Style Magazine October 2020
Confession: My first cocktail was a Tokyo Tea—and no, I wasn’t 21 yet. Thanks to my older sister who looks enough like me, I was able to start bar hopping much younger. Hopefully my daughter doesn’t follow in my rebellious footsteps, and if she does, let’s hope she has better taste, because the electric green Tokyo Tea isn’t exactly the most sophisticated of adult beverages. The good news? Maturity has made me appreciate alcohol—as opposed to its effects—and the complexities of what can be done when it’s mixed, muddled, shaken, and stirred with fresh-squeezed fruits, syrups, or sodas. Current cocktail favorites include Negronis, homemade jalapeño-cucumber margaritas (courtesy of my lingering summer garden), and well-made Manhattans. I still don’t discriminate when it comes to spirits, but at least I’ve graduated from pouring them all into the same glass, right? Speaking of liquor, this month’s feature story, “Drink Up,” is all about alcohol. Pour yourself something strong and then turn to page 53 for 22 must-try cocktails (including the one on our cover from Land Ocean), plus some fun, informative facts about each establishment where they’re available. We also introduce you to four of our region’s most beloved bartenders, recommend home bar must-haves, spotlight local distilleries, and share a handful of beautiful (and boozy!) recipes courtesy of mobile mixologists. No matter how ominous the political (and actual) climate may be, at least we have cocktails to carry us through. In honor of autumn, we have a cornucopia of content dedicated to one of the most special seasons. Turn to The 10 Spot (page 18), for creative ways to welcome it—think Apple Hill adventures, foliage-filled drives, and harvest-inspired cooking classes. Speaking of autumnal eats, this issue’s Taste department (page 78) includes must-make recipes that highlight fall’s most versatile vegetable: the squash. Whether stuffed, roasted, or served as soup, this prized produce pairs perfectly with cooler temps. For all the pumpkin spice latte lovers out there, we have you covered, too. Flip to page 80 for “5 Perfect Pumpkin Drinks” you’ll want to sip all season long. Happy fall, y’all—and remember: This too shall pass, so keep your spirits up...and flowing. Cheers! — Megan // megan@stylemg.com @meggoeggowaffle
Confession: My first cocktail was a Tokyo Tea—and no, I wasn’t 21 yet. Thanks to my older sister who looks enough like me, I was able to start bar hopping much younger. Hopefully my daughter doesn’t follow in my rebellious footsteps, and if she does, let’s hope she has better taste, because the electric green Tokyo Tea isn’t exactly the most sophisticated of adult beverages. The good news? Maturity has made me appreciate alcohol—as opposed to its effects—and the complexities of what can be done when it’s mixed, muddled, shaken, and stirred with fresh-squeezed fruits, syrups, or sodas. Current cocktail favorites include Negronis, homemade jalapeño-cucumber margaritas (courtesy of my lingering summer garden), and well-made Manhattans. I still don’t discriminate when it comes to spirits, but at least I’ve graduated from pouring them all into the same glass, right?
Speaking of liquor, this month’s feature story, “Drink Up,” is all about alcohol. Pour yourself something strong and then turn to page 53 for 22 must-try cocktails (including the one on our cover from Land Ocean), plus some fun, informative facts about each establishment where they’re available. We also introduce you to four of our region’s most beloved bartenders, recommend home bar must-haves, spotlight local distilleries, and share a handful of beautiful (and boozy!) recipes courtesy of mobile mixologists. No matter how ominous the political (and actual) climate may be, at least we have cocktails to carry us through.
In honor of autumn, we have a cornucopia of content dedicated to one of the most special seasons. Turn to The 10 Spot (page 18), for creative ways to welcome it—think Apple Hill adventures, foliage-filled drives, and harvest-inspired cooking classes.
Speaking of autumnal eats, this issue’s Taste department (page 78) includes must-make recipes that highlight fall’s most versatile vegetable: the squash. Whether stuffed, roasted, or served as soup, this prized produce pairs perfectly with cooler temps. For all the pumpkin spice latte lovers out there, we have you covered, too. Flip to page 80 for “5 Perfect Pumpkin Drinks” you’ll want to sip all season long.
Happy fall, y’all—and remember: This too shall pass, so keep your spirits up...and flowing. Cheers!
