Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge | Eagle Rock, CA

Next time you find yourself stopping into a neighborhood eatery, take inventory of not just what's on your plate, but also what's around you on the walls, the floor, the windows, and even the tables and chairs. Sure, the real artistry is what's on the plate (and we've seen some pretty spectacular culinary presentations), but many proprietors have taken great pains to provide a welcoming atmosphere to enhance their patrons' dining experience. Take for example, The Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge in the town of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles, California. The murals and mosaics seen throughout its dining area is a testament of their support of local artists, writers, and musicians. They've been doing it since calling their nondescript 1930s building on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Shearin Avenue home. And the relaxed, colorful atmosphere has made this a regular stop for the locals to hang out, be casual, and be creative ... I should know. While living in SoCal, some of my best writings happened right here!

But don't just come to The Coffee Table Bistro & Lounge for the scenery and a cup of coffee. After all, it's still an eatery. SO, DO COME HUNGRY!!! 

The menu is chock-full of simple and light dishes that run you through the day. Breakfast specialties include their Super Breakfast Burrito, the Yo-Yo Benny O Scramble, and the Eggs From Hell. Lunches cover everything from wraps and sandwiches to burgers and melts, and the dinner menu, while small compared to everything else, boasts a flavorful Chicken Gumbo, Seared Cajun Salmon, and Grilled Moroccan Chicken. And by the way, if enjoying the nightlife or happy hour is more your thing, be sure to wander over to the lounge where small plates and appetizers are served alongside a choice of over 100 bottled beers and 16 drafts on tap.

They are open everyday from 7:00a-10:00p. 

 

Coffee Table

1958 Colorado Blvd

Los Angeles, CA  90041

Mercedes Grille | Marina del Rey, CA

It doesn't happen very often when four young kids ... that's right, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 kids ... can come together in a restaurant and become instantly silent as the first plate of food comes to the table. Not only that, when all four of them can say after the meal is over that they really liked the food and can't wait to come back, you know there's something particularly special here. Credit the Truffle Parmesan Fries, the Tomatillo Pork Enchiladas, or the Bachelor Omelette, the folks at the Mercedes Grille had it going on the morning of our visit. Good food, a fun service staff, and a by-the-beach atmosphere certainly guarantees our return.
Mercedes Grille is owned by Mersedeh Ahrablou who, as the story goes, collected just enough cash after twelve years of waitressing around the seaside town to establish this quaint eatery. Cuban and Caribbean specialties are the featured staples on a menu that takes you through the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and well into the night. Each dish is light, healthy, prepared fresh, and is packed with island flavors that is not found so readily along this stretch of the SoCal coastline. When asked what's popular among the locals, our server was quick to say "everything." A better source of knowing what to order came from a very good friend's recommendation. She turned us on to the Mercedes Grille, after all, and there was no reason to doubt her. Jerk Chicken Enchiladas, Cuban Beef Hash, Chicken Empanizado, and those Truffle Parmesan Fries. Dee-Lish!!!

Located at 14 West Washington Boulevard in Marina Del Rey, Mercedes Grille is open daily from 7:30a to 11:00p, and as noted on their website, they promise to "treat you like family and hope to exceed your expectations."


Mercedes Grille
14 West Washington Blvd.
Marina del Rey, CA  90292
(310) 827-6209

The Rind | Sacramento, CA

If the lure of sampling artisinal cheeses is tickling your taste buds right about now, then start making plans to visit one of Sacramento's newest hot spots along the grid. Since opening in May 2013, The Rind has been offering guests the opportunity to discover a little of everything from buttery to blue, nutty to stinky, and the recently aged to something that's been curing for months. Couple such fair with a specialized glass of wine or a chilled pint of beer, and you'll be treated to a dining experience that's unlike any other ... Especially if you include the lively, informative conversation that owner Sara Arbabian encourages her staff to engage with her diners.

"Our mission has been to pair wines, beers, ports and bubblies with featured cheeses so you get to learn how to enjoy them together," Arbabian noted in a recent publishing of the Sacramento Press. "(With this in mind, the hope is) that we've created a really comfortable and fun environment where you can sit down at the bar and order a cheese plate and a glass of whatever you’re jonesing for.”

