And, now let us turn our attention once again to the topic of hamburgers.
This weekend we were at our favorite diner in the area, the Putah Creek Café in Winters. It had been a while since we visited, but when we showed up it was just like walking around in old shoes – comfortable, relaxing and oh-so-welcoming. There was a grizzled old cowboy at the coffee bar enjoying a mug of suds, Davis cyclists on their way through to Berryessa, and a whole other host of after-church sinners and saints.
We took our place at a perfect booth in front of a sunny window, and I instantly decided on the Portobello mushroom burger with goat cheese and herbs. He – and you know who I mean – ordered the burger. When our orders came, he was shocked that my Portobello burger was just that. “No meat?” he inquired with the wistfulness of someone who had been betrayed by one they only thought they knew. My response: “No farm boy. No meat. Just mushroom.”
A taste test ensued. It quickly became clear that it was the farm girl – and not the farm boy – who had ordered wrong that day. Again.
Archives for May 2008
For the Love of Zin
The sunny Lodi winegrowing region is known for its production of Old Vine Zinfandel – a jammy wine that pairs well with spicy, grilled summer meats and vegetables. This year’s annual ZinFest Wine Festival featured 50 Lodi wineries, 100 degree temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere.
Two of our favorites wineries were most certainly pouring – D’Art and Macchia. Dave and Helen Dart make one of our favorite Lodi wines – an award-winning rich and full-flavored Tempranillo, and Macchia’s Zins never let us down.
Wine lovers had the opportunity to sample many Lodi wines, enjoy live music and even attend a wine and cooking school.
The heat didn’t keep the crowds away, but it sure was nice to kick back and enjoy a ride around the lake back to the parking lot.
If you’ve never been, mark your calendars for next year’s Lodi ZinFest and just maybe it won’t be quite as hot.
Weekend Food and Fun
There are a few local events happening this weekend. Please see below for beer, wine, food and fun!
Lodi Zin Fest
Come back next week for an event review post from our very own Ali Liebich!
May 16-18 (main event is on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 7pm)
Local restaurants providing food
Wine and cooking courses
Local entertainment
Tickets: $35 in advance, $45 at the door
9th Annual West Coast Brew Fest
Saturday, May 17
Miller Field Sacramento
Unlimited Microbrew Tasting from 1:00 to 5:00pm
Local food booths
Bands providing entertainment
Tickets: $30 (sells out every year)
G. V. Hurley's is a Must-Try
I’ve been hearing all about G. V. Hurley’s ever since their grand opening at the end of March, but hadn’t yet been to experience it first hand until a few good friends and a highly-anticipated San Jose Sharks game drew me in. TwinSoup called the new midtown restaurant “a masculine bar & restaurant that feels warm and inviting,” so I knew I was in for a treat before even setting foot inside.
Let’s just say I could have devoured the entire bread plate alone, ordered nothing at all, and still raved about the place on SacFoodies the next day. From the first bite, I was sold. The bread plate included heavenly rolls and a modern variation on corn bread that was to die for.
For our main course, I chose the Grilled Hamburger Steak with smoked Gouda, chipotle, caramelized onions and house salad. Are you hungry yet? The dish arrived, with meat cooked medium-rare just as I’d requested, and it did not disappoint. Each bite of steak melted in my mouth and the salad was fresh and light – a perfect accompaniment. Others at my table were equally pleased with their selections – we sampled everything from the Wild Salmon & Beet Salad to the GVH Slider Trio.
Unfortunately, I was too full for dessert, but next time I’ll have to try the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. I have a feeling it might be decadent.
For a complete listing of the G. V. Hurley’s sample menu items, click here. Or better yet, visit them yourself! G.V. Hurley’s is located at 2718 J Street here in Sacramento.
Champagne Campaign
With everything that’s going on today surrounding the race for the White House, fellow SacFoodie Julie Ficker and I were thrilled to learn about a new campaign in town – the Champagne Campaign!
Thanks to BiteClub.com, we heard that R15 hosts the Champagne Campaign every Tuesday night starting at 9:00 PM at which time bottles of champagne are only $5 with a group of three or more.
The evening turned out to be a success – with delicious and affordable champagne, great company and a competitive game of pool to boot.
The Champagne Campaign definitely gets my vote!