DINNER: Sunflower cafe

Sunflower's Web site

I’ve heard about this place for years (mostly from the teachers at little C’s school) and after hearing that DC was going to skip a week, I decided to give the Sunflower café in Fair Oaks a whirl. I had heard AMAZING things about this mostly vegan place, so I asked Bernadette to join us so she could weigh in as well. This place is a kin to a drive-in — picnic tables outside and one long family style table inside the place. It’s super cute, just be prepared for the picnic style dining and take a look at the weather before you go since it's mostly outside. The menu includes things like veggie burgers, burritos, smoothies and the like. I had the black bean burrito — simple and natural; and it hit the spot. Just as you would expect, it was filled with black beans, sprouts, bosmotti rice and other natural goodies. Claire opted for the kids bean and cheese burrito - which came with a drink and a fruit leather. Our entire meals cost less than $10! Sweet. We began our dining adventure outside, where two rather large roosters greeted us. I don’t spend a lot of time in the city of Fair Oaks, but it seems that chickens, roosters and turkeys walking around is a daily and common occurrence around town. So, at first miss C liked the roosters.... until one jumped up on the table and snatched a piece of her burrito right out of her hands! Then, we promptly moved to the table inside that was rooster-free. B had the falafel which I had a bite of and determined was excellent. Be on the look out for her blog on this place. We will definitely be going back — but will keep the roosters in mind when we choose our seating!

DINNER: Jamie's Broadway Grille, Lisa's Take

Jamie's Broadway Grille's Web site

So, for our 3rd Dinner Club Night Out, we chose Jamie's because it was recently featured on the Food Network and is a local favorite. I hadn't been in years, so was looking forward to having a cocktail and some comfort food. What I got was a lot of heartburn! Ouch! My first impression was that Jamie's is extremely lively and fun, but it was packed. We barely found 3 spots at the bar to have martinis, and then had to wait for a table to open up. I was jazzed by their menu board, which appeared to have some interesting options. The bartender was pretty cool, but told us that a lot of items go quickly, so we should order soon. She did put aside the last order of the chili hamburger Ray wanted, but before we ever got a table, the entree I was absolutely ravenous for was wiped off the slate. Lamb stew. It sounded lovely. Needless to say, by the time we got a table, even the renown clam chowder was sold out! I kind of felt a little annoyed that I could not have what I wanted, and ordered, along with Sandra, what I thought still had a lot of potential- a seafood combo plate with scallops, opakapaka, prawns, and crab. You all know I love a good cioppino or bouillabaise, and I think this combo plate was attempting to be "similar" to a cioppino with its own twist. Unfortunately, it left me feeling not so great. It was dripping and oozing with some sort of mystery tomato oil/sauce. I mean, dripping. The combo plate was just a big bowl of oily goo ladled over fish. It was topped with fried basil and some sort of shavings that I first thought were lemon grass, but then we decided maybe some sort of green/white onion shaving? It's still a mystery. Anyhow, the fish was cooked fine, but the oily goo just didn't really inspire me nor do I think I will go back to eat. Sorry Jamie's!

LUNCH: Capitol Dawg

I wanted to get out and about today and try something new, so Ray picked me up for lunch to go to the Capitol Dawg. Who knew there were so many varieties of hot dogs out there? I had to try something traditional, so went with the Prop. 51 Chicago dog, grilled, with mustard, green relish, onions, tomato, kosher dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun. Ray went with the Los Angeles Deftones Dawg, which had mustard, chili, american cheese, and onions. The sweet potato fries were the biggest hit, though. I'd have to say we can probably cook better hot dogs/sausages, but it was a fun 1/2 hour and the hot dogs all had such fun and crazy names and toppings! For vegetarians: they have vegetarian dogs that yelp reviews have rated high. Location: next to Jack's in midtown.

DINNER: Zelda's Pizza

The thing I love about Zelda's pizza is the pizza, of course, but also the slow-paced nature of the whole scene. It's funny that a lot of Yelp complaints for this restaurant rail on the slow service, but I think that's all part of the fun of going there! Anyone who knows me, too, knows I'm not all that patient when it comes to waiting. but, here, it's almost like it forces me to slow down and actually enjoy the time and people watch. Also, the $1 bud drafts and other $3.50 beers are quite the deal. The halloween and xmas decor year-round is great, too. Definitely a dive bar with great deep dish pizza. Love the crust.

