JustinLL dot Com

August 8, 2008

Capitol Dawg's Midtown Hot Dog

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , — JustinLL @ 1:51 am

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.


View Larger Map

###

August 4, 2008

Sacramento's Park Ultra Lounge Dances Up

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , — JustinLL @ 2:31 am

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.


View Larger Map

July 3, 2008

MARRS Building Home To Luigi's Slice

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , , — JustinLL @ 12:15 pm

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.


View Larger Map

June 30, 2008

Ricky Berger's First Album

Filed under: Music — Tags: , — JustinLL @ 6:30 am

CD Release Party & Ice Cream Social

Nichole, I, and that other guy, arrived promptly at twelve after seven and made our way to Revolution Wines behind Bricka Bracka after first paying cover for the Ice Cream Social and purchasing featured artist Ricky Berger’s CD , which would be autographed later in the show.  The three of us enjoyed a reasonably-priced flight that consisted of seven different wines from Sacramento’s Urban Winery.  (My favorite was the 2006 Clarksburg Syrah.)

The wine and company was nice, but it was not the reason we left the house.  We attended the night’s event to show our support for local music artist Ricky Berger who released her debut album "Ricky Berger’s First Album" to family and friends.  As we waited patiently in line to enter the venue, we had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Ricky’s grandmother — a sure sign that we truly had shown up for a family event, as Ricky’s grandmother shared family stories.  (Ricky’s father graduated from my Alma Mater, Cal Poly, and studied Engineering.)

Ricky Berger's First Album Cover

Ricky performed songs from her recently released CD as well as tracks she’s planning for her second album.  (Always think sequel, baby!)  I enjoyed Love Junkie most, but it didn’t make the first album so I’m looking forward to Ricky’s next release and keeping fingers crossed that she includes it.  The released CD itself is a treat with, perhaps the most touching song, Okle My Dokle , which brought tears to concert-goers’ eyes as she made a heartfelt dedication to her late grandfather.

That other guy @JoshGZ and I purchased copies of Ricky’s first album.  It comes loaded with eleven tracks and the video "If" (watch it below.)

Special thanks to Leatherby’s Family Creamery .  Your delicious dessert complimented the night.

May 30, 2008

Latest Addition To The BLOC: GV Hurley's

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , , — JustinLL @ 6:17 am

I don’t know how to say this, but GV Hurley’s is probably the only place worth spending your time and money when it comes to nightlife on J street between 27th and 28th.  What can I say, I’m a fan of the place.  GV Hurley’s, with its classy and elegant style, fits in nicely among the other nearby eateries, but a wide swooping bar sets this place apart and above others on ‘The BLOC’ .

Let’s not forget to metion the staff is friendly, knows their game, and are familiar to boot (one of our favorite folks is now tending bar.)  The food is tasty and drinks are reasonably priced.  Normally you wouldn’t find me somewhere so far from the Streets of London , but this new restaurant and bar has my attention.  I’ll let you know how it turns out.


View Larger Map

Powered by WordPress