Broadacre Coffee

Why is Broadacre Coffee Closed?

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I wish that was a click bait headline.

Broadacre Coffee is "temporarily" closed, says a sign on its door.

The windows are covered as if it's being renovated, but neither the sign on their door nor their Twitter and Facebook accounts gave any indication why or when they closed. Given the timing of check ins on Yelp and Foursquare, it closed in the last week.

Broadacre

I e-mailed them and called them today, but I haven't heard back. If I get any word, I'll let you know on Cowtown Eats, but if you know, please leave it in the comments.


Dining News: Sac Bee's Final Look Back at 2012

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Just before we turn the page on 2012, the Sac Bee's Blair Anthony Robertson published his year in review piece. A few highlights:

Restaurant that really flexed its muscles: Enotria Restaurant & Wine Bar has elevated its game in nearly every conceivable way, so much so that it must be considered a serious contender as the area's best fine-dining restaurant...

Pizza and more pizza: Sacramento diners need to realize that in recent years we have become a seriously good pizza town. But when I set out to rank the best of the best, I literally bit off more than I could chew. In the end, Masullo topped my list, followed closely by Hot Italian, OneSpeed, Spataro, Matteo's and Pizza Rock...

Biggest ordering mistake: Months ago, I had the bright idea to compile a list of the best spicy-hot dishes in town. So I started at Shoki Ramen House. I ordered my usual "extra hot" tan tan men. But I wanted to compare it to the "super hot," so I got a bowl of that, too. I winced, I wept, I slurped, I slumped until I felt my lips had suffered second-degree burns. That story? Um, it's still on hold...

Read the entire, very entertaining article in the Sac Bee.

More News:

Counter Culture: A look back at 10 favorite lunch spots in 2012 - With another year's adventures in casual dining under the belt, so to speak, here's a subjective list of the 10 places my lunch pals and I especially liked in 2012, in order of preference. But first, to be clear: This column's agenda is to find small, diverse, mostly family-run places that offer recommendable dishes at fair prices, and bring them to readers' attention. We concentrate on lunchtime fare, and sometimes cover breakfast and brunch. Featuring T&R Taste of Texas BBQ, Crocker Cafe by Supper Club and Ryu Jin Ramen House. Allen Pierleoni in the Sac Bee.

Food Truck Updates for a New Year - It's been a while since I've posted any truck updates and so I'm going to do so in two parts. Part 1 is updates on some happenings of individual trucks/owners and then Part 2 will be regarding Sacramento ordinances and industry news. Featuring updates on Krush Burger, Om Karmabile, California Love Truck, Coast to Coast, Papa Dale's Drivin Diner, All Angle Catering and New Bite Catering. Catherine Enfield on Munchie Musings.

Continue reading "Dining News: Sac Bee's Final Look Back at 2012" »


Daily Dining News: More Details on River Rock's Closure

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River Rock Tap House closed last week, and their twitter account said it was due to bankruptcy.

The tweet was signed by "Scotty B" who I surmised at that time ran their social media. Scotty B posted additional information over on the Yelp forums. Here are some exercpts:

River Rock is currently closed due to filing Chapter 11...

I was directed by River Rock's owner, Mike to post on their FB page and Twitter to let people know what was going on. A day before their FB was taken down, Mike told me he would make the statement on the FB page.  However, before he did the Trustee in the case had him pull the page down.  I posted on Twitter the night the page went down that they were closed due to bankruptcy and also said "I have no other info at this time".  Which I didn't.  I got a text from Mike the following evening telling me that he hopes to re-open sometime in August but it doesn't look likely.  Just to be clear, the Twitter post was under direction from Mike...

As for the bankruptcy documents, you can look them up down at the Federal Courthouse downtown as I did yesterday or sign up for the PACE service on their website. 

Read te entire post on Yelp.

More News:

Peddling a little summer - The artisan ice creams created by Rachel Sprinkle-Strong take their inspiration from Sacramento's farmers markets and from Johnson's Real Ice Cream, 2728 E. Main St., in Bexley, Ohio. Sprinkle-Strong worked there in her youth, and when she took a severance package and left her communications job at Verizon, she decided to return to a trade she'd learned from "Mr. Johnson." Popcycle Creamery, popcyclecreamery.com, launched six weeks ago, after 18 months of planning. Cathie Anderson in the Sac Bee.