LUNCH: Buckhorn Grill

Buckhorn's Web site

You go to Buckhorn for the tri-tip. Or something else meaty. I just ate their portabella sandwich. Not impressed. Nor have I been impressed with their salads. So, vegetarians beware (although the mashed potatoes are delicious - how can they not be with all that butter and salt?). Buckhorn Grill is a tasty spot for carnivores who need a quick bite.

DINNER: Hot Italian, Lisa's Take

Hot Italian's Web site

Funny, we all have slightly different perspectives on the evening. I have to say that I thought the minimalist concept worked! I loved the hanging overhead fan, which appears to be an actual propeller from an airplane. Very cool. I also really enjoyed walking through the motorcycle shop while we waited for our pizzas; it was quasi-museum and quasi-pizza joint! Loved it! I foresee myself bringing out-of-towners here because it is so different. Loved the hand drier in the bathroom! I do think they should have more appetizer options, and when the waitress was asked her opinion on the wines or suggestions, she had none. That's not a good thing, especially when our group is very used to napa/sonoma/amador wines, but not Italian. We would have gone with a suggestion, but instead we had to guess with both bottles. Loved the prosciutto fig pizza. Would not reorder Ray's egg/prosciutto/mushroom pizza. Without the egg, there was barely anything on it! Good thing for the egg! Pistachio gelato - excelente!

DINNER: Hot Italian, Bernadette's take

Hot Italian's Web site

So ... Dinner Club had its first night out on the town. (We've actually all been out together, but this is the first outing on official Dinner Club business.) That in itself was fun -- a nice change. Our agreed upon restaurant was Hot Italian. First, I love the name. Second, interesting set up with the motorcycles and bikes and related apparel. Third, great pizza. Fourth, service was pretty good except our waitress had no knowledge of the wine list. Fifth, delicious gelato (that you can sample before ordering -- I tasted Ferraro Rocher, Pistachio and Dark Chocolate -- all were yummy). Sixth, the decor -- aside from the bike section -- is pretty sparse and monochromatic. Seventh, well ... that's about it -- there's not much else to Hot Italian. Oh, since no one knew anything about the wine menu, we chose a bottle of red from Super Umbria because we liked that it had "super" in the name. It wasn't bad.

DINNER: El Novillero

El Novillero's Web site

Still the best Mexican food in Sacramento.

COCKTAILING: Fox and Goose

Fox and Goose's Web site

Holy moly, Sandra! Chimay on tap!

Drinks & Dinner: Tokyo Fro's Rockin' Sushi

With so many new and trendy places popping up all over town, the hubby and I have learned that we are creatures of habit. Located next to another old fav, Bandaras, Tokyo Fro's has once again not disappointed. This time, we decided to hit the sushi bar without the kiddo, although Tokyo Fro's is quite kid friendly. We went on Friday night and it was pretty packed due to their amazing 1/2 off happy hour. We usually sit a table when the little one is with us, so we switched it up a bit by sitting at the sushi bar. I think one of the reasons why we always go here for sushi is because of their fresh fish - it never seems like it has been sitting around and it doesn't have that funky fish smell --- something not appealing in fish, especially sushi. We shared the tuna poke appetizer, which was served in a martini glass and generously enough for two. We moved on to three different roles, the Captain "save-a-fro" (spicy tuna with lots of extras), The Coach T Finger (tempura prawns with lots of extras), and the Peeta Roll (all veggies with special sauce). Like most sushi places these days, Tokyo's has lists and lists of rolls with crazy names that are loaded with several types of fish, veggies, sauces, and beyond. Heck, they even have rolls with meat in them these days. We even capped it off with some citrus sake. So, the next time you are in the mood for sushi but are a little too scared to try the new hole in the wall down the street, check out Toyko Fro's instead.

