncover; add green onions and beans and cook for about 5 minutes more or until sauce has thickened. Add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
By Emily Hirschman 
3 comments August 3, 2010
Mediterranean Party Platter
Planning a party doesn’t have to be time consuming, especially when you prepare your appetizers the day before! Below is a simple way to create a quick and healthy option for your guests!
Serves: 8-10
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Ingredients
2 jars roasted bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Olive oil spray
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup Fresh chopped basil
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dash of red pepper flakes
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
1 can hearts of palm
1 English cucumber
1 lemon
2 zucchini
1 red onion
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 containers (16 ounces) of hummus (any flavor you like)
1 container of olives (Kalamata, green, or any assortment)
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 jar of artichoke hearts
Crackers or baguette
To prepare (this can all be made the day before):
Take roasted peppers from jar, drain and slice into strips. Put into bowl and add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (just enough to coat thoroughly) and a dash of red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Chop parsley. Slice hearts of palm in half, but at an angle. Dip the angled tops into the parsley. Slice the cucumber into angled slices. Slice a lemon circle, cut half-way in and flip the sides out to make a twist.
Slice the zucchini long ways into ¼ inch slices. Slice the red onions into ½ slices so that they keep their ring shape. Spray both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Using a non-stick grill pan, turn the heat on high and cook zucchini and onions for about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure there are nice black grill marks and the veggies are tender.
To assemble:
This is the joy of this recipe – assemble the platter anyway that best fits your needs. Roll the zucchini or tie knots with the onion rings. Serve with hummus, olives and cherry tomatoes. I’ve given you the ingredients according to the photo so use your imagination! Great with a sliced baguette or crackers.
Add comment August 2, 2010
The Firehouse Restaurant: Getting Reacquainted With An Old Sacramento Favorite
Three times a year, Executive Chef Deneb Williams of The Firehouse Restaurant refreshes the menu to reflect local, seasonal ingredients. Recently, the Sac Foodies were invited to lunch to taste the restaurant’s new summer fare. The Firehouse has been a long-standing staple of Old Sacramento as a place to celebrate romantic holidays and special occasions, so we were looking forward to getting reacquainted with this elegant venue in a more casual setting.
A few thoughts from Emily:
When we were seated in the courtyard of The Firehouse, I felt as if I had been taken into the Secret Garden. The ambiance is so serene, I didn’t want to leave. In the hustle and bustle of a busy life, it was so nice to sit back and relax in such a beautiful garden and enjoy lunch. The menu that Chef Deneb prepared was full of local and seasonal offerings, perfect for a vegetarian such as me. The Heirloom Tomato Napoleon Salad was my favorite. A unique spin on a summer staple, the tomatoes were thinly sliced and alternately layered with mozzarella and basil to form a tomato and cheese tower. Accompanying the salad was a heavenly balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Chef Deneb was kind of enough to share the recipe with me and I plan on making a double batch and putting it on everything – sandwiches, salads, my toothbrush. Just kidding…sort of.
After our lovely meal, we had the opportunity to chat with Chef Deneb. It was so interesting to hear about his past and the path that brought him to The Firehouse. If you would like to learn more about him, you can read his posts on The Firehouse Restaurant’s blog.
A few thoughts from Edie:
After exploring the new summer menu at The Firehouse, I couldn’t help but order the Mahi Mahi Tacos. Not only am I a huge taco fan but I also love fresh grilled Mahi Mahi in the summertime. The tortillas were filled with delicious garlic-honey-cumin glazed grilled fish and cilantro aioli mango-avocado- cucumber slaw. My stomach was more than satisfied with this meal. For anyone looking to try a refreshing and filling lunch dish I highly recommend these tacos!
A few thoughts from Julie:
Having grown up in Sacramento, I have visited The Firehouse Restaurant numerous times for special events, but it wasn’t until our recent lunchtime visit that I got to see another side of this classic Sacramento venue. After a quick glance of the lunch menu, I was excited to see that every item, with the exception of the Sea Scallops, was under $20! We started our meal with a sample of the Dungeness Crab Cake prepared with toasted cumin-avocado pico and smoked pablano-corn relish. Delicious! We were then treated to an artfully prepared Heirloom Tomato Napoleon and for my main dish I chose the very satisfying Vegetarian Flatbread Sandwich including cucumber, oven-roasted tomatoes, grilled zucchini stuffed in a pita wrap.
As we wrapped up our lunch with some “tomato talk” with Chef Deneb, we learned he was raised vegetarian and first developed his love for cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables at the ripe age of 12. We also learned that it’s not uncommon for Chef Deneb to create a vegetarian version of any of their menu items and for special holiday menus, like Valentines Day, he always offers vegetarian and vegan options!
Also worthy of mentioning are The Firehouse wine tasting events. Previous to our visit, I had been hearing a lot of buzz about these underground cellar tastings, so I was thrilled to get the firsthand scoop from sommelier Paul Marsh as he gave us a tour of the restaurant’s impressive underground wine cellar. Paul hosts wine tastings every Tuesday evening from 5:30 – 6:30. For just $10 you can sample four wines and a food pairing from Chef Deneb.
Photo Credit: Mahi Mahi Tacos and Dungeness Crab Cake photos by Amber from www.AwakeAtTheWhisk.com
2 comments July 28, 2010
Everything posted on this blog is stated as personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Fleishman-Hillard or its clients.
