Juno’s Kitchen & Delicatessen

Dining News: Bacon & Butter Opening Delayed Again (Updated)

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Last Week, Sactown Mag reported that Bacon & Butter would be on on Saturday. Bacon & Butter announced this evening that it still won't be ready on Saturday. Here's a snippet from their e-mail:

Sactown Magazine had originally reported that we'd be open this weekend on September 27. As much as we'd love to be open this Saturday, we will still be closed, formulating menus and putting the final touches on our new home this weekend.

Click here to read their entire annoumcement.

This is just the latest in a series of delays. I'm going to look on the bright side. We've waited since Father's Day. What's a couple more days while they get things right?

Update: In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Bacon & Butter clarified the status of their opening date.

More News:

Try It: Juno’s Wild Arugula Salad - Friendly little Juno’s Kitchen & Delicatessen in East Sacramento never fails to impress me. The teeny space cranks out a number of creative, spectacular sandwiches (don’t miss the panko-crusted eggplant sandwich, a nosh I’ve been mildly obsessed with for a couple of years) – and the sandwiches are mostly what the shop is known for. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.

A Fine Opportunity; One trio’s quest to finance fine dining in Placerville - It was a question they’d asked themselves time and again. Could Placerville support fine dining? Would the little town of 10,000 people, known for mining and quiet foothill living, embrace a $14 salmon burger or $18 fried chicken? Surely, they thought, the market for their envisioned eatery, The Independent Restaurant and Bar, must exist. Douglas Curley in Comstocks Mag.

A Little Bit of Everything (Todo un Poco) - Marie Mertz had been friends with Manny Singh for several years when he half-jokingly suggested they open a restaurant together. He knew the food business; his family operated a pizza place. She loved international cuisine. So she humored him with a supportive response that day but was later shocked to find that Singh had secretly signed a lease in an Elk Grove strip mall. “I got us a restaurant,” he said. Laura Coyne Steel in Comstocks Mag.

Blending care and time at Miraflores Winery - Due to the climate and the terrain, the Miraflores vineyards are well suited to Southern Rhone varietals. Some of the Rhone wines that Miraflores produces are syrah, petit syrah, mourvedre and viognier, as well as a wine called Clone that’s inspired by Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Other wines include zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. A couple of Argentinian and Italian varietals are produced as well; malbec and barbera, respectively. Andrea Thompson in Sac Biz Journal.

Miguel Unzueta, patriarch of Caballo Blanco restaurant, dies at age 88 - A staple of Mexican food in south Sacramento has lost its patriarch, Miguel Unzueta, the owner and founder of Caballo Blanco restaurant. He died Friday, Sept. 12, at age 88. Chris Macias in the Sac Bee.

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Dining News: Selland's Market Cafe in East Sac Temporarily Closed for 'Minor Remodel'

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Selland's Market Cafe on H Street closed on Jan. 1 for a weeklong "minor remodel," Selland's announced via their e-mail newsletter. They plan to reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

I checked in with Selland Group marketing manager Gina Funk Nelson to see what the "minor remodel" would entail.

"We're doing mostly a 'facelift' of new paint, replacing the ceiling, replacing some counters, a deep clean and some sprucing up," e-mailed Nelson. "Nothing major, but with how the pace of work can sometimes drag depending on surprises we thought it best to close for the 6 days."

She also joked that Sellands Market Cafe wanted to "look our best for Bacon Fest."

Sellands is located at 5340 H St.

While we're on the topic of restaurants that are closing for short periods of time in early January, Vic's Ice Cream announced on Twitter that they too would be closed for cleaning.

Finally, Enotria announced that they too would be closed from Jan. 1 to Jan. 9 for "winter holiday." They plan to reopen on Jan. 10.

More News:

Dining: The Sacramento area’s best servers - Great servers can be the most powerful people in a restaurant, for they are the direct link between the kitchen and the customer. They are in the business of serving. They are in sales. They are explainers, advisers, observers, amateur psychologists, problem solvers, masters of timing and, beyond all that, they know how to put on a show. When they step into the dining room, they are in their element, bringing to bear their commitment and passion for executing at the highest level. They can be witty, charismatic, intuitive, serious or solemn, but they are never dull, and they are always on. Featuring servers from Blackbird, Kru, Hook & Ladder, Formoli's Bistro, Juno's Kitchen and Jamie's Broadway Grille. Blair Anthony Robertson in the Sac Bee.

First Impressions: Dad’s Kitchen brings brew to Fair Oaks - After seeing Guy Fieri’s over-the-top review on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and after enjoying the signature Dad’s Burger earlier this year, we expected better. We ate the light and crunchy deep-fried garbanzo beans by the handfuls. The ramekin of mac ’n’ cheese with bacon looked great, but lacked depth. “I like the crust, but where’s the sharp cheese taste?” one pal said...Let’s say the kitchen is still coming together. Allen Pierleoni in the Sac Bee.

