As we’ve mentioned many a time, SacFoodies love farmers’ markets. So naturally, we were all thrilled that today marked the official start to the Downtown Farmers’ Market summer season. Every Thursday from 10am-2pm, the market sets up shop along Capitol Mall, and challenges all of us to make the hardest decision of the day: where to eat.
This week’s big winner? Brick oven pizzas from The Pizza Company!
Wordless Wednesday: Grange
Dinner and dessert at Grange Restaurant & Bar.
Grange Restaurant & Bar
926 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is taking the nation by storm. After opening 50 locations in the last year, the chain is quickly gaining attention for its chef-driven recipes and “build-your-own pizza” assembly-line format.
Often compared to Chipotle and described as the ‘modern’ pizza joint, I had heard nothing but rave reviews since Blaze opened in Gold River. So, when the opportunity came up to tour the kitchen and meet Executive Chef, Bradford Kent, this lucky Sac-Foodie jumped at the chance.
Upon arrival, we dove right in to discussing everything from the local food scene to the history of Blaze. Brad ran through every ingredient, where it was from, and why he selected it for Blaze. It’s not often that you associate chains with fresh, local and health-conscious ingredients but quality is the cornerstone of Blaze Pizza’s whole operation. They even have vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, so no patron is left without a pie of their own.
When it came time to customize my own personal pizza, I chose the white cream sauce, mozzarella and gorgonzola cheese, turkey meatballs, salami, artichokes, black olives and spinach to top my masterpiece.
After a few quick minutes of waiting for the pizzas to be “fast fire’d,” we had our pies, and they were glorious. The baguette-style crust bubbled beautifully and my selected toppings had all the fresh flavor one could ever hope for.
Overall, Brad was the perfect host with a clear passion for pizza – we even got to do an impromptu olive oil tasting! Yum! Visit the Blaze Pizza nearest you and tell us how you personalize your pie.
Blaze Pizza
2137 Golden Centre Ln.
Gold River, CA 95670
10325 Fairway Dr.
Roseville, CA 95678
(Coming Soon)
212 F St.
Davis, CA 95616
Wordless Wednesday: Lola's Lounge
Paella from Lola’s Lounge in Old Town Elk Grove.
Lola’s Lounge
9085 Elk Grove Boulevard
Elk Grove, California 95864
Valentine's Day Specials 2015
For many, Valentine’s Day is one of those love/hate holidays. We love the food and quality time with those we care about, but sometimes the hype and planning for a special evening can get overwhelming. To help you out, here are our top picks for a swanky (and straightforward) V-Day date night:
- Ella Dining Room and Bar – $135 per person, 4 courses + 1 bottle of Champagne; Contemporary American
- The Firehouse – $125 per person, 5 courses; Californian
- Grange – $89 per person, 4 courses; Californian
- Delta King – Pilothouse – $79 per person, 3 courses; Californian
- plan b Restaurant – $70 per person, 4 course; French
- Esquire Grill – $65 per person ; American
- Cabana Winery and Bistro – $30 per person, 4 courses; Californian
Note: These options are for special Prix Fix Valentine’s Day Menus, and may have specific seating times. Call for reservations.