The California Office of Traffic Safety recently launched its 2012 December Crackdown, which runs through Jan. 1, 2013. As part of this enforcement effort, OTS has updated its successful ongoing statewide RUOK? anti-drunk driving public education campaign to continue to emphasize the importance of safe and sober rides. The 2012 campaign takes aim at popular nightlife areas in four major cities throughout the state: Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Wrapped cars which are made to look like half taxi cabs, half police cruisers (pictured above) will be placed in high-traffic areas every weekend during the crackdown. These engaging displays will help remind patrons of popu

Sacramento Beer Week culminated with The Capital Beerfest, held at Cal Expo on Saturday. Upon entering the exposition hall, there were professional brewers, organizations of home brewers and several distributing companies present, with volunteers buzzing around with a camaraderie that can only develop while working a beer festival. Beer drinkers and enthusiasts of all ages were there enjoying the event to the fullest. The only downfall was the weather. It was so nice outside that everyone was wishing they could be sipping outside rather than inside a hall. The VIP session began at noon and was terrific in the fact that the brewers pulled out all the stops and brought out their best from

Using seasonal ingredients, robust liquors and festive garnishes, bars across Midtown are preparing to fight the bitter cold by adding some new innovative concoctions and classic holiday favorites to their menus. Designed to warm the belly and lift the spirits, here’s a look at some of Sacramento’s tastiest winter cocktails. Shady Lady Saloon 1409 R St. Hot Buttered Rum $8 1 pound softened butter ½ pound brown sugar ½ pound super fine white sugar 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground cardamom 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons ground clove 1 ½ ounces dark rum Hot water (enough water to fill an Irish coffee glass or mug) Mix that by h

Drivers and passersby heading down I Street Saturday afternoon got a quick glimpse of Christmas frivolity as about 30 adult men and women dressed in Santa Claus attire met up outside the Sacramento County Jail to kick off the city’s sixth annual SantaCon. SantaCon, an event that originated in 1994 in San Francisco as a big holiday prank, has now become an international tradition, taking place in many of the world’s major cities, including New York, London and Tokyo. Adults come together dressed in beards, wigs, long stockings and, of course, the classic red Santa suit, and hit the streets and the bars to revel in each other’s shenanigans and company. “In the literal sense, it’s a pub cra

For many of us, winter spells hibernation. A lot of staying under the covers, accompanied by wine and movies. Sure we get some stretching in while reaching for the snooze button, or maybe a little cardio jumping over that puddle. Most of us enjoy doing a little activity each day, but, unfortunately, will be faced with rain clouds, brisk winds and short days during the next couple of months. Strolling the park outdoors, walking to the store, or even walking to work, aren’t ideal options in the freezing temperatures and wet streets. One solution to the winter funk can be found right here in Sacramento, with XOSO Co-Ed Sport and Social League – a league that includes outdoor and indoor kic

What's your favorite place to go get a drink? How do you like your cocktails made? When you order, are you really specific? There is a ridiculous amount of culinary talent in Sacramento, and it doesn't stop on the kitchen line. It makes its way to the speedrack and is being showcased all over downtown. In the next couple of weeks I want to give all those great drinksmiths their due, and highlight them in a series I’ve called: All-Star Bartenders in Sacramento. Check out the talent –you might be surprised the treasures that are right around the corner from you. The first in the series is a bartender that has a special place in my heart. He's a solid bartender who cares about his custome

Mayor Kevin Johnson gave full endorsement of the 47th annual Sacramento Greek Festival on Friday, its opening day. In his address to festival-goers, Johnson shared his appreciation of the great music, art and food provided by the Greek community over the course of the weekend’s festivities, which took place at the Sacramento Convention Center. “It’s all about the gyros for me,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a lot of great Greek restaurants in Sacramento, but what’s neat about this event is that they all come here.” With more than 10,000 people attending the three-day event, Johnson clearly isn’t the only Sacramentan in support of celebrating all things Greek. Chefs from some of the best Gree

Sacramentans in the mood for specially made cocktails need to look no further than Midtown this week. The annual Midtown Cocktail Week kicks off on Monday with seven nights filled to the brim with cocktail culture. Co-founder Joe Anthony Savala began the event in 2008 with Erick Castro after attending San Francisco’s Cocktail Week. “We really love the whole Midtown vibe and how it’s growing, so [we thought,] let’s put something together here,” Savala said. After some planning in conjunction with local restaurants and bars in Midtown and some help from San Francisco’s best bars, MCW was born. In 2009, the Midtown Business Association joined in. MCW is more than just enjoying beverages,

To commemorate the end of a month-long celebration of its 75-year existence, the historic bar Old Ironsides held a final party on Sunday. The Sacramento institution melded new and old, representing the vast changes in culture from its 1934 founding though the rest of the 20th century. “Old time” drinks from each decade were back on the menu to give patrons a taste of what past generations enjoyed. Obscure concoctions such as the Moscow Mule (a 1940s drink with vodka, lime and ginger beer) were suggested alongside more popular fare like the Harvey Wallbanger (1970s) and the Washington Apple (2000s). A few waiters kept a constant rotation of sampler platters circulating the two main rooms

Hi Sacramento,   I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Lenny Mauricio. I have recently moved from Wellington, FL to the Sacramento area. For the past 6 months I have seen many famous DJs come through Sacramento and totally rock the house!!  In Florida, I run a Event Production/Promotion business called Palm Beach House, that has become the #1 House Music brand in that area.  After 6 months of "Chillen" & enjoying the beautiful California weather I have decided to bring my own flavor of music & events  to Sacramento.  Some DJs are known worldwide, some may be obscure, our intention with destinations is to create an enviroment & ambiance unlike no other that has been scene in the

No one would call Sacramento a party town, exactly, but Sacramentans determined to party hearty have found a number of intriguing ways to drink without appearing to just be getting drunk. You want proof?  Well, besides getting the city to close down entire central city blocks, as deVere's Irish Pub did on St. Patrick's Day, or indulging in the holiday cheer pub crawl known as Santacon (in which every participant must show up in red and white Santa drag), or the traditional Thanksgiving Day Appetite Enhancement Ride, there is a new (to me) way to drink and play at the same time: Pub Golf. Pub Golf is a combination of treasure hunt and pub crawl, with a seriously tongue-in-cheek nod to the

 de Veres Irish Pub, located on 15th and L has recently opened up. Yesterday there was an event where locals sold hip new clothing, anywhere from hats to snowboarding gear, out on the patio. While visiting the clothing event, I was able to experience the pub for my first time. Inside the building is incredible. It is lined with dark wood, giving it the Irish feel, while maintaining a totally classy look. The beer selection is great and tasty. I managed to try the BLT sandwich, potato leek soup, and the lamb sliders. All were delectable. I carried my refreshment to the patio with me, while I browsed some of the great deals. Jay Gatlin of Hell-Bent Sales, was selling snow boards and gear,

Jamie's Bar & Grill is one of the hidden gems of the Southside Park neighborhood. The little assuming place sits alone on the west end of Broadway, with a few parking spots in front. It reportedly can get packed by the lunch crowd downtown, being known for great steak sandwiches and other satisfying meat dishes. It was not the ordinary quiet night there last night, Thursday Oct. 30th. A local group dubbed "Sacramento Dive Bar Connoisseurs" started piling in at 8pm. This group, established in August 2004, has been visiting a different local 'dive bar' every other Thursday night since they formed. Although Jamie's is primarily a restaurant, it met the group's criteria since it has a full ba