A recent trip to The Porch Restaurant and Bar proved to be an excellent choice with a fantastic dinner—but the real star of the show was the best dessert cookie I may have ever had in my entire Life.
First off, the fiery Southern flare of everything from the menu, to the lush velvety curtains dressing every window, to the charming details like beautiful corked bottles of water and candlelight; this place was begging me to indulge myself.
Once I finished my entrée of BBQ Shrimp & Grits—the ultimate comfort food experience—I ordered the Skillet Cookie. I’ve had many pazookie-style desserts in my lifetime, but there’s just no competition. This cookie is fresh out of the oven, no question about it, topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sweetly dusted with powdered sugar. This warm little skillet even came with a small serving of, what tasted like, homemade cookie dough ice cream.
To say I was completely satisfied with my dessert choice would be an understatement at best! Tucked between office and apartment buildings in midtown, this welcoming country-style escape is worth a visit even if just for dessert.
The Porch Restaurant and Bar
1815 K ST
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-2423
Archives for February 2013
Casa Corona, Fresno
It’s not uncommon to find a Sac Foodie in Fresno.
As the largest inland city in California, and one so centrally located within the state’s agricultural heartland, client work often brings us down for a day or two to what we lovingly refer to as The ‘No.
And in between meetings with raisin and olive farmers, or styling recipes for a photo shoot, it’s easy to work up an appetite.
One recent filming expedition did just that, though luckily Casa Corona was there to welcome me to dinner.
The restaurant came highly recommended by a local in that feverish and reverent tone one always reserves for their favorite Mexican joint—a family-run place whose reliable menu and longevity have left it firmly ensconced in the pantheon of local eateries.
Casa Corona opened a second location last year, but we opted for the original at the northeast corner of Cedar and Herndon. The interior is a brilliant Technicolor explosion of frescoes, booths, oversized margaritas and multi-colored plates. A little cheesy? Yes. But that’s just how I like it.
The food ran the gamut of your typical offerings: chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas and tostadas. I was also surprised to find quite a few unique options as well, such as Albondigas (a spicy meatball soup with potatoes, celery and carrots) and a robust list of healthier fare created by local fitness trainers.
I opted for the prawn rancheros, which consist of plump prawns, spiced and grilled in salsa with onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini and ripe tomatoes. Served with rice, beans and tortillas, they were a relatively healthy and filling choice that hit the spot!
My dining partners opted for a shredded beef chimichanga and a plate of enchiladas verdes. The plates came with four enthusiastic thumbs up.
All in all, a great find! The restaurant hummed with an insouciant charm, our server was attentive and gregarious, and a full breakfast menu beckons, too.
Funny how even when you’re on the road, a local gem like Casa Corona can make you feel right at home.
Casa Corona
7044 N. Cedar Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 323-7409
BOGO Clam Chowder Today Only at Boudin Bakery
Today is National Clam Chowder Day, and to celebrate, Boudin Bakery is running a buy-one-get-one special for its classic clam chowder in a bread bowl.
A little piece of trivia: Boudin is the creator of the Original San Francisco Sourdough and sells more than one million of its renowned clam chowder in a bread bowl per year. That’s a lot of chowder!
To receive a free clam chowder in a bread bowl, diners must visit Boudin Bakery’s website at www.BoudinBakery.com and print the National Clam Chowder Day voucher. The voucher can be presented at any “Boudin SF” or “Boudin Bakery Café” for a free clam chowder in a bread bowl with the purchase of one at regular menu price. The voucher is valid only today, February 25.
Sacramento’s closest Boudin Bakery is located at Loehmann’s Plaza and if you are in Roseville, there is a Boudin Bakery at the Fountains. Both are open today until 9 p.m.
Boudin Bakery
2573 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-973-1849
1017 Galleria Blvd. Suite 100
Roseville, CA 95678
916-782-1849
Wordless Wednesday: 58 Degrees & Holding Co.
Trio of Bruschetta (from front): Grilled broccoletti, garlic confit, lemon zest, drizzled with olive oil; Poached pear puree, applewood bacon and crumbled blue cheese; Cherry tomatoes, basil pesto and four cheeses. Delectable.
58 Degrees & Holding Co.
1217 18th Street (18th and Capitol)
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 442-5858
Capital Beerfest and a Giveaway!
Last week, we shared all the details for Sacramento Beer Week, kicking off this Friday! The week will be jam-packed with beer-centric events and culminate with Capital Beerfest on Saturday, March 2 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Cal Expo. Attendees can sample from 100 breweries with proceeds benefiting the Runnin’ for Rhett foundation.
This is Capital Beerfest’s third annual event and will feature several local brewers including Black Dragon Brewery, Auburn Alehouse, New Helvetia Brewing Co., Hoppy Brewery, River City Brewing, Ruhstaller Beer and Track 7 Brewing. The event will also host craft breweries from across the country, including ones from Vermont to Hawaii and even places like Canada and Buvaria. Get the full list here.
These tasty beers can be used to wash down delicious eats from street food vendors through SactoMofo and a variety of restaurants participating in the Sacramento Beer Week events.
Sound like the perfect event for you? Lucky for our readers, you can win a pair of tickets! Comment on this post by 12 p.m. on Thursday 2/28 and let us know which brewery you want to try most, and you will be entered to win a pair of beer and food sampling tickets!
Must be 21 and over to win tickets.