Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "drinking"

New Anti-DUI campaign hits Sacramento streets Dec. 20

2012-12-20T01:38:25Z

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 popular bars and restaurants that every night out can end safely by taking sober and responsible modes of transportation home rather than risk a trip to jail, or worse, by driving drunk.

The street teams will also encourage people to actively engage in campaign efforts via a “Not Driving” Instagram contest, another new element of this year’s campaign effort. Participants are asked to follow OTS on Instagram, upload photos that demonstrate their safe ride home, and add a “not driving,” caption and a #RUOK hashtag. Contest winners can receive taxi ride vouchers, donated by Taxi Magic, its participating fleets and other OTS partners.

When and where you can find the wrapped cars and street team:

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
Dec. 20, 2012 - Dec.22, 2012

Mix Club
1116 15th St.
Sacramento, Calif. 95814

Dive Bar
1016 K. St.
Sacramento, Calif. 95814

Disclosure: Posting on behalf of the California Office of Traffic Safety

Culminating with the Capital Beerfest

2011-03-08T03:20:05Z

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 behind the table. During the premiere hour from noon to 1 p.m., the two buildings seemed vast with the limited number of people who were present. Beer enthusiasts were more or less running from table to table tasting, always keeping in mind those who were presenting a special something for the first hour or until they ran out, whatever came first. Visitors got a chance to chat with brewers, distributors, pub and brewery representatives, owners, and other beer enthusiasts.

At 1 p.m., the floodgates opened, and the hall began to fill with cheerful beer drinkers. More than 60 breweries were present, some pouring up to six or seven different beers from bottles, taps and growlers. Brewers included large-volume breweries that distribute throughout the country to small micro- or nano-breweries that are just beginning to make their way, some only borrowing the brewing facilities of more established breweries. This in itself is an attribute to the local and regional brewing scene: breweries, micro-breweries, nano-breweries, brew pubs and beer cafes all working together to create a no-holds-barred craft brew industry.

All in all, “bourbon barrel aged” was the catchphrase of the day. Nearly all brewers with direct representation had a glint in their eyes as if they knew a secret, and that secret was always something delicious they had hidden behind the table. All day Saturday, drinkers were able to experience ales aged in bourbon barrels, beers aged with oak chips soaked in bourbon, and beers so rich and full that you almost wonder if they weren't just poured right in with the bourbon.

The best of show had to go to the North Coast Brewing Company's Old Stock Ale Cellar Reserve 2009. During the first hour, North Coast poured several bottles of its bourbon barrel aged Old Stock Ale.

North Coast Brewing Company made a similar beer in 2005 that was aged in brandy barrels. It was a delight to talk with North Coast’s Ken Kelley during the sipping. Kelley described the 2009 Cellar Reserve as a beer great for sipping, although you will probably want a pint. North Coast Brewing also had its dessert-like favorite, Old Rasputin, on tap as well as Belgian Style Abbey Ale Brother Thelonious.

In my humble and dark beer-loving opinion, The Bruery's Three French Hens ran a close second for the best beer at the Capital Beerfest. Three French Hens, created by Famille Rue's The Bruery, was a rich and delicious blend, 75 percent Belgian dark ale and 25 percent oak aged ale. The ale weighed in at 10 percent ABV and drank like a French country ale on a fresh spring day. The beer is part of a string of the 12 beers of Christmas. I can only hope to get my hands on the other 11 as soon as possible.

The Bruery's Cuádruple was terrific as well, and a good impersonation of a Belgian quadruple. It had more life to it than some of the Belgian-style abbey ales made in the region, though it is admittedly quite difficult to replicate an art that Belgian monks have spent centuries perfecting.

Throughout the day, random polling demonstrated a love for local brews as well. El Dorado's Trailblazer Stout got a number of votes, as did the Stony Bar Scotch Ale, made by Folsom's Lockdown Brewing Company. The Sac Piper should also be on the list. The smooth, malty Scottish Ale could be found at the Sudwerk table and held its own in terms of taste and balance. The ale was collaboratively brewed specially for Sacramento Beer Week.

Besides its stout, El Dorado Brewing Company has another interesting beer available, the rarely found or heard-of style, Braggot. Allan Camillo, owner and brewer for El Dorado, explained the Real Mountain Ale Braggot as an Old-World brew that they would love to bring back. The style could be described as a kind of half-mead, half-malty ale, a style that is found in only a couple of other breweries in the country. The El Dorado Real Mountain Ale Braggot is on tap at The Boxing Donkey in Roseville and at Samuel Horne's Tavern in Folsom.

