I’ve been vegetarian now for two years. For the most part it’s been easy sailing and I’ve found enjoyment developing and discovering veggie versions for many of my old favorite dishes. But I can’t lie – I still have one weakness: Panda Express Orange Chicken. You know what I’m talking about – those crunchy, gooey morsels of goodness that have been battered and wokked with a magical orange and chili sauce.
On the rare occasion I make a trip to the food court – the sweet yet tangy aroma always lures me into waiting in a long line only to order steamed rice and veggies with some sort of eggplant or tofu side dish. And as I stand there salivating over the Orange Chicken, I pray that someday I would find a vegetarian version.
That day came when I discovered Nobel Vegetarian – an inconspicuous joint tucked back in the corner of a tiny strip mall on College Oak Drive in Sacramento. As I scanned their to-go menu from the Vegebeef Vegetable Medley to the Peaceful Ginger Vegekin – there it was, handwritten at the bottom of the tri-fold paper menu “Orange Vegekin.” I immediately ordered and almost couldn’t stand the whole seven minutes it took to prepare a meal that would change my life forever. Yep – it was that good!
I am now a frequent patron of Nobel Vegetarian and have broadened my taste buds with other delicious menu items. A few of my other favorites are: E4. Ruby Pearls – Vegesoy balls braised in sweet and sour sauce with cilantro; E10. Eggplant Tofu – Eggplant, fried golden tofu, sautéed with house sauce; and S3. Prawns Perfection Roll – Veggie prawns and greens wrapped in rice paper, served with peanut sauce. The service is friendly, there’s always plenty of space to sit and all menu items are reasonably priced with starters ranging from $3.95 – $5.95, entrees $6.95 – $8.95 and desserts $1.95 – $2.95. For me, a small price to pay to fulfill a huge craving.
Noble Vegetarian
5049 College Oak Dr Ste A
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 334-6060
Rio City Café
This week, SacFoodies will be featuring restaurants and cafes in Old Sacramento—so be sure to visit SacFoodies everyday this week for reviews of great places to eat in Old Sac!
When SacFoodies decided to do an Old Sac themed week, I used it as an excuse to schedule a date with my dear friend and fellow social media maven, Natalie (or for you Sacramento tweeps @NatalieDaily). After a few text messages back and forth, we settled on Rio City Café. Upon arrival, and after checking in on Foursquare, we studied the menu for options that would meet our vegetarian and vegan diets. Just after our server said the chef could do a meat-free transformation of my pre-vegetarian favorite – the turkey sandwich with brie cheese, bacon, cranberry aioli on twelve grain bread, he offered to create a custom seasonal vegetable dish – sold! To my delight, it contained a combination of butternut squash, broccoli, green beans and a medley of mushrooms surrounding a small cup filled with a tasty dipping sauce. I also couldn’t resist a side order of rosemary fries. I was pleasantly surprised with flavors of my simple, made-to-order meal but may have even more impressed with the aim-to-please service. Thanks Rio City!
A few thoughts from guest blogger Natalie Paulsen:
It was hard enough to believe Julie and I were available for lunch at the same time on the same day. The only thing more shocking was my announcement upon arrival at the restaurant. I was doing a little lifestyle experiment – and I was vegan for the next 21 days (if you know me – you can laugh now). At first glance, there was nothing strictly vegetarian (let alone vegan) on the menu. Worst case scenario, I figured I would work on a Pellegrino and ice chips while Julie ate her lunch. Instead, Julie helped me dissect the menu and spoke up when our server came back for our order. He spoke with the chef (about his high maintenance table) and came back with a few options for us. I ended up with an incredible salad and a basket of sweet potato fries that were perfectly salted and lightly fried (in oil of course). Kudos to one of Old Sacramento’s staples for being flexible and accommodating in the face of adversity. Needless to say, this experiment is only going to last a few more weeks. By that time, Julie should be fully recovered from that experience – and we’re going to have a mac & cheese feast.
Note: SacFoodies also loves the cocktails at Rio City Café—so be sure to enjoy one of their yummy cocktails, too!
Rio City Café
1110 Front Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8226
Revolution Wines Celebrates Midtown Grand Opening
Beginning today, Revolution Wines, Midtown Sacramento’s only urban winery, will be raising a glass to its new digs on 2831 S Street. The 5,600 square foot facility houses the winery’s entire winemaking process – from crush to bottle, and features a new indoor/outdoor tasting room and bistro with food by Executive Chef Simone McKinley.
Grand opening festivities run through Sunday and include new wine releases, gourmet food and wine pairings, barrel tastings and cellar tours. A full schedule of happenings can be found on their website.
A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Revolution Wines for a private event during their soft opening and immediately made a mental note to add it to my short list of go-to happy hour spots. But the winery will appeal to more than just the happy hour crowd. At the conclusion of the private event, the tasting room and bistro opened to the public and brought in anyone from young families ordering from the local and seasonal lunch menu to couples enjoying a glass of wine while lounging in the tasting area.
Lunch menu offerings include a selection of seasonal soups, salads and sandwiches. As a vegetarian, the menu item I’m most looking forward to trying is the Curried Tofu Salad Sandwich featuring curried tofu, shredded carrots, celery, raisins, pine nuts and spinach atop a sourdough baguette. The lunch menu is offered Tuesday – Friday from 11am – 2pm and the evening menu is available Tuesday – Sunday from 4pm -9pm.
Have you heard the buzz? Citizen Hotel Celebrates Local Honey Purveyors with “Bee Informed” Event
On Wednesday, September 29 The Citizen Hotel and Grange Restaurant is hosting “Bee Informed” – an educational celebration of local honey purveyors and urban beekeeping. With the recent rise of colony collapse disorder, increased honey bee awareness is currently vital not only for the preservation of local honey farms, but also for all local farming efforts that rely on bee pollination. The reception will include exhibits displaying products, gifts, honey tastings, a contained bee hive, and more. Third generation beekeeper Stephen Covey and well-known apiculturist Dr. Eric Mussen will discuss what can be done to help local beekeepers thrive, and all proceeds will benefit the UC Davis Honey Bee Haven. Coffee, tea, and, of course, desserts featuring local honey will be provided.
WHEN: September 29, 2010 at 5:30pm
WHERE: The Citizen Hotel Historic Ballroom, 926 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
COST: $10 donation at the door to benefit the UC Davis Honey Bee Haven
Wordless Wednesday: Orphan, Sacramento
These delicious Banana Blackberry Pancakes with real maple syrup made me feel right at home at Orphan Breakfast.