Sacramento, state capitol of the 6th (7th, 8th??) largest economy in the world, but, are there decent restaurant eats? Should you come here my five top recommendations are, not in order of preference: 1. The Texas BBQ - industrial strength Texas-style (long, slow cooking) bbq. The brisket is a dream, tender, flavorful, generous portions. You will need a local to guide you to this place: it's out in an industrial park in a unpromising neighborhood. I love the pork ribs. I always bring home the bones (and usually a lot of uneaten bbq) and use them as a base for bean soup. 2. Scott's - Seafood. Scott's is a chain but, that's not a negative here. I have never been disappointed with a Scott's meal. Highest quality ingredients, chefs who know what they're about, competent waiters, beautiful presentation, reasonable price. 3. New Paris Cafe - Vietnamese. There are French dishes on the menu, but the one time my mother got it in her mind to order to one, they told her they were 86 (86 on chicken???). I go for the Pho: beef broth based noodle soup. Low price (3.25$/bowl) and satisfying. I've had mixed results from their other dishes, usually the Vietnamese style dishes (rice noodles with grilled pork, chicken, shrimp, etc.) are good - one time got very sticky, over cooked noodles. Sea food prepared Vietnamese is a good bet, e.g., lobster. 4. Slocum House - fine dining, sensibly priced. Beautiful restaurant, old home on gorgeous grounds. This place has an incredible wine list and is a popular dressy date spot; on the weekends you may hear Happy Birthday sung more often than you wish. My spouse had a delicious venison tenderloin, perfectly prepared. I think the place is a bit precious but they have a lovely garden dining area. 5. Marrakech - Morrocan food. Unique restaurant, delicious food. You'll dine on comfy carpet covered benches, or be seated on the floor. No utensils. A waiter pours water over your mitts and you receive a large towel as a napkin. Meal is huge and includes a lentil soup, a salad, a pastry filled with chicken, egg, almond wrapped in filo dough, dusted with powdered sugar; entrees include lamb, beef, chicken, couscous. My favorites verge between the shish kebab lamb and the lemon chicken. The prices are low compared to the amount of food and the experience (about 16$ - 18$). Wine is available but I prefer the minted tea. The Marrakech's old chef has just opened his own place, the Casablanca. They're open for lunch, unlike the Marrakech. The Casablanca promises to be just as wonderful as the Marrakech. Both are places for groups. For some reason, it doesn't bother me too much to hear "HB" (birthday song) at the Marrakech. Maybe it's because the background is arabic music and the waiters dance and sing along. On the weekends, there is belly dancing.
Sacramento, CA