— Megan // megan@stylemg.com
@meggoeggowaffle
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Land Ocean New American Grill<br />
2720 East Bidwell St., 916-983-7000. New American.<br />
Land Ocean offers distinctive menus that include<br />
hand-cut steaks, wood-fired rotisserie, fresh seafood,<br />
and delectable desserts. Weekend brunch. L/D $$<br />
La Rosa Blanca<br />
402 Natoma St., 916-673-9085. Mexican. You’re part of<br />
the family at La Rosa Blanca. From fajitas and tostadas<br />
to tortas, soups, and salads, you can expect<br />
great-tasting food, generous portions, and a festive<br />
environment. L/D $<br />
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar<br />
300 Palladio Pkwy., Folsom, 916-378-4660. American.<br />
Enjoy a sizeable, seasonal menu full of eclectic,<br />
gastropub-style offerings that include salads, bowls,<br />
burgers, pastas, desserts, and even an impressive kids’<br />
menu. Weekend brunch. L/D $$<br />
Lotus 8<br />
199 Blue Ravine Rd., Ste. 100. 916-351-9278. Chinese.<br />
This eatery serves authentic Chinese food with a<br />
modern twist, such as orange chicken that manages to<br />
be both saucy yet incredibly crispy at the same time.<br />
Lunch dishes come with soup and your choice of chow<br />
mein or fried rice. L/D $$<br />
Mas Taco Bar<br />
450 Palladio Pkwy., 916-597-2929. Mexican.<br />
From creative tacos that run the gamut from pork belly<br />
and duck confit, to Korean fried chicken and fried<br />
oysters, Mas' menu also features appetizers, bowls, and<br />
desserts. When it comes to wetting your whistle, the<br />
cocktail menu—all handmade with fresh ingredients—<br />
has you covered! The bar also boasts over 50 types of<br />
tequila. B/L/D $$<br />
Mel's Diner<br />
13399 Folsom Blvd., 916-985-7337, American. Whether<br />
morning, noon, or night, step into yesteryear at this<br />
local diner that serves all-American family favorites like<br />
country fried steak, burgers, fried chicken, milkshakes,<br />
and more. B/L/D $$<br />
Mexquite<br />
25095 Blue Ravine Rd., 916-984-8607. Mexican.<br />
Mexquite provides mouthwatering Mexican cuisine,<br />
plus a lively interior and spacious, dog-friendly patio.<br />
Patrons particularly love their ceviche, margaritas, and<br />
carnitas. Weekend brunch. L/D $$<br />
Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine<br />
187 Blue Ravine Rd., Ste. 160, 916-351-0900. Oaxacan.<br />
Savor authentic flavors from Oaxaca at this eatery<br />
known for their complex mole, tlayudas, and other<br />
flavor-filled plates, including plenty of vegetarian and<br />
seafood options. Don't forget to save room for dessert:<br />
The churros and mezcal ice cream are a fan favorite.<br />
L/D $$<br />
Mikuni<br />
185 Placerville Rd., Ste. 100, Folsom, 916-934-5250.<br />
Japanese. In addition to sushi, traditional Japanese<br />
dishes, and modern twists on classics, Mikuni offers<br />
a gluten-free menu, party platters, and happy hour<br />
specials—all made using great attention to detail<br />
and fresh ingredients. L/D $$<br />
Mountain Mike's Pizza<br />
25075 Blue Ravine Rd Suite 150, Folsom, 916-817-<br />
1207. Pizza. A family-friendly favorite, Mountain Mikes<br />
promises the crispiest, curliest pepperoni and the<br />
freshest ingredients on their pizza. They also offer<br />
mouthwatering wings, an all-you-can-eat salad bar, and<br />
pizza buffet lunch. L/D $$<br />
Mylapore<br />
1760 Prairie City Rd., Ste. 160., 916-985-3500. Indian.<br />
With South Indian roots, Mylapore serves fresh, healthy,<br />
scratch-made food that’s entirely vegetarian. Their<br />
breakfast, daily specials, and dosa happy hour are not<br />
to be missed. B/L/D $$<br />
Rock-N-Fire<br />
1010 Riley St., Ste. 4, 916-673-9474. Pizza/American/<br />
Mexican. Ever heard of a burger bowl? Try it at this<br />
unique eatery that serves up flavor-packed fare—<br />
including custom-built (and signature) pizzas, burgers<br />
and said burger bowls, salads, nachos, tacos, and<br />
more—with speedy, friendly service at affordable prices.<br />
L/D $$<br />
Ruchi Indian Cuisine<br />
601 East Bidwell St., 916-983-2871. Indian. Ruchi’s<br />
accommodating menu has a variety of North and<br />
South Indian dishes, including a lengthy list of<br />
vegetarian entrées, as well as a lunch buffet and weekly<br />
specials. L/D $$<br />
Rudy’s Hideaway<br />
12303 Folsom Blvd., 916-351-0606. Seafood/Steakhouse.<br />
Rudy’s is a seafood-lover’s delight and features a<br />
mouthwatering selection of nautical noshes plus meltin-your-mouth<br />
