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”

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

In the Sacramento area, people who hate Christmas hit ones of Nativity displays every year. What are they after? Baby Jesus, of course:

Baby Jesus was stolen from the nativity scene of an Orangevale family’s front yard.

The family did not notice that Jesus was missing right away because the thieves left everything else, the manger, Joseph and Mary.

The family was not just robbed of a figurine, they were robbed of a tradition.

The ChlubDon’t be another “The family”. Introducing the CHRIST CHLUB! Lock down your Baby Jesus in this festively decorated kevlar-coated security lock, now available in Rudolf Red! Guaranteed indestructible and tamper proof. This tasteful anti-theft device has been designed with your Nativity scene’s – and your family’s – security in mind.

Don’t let those Grinches steal your Christmas! Secure your Baby Jesus with the CHRIST CHLUB, and save Christmas. Yes, little Timmy, it is Christmas time in Sacramento again.

This forced me to spell-check “Synthesizer.”

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a tiny band of synthesizer-playing women in Renaissance-themed costumes and drum-kit playing men in white suits crawled out of the speakers at the mall and began to play jazzy versions of Handel’s Messiah, inspiring middle-aged women to compliment one another on their Christmas sweaters? Or are you more the type to wonder what it would be like if Thomas Kinkaide’s artwork went through the video toaster before being projected at a stadium concert? If you’ve ever had these questions, or if you simply enjoy wizardry, Gaelic spellings (e.g. “Faeries”) and being more relaxed than you ever thought you could be in a huge sports stadium, I strongly recommend seeing Mannheim Steamroller next year at Arco Arena.  We went last night.  I don’t think I need to say much more except there is really very little I won’t do to please my in-laws.

Peet’s is hiring

You may have noticed that there is a new Peet’s Coffee & Tea going in at 37th and J Street. We “Peetniks” couldn’t be more thrilled with this news. For those of you looking for some additional cash this holiday season, they are currently hiring. While we missed the job fairs dates, you may still submit your resume to jobs@peets.com.

UPDATE: I clearly do not get around much anymore as I’ve been informed that there is another new Peet’s on 20th & J Street (also hiring). I’ll do some more research as it can’t be just a coincidence that both new J street locations are conveniently located right next to a Starbucks. Coffee Wars?

UPDATE II: Ok, so it’s official, Peet’s is moving forward with their attempt at world (er, Sacramento) coffee domination.  Another store is going up on Howe & Hallmark.  Anyone notice the timing with the increase in new stores and the death of Alfred Peet?

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”

Local connection for “Rock Band”

I played “Rock Band” for the first time last night (with our own The Game Guy, natch). If you have not played “Guitar Hero” or “Rock Band,” you must know that they are probably the most fun things invented in a long time. They are like a video game you would invent inside a dream (like the giant fighting robot holographic gladiator game I dreamt of once). I rocked the drums on “Wanted Dead or Alive” and aped Jagger on “Gimme Shelter” (which was semi challenging as the game made me also sing the female backup vocal).

One of the unlock-able “bonus” songs in the hottest new video game around is “Time We Had,” a track off the latest release by The Mother Hips, a Chico-based California rock band who has rocked the Sacramento area since the early 90s. It got me thinking…what would an all-Sacto “Rock Band” set list look like?

Continue reading “Local connection for “Rock Band””

Sac’s got bands

I went out and about to several shows since Thursday and caught some cool acts, which I recommend for your consumption.

Lite Brite: A young Sacramento three-piece band that reminds me of what you might get if Sonic Youth met The latter-period Jam. But they don’t slavishly ape their influences; it’s more the occasional feel to the music here and there. They also pulled off a nice cover of Led Zeppelin‘s “In the Night,” not an easy thing to do.

Kevin Seconds & The Altruistics: The latest rock project from Sacto’s resident punk rock legend. The music seems to me a mix of hardcore punk with melodic pop sensibilities. The band is tight, and, as always, Mr. Seconds has a very deft touch with songwriting.
Continue reading “Sac’s got bands”