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Best Food Trucks In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Roaming around downtown Sacramento? Just got out of movie or waiting for a concert to start? Maybe it’s your lunch hour and you want something different. Well get out your smartphone, check out Twitter or Facebook and find the food trucks near you. If you don’t see one nearby, you can request its presence and often the driver will oblige. The food isn’t cheap but it isn’t expensive either, considering the quality and craftsmanship. Food trucks are giving restaurants a run for their money. How can a brick and mortar building hope to keep up?

(credit: mamakimcooks.com)

Mama Kim on the Go
1616 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 333-5944
www.mamakimcooks.com

Mama Kim, an executive chef focused on providing unique, locally sourced, healthy food, has taken her skills to the streets and offers them out of a truck. Besides health, her philosophy is one of creative freedom. This is reflected in her menu, which offers anything from cheddar chive biscuit sandwiches to falafel flat bread with sweet potato chips. Each meal is elegant in its simplicity and easy on the waistline.

(credit: kambuchakulture.com)

Kombucha Kulture
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 706-3302
www.kombuchakulture.com

Kombucha is a fermented form of sweet tea that aids in digestion and has many other purported health benefits. The Kulture truck, with up to seven taps on board, usually appears wherever there’s a street fair, a film festival and at certain restaurants downtown (by request). Each of the flavors are different, coffee being the standout original. Some “booch” is lighter, some more acidic and some sweet. Served like a small glass of beer, Kombucha is perfect for sipping after a meal. It calms the stomach and tickles the palate. This truck is worth chasing around town.

(credit: gosimplysouthern.com)

Simply Southern
Sacramento, CA 95814
(961) 517-9123
www.gosimplysouthern.com

Simply Southern serves BBQ, plain old delicious BBQ. The BBQ sauce is just a little tangy, the chicken and tri-tip are tender and the bread is soft. Don’t get carried away eating the meat and forget about the corn cake, however, because that’s the real jewel of the menu. Simply Southern serves a large cube of cornbread that is super moist and on the sweeter side. It has a delicate dessert-like flavor and in Simply Southern’s words, “you’ll swear it’s corn cake.”

(credit: omgrocklin.com)

OMG! Yogurt and Shave Ice
6696 Lonetree Blvd.
Rocklin, CA 95765
(916) 773-3664
www.omgrocklin.com

It’s summer in Sacramento which means soon it will be scorching hot outside. When temperatures rise, you will crave something cool and refreshing for total mouth relief. Many snow cone businesses claim to have real Hawaiian shaved ice but they are big fat liars. Shaved ice is light and fluffy and doesn’t require chewing, unlike the crushed ice other establishments call shaved ice. At OMG!, you can get the real thing and better yet, you get to use the self serve flavor station and choose all the colors you want.

(credit: volkswaffleca.com)

Volks Waffle
Sacramento, CA 95857
(916) 213-6363
www.volkswaffleca.com

Got a sweet tooth? Then find the Volks Waffle. It won’t be difficult; just follow your nose. A regular at every food truck gathering, the caramel smell of Volks Waffle’s trademark dough-made waffles (not batter) can attract people from far and wide. And it’s not just any waffle, it could be a waffle dipped in chocolate, with strawberries, with ice cream or with whipped cream. The possibilities are endless and the stomach ache will be intense.

Laurel Hanson is a freelance writer uncovering Sacramento’s healthy food secrets in local restaurants, locavore havens, and even local foraging. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

Filed under: Best of, Food & Drink

Pick-A-Side: Which Is Your Favorite Cheesy Dish?

nataliegeisler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:06 +0000

Filed under: Best of, Pick-A-Side

Best Bars For Foodies In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

When people go out to a local bar for an adult beverage, oftentimes they might crave a bite to eat. Historically, bars have rarely gone beyond the offerings of buffalo wings and potato skins. Recognizing the void, the bars on this list have compiled menus which would attract any food lover. Sacramento has no shortage of talented chefs and some of them have put there skills to work at bars which you may or may not expect the food to be anything but average. Hats off to the following five bars for not settling for the mundane and reaching far outside the box.

