Glen Ellen Inn – Oyster Grill & Martini Bar
Glen Ellen, a small town on the outskirts of Sonoma, is so quaint that there are only a few choices of restaurants, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad meal in this wine country town. From Garden Court, to The Fig Café, and even the pub fare at The Jack London Lodge are all delish. A few weeks ago I finally had a chance to try The Glen Ellen Inn. I was excited to hear that the chef/owner was a Sonoma Valley native (like me!) and went to the same high school as I did (Sonoma Valley High).
Chef Christian Bertrand and his wife, Karen, opened the restaurant in 1993 in a 1940’s country cottage. The ambiance is very nice – a comfortable setting, with beautiful stained glass accents in the doorways and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs preparing that evening’s food. This night’s dinner was shared with my Mom and Dad, and was the first time since I could remember that I had them both to myself. Between the restaurant, the friendly service and my two dining companions, the night definitely felt special.
Because I am becoming my mother more and more every day, it was not surprising to me that after reading the menu for about 30 seconds, the two of us picked the same entrée. Mussels and Garlic Fries with prosciutto, saffron, dried tomato, white wine sauce. We giggled to ourselves as we talked about how we can never pass up mussels on a menu, as I’ve mentioned on this blog before. Dad ordered the Sonoma Breast of Duck, foie grass stuffed, panko crust, cherry-port sauce and polenta. I must also mention the wine list – more than 160 labels to choose from, and I was happy to see that ALL of them were from California. Way to support local wine.
The food was delicious. The creamy saffron sauce that was served with the mussels was amazing. Yes, I kept slurping the leftover broth long after the fries and mussels were gone. After lots of good conversation, food and wine my parents and I decided to split “The Fabulous Glen Ellen Inn Sundae” which consisted of house made French vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut in bittersweet caramel sauce. A perfect end to a fun evening. I can’t wait for the next time I get to steal my parents and have them all to myself again.
Glen Ellen Inn
13670 Arnold Drive
Glen Ellen, Ca 95442
707-996-6409
Add comment June 26, 2009
HOT ITALIAN Love is in the Air
Every once in a while, a new restaurant comes to town that is so good you just can’t stop buzzing about it. And not just in the “ooh that place looks good” or “I’ve really been meaning to go” kind of way. But more the “ohmygoodnessihavetohaveitrightnow” sort of buzz. So I think it’s time that we admit it:
The SacFoodies are head over heels for HOT ITALIAN. And now that we know they serve some of the best dessert in town, we’re sure this relationship has “forever” written all over it. Have a sweet tooth like us? Check out some of their mouthwatering desserts below:
Zucchero
organic Italian chocolate hazelnut spread dusted with powdered sugar
Murino
gorgonzola dolce cheese, pears drizzled with honey
Lenti
seasonal mixed berries topped with fresh ricotta and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil
And if that’s not convincing enough, here are our top 10 reasons to love HOT ITALIAN:
Uno: It’s so authentic that you simply can’t fight the urge to belt out any Italian you know: mangia, cara amici, mangia!
Due: Where else can you pick up a motorcycle with your pizza?
Tre: Communal seating is a great way to make new friends.
Quattro: Because they give you the scoop on their upcoming events on Twitter
Cinque: They’re open late! Call for exact hours, but word on the street is that they serve until 10:00 or 11:00 PM on weeknights and stretch that until 12:00 PM or 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights!
Sei: Because there is nothing like a real Italian espresso.
Sette: Who can resist a giant round party table with space in the center for ice to keep your drinks chilled to perfection?
Otto: Orange chocolate, Madagascar vanilla and nocciola (hazelnut) gelato – oh my!
Nove: Because the modern decor and traditional fare instantly transport you to a corner cafe in a bella piazza.
Dieci: Because gorgonzola, pear and honey on a pizza can never be wrong.
Hot Italian
16th & Q Midtown
Sacramento, CA
(916) 444-3000
3 comments June 24, 2009
Dinner and a Bookstore – a Perfect Summer Pairing (And, yes, another giveaway!)
The weather’s warm, and you don’t feel like cooking. Dinner out sounds good but, well, a little boring. Try this favorite SacFoodie summer pairing: Dinner and a bookstore. Bury your nose in a NYT bestseller or a literary favorite, and then stroll the local streets, basking in the Sacramento sunshine, and enjoy a fantastic outdoor dinner. Sound like a perfect outing?
