Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA

Today was one of those days where I really didn't have a taste for anything, so after searching around I found Cafeteria 15L, american comfort food. Equipped to be completely open air and with great patio seating options, it definitely takes advantage of the cool fall weather.

Started with the Trio of Fries; garlic, sweet potato and BBQ with dipping sauces. The garlic and bbq were amazing, the perfect amount of seasoning. The sweet potato miss the mark though, as they brought nothing special to the combination (maybe adding some spice would help). I could have had more of the garlic instead.

Trio of Fries

BBQ, Sweet Potato and Garlic

Next up, I am waiting for my grilled cheese and tomato soup. They actually serve with fries, but I felt that was overload so going with a salad...

Salad provided a simple start, to the fresh, thick and hearty flavor of the tomato soup. The grilled cheese was thin and crisp and held well as you dipped it in the soup.

Eating for comfort is OK in moderation...Eat Bright!

Gatsby's Diner

Now its only right that I look up what spots in the area have been featured on food network. So I come to find Gatsby's Diner which was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in January.

I walk in to the amazing smell of burgers, steaks and pork chops cooking on converted Japanese hibachi grills. I must say this is the epitome of an open kitchen.

I decided the seasonal 'Bacon Sherry Burger' was the way to go... 8 oz patty topped with shaved brussel sprouts, cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced red onion and a sherry mayo made in house, with nothing less than the house cut fries.

While I waited on my burger I totally had to have a vanilla shake. It was not only pretty, but very tasty. It was thick and creamy, but smooth enough to use a straw.

Vanilla Milk Shake

Burger looked great, fries nice and hot. I order my burger well done +minute, and it was perfect. Not a smidgen of pink, yet still very juicy. The flavor combo melded well together, with nothing really standing out. The waitress used the term 'wasabi like' to describe what the brussel spouts brought to the table, and I agree if you take the hot away.

Bacon Sherry Burger

But the hands down winner at this meal...was the fries. Its crazy how a potato is a potato is a potato, but not all fried potatoes are created equal. I could not stop myself, I ended up getting full on my fries and could not finish the burger.

Do a little homework, find something new where you are...Eat Bright!

Wayside Noodles - Sacramento, CA

Finally getting my Pho fix. I have been craving it for weeks now, and with so much time to waste til my flight decided to come catch a flick. My eyes totally lit up when I saw a Vietnamese Restaurant, Wayside Noodles, next door.

Started with shrimp spring rolls. Very cute with the tail sticking out.

Then decided on the. Tai, nam, sach... Rare steak, well-done flank and tripe. I can't say anything was amazing, just happy to get my fix...

Eat Pho...Eat Bright!

Tequila Mueso Mayahuel - Sacramento, CA

As I stop to grab a drink at the Dive Bar, a dimly lit bar with a large fish tank that features mermaids on occasion, the girl next to me mentions the "like fancy mexican restaurant down the street."

On the corner of 12th and K streets I find a cute little spot called 'Tequila Mueso Mayahuel.' As I open the door the music hits me, on the opposite side of the restaurant there is a League of United Latin American Citizens (similar to an NAACP) event going on.

I decided on the Bocaditos de Mexico appetizer, followed by the Chile Relleno de Queso. The Bocaditos is a collection of six bites showcasing the diverse flavors of Mexico. Consisting of conchita pibil, tinga de pollo, chile poblano, shrimp, napoles and requeson. I don't know what half of them are, but can't wait to try them...

First out is the chef compliment Tinga de pollo, with chicken.

Then my bites( starting at top left)... The requesson a brushetta was very nice and almost smooth in flavor, then the Napoles(Cactus), another tinga, next the chile poblano with a nice warm bite, then the baby shrimp taco and finally the shock of the conchita pibil a bit of pork marinated and finished with a bit of orange sweetness.

Chile Relleno, fried perfectly, was very good. Unfortunately, nothing to call home about but still good.

All and all, I agree it's 'fancy' mexican. The chef is creating new dishes while maintaining true to traditional flavors. 

Eat Bright!

Ten 22 - Sacramento, CA

Here I am at Ten 22 in Old Town, Sacramento, OH, which lists itself as a 'unique' farm to table experience. Best part, it was less than a 2 minute walk from the hotel.

After all the burgers I've eaten within the past week, I opted for one of Chef Jay Veregge's signature dishes, the Fried Green Tomato Pizza. Made with a roasted tomato salsa, fontina cheese, and cool ranch drizzle, I am getting excited just thinking about it.

