vegetarian restaurants, yoga shopping, sacramento meditation resources and more
bhoga: after yoga in sacramento
bhoga: after yoga in sacramento
| Bhoga means fun in Sanskrit. I hope you'll agree that bhoga should be a major component of your yoga practice. But where do you go for bhoga after your favorite Sacramento yoga class? Here are our picks for best Sacramento vegetarian food, yoga prop shopping, yoga books, meditation groups in Sacramento, and other Sacramento yoga related program activities. If you have any favorites to share that I've missed (or reviews to add), I’d love to hear from you. Namaste! Bill Counter (916) 441-4914 fun@absolutelyashtanga.com |
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ABOUT THE PHOTOS The asanas on this page are from what was originally called the Ashtanga Advanced Series, now taught as Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Series Many of these poses cycle through our classical hatha and power yoga classes. MORE PHOTOS-- ashtanga third series ashtanga fourth series ashtanga fifth & sixth series |
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Sacramento Vegetarian Restaurants
Why vegetarian? Patanjali, in the classic text Yoga Sutras lists ahimsa (non-
violence) as the first of his 10 yamas and niyamas (ethical disciplines). Yoga
comes from a non-violent, meditative tradition and for most cultures that have
practiced yoga, that means vegetarian food is part of the program.
Sacramento restaurants have no shortage of vegetarian friendly options.
Here are a few good places with to try:
Andy Nguyen's
2007 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 736-1157
Located south of Highway 50 between the 16th and 26th St. exits. 100% vegetarian
Vietnamese food. It's all great but be warned that much of the menu is of the
"mock-meat" variety -- shrimp made of tofu and so forth.
Loving Hut
3500 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820
--in the same block as the Colonial Theatre
(916) 451-6842
It's all veggie (no eggs, fish or MSG) but most of it is the mock-meat kind of
vegetarian fare. There are a number of $4.95 lunch specials. Dinner entrees
include the usual egg rolls and soups such as vegetable tofu soup, and Thai hot
and sour soup. Entrees are such things as veggie "beef" chowmein, pan fried
chow fun and so forth. Open Monday-Friday 11:30-3 and 5 to 8:30 pm. Saturday
and Sunday Noon to 3 and 5 to 8:30 pm. Closed Monday. Very inexpensive.
Bangkok@12
900 12th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-5588
Great Thai food with lots of options for vegetarians.
Bombay Bar & Grill
1315 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-7100
The Bombay is the newest entry in a space that has had longevity problems with
other tenants. This time the formula seems to be good. The menu offers lots of
tasty vegetarian options at reasonable prices. Lunch specials offer another dollar
off the evening prices.
Go for the thali plate option to get some naan, another vegetable dish and the
curry of the day. Open at 11am and they stay open until 10 pm, Fridays and
Saturdays until 11.
Bobo Cafe
2932 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 485-1909
Located in the Town and Country shopping center (also home to Trader Joe's).
Good reasonably priced Vietnamese food with a number of vegetarian options.
Cafe Capricho Capricho on Facebook
3269 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 457-3916
A great place for an imaginative but inexpensive vegetarian meal. Check out
wonderful salads with ingredientss such as roasted beets, quinoa, jicama, mango
and more.
Burritos include those with fillings like red potatoes, butternut squash and swiss
chard. Other options include stuffed peppers, veggie burgers and several
vegetarian quesadillas. Open 7 days a week from 11 am until 10 pm.
Chada Thai
1624 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-8909
Great Thai food in a nice space. Lots of vegetarian options. Did we mention it's
inexpensive? Entrees start at $6.95. Check it out. Lunch Monday through Saturday
11-3. Dinner everyday 5-9:30.
Crepe Escape
5635 H St., Sacramento, CA 95819 -- next door to East Sac Yoga Studio
(916) 452-4335
and
3445 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-6579
Great staff and reasonable prices. The full menu is available at all times, so you
can get your blueberry pancakes for dimmer if you like. Many vegetarian options
including a vegan scramble, pancakes, several crepe options and salads. If you
do eggs, a number of variations on benedicts and other egg dishes are available.
Open everyday 7 an to 10 pm. No credit cards
Crepeville
1730 L. St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-1100
and
2700 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 451-2200
Not quite as vegetarian friendly as crepe escape. And no pancakes. They have
tofu so you can perhaps customize a tofu scramble without the eggs. You can also
get all sorts of veggie crepes and salads and a veggie sandwich. Open 7 days a
week from 7 am to 11 pm.
