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From: Internet Esquire <netesq@dcn.davis.ca.us>
Organization: Internet Esquire(SM)
Newsgroups: sac.general,news.answers
Subject: Sacramento, California USENET FAQ Part 4 of 6
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Summary: This article is Part Four of a Multipart compilation of
information on items of interest to readers of the sac.* and
sacramento.* USENET newsgroups and other parties interested in
Sacramento, California.
Date: 23 Apr 2003 09:03:22 GMT
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URL: <http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/USENET-FAQs/sac/part4.html >
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The Sacramento, California USENET FAQ Part 4 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento, California
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996
by
David F. Prenatt, Jr.
Internet Esquire(sm)
P.O. Box 74632
Davis, CA 95617-5632
<http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/ >
<mailto:NetEsq@dcn.davis.ca.us >
The Sacramento, California USENET FAQ (Sacramento USENET FAQ) may be
comprised of more than one part. If it is, please see the TABLE OF
CONTENTS in Part One for a complete list of the questions that I have
attempted to answer and for other important legal information. Caveat
emptor: I assume no obligation for anyone through the publication of the
Sacramento USENET FAQ. Furthermore, all versions of the Sacramento USENET
FAQ are my personal property and are protected by applicable copyright
laws. All rights are reserved except as follows: I hereby give my
permission to anyone who has access to this version of the Sacramento
USENET FAQ to reproduce the information contained herein for non-profit
purposes, provided that proper credit is given to me as the author of this
FAQ and that I am notified of any use other than personal use. Permission
to reproduce any version of this FAQ may be revoked by me at any time.
- - - - -
The Sacramento, California USENET FAQ Part 4 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento, California
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996 by David F. Prenatt, Jr.
5) RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT IN SACRAMENTO.
Readers with a web browser may wish to visit the following URLs:
What to See in Sacramento
<http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink/sacramento/sacsee.html >
What to Do in Sacramento
<http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink/sacramento/sacdo.html >
5.1) What kinds of recreation and entertainment are there in Sacramento?
[Rev]
In addition to the downtown attractions described in Section 2.5,
Sacramento has all types of recreation and entertainment that a major
metropolitan city has to offer: Every kind of restaurant that you
could imagine and everything from nightclubs to ballet, outdoor
recreation to museums. The museums in Sacramento are very rich in
local history, and local art galleries host the Second Saturday
ArtWalk (<http://www.quiknet.com/~mcox/2ndsat.html >), and nearby
Folsom Lake provides boating and campgrounds.
5.2) What kinds of restaurants are there in Sacramento? [Rev]
This is a question which deserves its own FAQ, but I have listed a few
of the restaurants that I frequent and enjoy as well as those that
seem to have a strong following on the Sacramento USENET. Readers
with a web browser may also visit the following URLs:
Where to Eat in Sacramento
<http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink/sacramento/saceat.html >
The Ultimate Restaurant Guide
<http://www.bizline.com/restaurants/area/ >
5.2.1) Personal Favorites. [Rev]
Sacramento has a number of fine restaurants. The restaurants that I
have listed in this section cover an eclectic spectrum of my personal
favorites:
* La Boulangerie (916)443-7977: Commonly known as La Bou. I
discovered this bakery and cafe when I appeared in federal
court about two blocks away and needed to get my parking
validated for the Downtown Mall. I purchased a two-for-one
iced mocha during Espresso Happy Hour and reviewed one of
the to-go menus later. Healthy repasts on the menu include
soups, salads, sandwiches, croissants, etc. In other words,
your basic coffee house. Apparently, La Bou has almost two
dozen locations in the Sacramento area; four downtown.
-Downtown Mall and other locations.
* California Fats (916)441-7966: Easily confused with Fat
City, which is next door, California Fats is my personal
favorite. However, the booths (for parties of four or less)
can make you somewhat claustrophobic. Reservations are
absolutely, positively required.
-1015 Front St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* Danielle's (916)972-1911: My favorite restaurant for
breakfast/brunch in Sacramento. Excellent crepes and
sensational service.
-Fulton Ave and Marconi, Sacramento, 95821
* Fanny Annies (916)441-0505: Short order menu and full bar.
Atmosphere, atmosphere, and more atmosphere. There are
several stories of wood stairs and booths, and each story is
long and narrow. Carving your name into the furniture is
encouraged and is not considered vandalism.
-1023 Second St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* Max's Opera Cafe (916)927-MAXS: Max's prides itself on
outstanding service. In fact, your table will receive a
free round of drinks if your food server asks the highly
irrelevant question, "Is everything all right?"
