Tag Archives: Midtown

Yogurtagogo — 19th and L, Midtown Sacramento

It’s true, another frozen yogurt shop exists in the western world.  But this one isn’t totally brand-spankin’ new as it just recently celebrated its first year birthday and, to follow it up, they’ve decided to share this coupon with all of us for the month of July.  (I’m only assuming its meant for everyone.  I got my copy in an email, which means I probably added an email address to some list when I was poking about inside some evening. )  So, if you’re in the area, please stop in and give this little place a try.  On the corner of 19th and L, it’s perfectly located for a pre-night snack on a hot summer night and ,best of all, the fresh fruit is perfectly chilled.

Now that we’ve finished with that part, let me add that I’m not a huge fan of the dessert.  Which isn’t to imply that I don’t enjoy it when I do indulge, just that it isn’t my favorite concept.  Still, having said that, Yogurtagogo is a decent place to grab a chilled treat when topping off an evening out with, well…whomever, really.

I do have to admit that its proximity to one of my favorite eateries does play a key role in my frequenting such an establishment.

Just take the coupon and enjoy, maybe we’ll see you there.  Cheers!

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Hot Italian — Pizzeria, Boutique, And Gelato

Hot Italian, Pizza & Panini Bar Sacramento’s latest midtown mishmash of shopping, dining, and Dyson-cool hand drying can be found at the corner of 16th and Q, just east of the Freemont Park, in the old Young’s Fireside Shop building. Still in somewhat of a soft open mode and under construction, the place is coming along nicely and they have one of the more interesting bike racks around town.  (I’ll have to get back with a camera and capture the moment.)  High ceilings and a complete surrounding of hard surfaces (concrete and tile) make for the usual too-loud-to-chat-when-the-place-is-busy atmosphere, but feel free to talk louder.  However, don’t let this deter you, show up when things are slow and have a seat along the west windows to enjoy the view of the park while you eat.  Very nice.

I’ll get to the food in a minute.  Hot Italian is sporting the latest in hygienic hand drying hardware, the Dyson Airblade , part of an overall effort to go Green.  The Airblade is amazing and well worth the visit, even if all you do is stop in to wash up.  Although, I’m sure management would prefer you stick around a bit and have a bite to eat first.  Long story short, I send everyone I can to wash their hands for the experience.

Back to it then, eh.  Hot Italian is everything you’d expect from a trendy clothing shop doubling as a restaurant bar that comes fully loaded with a Gelato/Espresso station.  (Seriously, you can order your food then take a stroll through the clothing racks, if you fancy such an outing.)  The clothes shopping isn’t for me, surely you know this, but the food is tops.  I’ve enjoyed all the specialty pizzas and a couple salads, but I’m still eager to get back for the panini and a few of the other items.  The food is the real draw, even if you don’t wash your hands for the experience.

Most importantly, the service has been grade A, which is sometimes hard to come by, but will definitely keep me away if a place is lacking.  The crew is friendly, helpful, and patient…sometimes it takes me a minute to figure out what I want, but what can you expect with such a fine menu? An all around nice location I’ve been happy to talk up around town.

I’ll leave you with this:  Take a date, have a salad, split a pizza, top it off with a little Gelato, and enjoy the perfect start to a glorious night.

"È tempo di mangiare non di telefonare"

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Capitol Dawg’s Midtown Hot Dog

I’ve been here a few times now, most recently because of a coupon for a free dawg sent out via snail mail, and I’m a fan.  I should start by saying I’m an all around fan of hot dogs.  From the late night corner street-vendor to the big box Costco brand — the Costco Polish dog being one of my favorites, just because you get so much for your dollar fifty.  It’s a deal and a half!  You can’t go wrong with a hot dog.

Located on 20th between “L” and Capitol streets, it’s sitting in prime walking space for most of midtown’s daytime busy bodies looking for a deliciously quick meal.  Service is fast, and seating is aplenty with a large outdoor patio that has just enough shade and sun to keep comfortable. Setting and atmosphere aside, I’m not sitting down to eat because of the decorative memorabilia on the wall.  No.  I want a hot dog, and that’s what you get.  Keep it simple, and give me some spicy mustard and sour kraut.  I’m hooked and sold.

The menu offers more than twenty ways to prepare a dog, so it can take a minute to read through the list and figure out what you’re craving.  The real problem being that once you decide, you might keep reading and find that you fancy another type, and now you have a real choice to make.  I’ve so far enjoyed the self named Capitol Dawg, the Midtown Dawg, and the Hotlink.  I still have a bunch more to try.  I’m very curious about the Sacramento Dawg which sports guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.  (On a hot dog?!  I know.  But you have to be adventurous when it comes to food.)

I have to say it’s a solid 3.75 out of 4.  Good times.