steaks and lunch specials. L/D $$<br />
Sacramento Pizza Company<br />
2700 East Bidwell St., Ste. 500, 916-673-9754. Pizza.<br />
Choose your crust, sauce, cheese, meats, and unlimited<br />
toppings at this pizza lover’s paradise. The locally<br />
sourced ingredients and scratch-made dough results in<br />
pie perfection. Vegan cheese and gluten-free crust<br />
available. L/D $<br />
Sanskrit New Age Indian<br />
2776 East Bidwell St., Ste. 300, 916-817-4356. Indian.<br />
This exciting dining destination serves authentic Indian<br />
dishes with a fusion flair (favorites include the Bombay<br />
Sliders, Manglore Fried Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, and<br />
Biriyani) in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Closed<br />
Mondays. Catering available. Lunch buffet; offerings<br />
change daily. L/D $$<br />
Scott's Seafood at the Roundhouse<br />
NEW LOCATION: 824 Sutter Street, 916-989-6711.<br />
Seafood/American. Expect the freshest of seafood<br />
(flown in or delivered daily from around the world)<br />
served by well-trained, knowledgeable staff in a<br />
comfortable atmosphere at this Folsom area favorite.<br />
Full gluten-free menu. L/D $$$<br />
Shogun Hibachi Grill & Sushi<br />
1870 Prairie City Rd., Ste. 600, 916-985-9588. Japanese.<br />
This modern hibachi restaurant brings new meaning to<br />
“dinner and a show,” thanks to a personal chef who will<br />
deftly chop, slice, and fly your meal over and above the<br />
grill and onto your plate. L/D $$<br />
Strings Italian Café<br />
25035 Blue Ravine Rd., Ste. 120, 916-983-8815.<br />
Italian. Strings has been serving enjoyable and<br />
affordable Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere<br />
for the past 10 years. Enjoy one of their lunch<br />
specials any day between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or avail<br />
of their party trays. L/D $$<br />
Suishin Sushi<br />
194 Blue Ravine Rd., 916-985-8885. Japanese. Suishin uses<br />
the freshest ingredients, including novelties like quail<br />
eggs, uni, and ponzu. The modern, hip atmosphere<br />
leaves you at ease as you consume your fish, one roll at<br />
a time. Closed Sunday. L/D $$<br />
Sunny Garden Restaurant<br />
25085 Blue Ravine Rd., Ste. 150, 916-983-8882.<br />
Chinese. Sunny Garden prides themselves on using<br />
fresh ingredients in a traditional way and offering large<br />
portions at affordable prices. L/D $<br />
Sutter Street Taqueria<br />
727 Sutter St., 916-293-8952. Mexican. Sutter<br />
Street Taqueria brings the unique flavors of San<br />
Francisco’s Mission District taquerias to Folsom with<br />
a side of friendly service. Whether ordering a burrito,<br />
taco, quesadilla, or nachos, you can expect fresh<br />
ingredients, mouthwatering meats, and affordable<br />
prices. B/L/D $<br />
Thai Paradise<br />
2770 East Bidwell St., 916-984-8988. Thai. Specials<br />
every day of the week. Voted the Best Thai Restaurant<br />
in Folsom and El Dorado Hills every year since 2008.<br />
Delicious and authentic dishes made using local, farmto-fork<br />
vegetables, meats bought daily, and healthy<br />
rice bran oil. L/D $$<br />
The River Thai Cuisine<br />
424 East Bidwell St., 916-983-7388. Thai. Friendly<br />
service and deliciously authentic Thai food are waiting<br />
for you at The River Thai Cuisine. Established in 2015,<br />
this family-owned restaurant will satisfy your Thai food<br />
cravings. L/D $$<br />
Visconti’s Ristorante<br />
2700 East Bidwell St., Ste. 700, 916-983-5181. Italian. For<br />
the past two decades, Visconti’s has given the<br />
community a taste of Italy with their authentic dishes,<br />
romantic setting, and traditional music. L/D $$<br />
EL DORADO COUNTY FOOTHILLS<br />
Allez!<br />
4242 Fowler Ln., Ste. 101, Diamond Springs,<br />
530-621-1160. French. Savor French café classics like<br />
baguette sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, crêpes,<br />
stews, pastas, and a to-die-for seafood paella. Enjoy<br />
your order in their rustically elegant dining room or to<br />
go. B/L/D $$<br />
Bene Ristorante Italiano<br />
423 Main St., Placerville, 530-303-3415. Italian/Pizza.<br />
Enjoy a taste of Naples in Downtown Placerville as you<br />
savor Neapolitan-style pizza with all of your favorite<br />
toppings, fresh-made salads, or savory pasta dishes.<br />
L/D $$<br />
Bricks<br />
482 Main St., Placerville, 530-303-3480. New<br />
American. If you’re looking for a friendly, unpretentious<br />
dining destination with local brews and good eats, look<br />
