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.

The Distillery: Punk and Hip-Hop Meet Here

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2008

Open for lunch during the day and serving anything from steaks to burgers and doubling as a musical venue for anything from hip-hop to punk and djing to metal sounds, The Distillery is a great place to make friends, listen to local music and enjoy a cocktail.

Bands such as Red Tape, Sans Sobriety, The Cuff, Vomit, The Secretions, SupaPhat among other musical veterans usually play for a house full of die-hard fans.

The evening is capped off with friends out front or out back enjoying a cigarette before they grab a cab or walk back to their apartment or house. Enjoy local music at The Distillery nearly every night of the week.

The Bread Store: Tastiest Homemade Breads

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 17, 2007

Walking into The Bread Store, the smell of fresh bread fills the air along with hot, steamy coffee and teas. The staff is quite friendly as well. Ordering a sandwich is a treat since all of the bread has no preservatives and is baked at The Bread Store, you can order your sandwich with crisp, colorful salads or tasty, homemade soups.

As an added bonus, customers get to help each other out by ringing a bell on the counter whenever you see a meter maid outside; not only helping out the community that forgot to pay for parking but also helping yourself, since you get something special to nibble on from the staff.

There are many locations around Sacramento that get bread delivered from The Bread Store straight to their restaurants. If you want to try some of the best bread in Sacramento, hit The Bread Store and be amazed!

Temple Coffee: Time To Worship Your Favorite Beverage

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 3, 2007

Simply walking by the quaint coffee shop on 10th St. next to the alley between J and K, Temple Coffee’s rich aroma fills your nose and you can’t help but feel invited inside. Once inside, the art that adorns the baby blue walls intrigues you to walk further inside this Eastern Euro-style building and have a taste of what your nose has been dying to try.

I order my latte, and sit down with a friend to do a little online research. This place not only has great, flavorful coffee but has tiny nooks where you can curl up with a book and enjoy the afternoon.

Go to Temple Coffee today, one of Sacramento’s best coffee joints around.

Tamaya Sushi: Sake Bombs Rule

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 3, 2007

Tamaya Sushi is the perfect place to bring your group of friends, not only can you order off their massive sushi roll list but you can participate in sake bombs. The tradition holds that you hold your sake shot carefully above your glass or let it teeter on two chopsticks then pull the chopsticks out from under the shot of sake. The shot drops and you then must down your beverage as fast as possible – whoever is last looses.

The servers and bartenders seem to have as much fun as the patrons and are very good at helping to pick out rolls. When my friends and I attended, there were about seven of us so we picked out a few sushi roll plates and shared everything. Ordered a couple pitchers of beer and sake. The ambience of Tamaya is worth checking out.

Luna's: Longest-Lasting Open-Mic

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 18, 2007

Quiet and quaint during the day, Luna’s turns into one of Midtown’s favorite Thursday evening open-mics as well as the home for other local events Wed-Sat evenings.

If you are a poetry or open-mic junkie, you will recognize that Madeline Roa, -Go, Supa Nova, G Mile, The Zoo Human Project and Miss Ashleigh to name a few have performed at this venue. With glass of wine or brew in hand, you can be sure that the evening will be everything you desired, don’t forget to order Luna’s famous cheese quesadilla. During the day, you can enjoy the afternoons as well with a fresh squeezed juice; coffee or the Nutty Monkey with consists of peanut butter, banana, honey, milk, ice and chocolate.

Check out this warm, friendly venue – enjoy your friends with your favorite performing artists, special treats and drinks.

Kru: Bring Your Posse To This Sushi Joint

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 18, 2007

My crew goes to Kru, a unique, trendy Pan-Pacific sushi spot where the chefs always say hello as you walk in and are eager to see what type of rolls you will order.

Sushi rolls and sashimi are available upon request and there is a menu of rolls that the chefs are ready to make. If you are not into sushi you can still dine at Kru as lightly fried veggie and meat selections are available as well as teriyaki entrees. Anything from steak to lamb to flounder to duck are available.

The soft-shell crab and Philadelphia rolls are quite tasty along with a side of edemame. If you are a sushi lover and you are looking for a new place to visit, bring your crew to Kru.

Ink: Late Night Eats and Drinks

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec 18, 2007

Late nights were never so much fun as stopping by Ink after an event to be introduced to a low-lit bar filled with an array of 20-something gridsters ordering off a complete menu and ordering anything from a shot of their favorite liquor to a specialty martini in a place called Ink.

