Summer Snapshot of the Day: Bowl of Soul

What: Bowl of Soul
Where: Naked Lounge 1500 Q Street, Sacramento

A chamomile infused drink mixed with steamed vanilla soy milk, a squeeze of honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. All of this served in a huge latte bowl. We snuggled up to quite a few of these concoctions during the many cold spring and early summer days in Sacramento.

The Eagle Cafe | West Sacramento, CA

NOW SERVING OMELETTES. Funny how these three words can prompt one to stop into a neighborhood coffee shop and pull up a chair. That's just what happened to us when we noticed these three magical words outside The Eagle Cafe, a favorite stop of ours in the West Sacramento area. We've known for some time about the cafe's great tasting beverages and savory panini sandwiches, but when we learned that they added five different omelettes to their menu, our appreciation was renewed for this quaint neighborhood eatery.


The Eagle Cafe is still very much in its infancy having opened its doors in February 2010. That aside, however, owner Altin Shquti has gone to great lengths to create a relaxing environment where one can feel welcome whether its kicking off a good morning or soaking up the sun's rays in the afternoon. There's ample seating for such a little place, including a lounge area situated at one side of the cafe's common area. It's an ideal spot to catch up with good friends or perhaps to hold mini meetings with colleagues. During our recent visit, we observed a group of young thirty-somethings musing over the books in their hands. Book club, perhaps? Why not.

The beverage bar is quite extensive. The coffee used by The Eagle Cafe is provided by Vaneli's Handcrafted Coffee, a local roastery located in Rocklin, CA, where much of their fair trade blends are organic and fired slowly to ensure balance among bold, complex flavors. If blended beverages are more to your liking, Shquti and his staff can whip up any one of their iced drinks, smoothies, or blended cremes. Flavor choices include coconut, java chip, taro, green tea, chocolate peanut butter, mango, pralines and cream, belgium chocolate, strawberry, etc. etc. etc. Definitely something for everyone!




But let's not forget, we were enticed by those three words, NOW SERVING OMELETTES. Again, five different kinds to choose from such as the Veggie, the Greek, and the Eagle, which is made with bacon, tomato, cheese, spinach, bell peppers, and roasted turkey. The two remaining choices include simpler favorites such as a gooey 3-cheese offering and their ham-n-cheese combination. Each of their omelettes are complimented with a slice of toast and fresh fruit.

I do have to be honest, however. As satisfying as their omelettes were, and they certainly got our day off to a good start, the real attraction for us at The Eagle Cafe still has to be their panini sandwiches. These are some of the best we've had this side of the Sacramento River. Among our favorites is their breakfast panini made with scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato and bacon served on sourdough bread or a herbed focaccia roll. Couple this with one of their hearty soups of the day such as minestrone, chicken and wild rice, tomato basil, or clam chowder, and you'll walk away in a food coma.


The Eagle Cafe is open daily, but if you're a night owl of sorts or if the craving for caffeine tends to hit you once the sun starts to set, this is not the place for you. While the doors open at 6:00 a.m., they close up for the night at 6:00 p.m. Will the world stop spinning because of this? Of course not. In fact, my mother would put it another way as one who looks out for my health and well-being: "They may be doing you a favor. Drinking all that coffee will just keep you up at night, and you stay up too late as it is." Point taken.

The Eagle Cafe
3150 Jefferson Blvd
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916.372.2401

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 :: Rocca

In this picture:
Rocca, two scoops of gelato drowned in espresso.
A sweet treat from Hot Italian in Sacramento, CA.

Tasty Tuesday :: Fat Face Popsicles

Our kids have never met a popsicle that they didn't like. However, have they ever reached popsicle nirvana? No...At least, until they tasted the ones from Fat Face.

Fat Face is a gourmet popsicle shop that carries original flavors such as strawberry basil lemonade, strawberry coconut, kaffir lime & avocado, Thai tea, and sweet potato. Owner, Jaymes Luu, generally serves six flavors at a time, based on what's fresh and in season. Currently, these original and delectable treats are only available at selected food festivals or during the weekly farmers' market in Davis, CA, where Fat Face originates.

This summer, however, food fans in the Sacramento area won't have to drive out to Davis. Luu is moving to a bigger location in mid-town Sacramento. Partnering with Olivia Coelho and Trisha Rhomberg, Luu will be operating a cafe within a storefront that will also include an art gallery and a clothing boutique.

Carol's Restaurant | West Sacramento, CA

Sometimes, finding good eats requires going no further than one's own backyard. I don't literally mean our backyard, mind you. So, before you start clamoring for the keys to the car and making your way over to our humble home, let me tell you about a West Sacramento staple that has been serving its customers hearty portions of homemade food since it first opened in 1988.