Fox and Goose Public House www.foxandgoose.com
1001 R St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8825
Vegetarian options at breakfast include a tofu scramble. Lunch items include a
vegetarian pasty with side veggies. The pasty is also available at night along with a
veggie burger. Breakfast 7-2, Lunch Monday thru Friday 11-2. Open evenings
(frequently with music) 2:30-9:30 except Saturday when it's 5:30-9:30pm.
Gourmet Wraps
2912 Fulton Avenue, Suite F-3, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 482-8972
This neat lunch place is also in the same center as Trader Joe's. They offer 8
different veggie wraps at $4.50 or $4.99 with contents including spinach, hummus,
cauliflower, rice, beans, falafel, lentils and more. Also some salads.
The Green Boehme www.thegreenboheme.com
1825 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 920-4278
The place to go for raw food fanciers. Soups, salads, tostadas and lots of specials.
Jack's Urban Eats www.jacksurbaneats.com
1230 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-0307
2535 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 481-5225
4730 Natomas Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 515-4910
The thing Jack does best for vegetarians is the salad made to your specs -- a
choice of greens and any six toppings chosen from a large assortment. It's $5.50
and it's big enough to share. Sometimes the side dishes like mac and cheese or
grilled asparagus are also of interest.
Kathmandu Kitchen of Sacramento
1728 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 441-2172
Lots of vegetarian options and it's all delicious. The place doesn't look like much
on the outside but inside it's all neat, clean and freshly painted. Open every day
5 -10pm for dinner. There's a great $9.95 Lunch buffet 11-3pm 7 days a week.
Kaveri Madras Cuisine www.kaverimadrascuisine.com
1148 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
Restaurant: (916) 481-9970
Grocery Store: (916) 489-1558
The $10.99 lunch buffet is a bit expensive given the less than posh decor, but the
food is first-rate.
Lemon Grass Asia Grill and Noodle Bar
945 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-0974
This is a speedier (and less expensive) cousin to the more upscale Lemon Grass.
Good tasting dishes, a reasonable number of vegetarian options. Located next to
La Bou.
Muntean's Soup, Salads, Sandwiches www.munteansoups.com
1225 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 498-9340
A great place for lunch (or a late breakfast) with at least a couple of the hearty
Romanian / Hungarian inspired soups vegetarian every day. Also veggie
sandwiches, falafel and salads. Open 9-3 Monday through Friday. Inexpensive.
Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe
5530 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 452-TACO
A friendly neighborhood Mexican cafe. Vegetarian options include quesadillas,
tostadas, burritos, soups and more. Also open for breakfast with pancakes,
omelettes, potatoes and other egg related stuff. Breakfast 6:30-10:45, Lunch 11-2:
30. Monday through Friday only.
Petra
1122 16th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1993
Petra is a skinny new Greek restaurant in the renovated Firestone Building at 16th
and L. The staff is friendly, they're open late and the spanakopita is wonderful. $4
for a gigantic chunk. Also try the veggie pita sandwich. Open at 11 am. They close
at 11 Mondays and Tuesdays, open until 3am Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Pooja Indian Grill
1223 Merkley Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 375-8906
OK but not too exciting. $6.99 for lunch buffet with the usual vegetarian options.
Open for lunch Monday - Friday 11:30 - 2:30, Saturday 12:30 - 2:30. Dinner Monday
through Thursday 5:30 - 8:30. 5:30 - 9 on Friday and Saturday.
Queen Sheba www.queenshebacatering.com
1704 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 549-3919, 446-1223
The Queen offers an Ethiopian vegetarian buffet for $7.50 Monday through Friday
from 11:30 until 2:30 pm. Injera bread, salad stuff, and several preparations of
greens and lentils.
Roxie Deli and Grocery
3340 C St. (@ 34th), Sacramento, CA 95816
--across the street from the Cannery Business Park
(916) 443-5402
Our award winner: The best vegetarian sandwich in Sacramento!! You don't need
the "Supreme" size unless there are 3 of you. Get the regular for $7.29. Try it
toasted and on the Dutch Crunch bread. The garlic mushrooms on the sandwich
are divine. As for the "Grocery" in the store's name, it's just stuff to go with your
sandwich -- chips, cookies, drinks, ice cream bars. Open Until 7 pm Monday
through Saturday, until 6 pm on Sundays.