Of course, I ordered a beer, hefeweizen to be exact and I shared a side of their famous French fries with a friend. The bartenders and the patrons all seemed to know each other so the conversation was casual and even sarcastic at times. I even knew a few people inside Ink. Chris Nester really knew what he was doing with this idea. Everything on the menu is a late-night delight and the drinks are exactly what the bartender would order.

Music is played in this ‘take-your-date-here’ after a show bar and eatery. She can order what she wants off the menu and he can order the biggest burger he has ever attempted to put his teeth around.

Hard Rock Cafe

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2008

Hard Rock Café is one of those places that is more entertaining than anything. The food is above mediocre and the service is alright. Most people attend Hard Rock for the nostalgic Hollywood posters, outfits and props from movies, even masks worn by several actors. Music videos are being played on TV screens scattered around the restaurant to inform you of all the new music that is out.

Hard Rock has local Battle of the Band events as well as shows for people to attend in the evening on the weekends. This is a fun place to take the whole family – sort of like a Hollywood Museum with food and spirits.

Hanger 17

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec 18, 2007

Hanger 17 is one of Midtown’s new bar and grills. This place is so squeaky clean it gives the dive bars a bad rep and the food isn’t half bad either. Walking into this fine establishment, you can find friendly bartenders and servers who are eager to take your food and brew order.

Hanger 17 offers a variety of food choices as well as a full bar. My favorite pick is the Black Diamond Blonde Ale and the Grilled Tuscan sandwich. A hearty helping of fries joined my foccacia bread with basil aioli spread, filled with plenty of fresh sliced mozzarella and provolone cheese melted by a grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato to add a crisp touch.

The bartenders and servers are friendly and you feel as if you are a part of their crew as they introduce you to themselves and their lively conversations about Hanger 17 and their fun-filled weekends. I can say that I definitely left knowing I would return to converse with the staff and to grab a cold Black Diamond once more.

Delta King: Best Boat Food and Wine

By Aaris A. Schroeder
January 3, 2008

The Delta King is located on the river, open to Front St. in Old Sacramento. Climb onto the boat and you will see there are a couple different dining rooms.

My friends and I climbed, or walked up the stairs to the top where we ordered a glass of wine and a small pizza. We went to sit outside on the boat to enjoy the scenery that the river has to offer.

During the day, The Delta King is a casual place to grab a light lunch and a refreshing beverage and at night is a hot spot for couples. If you haven’t checked out this historic hot spot, come inside for a tour.

Dad's: Some of the Best Sandwiches in Sac

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 18, 2007

Located on the outskirts of Midtown on S and 13th, Dad’s Sandwich Shop serves not only a large variety of sandwiches but also crisp salads, daily-made soups, bakery goods and a diverse selection of farmer’s market fruits and vegetables. For beverages, you can pop a beer open, select a specialty coffee from Old Soul or one of your favorite sodas or juices.

Once adorned with graffiti art, this hole-in-the-wall is now a local favorite and if you stop by you will see locals out front enjoying a fresh brew and hearty sandwich. The staff at Dad’s is quite inviting. Made up mostly of owners Zac and Alison, who are husband and wife and Zac’s father, Sam, [you can call him ‘Dad’]. The three came up with the idea in ’03 and cleaned up the property and began business in ’04.

My favorite sandwich is the “Day After” sandwich, properly named for those long-nights of bar-hopping or attending music functions with brew in hand. Waking up at noon and traveling down to Dad’s for this specialty turkey sandwich on organic wheat bread with spicy brown mustard and mayo, cream cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, tomato and lettuce is sure to get that hangover relief so you can get a move on your day.

There is a unique sandwich at Dad’s for everyone so come on down for lunch this week and discover why the locals call this place, “Dad’s.”

Crepeville: San Francisco Favorite Coming to Sacramento

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2008

If you ever frequent San Francisco’s crepe cafes and feel as if you are in one of them when you visit Crepeville in Sacramento, you probably were in one that was owned by the same guys. Owned by brothers, Walid and Gerard – they are sticklers for perfection when it comes from their servers and cooks as each crepe entrée is carefully designed and dropped off nicely to each guest who is delighted to be inside this open-café.

The crepes themselves aren’t that fancy but the idea is definitely new to Sacramento, making Crepeville a place to check out.

Cornerstone

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 18, 2007

Cornerstone Restaurant located on J and 23rd St. in Midtown has been a long-time hot spot for locals looking for something tasty to eat. The restaurant is quite casual as booths claim the walls and several tables are scattered around three dinning rooms.

Pick where you want to sit and a server will be right with you to take your order. When I ate at Cornerstone, I ordered ‘create-your-own’ omelet along with coffee and cranberry juice. The omelet came as a layered egg specialty filled with cheese and veggies, just as I had ordered it. Cornerstone is known for their potatoes which resemble scalloped potatoes that looked lightly pan-fried.

There was plenty of food and the prices weren’t too bad either – but you do have to pay up front. Don’t forget to walk back to your table to leave a tip. I left with a full stomach but not so sure if I should come back again to Cornerstone for breakfast. Maybe lunch?

Capital Garage



By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2008

Open atmosphere with treats galore, Capital Garage is café by day and musical venue by night. I have only been inside this establishment on the weekends when live hip-hop , rock and DJ shows are going on. Locals love this space because the café floor is perfect to get your groove on to with beer or mixed drink in hand without the feel of being in a club.

Many local artists have performed here such as Shades of Gray, Crazy Ballhead and Neighborhood Watch. If you want to see some good indie acts, check out the ‘Cap Garage’ today.

Capital Cupcakes


By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 18, 2007

Available at Old Soul, an industrialized yet delightfully warm café and bakery in the alley of 17th and L St., Capital Cupcakes’ founder Shellie derives recipes through family members using only organic ingredients. Shellie even creates carob topped cupcakes for the four-legged friend in your life.

Capital Cupcakes can be delivered all over the greater Sacramento area to be the center piece for weddings, birthdays, graduations, dinner parties and a variety of other special occasions.

Shellie and others representing Capital Cupcakes can be found on Second Saturdays handing out her ‘mini-cupcakes’ in a variety of flavors such as red velvet, chocolate, vanilla and her secret family favorite the beloved orange cupcake that takes an entire orange for one batch of small cakes and frosting. If you have not licked her frosting or sunk your teeth into these happy delights, visit Old Soul soon – Shellie plans on making Capital Cupcakes the premiere cupcake business in Sacramento.

Butch N Nellies: Best Paninis and Gelato in Town



By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec 18, 2007

Walking into Butch N Nellies on 19th and I St., you will sense the aroma of fresh brewed espresso and grilled paninis as people maneuver their fingers over their laptops or share special news with neighbors. Butch N Nellies doubles as an art gallery as the walls are covered in local art.

Known for their organic coffees and baked treats such as scones, keish and delightful muffins, Butch N Nellies is also famous in Midtown for their unique flavors of gelato. If you haven’t tried gelato before, it is similar to ice cream yet whipped in such a way that the air is pulled out of it, creating a dense, creamy delight.

Gridsters visit Butch N Nellies to study, conduct meetings, utilize the place as a resting ground when they are out walking their beloved pet or a place to relax all while enjoying an espresso and scone, grilled sandwich or gelato.

Buckhorn Grill

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Dec. 17, 2007

Buckhorn Grill is created for people on the go as you order up front and grab your own soda or tea and sit down at a table while your food is prepared and cooked for you. Buckhorn offers food choices for vegetarians, chicken-lovers and grilled-steak fans.

Tri-tip is the specialty at Buckhorn Grill yet when I stepped into the elongated restaurant that has a view of the chefs mixing and cooking up flavorful salads, entrees and sandwiches I sat at the bar and ordered a Yik Yak Salad. It came in a fresh, spinach flavored tortilla filled with crisp salad greens, jicama and snow peas, all mixed with this sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sesame dressing and finally topped with toasted almonds.

This salad is a great treat for those watching their weight since the tortilla isn’t fried or if you are a vegetarian. It is also the most popular salad entre choice. The secret, says Mike, manager of Buckhorn Grill is that you wrap the salad up in the tortilla and eat it as a veggie-wrap. If Buckhorn sounds like a tasty treat, stop by for lunch – it is fast, flavorful and offers a variety of food choices all in a fun-neighborhood grill-like setting.

Beach Hut Deli: Midtown Kick It Place


By Aaris A. Schroeder
Jan 3, 2007

If there was a Midtown kick it spot, it would be Beach Hut Deli on J St. between 24th and 25th St. Known for their Santa Cruisian feel; surfboard tables and beach birds and fish painted on the walls, ‘The Hut’ as many frequenters call the small deli is the place to be. Everyone seems to know each other and the employees know just what each patron orders.

If you stop by on Sunday or Thursday nights, you can grab a brew for a dollar. Sandwiches aren’t overpriced either and almost always come with avocado. Even video games are available if you get bored. Some patrons will come and go to ‘The Hut’ throughout the day to grab lunch, meet with people and then a happy hour beer after work.

If you are looking for a friendly place to chill out to, hit ‘The Hut’ and experience a fun, friendly atmosphere at its best.