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Dining News: SactoMoFo 'Trucktoberfest' Coming Oct. 5

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While the SactoMoFo group arranges local food truck meetups on a very regular basis, they still do a couple big events every year to bring out of town trucks into the mix. The next mobile food festival is coming on Saturday, Oct. 5, reports the Sac Bee's Chris Macias.

This second annual round-up of food trucks that lands in early fall is planned for Oct. 5 at West Sacramento’s River Walk Park. 20 mobile food vendors will set up shop, fron such perennial Sacramento favorites as Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen and Krush Burger to the Bay Area’s The Chairman Truck and KoJa Kitchen. That’s to say this smorgasbord of street food includes Asian influences, burgers, grilled sandwiches and plenty more to bust your gut.

Last year’s edition of Trucktoberfest drew more than 4,000 people who braved the triple-digit temperatures to chow down.

Read the entire story in the Sac Bee.

More News:

VIDEO: Ruhstaller Grows Beer Right in Our Back Yard - Hops, the female flowers of the Hop plant, are used to flavor beer. They are growing on two little patches of land right off I-80 in Dixon, separated by a tomato field. An unlikely sight, but this field of dreams is the brainchild of Ruhstaller 2.0. It’s much smaller compared to larger than life legacy of the original Ruhstaller of Sacramento, but plans for this old world meets new world brew are huge. Alisa Becerra on FOX 40.

Try It: Juno's Braised Beef and Chicken Torta - Juno’s Kitchen & Delicatessen in East Sacramento is a fabulous spot for creative sandwiches. I usually don’t veer far from the shop’s panko-crusted eggplant sandwich (with roasted peppers, Manchego cheese and basil aioli), but the other day I made a bold choice and chose the special of the day—a braised beef and chicken torta. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.

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Dining News: Wicked 'Wich Now Serving at Raley Field

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When Wicked 'Wich started serving food at Broderick in West Sac and announced plans for an outlet at Downtown Plaza, they promised that their goal was world domination. Today, they've taken the next step by selling food at Raley Field during Rivercats River Cats Games, starting on April 20.

Right now, they promise to serve their signature sandwiches, which include Pittsburgh-style sandwiches, "and more." No word on what else they have up their sleeve, but I'm glad there are even more food options at the park.

Learn more at their Facebook Page.

Click here for more posts about Wicked 'Wich.

More News:

Try It: Juno’s Bahn Mi Sandwich - I was energized and delighted by a vivacious bahn mi sandwich I tried recently at Juno’s Kitchen & Delicatessen in East Sacramento...The establishment’s bahn mi – composed on a crusty-chewy, delicious roll, was crammed full of grilled pork loin, jalapeno peppers, red onion, pickled radish, grated carrot and lots of cilantro – a vibrant tumble of ingredients that seriously perked up my palate. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.

The Prince of Pork: Bacon Fest founder is crazy for the cured meat product - “If someone wanted to pay me to travel around as a bacon ambassador, I’d do it,” Brian Guido says with a chuckle. “Obviously, I love bacon.” Guido’s pork appreciation isn’t necessarily obvious at first sight, but if you’ve ever attended Bacon Fest Sacramento, the foodie frenzy that celebrated its second decadent year this January, you have Guido to thank for it. Jessica Laskey in Inside Publications.

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Daily Dining News: Juno's Kitchen is 'Dynamic & Delicious'

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Food enthusiasts have been giddy about Juno's Kitchen since it opened in Sept. 2011. Since then, Sac Mag has called Chef Mark Helms a "Big Talent."

The Sac Bee restaurant critic Blair Anthony Robertson said that Helms "is one of the best chefs in town," during his Nov. 2011 early review of the eatery.

Now, Robertson is back with a full review of the East Sac gem.

You have to admire the way Mark Helms goes about his business: He's focused, passionate, sincere and loyal to his craft.

He does things the right way, and at a consistently high level, from the crusty and tender sourdough bread he bakes each day to the steak he braises in white wine for one of his many excellent sandwiches.

The food at Juno's Kitchen is dynamic and delicious, equal parts robust and refined. A kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette dressing ($8.25). Local mixed greens salad ($6.50) so fresh and so very mixed – greens spicy and cool, toothsome and buttery – with a balsamic vinaigrette, sun-dried currants and, on the day I visited, roasted pumpkin seeds.

Sandwiches to inspire, including smoked trout with apples and arugula ($10.25) and banh mi ($9.25) with pork that elevates this street-food staple to gourmet heights. Panko-crusted eggplant with Manchego cheese, roasted peppers and basil aioli reminds us that Helms watches out for vegetarians, too. Same with the haloumi cheese ($8.95), which could be loved by anyone who bites into the crisp grilled bread and thick melted cheese.

Read the entire review in the Sac Bee.