Sher-E-Punjab
6400 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 971-0115
Yet another Indian lunch buffet great for vegetarians. Monday through Friday 11-2:
30, Saturday and Sunday 11-3. Also open for dinner.
Sugar Plum Vegan www.sugarplumvegan.com
2315 K St., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 706-3302
Salads, sandwiches, pasta. Lots of vegan desserts. Also breakfast several days a
week including blueberry pancakes!
Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant
10344 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95825
(916) 967-4331
An all vegetarian café with juices, soups, salads, veggie burgers and more.
Usually open until 9 pm but closes early Sunday and Monday.
Udupi Cafe www.udupicafe.net
2226 Sunrise Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 851-5900
Mostly vegetarian and lots of it vegan. Over 80 dishes on the menu from southern
India including soups, dosas, curries and more. Offering a lunch buffet for $7.99
weekdays (except Tuesdays) from 11:30-2:30. Also a "special buffet" for $10.99
Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 to 3 pm.
Dinner hours are 5:30 to 9:30 weekdays (closed Tuesdays), open until 10 Friday
and Saturday. No dinner Sunday. Dinner can be either buffet or menu items.
Highly recommended. Too bad it's so far from downtown.
Vallejo's Mexican Restaurant
1331 O St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-2837
and
1110 ) St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 498-1744
and
1900 4th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8488
Good (and inexpensive) vegetarian burritos. Lately it's not been on the munu but
you can ask for it. Just lettuce, tomatos, cheese, guac and salsa but nicely done.
The 4th Ave. location is open late. The other 2 are primarily lunch spots for office
workers.
Sacramento Health Food Stores
Elliott's Natural Foods www.elliottsnaturalfoods.com
3347 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 481-3173
and
641 E. Bidwell, Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-925
and
8063 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 726-3033
Vitamins, packaged items and bulk bins. No produce or deli.
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op www.sacfoodcoop.com
1900 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 455-2667
A big store with organic produce, deli and juice bar.
Trader Joe’s www.traderjoes.com
2625 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 481-8797
At the corner of Fulton, in the Town & Country Village Shopping Center. Open 9-9.
5000 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819
916) 456-1853
Between 50th and 51st Streets. Open daily 9-9.
If you haven't discovered Trader Joe's, you're in for a treat. Wild product mix and
great prices.
Whole Foods
4315 Arden Way (at Eastern Avenue), Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 488-2800
Also a location at The Fountains shopping center in Roseville.
Yoga Books
Looking for books about Yoga in Sacramento bookstores can be overwhelming.
It used to be easy to recommend yoga books – there were only a few good titles
out there and now there are hundreds.
On the top of our recommended list would be:
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Typographically terrible, not very user friendly, but it's still the yoga bible. Still the
only printed reference for many of those intriguing, complex "back of the book"
poses.
Yoga the Iyengar Way by Mira Mehta
Good instruction on 108 basic poses with clear photos and a good explanation of
basic alignment issues.
Yoga Basics by Sandra Anderson
A nice selection of poses and a good analysis of how beginners should approach
the practice.
Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson www.ashtanga.net
This has great photos along with many good discussions breaking down the
complex parts of the practice. And it’s still the only book to take you through both
1st and 2nd series ashtanga in any detail.
You could always do Amazon. If you stay in town to shop there is really only one
option:
Barnes and Noble
1715 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 565-0644
A good selection of asana related books in the fitness section plus meditation and
philosophy titles in the eastern religion department.
Yoga Clothing
Lucy
531 Pavillions Lane, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-9400
Yoga and fitness clothing for women.
Target
1919 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825 (and other locations)
(916) 483-6093
Well, what’s a guy to do when he needs a pair of yoga pants and doesn’t want to
pay more than $10.99? Go to the Target ladies’ exercise wear department, of
course. They usually stock several brands of stretchy bike shorts that do the job
nicely.
Other Sacramento Yoga Shopping:
Yoga Mats, Yoga Props, etc.