Walk into the Shady Lady and youíll feel like you walked into a 1920′s speakeasy. (Credit: shadyladybar.com)

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 231-9121
www.shadyladybar.com

The Shady Lady is truly one of our finest successes as a community. The bar is one of the first to properly execute the craft cocktail culture in Sacramento, making drinks from scratch with fresh-squeezed ingredients. The bar also gets points for its classy, speakeasy style. Only owners with true passion and knowledge of the industry could have pulled off what the guys at The Shady Lady are doing on a daily basis. The Shady Lady earned a spot on this list for more than just its cocktails. The menu selections include things like a honey-lime chicken salad with romaine, avocado, cilantro, peppitas, corn, red onions and peppers, black beans and tortillas. As an entree, you can delight in a plate of bone marrow with fried parsley, tapenade, sea salt and a baguette. Brunch is also a big hit with items like the cinnamon, black currant and walnut French toast.

(credit: foxandgoose.com)

Fox & Goose Pub And Restaurant
1001 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8825
www.foxandgoose.com

Fox & Goose is a Sacramento staple which has truly withstood the test of time. The bar sits in a building originally constructed in 1913. Work on the pub began in 1972 followed by the opening in 1975. The pub is well known for its selection of draught beer from both Great Britain and England. Over the years, the Fox & Goose has gained recognition for its catering business with a strong draw from downtown and midtown local businesses. Menu selections include things like the hummus vegetarian prepared with cucumbers, tomato, marinated red onions, sprouts, lettuce and garlic vinaigrette dressing. This dish comes with old-fashioned fried potatoes and your choice of bread. Another house favorite is the Erin go Bragh: hot house-roasted corned beef brisket served open faced on swirled rye with Swiss cheese accompanied by grilled red onions, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce. This plate includes fresh fruit and old-fashioned fried potatoes.

(credit: rivercitybrew.com)

River City Brewing Company
545 Downtown Plaza, Suite 1115
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-2739
www.rivercitybrewing.net

River City Brewing Company is a great escape for shoppers in Downtown Plaza. While the business is known predominantly for its beer, tasty treats accompany the beverage list. For over 14 years, the crispy eggplant Napoleon has been on the menu. The dish consists of three stacked rounds of eggplant with goat cheese, basil pesto and sundried tomato tapenade on a red pepper coulis, garnished with a crispy basil leaf. Also available is the ginger hoisin pork medallions prepared with stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice. If what you crave is beef, then you may want to try the grilled kobe beef sirloin. The kobe is a six-ounce portion plated with roasted red potatoes, sauteed broccolini, mushrooms, onions and a red peppercorn demi.

Rubicon Brewing Company
2004 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 448-7032
www.rubiconbrewing.com

The Rubicon is known for having a beer selection as well as being a spot where locals gather in droves. Foodies can relish in items like the tri tip dinner, prepared with grilled Rubicon Ale-marinated tri tip on crispy onions strings alongside seasoned vegetables and a baked potato. A popular vegetarian option is the vegetarian sandwich served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, guacamole and provolone on multi-grain bread with a side of sprouts. The beer goes amazingly well with the humble yet well-executed menu. If casual fare with flair is on the agenda, this is a place you should take time out to experience.

(credit: 58degrees.com)

58 Degrees And Holding Co.
1217 18th St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 442-5858
www.58degrees.com

58 Degrees And Holding Co. is a haven for wine lovers who are in it for the experience. While a full bar is not something to be found, what patrons will find is delicious wine, knowledgeable staff and menu items with pairing suggestions. The turkey osso bucco is served with a cornbread polenta, carrot puree and cranberry jus. A pappardelle plate is available with a shortrib ragout, broccoletti and wild mushrooms. A twist on a classic is the four cheese macaroni with truffle oil and seasoned bread crumbs. Be sure to ask questions as staff members have lots to talk about.

As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

Filed under: Best of, Nightlife & Music

Best Doughnut Shops In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Here’s a history lesson: doughnut was shortened to donut in the early 1900s in America, and the spelling was popularized by Dunkin’ Donuts. Internationally, these sweet treats are spelled doughnut, but it’s mainly in the U.S. that you will find the abbreviated version. Regardless of your spelling preference, these doughy rings are universally loved. So, if you ever find yourself craving doughnuts, step away from the supermarket bakery and check out one of these amazing Sacramento locations.

Marie’s Donuts
2950 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-5245

Open Monday through Saturday from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marie’s is the place to be for an early morning (or late night) doughnut fix. Its chocolate glazed doughnuts are the stuff of legends, and its apple fritters cannot be beat. If you ask nicely, Marie’s will fill any doughnut you want with your filling of choice. While its doughnuts are out of this world, its coffee is a little lacking, so grab a cup of coffee from Freeport Bakery to sip on while you wait in line, and make sure to bring the green, as this is a cash-only establishment.