Fried Green Tomato Pizza

Very good, sprinkled with bit of parm and red pepper flakes. Fontina adds a nice little saltiness to the dish, veggies are definitely fresh.  Knowing that I would not be able to finish it all, I offered some to the guy next to me and he agreed it was very good.

Grass-fed grilled steak pizza

As payback for the slice I shared, I tasted a piece of FC's, the Bostonian, grass-fed grilled steak pizza; skirt steak with roasted balsalmic onions and blue cheese. Great flavors, the onions and balsamic dreesing totally make it work...

For those who know me, I have no problem talking to strangers, and had a great time with the other business travelers at the bar (Hi! FC and JB if you are reading this).





 Be Nice and Eat Bright!!

Local Three Kitchen and Bar- Atlanta, GA

Yes, I did... Two amazing burgers in one day... I already told you about my visit to Rosebud for lunch... so here is how I ended my day.

Tucked away in the Piazza at Paces , behind a wooden door you are greeted by the giant pig and a great atmosphere.

Pan Fried Chicken Livers, smoked bacon, apples, swiss chard, cream sherry.

Wow, the flavor of the bacon and slight sweetness of the apples really come through along with the sherry. Balance out that dry gritty flavor of the liver.


 I know this doesn't make any sense, but I totally chose to follow this with a burger...

The McDowell...think 'Coming to America'; two angus beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, american cheese, but NO sesame seeds.

The McDowell

Now I am the first to admit, a Big Mac is my guilty pleasure, to love food the way I do, I know that's crazy... But don't judge me...

This is a Big Mac on steroids. Imagine it with me... Fresh meat that has not been processed and frozen, fresh Holeman and Finch bunch, crispy lettuce, pickles, a smooth "special sauce" not so pungent as Micky D's, and some good ol' American cheese. I am a happy camper!

Eat Happy... Eat Bright!!

Frank Ski's Restaurant and Lounge - Atlanta, GA

Bear with me while I play catch up on a few entries I've been too lazy to post...


Atlanta, Atlanta....Diddy's restaurant Justin's just got knocked for a loop.  Just down the street on Peachtree Street across from Fresh Market is Frank Ski's Restaurant Lounge. Frank Ski hosts a morning show on V-103 and is a local celebrity.

Upon arrival you will greeted with a smile and personal welcome and introduction from your valet attendant.  This was absolutely the cutest thing, they are such nice guys.  As I entered the restaurant I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and atmosphere.  The left of the restaurant has been transformed into a nice lounge area with either sofa or table seating options.  To the right, the bar is expansive with lots of seating on three sides.  There is a small VIP booth in the back and a wine tasting room. 

Grilled Honey Hot Wings

Our bartender was awesome, he was friendly and really made our first visit a great one.  The menu offers a number of different selections, some of which I didn't quite understand, but hey... not my spot. My girl LH is a wing lover and decided to try their 'Grilled' Honey Hot wings.  She said they were "good for grilled."  I tried a bite and agree, they were OK.




I decided on the Creole Seafood Pot Pie.  Yes, I know that so sounds weird for the type of spot this is, but they are aiming to make good food sexy and keep up with the Atlanta swagger.  It was like a lobster crab, shrimp bisque with an etouffee style flavor combo topped with puff pastry.  It was very simple in presentation...left a lot to the imagination, but the dish was good.  The sauce was creamy and it had a decent amount of seafood inside. 

Creole Seafood Pot Pie

Unfortunately, I did not have dessert because they were out of Cami Cakes Red Velvet cupcakes :-(


Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.  I can definitely say I was hesitant when I heard Frank Ski was opening a restaurant, but I am glad he did.  So ofter people come to Atlanta and run to Justin's just because P. Diddy owns it, but the food really is not that good.  Frank Ski's is off to a good start and I just pray they can maintain the momentum in order to be around for a very long time. 

To great food and a great social scene...Eat Bright!

Rosebud Restaurant - Atlanta, GA

Today I had the opportunity to take my high school Spanish teacher Dr. A out to lunch. It was great to catch up and just spend some time with someone who provided such a great example and imparted so much knowledge on me.

Decided on Rosebud on North Highland due to the awesome experience I had there for brunch a few months back.  And today they did it again.  The special was a Lamb burger with goat cheese, pickles, and a lemon aioli, served with house cut garlic fries.  It was amazing cooked perfectly and the large slather of goat cheese... what more do I need to say.

Cherish the ones you love...Eat Bright!