Well, how much do you really need? Yoga is supposed to be a simple practice
focused on vairagya (detachment). But if you’re looking for stuff, here’s a few
places to check out:
Marshall's
1250 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 924-9821
4780 Natomas Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 928-6959
Sometimes nothing. But frequently Marshall’s has nice ¼” Taiwanese mats under
the brand names Aeromat or Zenspire (the labels peel off) for $12.99.
Occasionally Golden Earth brand mats also. Stay away from other brands that
seem too light and fluffy.
Ross Stores
2400 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 488-0951
1250 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 927-1888
The Best Sacramento yoga mat deal is at Ross. Sometimes. $7.99 plus tax for a
good generic imported sticky mat. The inventory is uncertain. Sometimes lots,
sometimes none. The ones to go for are the TKO/Cory Everson brand – much like
Wai Lana and others except a bit thicker and no logo. Stay away from those by
Matmaker or others too soft and squishy.
Sacramento Meditation Groups
If you’re new to meditation, gottadoyoga.com/meditation is a good overview of
meditation techniques from the yoga tradition. The page also has links to various
internet resources for deeper study of specific techniques and to classic yoga texts
such as the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and more.
There's not currently much in the way of yoga related meditation classes or
satsang going on in Sacramento yoga studios. Many teachers try to squeeze a bit
of the basics of yoga meditation and pranayama practice in around the edges of
their asana classes.
Meditation groups in Sacramento deriving their philosophy and techniques from
the tradition of yoga include:
Ananda Center of Sacramento www.anandasacramento.org
10390 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 361-0891
Brahma Kumaris Meditation www.bksu.com
2243 Sierra Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 922-7281
This group offers free meditation classes at several Sacramento locations.
Lotus Garden Yoga Studio & Meditation Retreat Center
7225 Lincoln Ave., Carmichael, CA 95628 www.lotusgardenmeditation.org
(916) 944-8505
The center offers a number of meditation options free of charge:
Beginning meditation classes -- Wed 7pm, Thu 5:30pm, Sat 3:30, Sun 11am.
Kirtan and Bhagavad Gita Class -- Fri 7pm.
Kirtan, Vegetarian Feast & Wisdom of Yoga class -- Sun 4:30pm.
Sahaja Yoga Meditation www.sahajayoga.org
9201 Madison Ave. #249, Orangevale, CA
(916) 284-7720
Self Realization Fellowship of Sacramento www.yogananda-srf.org
4513 North Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 483-9644
Siddha Yoga Meditation Center of Sacramento www.siddhayoga.org
2010 1/2 Vallejo Way, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 443-1413
I'd love to hear from you with additions, corrections, comments,
restaurant reviews, etc.
Have fun!
Bill Counter
(916) 441-4914
fun@absolutelyashtanga.com
Why vegetarian? Patanjali, in the classic text Yoga Sutras lists ahimsa (non-
violence) as the first of his 10 yamas and niyamas (ethical disciplines). Yoga
comes from a non-violent, meditative tradition and for most cultures that have
practiced yoga, that means vegetarian food is part of the program.
Sacramento restaurants have no shortage of vegetarian friendly options.
Here are a few good places with to try:
Andy Nguyen's
2007 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 736-1157
Located south of Highway 50 between the 16th and 26th St. exits. 100% vegetarian
Vietnamese food. It's all great but be warned that much of the menu is of the
"mock-meat" variety -- shrimp made of tofu and so forth.
Loving Hut
3500 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820
--in the same block as the Colonial Theatre
(916) 451-6842
It's all veggie (no eggs, fish or MSG) but most of it is the mock-meat kind of
vegetarian fare. There are a number of $4.95 lunch specials. Dinner entrees
include the usual egg rolls and soups such as vegetable tofu soup, and Thai hot
and sour soup. Entrees are such things as veggie "beef" chowmein, pan fried
chow fun and so forth. Open Monday-Friday 11:30-3 and 5 to 8:30 pm. Saturday
and Sunday Noon to 3 and 5 to 8:30 pm. Closed Monday. Very inexpensive.
Bangkok@12
900 12th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-5588
Great Thai food with lots of options for vegetarians.
Bombay Bar & Grill
1315 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-7100
The Bombay is the newest entry in a space that has had longevity problems with
other tenants. This time the formula seems to be good. The menu offers lots of
tasty vegetarian options at reasonable prices. Lunch specials offer another dollar
off the evening prices.
