SacFoodies

Mimi’s Café New Kids Menu

by SacFoodies

As parents of three kids under the age of 4, my husband and I have our hands full, to say the least. When it comes to dining out, I have an entire preparation strategy that I’ve perfected over the years. Extra crayons and coloring books to avoid boredom? Check. Water bottles in case the restaurant doesn’t have cups with lids? Check. Snacks to keep them busy when they’re starving before the food arrives? Check. Extra veggies in case there’s nothing on the kid’s menu that is somewhat healthy? Check. Check. Check.
When the folks at Mimi’s Café contacted SacFoodies and invited us to try their new “interactive” kids menu, I raised my hand (well, actually five hands for my family). On the day of our reservation, I did all of my usual pre-restaurant preparations and loaded up the kids into the car (Tupperware of carrot sticks in tow) to meet my husband at the Arden location.
Knowing we were representing SacFoodies, the staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a good experience from when we stepped foot in the restaurant, but I did also notice a similar level of pleasantry with other diners. (Full disclosure: Mimi’s provided our meals free of charge.) Great service aside, we were very interested in seeing this new kids menu. As usual, my 3 ½ year old was “staaaarving.” I hadn’t done any homework so wasn’t sure what to expect from the menu (I typically do a quick scan of the kid’s menu online before dining out to make sure there’s at least one thing my kids will eat).

We were pleasantly surprised when the hostess placed a glossy storybook-inspired menu in front of each of the kids and explained that the menu shared the Parisian adventures of a cartoon cat and dog duo named Elle and Pierre. So while the kids flipped through the menu offerings, they got to see Elle and Pierre’s story unfold. A cute touch.

The menu itself was divided into three sections – entrée, side and drink. Each had a number of choices and the kids could flip the menu to choose each and then see their full meal selection side-by-side. In the spirit of letting go (“Let it go! Let it go …” You parents know what I’m singing), I let my oldest select her own items and (drum roll, please), she ended up with Mac N Cheese for her entrée, rice for her side and Lemonade for her drink. Ok, not terrible, but not what I would’ve chosen for her. So to make up for her starch-fondness, we selected grilled chicken strips, broccoli and Honest apple juice for my son and let them know that they’d be sharing all the items. And my third isn’t eating solid food yet, so he just got to watch. 🙂
My husband and I loved seeing grilled chicken (not just breaded and fried) on a kids menu, as well as steamed broccoli and rice. My kids absolutely love broccoli and rice, but you rarely see them on a standard kids menu. Plus, I’d already handed out carrot sticks, so now they’d be getting two veggies with dinner. Score. Check out Mimi’s Café Kids Menu online to see the full range of menu options (menu items vary by location).

The kids were also given a giant coloring mat upon arrival, which kept them busy for about five extra minutes, which is always appreciated. The lemonade came with a tightly-sealed lid (thank you, Mimi’s!), the food came out quickly and the kids went to town on it. We also enjoyed a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
I know I’m not alone here, any of you parents have other restaurant preparation tactics to share? Let us know what tips or tricks work for your family in the comments below.
Mimi’s Café Sacramento-Area Locations
ARDEN WAY
2029 ALTA ARDEN WAY
SACRAMENTO, CA 95825
(916) 614-9278
 
ELK GROVE
9195 W. STOCKTON BL.
ELK GROVE, CA 95758
(916) 683-4377
 
FOLSOM
2719 E. BIDWELL ST.
FOLSOM, CA 95630
(916) 984-4940
 
ROSEVILLE
1104 GALLERIA BL.
ROSEVILLE, CA 95661
(916) 780-2646

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Toffee from McFaddy Candy Co.

by SacFoodies

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“Would you like to sample some handmade toffee?” Now, there’s an offer we can’t refuse.
When Katherine Ellis, owner of McFaddy Candy Co. offered the SacFoodies a sampling of her handmade toffee, we gladly accepted – and we’re glad we did. Among custom/seasonal flavors (such as Pecan Pie), she offers Salted, Himalyayn Dark, Hawaiian Macadamia Nut, Strawberry Kiss and Matcha Green Tea toffee flavors.
‘Tis the season for indulgent treats and we can’t get enough of salty/sweet combinations these days, so toffee fits the bill (especially around 3pm).
If you’re looking for a small gift for a business associate or even a hostess gift, you can’t go wrong with a jar of handmade toffee.

