LUNCH: Kim Restaurant

Props to this hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant downtown at 1008 J Street (near the corner of 10th and J, the Grange, and Cesar Chavez Park). 2 coworkers know I like banh mi sandwiches (vietnamese sandwiches), and they have recommended this place in the past. I feel like I may have gone to it under different ownership, but that was years ago before I started packing a bag lunch everyday. All I have to say is that the banh mi was great- roll, warm bbq chicken, pickled veggies like carrots and cucumbers, and cilantro. What else could you ask for? The kicker- $3.50!! This place is interesting- everything is made to order right when you order it, so everything comes out piping hot. All the pho soups they were serving looked great! I was drooling and wishing I had more than a 1/2 hour lunch. The downfall- very very tiny locale and packed. It looks like it is very difficult to find a seat, and by the time I got my take out, it was almost past my lunch. It was fun, though, watching the pork and chicken being cooked fresh on the huge cooking ovens. All the veggies were extremely fresh and clean looking (not like some places where it looks like the lettuce is slimy). I think they have enough food turnover that they maintain the quality of their produce by ordering often. Other things on their menu: pho, noodle soups, lemongrass chicken, etc... I felt like I was in San Francisco or on Broadway with authentic fare. Only open M-F 10 AM-3 PM.

DINNER: Malabar (Natomas)

Malabar's Web site

Unless I'm craving a burger, Malabar is not my top choice for a meal. However, when I don't feel like going downtown, this dressy diner hits the spot since it's close to my Natomas home. The burgers are pretty good. And probably the best reason to go to Malabar. Sometimes I'll meet fellow Natomas dwellers for a drink at Malabar (when we have some serious girl talk to cover and care more about convenience than the quality of our drinks and apps). The garden-variety wine list is lacking, but the atmosphere isn't bad for a suburban restaurant. The bar is sizable, which is a good thing since it's often crowded in the evenings. Last time I dined at Malabar, I tried the Mahi Mahi. I ate everything on my plate because I was starving -- not because it was delicious. I'd give it a C+. We also tried the coconut prawns, which were small, dry and flavorless. Even the dipping sauce was bland (and likely comprised of canned or highly processed ingredients). One of my dinner companions ordered the Reuben sandwich and gave that a thumbs up. The rest of the group ordered burgers and were very satisfied. On past visits, I tried salads. The Caesar wasn't great. The Thai Beef was OK. Once I tried the portobella appetizer. It was pretty good but that's because it was smothered in cheese. I'd rank Malabar as a first-rate family-friendly diner. It has yummy burgers and sandwiches and comfy booths. But if you're hungry for fresh seafood or a salad, go downtown.

DINNER CLUB RECAP: Cioppino

For this DC I made an orange poppy seed dressing salad with organic walnuts, cran-raisins and gorgonzola cheese. The entree was cioppino, inspired from last weekend's trip to Moss Landing's Phil's Fish Market (who just happened to have a throw down with Food Network Bobby Flay filmed a few days before our visit). We found out the Food Network Cioppino throwdown was going to be aired the day of my DC, so, of course, I had to do Cioppino. I bastardized a few recipes found online and from out tasting at Phil's. Started with a sans pine nut pesto to open the shellfish, cooked in the fish, calamari, shimp, scallops, and fresh crab. The sauce was tomato, thyme, garlic, onion, fennel, wine, cinnamon, an australian molasses, & a generous tasting of saffron. The wine served was chianti and a New Zealand chardonnay; the beer was a Sam Adams Winter Lager. It was served with a garlic bread and pineapple-blackberry upside down cake with vanilla ice cream dessert. Overall, I thought the cioppino was good, if not a bit labor intensive.

BRUNCH: Riverside Clubhouse

Riverside Clubhouse's Web site

I love brunching with the girls, and Riverside Clubhouse is one of my favorite Sunday morning destinations. It has a relaxing, modern feel to it when the sun's out. (Different vibe at night.) If weather permits, sit outside. I almost always get an omelet, but am really there for the mimosas or bloody marys during brunch time. RSC's food -- for brunch or dinner -- has been consistently good. No dish stands out as stellar, but I've been really happy with almost everything I've ordered. The service is polite and helpful, they've never rushed any of my leisurely meals (including a two-hour brunch when we nursed several rounds of cocktails and ordered hardly any food). Riverside Clubhouse feels like a true neighborhood spot at which newbies are always welcomed.

Mac and Cheese: 58 Degrees & Holding Co.

