Early Start to the Weekend at Old Ironsides

I hear a lot of fun happens in this little building on the SE corner of 10th and S Streets.

When I first moved to Southside Park I was put off by the long lines of folks waiting to get in. But when I got word that Ha'penny Bridge, my friend's Chico-based band, was playing there this week I thought I'd go. It was a Thursday night. No lines, right?

Who would have thought that over 100 people would be rocking at Old Ironsides on a week night? And stranger yet, turn out to hear an IRISH BAND?

The biggest surprise was that my premium martini was well made and ONLY $6! Now I need to go back and try their lunch.

Warehouses of Wonder - Part I

There are dozens of mysterious warehouses in our neighborhood, many with FOR LEASE signs. I'm really curious about what they are, have been or will be. We recently watched one on 8th and S Streets transform into Insight Coffee.

It is no mystery what the warehouse across the street from Insight is.

It is not the most inviting facade despite the blue awning over the door so, not owning a restaurant, I've walked by their door many times without entering. Finally the incongruous Notary Public sign peaked my interest and I had to see the interior for myself.

WOW! For your average non-resturant owner, this place is a party giver's mecca.

There are rows and rows of fun things...  

small...

medium...

and large.

Yaffee's is a fun place to stop in for a look see. You might find inspiration for your party or kitchen...or for opening a restaurant. I know an area with some suitable wharehouses... 

Everyday-is-a-Holiday Food

My friend and I decided to celebrate the holidays together at 10th and W Streets (which is on the edge of Southside Park neighborhood) at Doughbot (which is on the edge of a traditional donut experience). 

Doughbot has received a lot of press so it was fun to be served by the now-famous founders, Bryan Widener & Dannah O’Donnell.

I came in for a single donut (that's mine - Vanilla Bean - in the photo above) but wanted to show a variety on this blog so one of their patrons let me photograph his order.

My friend grabbed her favorite Maple Bacon donut and a corner chair.  Until they offer a public restroom they can't have tables for lingering but with the view from the corner of the street and the robot art inside, who cares about a table?

And if Doughbot wasn't colorful enough, look at what is parked outside for peddle-powered deliveries. The driver has a great way to work off their everyday-is-a holiday treats.

Be Still My Heart...

... is what I might be saying if I drink too much caffeine at INSIGHT COFFEE!! Yes! They opened today!

There's Ben & Lucky enjoying taking care of their first customers.

And here are some clever seats just waiting for you.

8th & S Streets. 7 AM - 8 PM. Southside Park has ARRIVED!!!

Sunday Fiesta Food

All the buzz around SactoMoFo got me thinking about Southside's regular street vendors. When we bought our house our realtor told us that every Sunday, year round, Southside Park was like a fiesta. She was referring to the food tables set up along the sidewalks across the park on T Street in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

And on the corner of 8th and T:

Today there was also of sale of religious items...

...which visitor Cynthia couldn't resist.

Our realtor was right. Between the aroma, the sights and the language it most definitely felt like a Fiesta. And imagine, it happens EVERY SUNDAY! 

Good Grub

The space under the freeway between 6th and 8th Streets is full of cars on weekdays and farmers on Sundays but on Saturdays it is bleak and empty except for the occasional skate boarder. So it was fun to see all that space filled today, brimming with families and music at the SactoMoFo III.

Food vendor trucks were lined up like wagons around the campfire and, despite the wind, there were substantial lines at the 11 AM opening.

We bought our grub from Wicked 'wich, which was appropriate as my first dramatic role was as the Wicked Witch of the West in summer theater in the early '60s.

I ordered the Impersonator - billed as having Nutella, bananas, bacon and honey - but when I bit into it the Nutella was replaced with peanut butter. Intense! Good thing I split it with a friend.

Bananas or not, I hope they do this every week!

Life Under the Freeway Just Got Better

SactoMoFo III is happening in our hood  TOMORROW, Saturday. Dec, 3, 11 AM - 6 PM, under the Freeway at 8th and W Streets.

The location looked like this at 11 AM today, Friday:

Tomorrow, Saturday, it could look like this photo from Mobile Food Franchises - with the freeway above, of course: 

We tried to get some grub at the April SactoMoFo in Fremont Park but it was so crowded we couldn't get near a vendor. We'll go early to this one and if tomorrow is as lovely as today, head across the street to beautiful Southside Park to chow down.

Waiting for the Caffeine

My husband and I have been watching the corner of 8th and S for a few months. A little sign on the front of this building seemed like the answer to my prayers. Ever since we moved here I wanted a neighborhood coffee shop. The sign said INSIGHT COFFEE.

I'd check back occasionally to see if the paper was off the windows yet. Then one day I met Lucky and Ben - the bucks, braun and brains behind the bar - and they gave me a tour for some BEFORE photos.

The Bucks

We started in the back room with a visit to the just-installed massive coffee roaster. In addition to roasting coffee, they also plan to offer classes in this space.

The Braun

They are  repurposing materials from Sacramento sites and doing all the work on the space themselves. These 1908 theater seats salvaged from the basement of the Masonic Temple on J Street will get a coat of wax and serve as cafe seating.

This board from a 100-year-old redwood tree was about to be discarded from a Sacramento garage. Ben and Lucky rescued it and are transforming it into a redwood bar for the front window. I can't wait to be sitting at it sipping a latte.

This is the main cafe. I love the shiny new copper espresso machine sitting on the hand made cement counter.

Here is a closer look at their craftsmanship.

The Brains

If they make their coffee with as much love and attention to detail as they are putting into transforming this space, my dream will have more than come true.

And the big surprise bonus is their offer to host our monthly neighbor meetings! With these beans and pastries from Freeport Bakery and Doughbot - our neighborhood gourmet donut shop - I'm pretty sure our attendance will increase...

I can barely wait til Insight Coffee's grand opening.