Another local brewer, Peter Hoey, could be found around the event throughout the day, usually hovering near the Sutter Buttes Brewing Oatmeal Stout, a nice stout with so much oatmeal taste, it just might work in a bowl of oatmeal on a rainy winter evening. Black Diamond Brewing Company had a nice stout on tap as well, more specifically, the chocolate and vanilla bean Peak XV had five kinds of vanilla beans as well as cacao nibs.

The most interesting and innovative beers at Capital Beerfest were produced by Schmaltz Brewing Company's He'Brew. The 14-year-old company was genuine in its desire for new and interesting beers. The He'Brew slogan: “The Chosen Beer: Great for Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, and Circumcisions,” was a slogan that I heard many people chuckle at throughout the day.

I might go as far as awarding Mr. Congeniality to Zak Davis, the representative for He'Brew. He went out of his way to pour their unique brews of various vintages. One such example was their 2009 13th anniversary ale. The He’Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah Thirteenth Anniversary Ale had 13 kinds of hops and 13 types of malts; it drank as thick and rich as a celebration liqueur, just as it was intended.

He'Brew's sour beer, Geektoberfest, was strong and interesting, taking the cake for the most bizarre beer. Most notably, the Geektoberfest comes packed in a cardboard container filled with duck feathers in homage to the etymology of the word geek.

While He'Brew's sour beer had the geuze edge that many beer drinkers aren't able to appreciate, Deschutes Brewery threw in a bone with The Dissident, its wild-yeast sour brown ale, probably the best modern-day take on a geuze I have tasted. Deschutes also poured its decennial beer, Jubel 2010. The Jubel 2010 has its own interesting story. The original recipe was created back in 2000 when someone tried to steal a keg of Jubelale, but got only about 20 feet before they decided it was just too heavy and too cold to carry out their plan. The beer stayed out overnight and got so cold that ice formed in the keg, which, when removed, left the remaining beer in a condensed form, thereby creating a richer and thicker flavor. The brewers at Deschutes decided to give it a try anyway, and Jubel 2000 was born. This eisbock-like beer is now brewed every 10 years.

Of all the breweries that poured at Capital Beerfest, the brewery most worth a visit might just be Mammoth Brewing Company of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and not just because its upcoming Blues & Brews festival, Bluesapalooza, is right up my alley, what with Blues Traveler and Matt Schofield on the docket. Their location near Yosemite National Park is certainly appealing, as is getting another taste of that double nut brown. Just the smell was alluringly nutty and sweet.

By 3 p.m., the noise level in the main hall was almost unbearable, with spontaneous bursts of collective yelling, glasses raised, that could only be equated to a hearty 'cheers' to Sacramento Beer Week and the Capital Beerfest. As at every beer festival, the line for the women's bathroom was stunningly short, and the men's traumatizingly long. One man in particular felt this especially as I watched him walk, head down, into the women's restroom with a look in his eyes that made me glad he didn't wait until his turn in line.

Sierra Nevada had the nicest booth around, complete with that SN green tent. Their 2 x 4 was a dream. A mix of Belgian quadruple and brandy barrel-aged Belgian dubbel, you could really taste the rich flavor of liquor. Sierra Nevada kept going strong all day with four different beers on draught.

On a cheesier note, Nugget Markets was set up in building C, giving out samples of great artisan cheeses and sausages that you could smell grilling out back behind the building. Who knew you could get that great Old Amsterdammer cheese at the Nugget?

I was disappointed that Lagunitas didn't pull out any stops, but then again, they were such a presence throughout beer week that I can hardly blame them. Sacramentans will never forget Tony Magee's musical talents and ambitions, or Sacramento Fusion, the Black IPA brewed specially for Sacramento Beer Week. The Lagunitas owner and brewer must have been camped out in McKinley Park all week, considering the number of bars and cafes that he visited during Sacramento Beer Week.

Hoppy Brewing represented Sacramento brewing at Capital Beerfest as well, with a number of beers on tap including its Hoppy Face Amber Ale and Stony Face Red Ale, both, you guessed it – hoppy.