(credit: http://www.doughbotdonuts.com)

Doughbot

2226 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-5157
www.doughbotdonuts.com

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Doughbot is the mecca of slightly unusual, but oh-so-good doughnuts. Whether you are in the mood for bacon maple, s’mores, creme brulee or one of the many vegan options, Doughbot has something for every craving. For those who like to stay current, Doughbot’s Facebook is updated daily to let patrons know when doughnuts are going in the oven, what the daily specials are and, more importantly, when they sell out.

Manley Donuts
360 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 392-4469

Open daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Manley Donuts is one of the staples of the Pocket-Greenhaven area. If you are in the mood for something a little different, try the blueberry cinnamon roll butterfly doughnut. However, the maple bars and bear claws are above the rest. This establishment is cash only, so prepare to bring about a dollar for each doughnut you want to eat, and as it is with every good doughnut, you never want to eat just one.

(credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

City Donuts
1001 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 300
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 372-5342

Open Monday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., City Donuts is the best place to find doughnuts in West Sacramento. Not only are the doughnuts exceptionally fluffy, but there isn’t an additional charge for the larger doughnuts, like bear claws, like there is at other establishments. If you find yourself unsure of what to order, try the buttermilk or old fashioned doughnuts, as City Donuts really excels at the classics. City Donuts does accept credit cards, but there is a minimum charge, so plan on getting more than one doughnut or dig around your car for change, as each doughnut costs around 80 cents.

(credit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Java-Time-Donuts)

Java Time Donuts
7811 Laguna Blvd., Suite 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 684-9696
www.facebook.com/Java-Time-Donuts

Java Time Donuts not only has a wonderful selection of doughnuts to choose from, but unlike many of its competitors, doughnuts are not relegated to breakfast. The best thing about Java Time Donuts is that it offers both traditional and creative options, so patrons can either order maple bars, or maple bacon bars or even one of the 24-inch doughnuts, if you give enough notice. If you want to try something a little different, order the cream puffs, which are some of the best that Sacramento has to offer.

Megan Bowyer is a freelance writer in search of the best food and drinks that Sacramento has to offer. You can find her at any number of dive bars or trendy restaurants; just look for the short blonde feeding the jukebox. Her work can be found at “Examiner.com“

Filed under: Best of, Food & Drink

Best Places For Laser Hair Removal In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Summer in Sacramento means tank tops, shorts and swimsuits, which often require a cart full of razors, depilatories, leg wax, bleach and other tools to limit or eliminate body hair. One alternative is laser hair removal (LHR), a medical procedure that aims to eliminate or dramatically slow the growth of new body hair. By California law, only doctors, physician assistants and registered nurses can do the procedure, traditional spa employees like cosmetologists or estheticians legally cannot. Here are some spots in Sacramento that can help you look freshly shaven for summer.

Two of the nurses who do laser hair removal at inkoff.me (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

inkoff.me
4601 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 600-4428
www.inkoff.me

Ink does tattoo removal and fading in addition to laser hair services, and owner Chris Bendinelli does extensive research to ensure that everything used for hair removal is the best available. The type of laser used has a great impact on the effectiveness of the procedure, and Ink just purchased a state-of-the-art Cutera Xeo laser. Processes generally require six to eight treatments and Ink patients often have noticeable results after only two treatments. The staff of Ink prides itself on offering high-quality work with long-lasting results at very competitive prices.

Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates
2625 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95864
(916) 646-3376
www.sacdermatology.com

According to Calkin and Boudreaux, people with darker hair and lighter skin tones tend to get the best results from laser procedures, but it is effective for other skin and hair colors as well. LHR does not produce instant results, and four to eight weeks are generally recommended between treatments. C&B has a number of lasers available including the Diode, Alexandrite and Ruby, and most patients see effective results in three to five treatments. The office also treats acne, melasma, broken blood vessels, cellulite and crow’s feet.

(credit: skinlasers.com)

Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California
3835 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 456-0400
www.skinlasers.com

Surgery Center offers seminars to help patients understand the process of laser hair removal. Available lasers include the CoolGlide, LightSheer and GentleLase. As with most lasers, there is no recovery time needed after treatments, but patients are advised to wear sunscreen on treated areas. The number of treatments needed is dependent on factors including the patient’s diet, body weight, race and overall health.