Go for the thali plate option to get some naan, another vegetable dish and the
curry of the day. Open at 11am and they stay open until 10 pm, Fridays and
Saturdays until 11.
Bobo Cafe
2932 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 485-1909
Located in the Town and Country shopping center (also home to Trader Joe's).
Good reasonably priced Vietnamese food with a number of vegetarian options.
Cafe Capricho Capricho on Facebook
3269 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 457-3916
A great place for an imaginative but inexpensive vegetarian meal. Check out
wonderful salads with ingredientss such as roasted beets, quinoa, jicama, mango
and more.
Burritos include those with fillings like red potatoes, butternut squash and swiss
chard. Other options include stuffed peppers, veggie burgers and several
vegetarian quesadillas. Open 7 days a week from 11 am until 10 pm.
Chada Thai
1624 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-8909
Great Thai food in a nice space. Lots of vegetarian options. Did we mention it's
inexpensive? Entrees start at $6.95. Check it out. Lunch Monday through Saturday
11-3. Dinner everyday 5-9:30.
Crepe Escape
5635 H St., Sacramento, CA 95819 -- next door to East Sac Yoga Studio
(916) 452-4335
and
3445 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 444-6579
Great staff and reasonable prices. The full menu is available at all times, so you
can get your blueberry pancakes for dimmer if you like. Many vegetarian options
including a vegan scramble, pancakes, several crepe options and salads. If you
do eggs, a number of variations on benedicts and other egg dishes are available.
Open everyday 7 an to 10 pm. No credit cards
Crepeville
1730 L. St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-1100
and
2700 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 451-2200
Not quite as vegetarian friendly as crepe escape. And no pancakes. They have
tofu so you can perhaps customize a tofu scramble without the eggs. You can also
get all sorts of veggie crepes and salads and a veggie sandwich. Open 7 days a
week from 7 am to 11 pm.
Fox and Goose Public House www.foxandgoose.com
1001 R St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8825
Vegetarian options at breakfast include a tofu scramble. Lunch items include a
vegetarian pasty with side veggies. The pasty is also available at night along with a
veggie burger. Breakfast 7-2, Lunch Monday thru Friday 11-2. Open evenings
(frequently with music) 2:30-9:30 except Saturday when it's 5:30-9:30pm.
Gourmet Wraps
2912 Fulton Avenue, Suite F-3, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 482-8972
This neat lunch place is also in the same center as Trader Joe's. They offer 8
different veggie wraps at $4.50 or $4.99 with contents including spinach, hummus,
cauliflower, rice, beans, falafel, lentils and more. Also some salads.
The Green Boehme www.thegreenboheme.com
1825 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 920-4278
The place to go for raw food fanciers. Soups, salads, tostadas and lots of specials.
Jack's Urban Eats www.jacksurbaneats.com
1230 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-0307
2535 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 481-5225
4730 Natomas Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 515-4910
The thing Jack does best for vegetarians is the salad made to your specs -- a
choice of greens and any six toppings chosen from a large assortment. It's $5.50
and it's big enough to share. Sometimes the side dishes like mac and cheese or
grilled asparagus are also of interest.
Kathmandu Kitchen of Sacramento
1728 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 441-2172
Lots of vegetarian options and it's all delicious. The place doesn't look like much
on the outside but inside it's all neat, clean and freshly painted. Open every day
5 -10pm for dinner. There's a great $9.95 Lunch buffet 11-3pm 7 days a week.
Kaveri Madras Cuisine www.kaverimadrascuisine.com
1148 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
Restaurant: (916) 481-9970
Grocery Store: (916) 489-1558
The $10.99 lunch buffet is a bit expensive given the less than posh decor, but the
food is first-rate.
Lemon Grass Asia Grill and Noodle Bar
945 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-0974
This is a speedier (and less expensive) cousin to the more upscale Lemon Grass.
Good tasting dishes, a reasonable number of vegetarian options. Located next to
La Bou.
Muntean's Soup, Salads, Sandwiches www.munteansoups.com
1225 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 498-9340
A great place for lunch (or a late breakfast) with at least a couple of the hearty
Romanian / Hungarian inspired soups vegetarian every day. Also veggie
sandwiches, falafel and salads. Open 9-3 Monday through Friday. Inexpensive.
Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe
5530 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 452-TACO
A friendly neighborhood Mexican cafe. Vegetarian options include quesadillas,
tostadas, burritos, soups and more. Also open for breakfast with pancakes,
omelettes, potatoes and other egg related stuff. Breakfast 6:30-10:45, Lunch 11-2:
30. Monday through Friday only.
Petra
1122 16th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1993
Petra is a skinny new Greek restaurant in the renovated Firestone Building at 16th
and L. The staff is friendly, they're open late and the spanakopita is wonderful. $4
for a gigantic chunk. Also try the veggie pita sandwich. Open at 11 am. They close
at 11 Mondays and Tuesdays, open until 3am Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Pooja Indian Grill
1223 Merkley Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 375-8906
OK but not too exciting. $6.99 for lunch buffet with the usual vegetarian options.
Open for lunch Monday - Friday 11:30 - 2:30, Saturday 12:30 - 2:30. Dinner Monday
through Thursday 5:30 - 8:30. 5:30 - 9 on Friday and Saturday.
Queen Sheba www.queenshebacatering.com
1704 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 549-3919, 446-1223
The Queen offers an Ethiopian vegetarian buffet for $7.50 Monday through Friday
from 11:30 until 2:30 pm. Injera bread, salad stuff, and several preparations of
greens and lentils.
Roxie Deli and Grocery
3340 C St. (@ 34th), Sacramento, CA 95816
--across the street from the Cannery Business Park
(916) 443-5402
Our award winner: The best vegetarian sandwich in Sacramento!! You don't need
the "Supreme" size unless there are 3 of you. Get the regular for $7.29. Try it
toasted and on the Dutch Crunch bread. The garlic mushrooms on the sandwich
are divine. As for the "Grocery" in the store's name, it's just stuff to go with your
sandwich -- chips, cookies, drinks, ice cream bars. Open Until 7 pm Monday
through Saturday, until 6 pm on Sundays.
Sher-E-Punjab
6400 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 971-0115
Yet another Indian lunch buffet great for vegetarians. Monday through Friday 11-2:
30, Saturday and Sunday 11-3. Also open for dinner.
Sugar Plum Vegan www.sugarplumvegan.com
2315 K St., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 706-3302
Salads, sandwiches, pasta. Lots of vegan desserts. Also breakfast several days a
week including blueberry pancakes!
Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant
10344 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95825
(916) 967-4331
An all vegetarian café with juices, soups, salads, veggie burgers and more.
Usually open until 9 pm but closes early Sunday and Monday.
Udupi Cafe www.udupicafe.net
2226 Sunrise Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 851-5900
Mostly vegetarian and lots of it vegan. Over 80 dishes on the menu from southern
India including soups, dosas, curries and more. Offering a lunch buffet for $7.99
weekdays (except Tuesdays) from 11:30-2:30. Also a "special buffet" for $10.99
Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 to 3 pm.
Dinner hours are 5:30 to 9:30 weekdays (closed Tuesdays), open until 10 Friday
and Saturday. No dinner Sunday. Dinner can be either buffet or menu items.
Highly recommended. Too bad it's so far from downtown.
Vallejo's Mexican Restaurant
1331 O St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-2837
and
1110 ) St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 498-1744
and
1900 4th St., Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-8488
Good (and inexpensive) vegetarian burritos. Lately it's not been on the munu but
you can ask for it. Just lettuce, tomatos, cheese, guac and salsa but nicely done.
The 4th Ave. location is open late. The other 2 are primarily lunch spots for office
workers.
Sacramento Health Food Stores
Elliott's Natural Foods www.elliottsnaturalfoods.com
3347 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 481-3173
and
641 E. Bidwell, Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-925
and
8063 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 726-3033
Vitamins, packaged items and bulk bins. No produce or deli.
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op www.sacfoodcoop.com
1900 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 455-2667
A big store with organic produce, deli and juice bar.
Trader Joe’s www.traderjoes.com
2625 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 481-8797
At the corner of Fulton, in the Town & Country Village Shopping Center. Open 9-9.
5000 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819
916) 456-1853
Between 50th and 51st Streets. Open daily 9-9.
If you haven't discovered Trader Joe's, you're in for a treat. Wild product mix and
great prices.
Whole Foods
4315 Arden Way (at Eastern Avenue), Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 488-2800
Also a location at The Fountains shopping center in Roseville.