Carol's Restaurant, located along historic West Capitol Avenue, offers savory dishes that would, dare I say, rival any that you may have grown up with as a child. This is comfort food as its best! From classic deli sandwiches, soups, burgers, and salads to varied breakfast favorites as scrambles, omelets, pancakes and waffles, and much much more. All of the menu items are made from original recipes created by Carol herself and her father, George O'Campo, an accomplished chef and restaurant owner in his own right.

In the handful of times that we've visited the restaurant, the kids have found something new to love each time. Our daughter has bounced back and forth from their breakfast burrito (stuffed with sausage, eggs, homefries, mushrooms, onions, green chiles, and cheese) to their breakfast quesadilla (made fresh with scrambled eggs, bacon, green onions, green chiles, and two kinds of cheese that ooze goodness from two grilled tortillas). Our son calls their corned beef brisket hash and eggs a favorite. As good as that gets, however, it is paled only by his love for their breakfast burger, which he has already ranked among his top ten best. And that's saying a lot from a ten-year-old whose certainly had his fair share of gourmet burgers.




But what also adds to the appeal of Carol's Restaurant is its dedication to top notch service that makes you feel right at home. And why wouldn't it, given that the restaurant is operated not only by Carol, but four generations of children and grandchildren who roll up their sleeves everyday.

Carol's Restaurant is open daily Monday through Friday, but don't come knocking after 2:30p on the weekdays or after 1:30p on the weekends. They only serve breakfast and lunch. Whether the family chose to do this by design, who knows and who cares? If providing good wholesome fare during these hours is what they do best, then why mess with a good thing.

Hope to see you there soon! We'll be the ones sitting at the tables nearest the service counter.

Carol's
1201 West Capitol Ave.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Wordless Wednesday :: Deep Fried Asparagus

In this photo: Deep fried Asparagus from the Asparagus Festival in Stockton, CA.

Stadium Treats: Raley Field

Spring time is our favorite time of year. The sun is out for a longer period of time, everything is blooming, and of course, its baseball season.

We are a baseball family. Our son is a catcher for his little league team. We catch every possible game out there -- minor league, major league, it doesn't matter. We try to make sure to attend as many "All Star Game" Fanfests as we can. As foodbloggers, one of the great perks of visiting a new stadium is partaking in the fare offered at these locations. What better way to check out not only our nation's favorite pastime but also the regional cuisine offered up in the different cities where there is a baseball team and stadium?

We've tasted Dodger Dogs, Giant Turkey Legs (from Turkey Mike's in Municipal Stadium in San Jose, CA), and Frito Pies (Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton, CA) just to name a few. A few weeks back, we took in a River Cats game in Sacramento, CA. Here is just a quick "roster" of the different food options found at the stadium ranked by USA Today as one of the "10 Great Places for a Baseball Pilgrimage":

Walkin' Taco - A seasoned waffle cone filled with slaw, tomatoes, peppers, onions, chipotle sauce and your choice of tri-tip, chicken or chayote squash. Deep fried jalapeno to top it off is optional.

Donut Burger - A burger topped with two slices of bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, and sandwiched between two donuts.

Dinger Dog - A half-pound hot dog nested in a bun large enough to feed a small town.

Raley Field

400 Ballpark Drive

West Sacramento, CA 95691

Wordless Wednesday :: Gadzooks Zooks

In this photo: Fried zucchini, aka "Gadzooks Zooks" from Fanny Ann's Saloon in Old Sacramento, CA.

Tasty Tuesday :: Slow Roasted Pulled Pork Sliders

This past weekend, we took a trip to the Golden Bear in Sacramento, CA. Hankering for the much touted "Juicy Lucy," we found ourselves diving in to these little ditties instead. Because their menus are seasonal, we weren't able to order this signature burger. Disappointed? Not so much...the Slow Roasted Pulled Pork Sliders were "awesome" according to our son who wolfed all three in record time. The barbecue sauced served with each order packed enough heat to get the taste buds going, preparing them for the wonderful flavor combinations found in each bite.

Golden Bear
2326 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

Wordless Wednesday: French Onion Soup

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

Tasty Tuesday :: Carrot Cake Cookie

Hands down, this is my favorite cookie. I have always been a fan of vegetables in my baked goods: zucchini bread, carrot cake, tomato scones, etc. In fact, I wanted a carrot cake for my wedding cake -- but decided against it, having it served at our rehearsal dinner instead. But I digress...

While doing some "research" for our blog, I came across the "Inside Out Carrot Cake Cookie" from Magpie Caterers, located in Sacramento, CA. Made with only organic ingredients, many have called these delectable cookies "epic" and "legendary" -- I call them "magical." Why? Because no matter my mood (stressed, sad, ambivalent), they always seem to magically make me feel better. Because of their pure cream cheese goodness, they can be found in the refrigerated section of Magpie Caterers. Make sure to come by and get your share...it truly is happiness in a cookie.

