This is Part II of the cover story ("Drink Up!") from the April 2011 Sacramento Magazine (www.sacmag.com). It featured the top 10 cocktails and where to get them in Sacramento in addition to some of the top restaurants and bars serving up some quality, creative spirits. Part I of this blog series covered swanky sipping, faux speakeasies, and lounge acts; Part II will cover new on the scene, a break from tradition, comfort zones, and expect the unexpected.
New On The Scene:
The Press Bistro and Bar. Bartenders: Scott Martin and Jordan Anderson. Serves: seasonal menu with Mediterranean flavors and food-friendly cocktails. Drinks to Try: Italian Lemonade (Citron vodka, Campari, lemon juice, and agave nectar) Hemingway (thyme simple syrup, rum, blood orange juice, and limoncello), and Spiced Pear Martini (spiced pear vodka, fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juices, muddled pear and balsamic reduction with a fresh-ground nutmeg and sugar rim).
Dive Bar. Serves: compelling combinations made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Drink to Try: Holy Mackerel (reposado tequila, ginger liqueur, mango, Tabasco, Thai basil, lime juice, and house-made simple syrup).
Kupros Bistro. Executive Chef: Matthew Robinson. Serves: a "Cheers"-esque friendly atmosphere. Drink to Try: Kentucky Lemon Drop (bourbon, Cointreau, and fresh lemon).
A Break From Tradition:
Zocalo. Beverage Director: Joe Anthony Savala. Serves: Mexican fare, made-by-hand margaritas with fresh-squeezed limes, muddled seasonal fruits and quality Latin spirits. Drink to Try: The Oaxacan Old-Fashioned (muddled orange peel, agave nectar, angostura bitters, anejo tequila, and mezcal).
Red Lotus Kitchen and Bar. Bar Manager: Mark Neuhauser. Serves: classic drink recipes with original taste combinations, unique dishes, and "impossible" drink combos. Drink to Try: The Old-Fashioned (Jim Beam Black bourbon, simple syrup and angostura bitters served over hand-carved ice blocks, and garnished with a flamed orange peel).
Comfort Zones:
Bandera. Serves: Straightforward, well-made drinks, efficient bartenders, upscale-casual vibe. Drinks to Try: Basil Sidecar and Pimm's Cup.
Sienna. Serves: contemporary comfort food in El Dorado Hills. Drink to Try: Watermelon-And-Basil Martini (watermelon, basil, vodka, and lime juice).
Tazzina Bistro and Vintage Lounge. Serves: house-specialty cocktails and tried-and-true classics in downtown Woodland. Drink to Try: Sazerac.
Ten 22. Serves: a relaxing patio in Old Sac and a ginger-and-fig cocktail in the fall. Drink to Try: Bloody Mary with a spicy housemade mix and crispy bacon garnish.
Expect The Unexpected:
The Golden Bear. Bartender: Russell Eastman. Serves: revamped classic drinks for a modern audience using old recipe books and his creative processes. Drink to Try: Bee's Knees (gin, fresh lemon juice, honey, Yellow Chartreuse, and grapefruit bitters).
Socal's Tavern. Bartender: John Huerta. Serves: sensible drinks by a 15-year veteran and devoted reader of cocktail columns in the San Francisco Chronicle. Drinks to Try: Manhattans, Vodka Collinses, and fresh Strawberry Daiquiris.
So there you have it! Get out and try a new bar, restaurant, or drink! Coming later this summer: Midtown Cocktail Week! (Aug 15-21)
Join us for our 9th Annual “Festa di Vino” wine and food event. Festa di Vino is a major fundraiser for Point West Rotary and is one of Sacramento’s premiere food and wine tasting events. This year we are proud to be partnering with the Sacramento Children’s home. The event will include a live & silent auction and music and dancing by the Q-Balls! You can purchase your tickets online at www.FestadiVino.com. For more information call 916-952-9222 or email festa@pointwestrotary.com. $55.
Saturday, May 14th - ZinFest in Lodi, CA. 12-6pm. Sip, swirl and savor from a selection of 250 handcrafted wines from 50 Lodi wineries. Enjoy local provisions, the ZinFest Wine & Cooking school, or relax along the beautiful Mokelumne River to an eclectic mix of live music. Peruse merchandise from regional vendors and take home a commemorative bottle of custom blended Old Vine Zinfandel from the ZinFest Wine Shoppe. There is no better way to celebrate the fantastic wines of Lodi Wine Country! $45 in advance, $50 at the door.
Saturday, May 14th - Taylor's Market Cheese Class - Spanish Cheese and Wine. 1pm. Spanish Cheese
with Cheesemonger Felicia Johnson. Join Taylor's Cheesemonger for a cheese class focusing on the cheeses of Spain. Participants will taste pairings of 6 Spanish cheeses with 2 Spanish wines. For further information contact felicia@taylorsmarket.com. Tickehttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6260778418975226268ts are $30 per person.
Saturday, May 14th - Consumnes River College 2011 Foundation Gala. 6pm. Don't miss a fantastic evening of food, wine tasting, live jazz and a silent auction at CRC's, "A Taste of Jazz Foundation Gala." The 2011 Gala will wrap up our year-long celebration of CRC's 40th Anniversary of service to the community. Join us as we pay special tribute to the people, places and events that have made our first 40 years truly remarkable. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Cosumnes River College Annual Fund. $40.
Sunday, May 15th - Painting Party at the Painted Cork with Wine Tasting by Mt. Aukum at the Painted Cork in Folsom, CA. 1-5pm. The Painted Cork presents MT AUKUM WINERY! Come treat yourself to a painting party at The Painted Cork and enjoy the delicious varieties of Mt Aukum winery. Mt Aukum will be providing wine tasting beginning at 1pm and will have bottles of their wine for sale and to drink at the event! The Painted Cork will be painting the "Red Wine Glass" painting during the painting party from 2pm-5pm. Seats are being filled, so reserve yours online as soon as possible! $45.
Sunday, May 15th - Vino Velo 2011 at the Winchester Country Club (Meadow Vista, CA). 7pm. Join the Bike Auburn Committee’s Vino Velo 2011 Gala at the Winchester to celebrate the Amgen Tour of California. VIP tickets include pre-event meet & greet, 12pm-1pm with guest speakers. Special guests include “Fast” Freddy Rodriquez, Dylan Casey, Mike McCarthy, and Ken Carpenter. Enjoy food and wine from top Auburn restaurants and wineries. Listen to live Jazz by Dick Harris’ Club House Jazz Band. View a vintage and modern bicycle exhibit. Participate in a silent auction. $65-$85.
Thursday, May 19th -