SacFoodies

Mikuni, Midtown Sacramento

by SacFoodies

Recently a good friend was visiting from Wisconsin and wanted to indulge in some culinary goodness that wasn’t the same back home. We immediately thought sushi. Being relatively new to Sacramento, it was difficult to narrow down which spot to try and we decided on Mikuni. After this dining experience, I may have found my new favorite midtown restaurant!
Before even browsing the menu, we were both pleased. Mikuni Midtown is housed in a beautiful space adjacent to P.F. Changs at 16th and J in the East End Lofts building. It is an open building with high ceilings, exposed beams and a hustle and bustle that not only makes it trendy, but very welcoming.
After browsing the extensive menu, we decided on the four courses for $40 special (what a deal!) Two people can select two starters, two rolls and a dessert to round out the deliciously decadent meal.
For our first course we selected the crispy goyza.  Eight pieces of perfectly cooked pork pot stickers that weren’t too crispy or too soft, and paired wonderfully with the dipping sauce.
When selecting our second indulgence, it was a no brainer- mixed tempura. Bestowed before us was a plate bursting with color and plenty of food to satisfy two people. The mix included sweet potato, mushroom, asparagus, zucchini, carrot, broccoli, onion and four gigantic pieces of shrimp.
Then came the third course (cue hallelujah music): The rolls we picked were undoubtedly the best sushi I have ever had. It’s hard to even write about without calling in an order for takeout!
The first roll we chose was the Marilyn Monroll- scallop, avocado, crab mix, panko shrimp, sauce, masago and onion. Yum! Secondly, we decided on the Michi Roll, a similar roll with panko shrimp, cream cheese, crab mix, avocado, sauce, masago, onion, and my favorite- seared tuna.
Then came the grand finale! For our final course on this culinary journey we selected the triple chocolate mousse. Three layers of light and fluffy chocolate paired with a delicious raspberry sauce.
If you’ve never been or if you’re looking for another reason to head into Mikuni’s, the 2-for-$40 deal should be your reason, you won’t be disappointed.
Mikuni Midtown
1530 J Street
Sacramento, Ca 95814
(916) 447-2112

Bubbles & Bling Benefit – and a Giveaway!

by SacFoodies

Looking for a way to turn a night of fun into a night of fun for a good cause? Well, you’re in luck because coming up on April 20, the Crest Theatre in Downtown Sacramento will be hosting “Bubbles & Bling,” an event to benefit the California Youth Crisis Line.
The Crest will feature a showing of the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The movie will be accompanied by champagne, wine, appetizers and desserts. There will also be a silent auction and music by local band The Honey Trees.
This is sure to be a fun and entertaining event that is also going to help an important cause. All ages are welcome, but the bar is reserved for the 21 and up. Tickets are a breeze to purchase and can be done entirely online by clicking here.
Luckily for our readers, we will be giving away a pair of tickets to this spectacular benefit! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, telling us the title of your favorite classic movie and we will select a winner!

Attention Foodies: Join us and start #twEATing!

by SacFoodies

Once upon a time, people really did have to shoot their food before dinner. Killing a wild animal was the only way they were going to get anything on the table.
But today people “shoot” their food to share it. It’s that almost innate need at the table when a divine piece of culinary beauty is before you and you must capture it. Even though not everyone thinks a camera belongs next to the salad fork, we say it deserves its own table setting.
If, like us, you don’t mind the click of a shutter before you reach for the butter, you might as well make it official. According to CNET, 47% of millennials (those born after 1982) and 32% of all people are tweeting their fabulous food photos. That’s why we’re starting to use the hashtag  #twEATing and calling all foodies to celebrate with a photo and a few short  words about what’s good, what’s sweet, what’s new, what’s hot, what’s salty, what’s leftover, and  what’s cooking in general.
Start #twEATing and sharing your awesome food photos. The hashtag #twEATing will now be showing up on our Twitter feed on SacFoodies.com, so keep a look out for yours (by the way, is it any coincidence it’s called a “feed”?). No reason why you can’t use it on Facebook, Flickr and Pinterest as well. For the ultra app-savvy foodie, whip out your smart phone and use it on Instagram and Evernote!
So, pass the word and pass the peas. Let’s get #twEATing!

Studio Gourmet SF

by SacFoodies

Looking for a fun and exciting foodie experience that goes beyond just great dining? Then take a little outing to San Francisco and check out Studio Gourmet SF. You may recall us telling you about this unique opportunity back in November, but here is another chance to participate!
Studio Gourmet SF is an exclusive and entertaining dining treat. The premise is to “watch, listen, enjoy”—making it a hands-on dining experience. The featured chef is Arnold Wong of E&O Trading Company, which has been touted as some of the city’s best Asian fare.
The event will feature a live demonstration and tasting of Chef Wong’s well-known Shitake Mushroom Dumplings. In addition, cocktails and passed hors d’ouevers will be provided by Circolo, all for just $50 a ticket (or pick up two for the discounted price of $85!). Tickets can easily be purchased online.

What makes this special event even more enjoyable? Studio Gourmet will be shooting a television pilot during the evening. So in addition to enjoying wonderful food up close and personal with one of the city’s best chefs, you might just find yourself on the TV screen!

What: Studio Gourmet SF with Arnold Wong
Where: Circolo, 500 Florida Street, San Francisco
Date: Tuesday, March 27
When: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50-$85

Paesanos

by SacFoodies

As gloomy weather descended upon Northern California, I was in the mood for something warm, hearty and comforting. For me, Italian food is always a wise go-to. To satisfy this craving I decided to stop by a long-time Sacramento favorite, Paesanos, and treat my mom to dinner (insert Best Son Ever award here).
Paesanos’ inviting atmosphere was immediately a relief from the dreary rain drops falling from the sky. We arrived shortly after happy hour, but I still decided to indulge in a lovely glass of wine as we took in the eclectic art that adorns the walls.

We started with my favorite appetizer on the menu, the Bocce Balls. These crisp yet fluffy pieces of rolled pizza dough are superb. They are placed on a plate filled with garlic butter, parmesan and basil—every garlic lover’s dream. They were so good, they were gone as quickly as they arrived.

For our dinner, we decided to do it family style and share our entrees. First, the delicious Tortellini Formaggio: cheesy little tortellini’s of goodness tossed in a pesto cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and topped with parmesan cheese. Tortellini is usually my pasta go-to, as is anything smothered in pesto. Paesanos has found the perfect blend of deliciousness by keeping their sauce perfectly creamy and satisfying. Asparagus, shrimp, chicken or soy-ginger skirt steak can be added to any of their pasta dishes for an extra kick.

Secondly, we settled on quite possibly my favorite food choice ever: pizza. As a recent college graduate, I must say, I have done my fair share of pizza sampling; But the Pizza at Paesanos is truly something special. After much indecisiveness, we settled upon the Greek, a truly divine pie topped with garlic (see a trend?), roasted peppers, red onions, spinach, black olives, mozzarella, feta and my favorite pizza topping of all time, artichokes. It wasn’t just the perfectly crisp and light crust paired with the toppings that made this pizza a standout; it was the touch of fresh lemon squeezed on top that made it a real home run for me.

Paesanos is a great choice if you are looking for something that always satisfies and won’t break the bank (our entire meal was under $35). In addition, you can be sure that you will get outstanding service with a smile. Both our waitress and hostess were wonderful.

With locations in midtown, Elk Grove, or Davis one can find a location in the Sacramento area that’s right around the corner!
Paesanos
1806 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-8646