Ok, I love pasta and I love cheese. I also love red wine. What can I say, my dad is Italian from Italy so it's in my genetic composition. However, I am American. I just love good old macaroni and cheese. I don't discriminate either; I love the orange boxed Kraft stuff as much as I love the gourmet stuff. Not all mac and cheese is good though. That is why I was so pleased when I first tried the macaroni and cheese at 58 Degrees. To begin with I love 58 Degrees. It has a great, warm, cozy atmosphere and I love the dim exposed brick and dark wood interior. It's a classy but relaxed and chill environment. I have had both outstanding and horrible service there. Luckily it was only once or twice that the service was not up to par. The servers are usually the same people who have been there for a long time and know what they're doing. The mac and cheese is to die for. It is a pretty small portion that comes in a small round dish. You really don't need a lot because it is rich, cheesy and decadent. I honestly don't know what cheeses are used but I can tell you it is good white cheese. The menu calls it a 4 Cheese Macaroni with Parmigiano Reggiano bread crumbs and truffle oil. The noodles are not elbow macaroni but rather small, narrow tubular pasta similar to ziti. The cheese is a white, creamy perfectly spiced and seasoned sauce that really is amazing. My favorite part is the crunchy topping of cheesy, hard bread crumbs. The small plate is $8. A little pricy for the portion but when you taste it you know it is worth almost any price! I always enjoy it with my favorite red wine there, the Macchia Old Vine Zinfandel. Try it!

LUNCH: Pyramid Alehouse

Pyramid Alehouse's Web site

On Friday I lunched at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery with my coworkers. It's a weekly tradition for me. I like going there because I love their vegetarian burger and the service is almost always pretty good. They are also pretty fast even though it gets pretty crowded at lunch especially on Fridays. I won't pretend to review the menu since I always order the same thing but I will tell you all about my favorite Friday meal there. If you are a vegetarian or even if you are not but you want a healthier alternative to a greasy burger, you have to try the veggie burger. It is a simple Boca patty served on a delicious hamburger roll with Louie dressing and the fixings on the side. I love the Boca brand patty. I think it is far superior to the popular Garden burger brand patty both in flavor and health wise. It is also more likely to fool a meat eater into thinking they are eating a beef burger. The hamburger roll that it comes on is a generous size and the bread is not too spongy and not too fluffy either. I like that it is not buttered and grilled either. It is however slathered with Louie dressing (the orange stuff). On the side are the lettuce, tomato, pickle slices and red onion. Usually the veggies are fresh and crisp. They were a bit wilted this past Friday. The burger comes with perfectly seasoned French fries. I usually ask for blue cheese dressing to dip them into. At $7.95, the meal is a delicious deal. Of course, you simply must order a beer to wash your burger down with. If I can have a drink when I'm there I always opt for the Apricot Ale. Girly, yes but delicious too!

DINNER: 58 Degrees & Holding Co.

58 Degrees & Holding's Web site

Leslie and I ate dinner at 58 during "Dine Out Sacramento Week". We went for the dinner with wine pairings. Overall, food was wonderful and wines were unique. I recommend this wine bar/restaurant for after work drinks and appetizers. You could tell formal dinners are not their strength. The appetizers (wild mushroom soup, arugula salad and cheese plate) were to die for! I could have stayed there all night just munching on the cheese plate and sipping on the fine wine. Cons: no reservations taken for dinner...first come first serve...makes it difficult to find a table. You have to hover around people until they leave or find a couch or sit at the bar. And the dining area is small. Pros: ambiance is fun, wine is unique -- regions and countries are atypical. Of course, maybe I rejoiced in my dinner just because I was out without my two-year-old!!

DINNER: Brew It Up

Brew It Up's Web site

It was surprising to me that on a rare date night without the child, we would chose to eat out at Brew It Up. We had been there several times before and it always was tasty (or we were just really hungry). Chris and I had studied the Downtown Dining menu the entire weekend before we made our selections. With Esquire Grill and other fancies on the list, we were both surprised that we decided on Brew It Up. Once again, we were very pleased. The complimentary baked brie platter was the best I'd had in a very long time. Garnished with roasted veggies, we would go back again for that alone. Chris then had the beer and cheddar soup (delish - of course and it is their speciality) and I had simple mixed greens salad. Chris ordered steak for his entree and said it was fine - nothing outstanding but since it was a 4 course meal for $30.... nothing to complain about, either. I had sea scallops with roasted veggies --- wonderful. Who would have thought Brew It Up would know how to cook a yummy scallop --- kudos to that chef. We ended the night with pumpkin cheesecake and a creme brulee. I find it funny that I had two glasses of wine... and not a beer all night! One down side was the service --- they just didn't have enough wait staff for a Sunday night. Chris mentioned that they actually called to confirm that we were making our reservations, so you would have thought that this meant they would have enough wait staff to cover the tables.

DINNER: Chevy's (Howe Avenue)

Chevy's Web site

I know what you're thinking Chevy's....fine dining experience? Well, when you have a two year old, a long Thursday at work, a coupon (buy one entree at regular price and receive the second for $3.99) and a need for a margarita, this is the place! It's quick, simple and there are no surprises. Total cost, including tax and tip, for the three of us was $40. Ate Once we sit down, we order a side plate of rice and beans for my little one and it arrives in three minutes. My wife and I order our Corona or Margarita. I ate the steak burrito...nothing to get excited about...and my wife had the sizzling shrimp salad which was terrific. Now I'm not saying I would go to Chevy's for my fifth wedding anniversary (unless I'm looking for a kick in the a#% from my wife) but we've been receving these coupons in the mail and with our two year old, it makes a lot of economic sense in these times.

