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

Rick's Dessert Diner | Sacramento, CA

An old college friend of mine used to practice a rather peculiar habit whenever we went out to eat. It didn't matter whether it was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but what he did was place an order for dessert and ask our server to bring it to him before the entree. It happened every time, all the time. To the casual observer, it may not have been such a big deal, but it was his approach that fascinated me ... His "je ne sais quoi" so to speak.

His scrutiny did not involve the main course. He didn't care much about its taste or appearance, meaning that it could have been the messiest, ugliest, and most mediocre. He would still eat it. When it came to the dessert, however, it was like watching Sally Albright in "When Harry Met Sally." For example, his apple pie had to be slightly heated with ice cream to the side. A double-chocolate milkshake was required to be extra thick with a dollop of whipped cream and not one, but two cherries on top. And again, no matter the dessert, it had to be on the table before all else.

So, one day, I had to ask him about this. I certainly understood about wanting one's dessert just right, but why have it before the main meal? His answer was simple: "I see no reason to have the best part of the meal last. Who said it had to be that way? Besides, by eating my dessert first, I will always have room. If I wait, not so much." Makes perfect sense, and it is with this thought in mind that my old friend would have loved Rick's Dessert Diner.

Located along Sacramento's downtown grid, Rick's Dessert Diner has been delighting its legions of fans and customers ever since it opened in 1986. By their estimate, they boast over 285 European inspired menu items that include a wide range of tastes from award-winning cakes, cheesecakes, and tortes to flavorful tarts, pies, cookies, and pastries. Everything is made daily from scratch on the premises, and they only use the freshest ingredients available to ensure quality. So, whatever your preference may be, Rick's is a place for you.

What are among our favorites? Tough question, but if we're talking cake, my wife and daughter never pass on a slice of their Red Velvet Cake or their Lemon Coconut Cake. My son and I, however, are more pie guys. He prefers their Fudge Sundae Pie, but I usually steer towards their fruit-filled varieties such as the Apple Blueberry, Peach, or Pear Praline pies. Now, do keep in mind, it's not that we don't enjoy their tortes, cheesecakes, or pastries, we just haven't gotten around to sampling them. There's just so many different items that dazzle the eyes and tempt the taste buds.

Rick's is open everyday and late on Fridays and Saturdays, which is perfect for night owls who crave something sweet and sugary. The late hours, however, are also quite conducive for those experiencing a night on the town and just don't want it to end. Whether your coming from a movie, stage show, or concert, the lights are still on, the doors are still unlocked, and Rick's friendly staff is ready to serve.

So, stop on in and treat yourself to something special, and if you're anything like my old college friend, no need to worry about putting the dessert before the main course ... At Rick's Dessert Diner, the dessert IS the main course!

Rick's Dessert Diner

2322 K Street

Sacramento, CA 95816

Wordless Wednesday :: Grateful Bread and Oil

In this photo: Quarter-loaf of bread from Grateful Bread with balsamic vinegar and California extra virgin olive oil at the Crocker Cafe in Sacramento, CA.

Tasty Tuesday :: Chilaquiles

A Mexican favorite of ours is chilaquiles. Made with crispy corn tortilla triangles, called "totopos," this dish incorporates green or red salsa, a scrambled or fried egg, and pulled chicken. The mixture is then simmered until the tortillas start to soften, and it is topped with queso fresco, sour cream, or crema before serving. What you end up with is a culinary staple that warms the heart, and because chilaquiles is made with such simple ingredients, it is a popular dish for many households that carry these items in their refrigerators and pantries. Ours included.

And although chilaquiles is a satisfying meal during any part of the day, it is typically served during breakfast for one good reason: it is said to be cure for the common hangover. Why? It is believed that spicy foods, like chilaquiles, help in the body's recovery process as it reacts to capsicum, a potent and well documented pain relieving chemical found in most chiles.

In this picture: Chilaquiles from Antigua Bakery located in the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA.