A mix of beautiful and seedy

It’s always fun to read what folks have to say about Sacramento who do not live here.

From a review at fodors.com:

My first impression riding in was mixed and the city seemed fairly empty, there were not nearly as many folks walking around as I thought there would be in a city of that size at that time of day.

I’ve noticed this myself. Sure, traffic is a mess, but once people get to their homes they don’t seem to hit the streets, huh? Well, if you don’t have a home you do…

Leaving the restaurant, the sun was beginning to set, and I was surprised to see that most of the shops had already closed. Retracing my steps to the hotel was kind of spooky, There were very few people on the streets and many of those that I saw seemed to be vagrants. I was hit up for change at least half dozen times before reaching the hotel.

The author continues with a few great reviews of restaurants (especially Aioli) and services, so give it a read and tell us what you think.

Is Sacramento a tourist destination? Can it be?

There’s a new Queen in town

The folks over at The Cheesesteak Shop in Sacramento offer the “King of Sacramento Challenge” which consists of downing two King of Sacramento sandwiches, followed by a Large Meal and Tasty Kake (here’s an example). While it’s been done before, it appears that time is of the essence. From their Facebook page, we learn that the record has been broken…by a woman.

The Cheesesteak Shop Sacramento Meet our newest Queen of Sacramento! Stephanie holds the current record for completing the challenge in an amazing 25 MINUTES!!!

Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment. Great work, Stephanie. I’m sure you’re glad you wore that t-shirt, huh?

I may have to check this place out. Anyone been?

The Cheesesteak Shop
4332 Watt Ave Suite 30
Sacramento, CA 95821

Giveaway: State Fair Care Package

We have just received a complimentary “Fair Care Package” from the folks at Chevrolet in California and would like to offer it up to one lucky reader. The package includes four general admission tickets, ride tickets, fair necessities, and some Chevrolet goodies. With this deal, you have the opportunity to stop by the Chevrolet test drive track for a VIP ride in a new Camaro, Equinox, or Malibu.

The fair ends on Sunday, August 1st, so we’ll have to end this contest tonight at midnight (Monday, July 26th) to make sure we get the package out to you. To enter, tell us why you love Sacramento and we’ll choose the one we like the best. Simple enough, right?

UPDATE (07/27/10): We have a winner! Thanks for playing, everyone. People love them some Sacramento.

Reminder: Survivor tryouts tomorrow

Those of you with free time tomorrow (Thursday, July 15th) may be interested in heading out to Thunder Valley Casino to audition for the next season of “Survivor” which will be held in Nicaraqua.

“This is no picnic. If they want to last on ‘Survivor,’ they have to be able to survive the Sacramento heat,” Elmets said.

Good one. I can’t believe this show has been on for years and still only offers up one million to the winner. Perhaps this will pave the way for Sacramento (Wow!) to host an American Idol audition (An official resolution? Double Wow!).

Dave Cox RIP

After a 13 year battle with prostate cancer, Sacramento political leader David E. Cox has died at the age of 72.

Dave served us as a member of the SMUD Board, KVIE Board, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, the California State Assembly and, at his death, the California State Senate.

I was hanging out with some other long term local politicos and public servants today who remember him as I do. Dave was above “politics” and the bullshit that frustrates the public and distracts our elected representatives. He understood his mission, which is to do the right thing, sometimes regardless of political pressure. He frequently found a middle ground to create the best community he could through compromise. He fought for what he believed in without fighting for the sake of battle.

His death is California’s loss. We remember him today.

BFD, baby!

Brew, Ferment, Distill, that is! Sacramento’s DIY/slow food community gets another plus with the grand opening of Brew Ferment Distill, which offers you the chance to try your hand at making your own beer, wine, vinegar, pickles, cheese, and more! They will also be featuring urban photography as part of Second Saturday. Stop by and say hello!

Brew Ferment Distill — 3527 Broadway

More radio retreading in Sacramento

Radio station 100.5 The Zone has been made over as Now 100.5.

CBS Radio has relaunched Hot AC “100.5 The Zone” KZZO Sacramento as Adult CHR “Now 100.5″ playing “Today’s Best Hits Without The Rap” at noon today.

“Without the Rap.” Love it.

The first hour consisted of:
Daughtry – What About Now, Nickelback – This Afternoon, Lady Gaga – Bad Romance, The Script – Breakeven, Train – Calling All Angels, Pink – Who Knew, Bon Jovi – Who Says You Can’t Go Home, Ke$ha – Your Love Is My Drug, 3 Doors Down – Kryptonite, Shinedown – Second Chance, Uncle Kracker – Smile, David Cook – Light On, Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire, Kris Allen – The Truth, Theory Of A Deadman – Not Meant To Be, Adam Lambert – Whataya Want From Me, Daughtry – Home, John Mayer – Heartbreak Warfare

Taking a real chance, huh?

Zombie Jamboree

Braaaiiiinssss

In celebration of Trash Film Orgy‘s 10th Anniversary, an attempt will be made to break the world record for the largest zombie walk (current official record = 4,026). More details will be coming to their website, but the parade will be Saturday, July 10 from 7-9pm starting at Sub-Q. To get prepared, there are plenty of sources for advice and inspiration on perfecting your undead look. One great spot uses the Socratic method to help you fill out your story (Were you buried underground? Have you eaten yet?) and eHow has a fifteen part video series that provides step-by-step instruction.

Three beer fests this weekend

Craft beer lovers rejoice, as you have several opportunities to try great beers ranging from local favorites, NorCal stalwarts and examples from around the world at the Raley Field Brewfest on Friday evening, the West Coast Brew Fest on Saturday and the Shriners Hospital Cyclebration Saturday evening.

The Raley Field Brewfest is hosted by the Northern California Brewers Guild and benefits the California Small Brewers Association. Almost 40 brewers from across Northern California will serve up their best beers in their annual celebration of California’s brewing history. I am particularly excited to see how an evening brewfest will do as the weather promises to be perfect. Music from Utz and the Shuttlecocks and Private Criminals. VIPs enter at 6pm, general public at 7pm. If you want to avoid the Ticketbastard charges for advance tickets, click here and enter code “RB”.
Continue reading “Three beer fests this weekend”

Sacramentan has a Minute to Win It!

Jessica “The Outlaw” James, 20 of Sacramento competed tonight on the NBC game show Minute to Win It. In case you have not watched Minute to Win It, contestants must complete a series of silly stunts using household products while music from The Omen and Conan the Barbarian and The Office(???) blares in an attempt to win $1,000,000. Consider it to be NBC’s version of an economic stimulus package as people across the country are stocking up on various items in order to practice. Claiming to be the 5th best cheerleader in world, she was an excellent game show contestant as she (a) was really hot and (b) had appropriate inspiration in competing for a million dollars, which was to buy a house for her mom.

How did she do? Spoiler after the jump.
Continue reading “Sacramentan has a Minute to Win It!”