-1735 Arden Way #200, (Arden Fair Mall) Sacramento, 95815
* Rio City Cafe (916)442-8226: A classy restaurant on the
banks of the Sacramento River. I found this gem when I was
turned away from California Fats for want of a reservation.
-1110 Front St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* River City Brewing Company (916)447-BREW: Specialty beers
are brewed on the premises and the menu is filled with some
of the most creative, yet simple and appetizing dishes that
I have ever eaten at such a reasonable price. A great place
to eat if you need validation for parking at the Downtown
Plaza Mall.
-545 Downtown Plaza, Sacramento, CA 95814
* The Tower Cafe (916)441-0222: A local landmark visible from
miles away. The original location of the first Tower
Records at the Tower Theatre, now with a separate cafe,
liquor store, video store, movie theatre, and record store
clumped at the intersection of 16th & Broadway. I suspect
that the Tower is a name derived from the Tower Drawbridge
that spans the Sacramento River.
-1518 Broadway (at Land Park), Sacramento, CA 95818
* Zelda's (916)447-1400: The hands down winner of the
Sacramento USENET for pizza. However, even those who
endorse Zelda's warn that its specialty is a deep dish pizza
that not everyone will enjoy. You have been warned!
-1415 21st St, Sacramento, CA 95814
5.2.2) Recommendations from the Sacramento USENET.
On October 18, 1994, Scott Lay posted a recommendation on ucd.life
(<news:ucd.life >) for "a great Thai restaurant called Amarin in
downtown Sacramento (about 20 minutes away [from Davis]). It is
located on the corner of I Street and 12th Street." Message-ID:
<37vgvh$mc2@mark.ucdavis.edu>. And on April 9, 1995, Mr. Lay posted a
followup recommendation in response to William H. Taylor:
William H. Taylor (whtaylor@netcom.com) wrote:
: : : > Can anyone give me their opinion on the best Thai
: : : > food in Sacramento? I know only one place, on Howe
: : : > near Arden. It is good, but I am looking for more,
: : : > and perhaps better. If anyone knows of restaurants
: : : > with Hmong style dishes, I would like to know about
: : : >that too.
Hmmmm....there is also one on Fulton west of Arden....about
three miles down, I believe. Thai Cottage 'tis the name...
Great atmosphere, okay food.
Amarin on 12th/I downtown isn't bad. Descent walk for
downtown lunchers. Lemon Grass is another descent downtown
place...9th betw J and I. In the library building... Not
the best food in the world, but Thai, and close to the
Capitol...
Message-ID: <3m9el6$nge@mark.ucdavis.edu>.
On August 17, 1995, Larry Hiner posted a recommendation for
Chinese food (Message-ID: <40vvpr$qmh@news-e1a.megaweb.com>):
A 15 minute drive south down 99 will take you to Hunan
Gardens in Elk Grove (East on Elk Grove Blvd, north into
Lucky's shopping center -- Hunan is on West end of center
near Jaspers). Family owned and run -- highly recommended!
(by me, that is.)
On the same date, Michael J. Reeves posted his recommendation on the
same newsgroup (Message-ID: <4105kn$erp@falcon.ns.net>):
If you go out the FRONT gate [of Sac State] past the
Presbyterian church about 2-4 blocks on the left is a small
commercial center. You'll find the Silver Chopstick
Restaurant in there. I have personally enjoyed the food
there several times.
Turnando Fuad also offered his recommendation on the same day and
newsgroup (Message-ID: <4108ta$grr@falcon.ns.net>):
Try New Canton on Broadway across from the DMV for authentic
Chinese cuisine.
The New Station about a mile down also has great food. They
have a special for $18.50 and that includes 5 dishes plus
dessert.
Ryan Seo's recommendation on August 18, 1995 on the same newsgroup
(Message-ID: <411cr1$kvk@falcon.ns.net>): "Try Frank Fat @ downtown
sacto. Expensive but excellent." [Editor's note: Frank Fat's is
located at 806 L St, 95814, (916)442-7092.] And finally, Susan Hattie
Steinsapir, gave her recommendation on August 18, 1995 (Message-ID:
<hattieDDIBuK.LpC@netcom.com>):
Give up on Chinese and try Vietnamese. Try these:
1. Viet Ha - tremendous menu, low prices, great eats. Two
places: one on Florin at Stockton Blvd., just east of the
intersection. New place at, hell, it's hard to describe.
It's on Folsom, tucked behind Paradise Ice Cream just east
of Coloma (I think). Their salad rolls are divine.
2. Andy Ngyugen's - low prices, great food. I go to the
one on Broadway and 19th Streets, near the check cashing
place. They also have a place out in Rancho Cordova.
3. New Paris Cafe - great pho (beef with rice noodle soup).
They're on Stockton Blvd. We used to eat there all of the
time. Then, we started expanding.
