I love garlic. When a recipe calls for one clove, I always add two. Because of that, I've had high hopes for Garlic Shack. But between bad Yelp reviews and terrible word of mouth, I haven't gone to try it out yet. Now, Sac Bee restaurant critic Blair Anthony Robertson gives his first impression:

[M]y impression is the menu needs some nips and tucks, along with some refinement – in the kitchen, the staffing...

They are a new restaurant, so they should be given the time to grow and improve. I'll wait to eat there until they've done that.

BAR also takes a look at Fat Face:

I'm digging what I see so far at Fat Face, which is the brainchild of Jaymes Luu, who could be on the brink of stardom. Her ice pop treats – $3 popsicles – have the potential to inspire, with such flavors as kaffir lime and avocado.

Read the Cowtwown Eats Instant Reaction to Fat Face.

Read BAR's first impressions of Restaurant Thir13en, River Rock Tap House, Clark's Corner, Fat Face and Garlic Shack in the Sac Bee.

Other News:

Ravenous Cafe Under New Ownership - I dined at Ravenous Cafe in the Pocket area for the first time last night and found out that chef/owner Mark Helms recently sold the restaurant—name and all. Don’t panic, all you foodies—especially Greehaven/Pocket residents who love having an upscale restaurant in the neighborhood. New owner Wade Sawaya isn’t planning any drastic changes to menu’s food or wine list, and Helms himself has been overseeing the restaurant’s change of hands. (When we dined last night, Sawaya was on Day 3.) Elena M. Macaluso in Sac Mag.

Drink up? - The recently vacated Brew It Up space in downtown Sacramento may not be dark for long. At least four groups have inquired about taking over the city-owned retail spot at 14th and H streets in the week since the "personal" brewery and restaurant shut down, says city official Howard Chan. Bob Shallit in the Sac Bee.