Sometimes, I love sandwiches more than people.
There I said it.
And another close contender for my affection is a great bargain.
Which is why I’m salivating over Sactown’s new issue, specifically the mag’s “Best Sandwiches 2011” cover feature that dishes on 17 swoon-worthy sandos in the area.
Only, these aren’t your mom’s PB&Js. Think cola-braised pork from Fat Face; the luscious lobster roll at Cafeteria 15L; and even a to-die-for tri-tip with blue cheese and avocado from High-Hand Conservatory in Loomis.
And if those deli-delish delights weren’t enough of a reason to pick up a copy, here’s something else to sweeten the deal. Sactown also features a “Passport to Winter Dining” promotional card inside that’s bursting with amazing dining deals at a dozen of the region’s best eateries.
Behold!How about complimentary spring rolls at Wayside Noodles? Or buy one entrée, get the second one free at Sapporo Grill and Ten 22?
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But with deals like this, I beg to differ.
Especially when you flash your passport and get—wait for it—$20 certificates to Dawson’s at The Hyatt and even Pause Lounge & Kitchen.
That’s right: Twenty dollars.
When was the last time someone handed you a $20 bill and said, “Lunch is on me?” Because guess what: It’s happening.
And speaking of newcomer Pause in Roseville: We hear if you mention Sactown, you’ll get 30 percent off your entire meal, too!
“Our readers love the Passport because it gives them great deals to some of the finest restaurants in the region,” says Sactown publisher Steve Childs. “Plus, it’s a fun concept—in essence, the restaurants are the countries you want to travel to and you are a VIP visitor to all of them.”
Sold! Now go pick up the February/March issue at any local Raley’s or Bel Air stores and get packin’ (the Passport card is between pages 88-89). Just don’t be shocked when you see me huddled behind a copy of Sactown, stuffing my face with Pause’s truffled fries and black pepper aioli.
You’re welcome, Roseville.
You’re welcome, everyone.
Fanny Ann’s Saloon
This week, SacFoodies is 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!
I quickly raised my hand to review Fanny Ann’s Saloon when the SacFoodies decided to dedicate a week to Old Sacramento restaurants. Fellow Chico State grads know why! There’s a very familiar look and menu to one of the most popular burger restaurants and bars that borders the campus in Chico – Madison Bear Garden. Not until my recent trip did I know for sure that they were owned by the same owner, AND the Sac establishment came first! You can also find similar restaurants in Carson City and Reno, and here’s why you should seek them out:
The menu is awesome! At my last visit to the Sac location, I ordered the Cheeseburger Pair-O-Dice (aka Bear Burger in Paradise), which is a classic burger served with lettuce, tomato, pickle and mayo, and your choice of cheese. It’s my go-to burger, but you can definitely be daring with your burgers at Fanny Ann’s with selections like the Jiffy Burger (you guessed it – a burger smothered in peanut butter, topped with bacon and jack cheese, plus onions recommended!), Island Burger, Pastrami Burger, Bravo Avocado, Singing the Blues Burger, and much more!
The perfect pairing to any burger is good fries, and Fanny Ann’s curly fries are the terrific amount of potato, crunch and just plain fun. We also enjoyed a yummy side of Zooks and Shrooms – “breaded deep fried zucchini slices living in perfect harmony with deep fried mushrooms.”
The menu is extensive, including an equally interesting array of sandwiches, salads and dawgs, but I am true to my “Bear” roots and enjoyed the nostalgia of my college days by ordering the classic burger. Unfortunately, this trip didn’t include the nostalgic pitcher of Sierra Nevada as it was a lunch run with my colleagues, fellow SacFoodies Kim Bedwell and Vanessa Smith.
P.S. Looking for a deal? Check out Fanny Ann’s Saloon on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for their Burger Madness deal – burger, fries and a salad all for $4.49!
