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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2018 St. Patrick's Day Roundup

by SacFoodies

By. Jessi Gunn
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, March 17th to be exact, and thankfully Sacramento has plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Do you have a favorite annual event that didn’t make it onto the list? Leave us a note (and an invite) in the comments!

Cafeteria 15L
Local dining hotspot Cafeteria 15L is adding classic Irish dishes to their brunch menu on St. Paddy’s Day only! If you follow SacFoodies on Instagram you’ll know that we are quite partial to Sunday brunch at 15L, (Bacon Jam Bennie and bottomless mimosas, yes please!) but the corn beef hash special sounds so good I might be tempted to switch it up. Hey, this does only happen once a year!
Old Sacramento Parade
This annual parade unites hundreds of colorful marchers, highland dancers, bagpipers and drum bands, and re-enactors in traditional Irish and Celtic outfits for a day of entertainment you won’t want to miss. Events begin at 11:30 a.m. with the parade starting at 1:00 p.m. Arrive early to get a front row seat to the action.
de Vere’s Irish Pub
For Irish food you can find year-round, head to de Vere’s Irish Pub. They have traditional, yet elevated, dishes such as Bangers and Mash and Irish Stew. Before celebrating the holiday on Saturday, head to de Vere’s on Monday the 12th for their annual St. Baldrick’s Rock the Bald event to raise money for St Baldricks foundation.
Fox & Goose
Fox and Goose is bringing Irish music to town with performances from bagpipers, Irish folk singers, The Pikeys, and The Spicy McCormicks. Plus, Irish beer is on tap all night and delicious Irish bites are served until 10:00 p.m. All ages welcome until 10:00 p.m., and 21+ from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Malt and Mash
Downtown restaurant and bar Malt and Mash is hosting their second annual St. Pat’s Block Party. They will be featuring an outdoor beer garden, four bars and live music.  Want a side of bagpipers with your Guinness? Malt and Mash will make that happen. Open from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
Streets Pub and Grub
Streets Pub and Grub will be hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day party featuring live entertainment, Irish beer, and peanut butter car bombs. Not to mention Irish Tacos (which I think I definitely need to try). Wear green and get ready to celebrate with the self-proclaimed “OG’s of St Paddy’s Day.”
Pizza Rock
Pizza Rock on K Street is serving their specialty Sausage and Stout pizza in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. With dough made with honey malted stout beer and toppings including beer sausage, carmelized onions, fontina cheese, scallions, beer salt and a sweet Guiness reduction, ths is the perfect dish to celebrate the holiday. Pizza Rock only make 23 of these pizzas a day, so get yours before it’s gone!
Wherever you go on St. Patrick’s Day remember to celebrate responsibly and treat-yo-self to some corn beef and cabbage, I know we will!

New Year, New Food Goals

by SacFoodies

By Jessi Gunn
It’s one month into 2018 and I don’t know about you, but my resolution went out the window weeks ago. I made a resolution to read more, sounds easy, right? Turns out a busy schedule and all my favorite TV shows coming back (I see you, Grey’s Anatomy!) doesn’t make for a whole lot of free time to curl up with a good book.
That being said, one thing I am trying to stick to, beyond the first month of the New Year, is a 2018 food goal! This year I am trying my hardest to branch out with what I cook at home. I want to try new flavors and ingredients, both in my own kitchen and when I am out to dinner. I checked in with some of my FleishmanHillard coworkers to find out what their 2018 foodie goals are!
  

Some of our favorite foodie moments of 2018…so far! 

Gabby – “My food goal is to try one new restaurant every month, and I am already off to a hot start! Recent crossed both South and Moxie off my list.”