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Capitol Dawg's Midtown Hot Dog

I’ve been here a few times now, most recently because of a coupon for a free dawg sent out via snail mail, and I’m a fan.  I should start by saying I’m an all around fan of hot dogs.  From the late night corner street-vendor to the big box Costco brand — the Costco Polish dog being one of my favorites, just because you get so much for your dollar fifty.  It’s a deal and a half!  You can’t go wrong with a hot dog.

Located on 20th between “L” and Capitol streets, it’s sitting in prime walking space for most of midtown’s daytime busy bodies looking for a deliciously quick meal.  Service is fast, and seating is aplenty with a large outdoor patio that has just enough shade and sun to keep comfortable. Setting and atmosphere aside, I’m not sitting down to eat because of the decorative memorabilia on the wall.  No.  I want a hot dog, and that’s what you get.  Keep it simple, and give me some spicy mustard and sour kraut.  I’m hooked and sold.

The menu offers more than twenty ways to prepare a dog, so it can take a minute to read through the list and figure out what you’re craving.  The real problem being that once you decide, you might keep reading and find that you fancy another type, and now you have a real choice to make.  I’ve so far enjoyed the self named Capitol Dawg, the Midtown Dawg, and the Hotlink.  I still have a bunch more to try.  I’m very curious about the Sacramento Dawg which sports guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.  (On a hot dog?!  I know.  But you have to be adventurous when it comes to food.)

I have to say it’s a solid 3.75 out of 4.  Good times.


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New Hotel Bar — 3 Fires Lounge

Bar at Marriotts Residence Inn on 15th & L

Aside from a sandwich board sign, there isn’t much going on to let you know this place exists inside the Residence Inn, which would lead one to believe this bar is meant only for hotel guests, except that it’s not.  It’s meant for all the passers-by to enjoy.  Hence the sign on the sidewalk.

Positioning themselves nicely on the corner of 15th & L, they’re walking distance from the after-hours Capitol workers, making this is a decent place to visit at the just-after-five-o’clock hour.  Stop on in for a little bit of that Happy Hour loving, we all love to have make us Happy.  It’s the usual discounted beer, wine, and commonly made mixed-drinks you’d find at any Happy Hour setting, but what sets 3 Fires Lounge apart from the rest is its Happy Hour menu; small plates going for three to five dollars, offering a variety of salty treats to tantalize your taste buds.  I’m a fan of the Cilantro Ceasar Salad, which is regularly priced at $8 but goes for $5 during Happy Hour.  Unfortunately, my favorite small plate, the Frizzled Squash Blossoms (loaded with cheese and chorizo then deep fried), did not make it to the Happy Hour party, but still well worth the time if you’re willing to pay full price.

It’s a two-sided bar with one side facing the hotel lobby, so sitting on the west side is a good idea and makes it easy to forget you’re in a hotel.  The ambiance and decor are what you would expect in a lounge that sells a nine dollar Jameson.  Quiet atmosphere, comfortable sofa-chairs, plenty of low lighting, four televisions (which seem to host a little too much Larry King Live), local art work for 2nd Saturday Art Walk participartory actions, free coffee, and a wonderful serving staff.  The bartenders are friendly and patient, which is an absolute must when encountering the loudness that is our laughter and commentary while seated at the bench reviewing the surroundings.

Definitely consider 3 Fires Lounge for a few snacks before making your way East to enjoy the rest of your night — It’s a nice place to meet your friends after work.


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MARRS Building Home To Luigi’s Slice

Ever since I can remember I’ve been a huge fan of pizza, eating it whenever I can get my grubby hands on it.  I don’t care if it’s two in the morning just before bed, or four in the afternoon and I’m ruining my appetite for dinner — if a slice is available, I’m going to eat it.

Imagine my joy and pizza-eating delight when Luigi’s Slice found its way into the MARRS building on 20th between J and K.  It’s central to all of midtown, so I can get to it from any of my local hangouts whether I’m up on 29th & E or down at 16th and P.  Granted, there are quite a few pizza-by-the slice locations around the grid, but this is my favorite, so that’s why I’m mentioning it here first.  (I mean before I mention any of the others, which I will eventually get around to typing to you about.)

Prices for a slice range from $4.15 to $4.85, which isn’t bad given the going rates and the size of the slice.  Several beers are on tap, as well as some wine from a bottle, in addition to the usual soda fountain.  (I typically take my slice with water, so as not to fill up on fluids.)  The slice itself is somewhere between New York Thin Crust, and Chicago Deep Dish.  It’s filling.  It’s good.  Check it out for yourself next time you’re out.  It’s a great follow-up after enjoying the night at Lounge on 20.

Many a weeknight I can be found running down the street in an attempt to beat their eleven-o’clock closing hour; that’s when the pizza tastes best.


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MARRS Building Home To Luigi's Slice

Ever since I can remember I’ve been a huge fan of pizza, eating it whenever I can get my grubby hands on it.  I don’t care if it’s two in the morning just before bed, or four in the afternoon and I’m ruining my appetite for dinner — if a slice is available, I’m going to eat it.