And don't think for one second that The Rind primarily caters to us grown-ups. There's plenty on the menu that appeals to folks of all ages with an assortment of classic and gourmet cheese sandwiches and a selection of creamy mac-n-cheese plates that are delectably sinful. In fact, high praise came from our young diners as they dived face-first in their individual helpings of the Prosciutto Baked Mac-n-Cheese. Me? I just sat back with my glass of Trefethen Chardonnay while noshing on one of the daily cheese boards assembled with loving care from behind the bar. Each savory (and sweet) offering on the menu is all-natural, seasonal, and embodies the "farm to fork" spirit that has gradually taken over the city's food scene these past few years.

The Rind, located at 1801 L Street in midtown Sacramento, opens its doors at 11:00a everyday except Mondays when they are closed. We recommend getting there fairly early since seating is limited and they don't take reservations.


The Rind
1801 L Street, Suite 40
Sacramento, CA 95811
916.441.7463

The Eatery | West Sacramento, CA

We first met owners, Jess Milbourn and Monda Korich, two years ago when they were platforming The Eatery at a neighborhood farmer's market. On that night, they were serving up popular quick eats such as their Braised Short Ribs and Strawberry Shortcake. We fell in love instantly and have since been staunch supporters of their bistro-style restaurant, which they opened in West Sacramento's Town Center Plaza in late-2010. Refined comfort foods dot their lunch and dinner menus, and a full array of California wines and select beers stock the bar. This is one exciting, new spot that shouldn't be missed (especially their Sunday brunches).

Disco Fries Ryan: French fries, bacon, melted cheddar cheese, chicken gravy, sunny-side up eggs.
Dare I say, their twisted version of the popular Canadian dish, Poutine.

A small plate specialty:
Crispy fried pork belly, apple pancakes, cranberry syrup

 

 

The Eatery

2155 Town Center Plaza

West Sacramento, CA  95691

916.372.2240

Summer Snapshot - "The All Day Addiction"

"The All Day Addiction" - Jax on the Tracks

A local Truckee favorite, the All-Day Addiction is made up of two eggs, hash browns, Canadian bacon, avocado, mixed greens, balsamic drizzle and basil pesto.

Jim Denny's | Sacramento, CA

To say that they are as big as saucers would be an understatement. Some have affectionately called them hubcaps, while others have referred to them as manhole covers. We simply call them decadent, delicious, and filling. What am I talking about? Why, the pancakes at Sacramento's own Jim-Denny's Hamburgers and Chili, of course!

Considered to be one the oldest running restaurants in Sacramento, Jim-Denny's was founded by Jim Van Nort in 1934 on the corner of 16th and J Street, close to where the Memorial Auditorium now sits. As I understand it, his initial reputation was built on grilling up the tastiest burgers that his customers have ever encountered at that time. In fact, my father thinks very fondly of the days when he stopped for an order to go, knowing that the burger sitting at the bottom of the bag would not only be satisfying, but also a treat to brighten up the daily grind as he commuted to and from Dixon, CA.

How did Van Nort please so many? Quite simple. He used nothing but the finest beef and complimentary ingredients that money could buy. Couple that with his positive work ethic AND a well-seasoned grill, which, after 77 years, has become just as much of a treasure as the restaurant itself has become. The people kept coming. Politicians, city workers, commuters, tourists, and families. Jim-Denny's was said to have the "ten busiest seats in town." Still do.

Since those early days, Jim-Denny's was moved to its present location on 12th Street and saw ownership change hands four times. But one thing has always remained constant, the quality of service and food. As the current owners note when they recently acquired the restaurant, "It is our hope to continue the time-honored traditions started by Jim Van Nort (and the other before us) so many years ago." I'd say that they succeeded.

Now, having said all that, a few words to those who have never been to Jim-Denny's and are now jotting it down as a future stop. GET THERE EARLY!!! Or, at the very least, set aside plenty of time and reserve a good deal of patience. This is a small place with an equally small grill (and only one cook to work it). The wait for your order can be time-consuming, especially if there are a row of tickets ahead of yours, you have a large order, or you've included one of those ginormous pancakes to your order. Just one of these pancakes consumes the whole grill and can take as long as 20-30 minutes to properly "bubble and squeek." Should you or someone else ask for one of these bad boys, you will be waiting ... But it's worth it. Trust me!

Jim Denny's
816 12th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.443.9655

Summer Snapshot :: Frito Pie

In our family, we can never get enough of Fritos Corn Chips. No matter the size, no matter the flavor ... We love 'em! And when we heard that our friends at Chile Pie and Ice Cream included a Frito Pie on their menu, we had to check it out for ourselves.

Served straight out of the bag, the corn chips are piled with spiced Niman Ranch ground beef and pinto beans. To top it off, their signature red chile sauce over and into the bag. Talk about taking snack food to whole other level!

