Poverty Flats Family Restaurant in Placerville
Apr 27, 2016 12:35PM ● By David Norby
California Burger
I wasn’t born or raised on a farm, but I was raised “country-style.” One of my favorite meals that Mum cooked for me, besides spaghetti, was steak and mushrooms. It was my birthday meal of choice for many years.
My recent dinner at Poverty Flats Family Restaurant in Placerville took me back to those birthday meals. Before I go into the food, let me tell you a little about this place. Occupying the former home of Mike’s Grill, Poverty Flats is the new kid on the block (they opened in January) but it feels like they’ve been in business forever. Fresh ingredients, good cookin’ and easy-going, friendly service are the specialties of this eatery.
For starters, my husband and I ordered the Beans ‘N’ Rings—a basket of golden-brown, deep-fried green beans and jalapeños with chipotle dipping sauce—a unique combination of crispy deliciousness that did not disappoint.
For mains, my other half opted for the California burger with garlic fries, and I chose the 12-ounce rib eye with sautéed mushrooms, a loaded baked potato and salad. (Dainty, I ain’t.) The burger arrived with a glistening, perfectly chewy pretzel bun and was loaded with avocado, while the fries were covered in fresh garlic—much to my husband’s delight. And the rib eye? It was divine. Marbled just right so that the meat turned buttery…oh, Mama! The mushrooms were thick and juicy, the potato perfect, and it came with a steaming pile of freshly cooked broccoli. (I married a broccoli lover for a reason, so it went to a good home.) My husband can attest, however, that it was “excellent broccoli.” (This broccoli hater remains skeptical, but I appreciate fine cooking.)
The sad part was I didn’t leave any room for the cheesecake baked by local fav Tasty Last Bite. I’ve heard that the restaurant also makes some fine ribs so you best bet that I’ll be coming back for a rack and slice of that cake soon!