Tag Archives: Restaurants

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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In Missing Action, Like Who-Wha!

Don’t get me wrong folks, I enjoy this social blog media two point oh stuff, but sometimes the anti-typist world gets the better of my time and requires me to spend free moments sleeping rather than ranting about Valleywag bull nonsense.  Ya dig what I’m sayin’?  For real.

No excuses.

The Edible Crawl for the Cure was a smashing success!  While the gang and I ran through multiple eateries and drinking holes, we simultaneously contributed in part to raise nearly $20K for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Nicely done! And a special thanks to Ms. Darby Flynn and all the midtown/downtown restaurants that made the event possible.

Too much food and good times left me legless for the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk the following morning.  (My bad, Bennie Hannah .)  Still, we raised a good bit of cash for this event as well.  Collectively, the event raised more than they’ve been able to count so far, but as a team…well, let’s be honest, I don’t have it in me to tally the sum, and Ben isn’t available to do the math.  I think we made half our goal, though, if I had to guess off the top of my head.

But October is charity event month, or something, so it didn’t stop there.  In past years I _played_ in my company’s golf tournament, but this year I opted for a _volunteer_ role and worked the sinners’ stop along the cart path.  Tequila, Cigars, Beers, and Beer Girls, Oh-My!

2008 Golf Tournament

I leave Sunday for a housing conference in Monterey, then return for a pre-bachelor party the following weekend.  We’re not quite out of the busy woods yet, but we’ll be back, I’m sure of it. Although, I do have to admit my brother will soon be in town, and you’ll see nothing of me then.  So let me keep my fingers crossed and hope I make some time to repair the errors that are WordPress and my Theme combined, as well as set aside a few moments for writing about all that is politically silly and Measure O in Sacra-tamato.

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Dot’s Dog, Stockton’s Red Hot Chicago Hot Dog

I’m in Stockton two to three days a week for work and, while I will usually pack a sack lunch, occasionally I’m lazy or running behind schedule in the morning and I leave the house with no lunch or snacks.  So I have reason on these occasions to leave the safety and comfort of my office to find a lunchtime meal.  Keeping with the spirit of my love for a  tasty hot dog, I found Dot’s Dog in Stockton.

Dot’s, located at the corner of Pacific and Adams, prepares a mighty fine Chicago Dog, boasting that all their ingredients are flown in from Chicago.  (Except for a few of the fresh vegetables.)  Let me tell you, I’ve eaten a hot dog in Chicago, where you don’t even think about asking for ketchup, and Dot’s does a darn good job of bringing that authenticity to the West Coast.  From the neon green relish to a poppy seed bun, you’d never know you weren’t eating at Super Dog in Chicago.

There are a few other hot dog choices, as well as a meatball sandwich, and a french dip authentically drenched with au jus.  (Probably the only thing I haven’t had yet, and I’m looking forward to it.  I just have to be in the right frame of mind to eat wet bread.)  Dot’s Dogs offers chips as a side, which I’d like to see replaced with fries.  I don’t know what it is, but something about cheesy Doritos just doesn’t sit well next to an awesome Chicago dog.  (Sometime I order two dogs and skip the side orders.  They’re that good!)

As per the usual, I’m not that concerned with the interior decor, which they’ve done up in classic rock paraphernalia.   It’s nice.  The strange thing here is that they’ve fenced off a portion of the inside of the building for potential lease to a tenant.  I don’t know who would open up shop inside a hot dog stand, but hopefully it works out and Dot’s stays in business.  And there’s plenty of sidewalk seating along Pacific and along Adams, which also sports a walk-up window for ordering.

Another solid eatery offering quick and delicious food that I recommend whole-heartedly.  Make sure when ordering, you tell them to “drag it through the garden.”  They’ll know what it means.  You won’t be sorry.


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Dot's Dog, Stockton's Red Hot Chicago Hot Dog

I’m in Stockton two to three days a week for work and, while I will usually pack a sack lunch, occasionally I’m lazy or running behind schedule in the morning and I leave the house with no lunch or snacks.  So I have reason on these occasions to leave the safety and comfort of my office to find a lunchtime meal.  Keeping with the spirit of my love for a  tasty hot dog, I found Dot’s Dog in Stockton.

