Daily Dining News: Sac Bee Takes First Look at Firestone Public House
May 31, 2012
Sac Bee restaurant critic Blair Anthony Robertson had a decidedly mixed visit to Firestone Public House. But from reading his First Impression column, it was better than my first visit.
Fortunately, there is plenty to like about this place. The energy is wonderful, the employees are friendly, the food seems promising and the prices are reasonable.
We really liked the traditional take on fish and chips ($14.95) and the thick, tender pork chop ($18.95) with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus with cherry tomatoes, sautéed and sweet, scattered atop the slab of meat.
How could we describe the pulled pork nachos? Big and bland and in need of a do-over. As for the pizzas, it's too soon for a verdict, but so far, we're talking about a poor man's version of California Pizza Kitchen. If you're going to succeed as a chain pizzeria, you have to offer better pizza – or no pizza. Inheriting a pizza oven is not a good enough reason to impose so-so pizza on your customers.
Anecdotally, I've heard they're getting better. I've had friends rave about their lobster pizza and gigantic pretzel. I may wait another couple weeks and give them another shot.
Robertson also gives his first impression of Les Baux, the new restaurant by the owner of La Bou ("I wonder if the person who helped develop the sandwiches here has the same aversion to lively flavors as the creator of the pulled pork nachos above.") and Zindagi Indian Bistro in Davis ("Every once in awhile, I get to visit a new spot, taste the food and immediately realize I'm onto something special.").
Read his entire review in the Sac Bee.
More News:
1950s-styled food truck to debut in July - Look for some 1950s flavor to be served with a food truck that's set to debut in July. Papa Dale's Drivin' Diner will take on a rockabilly and hot rod kind of vibe, while serving such comfort foods as Santa Maria tri-tip, meatloaf, mac 'n' cheese, griddled breads and more. Expect menu items to cost $8 to $10. Chris Macias in the Sac Bee.
Where are the Ethnic Food Trucks? - Sacramento has a lot of cultural diversity. We have large Russian, Filipino, and Hmong populations as well as many, many others. So I have to ask - why haven't we gotten more ethnic food trucks in Sacramento yet? Catherine Enfield on Munchie Musings.
New Market Featuring Food Trucks and Artisan Crafts Opens in Sac - Locavores just wanna have fun! Sacramento just got a little more local with the opening of GOOD: street food + design market. The name might sound esoteric, but the idea is rooted in the basics: artisan food, art, drink, and entertainment. Amber Stott on Awake at the Whisk.
Try It: Midtown's Hot Italian - We’re lucky to have so many good places for pizza in Sacramento – from Zelda’s and Pizza Rock to Masullo, OneSpeed and Luigi’s Slice. But one of the best – and most happening – spots for first-rate, thin-crust, Italian-style pizza is at midtown’s hip and contemporary Hot Italian. Starkly and sleekly decorated, thronged with customers and exuding an upbeat, energetic vibe, this popular eatery serves up wood oven-baked pizzas with an array of appealing toppings. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.
Locals launch campaign to aid Cafe Soleil - For more than a decade, Cafe Soleil owners George and Nicole Ix have served countless customers from their restaurant in Cesar Chavez Plaza. The economic downturn proved devastating to Café Soleil and owners George and Nicole Ix. To cope, they dropped their health insurance like many other mom-and-pops. Recently, Nicole was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is unable to work. The family is struggling to make ends meet. Now, the cafe's loyal customers are coming to the aid of the business by launching a three-month campaign to give them a boost in business. Lisa Martinez in Sac Press.
Comments