10 Things You Don’t Know About …

by SacFoodies

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Jenna Buhagiar
1.) I’m currently eating for two. My husband and I are expecting our second child (it’s a boy!) in April, 2016. Our almost-two-year-old daughter is still deciding what she thinks about that.
2.) I’m a state-wide California girl. I was born in San Diego, began elementary school in Boulder Creek (a small town in the Santa Cruz Mountains) and grew up just outside of Sacramento in Rocklin.
3.) I have Aggie Pride and a fondness for Davis. I didn’t travel far from home for college, getting a degree in Communication from the University of California, Davis, and I love to visit my former stomping grounds. In fact, some of my favorite restaurants are in Davis – check out my post on C.R.E.A.M. (a must try for any ice cream and cookie lover!).
4.) Fried Chicken. Enough said? My friends know that I will order any form of fried chicken almost every time I see it on a menu. Fried chicken and waffles, fried chicken sandwich, fried chicken fingers … get in my belly.
5.) I’m a cat lady. But if you follow me on Instagram, you already knew that. My two cats – Blue and Neela – were my first babies.
6.) I love to cook (and I love to eat). My dad is an amazing cook and definitely passed on his love of cooking (and eating) to me. Growing up, my dad always cooked from scratch and I seriously didn’t know that baked goods could be made out of a box until I was in high school.
7.) I have a love/hate relationship with eggs. I love eggs in things – quiche, frittata, baked goods, fried rice, egg salad, you name it. But I just can’t get myself to join the “egg on top” bandwagon. I’m not a fan of a runny, scrambled or fried egg. And please don’t ever try to make me eat an omelet.
8.) Reppin’ for West Sac. Sometimes it feels like I rarely leave my West Sac bubble, but with our own Nugget Market and Target, why would I need to leave? Our budding craft brewery scene isn’t helping, either.
9.) Wine and beer are my friends. I always feel at home in a great winery or brewery. A daunting wine or beer list at a restaurant doesn’t scare me. Bring it on! I love to experiment and am always enjoying old favorites and trying new things (although not for the past nine months, but I’ll be back at it again soon!).
10.) When all else fails, make pizza. So simple, but sometimes the best meals start with fresh pizza dough. It’s my favorite blank-slate for home cooking.

Challah French Toast with Caramel Sauce and Crème Fraiche

by SacFoodies

Sac Foodies

For the ultimate in “special” breakfasts perfect for the holiday season, I give you my recipe for Challah French Toast with Caramel Sauce and Crème Fraiche. Sounds fancy and tastes delicious, but is surprisingly simple to throw together.
This recipe became a fast favorite after a visit to see my best friend in Seattle for my 30th birthday. She and her husband whipped this up for my birthday breakfast and my husband and I couldn’t get over how impressive – and absolutely delicious – it was. I begged for the recipe and have now made it for my husband for breakfast on his birthday every year since.
Whether it’s breakfast on Christmas morning or another special moment this holiday season, you won’t be disappointed serving this at your breakfast table. 

For the Caramel Sauce:
¾ cup honey
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 cup (or so) of heavy whipping cream
Pour honey in a small sauce pan on medium-low heat. Pour sugar evenly over honey and let the sugar and honey cook to desired caramel color (about 10 minutes). Add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly add in cream in a steady stream, being careful as the mixture may boil up a bit at this point. Test the caramel’s thickness using a small spoon; it should be a slightly thick caramel consistency when cooled on the spoon. If it is thinner than desired, let cook a bit longer until desired caramel consistency is reached.
For the French Toast:
8 thick (1 inch) slices of Challah bread (or brioche)
4 eggs
Splash of milk or cream
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Lightly whisk eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow bowl to combine. Submerge each piece of bread in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side to absorb some of the liquid. Drop each piece of bread onto a buttered griddle at medium to medium-high heat and cook a few minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. 
Top each slice of French toast with the caramel sauce and a dollop of crème fraiche and serve immediately.
Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and warmed again to enjoy on desserts or with other holiday goodies (or just eaten cold out of the container on a spoon – yum!).  

Where’s the Best Cheesecake in Sacramento?

by SacFoodies

Today is National Cheesecake Day! We’re all in for celebrating, but where is the best place to indulge in Sacramento?
We know The Cheesecake Factory tops the favorite list for many. (Plus, they’re offering any slice of cheesecake for half price today.)  We’re also hearing good things about their newest flavor – Salted Caramel Cheesecake – which made its debut on July 29th.
Rick’s Dessert Diner offers a multitude of cheesecake options – from Amaretto Cheesecake to Chocolate Kahlua.
Ettore’s European Bakery has a White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake that is finished with silky white mousse and fresh raspberries.
Or, if you’re in for just a bit of cheesecake indulgence, Gunther’s Ice Cream offers a fan-favorite Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream.  We say, scoop it up!
Where’s your favorite place for cheesecake in the Sacramento area? 

The Cheesecake Factory’s new Salted Caramel Cheesecake.
The Cheesecake Factory’s new Salted Caramel Cheesecake.