The Gold Country Brewers Association tapped homebrew after homebrew, serving so many different beers that they truly proved that homebrewing deserved its own stall right next to Sierra Nevada. The group has approximately 75 members in the area and has monthly meetings and brewing events of all kinds. Greenbelt Brewers Association was also represented and poured a number of taps throughout the day.

At one particular booth, I found myself speaking with one of the baby blue-shirted volunteers. The volunteers were part of an organization called Runnin' for Rhett, a nonprofit that was created in memory of Rhett Seevers, a boy who was born with cerebral palsy and lived just seven years.

Through a strange twist of fate, I found that the volunteer with whom I was speaking was in fact Rhett's grandmother. The words that I heard from his grandmother were inspiring and courageous, and I only hoped that more people took the time to chat with a volunteer about their cause. Lyle Gramling was sweet, honest and truly represented the cause in every way.

Each year, the members of Runnin’ for Rhett, a group now 650 strong, run, walk and volunteer in the Shamrock’n Half Marathon. Participating in the half-marathon is a tradition that was started by Rhett’s mother, Beth Seevers, in 2005; exactly a year after the day of Rhett’s passing. Now, each year, the organization works to support its slogan, “Move into Life” by encouraging healthy movement. In addition, each year, two $5,000 scholarships are given to teachers or students getting accredited to work in special education in the Sacramento area.

The success of Capital Beerfest was phenomenal for more than one reason – friends, local and nationwide brewers, homebrewers and many others on the Sacramento Beer Week and Capital Beerfest committee came together to spread the word on the art and possibilities of craft brewing. Beer was talked about in terms of moods, meals and seasons. Add to this the overall camaraderie, plus donating to a good cause, and I can be absolutely positive that it was highly enjoyable for everyone involved.

From the last call, drinkers began to trickle to the white school buses that would take them back to Midtown. It was hard to imagine a more jovial and friendly atmosphere of adults on a school bus. I only hope that the man with the Beeriodic Table T-shirt was sitting tall in the front seat.

Holiday drinks: Get 'em while it's cold outside!

2010-12-21T20:55:19Z

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

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 hand or using handheld mixer. Store in freezer indefinitely.
Take out 1-2 tablespoons of batter, mix in 1 ½ ounces of dark rum. Fill mug or Irish coffee glass with hot water. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

“People in America were drinking these as early as 1685,” co-owner Jason Boggs said. “Rum was being delivered here and distilled in the early colonies. That was the first way that they were drinking booze. It’s very old.

“That’s the classic hot buttered rum (recipe). Some people add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. We try to keep it classic.”

Lounge on 20
1050 20th St.

Fennel Fizz
$12

1 ½ ounces Lucid Absinthe

¾ ounce lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup

1 splash of soda water

Shaken with diced fennel, topped with egg white foam and garnished with a lemon twist, fennel sprig and star anise. Served in a Collins glass.

Eastern Promises
$9

¾ ounce Jasmine Liqueur

¾ ounce Ginger Liqueur

1 bag of green tea

Hot water

Garnished with a lemon twist and cinnamon stick.

Spiked French Toast
$10

1 ½ ounces rum

1 ounce milk

¾ ounce 5 Spice simple syrup

Shaken and then steamed to warm, powdered cinnamon sprinkled on top, and served in a martini glass.

Drinks created by Vince LaForm and Renee Fong.

Centro Cocina
2730 J St.

Seasonal Infused Tequila
$8.50

5 bags of fresh cranberries

40 peeled green apples

3 cinnamon sticks

4 vanilla bean

3-3 ½ bottles of Silver tequila

Soaked together in a large pitcher. Served as a 4 ½ ounce shot in a chilled flute, or in a margarita with 1 ounce Triple Sec and 1 ounce of lime juice.

Drink created by Joel York.

De Vere's Irish Pub
1521 L St.

Mother’s Milk
$10

1 ¼ ounces Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

2 or 3 shakes of whiskey barrel-aged bitters

¼ ounce Creme de Leche

¼ ounce honey syrup

Shaken and then served in a chilled martini glass , topped with fresh ground nutmeg.

Drink created by Henry De Vere White.

Paesanos
1806 Capitol Ave.

Candy Canetini
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

¾ ounce Absolut Vanilla Vodka

¾ ounce Creme de Cacao

¼ ounce Candy Cane schnapps

1 ounce half and half

¼ ounce simple syrup

Shaken and served in a red sugar-rimmed martini glass.