HOTEL DINING: Weekend in Monterey

The dreaded continuing education weekend.... Every two years, Ray attends a conference in Monterey, and I, like the dutiful wife, accompany him. It's a sacrifice, I know. This year, I asked for a 1/2 day on Friday, so we could cruise down early and relax. Well, after a treacherous drive over the 5 and 152 in the rain, we were ready for some cocktails. We had booked at the Best Western Beach Resort Monterey, the locale of the conference; after upgrading from a room that accepts "pets" (aahum- I'm allergic; that would have been a great weekend), we checked into our beachside room. Loved the electric privacy screens that go up and down with a flip of the switch. The lobby here is great, as well; sitting by the fire and watching the waves is fantastic. So, after a couple of Malibu rums and Bass, we headed to our only on-site dining option: the Cafe Beach Restaurant. Not a very appetizing or original name, but since we were stranded (the hotel is closer to Seaside than Monterey), we thought we'd give it a fair shake. We were pleasantly surprised! (Or was it the booze taking over?) Actually, I've learned in the past couple years to order not from the specials when you don't know a restaurant, but try something they can't screw up. Well, I went with the Sanddabs and Ray went with the NY steak. Both of ours were served over fantastic smashed potatoes, with a lovely orchid on each plate. Fabulous plating (although Mike Dunne would have disagreed). A sanddab is a flat white fish, and is fairly thin, so the butter caper sauce went very well, but wasn't too greasy or too much. SO, for stuck in the hotel dining experience, I would rate this experience high! My next day's lunch, however, was subpar (a turkey melt with nonexistent swiss). I should have ordered a drink with it, but after the night before, I was all about the water and rehydrating! I suppose I should have ordered somthing more exciting, but you can't argue with their view. To end with: we are suckers for fisherman's wharves. Kind of touristy, I know, but we ended up at a restaurant at the historic wharf in Monterey for Saturday night dinner. The economy must be bad, though, because I felt like I was at a used car dealership walking down the wharf. Every place had a person at the door trying to twist our arms to come in; a little annoying. We ended up at Isabella's Italian Seafood partially because it's owned by a local chef that does shows tv locally, and we thought it would be interesting. The best part of the meal was getting the bill. Just kidding. That's mean. Actually, they had a fantastic gnocchi special appetizer made with pesto with a reduced veal sauce poured on top. One of the better gnocchis I've ever had. As my entree, though, probably the worst crab salad I've had. Ray ordered the sanddabs- He enjoyed them along with the fried cheesecake that came with it. Moral of the story- decent seafood in what would be an obvious place to order seafood. Apparently, when in Monterey, order the sanddabs.

BRUNCH: Left Bank Restaurant in Larkspur

Taking a trip to Marin County? I recommend Left Bank for Brunch. Great area for hikes, shopping and just hanging out. Ate Brunch with wife Leslie, a 2-year old, my parents and brother on Sunday. Food was exceptional! Service always great! Think French food meets California Bistro. Small plates dominate the menu. Dishes are unique and seasonally oriented. Started with platter of foie gras. Then ate the salade lyonnaise. Other dishes at the table that were yummy: steak and fries ("frites"), salade nicoise, salmon. My 2-year-old chowed down on a hot dog and fries. Family friendly for brunch and can be fancy for dinner. Pros: outdoor seating for people watching....quick and friendly service.....french food at reasonable prices.....Cons: it's a drive.....

DINNER CLUB RECAP: Host Sandra

Gourmet mac and cheese after my heart. Sandra- you couldn't have picked a better night for comfort food. Rainy and cold, after a 70 degree winter weekend. Winter? What's winter? We want the recipe; sorry for the digression on Israeli/Palestinian strife, the mess with Gaza, and our opinions on a westernized version of the military. We digress too much, and spend much time talking and not enough time drinking your wine.

DINNER CLUB RECAP: Sandra's

Tonight I decided it was the perfect drizzly winter weather for comfort food. I won't go into how I didn't have my mini bruschetta appetizers ready in time for my dinner club guests and ended up burning them later anyway. For our main course I made a white cheddar and pecorino Romano macaroni and cheese dish. I started with a béchamel and added white cheddar and pecorino Romano cheeses with salt, cayenne pepper and nutmeg. I quickly cooked some elbow macaroni for 3 minutes just until the outsides were cooked. Then I rinsed them and added them to the cheese sauce. Pour into a buttered casserole dish and top with a bit more grated pecorino Romano, grated white cheddar and the croutons which were just pieces of white bread with melted butter drizzled on top. Bake for 30 minutes and you have cheesy mac and cheese goodness. Our salad was organic baby arugula tossed with warm sautéed portabella mushrooms and topped with goat cheese and pine nuts. I dressed the salad with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. To make the salad I just sautéed shallots in olive oil and added sliced portabellas and cooked until they were soft. I tossed them with the arugula adding a pinch of salt, oil, balsamic vinegar, crumbled goat cheese and pine nuts. For dessert, I made a simple white cake with whipped vanilla frosting. Little 2 year old Claire was a big help in serving dessert. For some reason she thought it was John's birthday tonight so we went with it. : )