Mai Pham’s groundbreaking restaurant, which introduced Sacramentans to the flavors of southeast Asia, may be over 25 years old, but crowds still pack the house, whether in the quiet main dining room, the livelier fireside bar or the private dining room. Popular dishes include the Thai green curry, pad Thai and New York steak with peanut sauce; the tender shaking beef with pineapple is another winner. But a peak experience here is the roasted five-spiced duck with cucumber noodles, stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice served with soy, lime ginger sauce—a dish offered only on the last Saturday of each month, so reserve your spot (and your bird) early.