House of Shah Brings a Unique Flavor to Woodland

Woodland's food experience is expanding exponentially it seems. Coming to the scene are unique restaurants that offer fantastic flavors from a myriad of cultures. House of Shah, located on Main Street, gives Woodlanders a taste of Afghan cuisine. The recipes are home favorites that have been lovingly refined and perfected for all who walk in the door.

Food -
House of Shah gives you the Afghan flavor, but combines it with food that you may already be familiar with, hence, Afghan Urban. It's a great concept as it can be difficult to jump straight into a culture's food that you aren't familiar with.

House of Shah makes it easy to experience the best of Afghan food with items such as the Shah burger and Shah fries. Everyone knows burgers and fries, but the burger and fries here have been infused with Afghan spices and flavor combinations. The burger patty is seasoned jalepeno, cilantro, and chili powder among other ingredients. It's a tasty combination that you won't find anywhere else. And the fries are topped with jalapenos, cilantro, garlic yogurt, and green chutney for a decidedly mild taste with pops of surprising heat and flavor.

If you're into kabobs, House of Shah has you covered. There are various types of beef and chicken kabobs that you can select from. They will come with your choice of white or seasoned rice as well as a small salad and naan.

There are many food items on the menu that are really interesting! Thankfully, the menu does a really great job of describing exactly what is in the dish so that you have an idea of what it is all about.

Service/Atmosphere - 
I have found the service to be top notch at House of Shah. It's a small restaurant, so everyone there appreciates that you have stopped in for a meal. To add to this, the atmosphere is very modern and inviting. The tones in the restaurant are trendy and make you feel like you're eating in a place that is new and fun. I was definitely impressed with the interior and decor all around House of Shah.

Price -
Prices at House of Shah are moderate. Expect to pay between ten and twelve dollars for a meal here. The portions are balanced, not overflowing. You'll leave feeling like you've had a good meal without going overboard. The fries here are great for sharing as are the other appetizers on the menu. Ordering these just for one could be a bit pricy, but it works well in a group setting.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
My personal favorite item at House of Shah is the Afghan Macaroni. The soft macaroni shells are topped with slow cooked ground beef and tomatoes then drizzled with garlic yogurt, dry mint, and ground red pepper. I love that dish and keep coming back to it time after time. I can't think of many places that have macaroni on the menu besides mac n' cheese. This dish is such a great dish if you want something a bit creamy but with a good amount of meat and a little bit of heat!

Bottom Line - 
I suggest visiting House of Shah to get a unique taste from a culture's food you may not have experience before. The staff is very friendly and the restaurant is very well designed. There's a lot to like at House of Shah, so go and give it a try!

Letter Grade

A

You can select to eat inside or out.

Take a peek into the kitchen from where the register is at.

The staff is warm and friendly.

Flavor combinations will dazzle your tongue.

The Shah fries are definitely unique from most other places.

This Afghan macaroni dish is my go-to.

The kid loves the food here.

Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe Brings the FRESHNESS

Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is a restaurant in Sacramento that really does offer something different than other businesses popping up all over town. While they serve tea, it's not of the milk or boba variety. And though they have fresh bowls of delicious food, it isn't poke. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is definitely set apart from many of the current new restaurant openings in town, and it's a refreshing addition to the Sacramento food community.

Food -
Let's start with the teas. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe has an enormous tea menu to select from. The menu is similar to that of an Asian boba cafe, but the drinks are quite different. Here, there are many varieties of tea in various forms. On my visit, I went with a sparkling tea. The drink was extremely refreshing and had actual fruit in it. I thought that it made for a wonderful soda alternative.

Interestingly, they have teas on tap as well. I've seen iced tea come out of the soda fountain before, but these on tap teas were dispensed like beer would be at a bar. I wasn't able to give this a try, but I'm very curious to see how these teas taste on a future visit. You can also get iced teas, and various chilled and frozen variations.

The teas a predominantly fruit flavored with great combinations of fruit. My drink was on the sweet side, but not overly sweet. It's not like a southern sweet tea, but the bitterness of tea was certainly subdued.