Eternity Med Spa offers laser hair removal in Sacramento (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

Eternity Med Spa

4110 Truxel Road, Suite E
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 419-4142
www.eternitymedspa.com

Eternity uses a Soprano XL laser for removal of hair from the face and body, with pricing dependent upon the area to be treated. Financing is available and patients can get more information at the spa. Full LHR treatment typically takes six sessions, and other available services include care for broken capillaries, rosacea and port wine stains.

(credit: perceptionsimage.com)

Perceptions Image Boutique & Skin
8525 Madison Ave., Suite 144
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 844-0155
www.perceptionsimage.com

In addition to LHR, Perceptions offers services including permanent makeup, massage and Botox. LHR can be used on various body parts, but is especially popular for the face, bikini zone, underarms and legs. Perceptions offers a “Platinum Membership;” the annual membership fee includes discounts on LHR and other services. As with other businesses, the spa advertises that LHR is “designed to permanently eliminate hair.” Patients should discuss potential outcomes of LHR with any practitioner, as the amount and duration of hair removal can vary.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Filed under: Best of, Shopping & Style

Best Photography Classes In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Salvador Dali may have believed in the persistence of memory, but many of us need something more tangible to spark detailed recollections. Photographs help bring everyday joys and special celebrations into sharper focus, whether a wedding, favorite pet, summer camping trip or a toddler’s first cone of Rocky Road. Learning how to take great photos is a snap with classes offered by these Sacramento specialists.

Closeup of rescued cat Fred (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

Anfinson Photography
2222 Trower Court
Folsom, CA 95630
(530) 409-9090
www.anfinsonphotography.com

Reading a cookbook is interesting, but it pales in comparison to actually creating and enjoying a culinary delight. Learning the basics of photography from a manual is a similar situation, and the staff at Anfinson prefer to learn by doing. Anfinson offers three-hour workshops that combine a photography class with a visit to somewhere you may have been, but perhaps have never really seen. Each workshop includes a local walking tour; visit Old Sacramento and experience familiar landmarks in a new way through the eyes of your camera. Reserve your spot for the next Old Folsom workshop, taking place on June 22.

(credit: Carl De Souza/Getty Images)

Mike’s Camera
2200 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 444-6080
www.mikescamera.com

Mike’s has a number of fun options for beginners and advanced photographers, including courses on specific cameras from Nikon, Canon, Sony and more. Some are on-site at the shop, such as the periodic seminars on underwater photography. Other specialty classes take place at art galleries, the Sacramento Zoo and at Second Saturday Art Walk events. One workshop on advanced digital SLR photography takes place on June 15, and June 22 brings another on Sony digital camera techniques.

Photographer Walt Vortmann in black and white (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

Photo Source
6346 Elvas Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 454-5499
www.photosource.biz

Author and photographer Ted Grant said that the only way to see a person’s soul was to photograph them in black and white. Photo Source can help open your eyes – and your lens – to that possibility with a six-week introduction to black and white photography. The class covers everything from f-stops and exposures to developing, printing and presentation. Class dates and times for this summer will be announced on the Photo source website.

(credit: Getty Images)

Cosumnes River College
8401 Center Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 691-7344
www.crc.losrios.edu

For those interested in a career in the photography field, CRC offers an associate of arts degree program in visual arts. Shutterbugs with more casual pursuits may prefer to take some of the specific classes that interest them. Options include photography in general as well as portraits, weddings, commercial work and fine art studies. Amateur photogs may especially enjoy short courses that include trips to Yosemite Valley and the Mono Lake Basin. Available courses begin on June 10 or in the fall; due to cancellations students may be able to join late.

(creidt: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images)

Learning Exchange
1111 Howe Ave., Suite 115
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 929-9200
www.learningexchange.com

Learning Exchange offers an array of one-day and short-term classes in photography this summer and throughout the year. Courses in basic digital photography and about taking photos of nature or when travelling begin on June 19, and a single session on photographing birds is scheduled for June 22. Photoshop courses are available starting in June and July for people interested in creative editing and enhancing their photographs. An optional $29 membership fee gives discounts on most classes during a 12-month period.

Filed under: Arts & Culture, Best of