Imagine my joy and pizza-eating delight when Luigi’s Slice found its way into the MARRS building on 20th between J and K.  It’s central to all of midtown, so I can get to it from any of my local hangouts whether I’m up on 29th & E or down at 16th and P.  Granted, there are quite a few pizza-by-the slice locations around the grid, but this is my favorite, so that’s why I’m mentioning it here first.  (I mean before I mention any of the others, which I will eventually get around to typing to you about.)

Prices for a slice range from $4.15 to $4.85, which isn’t bad given the going rates and the size of the slice.  Several beers are on tap, as well as some wine from a bottle, in addition to the usual soda fountain.  (I typically take my slice with water, so as not to fill up on fluids.)  The slice itself is somewhere between New York Thin Crust, and Chicago Deep Dish.  It’s filling.  It’s good.  Check it out for yourself next time you’re out.  It’s a great follow-up after enjoying the night at Lounge on 20.

Many a weeknight I can be found running down the street in an attempt to beat their eleven-o’clock closing hour; that’s when the pizza tastes best.


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Lounge On 20 – Grand Soft Opening

Last night wasn’t the first night, but it was the first night.  It’s strange to try and understand, because there could quite possibly be another first night.  That’s right, Lounge On 20 had its soft opening to the public, but it was mostly friends, family, and regulars of the local bar community.  Probably not the typical crowd you’d find once the newness passes.

It’s a lounge, so this isn’t the kind of place where you go to sit at the bar.  Hence the very short and small sitting area at the bar.  The rest of the building is great.  Wide and open areas with high ceilings.  (Not sure why the ceilings matter, but I guess it makes you feel like you actually have more room for you and your group.)  Clean, crisp lines.  Adequate low-light levels for proper dilation of the pupils.  The front walls open for patio seating.  And table service, so you don’t have to leave your conversation to go order drinks.

There is a small dress code that forbids the wearing of hats or tank tops.  (I usually take off my hat when entering a restaurant, so this isn’t a real problem for me.)  They had no issues with my wearing of sneakers and shorts — a plus, especially in this summer Sacramento heat.

I was a little late on ordering food, which stops at 10 during the week (at least for now.)  From what I gathered while talking to one of the line cooks, it’ll be mostly appetizers and snacks.  You wouldn’t come here for dinner or lunch, unless you want a bunch of small plates, which isn’t a bad idea if the food’s good.  (I’ll check back on the menu, and let you know.)

Of course my favorite part was the price of a single Bushmills.  Five Dollars.  Will this last?  I don’t know, but if it does, then it’s fair to say that my GV Hurley’s hours could be transferred to Lougne On 20.


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Return From Camping In Time for Art Walk

How does he do it? That’s what you should be asking yourself, if you’re asking anything at all. If you’re not asking, then I’ll ask, “what’s going on here?”

Anyhow, Camping was great. Good to be out, ya know? I think we were in Plumas National Forest. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you’ve never been anywhere that inhibits the use of electronics and the Internet. (Inhibits? I don’t know.) In either event, the specifics on the specific: Echo Lake. That’s where we actually were. It’s just south of the Caribou Wilderness area. I’m in the process of planning a backpacking trip through the Caribou Wilderness with Thompology. We’ll start at Cone Lake on the north end and backpack to Hay Meadow on the south end. This will be made possible by a driver dropping us off and picking us up. Kind of like cheating, but not really. we’ll still have to make our way and survive. Not a real challenge, I know.

In other news, we celebrated the Second Saturday Art Walk through midtown Sacramento. It was the usual good times with many a new face. Nameless faces, mostly, and a few faceless names. It’s how we roll. Started the party with an Americano coffee from Old Soul coffeehouse on 21st between “H” and “I”. It’s worth checking out if you’re ever in the area and enjoy a reasonably tasting coffee. From there, you’re on your own. Drink with caution.

I’ll see what I can do about adding some visuals for y’all. I didn’t snap any photos, but I’m sure some exist.

Cheers!

Broken Bicycle Madness

The good news is I was able to get to my bicycle before any of the crackheads tried to sell it for bail money.  Wait.  Would it be used for bail money or for more crack?  I’m not really certain how that works.  The point being, though, that I have the thing back in my own care where I don’t have to worry about it being sold for something silly or other.

The bad news is, I’m not really sure why the bicycle stopped working in the first place, which is what caused me to leave it until I could later pick it up.  I took it apart and put it back together, and then it worked.  But not knowing why makes me a little skeptical of riding it too far from home.  I was lucky last time in that I was with someone who could give me a ride.

Maybe it’s time to revisit one of these local midtown bicycle shops (Bicycle Chef, Mike’s Bikes, City Bicycle Works) and get a tuneup for the old clunker, or put it to rest and get a new bicycle beast.  We’ll see.