Les Baux: La Bou's Big Sister - If you’ve ever inhaled one of La Bou’s heavensent croissants, you already know why owner Trong Nguyen is one of Sacramento’s most successful restaurateurs. With the opening of his newest venue, Les Baux Bakery & Cafe, Nguyen is taking things to the next level. Open, airy and full of light, with lovely oak floors and a dazzling pastry case, the elegant East Sac bakery/ bistro could be described as La Bou’s older, more worldly sister. On the menu: the same high-quality breads you’ll find at La Bou, but with the addition of more sophisticated fare. Coffee gets the world-class treatment with a unique cup-at-a-time brewing system. In addition to breakfast and lunch, plans are in place to start including lateafternoon/ evening fare such as oysters, steamed mussels, wine and beer. (It already may be happening by the time you read this.) Cathy Cassinos-Carr in Sac Mag.

Continue reading "Daily Dining News: More Details on River Rock's Closure" »


Daily Dining News: Magpie to Open Second Location

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Magpie Cafe, the beloved restaurant at 14th & R, is adding a second location, Cowtown Eats has independently confirmed. (Click here for Magpie's Happy Hour info.)

I don't have a confirmation on where and when yet, but here are rumored details, per a posting on the Yelp forums by Eduardo C:

Magpie is opening a bakery and cafe on 14th and O Streets.  Estimated opening:  September 1, 2012.

Already located at the corner of 14th & O is Bistro Michel, Sam's Market, Vallejo's Eliana's Cafe and an empty space that has hosted a parade of failed restaurants. The most recent restaurant located in that space was Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill, and before that, Spicy Pickle sandwich shop.

If the poster is correct and the second location is indeed in that spot, I hope they'll be much more successful than the previous occupants in the space. I also hope that the extra traffic that Magpie might bring would also benefit the amazing Bistro Michel.

More News:

Follow-up: Landlord not to blame in closure of Scott's Seafood - Following up on a post here a few days ago about the closure of Scott's Seafood at Loehmann's Plaza, it seems as if many readers may have gotten the wrong idea about the negotiations of the lease terms. Scott's co-owner Alan Irvine tells me the landlord has been receiving angry emails since the news came out. (Scott's two other Sacramento area restaurants remain open and are doing well). Blair Anthoy Robertson in the Sac Bee.

The Tastemaker - He’s been called the Indiana Jones of the culinary world and the man who “knows more about food and wine than anyone else in America.” How did the son of a Sacramento mayonnaise salesman become a buttoned-up grocer while leading a double life as a globe-trotting gourmet? Just who is Darrell Corti and why do so many important people think he has the planet’s greatest nose for quality? Rick Kushman in Sactown Mag.

Continue reading "Daily Dining News: Magpie to Open Second Location" »


Daily Dining News: Monsoon Indian Cuisine's Getting Stronger

 

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While many have loved the sleek look of Monsoon, the food hadn't matched the high expectations people had for that space. (Click here for happy hour info.)

In February, Sac News & Review's Greg Lucas said, "In the aggregate, Monsoon is good. It is not great."

In late January, the Sac Bee's Blair Anthony Robertson said, "With Mati's and Bombay Bar & Grill nearby and Katmandu on Broadway, Monsoon is facing some direct – and serious – competition for Indian food. So far, it isn't in the same league, even if it has one of the best-looking restaurants around."

So six months later, has it found its cullinary footing? Sac Bee's Robertson does a full review of the Indian restaurant.

For a restaurant that seemed on its way to an early and unceremonious demise, Monsoon has gained traction by looking seriously at its shortcomings and taking the right steps to get better.

The use of spices on several dishes, so crucial to Indian cooking, had been abrupt and clunky in the early going. Now the seasoning is more balanced and complex.

Meats that were chewy and dry are now tender and juicy. And the naan, which was so dreadful when we tried it early on, is better, too – fresher, fluffier, tastier – though there's still room for improvement.

New restaurants like to say they are a work in progress, but that's little comfort to the consumer who is asked to pay full price for the training-wheels experience. The training wheels are off, Monsoon is developing a personality, its kitchen is getting more consistent and confident, and the overall outlook is much improved since Monsoon's appearance in our "First Impressions" column in late January. We remember the little pools of grease in the curries as if they were yesterday's.