Chile Pie and Ice Cream
601 Baker St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Wicked West Pizza | West Sacramento, CA

We recently asked the kids to come up with some of their favorite food combinations, or at least, come up with as many food combinations that they can muster. The list included burgers and fries, spaghetti and meatballs, peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, pie and ice cream, and liver and onions. We could have gone on and on, as I'm sure you could as well, but we were struck rather curious when our son blurted out pizza and bbq. Not exactly one that rolls right off the tongue and certainly one that is not necessarily in the culinary vernacular.

Still, stranger combinations have come to be accepted norms. Take, for example, fried chicken and waffles. So, it's not a stretch to think that pizza and bbq could work, and as our son reminded us, it does at Wicked West Pizza and BBQ.


Ever since they opened its doors last year, Wicked West Pizza and BBQ has caused quite a positive stir in the immediate and surrounding communities of West Sacramento. Why? Unlike other, more commercial pizzerias, they shy away from artificial fillers and flavors that can be found in mass produced pies. Rather, they are staking their newfound reputation by providing their customers with nothing but fresh and natural ingredients provided by organic farmers and artisans in the local area.



"Food is important to us," writes owners Michelle Lau-Heetkamp and Devin Grant. "It defines our bodies and makes us who we are. We know how important our customers' lives are, and we do our very best to help out families eat better and take better care of themselves. We don’t just put a local heirloom tomato on your plate and hope you assume everything is organic. We are truly committed to serving the very best food we can."

Their menu is a cornucopia of choices. If pizza is your craving for the day, you can select your own toppings or go with any one of nine specialty pizzas, each with a colorful name such as The Phat Man's BBQ, The Flyin' Hawaiian, The Old Lady, or The Campbell River. No matter the slice or size, they stack em' high on top of a gluten-free crust or one made with organic whole wheat flour.

Now, if you are anything like my son, great bbq is the preference. Sure, he likes their pizza, but he loves the bbq better. And what's not to love when their grill-master is cooking up all-natural free range chicken, baby back ribs, hot links, beef brisket, and hand-pulled pork.

Every bit of it slow-cooked over hickory chips to "give you a delectable plate of meat." And don't expect any one of the above to be served coated in sauce. That's not to say there isn't something to dip your bbq. They won't cheat you of that endeavor. You'll just find it on the side, kettle-cooked to perfection, in three ways: mild, hot, or WICKED HOT.



Beyond the food, the folks at Wicked West Pizza and BBQ keep family entertainment close to heart. Flat-screen monitors keep you updated on the latest sporting events whether the season calls for baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or soccer. For the kids, let them get lost in an arcade reminiscent of those found at the Chuck E. Cheese or the Dave 'n Buster restaurants. There's even a prize counter to cash in game tickets (AWESOME!). And for us older folks, on special evenings, it's not uncommon to enjoy live music and dancing on the patio.

Oh, by the way, did I mention the gelato bar? They got that too. No preservatives, stabilizers, or "gross stuff hidden here!" It's all-natural with featured flavors as cookie dough, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate peanut butter. raspberry marble, mint chip, butter pecan, coffee, and chocolate chip.

So, there's a little of something for everyone at Wicked West Pizza and BBQ, and now that this latest posting is done, I'll meet you there. I'll be the one chilling with a plate of their 3-Meat Sampler, a slice of The Old Lady, and a tall, frosted glass of Hoegaarden Speciale ... Oh, and a pocketful of game tickets (got my eye on sweet lookin' lava lamp).

Wicked West Pizza
3160 Jefferson Boulevard
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 572-0572

Hot Italian | Sacramento, CA

Alla ricerca di un posto eccitante per trovare pizza grande degustazione e molto altro ancora? Poi, fermandosi a Caldo Italiano è solo il posto per voi. Anche se sono stato solo in giro dal febbraio 2009, i proprietari di Andrea Lepore e Fabrizio Cercatore hanno creato un unico "luogo specificamente progettato per essere un punto di incontro dove le persone possono riunirsi per una cena, godendo di una confortevole e moderno spazio urbano."

Whoops! My apologies for starting my latest entry in Italian, but after visiting our newest discovery, I couldn't help myself. To translate...

Searching for an exciting place to find great tasting pizza and whole lot more? Then, stopping into Hot Italian is just the thing for you. Even though they've only been around since February 2009, owners Andrea Lepore's and Fabrizio Cercatore have created a unique "place specifically designed to be a meeting point where people can gather for a meal while enjoying a comfortable, modern, urban space."