Within a few blocks of each other in Midtown Sacramento, there are three wonderful bookstores, each with its own personality: Time Tested Books at 1114-21st St. is floor-to-ceiling books, complete with ladders to reach the highest offerings; The Book Collector, 1008-24th St. offers sidewalk bargain books and other gems indoors; and La Raza Galleria Posada, 1022-1024 22nd St. (note: they’re moving in August) offers not just books, but also Latino art, clothing and accessories. The really lovely part? All three are within easy walking distance of each other – and over twenty restaurants.
Ah, yes, the foodie part. We had our work cut out for us with so many choices! Should we eat at Azul, Lounge on 20, or walk across the street to Original Pete’s Pizza? There’s the Vintage Café, Hashi and Cervantes just a few steps from Time Tested Books. For something really special, we could try The Waterboy or The Broiler, or for more casual fare, there’s Capitol Dawg, Hot Rods Burgers and Jack’s Urban Eats. And that’s only a sampling of what’s available.
I had my research assistants with me (i.e., my kids), and after a lengthy discussion, we decided to eat at Tapa the World, located at 2115 J St. Like shopping for books, eating tapas offers a multitude of experiences, depending on what you choose. So, for this culinary adventure, we sat on the sidewalk patio and sampled:
• Tortilla Espanola (hands down, my favorite tapa – in fact, this was my daily go-to food while studying in Spain)
• Grilled Vegetables topped with balsamic reduction and Romesco sauce, as well as queso Manchego (THE most delightfully salty sheep’s milk cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain)
• Paella Mixta, a small portion of traditional (and delicious) paella with generous amounts of seafood, chicken and chorizo, as well as a side of salad
• Tapa Burger (again, that queso Manchego!) with crisp, golden patatas bravas (perfectly fried potatoes)
The great thing about dinner and a bookstore? It will be your own unique pairing. In fact, this week, a group of us will head out to Roseville for a special “dinner and a bookstore” outing. New York Times best-selling author and Sacramento resident James Rollins will be signing books on Thursday, June 25 from 7-9 PM at the Barnes & Noble located at 1256 Galleria Blvd. Leave a comment here by noon on Wednesday, June 24, and you could win a copy of his new book, The Doomsday Key, personally signed by him!
Now, I just need to decide where we’ll be having dinner. All suggestions welcome!
39 comments June 22, 2009
Do you know a “Real Hero”?
I’m a sucker for a good burger and a good deal, so when I heard about the Applebee’s Realburgers for Real Heroes program, (full disclosure: a client of the FH Kansas City office), I wanted to help spread the word. I think we probably all know someone who has made a difference in our lives one way or another. Maybe it’s the neighbor who mows your lawn, the last-minute babysitter who always comes through in a pinch, the friend who drives you to a doctor’s appointment, or maybe something completely different! Applebee’s wants to give those “Real Heroes” the big hearty thank you they deserve, and is asking all of us to nominate those selfless friends for a chance to win some awesome prizes – both for your hero and for yourself!
Here’s how it works: Visit the Applebee’s Web site to nominate your “Real Hero” by July 5. Applebee’s will then select 10 hero finalists and share their stories on the Web site. Visit the site to vote for your favorite hero between July 15 and July 23 to help determine the Applebee’s National Real Hero. Plus, just by nominating someone, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a $50 Applebee’s gift card. Not only that, but the Grand Prize Winner will get $5,000 and a year of free Realburgers!
Applebee’s menu offers five Realburgers that I think could match just about anyone’s taste. I must say that, as an Arizona native, the Cowboy Burger is calling my name. Onion rings, BBQ sauce and bacon…there’s not much more I could ask for in one bite! Who knows, though, I might just need to try them all! (Above photos courtesy of Flickr users Acmelucky777 and Mooshee85).
1 comment June 19, 2009
Father’s Day Foodie Event Round-Up
Looking for ways to show Dad you love him this Sunday? We’ve got you covered on all of the great Father’s Day offerings around town!
The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento is offering a Father’s Day Brunch Menu for $39.95 per person which will include a starter buffet, one entrée and one dessert. A children’s brunch menu will also be available at $14.95 for children under age 12 while kids under age 3 eat for free. Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and reservations are required. To reserve your table, call 916-442-4772.