LUNCH: Phil's Fish Market: Moss Landing, CA

I know we don't blog about out of town places, normally, but Phil's Fish Market is easily one of the best fish markets around and easily accessible on vacations, such as to Monterey or Carmel. Phil took on Bobby Flay of the Food Network channel and won for the Cioppino cookoff. We highly recommend ordering one bowl of cioppino for two people.... It is enough for two. The east coast oysters on the half shell are another great option for appetizers. Don't sit in the "dining" area if possible; it reminds us of picnic benches in grade school. The bar is the best spot, and you sit next to the fish market and those lovely big chunks of tuna. Also, you can order Phil's online and have it shipped! Check it out!

Dinner: Fat's Asian Bistro & Dim Sum Bar in Folsom

Fat's Bistro Web site

The hubby and I had a rare date night without our little one and after running a few errands, somehow stumbled upon eating at Fat's Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar in Folsom on Thursday night. Not surprisingly, it was packed. Overall, the service was pretty quick considering there were still people waiting to be seated when we left at the ripe hour of 8:00 pm. The decor is stunning, with its high ceilings and lush plants, but if I didn't have the menu in front of me stating the name of the place, I could have easily been sitting at P.F. Changs. We were starving so we decided to start with an appetizer sampler with calamari, veggie egg rolls, edemame and coconut shrimp skewers. I know! That really was a meal in itself! Everything was yummy, including the two dipping sauces. We didn't get very creative with our entrees, picking the standard sweet glazed prawns with walnuts and an asparagus and shrimp tempura dish. The husband and I both agreed that we liked the prawns, but they were very sweet and filling which over powered the rest of the meal. After just a few bites we had to call it quits! The shrimp tempura dish was good - a simple batter with sea salt and pepper that gave it some uniqueness. We also had a side of the veggie rice which was nice because it wasn't very oily and the veggies still had a crunch to them. Looking back, we should have switched out one of the heavier dishes with the ahi tuna and mango salad that I was eyeing. Next time I'm going with my gut! It would have brought some lightness to the meal. But, on the upside, we have some very yummy left-overs waiting for us at home. It's always better the second day, right?

LUNCH: The Counter - Custom Built Burgers

The Counter's Web site

Burgers ... everything a growing boy needs. My wife and I go to Whole Foods in Roseville every week because, oddly enough, the Whole Foods out there is a quicker trip for us (in Natomas) than the one on Arden. However, I don't mind going out to Roseville since right next to the Whole Foods is the newly minted The Counter (a.k.a. John's reward for chauffeuring his wife to Whole Foods). On the menu are burgers and...well, there may be other things on the menu, but who cares? The burgers are phenomenal, so why look at anything else? You can choose one of their tempting Signature Burgers, but why do that when you can exercise your creativity and adventurous streak and Build Your Own? The list of options is dizzying. You choose your meat, size and bread ... and then we get into the fun stuff. Want grilled pineapple, guacamole AND a fried egg on your burger? You got it (but that example sounds kinda gross, I only used it for emphasis). I've been to The Counter a few times and have settled on my favorite toppings: jalapenos, chilies, Dill pickles, fried onions and honey cured bacon. (Of course I don't put all of these on at the same time, it just depends on my mood.) Oh, and cheese, of course -- there are about 10 types from which to choose. Bernadette ordered the (boring) Counter Burger and wasn't crazy about the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. Another time she ordered something with Gruyere cheese and carrots (weird) -- which she really enjoyed. Once, my sister Casey was on a diet and ordered a Chicken Burger -- which she ate but she was really drooling over our beef burgers. As for sides, I highly recommend the sweet potato fries. They have just the right amount of crunch to offset the juicy burger. And don't even think about dessert -- just order one of the shakes. They'll make them right there using a real milkshake machine. The only downside with The Counter is that it's always busy. (Even though there are several empty tables, they still tell us it'll be a 30-minute wait. Not sure why.) If there's only two of you, you can probably snag a seat at the counter -- which is the best place to sit. And, one more bit of advice: show up hungry.