John – “More variety, less sugar”
Alexa – “My food goal is to focus on clean eating – natural ingredients to help me feel healthier.”
Shelly – “Try new recipes! We got a start at it last weekend with a new cheesecake recipe…it was wonderful/dangerous. And, a yummy pork chili recipe that actually had coffee and raisins in it. Not a combo I would expect, but it was good!”
Liz – “My 2018 food goal is to experiment more in my own kitchen and cook at least one new recipe a month, from scratch. It might not sound like a lot, but it is for someone like me who rarely turns on the oven!”
Christine – “My 2018 food goal is to eat more plant-based meals. And cook at home.”
Harrison – “To make at least one new Instant Pot recipe per month! I’m obsessed with it and I can’t wait to explore all the possibilities of the appliance.”
Amanda – “My food goal for the year is to be more mindful with food – listen to my body, not my cravings.”
Laurel – “I want to make my own kombucha!”
Cheyenne – “Breakaway from my normal choices and take culinary adventures in both cooking and dining out.”
Niño – “Read more nutrition facts labels and really know what I’m consuming.”
Brandon – “My food goal is to eat as many locally sourced foods and food products as possible!”
Sidney – “My main food goal is to bring my lunch from home at least 4 out of 5 days a week. My secondary food goal is to stop ordering Postmates”
Do you have a 2018 food goal? Let us know in the comments or on our Instagram @SacFoodies or Facebook.

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2018 Valentine's Day Round-Up

by SacFoodies

By Sidney Burt
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it’s time to start making plans. And, with the holiday falling on a Wednesday, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan a week’s worth of fun-filled activities!
Whether you are planning a romantic date night or just looking to have fun out on the town with friends, there are plenty of options for everyone! Take a look at how you can celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day in style.
Valentine’s Day Date Night Options:
Dawson’s Steakhouse Valentine’s Day Dinner – Indulge in specialties such as a Dungeness Crab Tower, Seared Scallop or a Niman Ranch Prime Beef Filet. And be sure to save room at the end for something sweet. (Reservations required)
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Painted Cork Date Night – This Valentine’s Day, enjoy an evening of professional art instruction with all art supplies included. Plus, complimentary wine and chocolate with the class to celebrate that special someone!
The Painted Cork
1624 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Ella Dining Room & Bar – Enjoy a beautifully prepared and locally sourced prix fixe menu to celebrate Valentine’s Day! (Reservations required)
Ella Dining Room & Bar
1131 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Valentine’s Dinner Train – Treat your loved one to three courses of hearty American fare while taking a leisurely ride along the old Garden Highway in rural West Sacramento.
Sacramento River Train
400 N Harbor Blvd, West
Sacramento, CA 95605
Selland’s Market-Café – Spend the night at home with delicious bites. Menu is available for pick-up and don’t forget the bubbles! (Must place orders by February 12)
Selland’s Market-Café – East Sacramento, Broadway and El Dorado Hills
 
Valentine’s Week Celebrations:
Cupid Crawl – Grab a friend and head out to the Cupid Crawl. Indulge in some great eats and delicious libations from Milagro’s Restaurant Community.
Milagro Center
February 9, 2018
Advance: $10; Door: $15
Port, Wine and Chocolate Lover’s Weekend – Enjoy wines, ports, dessert wines, and sweet delights at the Old Sugar Mill Wineries. 15 Wineries will be offering wine tastings and pairings all weekend.
Old Sugar Mill
February 10 & 11, 2018
Advance: $29.50 Door: $40
Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour – Celebrate Valentine’s Day rain or shine with your furry friends and help the animals at the SPCA. For every pint purchased, $1 will go directly to the Sacramento SPCA.
Big Sexy Brewing Company
February 15, 2018
FREE

Dine Downtown 2018

by SacFoodies


Sacramentans, rejoice! Dine Downtown 2018 is officially our favorite way to kick off this rainy New Year. From January 12-21st, 32 del-oi-cious Sacramento restaurants are offering three-course meals for $35 in honor of Dine Downtown 2018. For ten days, your favorite restaurants will feature a special Dine Downtown menu, with one dollar from every meal purchased benefiting local social services and Sacramento’s Food Literacy Center.
As foodie fiends, we love the opportunity to try out specially curated menus because it gives chefs the chance to show off what they’re proud of, and we get to try something new. Earlier this week, we were invited to preview the Dine Downtown menus from Ten22, La Cosecha and Iron Horse Tavern.To no one’s surprise, everything we tried was inventive and tasty, with unexpected flavors and new takes on old classics that caught our attention in a big way! Take a look through the photos below for some highlights and some mouthwatering menu inspo!

To check out all participating restaurants and their specially-made menus for the occasion, click here. We’ve already picked out a few favorites that we can’t wait to try out – hope to see you there!

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