XO Mocha
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce Patron XO Coffee Liqueur (espresso flavored)

½ ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream

½ ounce half and half

Served over ice and topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Creamsicle shot
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce whipped cream-flavored vodka

½ ounce orange juice

Shaken over ice, served in a shot glass.

Drinks created by John Hazelton, Erica O’Neal and Amanda Starr.

Red Lotus

2718 J St.

Two Brothers
$9

2 ounces Leopold Bros. New York Apple Whiskey

3 dashes of old-fashioned aromatic bitters

Served in a lowball glass over a signature hand-carved ice block with a lemon twist garnish.

Drink created by Mark Neuhauser.

Zócalo
1801 Capitol Ave.

Homemade Egg Nog
$8

2 ounces Santa Teresa Aged Venezuelan Rum

3 ounces whole milk from Straus Family Creamery

3 ounces half and half from Straus Family Creamery

Shaken, and topped with cardamom, nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

Drink created by Joe Anthony Savala and Dominique Gonzales.

Santa Claus is hitting the town

2010-12-20T02:52:55Z

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 crawl,” said Terry Sellers, 34, who participated in his first SantaCon last year in San Francisco. “You get some of your friends together, you put together a crazy costume and you parade around town. It works out perfectly because we love to drink, and other people love to see a hundred Santas walking down J Street.”

Protecting themselves from the rain by huddling under awnings and umbrellas, the Santas mingled and compared costumes as they waited for other partakers to arrive. One Santa had a megaphone, while another had a radio playing loops of Christmas Carols. These were a few props that kept them busy and entertained as the rest of the Santas trickled in.

With the dark skies and rainy weather, this year’s SantaCon group started out relatively small but exuberant. As the troop made their way on foot to Old Sac to hit the first bar, they cracked jokes and told old stories. Many of them had already known each other, as a big part of the group included members of the Sacramento Cacophony Society and longtime SantaCon participants.

The itinerary of SantaCon was completely open and relaxed. With no bars or times scheduled, the Santas were free to go where they wanted and stay for as long as they pleased.

“Santas come and go throughout the day -- we’re not really expecting to stay together,” said one man who has attended every Sacramento SantaCon, who would only identify himself as “Santa Libre.” In fact, many of the Santas would only identify themselves as just that, or some slight, playful variation of the name.

“Santa does what Santa does,” he said.

The enjoyment of SantaCon didn’t end with those in costumes, either. As the celebrators continued their trek, Midtown drivers and pedestrians honked and hollered in excitement, which would often be returned with a hardy, rowdy “ho ho ho!”

Cynthia Wetzel, 33, dressed in a bright green wig and Mrs. Claus skirt, celebrated her first SantaCon in Sacramento this year, hot off the heels of New York City’s, in which she flew east to attend.

“I love seeing everyone’s reaction. I mean it’s just a blast,” she said. “It’s just about celebrating Christmas, having a good time, singing carols, drinking some beer, and enjoying making new friends.”

XOSO: play sports, drink and be merry!

2010-12-17T06:42:36Z

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 kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, bowling, and “recess,” a rotating combination of all the sports.

“We’re trying to keep it fun and more recreational, trying to stay away from more contact sports and the games that can usually cause people to get angry. It’s really about having fun,” said Nick Berruezo, 31, the founder of XOSO.

XOSO, pronounced “zo-so,” like the Led Zeppelin album although not necessarily named after it, goes year-round and has seasons that typically last anywhere from eight to 10 weeks, and will sometimes even include a mini-championship.

Founded in May 2008, XOSO is different than some of the other recreational leagues in the area, as it provides its players with an outlet to keep physically active, while also focusing on the more gregarious aspects of daily life – eating, drinking, and shooting the breeze.

The keys to this combination are the local bars that work with XOSO to sponsor the different leagues. The teams meet once a week to play, and then take it back to their sports bar, where they enjoy discounted pitchers, well drinks and appetizers, as well as drinking games such as beer pong, flip cup, darts and pool.

The teams enjoy some other festive perks: XOSO puts on themed quarterly pub crawls and has just introduced a new VIP discount card, which can be used year-round at different XOSO-affiliated businesses, such as Blue Cue, Brew it Up!, Capitol Bowl, ~~On the Y~~, and others.

“It’s about going out and socializing afterwards, that’s the catch,” said Jason Marks, 27, who has played multiple sports with XOSO for all but its first season. “It’s not so much about winning the games.”