Dot’s, located at the corner of Pacific and Adams, prepares a mighty fine Chicago Dog, boasting that all their ingredients are flown in from Chicago.  (Except for a few of the fresh vegetables.)  Let me tell you, I’ve eaten a hot dog in Chicago, where you don’t even think about asking for ketchup, and Dot’s does a darn good job of bringing that authenticity to the West Coast.  From the neon green relish to a poppy seed bun, you’d never know you weren’t eating at Super Dog in Chicago.

There are a few other hot dog choices, as well as a meatball sandwich, and a french dip authentically drenched with au jus.  (Probably the only thing I haven’t had yet, and I’m looking forward to it.  I just have to be in the right frame of mind to eat wet bread.)  Dot’s Dogs offers chips as a side, which I’d like to see replaced with fries.  I don’t know what it is, but something about cheesy Doritos just doesn’t sit well next to an awesome Chicago dog.  (Sometime I order two dogs and skip the side orders.  They’re that good!)

As per the usual, I’m not that concerned with the interior decor, which they’ve done up in classic rock paraphernalia.   It’s nice.  The strange thing here is that they’ve fenced off a portion of the inside of the building for potential lease to a tenant.  I don’t know who would open up shop inside a hot dog stand, but hopefully it works out and Dot’s stays in business.  And there’s plenty of sidewalk seating along Pacific and along Adams, which also sports a walk-up window for ordering.

Another solid eatery offering quick and delicious food that I recommend whole-heartedly.  Make sure when ordering, you tell them to “drag it through the garden.”  They’ll know what it means.  You won’t be sorry.


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Sacramento’s Park Ultra Lounge Dances Up

The Park, where you can eat play and drink, is located near the heart of downtown Sacramento across the street from 3 Fires Lounge.  (Yes, there seems to be a little theme at this intersection of town.)  The Play piece of The Park is its Ultra Lounge.  On its way to becoming, if not already, Sacramento’s premiere nightclub.  If, and not only because, in addition to being perfectly located, it offers dance music AND a dance floor. Something other local lounges seem to have forgotten and, sadly, left out.

Let’s not sell the Lounge short, this place has a lot going on in addition to music and dancing, which are just my favorite parts.  Catering to a lot of big, flashy money, Park Ultra Lounge has gone to all extremes to ensure a classy establishment ready to please.  Seating is plush.  Lighting is decadent.  Staff is friendly.  Drinks are reasonably priced for the setting (Voss Water – $4; Jameson – $7.25; Sapphire – $7.75).  The package is worth the cover.  They feature an amazing first bar, but also offer a second and third bar (on the dance floor and patio, respectively) which are fully loaded, unlike some venues which only keep the most-sold bottles stocked.  AND, another plus, if for some reason you happen to be sitting — table service.  You’re never very far when you find yourself in want, and you don’t even have to leave your conversation.

Still, there’s more.  The Lounge sells a range of VIP packages, from reserved over-sized sofas and chairs to private rooms.  Each includes a variety of perks, usually well worth the money if you and your group are up for it.  The Lounge has plenty of security, including a group of police officers that show up later in the night to keep an eye on things.  The Lounge introduces you to a really neat hand washing experience, which has nothing to do with the bloke dispensing hand towels.  You’ll have to live it to get it.

Undoubtedly, the Lounge has a dress code, described as upscale.  It’s not as stuffy as it sounds, no business casual nonsense and you don’t have to wear a dorky, button-down, striped shirt.  I’m not a fashion kid and I managed to gain entrance, which is saying a lot if you’re familiar with my disdain for dress codes.  Although, you can imagine, if I’m willing to alter my attire, my look, myself, for a good night out, this place is worth the extra effort.

Which brings me to my final point, and the real reason you’ll find me frequenting the dance floor at Ultra Lounge.  The women are gorgeous.  Absolutely!  (Approaching Q’s in Santa Barbara, CA levels.)  It makes the dress code, the cover — the whatever other hangups you might typically have about a place like this — tolerable;  for the women.  A lot of whom show up with groups who think knowing how to dance is a requirement to getting on the dance floor.  Umm…okay.  Believe me, it’s not.