More News:

Bowl & Ramen: Random acts of ramen - Like Las Islitas, Bowl & Ramen blips onto the radar screen while searching for another restaurant—that which is immediately forgotten by the novelty of catching sight of a Korean restaurant not located in the vicinity of Folsom Boulevard, Bradshaw Road and La Riviera Drive. Greg Lucas in Sac News & Review.

Pour House to open soon at 19th and Q streets - On Thursday, the inside of Pour House looked like a construction site with sawdust on the floors and wallpaper ready to be applied. But by late July or early August, this bar and eatery at 19th and Q streets is set to open. The food operations will be handled by Coast to Coast Sandwiches, a popular food truck which will expand its menu with barbecued meats and salads. Chris Macias in the Sac Bee.

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Daily Dining News: Sac Mag's 5 Great Places for a Sandwich

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Everybody loves a great sandwich. And I'm not talking about the sandwich you used to get as a kid that had been smushed in your backpack.

Here are some picks by Sac Mag's Kira O'Donnell on where to get an excellent sandwich:

Juno’s Kitchen & Delicatessen - If you’re into creative fare, check out the sandwich lineup at Juno’s in East Sac. This cute little shop (named after the owners’ dog) offers vibrant items like the Spanish-inspired membrillo (quince paste) and jamon (ham) sandwich, embellished with manchego cheese, snappy arugula leaves and olive oil; and the popular and delicious banh mi, constructed with grilled pork loin, jalapeno peppers, pickled radish and fresh herbs. Vegetarians will love the panko-crusted eggplant sandwich.

Magpie Café - Lauded for its use of radiantly fresh ingredients and interesting, seasonal menu items, Magpie Café always has an appealing array of sandwiches available at lunchtime. Keep your fingers crossed that the “BLT #2” will be one of the day’s offerings when you visit – you’ll savor the combination of fried green tomatoes, rich pork belly confit and brightly-flavored bunches of watercress, arranged atop toothsome Acme rye bread.

Also listed were Dad's Sandwiches, Jack's Urban Eats and Corti Brothers. Read the rest of the article in Sac Mag.

More News:

Doughbot Turns Its Sugary Ship Around - Last fall, I was gaga over the prospective opening of Doughbot, a funky, irreverent doughnut dispensary way too close to my home. When it finally opened, I was less than whelmed. I found the doughnuts chewy and unappealing, the toppings one-dimensional, and the frequent sell-outs and equipment related shut downs amateurish. However, less than a year after opening, this doughbot is running on all doughy cylinders. I hadn’t visited in over six months and stopped in on a whim needing coffee more than a treat. Not one to pass up a doughnut (for the sake of research) I sampled one, the blueberry/cornmeal, and knew right away that things had changed at the d-bot. On The Sac Rag.

Re-Cap: Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts - Last Saturday night the Sacramento Zoo hosted their 11th annual King of Feasts! This was my first year attending the benefit, and we couldn’t have been more excited to experience the sights and sounds of the zoo at night (with wine and food to boot)! Jamee Sims on Girls on the Grid. (Ed Note - I got comped tickets for the event. It was my first time at the zoo. Great event and great venue.)

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Daily Dining News: Sac Bee's Non Ironic Review of Olive Garden

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Last week, the Internet rushed to crown its newest viral star, Grand Forks Herald (North Dakota) Columnist Marilyn Hagerty for her earnest review of the new Olive Garden that just opened in her sleepy town. Along with that came a great discussion on what snobs urban food enthusiasts have become and whether Olive Garden's food could actually be decent. So Sac Bee's lunch columnist Allen Pierleoni decided to do a straight forward review of Olive Garden in Folsom

The Olive Garden chain is to Italian cooking what the Mimi's Cafe chain is to French cuisine...

Our plates were heaped high with steaming fettucine Alfredo mixed with strips of moist chicken breast. We added ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Filling, yes. Tasty? Again, yes. Genuine? What do you think?

Read his entire review in the Sac Bee.

More News:

Meadowood's new $500 chef's table menu -- discuss - Critics and admirers are divided about the new $500 dinner. Certainly, the price is fair game and it's hard for many to stomach in an age of layoffs, foreclosures and budget cuts. As I see it, no one is obligated to order it. The $225 dinner is certainly a stellar food experience. What the chef's table does is give Meadowood an extra dose of prestige and, for better or worse, media coverage. In that sense, it's a great marketing tool whether anyone orders it or not. I would also imagine these huge meals might serve as a creative laboratory for new dishes and new techniques that just might find their way onto the main menu. Blair Anthony Robertson in the Sac Bee.

Is it Local If… -  Is it local if you have no other choice? Does having a nearby monopoly somewhat lessen the effect of local-ness? After all, no matter how much endive we elites shove down our craws, the single endive grower in America will still ship his product all over the world. It’s like eating artichokes in Castroville. They aren’t really grown anywhere else. It’s not like we have a choice. On the Sac Rag.

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