Read the entire review in the Sac Bee.

More News:

Oak Park Eats- Grubbin’ - Two newish places have popped up on the eastern side of Broadway and I thought both deserved a little notice. The first is Original Poboys at the flat-ironish corner of Broadway and Alhambra. The place is so well-branded that I at first took it for a chain, but upon my questioning of the owner I found it to be an independent establishment...Poboys is a small, clean establishment, offering the expected bayou fare, from poboy sandwiches to jambalaya, bignets to fried oysters. Also featuring T & R Taste of Texas Barbeque. On The Sac Rag.

Gourmet Getaways - Summer is practically here. You’re ready for a getaway, but what to do? If you’re a foodie, Northern California is teeming with delicious opportunities to plunge into your favorite pastime. From gourmet walking tours and artisanal cheese tastings to farm volunteer days and high-end food-and-wine events, the summer is simply brimming with culinary excitement. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.

Continue reading "Daily Dining News: Monsoon Indian Cuisine's Getting Stronger" »


Daily Dining News: Goodbye Mini Burger Truck, Hello Krush Burger

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Those who attended SactoMoFo 4 might have been surprised that Mini Burger Truck had become Krush Burger. Sac Bee's Chris Macias explains:

The name change occurred with owner Davin Vculek having troubles trademarking the name "MiniBurger," which turned out to be too general.

Vculek will also debut a second truck, possibly by mid-May, but will feature a different name and food concept than MiniBurger/KrushBurger. Vculek won't say just yet what the theme of this truck will be. Looking down the road a little further, with a tentative opening of late-September or early-October, Vculek will open a brick-and-mortar version of one of his food truck businesses.

In the meantime, look for a new Krush Burger app for the iPhone and Android. The free app will include the truck's latest locations, menu, coupons and more.

Read the entire story in the Sac Bee.

Vculek also penned a blog entry explaining the change.

More News:

Sacramento diner to offer Mexican-Korean takeout - A long-abandoned service station at Alhambra Boulevard and T Street is getting a new life this summer – as home to a diner serving a blend of Mexican and Korean cuisines. TaKo BBQ could open there as early as June, serving takeout tacos and burritos with a Korean twist, says owner Yunece Cho. Operating out of a vintage Atlantic Richfield office, she'll target the lunch crowd along Alhambra but stay open as late as 2 a.m. for those seeking late-night meals. Bob Shallit in the Sac Bee.

Gourmet gulch - Speaking of dining on Alhambra, the owners of Granite Bay's popular Hawks restaurant have nailed down plans to open a new bar and bistro on the boulevard. Molly Hawks, who runs the acclaimed business with husband and chef Michael Fagnoni, says she hopes to be open within a year in front of the medical complex at Alhambra and Stockton boulevards. Bob Shallit in the Sac Bee. (Second item.)

Continue reading "Daily Dining News: Goodbye Mini Burger Truck, Hello Krush Burger" »


Daily Dining News: Best Coffee in Sac?

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Close observers of Sac Bee's Blair Anthony Robertson will know (at least) three things about him. 1. He loves coffee. (Check out his homage to the aero press.) 2. He is on a mission to bake the perfect sourdough loaf. 3. He loves playing with his dog on the banks of the river. (You'll know these last two by following him on twitter, @BlaRob.)

Given his love for the java, he's gone and ranked the top independent coffee joints in town, including favorites like Old Soul and Temple, newcomers Broadacre and Insight, and a half dozen more.

Click here to read his survey of the independent coffee scene, and click here to read his rankings, in the Sac Bee.

More News:

Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar opens in former Red Lotus - The color's still red in the middle block of J street between 27th and 28th streets in midtown, but now it's a rabbit holding fort. Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar recently opened at 2718 J St., the former site of Red Lotus which shut down in September after a year and-a-half of operating. Chris Macias in the Sac Bee.

Beer Week tightens scope as the pour goes on - We're getting ready for the third annual Sacramento Beer Week, a celebration of all things beer that remains ever popular. [Friday] though March 4 – which is technically 10 days – roughly 300 events will flow around the area in honor of Sacramento Beer Week. Some of them are pint night specials at the local pub, while others involve bus tours, classes, beer dinners and even a skee-ball tournament. Chris Macias in the Sac Bee.

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