Author: sac-eats

Let the Year End Lists Begin-Best Meals of 2007

My Top Ten Meals of 2007

10.  The chile colorado at Sal’s Tacos.  Whether it was the fantastic flavors or the drunkenness achieved at the West Coast Brewfest, this had to have been the best Mexican meal of 2007.

9.  Due to its consistency rather than one-time superiority, the Drunken Pig Tostada at Sacramento Brewing Company.  As always washed down with a Celtic Amber.

8.  The small plate of orichette at Mulvaney’s B&L.  Tender, delicious, sublime.

7.  The apple cider doughnut at Rainbow Orchards.  Sure, it’s not a meal, but you can always eat four more and call it a meal. Continue reading “Let the Year End Lists Begin-Best Meals of 2007”

Eminent Domain, We Need You!

No, this isn’t about the prolonged pissing match between stubborn Moe Mohanna and stubborn city officials and stubborn homeless people along K Street.  This is about my hood, the ‘Cade, Arden/Arcade that is.

The former home of Tower Records and Tower Books on Watt Avenue at El Camino is slowly turning into a commercial property nightmare, replete with graffiti, homeless folks, and that harbinger of property worthlessness, the Spirit Halloween Store.

It’s true, the site of former greatness, where I bought my first J.J. Johnson album is now just a dirty shell, attracting crime and dragging down the neighborhood.  I, as a citizen, want to do something about it.  Here’s the problem though, I have no idea what to do.  Do I start showing up at those worthless Arcade cityhood meetings?  Do I start an “action group”?  Do I call Marcos Breton? Or even better, Carlos Alcala?  Tell me, readers, for I am lost in a sea of citizen action.

Paul Martin’s American Bistro

It takes a lot to get me to go to Roseville.  It’s not a destination that I seek out, let’s put it that way.  I don’t have any specific beef with the place per se, but it doesn’t draw me in with any specific gravitational pull.  That being said, when I was invited to dine at Paul Martin’s American Bistro in Roseville recently, I jumped at the chance.  I had heard too many good things about the place from friends, acquaintances, and others in the know to turn down the opportunity.  

Many of you will scratch your heads and say, “Roseville?  Paul who’s?  Why bother?”  Of course you’d say that.  We can’t even get you to go over the J Street bridge, heck, we can’t even get you to leave your couch, why should we expect you get excited about something ten miles up the freeway?  And that’s just fine.  The truth is, there are plenty of folks up the road who recognize Martin’s as the best new restaurant in their neck of the woods.  They’re excited.  They’ll leave their couches.  They’ll put the box of Bugles down and throw on some khakis.  The ‘Bistro will not be hurting for business.  I know you don’t want to hear this, and I apologize for bringing this out into the open, but Paul Martin’s doesn’t need you.   Oh, now I’ve got your attention, now you’ve got a chip on your shoulder, now you’ve got some skin in the game.  Fair enough, read on. Continue reading “Paul Martin’s American Bistro”

Tuli Bistro

So, after much waiting and a bit of writing, Tuli Bistro is now open.  And yes, dear public, it was worth the wait.  How good is it, you may ask?  Is Tuli Bistro the best restaurant in Sacramento?  Of course not.  Nor would I presume to base such a statement after one meal (even if that meal was perhaps the world’s most perfect tuna melt).  No, Tuli may not be the best restaurant in Sacramento, but that’s probably in Tuli’s interest.  Being the “best restaurant” anywhere implies a certain distance between chef and diner, a certain cost over and above what one would normally shell out for good food, and even a certain reluctance to patronize such a location more than once in a blue moon.

Here’s the thing, I’m not interested in going back to Tuli once every blue moon.  I want to go there three or four times a week.  To me, it’s the perfect restaurant. Continue reading “Tuli Bistro”

Updates on Updates for the Hungry

Tuli Bistro– the restaurant that has been nothing but a promise for almost a year will finally open its doors on Tuesday, December 11. The new joint will be housed in a block of new buildings at the corner of 21st and S. If good things come to those who wait, then Tuli should be effing fantastic. Neighbors and interested parties have been waiting for Tuli to open for quite a while, so expectations are high. It would have been embarrassing had Tuli been beaten in the race to open by the philosophically indifferent…