On a related note, Sacramento offers a selection of dim sum, a
particular type of Chinese food. J. Peerson's recommendations on
August 22, 1995 (Message-ID: <41cv01$i66@mark.ucdavis.edu>):
* King's in West Sacramento on West Capitol around Jefferson
* Dragon Haven on Broadway about a block away from Tower Theatre
* Rice Bowl on Florin at 24th Street.
And on the same date, the aforementioned Susan Hattie Steinsapir
(Message-ID: <hattieDDptq9.690@netcom.com>):
There's Wong's Islander out at the Lanai Shopping Center on
Freeport near 34th Avenue (near the old airport). I don't
know if they serve dim sum during the week; they have it on
weekends (have eaten there then)..
5.3) What kinds of landmarks and museums are there in Sacramento?
Sacramento is rich with historical landmarks and museums. The lists
in the sections below are far from exhaustive.
5.3.1) Old Sacramento.
For more information on Old Sacramento landmarks and museums, readers
with a web browser may visit the Old Sacramento Home Page on the World
Wide Web <http://www.pageweavers.com/old_sacramento.html >).
* B.F. Hastings Building (916)445-4209.
[Corner of 2nd St and J St in Old Sac]
* California Military Museum (916)442-2883
1119 2nd St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* California State Railroad Museum
(916)552-5252 x7245; 445-7387
125 "I" St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* Discovery Museum (916)264-7057; FAX (916)7264-5100
101 "I" St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* Central Pacific Passenger and Depot Station (916)448-4466
111 "I" St, Old Sacramento, 95814
* Wells Fargo Museum (916)440-4263
1000 2nd St, Old Sacramento, 95814
5.3.2) Other Museums and Landmarks.
* California Vietnam Veterans Memorial
[At the State Capital Grounds]
* Crocker Art Museum (916)264-5423
216 "O" St, Sacramento, 95814
* Governor's Mansion (916)323-3047
1526 H St
* Leland Stanford Mansion
8th and N St
* McClellan Aviation Museum (916)643-3192
3204 Palm Ave, North Highlands, 95660
* Port of Sacramento.
* Sacramento Delta.
* Sacramento History Museum.
* State Library.
* California State Indian Museum (916)324-0971
2618 K St, Sacramento, 95816
* Sutter's Fort (916)445-4422
2701 L St, Sacramento, 95816
* Towe Ford Museum (916)442-6802
2200 Front St, Sacramento, 95818
* Wells Fargo Museum (916)440-4161
400 Capital Mall, 95814
5.4) What kind of cultural activities are there in Sacramento? [Rev]
Notwithstanding the outstanding museums and art collections in
Sacramento and cultural activities such as the Second Saturday ArtWalk
(<http://www.quiknet.com/~mcox/2ndsat.html>), the performing arts in
Sacramento are somewhat provincial in comparison to those that can be
found in the nearby San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco's
population simply makes a greater commitment to supporting the arts
than do the residents of Sacramento. Even so, Sacramento does have a
symphony orchestra (entering its 83rd season) as well as ballet,
opera, and live theatre companies for local afficionados; Broadway
shows eventually make their way to Sacramento for the local
dilettantes.
5.5) What kind of sporting events are there in the Sacramento Area? [Rev]
Sacramento has two professional sports teams: The Sacramento Kings
NBA franchise and the Sacramento Knights soccer team (notwithstanding
the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League); local
sports fans also patronize professional sports teams in the Bay Area.
* For more information about the Sacramento Kings Basketball
team, see the newsgroup alt.sports.basketball.nba.sac-kings
(<news:alt.sports.basketball.nba.sac-kings >). Readers with
a web browser may visit the Sacramento Kings Home Page on
the World Wide Web
(<http://www.nando.net/sports/bkb/1994/nba/home/sac.html >).
* For more information on the Sacramento Knights, readers with
a web browser may visit the Sacramento Knights Home Page on
the World Wide Web
(<http://www.ns.net/users/srser1/knights.html >).
* For more information regarding Bay Area sports teams, see
ba.sports (<news:ba.sports >).
Recently, the City of Sacramento has announced its intention to build
a major league baseball park near downtown Sacramento. Public
reaction to these plans has been mixed.
5.6) Are there any other special events that take place in Sacramento?
[Rev]
Among the many events that take place at California Exposition
Fairgrounds (Cal Expo) is the California State Fair that takes place
every summer -- Just ask Chuckie! (See Section 10.2.4 for more
information on Chuckie.) For more information on the State Fair,
visit the California State Fair Home Page on the World Wide Web
(<http://bigfun.org/ >). During the month of May, the Annual Jazz
Jubilee takes over most of Sacramento (<http://sacjazz.com/ >)
5.7) What other local attractions are there in Sacramento?
