Author: sac-eats

Other Directional (or lack thereof) Designations

So, you’re driving on Elvas from Folsom Boulevard and you’re trying to get on to Fair Oaks Boulevard (it’s “Sacramento’s Rodeo Drive” don’t you know, but that’s another post) and you notice a sign indicating that you can go to the right and get on to Fair Oaks Boulevard, or you can go straight and reach the “Central District.”  What is this “Central District” to which the sign alludes?  And when was anything close to Elvas ever considered “Central?”

Thank You Note to the Sacramento Bee

ScoopyHere at the ‘Rag, we are quick to take shots at the Bee, but sometimes slow to give credit where credit is due.  So please allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Bee.  For what, you ask?  For having the good taste to pick my name in their drawing for free “Gold Circle” tickets to the Weird Al show.  That’s right, Mrs. Eats and I were right up front for the glory that is Weird Al Yankovic.  Thank you to Scoopy and all the folks at the number one news source in Sacramento.

The concert was, to put it mildly, badass.  Weird Al went for almost 2 1/2 hours, covering recent hits, old favorites and everything in between.  Sitting next to us were two kids, neither more than 9 years old, who told us that this was their first rock concert.  The Mrs. and I were very excited to explain to the kids how things work, like the fact that “rock” concerts don’t always start on time.  Thirty years from now, these men will be talking about how their first concert ever was Weird Al, and I hope they think fondly of “super cool” old people that sat next to them and showed them the ropes.

By the way, we managed to get out of the fair mere minutes before they broke out the riot gear.  Thanks Bee.

The Mandarin

The MandarinThe Mandarin has been a family staple for me since before I could pronounce “chowmein.”  The thing about having a “family” restaurant that you grow up with is that you tend to judge all similar restaurants by it.  And here’s the thing, in all my travels, I haven’t found a better Chinese restaurant, period.

Why only three and a half stars then?  Because, I have a sneaking suspicion that the food at The Mandarin is not what any respectable person from Asia would call “authentic.”  Nevertheless, what The Mandarin does, they ‘does well.  In all my years I’ve never had better sizzling rice soup or General’s Chicken or Hunan string beans.  This is “blue-eyed” Chinese fare to be sure, but it’s the best “blue-eyed” Chinese food in town.

The Mandarin- 4321 Arden Way (at Eastern) Sacramento

Food***1/2 Service*** Atmosphere***

Watcha’ Doing This Weekend?

In our ever-diligent pursuit to keep you well informed about the stuff that we, The Sac Rag board of directors, are planning to do with our down time, and consequently what you, The Sac Rag Readers, should think about doing with your down time since we, The Sac Rag board of directors, are screwed in to the local scene like a CFL bulb (since we respect a flex alert too), we bring you another edition of “Watcha’ Doing This Weekend?” In this edition we talk about college football, comedy, outdoor sports, the parting of a local celebrity, and cheese. Continue reading “Watcha’ Doing This Weekend?”

West Sacramento: Mexican Mashup

There are many things that West Sacramento is known for: river views, the port…westness. Now you can add one more thing to that list. West Sac is a haven for great, unpretentious Mexican fare. On almost every street corner there is a family run taco shop or burrito barn just waiting to treat you to cross-border delicacies with minimal flair.  Here’s a quick rundown of some joints you can try: Continue reading “West Sacramento: Mexican Mashup”

Fair Fare

One thing I know to be true about the California State Fair is that there are so many booths, tents, lean-tos, shacks, plazas, pavilions, and chuck wagons, that it would be impossible to eat everything.  So, let’s start with the things that I didn’t even bother trying:  Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Thai, soft serve, cheesesteaks, onion rings, ribs, and corn on the cob.  Why, you ask?  Because, I respond, there’s very little point in chomping down on stuff that’s really, really easy to get anywhere in the city at any time of year.  You only have so much room in your tummy, and I won’t endorse binging and purging (unless it’s for charity), so I suggest that spend your limited stomach resources on the truly unique and special meals.  Here are those things, in no particular order: Continue reading “Fair Fare”

Pronto- Farmer’s Market in a Bowel [sic]

Despite its insistence on using a grammatically flawed slogan, “Real Italian, Real Fast,” Pronto continues to deliver top-notch luncheon fare.   Today’s meal was the “Farmer’s Market” salad.  Mixed greens, arugula, corn, cornbread croutons, avocado, dates, almonds, goat cheese, and a citrus tarragon dressing.  Sweet, savory, crunchy and crispy.  This very well might be my favorite salad ever.  Continue reading “Pronto- Farmer’s Market in a Bowel [sic]”

To Your Local Developer Write

It has come to my attention that the Red Lion Hotel (nee Sacramento Inn) is to be redeveloped by Capital Management Group. You can read about the proposed changes here, but there is one specific change that I would like to see. I took the time to email Jeffrey Berger, president of Capital Management, the following message, hoping that others would do the same. Continue reading “To Your Local Developer Write”

Maalouf’s Taste of Lebanon

When one thinks of “Mediterranean Cuisine,” one thinks of Italy, Greece, Morocco, or even Spain.  One rarely thinks of Lebanon.  But one should.  Instead, one usually has questions about this foreign cuisine.  Those questions are probably “What kind of food is it,” or “how much does it cost,” or “do I need to bring my epi-pen?”  Unfortunately, these are the wrong questions.  To steer one down the right path I have conveniently included the correct questions one should ask along with the appropriate answers from a recent visit to Maalouf’s Taste of Lebanon by Mrs. Eats and me. 

Can we say “delicious gut bomb”?  Of course we can.  Can we still taste last week’s schwarma?  Of course we can.  Can we still smell the food on our clothes?  Of course we can.  Will we go back?  Of course we will.

This is not a meal to be taken lightly–richly marinated meats, thick dips and sauces, plates the size of dried lake beds.  Almost nothing at Maalouf’s is “lite,” but everything is pretty damn good.  

Here’s a quick list of things that you are advised not to attempt after a meal at Maalouf’s: running, biking, swimming, walking, climbing, moving, sitting, speaking, thinking.
Things that you are advised to do after eating at Maalouf’s: horizontally lounging.

Maalouf’s Taste of Lebanon- 1433 Fulton Ave,  Sacramento

Food***1/2 Service*** Atmosphere*