While XOSO may not emphasize competitiveness, it is still a very athletic league. Many of its players have been lifelong athletes who are looking to enjoy a nice balance.

Marissa Francis, 28, a veterinarian medicine student at University of California, Davis has played with XOSO since March 2009.

“I competed in high school,” she said. “I played basketball, volleyball, I threw shot-put and discus, and I did softball and swimming for a semester, but I like the recreational feel.”

Another way to amp up the exercise is by competing in more than one league at a time. Since each sport only meets once a week, it opens the doors for many of the players to be on multiple teams per season.

“I work at an office, staring at a computer all day, so it’s nice to know I’m exercising two or three times a week,” Marks said. “Being on teams is a really good motivation.”

Berruezo brought the idea of a sport and social league with him from San Diego after playing on a kickball team for a few years. In the summer of 2008, XOSO consisted of one league – outdoor kickball – and 50 players. It is now upwards of 3,000 players and will introduce bowling as its sixth sport next month, as well as a boot camp closer to spring.

“Most major cities in the country have a sport and social league,” he said. “It gives people the chance to mingle, meet new people, expand their social setting. That’s what sets them apart from mainstream leagues.”

This is just one of the aspects that gets rookies interested and keeps veterans coming back for more, season after season.

“I’m planning on staying in the Sacramento area after I graduate, and a big reason why is because of all the friends I’ve made through XOSO,” said Francis, a native of Southern California. “It’s my mental health, it’s not talking about medicine once in a while. I love getting out there and enjoying the interaction.”

Upcoming XOSO registration information
(Note: Online registration is available for individuals and small groups. Full teams must register by mail. Registration covers league fees, equipment, and XOSO T-shirt)

For more information, visit www.xososports.com

Bowling
Thursday nights at Capitol Bowl, 900 West Capitol Ave., West Sacramento.
Registration ends: Jan. 6
Season begins: Jan. 20
Sponsor bar: Drink While You Play! Capitol Bowling Bar
$85 each, or $500 for a team of 8 people

Dodgeball
Wednesday and Thursday nights (depending on division), Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 22
Season begins: Jan. 5 and Jan. 6
Sponsor bars: Wednesday – Bulls, 1330 H Street ~~Streets of London, 1804 J street~~. Thursday – Blue Cue, 1004 28th Street.
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 players

Indoor Kickball
Monday nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 20
Season begins: Jan. 10
Sponsor bar: Streets of London, 1804 J Street ~~Bulls, 1330 H Street.~~
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 people

Volleyball
Tuesday nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 21
Season begins: Jan. 4
Sponsor bar: Blue Cue, 1004 28th Street. ~~Hangar 17, 1630 S street.~~
$70 each, or $600 for a team of 10 people

Recess
Sundays nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 19
Season begins: Jan. 9
Sponsor bar: Zebra Club, 1900 P Street ~~Blue Cue, 1004 28th street~~
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 people

Photos courtesy of www.xososports.com

Editorial note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

All-Star Bartenders in Sacramento - Dan Mitchell, Mulvaney's B&L

2010-12-09T23:15:25Z

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 customers, and is a genuine pleasure to drink around – alone or with a group of friends.

This bartender is Dan Mitchell. He has a vast amount of alcohol knowledge, but lacks the pretentiousness the high-class restaurant he works in would make you think he'd have.

More than his talent and incredible people skills, I've been really impressed with how utterly resourceful he is. Other than a speedrack and some basic facilities, he works out of a cooler and off of his shelves – no drain, no back sink, just the shakers, knives, the drink and the beautiful Mahogany bar behind him. This is no easy task, and he makes inspiring drinks every night.

Mitchell grew up in Yountville and has lived/worked in the culinary interest all his life, and begun playing with new flavors to mix drinks about six years ago. From pyrotechnics to flavors Dan Michell works together beautifully with Patrick Mulvaney creating anything and everything.

One of the best takes on a Bloody Mary I'd ever had was something they both cooked up for Midtown Cocktail Week (a wonderful event that should happen more than one time a year). Their take included Skyy vodka, tomato water (not juice, water), a cherry tomato, and a crispy bacon garnish.

I was floored. I can't stand the acidity in tomato juice and this was a wonderful twist.

Me: How did you get your start in bartending?