Now, I have to be completely honest in saying that we weren't entirely sure what to expect from Hot Italian. We've seen the gathering crowds outside their doors, and that showed promise. We even read all the press, which added to our curiosity and their popularity. But, we couldn't shake the notion of "judging a book by its cover" because its facade seemed too chic, too modern. Would this be a case of more flash than substance? Not in the least.

Entering from Q Street, we took the long walk through the restaurant and feasted on its sleek interiors that was more reminiscent of a gallery than a place to find good eats. Soon enough, however, we were directed to the dining area with its long blacktop tables, each saddled with medium height bar chars. There's also a large circular table toward the middle of the room that screamed community dining, be it with friends, family, or strangers. Add a helpful staff to the mix, and the stage was set. Bring on the food!



We weren't disappointed with with a variety of selections available in either of four ways: as a pizza, as a calzone, as a panini, or as a salad. If choosing a salad, don't settle on having it served cold. Rather, have it brought to you warm on top of their tossed pizza crust. We chose to do this when ordering the Sozzani (baby spinach, pears, dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, and roasted pine nuts), and we couldn't have been more pleased. The kids couldn't decide between two pizzas, the Bellucci (tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy sausage, and ricotta cheese) or the Stella (prosciutto parma, mozzarella, crescenza cheese, and a mushroom medley). So, they went with both. They went speechless after just one bite.

Quoting my wife after taking a bite of the Bellucci, "This is perhaps the best pizza I've ever had, so far, and I've had my share of great pizza." Strong words, I know, but before we start debating where great pizza can be had, she did say "so far." I mean, we've all had great pizza and have our favorites to tout whether it's from Casa Bianca, Village Bakery, Lou Malnati's, Grimaldi's, Taste Chicago, Gino's East, Bertucci's, Chicago Fire, Extreme Pizza, etc. etc. etc. The list can (and does) go on and on. All we are saying, bottom line, is that we would consider putting Hot Italian alongside these elite establishments.

If that isn't enough, the folks at Hot Italian also have a saying that is quite indicative of its approach and attitude toward food: "Pizza as Art." Beyond what you see on the plate, which, by the way, looks like something painted by Da Vinci himself, the phrase says a lot about them. These words are splashed throughout much of their literature from its take out boxes to their menus to their avant-garde t-shirts. My interpretation, the meaning behind "Pizza as Art" is a message that cleverly describes their flavorful dishes. It's a declaration of their use of simple, fresh ingredients that are as pleasing to one's taste as the music, videos, art, design, and aromas serve our other senses. That, in my mind, is what sets Hot Italian apart from other eateries that we've enjoyed.

By the way, after you've expired the last piece of pizza on your plate, be sure to take stroll around the restaurant to enjoy its other components such as the in-house gelato bar, where no less than 14 succulent flavors are featured. We recommend that you try one of their signature concoctions that dunks scoops of vanilla and espresso gelato into real espresso coffee. If that doesn't get a charge out of you, then perhaps browsing though their Motors & Gears Shop is the thing for you. Here, you can find Italian inspired sportswear and accessories for cyclists.


As I said, searching for a unique place to find great tasting pizza and a whole lot more? Hot Italian is the place to find it. It's a celebration for the senses that fa bene al cuore e per l'anima. Buon divertimento!

Hot Italian
1627 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.444.3000

Wordless Wednesday: French Onion Soup

In this photo: French onion soup from Freeport Bar & Grill in Sacramento, CA.

Tasty Tuesday | Green Eggs and Ham

Recently, our daughter celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with her class on March 2nd. The festivities surrounding the party was made even more special because her favorite book, Green Eggs and Ham, was among those read aloud during story time. Needless to say, she was all smiles!

But things did not end there. As a budding foodie herself, she insisted that we take a trip out to the Napa Valley to visit Boon Fly Cafe and order one of their signature dishes, Green Eggs and Ham. Boon Fly's take on the colorful combination consists of two poached eggs atop a petite pile of hash brown potatoes and three slices of honey-cured ham, and it's all brought together with a decadent lemon leek cream sauce.

So, feel free to eat them here and there. Feel free to eat them ANYWHERE! We do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am!

Tasty Tuesday :: Marion's Pancakes

We are not really sure who Marion is, but we absolutely love her pancakes. We found them at Park Chow in San Francisco. They can also be found in other Chow locations in the Bay Area. A lemony pancake made with raspberry preserves and ricotta, it is the best way to jump start your day. Each order comes with two pancakes that are cooked to perfection. Everyone at our table ordered other things off the menu, but we were so intrigued with Marion's pancakes that we decided to get an order to share. We were not disappointed. The pancakes were moist, fluffy and packed with flavor that there was no need to add any syrup. Now...that is a pancake we can get on board with!