Fanny Ann’s Saloon
1023 2nd Street
Sacramento, CA 95814-3201
(916) 441-0505
Tightwad Tuesday: Free tacos at GoGi’s Korean BBQ
Food trucks and pop-up restaurants are forecasted to be popular in 2011 and Sacramento is already following the trend! Starting at 11am today, GoGi’s Korean BBQ can be found at the corner of 15th & L Street in the former “Park to Go” kiosk at the Park Downtown. GoGi’s offers a new twist on the traditional taco—East meets South of the Border with Korean BBQ Beef, Spicy Pork, Chicken, and Tofu tacos, made to order with a little Korean flair. All tacos will cost just $2 and burritos will cost $5.
To celebrate GoGi’s grand opening, free “streetside” Korean beef tacos will be offered January 18-21 from 11am-2pm! GoGi’s will be open Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm and will also be open for late-night dining on Fridays and Saturdays (hours TBD). For more information, call (916) 442-7333.
The Firehouse Restaurant – “Dine Downtown”
Each year the Downtown Sacramento Partnership produces “Dine Downtown Restaurant Week.” For 10 days only, local chefs at 30 restaurants create special three-course dinner menus for only $30 per person. The Partnership contacted the SacFoodies and asked if we would like to review a preview at a participating restaurant. Of course we all jumped at the idea of this generous opportunity but lucky for me I was chosen. I did not have a restaurant preference so the Partnership selected the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento and made reservations for me and my husband.
Although I’ve lived in Sacramento for 11 years, I’ve never been to the Firehouse Restaurant. Not for any particular reason other than I just had not made my way over to that part of town. So, needless to say, I had no expectations or opinion, other than my husband’s faint memory of a company party some five years ago.
Upon arrival I was moved to the sublime by the historical beauty and exquisite décor. With the high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and walls lined with rich mahogany, I could just picture Artie Samish in the corner smoking a cigar with Governor Merriam discussing slush funds. We were promptly seated in a back corner booth with a view of the entire restaurant, in my opinion; it was the best seat in the house.
The Dine Downtown menu provided us with a choice between soup or salad, four entrées and two desserts. I chose the mixed green salad, chicken forestiére and chocolate cheescake while my husband enjoyed the lobster bisque, pork tenderloin and lemon bar.
What they don’t mention on the menu are the special accoutrements provided in between courses. The amuse bouche, French for a tiny bite-sized morsel traditionally served before the first course of a meal, consisted of delicately prepared carrots and beets, topped with caviar, curly parsley and crystallized lemon peel, accompanied by crème fraiche. The intermezzo, Italian for a composition which fits between other musical or dramatic entities, but in this case a meal; was a lemon cucumber sorbet. The flavor brought me right back to a soothing, calm place such as a day spa when cucumber water is provided after a luxurious massage. A perfect treat to enjoy before my main course.*I could go on and on about every taste, sensation, enjoyment and pleasure but I want to save that experience for you. Just know the attention to detail in each course was faultless. The service was beyond expectations. The passion that went into creating and preparing the menu was entirely evident in the execution of every course. Not one stone went unturned. Words cannot describe their success so please, use your imagination and enjoy the photos above and wish the Internet could fulfill your senses of taste and smell.
A very special thank you to the Executive Chef, Deneb Williams; Pastry Chef, Jill Berger; our server John and Megan at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Dine Downtown Restaurant Week begins January 7 and runs through January 16. Please visit www.downtownsac.org for a list of participating restaurants and menus. You can also check out our review of The Firehouse Restaurant’s lunch menu here.
SacFoodies was provided two complimentary meals and was not compensated for this review.
*Please note the Amuse Bouche and Intermezzo are subject to change.
Tightwad Tuesday: $10 Bottomless Mimosas at R15 Bar and Monkey Bar, Sacramento
In case we haven’t made it obvious yet, we love brunch. Better yet, we love brunch with bottomless mimosas. We’ve already scoped out a few bottomless mimosa weekend brunch offerings in the Sacramento area, including Capitol Garage and Bistro 33, and are excited to add two more great options to the list!
Start your weekend off the right way with a delicious brunch at R15 Bar or Monkey Bar in Sacramento and enjoy bottomless mimosas for only $10 with the purchase of an entree! Brunch and bottomless mimosas are available at both restaurants every Saturday and Sunday from 8am-1pm.
Bon appétit and cheers!
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