Mitchell: I started out as an underage bartender in Piatte in Sonoma, then went on to work at Mustard's Grill, and later Bistro Jeanty. There were amazing people there.

Me: What’s your favorite drink/cocktail?

Mitchell: The Negroni - one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part bitters, traditionally Campari. It is considered an apéritif, a pre-dinner cocktail intended to stimulate the appetite.

Me: To you, what's the difference between a mixologist and a bartender?

Mitchell: It's the difference between a chef and a mechanic.

Me: What?

Mitchell: I'm a mechanic; I know about 50-plus drink recipes, but I'm always willing to research a recipe, make you anything you're hankering for, or create something based on what you're looking for. But I'm here to have a good time, and fix the problem: namely, a lack of a drink in your hand.

Me: What is the next big thing to watch for in drinking/cocktails/mixed drinks?

Mitchell: People are taking their drinking more seriously than they ever seemed to before. There's more Prohibition-era cocktails, and overall education in drinking...You'll always have trendy drinks of the moment, but there seems to be more thought involved in what people are drinking.

Me: What's your signature recipe cocktail?

Mitchell: Anything that's in the moment; it's all per the situation, the customer ... I could create a cocktail one minute that wows someone, and forget what was in it the next.

Me: What's the best way to get a bartenders attention?

Mitchell: The person who's patient, that acknowledges the crowd and waits – that person will get a much better reception. As a bartender, we usually see everyone who comes in, even if we can't immediately acknowledge you. But a patient person might be surprised how welcome a reception that waiting will get them.

Me: Where do you drink?

Mitchell: Brownies. It's a little dive bar in South Land Park.

Next Up - Chris Tucker, The L Wine Lounge

Greek Sacramentans celebrate their heritage

2010-09-06T02:22:02Z

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 Greek restaurants in Sacramento, including the Greek Village Inn and Cafe Europa, performed cooking demonstrations at the festival. Some chefs even shared recipes and techniques from their own cookbooks.

As visitors shopped at the makeshift market stalls and sampled the overwhelming variety of Greek cuisine, traditional bounisi folk music filled the Convention Center’s cavernous space.

Clarinet player Geoffrey Antipa explained that the word bounisi means “people of the mountains.”

“If you were to go out into the villages, you might hear people sounding just the way we’re playing now,” Antipa said.

His band included a guitar, a santouri (much like a hammered dulcimer) and three vocalists. Their traditional contribution to the event’s live soundtrack was balanced out by the more contemporary Mythos Band, who performed to a livelier crowd in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Hundreds of parishioners from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church served at different stations throughout the event, including food preparation and service, security, cleanup, setup and take-down, and vending.

The celebratory mood at the festival was expressed by its volunteers just as much as by those visiting.

Helen Psihopaidas has volunteered at the event for the last 46 years, witnessing it outgrow the church’s facilities on Alhambra Boulevard, move to Cal Expo and then eventually overtake the Convention Center.

“It’s grown a lot over the years, and every year they get better and better,” she said.

Her station at the appetizer’s booth had her serving up kalamari and loukanico (Greek sausages with a hint of orange) to the hungry dancers and performers nearby.

Across the way from Psihopaidas, Jimmy Pappas ran the festival’s watering hole. Over the course of the weekend he and his crew went through 220 24-pack cases of “Marathon Beer.”

In addition to the beer, small cups of ouzo (licorice-flavored aperitif), metaxa (brandy) and retsina wine began their circulation from Pappas’ “Taverna,” which was also the source of most “Opa!” proclamations, as it appeared that’s where attendees enlivened their moods enough to shout the Greek phrase for “hurray!”

Pappas said his favorite part of the festival is getting to see people enjoy everything they taste and see, while also getting to experience a little bit of his Greek heritage.

Although many at the festival are not Greek, they find themselves drawn into the culture because of a relationship with someone who is. Alester Thomas is one such example.

Thomas said he had been exposed to great Greek food ever since he started dating his Greek girlfriend, but that didn’t stop him from joining the long line of hungry visitors in the cafeteria-style food court. When asked what he would be choosing from the à la carte menu, Thomas replied, “I have no idea. I’m letting my girlfriend decide.”

To non-Greeks, wandering the festival without a Greek significant other to guide them, a warm hospitality and openness was extended by the event’s parishioners and volunteers.

Father James Retelas explained that this hospitality is an important expression of Greek culture. The culture is one that celebrates filoxenia (love for the guest), Retelas said.

