Ettore's May 1st "I've gotta Beef with Cancer"

On Saturday May 1^st, I encourage you to join me at Ettore’s on Fair Oaks for an event benefitting the RAC PAC team and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Saturday May 8^th at Cal Expo.

I have a vested interest in finding a cure for breast cancer. Two beautiful daughters. A mother who is a survivor. A best friend who is a survivor. And too many women that I know are survivors. Thank God they survived. But a cure would eliminate the need for this race and this fundraising effort.

One simple thing you can do is go to Ettore’s this week and purchase a pink ribbon to hang in the restaurant. Do it for the survivors in your life. Do it for your daughters, mothers, and grandmothers. Do it for yourself. Do it for my survivor friends and family.

I need to recognize Ettore. He is an amazing man with piercing eyes and a desire to do all he can for this cause. In my meetings with him during this process, I find him so giving and kind. I urge you to come support a cure and Ettore!

I have been a part of the Komen Sacramento event for 12 years as a participant, committee member, and team captain and team committee member. This year I joined the RAC PAC team, now over 300 strong, started by an amazing woman, Sonia Susac. Her story, young mother of two diagnosed with breast cancer. A survivor who took the journey a step farther by creating this team, nurturing the women on it, fundraising amazing amounts of money and able to get me to do anything she needs to make this a success. I admire her tenacity for the cause. I do this for Sonia.

And my good friend, survivor extraordinaire who has prevailed over circumstances that most women would never survive. A real life survivor of breast cancer and life. She gives so much to all of us who are proud to call her friend. You know who you are and who she is. She is too humble to let me name her. I do this for her.

My mom, who survived and thrived. No sympathy required. She just got it handled and moved on. Strong that Mom of mine. I love you. I do this for you.

Here is the link to the event. I will be there all day. Please join me.

www.ettores.com

Our Favorites from Yesterday and Today

Dining experiences vary depending on the place and the event. When the food is consistently good, so are we loyal. Some stay as favorites and some sadly close. I have a few that my husband and I consider to be our regular places to eat. I am partial as the owners of these places are friends. We enjoy the company as much as the food. If you haven’t tried them, you need to.

Places We Miss
The restaurants in our past that no longer exist may be the sweetest to remember. Via Veneto on Fulton and Hurley. The Fettuccine Alfredo, the atmosphere and the staff are so memorable. We shared some great meals with good friends there. It wasn't there long enough...Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant, first on Northgate then Del Paso. 1976 was the year I first ate from the little trailer like building on Northgate. It was so good. Brown sauce on the cheese enchiladas and my husband’s favorite, Chili Colorado. They moved to Del Paso Blvd. and never took down the decorations from the Chinese restaurant before them. I recall the picture of President Kennedy on the wall, the jukebox that our kids loved to play and the owners fondly. We were there the last night they were serving. The parents wanted to retire and the kids did not want to take over. Our whole family mourns the loss to this day.

Our Favorites Now

Nagato Sukiyaki
We have been dining at Nagato since we moved to our home in 1981. We were there last night! Amazing Japanese home-style food served in a family atmosphere. Their sushi surpasses all that I have tried. Don has a knack for great conversation and the freshest fish you can imagine.

The Buggy Whip
This is where my grandparents used to dine. I remember in the 80’s the lingerie shows at the obligatory two-martini lunch. I have a friend that used to describe The Whip as good food, mean waitresses. The food is great and the staff these days are all friendly and really care that your dining experience exceeds your expectations. Larry followed his father’s example and made his mark as one of the top restaurants in town. They make their soups and salad dressings that are out of this world. Even vegetarians can eat well here. This is a place where consistently the food and service are excellent. Their Prime Rib is superior and on Sundays and Thursdays very reasonable.

Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant
Do not miss the bar-b-q oysters on the weekends. Not traditional for a Mexican restaurant but they are excellent. The food is so good. Homemade flour tortillas and large portions are just part of the joy of eating here. The mariachis and the décor also are a big hit on the weekends. They have fine tequila and yummy margaritas. Frank is the hardest working restaurant and caterer I know. He and his wife, Norma are so friendly and welcoming. We first ate their food when they were on El Camino and followed them to Auburn. We went there first last night to dine but their parking lot was full!

Luigi’s Pizza Original
Although they have a location downtown, much closer, we prefer the old school Luigi's on Stockton Blvd. My parents went there in high school. We have been eating their pizza for 17 years. It was the favorite spot after basketball when our kids were playing. My husband always has the linguica on his pizza and they fry it first for him. They have the crispest salad in town and make all their dressings. But oh the pizza. In our years going, we have seen some funny things there like when the RT bus stops and they run out with a pizza for the driver. It is a great place to watch the Kings if you still do that…

Poor Red’s
I hate to write this. Poor Red’s had always been our favorite. My husband had been going there since the 60’s. I have so many fond memories of birthdays, anniversaries and special dinners there. It was always all about the ribs and Gold Cadillac’s. Back in the day, we would wait hours to eat. Motorcycle rides that ended there on a warm sunny day. The last meal there before it was sold with my beloved Grandma who is now gone. I can go on and on.
However, we went there recently and all our memories were dashed by the food and drink. It is not the same. Sadly, it wasn’t even close. We vowed it would be our last trip so that we could remember it as it was. A lifetime of friends and family gatherings we will never forget. And to all of you who joined with us, “those were the days, my friend”.