For a dessert that’s better than anything Mom makes, try the Warm Cinnamon Caramel Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream alongside a glass of DOW’s Vintage Porto at Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro. The name is not deceiving—in each spoonful of custard-soaked then baked bread you actually taste cinnamon and experience sticky-sweet caramel. Decadent and homey, it’s the sweetest ending to a meal you might ever have. $8 (dessert), $10 (Port)

When breakfast beckons, the Breakfast Burrito and Caramel Latte at Cooper’s Coffee House heeds the call. Carnivores will want to order the “regular” burrito, chock-full of sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese and potatoes, while vegetarians or those looking to get their five-a-day will want the “veggie” offering, which replaces the meat with earthy mushrooms and spinach. Tucked inside a warm, chewy tortilla, it’s big enough to fill you up without putting you into a food coma. The aforementioned latte is just sweet enough and always has the perfect frothy milk head. $4 (burrito), $4.25 (16 oz. latte)

 The Landy Pizza at Umi Sushi fuses my two favorite foods—pizza and sushi—into one mouthwatering meal. Atop a large, crispy “chip” (sliced into individual pieces), you’ll find spicy tuna, zingy lemon, jalapeño, avocado, masago, eel sauce and spicy mayo. Named after the owner’s wife, this hands-on, chopsticks-free creation is equal parts pretty as it is palatable. $12.50

I have a special place in my heart for a good burger—one that boasts a juicy, well-seasoned patty, soft bun that’s lightly buttered and toasted, fresh fillings, melty cheese…you get the picture—and The Exception at Hop House fits the bill every time. The aforementioned qualities are all there, while the addition of a fried egg and crispy bacon make it far from being basic. Do yourself a favor and order the House Made Potato Chips, too—they come with your burger and are out of this world. $13.99

 If you’re in the mood for something sweet and spicy that will get you nice and saucy, look no further than the Jalapeño Martini at Land Ocean New American Grill. Made with house-infused jalapeño vodka, a hint of lime juice and simple syrup, this cocktail is smooth and refreshing with a fiery kick. $10

A trip to Visconti’s is never complete without a Palermo Cosmo. The stars align with one sip of the stiff—without tasting strong—ruby red delight. Paired with the Eggplant alla Mamma, which is breaded eggplant rolled with ground beef, ricotta and spinach in a zesty house-made marinara sauce that’s topped with a white cream sauce (similar to Alfredo) and mozzarella, then baked to perfection, it’s indulgence at its finest! $18 (eggplant; includes garlic bread, soup or house salad and side of pasta), $8 (cocktail)

 A trip through the Salad Bar at Whole Foods Market is good for my waistline and not terribly bad on the wallet either. Pick and choose your greens, veggies—all freshly cut and in prime condition—add a scoop (or two) of their specialty salads, perhaps some almonds for a bit of crunch, and then decide on one of their scratch-made dressings. It’s DIY at its finest! $8.99 (per pound)

There’s something extra special about the Chicken Fajitas from Mexquite. On a still-sizzling plate, a heaping portion of juicy pollo and al dente onions and peppers arrives—all alongside fajita’s best friends (sour cream, guac, pico de gallo, beans, rice and tortillas). I love getting to BYO (build your own) creation and choose how much or how little of all the fixins’ you want to add. With so much food, it can easily fill two hungry people. Talk about a winner, winner chicken dinner! $14.99

 Piggyback Ribs has the best barbecue in town—ginormous ribs, jumbo baked potatoes, shells and cheese, tangy coleslaw, etc.—plus it’s family-owned by Dave and Trish O’Brien, so the atmosphere and customer service feels like home. My go-to order is the Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs. Meaty, seasoned and sauced to excellence in a light ginger-based glaze, these oven-baked then charbroiled babies are tender while still holding to the bone. Order the entrée and you get your pick of two sides; I recommend the Honey Cornbread Muffin and Baked Beans. $12.95 (entrée), $9.95 (ribs only)

Paying homage to Folsom’s iconic landmark, the friendly folks at Kanpai Sushi have a special (and rather mouthwatering) roll on their menu: the Rainbow Bridge. Filled with soft shell crab, spicy tuna, cucumber and radish sprouts, the exterior is topped with salmon, tuna and a splattering of sauces (teriyaki and spicy mayo) with colorful black and red tobiko. Always fresh, always huge, always beautifully presented, this roll brightens the greyest of days and fills the emptiest of stomachs. $14.95, 916-983-7174

 Forget the big-box coffee joints—there’s something much more buzz-worthy about getting your morning (or afternoon) fuel from a local café. One of my go-to spots is Nicholson’s MusiCafe, for their buttery, salty and satiating Ham and Cheese Croissant, which is served hot with melted Swiss. After one bite you’ll be hooked and craving it on the daily. I’d be remiss to not mention that all of their espresso drinks are made with a double shot (i.e., double the hit of caffeine)! $4.50

Strings Italian Café, owned by Kim and Brian Johnson, is sited in a small, cozy space and pumps out some of the tastiest eats in town. My favorite time to carb up is on Wednesdays for their All-You-Can Eat Pasta, Salad or Soup, and Bread. For $8.99, you’ll, literally, fill your belly to the brim. With a choice between spaghetti, fettuccine or penne with marinara, Alfredo or meat sauce, the combos are endless. Now that’s amore! $8.99

 The Urban Fries at Jack’s Urban Eats are bomb dot com. How can you go wrong with French fries that are covered in blue cheese dressing and splashed with a little chili oil? $3.75 (regular size), $5.25 (family size)