Non-Greeks’ response to the event is “overwhelmingly positive,” said Father Timothy Robinson of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitors could visit Father Robinson in his chapel — surrounded by religious icons and golden censers — to ask questions about Greek Orthodoxy and history.

Robinson explained that non-Greeks’ curiosity is satisfied by the accessible representation of Greek culture, history, food and religion at the event.

Chairperson Gerri Magers has helped organize the event for the last three years. Magers said this year’s event was especially exciting because of the new features involved.

World-renowned landscape artist Gregory Kondos was on hand to sign posters and talk art, while wine-tasting exhibits offered wine from all different regions across Greece.

“In comparison to past years, it’s got a lot of energy,” Magers said.

Like a batch of loukoumathes (Greek doughnut puffs), the warmth and flavor of Greek culture welcomed Sacramentans in to join the celebration of Hellenic heritage in the area.

Mayor Johnson referred to the rich Greek tradition in Sacramento as a strength of the community.

“It’s one of the best in Sacramento.”

Photos one through six by Brandon Darnell

Photos seven through eleven by Dane Johnson

Midtown Cocktail Week stirs up drinks starting Monday

2010-08-09T04:51:25Z

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, Savala said. It’s more about the mixology and cocktail culture.

“What we’re trying to do is educate a lot of the people here, people that love the cocktail culture and are even in the industry,” he said. “We try to bring a lot of the great minds, work together and brainstorm to make each other better.”

Savala, current beverage manager at Zócalo, described a mixologist as someone much like a chef who knows ingredients well and can mix them to create something great.

The secret to a great cocktail is balance, he said.

“A lot of times with young bartenders, they think they need more ingredients to make a great cocktail, he said. “Sometimes it’s really the simplest, purist form of a cocktail that makes it great.”

This year’s MCW will host its yearly bartender mixology competition Tuesday at Lounge on 20. Eight competitors are challenged to use Royal Combier liqueur in their creations and will be judged on appearance, taste and creativity.

Zócalo will feature drinks on Thursday made from distilled mezcal. Savala said some participating locations, such as Shady Lady, will feature local ingredients — including spirits.

“Just like people are eating a lot better now with more local ingredients, people are drinking better now, too,” he said. “It’s really bringing cocktails that have a lot of integrity.”

MCW is promoting responsible drinking and alternative transportation. Proceeds to MCW will benefit drunk driving educators and law enforcement agencies in Sacramento.

“This brings a lot of culture and awareness to Sacramento,” Savala said. “People aren’t really trying to get drunk anymore, they’re trying to enjoy a great cocktail. It’s maturing Sacramento into becoming great drinkers — people who are enjoying a great cocktail, culture, education and awareness.”

For a sneak peek at Savala’s “Oaxacan Old Fashioned” and “Anejo Sour” drink recipes, click here.

For more information and full list of events for MCW, visit midtowncocktailweek.org.

Old Ironsides ends month-long 75th anniversary celebration in style

2009-11-23T23:07:32Z

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. Modern sandwiches like sun dried tomato garden burgers mixed with classic crinkle cut French fries and hamburger patties on toasted sourdough to provide a balance for partygoers old and young.

Nostalgia ruled the day, fueled mostly by a flat screen TV in the barroom running a slide show of photos spanning every decade since Old I’s inception. Crisp, digital images from the not so distant past were bookended by fuzzy Polaroids of heavily sideburned patrons from the 70s and black and white, magnesium lit windows to Sacramento’s bar scene a half century ago.

In the second room, a DJ spun classics from each decade, switching CDs between each tune to ensure a variety of eras. Frank Sinatra’s iconic rendition of “Let’s Fly Away” clashed with funk numbers like “Brick House” and Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” had people breaking out their best malt shop moves. The patrons, perhaps fueled by the irresistible $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon deal, danced with equal energy to every track.

There was a fairly consistent flow of attendees the entire afternoon, many staying for all five hours. If the crowded dance floor, packed booths and innumerable empty martini glasses and beer bottles were any indicator, this local hangout will stay afloat for another 75 years.

House Music in Sacramento (5.14 w/Marques Wyatt @ SOCIAL)

2009-04-27T21:40:06Z

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 area for quite some time.

We intend for these nights to make you feel good and create memories that you won’t soon forget.