On the food side of things, the main items for hungry folks coming in are the bowls or wraps. They are pretty similar in nature, just their form is different when you receive it. You get your choice of protein and then select the kind of grain you want. I was able to try both the chicken and the pork. I have to say that the pork was quite a bit better tasting than the chicken. I'd go with pork all day long.

Unfortunately, as good as some of the meat is, there isn't a whole lot of it in the entree. It will still fill you up, but mostly with rice or another grain that you select. This is the one aspect of Tea Bar and Fusion Cafe that left me wanting.

Smaller bites are also available such as avocado toast and edamame. For kids, you can get smaller portions at a lesser price so that they can enjoy their experience as well.

Service/Atmosphere - 
Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe really shines in both the service and atmosphere areas. When we first came into the restaurant we were confronted with the large menu. Thankfully, the cashier up front gave us some great recommendations. She was extremely friendly and even gave us some samples to try to help us make our decision. Also, while we were eating, the servers walking by were making sure everything was good. The entire staff was warm and inviting.

The restaurant is a joy to enjoy food at. The main indoor dining area has a modern look that blends nice wood and green colors. It's like a Jamba Juice, but more refined in look. You can also sit outside if you like. There is plenty of seating and the restaurant is very clean. There's not much more you can ask for!

Price -
Prices at Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe are moderate. The bowls will run you about ten dollars and they are pretty filling - but like I said, there could be more protein placed in it. Teas are around four to five dollars each, but the glasses the teas come in are a good size. This is not a restaurant that will break the bank. I'd say prices here are fair, and this is a place you can come to regularly.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
I noticed that the line got a little long at times. Since Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is a pretty popular place, you may want to order online before coming to the restaurant. You can skip the line at the register if you do this. Also, by doing this you can take your time with the menu since there is no pressure of having other guests behind you waiting.

Bottom Line - 
If you are looking for fresh tasting food that really isn't offered anywhere else, Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe will be right up your alley. The prices are moderate and there food is great tasting. I'd be happy to come here often and enjoy the huge variety of teas that they offer. Many are perfect for hot summer Sacramento days!

Letter Grade

A

The restaurant is inviting and has a clean, modern style.

Here's my sparkling tea with a slice of orange in it.

Teas are actually on tap here.

The line to the register can get a little long during dinner hour.

Get a bowl if you're feeling hungry.

Kids can get special plates at a nice price.

The pork was my favorite protein at Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe.

The Hotdogger at the Davis Farmer's Market

Hamburger places seem to be all over the place... but what about the other classic American 'sandwich'? Well, if you're in Davis, Ca you can go to the Hotdogger. This little restaurant specializes in hot dogs. You can visit its main location in downtown Davis or catch them at their tent during the Davis Farmer's Market. 

Food -
It's pretty simple at the Hotdogger... just get a hot dog! Select from the original hot dog, or get a Polish, chicken, hot link, or corn dog. Once you receive your dog, feel free to pile on the condiments at their station to the side.

Purchasing a hot dog to eat isn't that common. I mean, I rarely go out to a restaurant and order a hot dog. It's a food item that I think of when I host a BBQ or go to a sporting event. The Hotdogger's hot dogs are excellent though. They are certainly not the cheap ones you find at the grocery store for $.99. The wieners in these things are lengthy with plenty of girth. It's a premium dog!

The bun is great too. If you're going to serve a hot dog as your main menu item, the bun is going to be pretty important. These buns are soft, but with the slightest bit of chew to them. They aren't something you could find at your typical grocery place. The bun does its job well without getting in the way of the meat's taste. And that's important.

For me, one hot dog will get my half full, but two would be too much. I'd say these dogs are great for a walk-around snack at the Farmer's Market, but if you're looking for a full on lunch, you may need to go for more food.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The main Hotdogger location is tiny! You definitely couldn't fit many people in there, but it's perfect for dolling out hot dogs to people hanging out in Davis. The Farmer's Market has a totally different vibe. The atmosphere is much more frenetic and there is usually at least a small line for the dogs. After ordering your hot dog you typically have to wait a few minutes for it to be prepped before you it is handed to you. When it does get to you, it's nice and hot!

