Sacramento Restaurant Tips by LionPrincess

Restaurant Name: Zinfandel Grille

I have been to two of the three Zinfandel locations. The first one I went to was at a hotel in Rocklin, CA on my first night in town. The atmosphere was great but the food came out cold. I made a point of taking a trip to the line where I was able to talk to the cooks. They all seemed to enjoy their jobs and told me of the pressures of working with their three man line. I told them that the food was quite tasty but came out cold, they seemed to appreciate the compliment and information and we parted ways as new friends.
My second trip to this restaurant was at the end of my internship and we were looking at the outdoor seating which featured a great fireplace, waterfalls and shade trees. We went inside and enjoyed lunch and a nice bottle of wine. The bar at this location had a really great bench seat tucked in the corner which offered a view of the entire room with great privacy.

My third trip to this restaurant was back at the first location for my going away dinner. My family played a trick by having many of the staff presenting me with gifts throughout the night. The night was one I would remember for a long time, but the staff made it that much better.

Favorite Dish: My first trip I had the Grilled Salmon and Roasted Vegetables. I also had the Calamari appetizer. While the food had great flavor it was served quite cold.

My second trip to the restaurant I had the Dungeness Crab Lasagne with mushrooms and leeks. This lasagne has to be one of my favorites (sorry mom) The combination of flavors was expertly paired and the crispy cheese on top finished it off just right.

My third trip to this restaurant our group shared the Crab Cakes, Calamari and Portabella Bruschetta to start and finished off with their apple cake, cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. The food on this trip was quite good. Proportions are good and the dessert option we chose gave us a sellection of three of their desserts for a discounted price, which I liked for a group setting.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 916-985-3321
Address: Rocklin, Sacramento, Fulsom
Website: http://www.zinfandelgrille.com/

Restaurant Name: Awful Annie's

This restaurant is actually in Old town Auburn, California. It is a popular spot doing most of its business in breakfasts, our wait was nearly half an hour to get in and it stays like that most mornings. We ate on their outside porch, at picnic benches, under the warmth of their propane heaters. They even have a few tables where you can be seated with your dog.

Favorite Dish: Eggs Benedict and mimosas. There's not much to be done with this dish, but the ham was tender, the muffin was toasted and the holandaise was buttery and smooth.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 530-888-9857
Address: 160 Sacramento St, Old Town Auburn, CA 95603
Directions: Up HWY 80 from Sacramento
Website: http://awfulannies.com/

Restaurant Name: Changs

I walked into this place and the first thing to grab my eye was the circular bar. The celing was drawn up with material and was all centered around a large wine cooler. The whole effect was inviting and somehow even though the bar is the center of the restaurant, you don't feel like you're on display. When I visited this location I found out that they had made a name for themselves by being a great wine bar (there are not enough liquor permits in the area) before they could serve liquor. They are now in the process of becoming a full service bar.

Favorite Dish: I enjoyed their signature fried banana, dessert egg rolls and pork rolls with plum sauce with a glass of Toasted Head Chardonnay. These two rolls were a really great new take on a traditional menu item. The flavors were diverse and intense and the wine was a nice compliment with crisp, clean flavors.

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 916-788-2800
Address: 1180 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95678
Directions: Right by the Roseville Mall
Website: http://www.pfchangs.com/index.jsp?jsessionid=22498

Restaurant Name: Fats's

This restaurant started in downtown Sacramento in 1939, with Frank Fat's, and has the distinction of being the oldest continuously, family run restaurant in the city. I had the opportunity to visit two of their locations. While I wasn't so impressed by the food, the atmosphere made up.
The first location I visited was Fat's China Bistro. The bar is fabulous, with the bottles sitting on glass shelves and a direct view into the busy kitchen.
The second location I visited was the original Frank Fat's in the city. The restaurant went through an expensive remodel and now boasts fine antique art surrounded by clean futuristic lines. The staff at this location were all dressed in tuxedos and served our table with extreme professionalism.

Favorite Dish: At the China Bistro I enjoyed their Duck Spring Rolls and a glass of 1999 Mondavi Pinot Noir. Good flavor, with a great view of the kitchen.
At Frank Fat's I had the Appetizer plate and Imperial Luncheon which included Mongolian Beef, Hunan Chicken, Chow Mein and Young Shew Fried Rice. We also shared a bottle of Toasted Head Chardonnay. All the items were prepared expertly and had great flavor and texture. The best part of the meal was trying their specialty hot sauces with the diferent appetizer items.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: many
Address: Roseville, Downtown Sacramento, Old Town Sacrament
Website: http://www.fatsrestaurants.com

Restaurant Name: Mikuini's

I was lucky enough to visit this restaurant twice and each time I had the most fun. Both times we waited to get in and it was packed every time I drove by. My first suggestion is to sit at the actual sushi bar, because that's where the excitement is. Both trips I didn't really do any ordering, it's much more fun to tell the chef what you like and have them create something amazing. Every time a person comes through the door the chef's holler while they speed to make all the orders that keep coming in. It is also acceptable to buy the chefs a drink, or sake bomb as it is called (shot of sake dropped into a glass of beer). Everything about this place is fun and fast and there are smiles on everyone's faces. Also an idea to consider is the Mikuni Bus which can be rented for almost any purpose. Imagine, wine country and a sushi bus....what could be better.

Favorite Dish: Haven't had anything I didn't like. The rolls are a work of art and are so good, it's hard to stop eating. Both times I left completely stuffed.

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 916-797-2112
Address: 1565 Eureka Road, Suite A1, Roseville, CA 95661
Website: http://www.mikunisushi.com/