Ju Hachi– at the former site of Taka’s (18th and S). Work progresses in a Zen-like fashion at the once and future sushi joint. (Or does it? That’s so Zen.) One of the simplest exercises in Zen is to dig a hole then fill it up. Maybe you get the same effect by opening a sushi restaurant then closing it down, then repeating. (Can you tell I’ve been watching “Life” on NBC?) Of course, what’s more Zen than burgers… Continue reading “Updates on Updates for the Hungry”

Marrakech

It is without reservation that I claim the food of Morocco to be yummy. Yeah yummy! That being said, however, one does have to make a few mental recalculations when addressing Moroccan cuisine. The food itself is tasty, Mediterranean fare–pickled vegetables, couscous, honey soaked lamb, filo-wrapped chicken, baklava– nothing too out of the ordinary, but deliciously prepared. It is the presentation, or rather the consumption of the food that is foreign, difficult, but in the end, rewarding.

“What’s the big deal with eating the food?” you might ask. “It’s utensils,” I respond, “or perhaps the lack thereof.” “What do you mean?” you say. “You eat with your hands,” I say. “You mean like a sandwich?” you say. “No, not like a sandwich, you dolt, like a Moroccan. You know what, I’ve had about enough of you and your ceaseless questions. What are you, five years old? Wanna know where babies come from too? Just shut your trap and pay attention.” Continue reading “Marrakech”

BOLO (Be On the Lookout)

We are lucky, here in Sacto, to have a wealth of gifted musicians able and willing to share their talents with us.  We are unlucky, here in Sacto, to have a glut of lowlife nogoodnicks who can’t keep their dirty mitts off of other people’s stuff.   Unfortunately, these two groups too often come into contact.  Such was the case last night when local bass and fiddle player Patrick “Junior” Skiffington had his ride stolen from in front of his downtown (4th & T) abode.

So, I ask you, the good people of Sacramento, to be on the lookout for a 1983 Oldsmobile Omega (nothing but the best in early 80’s sedanage), puce with brown interior, license # 5ZAF758.  If you see said auto, call the local authorities and report.   Thank you, good citizens.

Daytrip #2: South Shore

Visit Beautiful Lake Tahoe!Eventually it will snow.  I know right now it doesn’t seem like it, but someday the clouds will loose their flaky bounty on the nearby peaks, and you’ll be able to dust off your old tobaggan and hit the slopes.   Now here’s the thing: skiing, snowboarding, or just sliding down the mountain on your ass tends to build up one’s appetite.  So, here’s a quick trio of eateries guaranteed to make your day worth it, even if you flame out on the kick rail and wind up with a split camber (or whatever it is the kids do these days):

#1- The Brewery at Tahoe: When you’re freezing and wind-chapped, there’s nothing you want more than an ice cold beer.  So belly up to the bar at the Brewery and order one of the many craft brews on tap.  While you’re at it, order a pizza from the extensive menu.  You won’t be disappointed.  The pizzas are magical, infinitely customizable, and without peer in the Lake Tahoe surroundings.  The beers are pretty outstanding too.  I can’t recommend this place highly enough.  3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd, 96150 Continue reading “Daytrip #2: South Shore”

Daytrip #1: Amador County-Wine, Women, Ravioli

In the first of a new series of daytrip recommendations, I offer a few nuggets (no pun intended) of goodness tucked away in the golden hills of Amador county.  And, since good things come in threes–Beastie Boys, incarnations of the Catholic God, Stooges–here are three stops guaranteed to make your Amador daytrip memorable.

Stop #1:  Dry Town Cellars– Perhaps the most casual winery outside of a penitentiary, Dry Town Cellars prides itself on great wines and groovy vibes.  Trust me this place is laid back.  Don’t believe me?  Just check out what the guy running the tasting room is drinking–that’s right, Miller Light.  Winemaker and owner Allen Kreutzer, originally a Santa Cruz dude, has a deft touch with the wine and a heavy (and sometimes dirty) hand when reaching for the tasting room crackers.   Nevertheless, he’ll do right by you with great wines at a fair price.  Try the Barbera, play fetch with the dogs, and don’t forget your antibacterial wipes. Continue reading “Daytrip #1: Amador County-Wine, Women, Ravioli”