Price -
For a premium dog, you're going to be paying a price that's higher than you might expect. Their original hot dog is six dollars and the price goes up from there. The hot dogs have a sporting event sort of price to them, so it's not cheap. If you're looking for some inexpensive eats that will fill you up, this is not it. What it is, however, is a treat to enjoy while strolling around on a relaxing Saturday.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
You can top your hot dog with whatever you like, but I would try the different mustards that are available. Most are common, but the Russian mustard is both sweet and spicy. It has a unique flavor that you should see if you like. The Dusseldorf mustard is horse radish based and has a little more kick than your standard mustard. The Dusseldorf is the one I like to go with!

Bottom Line - 
Not all hot dogs are the same. Yes, you can go to Costco and get one of their dogs for a buck fiddy and a drink, but the dogs at the Hotdogger bring a bit more to the table. Perhaps for a college student on a tight budget the Hotdogger may be a stretch, but I do think the Hotdogger is worth purchasing for an extra special hot dog experience!

Letter Grade

A-

Oh Polish dog, I love you!

The Hotdogger sets up shop here at the Davis Farmer's Market.

So many mustard choices to choose from!

The Funnest Sushi Restaurant in Sacramento... Kura!

Conveyer belt sushi has come to Sacramento! Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is a restaurant with a very automated way of getting your food. It's a ton of fun watching items that you order zip right to your location a few minutes after you order it. And to add to the fun, the folks at Kura make eating into a game of sorts. When you reach 15 plates of food consumed, a prize is dropped in front of you! Kura is a unique eating experience, and one that I highly recommend you give a try.

Food -
Kura's main food selection is sushi. There are many varieties to select from including nigiri and specialty rolls. Each sushi plate is placed on a conveyer belt for customers to take. It's an experience just to watch the plates go around and around. Each plate on the belt is a flat $2.60 (as of this blog post). So you can easily calculate how much money you are spending on your meal. Of course, if you get carried away, the price can jump up pretty high.

I'd say that sushi at Kura is average to above average. For $2.60, you can really expect super high quality sushi, so I think the price to quality ratio is justified. The sushi here I'd rank higher than most all you can eat sushi places.

Kura also offers hot food like ramen, fried rice, and appetizers. These items are ordered off a computer screen above you. Once you put your order in, the item will zip along to you in a separate belt above the the one with all the rest of the sushi. I love it when the food arrives as it comes to you pretty quickly and stops right where you are.

You can top off your meal with dessert, but the dessert items weren't too appealing looking. They had cheesecake, a tart, as well as fruit options. I think you're better off finding dessert elsewhere if you're really in the mood for it.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The servers at Kura were pleasant, although there was a bit of a wait for them to arrive. Mostly, they show you how to work the system, get you your drinks, and then collect your bill. Since most of the food is brought to you via an automated system, the servers don't play that big of a role at Kura.

As for the atmosphere... it is lively. A lot seems to be going on all around the restaurant as people eat. Things are constantly moving which makes for a fun environment. I really enjoyed my time dining here.

Price -
As I mentioned every item on the conveyor belt is $2.60. The other food items that you can order have different prices, but none are outrageous. Ramen was a little over six dollars and many of the appetizers were in the three to four dollar range.

The portion size isn't very large, so just watch out if you're really hungry. If you're grabbing plate after plate, your bill is going to end up pretty large.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
As Kura is relatively new, many people are interested in visiting. The wait time can be pretty long during peak hours. Kura actually has an app you can download to check in so that you don't have to when you get to the restaurant. I checked in as we were on the way to Kura and got a place to sit very quickly after we arrived.

Bottom Line - 
Kura is a restaurant that brings a ton of Japanese fun to Sacramento. The food is tasty and the atmosphere is lively. This is certainly a restaurant to experience as it isn't something that Sacramento has really had before.

Letter Grade

A-

Kura's storefront at Howe 'bout Arden.

Ordering from this computer screen is pretty easy to do.