Yoga Books
Looking for books about Yoga in Sacramento bookstores can be overwhelming.
It used to be easy to recommend yoga books – there were only a few good titles
out there and now there are hundreds.
On the top of our recommended list would be:
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Typographically terrible, not very user friendly, but it's still the yoga bible. Still the
only printed reference for many of those intriguing, complex "back of the book"
poses.
Yoga the Iyengar Way by Mira Mehta
Good instruction on 108 basic poses with clear photos and a good explanation of
basic alignment issues.
Yoga Basics by Sandra Anderson
A nice selection of poses and a good analysis of how beginners should approach
the practice.
Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson www.ashtanga.net
This has great photos along with many good discussions breaking down the
complex parts of the practice. And it’s still the only book to take you through both
1st and 2nd series ashtanga in any detail.
You could always do Amazon. If you stay in town to shop there is really only one
option:
Barnes and Noble
1715 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 565-0644
A good selection of asana related books in the fitness section plus meditation and
philosophy titles in the eastern religion department.
Yoga Clothing
Lucy
531 Pavillions Lane, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-9400
Yoga and fitness clothing for women.
Target
1919 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825 (and other locations)
(916) 483-6093
Well, what’s a guy to do when he needs a pair of yoga pants and doesn’t want to
pay more than $10.99? Go to the Target ladies’ exercise wear department, of
course. They usually stock several brands of stretchy bike shorts that do the job
nicely.
Other Sacramento Yoga Shopping:
Yoga Mats, Yoga Props, etc.
Well, how much do you really need? Yoga is supposed to be a simple practice
focused on vairagya (detachment). But if you’re looking for stuff, here’s a few
places to check out:
Marshall's
1250 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 924-9821
4780 Natomas Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 928-6959
Sometimes nothing. But frequently Marshall’s has nice ¼” Taiwanese mats under
the brand names Aeromat or Zenspire (the labels peel off) for $12.99.
Occasionally Golden Earth brand mats also. Stay away from other brands that
seem too light and fluffy.
Ross Stores
2400 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 488-0951
1250 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 927-1888
The Best Sacramento yoga mat deal is at Ross. Sometimes. $7.99 plus tax for a
good generic imported sticky mat. The inventory is uncertain. Sometimes lots,
sometimes none. The ones to go for are the TKO/Cory Everson brand – much like
Wai Lana and others except a bit thicker and no logo. Stay away from those by
Matmaker or others too soft and squishy.
Sacramento Meditation Groups
If you’re new to meditation, gottadoyoga.com/meditation is a good overview of
meditation techniques from the yoga tradition. The page also has links to various
internet resources for deeper study of specific techniques and to classic yoga texts
such as the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and more.
There's not currently much in the way of yoga related meditation classes or
satsang going on in Sacramento yoga studios. Many teachers try to squeeze a bit
of the basics of yoga meditation and pranayama practice in around the edges of
their asana classes.
Meditation groups in Sacramento deriving their philosophy and techniques from
the tradition of yoga include:
Ananda Center of Sacramento www.anandasacramento.org
10390 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 361-0891
Brahma Kumaris Meditation www.bksu.com
2243 Sierra Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 922-7281
This group offers free meditation classes at several Sacramento locations.
Lotus Garden Yoga Studio & Meditation Retreat Center
7225 Lincoln Ave., Carmichael, CA 95628 www.lotusgardenmeditation.org
(916) 944-8505
The center offers a number of meditation options free of charge:
Beginning meditation classes -- Wed 7pm, Thu 5:30pm, Sat 3:30, Sun 11am.
Kirtan and Bhagavad Gita Class -- Fri 7pm.
Kirtan, Vegetarian Feast & Wisdom of Yoga class -- Sun 4:30pm.
Sahaja Yoga Meditation www.sahajayoga.org
9201 Madison Ave. #249, Orangevale, CA
(916) 284-7720
Self Realization Fellowship of Sacramento www.yogananda-srf.org
4513 North Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 483-9644
Siddha Yoga Meditation Center of Sacramento www.siddhayoga.org
2010 1/2 Vallejo Way, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 443-1413
I'd love to hear from you with additions, corrections, comments,
restaurant reviews, etc.
Have fun!
Bill Counter
(916) 441-4914
fun@absolutelyashtanga.com
OM