Dining at "The Kitchen" Table

Thursday, February 17, 2011 by Amanda McCarthy

Last week I had the opportunity to dine at one of Sacramento’s finest restaurants, The Kitchen. If you’re from the area you have no doubt heard about it.  Tucked away in an unassuming Arden-area strip mall, The Kitchen offers guests a truly unique Sacramento dining experience.

 

There is one seating per night and room for about 50. We arrived a little early and enjoyed A real treat when dining in Sacramento is The Kitchen; Head Chef Noah Zonca designs and prepares five courses using locally sourced foods, often paired with wines from Sacramento area wineries.beautiful décor and a glass of champagne.  It felt elegant but comfortable.  As we sipped bubbly and took our seats, we were excited about the dinner party that was in store for us. 

 

Head chef, Noah Zonca, stood in the middle of the u-shaped demonstration kitchen and explained in detail the five-course meal being served. Not only would we eat well but we’d get to see our plates being prepared right in front of us. If that weren’t enough, we were encouraged to ask questions, change the menu around and have seconds…even thirds if we could find the room.

 Chefs at The Kitchen

Duck consommé, rock shrimp salad, sturgeon and wagyu beef were among the selections on the February menu. Did I mention the sushi/sashimi/crudo course, to-die-for chocolate pot de crème with vanilla custard and white glove tea service? Amazing food, cozy ambiance, delicious wine and impeccable service…this was a memorable experience that won’t be forgotten!

 

When it comes to dining in Sacramento, be sure to check out the other Selland Family Restaurants – Ella Dining Room & Bar and Selland’s Market Café.

Local Beer on Tap in Sacramento

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 by Amanda McCarthy

Six years ago my husband took up the hobby of brewing beer.  After 30-plus years of taste-testing why not combine his love of all things beer with a home brewing kit?  We purchased supplies, got recipes and excitedly jumped on the beer wagon.  There were some questionable batches (I wouldn’t recommend using orange blossoms from your backyard unless you like the taste of perfume) but after a few tries the beer tasted pretty good.  It was official, we were brewers.  Okay, I may be taking too much credit.  My husband does the brewing but I have the very important job of sampling each batch.

When going out for drinks, we like to support local brewers who create unique, craft beers.  Fortunately for us, Sacramento has many options to do just that.  If you are looking to enjoy a delicious beer and support a local business then search no further for fun things to do in Sacramento!  Check out these Sacramento dining and nightlife establishments for a pint of hand-crafted ale and tasty food:

 

Hoppy Brewing CompanySacramento Beer Week

Pyramid Alehouse Brewery & Restaurant                 

River City Brewing Company

Rubicon Brewing Company


Also, be sure to mark your calendar for Sacramento Beer Week, February 26 – March 6, 2011.

 

Cheers!

Featured Partner: Butch N Nellie's Coffee Co. is a Local Favorite

Thursday, May 20, 2010 by Amanda McCarthy
The perfect cup of coffee is a coveted thing, even a requirement for many to start their day.  And let's face it, flavor is key.  


There are many downtown Sacramento dining options, including those for the coffee connoisseur.  I don't know about you, but when visiting a new place, I like to go where the locals go.  When in Rome, I mean Sacramento, that place is our featured partner of the month Butch N Nellie's Coffee Co

Featuring hip ambiance, drink specials, decadent gelato and fabulous java, this place is the obvious choice.  Located in the heart of midtown at the corner of 19th and I Streets, Butch N Nellies is also walking distance from many Sacramento area hotels and the Sacramento Convention Center.  This coffee house offers an inviting environment complete with food, board games, private meeting space, outdoor seating and -of course- a superb cup of joe!

Be sure to check out their weekend brunch (Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) and enjoy delicious breakfast and $1 mimosas!  Butch N Nellie's also offers live entertainment on weekends.  Stop by on Second Saturday to enjoy local artists and sip specialty beverages including coffee, beer, wine and cocktails.

New Twist on an Old Favorite

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 by Amanda McCarthy
What do you think of when you hear the word cafeteria?  For me, it conjures up images of childhood meals served by lunch ladies in hair nets.  However, when the cafeteria concept is combined with a unique space and comfort food menu created by local restaurateur Mason Wong, the word takes on an entirely new meaning.
 
Cafeteria 15L, formerly Mason's, is now open at the corner of 15th and L Streets and is among the newest restaurants in downtown Sacramento dining.  The whimsical, family-friendly restaurant boasts upscale comfort food including meatloaf, mac and cheese, pulled pork sandwiches and, of course, tater tots!  While my idea of comfort food is greasy, albeit delicious, rest assured that Cafeteria 15L offers salads and vegetarian fare as well!

Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot, fun happy hour or place to host a private party, Cafeteria 15L has it all!  As part of The Park Downtown, this restaurant offers guests gourmet food, inviting ambiance and Sacramento nightlife all in one place. 

Now that's comfort food that I can get in to!