First Timers | Blogging at Conference | Roomates and Rides | Great Food and Fun Spots

Your Hospitality Committee is going to start passing on some suggestions for local restaurants you may want to visit during your Conference stay in Sacramento next month. While everyone's food experience may be different - the businesses we'll mention are fairly near the Conference Center - which is at 13th/14th and J/K streets. Of course, the Hyatt has several food venues, and there is a snack bar in the Exhibit Hall as well as a Wolfgang Puck Express in the Convention Center.

Quick breakfast and lunch options can be found right across J street at one of several local delicatessens including Pennisi's at 1237 J Street and La Bou at 14th and J . Prices are reasonable, food is good and usually quick - though lunchtime gets crowded and some aren't open on weekends. Just around the corner, at 1500 K street is Capitol Garage  - a full service, bustling restaurant open  daily - 6:30 AM during the week, 8 AM on Saturday and 9 AM on Sunday. Bistro 33 Midtown  at 1020 16th Street is also a full service restaurant, slightly more expensive, open for breakfast and has late night kitchen service.

Continuing with our weekly suggestions, keeping in mind the Convention Center is located at 13th/14th and J/K streets, for coffee lovers - within the Convention Center is a Starbuck's, and there are additional locations at 19th and J and  14th and H St.. There is a Java City located at 18th and Capitol (M).

Along with the previously mentioned delis, there is a La Bou on 11th between K and L, Tony's Deli at 12th and J, Subway on J between 12th and 13th, and Farley's Deli at 10th and K.. Additionally, there are several coffee shops in the area, including one at 11th and L, one on K St. next to the Hyatt entrance and Infusion open 7AM to 6PM Monday through Saturday.

For quick Chinese food, Ma Jong's Asian Diner at 1431 L Street is a "place your own order" experience. At 17th and J you will find Hamburger Patty's,  and The Bread Store on J between 17th and 18th, is a little more expensive than some but is open for breakfast and lunch. MVP Sports Bar and Grill is at 17th and Capitol (M).

Don't forget these as well:

So, you've grabbed lunch at the concession stand in the Exhibits Hall, and have had a jammed packed day of great sessions which has you longing for a basic meat and potatoes dinner. Remember you are approximately at 13th/14th and J/K streets. A couple of nearby places come to mind - The Broiler, www.thebroilersteakhouse.com  an old time (though relocated) Sacramento tradition, is now located at 12th and K - one block down the "no cars allowed" section of  K street - right outside the Convention Center's doors. A few blocks the other way at 18th and L is the Sacramento location of The Buckhorn Grill www.buckhorn.com . But maybe it's meat and potatoes in the guise of burger and fries that tempts you. Brew it Up  Brewery and Restaurant www.brewitup.com is at 14th and H.

Perhaps some of you want to get together and splurge, or you've brought your significant other and want a special evening out. Chanterelle, in the Sterling Hotel, is located at 13th and H. Some may remember it from our 25th Anniversary Gala there. Mason's www.theparkdowntown.com is around the corner at 15th and L. The Melting Pot www.meltingpot.com  is located on 15th between H and I streets, and a local -The Waterboy www.waterboyrestaurant.com is at 20th and Capitol (M). A little farther away, Kru at 2516 J St (between 25th and 26th) is Japanese and sushi oriented with a tempura cheesecake offering. And Biba www.biba-restaurant.com is a local favorite at 28th and Capitol (M). These last two you'd most likely want to drive to, or take a cab.

Check back next week for more ideas!!

Hospitality Committee

Our incredible Hospitality Committee has presented us with many wonderful choices of places to go, and delicious choices for eating. Here's another serving of great advice:

Not much longer now!!! We can't wait to have come to Sacramento and experience all the offerings your 2008 Conference has for you!

There are still a few more eating spots we haven't covered that are either fairly close to the Convention Center (13th/14th and J/K) or interesting enough we thought you might want to be aware of them. Most of these mentioned are on the high end.

Chops http://themenupage.com/chops/index.html is on 11th between K and L, and specializes, as the name implies, in beef andboth lamb and pork chops, though fresh seafood is brought in daily. It is open for lunch and dinner. The Sacramento site of McCormick and Schmick's www.mccormickandschmicks.com/ at 11th and J streets might be a choice for a special evening out, or a celebratory luncheon if you are in  the mood for seafood. Aioli Bodega www.aiolibodega.info/ offers Spanish dining, including tapas as well as full course lunch and dinners. It is located at 18th and L.

Ella Dining Room and Bar www.elladiningroomandbar.com/ at 1131 K street is an eclectic, open venue, only open a year, that describes itself as a Modern American Bistro. Mulvaney's Building and Loan, 1215 19th St. is another Modern American, upscale location with a varied menu. L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen, www.lwinelounge.com/ at 18th and L streets offers a little bit different version of Happy Hour as well as dinner.