What: Mangorita
Where: Rio City Café
Why: Order this refreshing mango-flavored margarita blended and then take it out back to enjoy it on Rio City’s great outdoor patio overlooking the Sacramento River. It has the perfect balance of slushy and sweet, but be forewarned – a brain freeze is pretty much inevitable.
Cost: About $8
Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest – Take 2
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 7th Annual Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe. You couldn’t have picked a better weekend for roaming around the Village at Squaw Valley to listen to live bands and sample micro brews, the weather was delightfully warm and the beer was perfectly cold. I decided to make the trek to Tahoe with fellow Sacfoodie Brittany and friends after reading her praise of last year’s festival.
The two-day event, which seems to appeal to locals and visitors alike, consists of free live performances by numerous bands on two stages and more than a half dozen participating breweries serving up their brews on tap from beer tents (or beer barrels – as in photo above). For an affordable $10, I picked up a festival mug and two beers, in addition to the $5 suggested donation at entry. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, which certainly helps explain the festival’s pet-friendly atmosphere.
Our first stops included the Black Diamond booth for a mug of their Hefeweizen (for the girls) and the hot dog stand for a Polish dog smothered in grilled peppers and onions (for the boys). We also popped into the Blue Coyote Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a steaming basket of Cheesy Poofs – deep fried Kraft-style macaroni and cheese triangles – which were to-die-for after a long afternoon of beer tasting. After a wonderful weekend with good food, great beer and even better company, I can’t wait for next year!
Burgers & Brew
Are there two better words that start with “B”? I think not. Burgers & Brew is the latest spot in Davis for cozy outdoor dining any night of the week and also late-night food and drink Thursday through Saturday, when they’re open until 3 am. Moderately priced ($7 or so for a burger and fries) and full of bustling atmosphere, Burgers & Brew has become a go-to spot for Davis residents and passers-by alike. I know fellow Sac Foodie and Davisite Christine is also a big fan – she actually supplied the photo (above) of the fish sandwich – battered cod on a ciabatta roll with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a side of homemade tartar sauce.
Located at the corner of C and 3rd Streets, right next to Central Park (home to the Davis Farmer’s Market), Burgers & Brew obviously has a significant beer selection – for a heavenly burger/brew combo, try a Hoegaarden with the Turkey Avocado Cheeseburger and garlic fries. Delish! For vegetarians, or if you’re just not in a meat mood, try the Portabella Burger, it is so juicy and substantial, you don’t even miss the meat.
Also on the menu are chili, salads, sandwiches and fish and chips. Surprisingly, they also have a solid wine selection and serve 6 oz. glasses or 3 oz. pours, which are fun for any impromptu wine tasting. If going the wine route, start with the cheese plate – yes, I did just recommend the cheese plate at a restaurant called Burgers & Brew, just trust me.
One note: there is often an intimidating line formed on the sidewalk at the front of the restaurant, but don’t be deterred – it is usually just one large party waiting for a table. Parties of 2-4 are most often seated immediately, so just push by the group!
Lounge on 20, Sacramento
A few weeks ago (I’m way behind, I know), fellow Sac Foodie, Julie, invited me to attend a get-together with a few other Sacramento-area food bloggers, at Lounge on 20, the new endeavor of her friend and local restaurateur Ali who is also behind Restaurant 55 Degrees.
I had the immense pleasure of sitting next to Garret of Vanilla Garlic, and sharing a table with the lovely ladies of CakeGirrl, Sacramento Yelper Amber and also the duo of Twin Soup. After tasting a myriad of fresh seasonal drinks and small plates, I have to say that there is nothing else like Lounge on 20 in Sacramento.
After reading the amazing posts from this fabulous group, I’m not sure what else I can say that hasn’t already been (and more eloquently) said. Check out the reviews below and then check out Lounge on 20.
Links to Reviews on Lounge on 20:
VanillaGarlic
CakeGirrl
Yelp
Twin Soup
160 Beers on Tap on the Wall, 160 Beers on Tap …
“How many beers on tap,” you ask? 160!
While visiting friends in Seattle, we visited a magical place: an ale house with, you guessed it, 160 beers on tap, aptly named TapHouse Grill. Included on the menu are beers from the four corners of the globe, everything from blondes to bocks and porters to stouts. As I was completely intimidated by the beer menu, I decided to ask our server for his recommendation.
The beer that was presented shortly thereafter was called Franziskaner Weissner (yes, I did have to ask for the spelling). I was told it was a traditional German hefeweizen with hints of banana and spice. It was refreshing, smooth, and I did indeed taste hints of banana and spice. I was very pleased by the selection.
Next time you find yourself in Seattle, I would highly suggest a visit to TapHouse Grill. Oh, and the food was delicious as well. I also heard a rumor that they have three-dollar sushi rolls during Happy Hour.
Take one down, pass it around …
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