Have you heard it’s BLT Week? That’s right, the folks who put on Bacon Fest are continuing to keep the love for bacon alive here in Sacramento.
BLT Week kicked off on Monday with several Sacramento restaurants bringing their specialty BLT’s, and in some cases bacon ice cream and bacon cocktails, to the forefront. A few of the participating restaurants include Mulvaney’s B&L, Grange, Low Brau Magpie, Selland’s and Ten 22.
The week will culminate with “Beer & Bacon on the Boulevard” at Pangaea (3rd Ave and Franklin Blvd) this Saturday, July 20 from 2-8 p.m. The event will feature BLT bites, live DJs and the release of a specialty IPA from Track 7 Brewing Co. to commemorate Pangaea’s Fifth Anniversary.
Sponsored by the California Pork Producers Association, the Bacon Fest Sacramento organization is not just about the deliciousness that is bacon; they are also committed to only using pork that has been raised ethically and sustainably. Proceeds from this weeklong celebration of the classic BLT Sandwich go right back into the community, benefiting Sacramento chefs and restaurateurs and the Center for Land Based Learning.
Admission to the event is free, but tickets are needed for the $2 BLT Bites or beer tasting. To avoid long lines on Saturday, purchase a ‘fast track’ pass for $15 (plus a small processing fee). The pass will allow you access to the fast track line (who doesn’t love cutting in line for a cold brew?), a commemorative glass and tickets for two beers. Purchase tickets here.
Head over to the Bacon Fest Sacramento Facebook page for a full list of restaurants participating in BLT Week and to learn more about Saturday’s event.
Archives for July 2013
Beer Pairings and Puppy Rescue
Finish this equation:
Farm fresh food + local beer + puppies = __________.
Words like “awesome” and “heaven” would work.
So would “River City Brewing Company’s 20th Anniversary.”
Yes, the iconic Sactown brewery is celebrating its second decade with a series of one-of-a-kind, farm-to-fork pairings that will benefit Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.
A couple of SacFoodies will be in attendance at the kick-off event next Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m. where Executive Chef Chantalle Malneck will be serving up an enticing offering, including:
- Heirloom tomato sorbet with bacon-cheese shortbread cookie
- Pan-seared Fort Bragg albacore tuna on a bed of crispy summer zucchini with seasonal mixed greens, corn, sweet peas, yellow pear tomatoes, creamy lemon-basil vinaigrette and garnished with apricot-chili pesto
- Sweet and sour cherry pork tenderloin with yellow and green summer beans and stuffed bell pepper with rice and onions
Tickets are $40 each (25% of proceeds going to the Goldens!), so make your reservations now at 916-447-2739 or by emailing [email protected]. Dinner is from 7-9 p.m.
And yes, while I realize no actual puppies will be in attendance (that we know of!), rest assured you’re helping some adorable Golden Retriever enjoy a new lease on life
Cheers!
River City Brewing Company
545 Downtown Plaza #1115
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-448-1104
Private Backyard Dinner with Grange to Benefit Sacramento Farmers and Chefs
Have you ever wondered who the masterminds are behind the delicious meals prepared at Grange? Well this weekend it’s time to find out! This Saturday, July 13 at 5:30 pm, Grange is having a special benefit dinner, the Backyard “Meet & Greet,” where guests can meet the chefs, farmers, shepherds, winemakers, and brewmasters from behind the scenes. Proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Farmers and Chefs, a photography project which documents and celebrates the individuals involved in Sacramento’s food culture. Taking place at Grange pastry chef Jodie Chavious’ home in Land Park, this special event will include seasonal eats and live music.
So who exactly are the masterminds? The event will bring them to the forefront, with food prepared by chefs Oliver Ridgeway, Brad Cecchi, Jodie Chavious, and Chuy Lopez of Grange, with produce provided by farmer Scrivner Hoppe-Glosser of Azolla Farm, meat from shepherd Dan Macon of Flying Mule Farm, wines from winemaker Sean Minor of Sean Minor Wines, beer from brewmaster Eric Ryan of Ruhstaller Beer, and lavender from farmer Amy Dempster of The Lamm Farm.
In addition, live acoustic music will be playing from 6 pm to 9 pm by local folk band “Big Empty.”
Don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to meet local culinary talent and be a part of a great foodie cause? Click here to purchase tickets.
Fourth Annual Sacramento Bastille Day
Looking for something new to do this weekend? This Sunday, July 14 is the Fourth Annual Sacramento Bastille Day Waiters’ Race and Festival and if you’ve never been before, it’ll definitely be an event to remember! I’ve personally never attended a waiter’s footrace, so I’m looking forward to this totally unique French celebration.
The big day starts at 9 a.m. with a 50-mile bike race ending on L and 18th Streets and continues with a Waiters’ Race at noon.
The Waiters’ Race, inspired by a long-standing French tradition in Paris, will start on L Street in between 18th and 19th Streets. The footrace includes a street festival with French food, drinks and music that continues all day until 3 p.m. Any and all local waiters, waitresses and servers alike are encouraged to sign up to compete in what’s bound to be a race like no other—only 50 participants are allowed to participate so register quickly!
Racers will be required to balance a tray with one bottle of Perrier and two water glasses while essentially power walking (no running is allowed) two times around the block bounded by 18th and 19th Streets, and L Street and Capitol Avenue. The goal is to make it to the finish line without toppling over your tray. Of course, full Parisian-style garb is required! First, second and third place winners will each receive gift cards to local French restaurants ranging from $100 to $750 in value. The celebration and street festival ends at 3p.m.
The Sandwich Spot
When colleague John Armato came back from lunch one day boasting about the “world’s greatest sandwich” from The Sandwich Spot, this sandwich connoisseur had to check it out for herself. (One quick digression: I love sandwiches, so much so that I’d be willing to go back to the early 90s and go toe-to-toe in a sandwich throw-down with Joey Tribbiani from “Friends.” Enough said.)
On a recent Friday I ventured out to “the Spot” on the corner of 18th and Q streets, and one thing is for sure, it is a hot spot bustling with lunch activity. I had to get my order to go because every seat, inside and out, was spoken for.
I carefully studied the robust menu – mainly in awe of their creative Sacramento-themed signature sandwich titles – and selected the #2, a.k.a. “Mayor KJ’s Slam Dunk,” the perfect blend of hot turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese and avocado all atop a crunch roll. Even taking a hot sandwich to go didn’t mess with this yummy goodness – no soggy bread to contend with, just good, good stuff.
So, John’s go-to sandwich is a make-your-own turkey. I asked him about his experience overall and here’s what he had to say: “Whenever I go to The Sandwich Spot it is literally the best part of my day. Seriously. This is the world’s greatest sandwich. I’m a turkey/provolone/crunch roll (no mustard, pickles or peppers) kinda guy. The crunch roll should probably be a regulated substance. Addictive. It all makes for a perfect combination of flavors and mouth-feel: Everything’s fresh and tasty and you get crunchy plus soft. You also get plenty. It’s easy to make two meals out of one sandwich. But you won’t. You’ll eat all of it yourself until you’re physically uncomfortable, because that’s just what the world’s greatest sandwich makes you do.”
A great sandwich, no doubt, and Joey would be as pleased as we were. I’m eager to head back in soon to try more off their signature menu.
The Sandwich Spot
1630 18th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone (916) 492-2613
Click here for more Sacramento and Bay Area locations.