The Shack will be hosting a Belgian Beer Tasting on Tuesday, March 4th from 6 – 8pm. The Cost will be $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event.
Gary, owner and chef at The Shack, will be pairing the beers with food, and everyone will go home with a Belgian Beer Glass.
To register, either stop by (5201 Folsom Blvd.) or call (916-457-5997).
Archives for 2008
Más Movies
Dinner and a movie. For some, this equates to a boring night out. But for those of you who have children – you know that sitting down uninterrupted to eat a meal that’s actually your own is the opposite of boring. Then, throw in a feature movie that doesn’t involve big red dogs or monkeys wearing yellow hats – now that is truly exciting.
My husband and I have always enjoyed dinner and a movie – even in our pre-parenting days when our dining straits weren’t quite so desperate. I guess you could say it’s our thing – try a new restaurant, experience a new film –analyze and discuss them to shreds. Of course, there’s no better time to do this than around Oscars time. We attempt to see the five films up for Best Picture prior to Oscars night.
Which brings me to the purpose of this post: This past weekend, we went out for – you guessed it – dinner and a movie, and decided to try Más, a Mexican restaurant in Roseville that’s in close proximity to the theatre.
We were seated immediately on the patio, which featured brightly colored walls, heat lamps, and a lovely fountain that spanned the length of one wall. As we studied the extensive menu, sampling warm tortilla chips with both salsa fresca and bean dip, we talked about “No Country for Old Men” which was our movie pick of the night. Soon our entrees arrived: We discussed plot and setting while my husband enjoyed the tres tacos – one each of chicken, steak and carnitas – served on homemade corn tortillas with a spicy salsa. Over my bowl of albondigas soup, better known as meatball soup, we recounted the violence, particularly Javier Bardem’s character and the thoroughness with which he takes on the persona of a psychopathic killer.
And while I enjoyed a summer salad featuring strawberries, jicama and pineapple over spinach in a wonderful zesty citrus vinaigrette, we discussed the hubris which becomes the downfall of Josh Brolin’s character.
Of course, it’s the movie’s ending that had us talking the most. And so, though we were full, we couldn’t leave without trying dessert. Over traditional flan and while my husband devoured the churros (which were delightful – filled with warm custard and served alongside vanilla ice cream) we discussed the many interpretations of Tommy Lee Jones’ enigmatic ending.
As with any great “dinner and a movie” night, it’s the unexpected that keeps you talking. And it did. We created our own little world out there on the patio at Más. But what more can you ask for, except for your surroundings to meld into the background and for the food and discussion to leap to the forefront.
I don’t know which movie will win the Oscar for best picture (my husband thinks it will be “No Country for Old Men,” and I think it could be “Juno”), but I do know this: I’ll always look forward to dinner and a movie.
By Maria Chacon Kniestedt
More Wine Country to Love
I love California. Just when I think I have uncovered all this Garden of Eden has to offer, I come across another proverbial apple tree. This past weekend’s temptation was Bella Piazza in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley wine country. With scenery so stunning this time of year, I can only imagine how beautiful it will be when the old vine zins wake from their sleepy slumber later this spring.
Located just an hour and some change southeast of Sacramento, I envision the valley being what the Napa region might have been 25 – 30 years ago. No traffic, low crowds, free wine tasting and a refreshing realness about it all. Don’t get me wrong; Napa and I are one. I adore our graceful neighbor to the north. But for a lovely trip to the country, the homey wine region next door is worthy of a lifted glass. Cheers.
Beef – It’s What’s for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
“A hamburger can be a work of art,” he said matter of factly. This, while I was rolling my eyes that my infinitely better half would even dream of ordering a hamburger at a casual, yet, classy joint like The Fig Café in Glen Ellen. I mean, really – who would go to a place with menu items such as tart du jour, café eggs Florentine, grilled butcher’s steak and steamed mussels – and order a hamburger? Especially when he always orders hamburgers.
So, while I was busy sipping a mimosa and awaiting my very own tart du jour, he was drinking in a deep cabernet with visions of ground beef in his head, no doubt. All the while I was thinking how nice it was to have a far more sophisticated pallet than the cave dweller with whom I dined.
Then it happened.
The waitress brought my wild mushroom tart – good albeit – but God bless America, it looked puny next to the best-looking burger I had ever seen. If it was art, this burger was a Picasso. So there I was: major mea culpa followed by begging for a bite. Thankfully he obliged. He’s pretty gracious…for a cave dweller.
By Shelly Kessen
Valentine's Day Events Preview
Even if February 14th means nothing more than “Thursday” to you, today’s blog entry is still a must. Also known as Valentine’s Day, this Thursday is full of fun for Sacramento residents looking to show a little love. Here is a sampling of Sacramento’s finest – for every palate and pocketbook. If you know of additional Valentine’s Day food events or special menus happening around town, please leave a comment and we’ll be happy to spread the word!
Exotic Valentine’s Day Feast
Friday, 5:30 — 10 p.m.
Maharani Indian Restaurant
$21.95 per couple
441-2172 (reservations required)
Spice up your valentine’s dinner with a taste of the Middle East from Maharani. Dinner for two includes wine, fresh bread, rice, vegetable samosa and your choice of sensually aromatic entrée.
Special Valentine’s Dinner at the Supper Club
Thursday Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Make it a night to remember. This Valentine’s day will be unforgetable in the romantic setting of the Supper Club. You will fall in love with the six-course meal, each course paired with wine. $155 with selected wines, $120 without wines.
Raw Passion
Wednesday — Sunday
Nishiki Sushi
$60 per couple
This 5-course Japanese feast includes hot sake, soup and appetizers, tempura, rice and choice of sushi and teriyaki entrees. Also comes with green tea ice cream for dessert.
Dinner from David Berkley
Thursday — Saturday
$99 per couple
929-4422
For those who would rather snuggle up at home, this complete take-out treat for two includes appetizers, salads, entrees, side dishes and dessert, accompanied by flowers and champagne. It’s pricey, but the food is great.
Chocolate Fondue for Lovers on Valentine’s Day
(Demo-Style Cooking Class)
6:30 p.m. $30 Wine will be served; Must be 21 to attend.
With Jeremy Mosher, Whole Foods Cheese and Chocolate Specialist
This saucy class will feature 3 fabulous chocolate fondues with various dipping items: strawberries, bananas and a few other surprises. And chocolate fondue would not be complete without port and dessert wine. Caution: May include tantalizing Mayan Spices! A perfect class for couples, friends or singles.
Biba Restaurant
Four course special Valentine’s Day menu
$75 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Ella Dining Room
Special Valentine’s Day Menu
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