Magpie Caterers
1409 R Street, Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95811

Suzie Burger | Sacramento, CA

Like us, I'm sure you've been to your fair share of theme restaurants. You know the ones I'm talking about: Hard Rock Cafe, The Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, ESPN Zone, and Johnny Rockets. There are even eateries specifically designed with families in mind. Take, for example, Chuck E. Cheese, American Girl Cafe, Disney's Soda Fountain, and John's Incredible Pizza. There's certainly something for everyone, no matter your age or your craving. Why am I bringing this up? Because every time I step into Suzie Burger, I can't help but think that I've just been transported to a place where the 50's have collided with The Jetsons. Don't get me wrong, I can certainly see where an argument can be made against labeling Suzie Burger as a theme restaurant. After all, the pomp and circumstance usually associated with such places are not found here. But still, there is an unmistakable style and feel that sets it apart from just any ordinary fast-casual burger stand or sandwich shop. Heck, the folks at Suzie Burger even have their own mascot, the vivaciously drawn Suzie herself. With her playful pigtails, she zooms across the Sacramento skyline in her rocket ship while toting a burger blaster and gravity belt. She's a culinary character not to be crossed, and we're buying all that she's dishing out!

Opened in January 2008, Suzie Burger is among the latest in a line of dining forays developed by Fred and Matt Haines, the brotherly owners behind the Riverside Clubhouse, Bistro 33 Midtown, Spin Burger Bar, and many others. And as we can tell, the idea behind Suzie Burger is to serve customers with tasty wholesome food while serving it in an environment that promotes nothing but good ol' fashioned fun. Now, don't come here expecting an extensive menu. Rather, the brothers keep things relatively simple, meaning that your choices reach no further than a burger, hot dog, or cheesesteak, the three main items on the menu. Where things can get "crazy" is how you'd like to dress your order. With an array of toppers that include bacon, pastrami, chili, raw or grilled onions, sauerkraut, mushrooms, pickled jalapeños and even a fried egg, they encourage you to be as creative as your taste buds will allow.

For us, the kids typically go for the double-deluxe cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Suzie's own special sauce. My wife will go for much of the same, but will either add a fried egg or chili depending on her mood that day. Me? It's all about their Philly-style cheesesteak with peppers, onions, bacon, and a sprinkling of pickled jalapeños. Add in an order or two of crispy onion rings, fries, and their signature Lemon Squeezies, and we're good to go! BTW, I should add that if you're one to wash your meal down with a tall cold one, Suzie's offers a selection of bottled micro-brews or tapped draft beers from PBR to a local IPA. And I'm not even going to start with their desserts, but my son swears on their famous Chocolate Brick sundaes. So, if you're looking to add another Sactown original to your list, stop on in to Suzie Burger. They're open daily and is located on 29th and P Streets.

Suzie Burger P Street & 29th Street Sacramento, CA 95816

Wordless Wednesday :: Burmese Red Pork Stew

In this photo: Burmese Red Pork Stew with short grain rice & eggs two ways at Tasty & Sons in Portland, OR.

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!

π Day or is it Pie Day?

For mathematicians around the world, the numerical value of π represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. In decimal form, it's written as 3.14 ... Hmm, today is March 14 ... 3/14 ... Welcome to Pi Day!!! And in homage to Pi, we thought it would be fun to celebrate some of the more memorable Pi's ... er ... pies we've enjoyed over the last year.

Lemon Ice Box Pie at Lois the Pie Queen | Oakland, CA

Pecan Ice Cream Pie from the Sweet Rose Creamery at the Brentwood Country Mart| Santa Monica, CA

Pumpkin Pie at the Model Bakery | St. Helena, CA

Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza Pie at Chicago Fire | Sacramento, CA

Tamale Pie at Hobees | Palo Alto, CA

Pear Pie at the Courtland Pear Fair | Cortland, CA

Wordless Wednesday :: Ube Ice Cream

In this photo: Ube Ice Cream found at Fosselman's Ice Cream in Alhambra, CA.

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

Wordless Wednesday :: V. Sattui Winery

In this photo: A picnic at V. Sattui Winery

V. Sattui Winery

1111 White Lane Street

St. Helena, CA 94574

707.963.7774

National Peanut Butter Day | Skippy Burger

In celebration of National Peanut Butter Day, we'd like to introduce you to the Skippy Burger, a specialty burger featured at Hamburger Patty's in Sacramento, CA.

The Skippy Burger consists of a full half-pound patty, the usual fixin's (lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions), and a generous slathering of creamy peanut butter. Served wtih a steak knife stuck in the middle for sharing or to make the roof-sticking sensation more palatable by reducing it to smaller portions, the Skippy Burger is absolute heaven, especially for those of you who are just "nutty" for peanut butter.

Hamburger Patties

1630 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

916.441.4340