Author: sac-eats

Gay Marriage, Boycotts, Banana Splits

If you haven’t driven down Arden Way in a while then you may not have seen the protest going on in front of Leatherby’s.  Why protest delicious ice cream, you ask?  Well, it appears that the Leatherby family and business donated almost $20,000 to the Yes on 8 cause.  The Leatherby’s, an immense Catholic family, are seeing some blowback from their financial support of a proposition that some see as an issue of opinion, and others see as an issue of basic human rights. Continue reading “Gay Marriage, Boycotts, Banana Splits”

It’s Pronounced za-GAT

Last week I was generously invited to attend an unveiling of sorts at the Firehouse.  The 2009 Zagat publication of America’s top restaurants has been released, and guess who got invited to the party?  That’s right my much maligned local compatriots, Sacramento. The 2009 guide features almost 50 cities in America and Texas, and this year’s newest addition to the guide was our fair city. Showing off its diversity, Sacramento contributed restaurants of all stripes including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, French, and Pretentious.

The “release party” at the Firehouse last week was more of a press event than anything else. Sure, some of the town’s culinary hitters were there, including Randall Selland, Biba Caggiano, and Mai Pham. Representatives of Sactown magazine were also in attendance, discussing their role in getting the Zagat people to recognize Sacramento as existing.  Everyone was smiles and handshakes, but the event was fairly tame — either due to low attendance or the equally low economy. Continue reading “It’s Pronounced za-GAT”

Happy Anniversary Flaming Grill

This weekend marks one year since the Flaming Grill started doling out hash on El Camino.  To commemorate the apolitical occasion — if that’s alright with you, Dan — all pints are $1 and $2, and discounts are being offered on almost all tasty treats.  Try the buffalo burger, or my favorite, the ahi burger.  Don’t forget the onion strings.

Here’s to the fine folks at Flaming Grill for continuing to grow and improve their business during these tough times.  I commend them for offering the neighborhood, the region, and nearby Catholic schoolgirls sustenance for one whole year.

Drop by and say congratulations.

Flaming Grill- 2319 El Camino Ave, Sacramento

Brilliant “No on 8” Campaign Stunt

Tip o’ the hat to the “No on 8” campaigners for their brilliant stunt today on the corner of Watt and El Camino.  A great deal of though obviously went into the planning for today’s protest and it totally paid off.  For those of you that missed it, here’s a brief rundown.

First, the No on 8 folks went to the nearby Wal-Mart and found the absolute craziest looking folks they could find.  We’re talking gap-toothed, elephantized-buttocksed, sloth-jawed creatures who were trotted out to the busy intersection and (here’s where it gets deliciously devious) given “Yes on 8” and “Protect Marriage” signs.  The best was the guy with the radioactive sign tattoo on his shaved dome shouting about the sanctity of marriage. If any rational person were to see this circus sideshow, they’d immediately vote against whatever these sign-wavers were campaigning for in a heartbeat.

Well done, No on 8 campaign.  Your skills in the political arena are formidable.

Tears and Anguish II: More Restaurant Closings (Electric Boogaloo)

The sign of the times is a closed sign. As a follow up to my previous piece, here’s an update on who has closed their doors.

    16th Street Plaza Cafe-A frequent haunt of the nearby state employee population, the 16th Street Plaza Cafe is no more.  They had made a name for themselves with their rustic gumbo on Fridays, but I guess that name didn’t come up enough in conversation to make the business viable.  ‘Teenth, we hardly knew ye.

Melting Pot Rocklin– As reported in the Bee today, Melting Pot is closing its doors after tonight’s dinner service. While the whole fondue concept is not my preferred way to eat, it’s always sad to see folks go under. Thankfully, there is usually enough holiday action at the Sacramento location to keep many of the Rocklin employees on the payroll for the time being. Continue reading “Tears and Anguish II: More Restaurant Closings (Electric Boogaloo)”

Edible Sacramento: It’s Incredible, It’s Edible, Get Used to It!

Perhaps the finest issue of perhaps the finest magazine ever just hit local newsstands this week.  Keep your eyes out for fantastic, rich, rewarding, erudite, antediluvian stories about all things edible in our fantastic environs.  More geographic than National Geographic, more fun to read than Reader’s Digest, more regular than AARP Monthly, more titillating than Juggs, Edible Sacramento includes pieces by some of my favorite writers like Hank Shaw, Ann Martin Rolke, and my mother’s favorite writer, me.

Check here for a list of locations where you can pick up Edible Sacramento for free, or check their website, www.ediblesacramento.com for information on subscribing. 

Remember the Edible Sacramento motto: If it feels like ham, don’t wipe your ass with it.

Harvest Dinner Next Thursday at Waterboy

Feeling a little left out with all the autumnal, harvesty wistfulness going on around town?  You’re not alone.  If you’d like a dose of fall cheer and singular grub, check out the Harvest Dinner at Waterboy, co-sponsored by my friends at Edible Sacramento.

Details: Thursday October 30, 2008
Reservations are available from 6pm-8pm
Cost= 65.00, call 916-498-9891 for reservations
Four Course Dinner featuring Kunde Estate Winery

You can expect fine food, lively conversation, and expert wine chat on sustainable winemaking.  If you love good vittles, like good wine, and haven’t lost your entire life savings this last month, come on by for a memorable evening.

Apple Hill Unpeeled 2008

Another fall has arrived and another crop of appley goodness has been laid out for the intrepid daytripper to consume.  Apple Hill is in full harvest mode, and the weather couldn’t be nicer.  The crowds are bound to be overflowing this weekend and the apple themed desserts, pies, breads, jams, trinkets, colostomies, and hardware will overflow from the folksy establishments in the folksy land of folksy Apple Hill.

It occurs to me, as it does every year at this time, that some of you may never have been to Apple Hill.  Hmmm.  I see.  Ok… Well then… What the f*$% are you waiting for!?!  Someone to spoon feed you ‘Hill info like a mother shoveling thin apple puree in the drooling mouth of an overfed infant?  If that’s what it will take, then I’m game.

Here we go:  Who’s a big boy?  Who? Who?  Who wants some applesauce in his little pouty apple barn?  Hmmmm?  Nevermind, I can’t keep that up. Continue reading “Apple Hill Unpeeled 2008”

Masullo: Another Reason to Eat Out More Often

Calling Masullo a pizzeria is like calling the Taj Mahal a grave marker.  Ok, maybe that’s too grandiose. How bout this, calling Masullo a pizzeria is like calling Ron Jeremy an actor.  Sure, it’s technically true, but it really doesn’t tell you all you need to know about the “Hedgehog,” or Masullo for that matter.

Yes, in most tellings, Masullo will be referred to as a pizzeria, but it’s much more.  The majority of the menu is made up of small, crispy, elegant pies, true; but the rest of the menu should not be ignored.  Beautiful salads, house-made pastries, top-notch ingredients, attentive service, modern design, dogs and cats sleeping together–it all works, it’s all tops, it’s all recommended.  Continue reading “Masullo: Another Reason to Eat Out More Often”