no further than the aptly named Bricks. Lamb lovers<br />
will go gaga for the Bo Peep Burger, but their steaks,<br />
sandwiches, salads, and desserts are all winners too.<br />
L/D $$<br />
Farmer’s Delicatessen and Bakery<br />
3952 Cambridge Rd., Cameron Park, 530-672-6800.<br />
Bakery/Deli. A hybrid deli and bakery serving a variety<br />
of worldwide dishes, from gyros and sandwiches to<br />
Italian meatballs and a beloved rosemary focaccia.<br />
Vegan and gluten-free options. B/L $$<br />
Heyday Café<br />
325 Main St., Placerville, 530-626-9700. New<br />
American. This intimate, bistro-style restaurant in a<br />
rustic chic space serves modern American cuisine<br />
(thin-crust pizzas, creative entrées, and artisan salads)<br />
and pours over 45 local, regional, and international<br />
wines. L/D $$<br />
Hog Wild Bar-B-Que<br />
38 Main St, Placerville, 530-622-3883. BBQ.<br />
High-quality, smoked meats cooked low and slow,<br />
scratch-made sides, satisfying salads, decadent<br />
desserts, and other finger-lickin'-good fare. Boasts a<br />
cozy atmosphere and pup-friendly patio. Catering<br />
available. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. L/D $$<br />
Kobe Sushi & Fusion<br />
3300 Coach Ln., Cameron Park, 530-672-9210.<br />
Japanese/Asian Fusion/Sushi Bar. Japanese sushi bar<br />
offering an extensive variety of rolls, high-quality<br />
sashimi, and Asian fusion favorites at reasonable prices.<br />
L/D $$<br />
Main Street Melters<br />
589 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3871, American.<br />
Build-your-own sandwiches to “massive melter,”<br />
featuring premium Boar’s Head deli meats .They also<br />
have an outdoor patio and serve a few frozen brunch<br />
cocktails. B/L $<br />
Papa Gianni’s Ristorante<br />
3450 Palmer Dr., Cameron Park, 530-672-2333. Italian.<br />
For over two decades, this family-owned eatery has<br />
been serving traditional, scratch-made recipes from<br />
Southern Italy, including favorites like chicken<br />
Parmesan, gnocchi alla vodka, and out-of-this-world<br />
desserts. It’s the ideal destination to celebrate a special<br />
occasion or grab takeout. L/D $$<br />
Snooty Frog<br />
3300 Coach Ln., Ste. E3, Cameron Park, 530-677-<br />
9025. Steakhouse/Seafood. There’s nothing snooty<br />
about Snooty Frog. It’s cozy but romantic, the food<br />
offerings—from steaks and seafood to pastas and<br />
rotating specials—are scrumptious, and their martinis<br />
are buzzworthy. D $$$<br />
Thai Unique<br />
1160 Broadway, Placerville, 530-621-9559. Thai. Indulge<br />
your senses in fresh, flavorful dishes like khao soi, duck<br />
curry, and tod mun kao pod while experiencing Thai<br />
cuisine that is indeed unique. L/D $$<br />
The Farm Table<br />
311 Main St., Placerville, 530-295-8140. American. For<br />
those who enjoy locally sourced, farm-fresh fare, and<br />
plates that change based on what can be picked, The<br />
Farm Table might become your home away from<br />
home. L/D $$<br />
The Breakroom<br />
4131 South Shingle Rd., Ste. 7, Shingle Springs, 530-763-6761.<br />
American. This full-service restaurant offers delicious<br />
American food (juicy burgers, French dip, salads, mac<br />
& cheese, etc.) and entertainment for the whole family,<br />
from pool tables, dart boards, and an arcade, to cards<br />
and dice. Sunday brunch. L/D $$<br />
The Independent<br />
629 Main St., Placerville, 530-344-7645. New<br />
American. Step into an urban dining establishment in<br />
the heart of Placerville and savor American fusion<br />
favorites and creatively mixed cocktails using<br />
fresh-squeezed juices. L/D $$<br />
Tom’s Burger & Frosty<br />
567 Placerville Dr., Placerville, 530-295-8199.<br />
American. Enjoy freshly grilled burgers, piping hot fries,<br />
and thick milkshakes that you and the whole family will<br />
love at this no-frills dining destination. L/D $<br />
Wally’s Pizza Bar<br />
4079 Cameron Park Dr., Cameron Park, 530-677-5205.<br />
Pizza/American. This family-owned and operated<br />
eatery crafts gourmet pizzas, pastas aplenty, and<br />
high-quality breakfast dishes. Their happy hour is one<br />
of the best in town. Weekend brunch. L/D $$<br />
ROSEVILLE<br />
Back Forty Texas BBQ<br />
1201 Orlando Avenue, Roseville, 916-726-4040.<br />
American. Serving up authentic Texas and finger-licking<br />
fare including ribs, burgers, steaks and more, plus fresh<br />
made sides alongside old-fashioned southern<br />
hospitality. L/D $$<br />
OCTOBER <strong>2020</strong> | stylemg.com 83
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