Olympics

by Brandon Smith
The 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio are officially underway! There’s nothing like the Olympics and with 10 Sacramento athletes competing, we’re more excited than ever to watch events like track and field, water polo, basketball, rugby, swimming and…actually…all this talk about sports is making me hungry. Let’s switch gears and take a look at a few unique places in town where you can curb your hunger and check out the action!

USA Guy HOT Italian — Courtesy of HOT Italian Pizza Bar

HOT ITALIAN Pizza Bar
This Midtown pizza specialist is great for the whole family. Co-founders Andrea Lepore and maestro pizzaiolo Fabrizio Cercatore’s mission was to “create a place where pizza brings people together to celebrate Italy’s new generation of art, music, design, sport, food and wine.” You can catch the games on one of HOT ITALIAN’s jumbo projectors. Salute!
HOT ITALIAN Pizza Bar
1627 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
R15
This neighborhood hangout is attached to Café Bernardo’s R street location and features the same great menu found at all Café Bernardo locations. Stop by and tune in to one of the TVs at the bar OR in one of their “living rooms” complete with a comfy couch and private flat screen. Did we mention Mondays are all-night happy hour?
R15 at Café Bernardo
1431 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Firestone Public House
Firestone was voted Best Sports Bar by Sacramento Magazine in 2015. It has over 22 flat screens available for your viewing pleasure, 60 beers on tap and two outdoor patios. We’re also fans of their seasonally inspired menu.
Firestone Public House
1132 16th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Flame & Fire
Disclaimer: Flame & Fire does not have any TVs. What they do have, however, is some of the best Brazilian Barbeque in the Sacramento area.
If you’ve never been to an all-you-can-eat Brazilian Barbeque or “Churrascaria,” here’s the drill: The atmosphere is upscale and the portions are large. Chefs with skewers of freshly prepared cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork and Brazilian sausages serve you tableside in the Rodizio fashion. The price is fixed and you can enjoy as much meat or various side dishes as you would like. Unfortunately, the full bar is NOT all you can drink.
Flame & Fire
963 Pleasant Grove Blvd
Ste 100
Roseville, CA 95678
If you’ve been out and about watching the Olympics, let us know where in the comments section!

As the world’s elite athletes gathered in London for the 30th Summer Olympic Games, the SacFoodies came together last Friday to kick off the opening celebrations with a gold medal-worthy happy hour at Grange Restaurant and Bar.
The Grange’s Executive Chef, Oliver Ridgeway, has pulled together a brilliant happy hour menu inspired by his home country’s traditional British cuisine. But this is no ordinary pub fare – each dish incorporates seasonal and fresh ingredients.
And while there is no Olympic event for eating, Team SacFoodies has perfected the sport of tasting to bring you the menu highlights:
Jake
Favorite sipper: The West Bengal Cocktail – which is made with Hangar One Mandarin, orange zest and Darjeeling-Infused Yellow Chartreuse giving it a taste of tea-fitting for celebrating London
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with Flavored Mustards
Won’t miss Olympic event: Swimming
Sarah
Favorite sipper: California London Style Gin Flight – favorite gin was the No. 209 San Francisco CA
Gives the appetizer gold to: Wild Salmon Croquettes
Won’t miss Olympic event: Any swimming event with Ryan Lochte
Shelly
Favorite sipper: The English Ale
Gives the appetizer gold to: Miniature English Scones with House Preserves and Clotted Cream (crazy good!)
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics
Vanessa
Favorite sipper: The house sangria
Gives the appetizer gold to: Wild Salmon Croquettes with Pickled Cucumbers
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics
Kim
Favorite sipper: What the Blue Blazes, but loved the presentation of the California London Style Gin Flight
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with the Horseradish Mustard
Won’t miss Olympic event: Swimming!
Liz
Favorite sipper: What the Blue Blazes (this isn’t part of the Olympic Happy Hour menu, but it’s delish!)
Gives the appetizer gold to: Chilled Watanabe Tomato “Tea” with marinated baby tomatoes
Won’t miss Olympic event: Gymnastics! It’s the most nerve-wracking sport to watch
Rachel
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup
Gives the appetizer gold to: The Scotch Eggs with Jalapeno Remoulade
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics and diving
Tracy
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup – so refreshing and scores a gold for presentation
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with Flavored Mustards
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics – I hold my breath during each event!
Sallie
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup – huge fan of Pimm’s cup and this one did not disappoint!
Gives the appetizer gold to: The English Style Cheeses with Chutneys and Pickles
Won’t miss Olympic event: The water sports – swimming, diving and water polo
This high tea happy hour runs for only a limited time until August 12 from 3-6 p.m. daily, so head over to the Grange to cheer on Team USA in true foodie fashion.
A special thank you to the Grange and Chef Oliver Ridgeway for providing us with a complimentary spread of their happy hour menu.

SacFoodies Picks for the 2016 Summer Olympics

An Olympic-Sized Happy Hour at Grange Restaurant and Bar