Eat 15 plates of sushi and a prize will drop from this dispenser.

The sushi comes on this belt that goes around and around.

These are 'real crab California rolls'.

Sushi here is decent tasting, but I wouldn't say it's the very best.

The hand rolls are ordered from the computer screen.

A plate of crispy chicken from the hot food menu.

Southern Food in Sacramento

Sacramento is nowhere near what is considered the Southern United States. So when a restaurant is rumored to have delicious Southern food, it is a place that I just had to check out. I guess the secret is out though, South is a restaurant that is getting rave reviews and drawing lots of customers. Even on a slow Tuesday night in Sacramento, South had a long line of folks wanting to satisfy their Southern food cravings!

Food -
You'll find that the menu is broken up into two main sections - an old school side and a new school side. The old school is all about traditional foods you'd find in the South. The new school side has dishes that take from the traditional, but draws from different influences to give customers more delicious choices.

The most popular item on the menu has to be the fried chicken. As I was waiting in line, I saw plates and plates of this dish coming out of the kitchen. And trying it, I know why it is so popular! The fried chicken is perfection. It's exactly what I imagine a great fried chicken to be. The outside is crunchy but not greasy with the inside being very juicy. The chicken was oh-so-amazing. It came with two sides - kale greens and a buttermilk biscuit. If you're a fan of collard greens, the kale greens will be great. I personally am not a fan, but that's my fault. But the buttermilk biscuit... OMG! It was perfectly flaky no the outside with a buttery taste that comes out of nowhere. It was heavenly.

I also ordered a full rack of braised ribs. I went for a full rack because I heard that the portion sizes were smaller here. I don't believe that to be true. I could only eat a half rack and a part of the potato salad that it came with. The portions were definitely a good size. The ribs and the potato salad screamed of quality. It was a joy to eat it. And to top it all off I also shared a mac n' cheese side which was just as good.

Everything we ordered was well-made and excellent tasting. I am extremely enticed to return to order more off the menu. I can see why the lines are getting long for South.

Service/Atmosphere - 
South is a pretty small restaurant. It is made up of two small dining areas partitioned by a wall. You can also elect to eat outside in a small patio area. We chose to sit outside because the we brought our baby and thought that the inside noise was a little high for his liking.

The service was excellent. The servers were kind and courteous. I was able to get a refill of my sweet tea easily. Since South seems like it is constantly busy, the servers are constantly running around getting food out and bussing tables. There's a bit of a frenetic energy about the restaurant. Take that as you will.

Price -
South is not a place to eat on the cheap. The fried chicken plate was $15 and my full rack was $25. I'd say that the average dinner plate for a person would be about $15-$18. Adding sides and drinks would just increase the amount. South is a quality restaurant that has a price that matches that quality.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
There is a sign right at the door that states that patrons should not sit and reserve a table before ordering at the register. The policy is put in place so that they can keep the restaurant flowing. It might be a little off putting so some people, but I can see why it's there. I suggest doing as they suggest so that everyone can get their fair chance at seating.

Bottom Line - 
I'd happily return to South over and over again. The food at South is top notch. Though it's a small restaurant, it serves up some amazing flavors that will satisfy you. I'd definitely recommend a visit to South if you get the chance. There aren't many places in town like it!

Letter Grade

A

Full rack of ribs with some sweet tea to wash it down.

Rack of ribs is covered with a spicy bbq sauce.

The fried chicken plate is one of the most popular dishes.

The chicken has an amazing crunch to it. Inside: juicy.

I could eat bowls and bowls of this mac n' cheese.

Vegan Vietnamese Food

I'm not one to go for vegan food, but my curiosity (and some really good reviews) made me want to check out Chay Corner inside Lazi Cow in Davis for some vegan Vietnamese food. I had to see if it was as good as people said it was. I have to say that I was surprised at how flavorful the food we ordered was. I was genuinely impressed!

Food -
Chay Corner offers up a small menu of vegan Vietnamese cuisine. There are appetizers, banh mis, noodles, and rice dishes, and drinks. On this visit I tried the five spice fried tofu, grilled goodness banh mi, and the pho. I also ordered a drink, but it was the Lazi Cow version rather than the Chay Corner vegan version of the drink.