Check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.


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Sacramento's Park Ultra Lounge Dances Up

The Park, where you can eat play and drink, is located near the heart of downtown Sacramento across the street from 3 Fires Lounge.  (Yes, there seems to be a little theme at this intersection of town.)  The Play piece of The Park is its Ultra Lounge.  On its way to becoming, if not already, Sacramento’s premiere nightclub.  If, and not only because, in addition to being perfectly located, it offers dance music AND a dance floor. Something other local lounges seem to have forgotten and, sadly, left out.

Let’s not sell the Lounge short, this place has a lot going on in addition to music and dancing, which are just my favorite parts.  Catering to a lot of big, flashy money, Park Ultra Lounge has gone to all extremes to ensure a classy establishment ready to please.  Seating is plush.  Lighting is decadent.  Staff is friendly.  Drinks are reasonably priced for the setting (Voss Water – $4; Jameson – $7.25; Sapphire – $7.75).  The package is worth the cover.  They feature an amazing first bar, but also offer a second and third bar (on the dance floor and patio, respectively) which are fully loaded, unlike some venues which only keep the most-sold bottles stocked.  AND, another plus, if for some reason you happen to be sitting — table service.  You’re never very far when you find yourself in want, and you don’t even have to leave your conversation.

Still, there’s more.  The Lounge sells a range of VIP packages, from reserved over-sized sofas and chairs to private rooms.  Each includes a variety of perks, usually well worth the money if you and your group are up for it.  The Lounge has plenty of security, including a group of police officers that show up later in the night to keep an eye on things.  The Lounge introduces you to a really neat hand washing experience, which has nothing to do with the bloke dispensing hand towels.  You’ll have to live it to get it.

Undoubtedly, the Lounge has a dress code, described as upscale.  It’s not as stuffy as it sounds, no business casual nonsense and you don’t have to wear a dorky, button-down, striped shirt.  I’m not a fashion kid and I managed to gain entrance, which is saying a lot if you’re familiar with my disdain for dress codes.  Although, you can imagine, if I’m willing to alter my attire, my look, myself, for a good night out, this place is worth the extra effort.

Which brings me to my final point, and the real reason you’ll find me frequenting the dance floor at Ultra Lounge.  The women are gorgeous.  Absolutely!  (Approaching Q’s in Santa Barbara, CA levels.)  It makes the dress code, the cover — the whatever other hangups you might typically have about a place like this — tolerable;  for the women.  A lot of whom show up with groups who think knowing how to dance is a requirement to getting on the dance floor.  Umm…okay.  Believe me, it’s not.

Check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.


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Susie Burger — Ham, Not Burger

If you find yourself hankering for a good burger, and you’re in the midtown area near 29th and P streets, take this friendly advice from me and Thompology:  Do not eat at Susie Burger.  The food is overpriced, undersized, and lacking necessary burger flavors.  See how that doesn’t work.  One thing they do well, though, is make you chuckle.  Our meals came with sliced pickles in a baggie that included some mini carrots.  I put the pickles on my burger, but I could not figure out what to do with the carrots.  Thompology ate his carrots separately from his burger, but noted that they tasted like pickles.  If I’d have known that, I would have put them on my burger as well (I like carrots,) but he didn’t tell me till I was done eating.  (His meal came much later than mine because he deviated from the standard menu item — he wanted it done his way.)

The layout is exploits a poor design inside and out.  Not that layout has anything to do with food quality, but it was bothersome and distracting.  The ordering line cuts across the finishing line, which impedes access to the hamburger condiments, ultimately delaying the eating process and resulting in mild irritation to the mind and stomach.  This can probably be fixed.  But even a savvy, efficient layout with super cool decor will make up for bland, expensive food.

I’m not a Susie Burger fan, and I do not suggest eating here.  There are plenty of other burger joints around the Sacramento midtown grid, so save your money and eat somewhere else.  You can thank me later.

Susie Burger is owned locally by the Haines Brothers, who own the Riverside Club and Bistro 33.  I like those places.  But here we have the brothers attempting to target a new audience.  Either they’ve clearly missed it, or clearly it dones not include me, and I’m a hamburger lover.


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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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