DINNER: Strings (Natomas)

String's Web site

OK. I promise to NOT go off, too much. Basically, we go to Strings occasionally, especially for the cheesy wine and the stuffed lasagna. Both of us were starving and tired tonight, so we decided to see what Strings had (natomas). We had a 2 for 1 coupon and thought, hey, let's use it. Why not? We got there and I specifically asked WHILE placing my coupon on the table, what entrees were not considered part of the 2 for 1 coupon. We ordered, getting one wrong order. Ray got some sort of lasagna but not the one we orderd. Anyhow, whatever. As our check was placed on the table 1/2 way through our meal, my hubby put the credit card down. The waiter was just as fast picking the card up and putting the bill down. So, after we questioned the full bill, he basically told us to "suck it" and that we didn't, in advance, tell them we were using the coupon (duh) and he could not reverse charges. Bull crap. What a loser. So, please, out of respect for me; do not patronize this place. We felt fully taken and disregarded. In this economy, can you really treat patrons this way? Guess you get what you pay for.

DINNER: Shanghai Garden

Shanghai Garden's Web site

For a low key take out dinner on a rainy Saturday night, we decided to order take out from our old fav in East Sacto, Shanghai Garden, located on Alhambra Blvd. Although we have enjoyed many, many meals from this joint, we have never eaten in, so I cannot comment on the staff or service (although they have never messed up our order or have been late in delivery). If you are looking for good Chinese food, you can't go wrong with Shanghai Garden. Every dish has been delish. This time, we ordered the hot and sour noodle soup that did not disappoint in the spicy department. We also had egg fried rice, which was fresh tasting and not overly oily. We rounded it off with Szechuan Spiced Shrimp that was wonderful. Little Claire even liked the shrimp with a kick! The dish was filled with shrimp, peanuts and fresh veggies. The one thing that was a little disappointing was that they did not give us an order of plain rice, which we usually got in the past. Not sure if they made their first mistake or if it was because we only ordered one main dish. In any event, they can expect to see us again when the mood for Chinese food strikes.

DINNER: La Fiesta Mexican

We have been going to this place for years now to satisfy our craving for authentic Mexican food. When you need a night to throw healthy out the window and relax with some chips, salsa and margarita's this place fits the bill. Located right on 65th street, this spot offers no-frills, friendly and quick service. They do have a small bar so if you are in the mood to watch a game with a plate of nachos it's doable here. Claire loves the decor and recently discovered the chicklet machine by the front door. I ALWAYS have the veggie burrito served "wet" and I devour it each time. Full of beans, Mexican rice, guac, and all the extras, it's a steal at only $5.99. Chris has been known to get the steak burrito or quesadilla and has usually been happy with the very generous portion. The menu is pretty big, with all the items that come to mind - enchiladas, combo plates, tacos, you get it. It seems to be a family run business, which is always nice to support in these hard times. So the next time you are in East Sacto and want to grub on some good Mexican, check out La Fiesta Mexican.

DINNER: Woody's Grill & Bar

Woody's Grill & Bar Web site

Now I know what you are thinking... Woody's? Really? Well not all dinners have to be filled with fruity cocktails and fancy apps. The family was running errands and Claire was reaching her breaking point unless she was able to have a hog dog soon. Well, we were on Watt Avenue, so Woody's fit the bill. I have to say, I wasn't expecting very much of this place but was pleasantly surprised (don't get too excited, though). It had a large bar area with flat screens viewable from your table --- a plus since NCAA basketball is in full force. Claire liked the island themed decorations and that kept her entertained until her precious dog arrived. Woody's menu is what you would expect, burgers, dogs, salads, fish tacos... you get it. Chris was able to choose between two hefferveisens. Claire had apple juice with unlimited refills (always a plus). Chris was in the mood for a burger and had a nice selection to choose from --- he said the onion mushroom burger hit the spot, which came along with endless steak fries which everyone (me) enjoyed. Claire had a corn dog from the kids menu which also came with fries. For me, on the other hand, it was a bit more tricky. Being a pescotarian, I figured I would have one or two options at most. A had the taco salad with shrimp --- it was HUGE! Topped with gauc, olives, beans, tomatoes, salsa: in the biggest taco shell I'd seen in a while. They did have a yummy veggie burger option that I'd probably get next time. One warning: Do not eat here if attempting to diet. I usually try to eat healthy and this place did not have any options to fit that need. I would estimate that even my taco "salad" had a good 1000 calories in it. I guess it's all about portion control, right? We walked out with a $30 bill - and gave our server a generous tip because he was caring and attentive to Claire, which isn't something I always see a family-friendly joints.

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.