The Salted Caramel Cookie Sandwich from Selland’s Market-Café is amazing! Two caramel-flavored cookies are held together with a caramel cream filling before being sprinkled with sea salt. The juxtaposition of sweet and salty is a match made in dessert heaven. Warning: These confections are so good you’ll start craving them morning, noon and night. $1.75 (each), $20 (dozen)

If anyone has ever experienced the joy that is the Dole Whip at Disneyland they’ll immediately be thrown right back to Adventureland the second they taste Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt’s Dole Soft Serve Pineapple Sorbet. The normally seasonal flavor is so popular that the owner of the Folsom location keeps it on the menu year-round! $.47 (per ounce) 

 Teriyaki To Go has the best (and biggest) Chicken Rice Bowl around. The juicy meat is served over a bed of steamed, nutty rice before being bathed in sweet-syrupy teriyaki sauce. For an extra dollar, you can add broccoli, which amps up the flavor (and health) factor even more. $5.45, 916-772-2540 

Sacramento Pizza Company, where you create “your pie, your way” is the hottest spot on the block—and for good reason. Getting to choose your crust, sauce, cheese, meats and other toppings—unlimited and all super fresh—for one price, makes it easy to please all palates and those with dietary restrictions. My favorite creation thus far is getting the house crust with BBQ sauce, bleu cheese, mozzarella, grilled chicken, bacon, red onions and cilantro. Talk about pie perfection! $8.49 (10-inch)      

Eating sushi served in hot tin foil might be unusual, but it’s time you tried the Lion King Roll at Wasabi House. On tearing open the foil (now’s not the time for patience or decorum), the steam dissipates to reveal a beautiful California roll topped with baked golden pieces of salmon and an amazing garlic sauce that leaves you wanting more. Add some wasabi to the mix and you’re in food heaven. $11

 Fish & Chips is my go-to order when it comes to pub grub, and 36 Handles’s customizable version is the best around. With a batter that’s light and delicate but still crispy, the flavor of the fresh fish really shines through. Pick between traditional or panko batter and salmon, cod or haddock to truly make it your own! Paired with a pint of Boddingtons Pub Ale, tasty tartar sauce and thick-cut, salty fries, this meal transports me across the pond without a passport. $13 (cod), $14 (haddock), $15 (salmon), $5 (pint)

 The Cashew Nut Chicken from Thai Paradise is by far the best I’ve ever had. With tons of freshly cut veggies (snow peas, carrots, zucchini, water chestnuts, onions, garlic), a very generous amount of chicken, a sauce that’s to die for and cashews that are always crisp—not soggy like most places—it hits all the right texture and flavor notes. Bonus: The lunch portion is served with steamed rice and salad! $9.95 (lunch), $12.95 (dinner)

 You can never go wrong with the pizzas at Sauce’d Pizza and Cocktail House in El Dorado Hills, but the Garlic Wild Mushroom Pizza is what food was meant to be: lush, earthy and wholesome. Crimini and portabella mushrooms lend just the right amount of meatiness to this veggie delicacy, while sharp arugula, sweet scallions and rich truffle oil finish off the ensemble, making for a sublime supper. $14.95 (medium), $21.95 (large)

Coffee Republic is always a winner—warm, friendly atmosphere, sunny patio, killer food and drinks, etc.—and if it’s anywhere near lunchtime, I’m going to order their Pesto Turkey Melt. Toasted rosemary-flecked focaccia is smeared with Parmesan pesto and mayo then piled high with turkey, bacon, melted Swiss, tomatoes and red onions. It’s everything a sammy should be—comforting, filling and tasty—plus more. $10.35 

 The Ramos Deluxe Nachos (add shredded beef) from Casa Ramos rival any I’ve had south of the border. Freshly fried chips are piled high with melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, salsa, green onions, sour cream, guacamole and your choice of beans (refried, black or rancho). Shared with a friend, alongside a top shelf margarita, and you’ll enter the gates of Mexican food heaven! $8.99 (add $1.59 for meat)

 While it’s hard to go wrong at Folsom Tap House (seriously, close your eyes and point to anything on the menu and you’ll be blown away), my favorite is going in for a pint (selections are constantly rotating, but if they have it try the Almanac Horchata Almond Milk Stout)—which is $1 off during Happy Hour, Mondays through Fridays from 3-6 p.m., and their Tap House Wings. Served with your choice of sauce, plus carrots and celery, these boneless beauties are crispy, full of flavor and perfect with a side of sports. $10.95 (half order of wings), $16.95 (full order of wings), $7 (pint)

Dos Coyotes hits it out of the ballpark with their Yucatan Chicken Salad. Loaded with charbroiled chicken breast, green leaf lettuce, black beans, red onions, carrots, sweet peppers, cabbage, corn and cherry tomatoes—all atop a giant tortilla—and drizzled with Southwest vinaigrette, fruit salsa, chipotle cream and tortilla strips, this ensalada is the perfect combo of healthy and hearty. Along with chips and the open salsa bar, it’s a flavor-packed entrée you don’t want to miss. $9.75

La Rosa Blanca’s Chimichanga combines my most beloved foods—cheese, chicken and piquant ranchero sauce—into a tortilla that’s then fried until crispy and golden brown. Topped with the requisite sour cream and guac, it’s enough for two meals or one (very) hungry eater. $9.25 (a la carte), $8.25 (with rice/beans; lunch menu), $12.95 (with rice/beans; dinner menu), 916-673-9085  

One of my favorite starters from Suishin Sushi is their Sunomono Salad. Wing, the owner, slices the cucumber paper-thin before tossing it with a rice vinegar dressing that’s slightly sweet and just salty enough. Light, refreshing and delicate, it’s the perfect way to wake up your palate. $4.50

Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group