Park Chow
1240 9th Ave (between Lincoln and Irving)
San Francisco, CA 94122

Chow Lafayette
53 Lafayette Circle
Lafayettte, CA 94549

Chow Danville
445 Railroad Ave.
Danville, CA 94526

Tasty Tuesday :: Smac 'N Cheese | Nickel Diner

For this Tasty Tuesday, we wanted to highlight comfort food. Comfort food, simply stated, is a meal that gives one a sense of well being. It is food that often reminds us of our childhood or just plain happy times. Mac and cheese is just one of those dishes that cries "comfort." This version of mac and cheese, aptly named "Smac and Cheese," hails from the Nickel Diner in Los Angeles. Made with four different types of cheese, noodles, roasted tomatoes and topped with a crispy bread crumbs, this dish left everyone at the table smiling, satiated...and yes...comforted.

Nickel Diner

524 S. Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wordless Wednesday :: Good Luck Dim Sum

In this photo: Pork siu mai from Good Luck Dim Sum in San Francisco, CA

Good Luck Dim Sum

736 Clement Street

San Francisco, CA 94118

415.386.3388

Tasty Tuesday :: French Toast at the Tower Cafe

The Tower Cafe's award-winning breakfast menu is highlighted by its one-of-a-kind Famous French Toast. A secret recipe that has most Sacramentans flocking to its location on Broadway near the historic Tower Theatre and voting it as Best Breakfast and Best Sunday Brunch in Sacramento Magazine. It is made with giant slices of french bread soaked overnight in the cafe's own homemade custard and baked in the oven to create a crispy exterior that gives way to a velvety smooth interior. Unless you are extremely hungry or want to nosh on leftovers as a midnight snack, a half order is usually plenty. On our last visit, we had our order topped with the seasonal fruit compote (also made in-house at the cafe).

Tower Cafe

1518 Broadway

Sacramento, CA 95818

My Taco | Highland Park

Even before we stepped up to the counter to place an order, the kids already fell in love with My Taco. The reason? They learned that Taboo and aple.d.ap of The Black Eyed Peas are frequent visitors of this family-owned restaurant, and the proprietors have the pictures to prove it ... Not that they need to, of course.

But, as cool as it was to note that members of one of our favorite bands are fans of My Taco, it took a little bit more to win me and the Mrs. over. Needless to say, it didn't take long once our orders began making their way to the table. Take, for example, the Carne Asada Fries, which were piled high with steak, guacamole, sour cream, and melted cheese. Then, there were the Pork Belly Tacos. They were every bit as good and succulent as they looked on the plate next to a generous helping of beans and rice.



The real attraction that grabbed hold of us, however, was their house specialty: The Barbacoa de Borrego. In simple terms, this is a very rich lamb stew that's made with a secret blend of seasonings combined with a variety of different chiles and a goat consomme. And it's paired nicely with corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a yahualica salsa. Share it with friends or keep it to a personal party for one, this is a styrofoam bowl of heaven that will warm your soul.

The inspiration behind My Taco is its owners, Jorge and Maria Gardano. They opened their kitchy taco stand in 1994 in Highland Park, a neighborhood known affectionately as the "Taco Capital of Los Angeles" with over thirty different taco stands, food trucks, and eateries dotting a 3.9 square mile area. As you can imagine, the competition was pretty stiff, but the Gardanos placed a lot of faith and value on hard work. With the support of their families, including their own children, their success was inevitable.

As noted in Inside Pasadena, the Gardanos describe My Taco as a place where their customers can experience "homemade tastes with a traditional family environment. Many of our recipes are compiled from favorite dishes that we make at home. We hope you enjoy our restaurant and food."

BTW, if the weather is warm during your visit, be sure to order any one of their freshly made agua frescas. There are as many as three to choose from, such as horchata and tamarido, and they're a very cool alternative to compliment the spiciness of their food and their flare!

My Taco

6300 York Blvd., Suite 4

Los Angeles, CA 90042

OOTK's "12 Days of Christmas" | The Sixth Day

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Six orders of chili & spaghetti size from Bob's Big Boy

In this picture: Chili & Spaghetti size from Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake, CA. Piled high with cheese and onions, this classic dish also consists of chili, noodles and a hamburger patty at the bottom. The Toluca Lake location is open 24 hours which makes this dish a great go-to meal after a long night filled with club and bar hopping.

