Bastille Day 2016

Undisclosed Natomas Location

We are lucky drunks. Most of us have spent time in France over the years so we have a special place in our hearts for Bastille Day. Each year, we celebrate in some fashion and this year was marred by the attack in Nice at a place a lot of us have been. It's hard to handle a tragedy on any day, but on a celebration day, it's even harder.

Alas, we still did what we do best. Spend quality time with friends with quality food and drinks.

We were awash in french wine, and foods like garlic haricot verts, street sandwiches of ham and Camembert, cold herbed beef, tomato and carrot salad, grilled veggies, cheesy gougeres, white bean and tuna salad, fondue and grilled peaches. It's as a lovely night.

Mandarin Kitchen

167 Sacramento Street
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 745-4098

This little place is in the old section of Auburn and it doesn't look like much but damn, is it good! They make their own dumplings (not pictured because we demolished them), and their own noodles. Everything from their Thai curry to their meat dumpling was just delicious. I've dreamed about these dumplings...must go back soon....

Taco Night at the Orange House

Undisclosed Roseville Location

Tacos! Tacos! Tacos!

Who doesn't love tacos? And last year while visiting a cousin drunk in Spain we had her Puerto Rican tacos that were so good and different! So, The Jenny hounded her for the recipe and made it for all of us. And damn, they are good! Things you wouldn't expect is the huge amount of capers and green olives.

There were also other tacos, but we don't need to talk about them.

And yes, Nairb brought his own food. Such a snob. (Or really nice guy because we didn't RSVP and didn't want to eat other peoples tacos.)

Tank House BBQ & Bar

1925 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 431-7199

This place has some of the best barbecue in Sacramento. They slow roast their meats over fire and flame to make some very delicious brisket, ribs and more. Their greens are tasty but not overcooked and who doesn't love tater tots! It's a great place to feed your inner carnivore.

Nido, by Magpie

1409 R Street #102
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 668-7594

We've hit up Nido more times than most places because it's just so good, affordable and easy. When heading to B-Side, we ate here beforehand. But this week, we gave it our full attention. We hustled a table on the porch and just spent the evening sharing food, drinking beer and wine and watching Sacramento go by. Pulled pork sandwiches, housemade sausages on housemade pretzel buns, heirloom bean soup, giant pretzels, pork belly bao and so much more. And it won't break the bank. We can't recommend this place enough.

Gather Oak Park

3rd Avenue at Broadway
Oak Park, CA 95817
(916) 692-5560

Gather is one of those great Sacramento events that I can't recommend enough. It's a lovely evening of food, drinks, music and running into friends. Yes, parking is a hassle some times and yes, you have to stand in line for drinks and food, but if you just enjoy the vibe, the music and the people, it's a great neighborhood festival.

It's just too bad we can't get there more often than once a year.

India House Folsom

2776 E Bidwell Street #300
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 817-4356

Jesse picked this new place for us this week for his birthday and wow, good job Jesse. This is a small place in one of dozens of shopping centers off Bidwell Road and I don't think I would have ever found it without a suggestion.

We went family style and had everything from chicken tikka to goat biryani. It was so very delicious with rich flavors and nice amounts of spice. Thanks Jesse for taking us here!