Just chill

I scream: At last, downtown Sacramento’s only ice cream shop is open for business.

Cornflower Creamery held its grand opening celebration over the weekend at 1013 L Street, in what used to be Cafe Roma. The walls got a fresh coat of neutral paint, but otherwise, the interior looks about the same.

Now, Cornflower is scooping 11 ice creams and five sorbets in sizes costing $2.50-$5. As promised, Cornflower’s “farm-to-scoop” experience features ingredient-driven modern flavors, such as walnut oil, baklava, lavender plum and strawberry balsamic. I tasted—ahem—a few, and recommend the salted caramel peanut brittle with caramel swirl. A mouthful in name, yes, and also a mouthful of velvety-smooth ice cream with bursts of salty-sweet crunch.

Cornflower also boasts a full espresso bar—utilizing Temple beans—and sells Bella Bru pastries and housemade to-go sandwiches and salads.

Most excitingly, Cornflower is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Hello, nighttime cravings that can finally be satisfied.

TV chef: Since May, Blackbird Kitchen + Beer Gallery has been closed for renovations. On Friday, October 23, the restaurant will reveal its makeover during its second art- and music-filled alley party, West End Wonderland, though it won’t officially open until December 1. Blackbird fans should mark their calendars for Sunday, October 25, as well: executive chef Carina Lampkin will be competing on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen. Will Lampkin prepare her stellar seafood chowder—and become Sacto’s first Cutthroat winner?

Happiest: Bottle & Barlow has formalized its happy hour offerings. Draft beers go for $4, cocktails for $6. While these aren’t fancy-shmancy creations like the Ponzu Scheme, they’re much higher quality than your expected well drinks. The whisky sour is topped with egg whites; the cucumber gimlet ramped up with elderflower, prosecco and orange bitters. Where else can you buy a $6 Manhattan? Or Sazerac? Best of all, happy hour is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Like, when you actually get off from work.

Even more poke: Elk Grove just got into the poke game with Hokee Poke (8698 Elk Grove Boulevard, Suite 7), a new build-your-own-poke-bowl restaurant in a similar vein to Billy Ngo’s Fish Face. One big difference is that Hokee Poke starts with a base—rice, salad, wonton chips. The other is price: a large costs $10.95 and gets you all five available proteins (if you want) and unlimited free toppings.