A good brunch is most certainly one of my favorite weekend activities. And let’s be honest, it’s Thursday and we are all looking forward to the weekend. My recommendation for a must-try spot for a delish mid-morning meal is Magpie. On a recent visit I tried the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast which came complete with a perfectly cooked over easy egg on top. It was delicious and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Magpie
1409 R St. Ste. 102
Sacramento, CA
916-452-7594
With Thanksgiving under our belts, the Christmas holiday is just around the corner! It’s a short shopping season this year and the ability to multitask is key. With that in mind, Midtown Sacramento’s Handle District will be hosting Shop the Handle this Saturday, December 7 from 5:00-9:00 pm.
Within a one block radius, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while shopping at Scout Living, Zanzibar Fair Trade and Felicia Strati. Then, stroll on over to the following nearby restaurants offering $50 worth of food and beverage for $40: Zocalo, Paesanos, Aioli Bodega Espanola, Mangia and Old Soul Co.
While you’re in the neighborhood enjoy hot cocoa in the 1801 L Courtyard and Christmas caroling from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Plus, Plates2Go is offering free gift wrapping. Dinner, wine, shopping, and wrapping all in one setting? I’m there!
Shop the Handle is just one of the many events taking place during the 12 Days of Midtown. For more information visit the Handle District Facebook page.
As a midtown resident, I must say that my trips to East Sacramento were once few and far between (minus occasional stop at Trader Joe’s). However, as of late, one neighborhood eatery is drawing me to the other side of the freeway with its quaint atmosphere and delicious eats.
While OneSpeed Pizza is most notably known for their pizza (hence the name), it was the Autumn Salad I enjoyed on a recent visit that has me craving another trip. My plate was filled with hearty and seasonal fall flavors, yet still light enough to leave room for a pizza pie. Winter squash, pancetta, radicchio, mushrooms and celery root are all tossed perfectly in a light balsamico. This was my first time trying celery root and I loved the consistency it added to the salad.
Of course, you’d be remiss to stop by without ordering a pizza. The classic Margherita pie is a sure fire selection and will undoubtedly leave you satisfied. Just the right amount of sauce, melted mozzarella, fresh basil and a crisp crust–perfection!
OneSpeed Pizza
4818 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
916.706.1748
(Photo courtesy of Midtown Cocktail Week)
I’ve got three words for you Sacramento: Midtown Cocktail Week. That’s right, next week marks the start of five full days filled with craft creations and specialty concoctions from some of Sacramento’s most talented mixologists and bartenders. Starting Wednesday 8/21 and continuing through Sunday 8/25, Midtown will be buzzing with an array of events dedicated to its cocktail scene.
In its 6th year, Midtown Cocktail Week is no small event. In fact, it is one of the contributing factors to Sacramento being recognized as one of the country’s hottest cocktail destinations, in addition to Shady Lady and Pour House also being named among the Top 55 Bourbon Bars in the US.
A few of the main events include a cocktail competition and tasting at LowBrau, a Kabuki Show at Hook and Ladder, a Gatsby-era party at Grange, The West-End Art Show at Blackbird Kitchen + Bar, and the finale closing party at Red Rabbit which will feature plenty of whiskey and county fair inspired eats.
Several pop-up events will ensure that the cocktail celebration continues on throughout the week and includes tequila education class at Zocalo, a rookie bartender competition at Golden Bear, a molecular drinks course at Centro, a casino themed 1960’s-era Vegas party at Vanguard and a Bloody Mary Brunch at Pour House featuring the #1 rated Bloody Mary in California for 2012.
The Midtown Cocktail Week website is the go-to spot to map out the events you’d like to attend, plus it features some great specialty cocktail recipes if you’d like to test out your bartending skills at home.
If you plan on attending any of next week’s event be sure to keep your social following in the know by using #MCWSac. Also, there is no excuse not to drink responsibility. Use code MIDTOWNCOCKTAIL on the Uber app and receive a free ride home (up to $30.00).
During this week I plan on seeking out a craft concoction that I would usually order and there will be plenty of places to make that happen! What is your favorite cocktail in Sacramento?
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.