Location:

Bob's Big Boy

4211 W. Riverside Drive

Toluca Lake, CA

OOTK's "12 Days of Christmas" | The Fourth Day

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Four pork belly tacos

In this picture: A pork belly soft taco from My Taco located in the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA. A true local gem, My Taco is a great spot to get some Mexican soul food as well as their delicious carne asada fries. If the weather is warm, make sure to order an agua fresca made fresh on premises.

My Taco

6300 York Blvd, Ste 4

Los Angeles, CA 90042

323.256.2698

OOTK's "12 Days of Christmas" | The Third Day

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Three chicken dinners from Giusti's on the Delta

In this picture: Fried chicken dinner from Giusti's. Giusti's is the oldest bar and restaurant in the California Delta. They have served the community for over 100 years, spanning four generations. All the dinners are served with fresh Puglaese bread, their famous vegetable - minestrone soup, tossed green salad with their special house dressing, olive oil & garlic garbanzo/kidney beans and a salami plate. You can reach Giusti's by car, boat and some have even arrived by helicopter!

Giusti's

14743 Walnut Grove - Thornton Road

Walnut Grove, CA 95690

916.776.1808

Chicago Fire | Sacramento, CA

Eric Schnetz writes on his company website that Chicago Fire was "born of the desire to enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures unique to Chicago pizza. It started with research trips to Chicago to taste pizza, countless interviews with restaurant owners and employees, endless meetings with specialty food purveyors, as well as a fair amount of corporate espionage (i.e. dumpster diving). I have gone to great lengths to make sure that the recipes, ingredients, equipment, and processes used at Chicago Fire are in keeping with the way great pizza is made in Chicago. Simply put, I love Chicago pizza, and I'm eager to share it with others like you."

And we're certainly glad that he has made it a personal mission to bring a slice of Chicago home to Sacramento. I mean, generally speaking, what's not to love about pizza? It's readily available, it's simple to make, and it’s versatile, meaning that you could put just about anything you like on top of it. Pizza was such a favorite of mine that I even made it a point to convince my parents to hold my eighth birthday party at the neighborhood pizzeria. Yeah, that's me prepping my very own pie with extra sauce, layers of cheese, and mountains of pepperoni.

Now, whether the inspired pies featured at Chicago Fire can hold a candle next to those found at celebrated Chicago-based joints as Pizzeria Uno, Geno's East, or Lou Malnati's is still on the table for debate, especially since we have yet to visit the Windy City. But with all due respect, that could be comparing apples with oranges. For now, we just have the folks at Chicago Fire to turn to, and it certainly appears that they’ve done their homework as well as captured the spirit found behind these legendary establishments.

As the story goes, Eric and his wife, Tami, began experimenting with their own pizza recipes ever since moving to California from Illinois in 1986. Once they had a proven formula in place, they opened their first location in Folsom, California in February 2003. The rest, as they say, is history with the addition of two other locations and scores of diners who populate the restaurants each night.

Their savory pies come in three varieties: A flaky deep dish, a gourmet stuffed, and the crowd favorite, a crispy, wafer-thin crust sliced into squares. No matter the customer’s preference, each order is meticulously assembled with only the freshest ingredients and cooked in a stone decked and very hot pizza oven. Eric and his staff don’t cut corners, and you can taste the TLC that goes into each pie.

And pizza is not the only thing going for the folks at Chicago Fire. Hefty salads, sandwiches, and appetizers also pepper the menu. We've complemented our pizza order during each of our nights out by adding a plate of their uber-savory buffalo wings. Among the best in town, they come on plates of 10, 20 or 50 with your choice of having them served mild, medium, hot, or "set your face on fire." Go ahead, I dare you!!!

One other cool fact about Chicago Fire can be found at its downtown location, where they have found a clever way to take care of those who have come out to enjoy Sacramento's Second Saturday Art Walk. No time to grab a cozy spot in the restaurant? No problem. Their curbside service has brought their fire-baked pizzas to the streets. Kept toasty in steel warming boxes, you can order up a generous slice of their finest whether you come by car, bike, or on foot.

So, there’s no excuse for not making a trip out to Chicago Fire. Eric later wrote, “Chicago Fire is our tribute to Chicago pizza, and I firmly believe that my customers will experience the most intensely researched Chicago pizza outside of Chicago, Illinois.” He’s certainly convinced us.

Chicago Fire
2416 J Street
Sacramento, CA
916.443.0440