Tag Archives: Sacramento

Eat Your Art Out!

Maybe you’ve heard, maybe you haven’t — It’s that time of year again, literally, where we gather for an interesting afternoon of eating and drinking in the name of good will and charitable activities — this year, Eat Your Art Out in support of the Sacramento Metro Arts Commission.  It’s this Saturday, the 26th, from noon till 5PM and, as per the usual, we’ll probably be out late into the night; although, that is not a requirement.  So if you have the energy, the time, and a little extra cash, browse on over to http://crawltix.com/eatyourart/ and sign up.  Our team name this year is H-Cubed.

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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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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – 6th Year Participants

Making Strides 2007

It’s that time of year again when team captain Bernadette and I put together a group of folks (Keepin’ 2nd Base Safe) and start raising funds to support The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.  This is our sixth consecutive year participating, and we hope to beat our record of $2,200 raised.

Click the “DONATE” button below and Help me and my team reach our goals! Every bit helps — no contribution too large or too small.  Whatever you can spare to support the cause is greatly appreciated.

If you’re local to the Sacramento area, or will be in town, please feel free to join us on the walk through downtown and Old Sacramento.  The event is October 19, 2008.  Start and Finish lines are at the Capitol, and we’ll probably start walking around 9AM.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – 2008-2009
2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Sacramento, CA

Thank you.

In Booth Radio Time With V101.1FM

It was nothing like I expected it to be, at least not from what I’ve seen on TV.  Although, why would you expect TV to be like radio.  I suppose it was your average clear channel booth, but what do I know about that sort of thing.  I was a little disappointed there were no headphones to wear, and I was a little grossed out as they continued to push the mic closer to my face.  “How many people have hacked, spittled, or coughed on this thing”, I wondered to myself.

Not the point.

I was at the Station early Monday morning, we’ll call it 7AM, to do a bit of promotional work for my employer.  I met with Lee Perkins and Andrea Gomez to do a couple of short interviews about a home ownership expo coming up in late September.

I was noticably nervous and fumbled a few of my words.  The bits were pre-recorded, so I don’t know the final product sounds like.  But, I definitely had at least one two second or longer “uhhhh…”  I’m usually on top of those sorts of things, but I suppose, maybe, thinking about it might have caused it.

Listen for me Monday mornings to hear weekly stumblings of me falling over words.  The topics will change monthly.

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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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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