Food & Drink
They Say It’s My Birthday
A long-lost culinary favorite returns to the capital city. One former devotee can’t wait.
Fire & Nice
Paying homage to Sacramento’s original fire department, midtown’s new Hook & Ladder lives up to its namesake as one of the hottest spots in town.
A Winters Tale
As the son of one of the most controversial figures in American history, Craig McNamara grew up in the presence of presidents and others who helped shape our world. Now, from his organic walnut farm in Winters, he’s shaping the future of our state by trying to feed the millions of Californians who don’t have enough to eat, and by nurturing the next generation of farmers. Oh, and by helping his son grow hops for really cool Sacramento craft beer.
Brau Wow
Midtown’s new LowBrau presents a modern take on a German beer hall and boasts the best of the wursts.
Morning Stars
When the weekend rolls around, we like to play our own version of the hunger games, seeking out our favorite meal of them all—brunch. In our latest quest, we tracked down sweet ’n’ savory chicken and waffles in Davis, a magnificent mango-stuffed French toast in Roseville, perfect pumpkin bacon pancakes in midtown, and a tangy Welsh rarebit omelet downtown, along with dozens of other egg-cellent dishes. So, top of the morning (or afternoon) to you, Sacramento—here’s our region’s best of the brunch. Let the games begin!
The Incredible Edible Eggs
What are superstar chefs like Thomas Keller and Charlie Palmer doing out in the middle of a big, dry field a few miles north of Arco Arena? Fishing. In the wake of global bans on wild caviar, one unassuming local fish farm is basking in the worldwide culinary spotlight.
Mex Appeal
Midtown hot spot Zocalo is exporting its high-end Mexican menu and artful style into a Roseville space where another south-of-the-border restaurant bit the dust. Will the second time be the charm? It sure looks—and tastes—like it.
Taking Flight
With an eye toward family, community and quality, a flock of ambitious young restaurateurs open Blackbird, a seafood restaurant and raw bar in downtown Sacramento that’s setting its sights sky-high.
Déjà Brew
Before Prohibition, Sacramento was the beer-making capital of the West, and the largest hop-growing region in America. Here’s how an unlikely cast comprised of a Princeton architecture major, the grandson of a U.S. Secretary of Defense, a world-renowned grocer and a man known as the “Pope of Foam” conspired to create what may very well be Sacramento’s most authentically local beer in almost a century. The farm-to-fork movement is about to meet farm-to-pint. Drink up!
East Meets Best: Chef Mai Pham
She runs the nationally renowned Lemon Grass Restaurant. Her Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle Bar concept has been cloned for college campuses, casinos and office parks across the country. She’s the author of three cookbooks, has a line of soups with Campbell’s, as well as her own brand of sauces and marinades.
Great New Places to Eat
There’s a saying that when one door closes, another one opens. Last year was tough on local eateries, but some very exciting restaurant doors have opened in the past few months, including one inspired by a food truck, another by a 56-foot-long bunny, and others by cuisines ranging from French to Mongolian and Indian to Southern (grits, anyone?). So feast your eyes on our favorite new spots, and you’ll see why we think the food scene is looking very sunny-side up.
Local Motives
A new Davis eatery with a decidedly local spin opens next to the city’s train depot. With its eclectic vibe and its modern take on classic fare, Our House is definitely on the right track.
On Sale Now!
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