Spending time in the great outdoors can definitely work up an appetite.

If you find yourself in the area between Placerville and Kelsey and need to fill up, the Rock Creek Café, located on Finnon Lake, is a great place. Sit back and swap fish stories on the outdoor patio, or chat it up about the trail you and your friends just conquered while satisfying your appetite with some down-home cooking.

Adding a complete dinner menu to their full breakfast and lunch fare, Rock Creek Café gives you the chance to grab some great food no matter when you find yourself in the neighborhood.

On a recent lazy-Sunday afternoon drive we happened across the Rock Creek Café and decided to give it a shot. Out of the choices of burgers and sandwiches, the Ultimate Patty Melt immediately caught my eye; a delicious patty, between marbled rye and smothered in melted Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, mushrooms and thick cut smoky bacon strips accompanied by fresh home cut fries. Yes, this one made the drive worth it. My son requested a cheeseburger and fruit. He was handsomely rewarded with a healthy serving of fresh strawberries and watermelon alongside his fully loaded kids’ cheeseburger that even made me hungry! He was happy sorting through all the melty cheese and toppings to find the burger.

Rock Creek Café may be a bit off the beaten path, but at just over ten miles from downtown Placerville off Highway 193, Rock Creek Café is worthy of a visit. Check out their Web site for their current menu, specials, Family Night Wednesdays menu and directions. •