We understand the importance of the people and the vibe so we have some surprises and ideas to make the nights unique even to major cities like LA, Miami, Palm Beach, NYC & beyond.....

::For Guestlist or Bottle Service::

Lenny Mauricio (561) 281 6777
PalmBeachHouse@Live.com

Please Join our Fan Page on Facebook

www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Sacramento-CA/City-of-Sacramento/137613020463

SOCIAL nightclub, Lenny Mauricio, & the House of Representatives

are proud to present

Marques Wyatt
@ SOCIAL (5/14)- Where House Lives

Marques Wyatt (Deep-LA, OM)
@ SOCIAL (5/14)- Where House Lives

International DJ and producer Marques Wyatt is an influential messenger of the deepest, most soulful kind of house music. Beneath his relaxed, spiritual and unknowingly suave persona, therein lies a man partially responsible for giving birth to the West Coast house scene by bringing the fresh sounds of New York (a la Frankie Knuckles, Tony Humphries and Larry Levan) to Los Angeles beginning in the mid ´80s.

Carefully pointing out that he has "always had a deep passion for music," you know that his adoration of house has been a gateway into the lives of thousands and thousands of people.

Over the years promoting and playing an enormous amount of parties including BBC, Brass, MAC´s Garage, Does Your Mama Know? and currently LA´s biggest house club DEEP, Marques has changed the face of Southern California nightclubbing and the presentation of its music, sound and scene.

::For Guestlist or Bottle Service::

Lenny Mauricio (561) 281 6777
PalmBeachHouse@Live.com

Please Join our Fan Page on Facebook

www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Sacramento-CA/City-of-Sacramento/137613020463

Drinking games in the Grid

2009-04-05T01:19:50Z

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 timelessly lame pastel color palate of leisure golf. The treasure are, yes, drinks. Lots of drinks.

Pub Golf is a pretty good way to spread your drinking dollars out over a number of establishments eager to serve whatever kooky drink you can come up with - and perhaps pace your drinking, since you will soon be walking to the next establishment. Yes, walking, which keeps drunks out of cars and on the sidewalk, where they belong.

Saturday afternoon's Pub Golf tournament drew a couple of dozen "players," festooned in pink, yellow and baby blue, as well as all manner of just-wrong argyles, as the players "drank through" midtown from deVere's to Zocalo, on through The Depot and Lounge on 20, all the way through nine bars ("holes") ending at the Pine Cove. Turns out you could get a bit of exercise at this as well.

"Playing" Pub Golf is easy: At each bar on the scorecard, a specific drink is listed, and each player (and his or her partner) needs to drink said drink, and do it in front of other players so that the score is counted and registered on a scorecard. Most "holes" were par 1, but a couple were par 2 - that is, two drinks - which meant that by the end of a nine-hole round each participant would have consumed 14 drinks. Pro drinking by any score.

Some drinks are simple - a shot of tequila or a "vodka drink" or a Guinness - others are a bit more challenging or at least exotic: a caipirinha at Celestin's, a Car Bomb at deVere's or a Mind Eraser at the Limelight.

When we caught the players they were just leaving Celestin's, the third of nine "holes" and participants were still keeping score and behaving acceptably, aside from the clothes. This was not expected to last.

de Veres

2009-02-01T22:50:54Z

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, at cost. Most items of clothing were 75% off.

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the brothers of the pub, Simon de Vere White. He and his two brothers, Henry and Mark, own the pub. They are all very kind gentlemen that moved from Dublin many years ago and have established one of the coolest new hangouts in town.

To learn more about the new Irish Pub in town, you can visit their web site at www.deverespub.com

Divebar Connoisseurs Visit Jamie's Bar & Grill

2008-10-31T19:51:59Z

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 bar, is locally owned and operated, and has unique rustic charms (e.g. an antiquated cash register, a buck & bison head on the wall, and a classy oak bar).

Since this was the night before Halloween, a few of the divebar connoisseurs showed up in costume - such as Batman, Urkel, a cigarette girl, and a disco man. The service was fun and friendly. A few locals from Southside Park neighborhood were seen as well, along with some Ultimate Frisbee friends who were playing at Oneil Park a block away. A good time was had by all!

If you haven't checked out Jamie's, make sure to give it a try. You won't be disappointed. Or, if you love divebars then come join the Sacramento Divebar Connoisseurs on a future outing.
You can find us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sac_DiveBars/