Hot Italian (look for our review on Sac Foodies soon!) is celebrating Father’s Day with “Arguri A Tutti I Papa!” which we think translates to “Greetings To You and Dad!” Spend the afternoon enjoying pizza and watching soccer at the Italian hot-spot where they will be showing the Italy vs. Brazil FIFA Confederation Cup game at 11:30 a.m.
Bring your dad to Paul Martin’s American Bistro where they are offering a three-course prime rib meal for just $24.95! Other signature dishes such as fresh Alaskan halibut and grilled mahi-mahi will start at just $12. Call 916-443-3772 for reservations.
If you’re planning on seeing the Lion King at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre, stop in for a pre-show dinner across the street at Esquire Grill where they offer a three-course menu for $35 per person as well as complimentary valet parking for anyone who presents their ticket stub from the show. The menu includes a choice of soup or salad, grilled skirt steak or grilled salmon and chocolate layered cake or crème brûlée for dessert.
Last but not least, McCormick & Schmick’s, (one of our clients), will be celebrating Father’s Day by offering delicious entrees at great prices including Lobster Ravioli for $19.95, Wild Salmon for $24.95 and a Mixed Grill plate for just $29.95. Not only that, but every dad who dines at a McCormick & Schmick’s on Father’s Day will receive a crème brûlée on the house! There’s also still time to enter online for the chance to win a great gift for your dad – Custom fitted Titleist golf clubs and golf bag! One winner will also be selected from each restaurant to receive a round of golf at a participating ClubCorp Property. Fore!
By Cecily Fuller 
Add comment June 18, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday: Some Deals are Just Too Good to Pass Up
Sometimes I’m selfish, I’ll admit it. Like when I find a great deal and feel as though it’s such a steal that the secret must be kept, never to be shared to anyone outside of my immediate circle. But these days, everyone could use a tip about a good deal. So I’m shedding my selfish ways and sharing:
KTXL FOX 40 has teamed up with local business to offer amazing deals on gift certificates valued at more than double the buying price!
For example, just visit http://www.ktxl.incentrev.com/ to purchase a $50.00 gift certificate to L Wine Lounge for only $25.00 or a $50.00 gift certificate to Aura for only $16.50. But you’ll have to hurry, because quantities are limited and I may just buy them all myself!
Have another money-saving tip in Sacramento? Come on, share your secret . . .
3 comments June 16, 2009
El Indio Lives Up to Its Fame
The sign outside read El Indio since 1940, but after one taste of the carnitas burrito, I would vote for a name change to El Carnitas Nirvana. This Mexican food hot spot in San Diego had a lunch-time line coming out the door, and after one bite, I knew why.
We had seen El Indio featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-in and Dives, and the images alone made my mouth water, so while on vaca in America’s finest city, it was a must-eat destination for me and the boys. Tamales, burritos and taquitos…oh my, everything was amazing. El Indio is just a stone’s throw from the San Diego airport, so next time you are visiting or passing through; I strongly suggest a stop, a planned lay-over or even a re-scheduled flight to make your way to burrito bliss.
El Indio
3695 India Street
San Diego, CA 92103
619-299-0333
1 comment June 15, 2009
And the winner is…
We’re happy to announce that Catherine from Sacramento has won the McCormick & Schmick’s gift certificate! Catherine told us that her favorite seafood is crabcakes – Yum! Thanks to everyone who entered both here on SacFoodies.com and on our Facebook page…Keep a lookout for future giveaways!
1 comment June 12, 2009
Breaking Foodie News!
Last week we shared our excitement about the possibility of Pinkberry coming to Sacramento and now we’re really happy to hear that one of our favorite breakfast-on-the-way-to-work / mid-day-pick-me-up /afternoon snack options (okay, anytime really!) will be bulking up on the food offerings. Jamba Juice has announced that they will be adding baked goods, ready-made wraps, sandwiches and salads to the menu starting next Wednesday! Jamba already carries oatmeal and limited baked goods including pretzels (Jenna recommends the Apple-Cinnamon while Britt prefers the Parmesan) and pastries. The food will begin appearing in California stores on June 15 and will eventually expand to Jamba’s 732 nationwide locations. (Above photo courtesy of Flickr user Joshua Bakaitus).
Add comment June 11, 2009
Everything posted on this blog is stated as personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Fleishman-Hillard or its clients.
