Friday, January 4, 2008

Jim Boys Tacos: Forget Organic, Go Grease Fest

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 4, 2008

If you are looking to feed the whole family, this Sacramento-based, Americanized taqueria offers the best shredded beef fried tacos [there is parmesan cheese on the taco shells] and great combo platters.

These small taco-shops are located throughout Sacramento and local regions. There is one downtown especially for gridsters seeking greasy delights on 29th St. near Broadway. Not too far away, if you have been on the organic grind for a few weeks too long, satisfy your binging tongue and your families to this fine fast food establishment.

Java Lounge: Live Indie Rock and Hip-Hop, Hot Coffee

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 4, 2008

Yet another café known for open-mics, indie rock and live hip-hop like State Cap and Tribe of Levi – this place is warm and inviting as couches line the walls and the servers are friendly and warm to the touch – well, at least the coffee is.

Java Lounge is especially great for allowing local urban artists such as Skinner aerosol the walls with his artistry. Thursday nites are all about local music and 2nd Saturday always has something popping. If you haven’t checked out this fun café near Broadway on 16th – get your booty in gear and get on over there.

Jack's Urban Eats: Meatloaf, Greens and Fresh Veggies Always Nearby

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 4, 2008

I remember when Jack’s first opened, I was working for the Environmental Protection Agency and walked from 11th and I all the way to Capital and K St. Quite a long walk but Sacramento was in need of a gourmet salad place; one that gets you away from those all-you-can-eat-and-more places.

Jack’s offers fresh greens, hot sliced meat, a variety of salad veggies as well as toppings and sides. What is fun about Jack’s is that you can create your own salad, grab a fresh, cold one and sit back to enjoy your creation. If you haven’t visited Midtown’s Jack’s Urban Eats, it is always close by – check it out.

Cafe Infusion: Great Meeting Place

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 4, 2008

Café Infusion is the coffee house for the future, displaying furniture that looks like it was brought out of The Jettison’s home and a grand selection of coffees, teas, pastries, muffins and sandwiches, this café is located below a modern gated apartment complex and serves the Midtown locals as well as city and state workers that are working nearby.

Their coffee is tasty just like the available seating that awaits guests. If you need a place to set up a meeting or want to network with locals or have a small gathering place – Café Infusion allows this to happen. Come check out all that this coffee shop has to offer.

Gonul's: Gourmet Etiquette

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 4, 2008

Nestled into East Sac among other small cafes and boutiques, Gonul’s is a great place to have lunch with close friends and family while you are out for the day. Everything is made gourmet and fresh.

I had seared salmon on top of salad greens the day I stopped by. I came with a couple friends to check out this place that my friend worked at. It was really nice. The place allows you to relax and take in your day. Everything is served with fresh bread. Eat up!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Tres Hermanas: Best Ceviche

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2007

The last time I visited Tres Hermanas on K St. in Midtown was spring ’07. I went inside and ordered a Negra Modelo to cool down from the late spring heat. Looking over the menu and with a craving for Mexican food, I had to try the seafood Ceviche. It came with chips and a hard corn tortilla. Finding good Ceviche in Sacramento is hard and they have mastered the craft.

The food wasn’t priced as low as I would have liked but after spending roughly $25 on beer, water and lunch, I left feeling satisfied.

The Golden Bear: Midtown Fave Among Gridsters

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2008

Even though this establishment is named after a Golden Bear, this green-painted building has live DJs every weekend and is filled to capacity with local 20 and 30-something gridsters out to have a great time.

The place doesn’t have too much room to move around in and generally you end up getting pushed outside with the smoking crowd or end up leaving before last call. If you make it to the back to use the restroom, you may end up spending some time behind the stall so use it wisely by taking pictures with your friends or new acquaintances you met in line for the restroom.

The Golden Bear is a great place to meet friends for a couple cocktails or beers.