A Diner’s Guide to Sacramento
July 17, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Chicago
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A Diner’s Guide to Sacramento
When it comes to food towns, Chicago is one of the best. America’s “Second City” is always on the list of best food stops in the states. It’s cultural and ethnic diversity combine with its geography as the capital of the Midwest to make it an irresistible city of food. Our graduates of Illinois cooking schools are feted as some of the best culinary pros in the business.
But did you know that Sacramento, CA is also one of America’s best food cities? L.A.? Sure. San Francisco? Definitely. But Sacramento? Yes, indeed. Located in California’s agriculturally rich Central Valley, Sacramento is not only the capital of the state, but one it’s best food destinations.
Best Of …
No one likes “Best of” lists, especially if they are left off of them. That fact not withstanding, however, we’ve put together a great list of some the best restaurants and food purveyors in River City.
- Best Food Truck
Yes, I’m starting this list with Best Food Truck, not because food trucks are the hottest things in the culinary world right now, but because of wild boar – a wild boar sandwich to be precise. Wicked ‘Wich is Sacramento food truck that sells 1/3 lb. wild boar burgers with sage cheddar cheese and grilled onions. If you’ve never had wild boar, imagine the best piece of pork you’ve ever eaten and multiple that by, oh, I don’t know … one million. Yes, it’s that good, and Wicked ‘Wich has it. The duck sliders and vegan burgers are also tasty, as are the eight or nine other sandwiches they make.
- Best BBQ
Thanks to our blues music connection to the South, Chicago has several great barbecue joints, and so does Sacramento. Our favorite is Sandra Dee’s Bar-B-Que& Seafood, because nothing goes better with some smoky barbecue than deep-fried seafood. At Sandra Dee’s you’ll all your favorite barbecued meats like beef sausage, chicken, ribs, and turkey. They also make a mean plate of California’s preferred meat, barbecued beef tri-tip. Par them up with traditional southern sides or try the fried red snapper, catfish, or oysters.
- Best Pizza
Let’s leave the New York or Chicago-style argument behind for a minute and tip our hats to Chicago Fire, a restaurant that serves both thin crust and Chicago-style deep dish. And they live up to the Chicago tradition with their great deep-dish pies. The Chicago Fire Combo features those Chicago favorites of Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onion, and mushroom. With the cheese on the bottom and sauce on the top, it will feel, and taste, just like home.
- Best Breakfast
When it comes to best breakfast, few of us think first of British-style pub, but the Fox & Goose obviously know something that we don’t. From their pub grills to their innovative and creative omelets with over 40 items to add, they do breakfast right. This is California so you will find quiche and vegetarian choices on the menu as well. We like the pub grill with English muffin and kippers.
In addition to these places that are a little off the beaten path, Sacramento has a fine selection more upscale restaurants, especially for seafood. Sacramento is inland, but its location along the banks of the Sacramento River give it access to fresh seafood from both the river and Pacific ocean. Some of California’s former culinary school students turn that fresh seafood into some of the best dishes available anywhere in the state.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in Chicago, Illinois. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Chicago for more information.
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