Since appetizers come first, I'll start with that. The five spice fried tofu was excellent. The tofu cubes had a light fry to them and were covered with the five spice mix. I found myself enjoying the flavor of the spice mix quite a bit. It was pronounced, but certainly not overpowering. The tofu also came out piping hot and fresh. I love it when you know the food is prepared right to order.

The tofu came out pretty quickly, but the main order of pho and the banh mi took about twenty to twenty five minutes to get to the table. It was a little longer than I expected given that the restaurant wasn't at full capacity during our visit. In any case, I was very pleased with the food that came out.

The banh mi was large and reminded me of a subway sandwich. It came filled with the vegan 'meat' as well as traditional banh mi veggies. The 'meat' was surprisingly flavorful and juicy. It substituted extremely well for the real thing. Of course you can tell it isn't real meat, but it was enjoyable and I liked it!

The pho noodles were great as well. It came with the same 'meat' that the banh mi had. I tried the pho after giving the banh mi a try. The 'meat's' texture seemed a little different. I'm not sure if it was because it was sitting for a while before consuming or if it was because it was in broth - in any case, though it was the same, it definitely had a different feel than what it had in the banh mi. Overall I really enjoyed the pho - but more for the noodles and broth that were spot on.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The atmosphere at Lazi Cow is very unique. It has a casual vibe with some unique decorations inside. The main people who come would be college students, and I believe it fits in with that demographic. There is an actual swing inside the restaurant! You won't see that very often!

Though the main items came out slower than I would have liked, I never felt that the staff at Chay Corner were negligent. In fact, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. We needed various things during our meal and the staff happily got us what we requested.

Price -
The vegan aspect of Chay Corner is what causes the price of the items to be higher than most. The banh mi sandwiches are nine dollars with the pho being eleven. That's quite pricey, but given that they are vegan, I think the cost of the food is justifiable. Vegan items are more difficult and costly to make, so there will certainly be a higher price for the food.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
Come for the Vietnamese food, but also try Lazi Cow's menu while you're here. There are a ton of things on the Lazi Cow menu such as milk teas and desserts. If you aren't vegan but have vegan friends, Lazi Cow is the perfect place to go as they can accommodate both preferences!

Bottom Line - 
Tasty vegan Vietnamese food is here! Even if you're not a vegan, the food at Chay Corner is worth checking out. The food tastes excellent with good Vietnamese flavors in each dish. It's a surprising place to eat so come and check it out!

Letter Grade

A-

Five spice crispy tofu appetizer.

Pho with the vegan 'meat'.

The noodles have authentic texture and the broth is flavored nicely.

Pretty hefty banh mi sandwich.

A New Hidden Coffee Gem

Impressive things are happening in the historic city of Woodland, Ca. Scribbler's Coffeehouse has recently opened bringing to the town a cafe with excellent coffee and a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy it in. In the heart of Woodland's downtown, Scribbler's has its doors open ready to help you start your day!

Food -
Scribbler's is a coffeehouse and cafe. In the morning, you can order a cup of coffee or espresso along with a pastry. I found the white chocolate mocha on my visit excellent with the sweetness I wanted and a richness that was complex. It was surprisingly good, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Looking at their pastries on the counter, I selected a blueberry scone that had a crusty exterior and soft interior - a great contrast in texture that found a lot of fun to eat.

The coffee from Scribbler's is by Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters. Chocolate Fish is a Sacramento based coffee company that operates locations around Sacramento. They are known to have premium, award winning coffee that many enjoy. Tea from Scribblers is by Rishi Tea & Botanicals - another premium source.

For lunch, it looks like Scribblers will have sandwich options. I haven't had the opportunity to check them out yet, but when I do, I'll update with a sandwich review!

