Foie Gras & Flannel

Earlier this week I spent two days in Sacramento for a training workshop with California Volunteers. I had a free evening to walk around, so I explored downtown a bit, eventually ending up at the intersection of R and 14. My friend Daniel had recommended Magpie on a previous trip, so I stopped there for dinner.

I was excited, but I didn’t quite know what to do when I walked in the door. There was no host station, just a counter and a deli case in front of me, and a sign out front saying this was a catering company. Had it not been for the near-full restaurant, I would have assumed I’d be taking my food to go.

The menus: one for dinner, printed with the week’s date, and a wine/beer list, both clipped to panels from a produce box. I sat and read through every line waiting for someone to greet me–a little over 10 minutes. Not a great start.

But that’s when the experience really started. I asked for recommendations from the menu, but every description made it harder to choose, so I started with the Amber Ale from Eel River and a green salad, served with fresh watermelon radishes and a refreshing cider vinaigrette.

For dinner, I chose the risotto: Muscovy duck confit over the rice with truffle oil and aged jack cheese. With the whole-kernel corn, the flavor reminded me of a hearty corn chowder; it was incredibly rich and delicious.

Sitting at the edge of the patio with my camera, I drew a small crowd from passersbys on the sidewalk to my right. Everyone asked the same question: What is that?!? I answered, and after taking the first bite I confirmed that it tasted as good as it looked. Maybe even a little better.

A little note about the location: Magpie is next door to Shady Lady, among a row of businesses just outside of downtown. Also in the building: another restaurant, a bar, two hair salons and a small concert venue. It’s a happening little spot, with an eclectic mix of people. I loved the energy and engagement of strangers.

Thanks for the good time, Sacramento!

I drove up to Sacramento on Monday for a meeting with a potential client. It’s just shy of three hours each way, so I figured I’d make the most of the day by filing papers with the state (they’re processed two and a half months faster if you submit them in person) and exploring the food scene. By 3:30 p.m., I still hadn’t eaten lunch, so I took Nate’s recommendation and headed to Shady Lady Saloon for a couple of drinks bite.

(A quick note about those papers I filed: details are still unfolding, but I’m working on a commercial kitchen/community eatery in downtown Fresno. Fingers crossed, we’ll have a legal entity a couple weeks from now.)

Back to Shady Lady. Fliers posted around the room announced the launch of Moonshine, and a special menu listed drinks featuring the clear corn whiskey.

I don’t usually order mixed drinks, but they came on good recommendation…so I tried the Swamp Fire. It was surprisingly balanced in flavor–that’s dangerous when mixing hard alcohol. Better soak it up with some food.

Up first, stuffed squash blossoms, fried:

An amazing combination of flavor. I practically licked the plate, but I was still hungry, so for dessert I ordered the Niman Ranch burger with bleu cheese, bacon and whole grain mustard:

Nothing like a full stomach and a long drive home.