There's a lot to do in Sacramento. The sections below describing
various local attractions is far from exhaustive.
* Delta and Bay Cruises.
* The Paddlewheeler.
* William Land Park (Sacramento Zoo).
* Waterworld U.S.A.
5.7.1) Guinness Stout and Other Things Irish.
One of the more curious foci of interest for Sacramento residents is
Guinness Stout Beer and other things Irish. Many recommendations for
places to drink Guinness have been offered on the Sacramento USENET;
readers with a web browser may visit Richard Hackwith's World Wide Web
Page of Irish links (<http://www.calweb.com/~rph/irish.html >).
* From Dave Edmiston (<mailto:original@web1.calweb.com >):
After going to the home of this wonderful beer last month, I
have morphed into a Guiness-loving sybarite. I would love to
know the places in the Greater Sacramento where someone
could partake of this wonderful brew. . . I would guess that
the Fox and Goose probably has it.
(Message-ID: <45sk89$o4r@calweb.calweb.com>)
* From Ann Silberman (<mailto:anns@netcom.com >):
Gilhooley's Irish Pub on 7th and O in the Capitol Towers
apartment complex has it as well.
(Message-ID: <annsDGJvxy.M56@netcom.com>)
* From Andrew A. Alexis (<mailto:ndlxs@netcom.com >):
. . .[O]n J Street is Bon Lair. Gallaghers Bar and Grill,
on the corner of 51st and Folsom, also has it. They have
Irish music on Saturday nights.
(Message-ID: <ndlxsDGJwxD.73p@netcom.com>)
* From Scott D. Thompson (<mailto:sdt@netcom.com >):
Across from Gallaghers is Socal's, serving 'the mother of
all stouts' all day every day.
(Message-ID: <sdt-1610951502160001@192.0.2.1>)
* From John Kinsella (<mailto:jlkinsel@ucdavis.edu >):
The juice of the Gods can . . . be found on tap at TGI
Fridays and Yager's(sp?) in Folsom.
(Message-ID: <45vm4p$afq@mark.ucdavis.edu>)
* From Chris Morgan (<mailto:dude@calweb.com >):
Rascals Pub In Rancho Cordova used to have it on tap....
Give it a try. They are off of Folsom Blvd near Bradshaw on
Horn Rd.
(Message-ID: <460q4m$f3e@calweb.calweb.com>)
5.7.2) [Miscellaneous sections currently under construction.]
5.8) The Geography of Sacramento. [Rev]
Having sojourned in many California communities for months at a time,
I would have to say that the most distinctive feature of Sacramento
geography is its still evolving business architecture. While many
business establishments are housed in newer buildings that are
obviously commercial in nature (especially in the more recently
developed downtown area), the vast majority of small businesses in the
Greater Sacramento Area use older buildings and blend into the
neighborhood communities that they serve. Strip malls are quite
uncommon; a small marquee over a store's door is often the only
indication that a commercial building even contains a retail
establishment.
Many older private homes have been converted into storefront
operations. The relative antiquity of the buildings that house
business establishments (along with their typically residential
location) comes with a price tag. There is very little free parking
during business hours anywhere in Sacramento, and most parking is
limited to two hours or less. For this reason, I tend to use public
transportation to get around Sacramento during the day.
The physical geography of Sacramento is flat grassland, subject
to seasonal flooding. Unlike the nearby San Francisco Bay Area,
Sacramento is seismically quiet. This is one of the main reasons that
Sacramento is becoming more and more attractive to high tech
industries from the South Bay, earning the nickname Silicon Valley
East.
5.9) Sacramento Weather. [New]
I have received quite a few inquiries from potential Sacramento
residents about the weather in Sacramento, asking me whether it is
more like the arid Central Valley or the foggy Bay Area. The weather
in Sacramento is somewhat sunny, mild, and humid, even though it often
reaches well over 100 degrees in the summer and is subject to heavy
seasonal rains. For information on current Sacramento weather
conditions, visit Steve Green's Sacramento Weather Page on the World
Wide Web (<http://www.ns.net/~sgreen/whtrfrm.html >), with all the
radar, satellite pictures, and forecasts, and without someone standing
in the way making dumb jokes ;->
- - - - -
End Document:
The Sacramento, California USENET FAQ Part 4 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento, California
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996
by
David F. Prenatt, Jr.
Internet Esquire(sm)
P.O. Box 74632
Davis, CA 95617-5632
<http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/ >
<mailto:NetEsq@dcn.davis.ca.us >
Link to next document:
<http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/USENET-FAQs/sac/part5.html >
- - - - -
