We’re almost a week away from one of the Sacfoodies’ favorite events of the year, the Sacramento Food Film Festival. From thought-provoking food films, to the small bites and delicious dishes that accompany them, there is just too much to love about this annual festival.
Created in 2012, the Sacramento Food Film Festival was born from the idea that we need to educate the public about our food system, and work together to create positive change. The event brings educational films to Sacramento that are otherwise ignored by traditional theaters – and creates a community dialog to improve food literacy and inspire action to improve our food system.
Here is a taste of what’s in store:
April 1: Festival Premiere feat. Short Film Contest winners
April 4: Featured Film: Sustainable
April 5: Featured Film: City of Gold
April 8: Bourbon & Bites feat: short films about bourbon!
For more information, tickets or even to donate, visit the FLC website at: http://www.foodliteracycenter.org/film-festival
Farm-To-Fork Restaurant Weeks 2016
It’s that time of year! The best of Sacramento’s bounty is on the big stage for Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork Restaurant Weeks. Get ready to enjoy all that delicious, seasonal ingredients Sacramento has to offer, served up by some of our city’s premiere restaurants and chefs.
Last night, the Sacfoodies had the opportunity to get a “first taste” at Il Fornaio’s Farm-to-Fork menu and all we have to say is—wow! Here’s what you can enjoy now through September 25th at Il Fornaio:
Insalata di Bietole:
- Light and sweet!
Primi Cappaelacci di Zucca:
- Rich and delicious—must order!!
Trota alla Carciofi e Limone:
- Cooked to perfection—highly recommend for all you fish lovers.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Try the Farm-to-Fork menu at any of these participating restaurants to take full advantage. Not only do you get to enjoy the best of the best in local, seasonal dishes, but a portion of all proceeds made during the 18-day event will be donated to the Food Literacy Center. We like to call that win-win! For more information about Farm-to-Fork Restaurant Weeks events, check here.
Vote for Veggie of the Year!
It’s officially Food Literacy month — so you know what that means! It’s time to cast your vote for the 2016 Veggie of the Year! Here are this year’s contenders:
- Tomato
- Eggplant
- Cauliflower
- Cactus
- Collards
- Avocado
- Beets
- Endive
- Kale
- Squash
The polls are open now through this Thursday, September 8, so don’t delay. The top five vegetables with the most votes will be taken into a cook-off among local chefs at Leataata Floyd Elementary where more than 100 K-5th grade students will help determine the Veggie of the Year! What’s your veggie of choice?
SacFoodies is bell-pepper proud to work with the Food Literacy Center on their efforts to inspire kids to each their veggies!
2016 Sac Food Film Festival
It’s that time of year again! From April 7-16, Food Literacy Center and the Sacramento Farm-to-Fork initiative will be teaming up to host the 5th annual Sacramento Food Film Festival.
The 10-day festival will showcase award-winning short films, documentaries and family-friendly movies served alongside food and drink pairings from the area’s best local chefs and bartenders. To sweeten the pot even more, the festival also boasts music, art, “VIPea” experiences and more!
Starting on the evening of Thursday, April 7, an all-star cast of local chefs — from Localis, Hawks Public House, Kru Contemporary Japanese, Thai Basil Sacramento, Federalist Public House, Block Butcher Bar and Ten22 Old Sacramento— will be pairing delicious bites with award-winning short food films from the Sacramento area and beyond. Each day of the festival has a different food or film-related theme, hosted by various restaurants and venues in the Sacramento area and sponsored by generous local businesses.
Tickets are sold individually per event, ranging from free admission to $105 for the added VIPea experience. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets to the 5th annual Sacramento Food Film Festival, please visit: http://www.foodliteracycenter.org/film-festival. And don’t delay; events are already selling out!
Patio Dining Series: Lucca
Our next installment in the SacFoodies patio dining series takes us to one of my local favorites, Lucca.
I have visited Lucca for both quick weekday lunches and longer, celebratory dinners and I have to say that the patio is perfect for either. There is just something about their lush, Mediterranean-inspired garden feel that makes you want to kick back and stay awhile.
Besides the ambiance, Lucca boasts comprehensive lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus. I highly recommend the Patchwork Salad, pictured below. They also have delicious drink and dessert options for those just looking for a small treat. Lucca also offers banquet sized dining options and private rooms for special occasions.
Lucca Restaurant & Bar
1615 J Street
Sacramento CA 95814
(916) 669-5300