Service/Atmosphere - 
Scribbler's has an absolutely gorgeous interior. You can really tell when something is of a high quality - and Scribbler's is just that... high quality. The chairs and tables have an elegance to them that is both modern and comfortable. In fact, modern and comfortable would be a suitable description for the entire cafe. There is plenty of room on the inside as well as outdoor seating. Scribbler's may have the best interior for a cafe in the entire region. If not the top, it's right up there. In terms of service, I found everyone there friendly and welcoming. No complaints!

Price -
Pricing at Scribbler's is moderate. Expect to pay similar prices to that of other coffee shops. For my medium white chocolate mocha and blueberry scone I paid about eight dollars. It's certainly not for people looking for the absolute cheapest cup of joe. If you're into premium coffee, these are the prices you'd pretty much expect to pay.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
If you are someone with a gluten allergy, I saw many pastry options that were gluten-free. I appreciate that there are gluten-free options as I was trying to go gluten-free for a while a few years ago. Though gluten-free items are popping up more and more, it still can be hard to find. I'm glad that Scribbler's has these items readily available for those who would want it.

Bottom Line - 
These are the places that the locals know about, that you wish you knew about! If you're looking for a dessert (be it hot or cold), you've gotta check out the Woodland Sno Shack off of Main Street! It's a favorite of folks in Woodland and I'm sure it'll be one of your's too!

Letter Grade

A

Scribbler's is in this building.

Brick, lots of wonderful brick!

This scone was delicious.

Cool branding stickers.

Even cooler branded coasters.

Sno Cones & Hot Donuts at Woodland Sno Shack

It can get pretty hot in the summer months here in Sacramento. Thankfully, places like the Woodland Sno Shack provide ice-cold treats to get you cooled down. Besides that, freshly made mini donuts covered with sugary glaze, rich chocolate, or creamy caramel are also available on the menu.

Food -
Basically, there's just two things to get on the menu: sno cones or mini donuts. Though the menu isn't vast, the items that they offer are done really, really well!

Let's talk about the sno cones first. These aren't your Taiwanese delicate shaved ice treats. These sno cones are of the type that I remember enjoying after a little league game back when I was a kid. The ice is chunky and there are many flavored syrups to select from to flavor it. The nostalgia factor is HUGE with this treat. Though sno cones aren't as refined as some modern ice desserts, these treats are no less enjoyed. In fact, I find myself craving these every so often! If you want to really go for a Woodland-style sno cone, try the mangonada flavor. That one kicks things up a notch or two!

The mini donuts are made right there on the spot. The menu has many forms in which they can come. I really love the regular glaze with a scoop of Gunther's ice-cream on the side. The hot donut with a bite of ice-cream is absolute perfection. The mixture of hot and cold at the same time is a great sensation and one that does need to be experienced.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The service is fun and friendly. And how can it not be? It's a food truck parked in a parking lot next to a busy street. The vibe at the Sno Shack is down to earth and feels like home. There's nothing pretentious at all.

Because everything is made to order, you'll have to wait a few minutes before your item or items are ready. It's not a long wait, but I imagine if the business gets very busy the wait time could increase more than you'd like.

Price -
The price of sno cones have definitely risen since I was a little boy, but I wouldn't call these prices outrageous. A small 12 oz. is $3, a medium 16 oz. is $4, and a large 24 oz. is $5. So I'd say that isn't too bad. The donuts run a bit higher, especially if you'd like them topped with deliciousness. A standard dozen is only $4 though.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
Because they use Gunther's ice-cream, I suggest adding it in whenever you can. Gunther's is one of the best ice-cream vendors in the Sacramento area. Their stuff is excellent. If you're getting a sno cone, try it with the cream on top ($.50) and ice-cream on the bottom ($1.50) to really make your order go overdrive!

Bottom Line - 
These are the places that the locals know about, that you wish you knew about! If you're looking for a dessert (be it hot or cold), you've gotta check out the Woodland Sno Shack off of Main Street! It's a favorite of folks in Woodland and I'm sure it'll be one of your's too!

Letter Grade

A

This sign tells exactly what you need to know!

Up close and personal with the mini donuts.

Look at that big scoop of Gunther's ice-cream.

On location in the parking lot.