The sugar-rimmed glass holds the sweet and tangy flavors of La Provence Restaurant and Terrace’s signature Paul’s Famous Lemon Drop Martini (made with Grey Goose). To soak up all the boozy goodness, order their Gnocchi Maison. The house-made potato dumplings are served with wild mushrooms, cream and truffle essence—so simple yet simply divine. $11 (small gnocchi), $17 (entrée gnocchi), $14 (cocktail); 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002

 The Pork Loin French Dip at The Chef’s Table is a hearty sandwich meant for the hungry. It comes with generous amounts of slow-roasted pork loin served on Dutch crunch with a horseradish and roasted garlic aioli, melted provolone cheese and French onion au jus—making it just au-some. $14; The Chef’s Table, 6843 Lonetree Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocklin, 916-771-5656,

For classic Braised Short Ribs, head to Paul Martin’s American Grill for a melt-in-your mouth serving of grass-fed angus beef with creamy mashed potatoes, a slightly pungent horseradish cream and a rich beef jus. $28; 1455 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-783-3600

The Clam Chowder at Boxing Donkey has bacon in it and is freaking amazing, and growing up in the Northwest I’m a big clam chowder guy. I’ve actually gone and bought pints of theirs to take home to eat throughout the week, because they only serve it on Fridays. $5 (cup), $8 (bowl); 300 Lincoln Street, Roseville, 916-797-3665

I’m obsessed with the Vanilla Macarons from Little Bliss Cakery. They’re handmade and come in about six to eight different flavors. With a gentle crunch on the outside, chewy soft interior and the most amazing meringue sandwiched in the middle that’s not too sweet, they’re the epitome of macaron perfection. $2 each; 8789 Auburn-Folsom Road, Suite D, Granite Bay, 916-791-2253

Loomis Basin Brewing Company's Vindicator IPA is my new Placer County favorite when it comes to beer. It's hoppy but not bitter, with woodsy notes of pine and citrus. And the rich amber color makes it almost as nice to look at as it is to drink. $4.50 (pint); 3277 Swetzer Road, Loomis, 916-259-2739

 Head to The Monk’s Cellar for Happy Hour (served every day from 3-6 p.m.) for a pint of their house-brewed Monk’s Tripel and an order of Reuben Fries. Made using duck-fat fries and topped with corned beef, melty cheese and sauerkraut, it’s like St. Patrick’s Day on a plate! And trust me: With the beer clocking in at nine-percent ABV, you’ll need all the sustenance you can get. $4 (pint during Happy Hour), $10 (fries during Happy Hour); 240 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-6665

 The Sashimi Tuna Tacos at Johnny Garlic’s are probably the most perfectly crafted version of an ahi tuna taco you'll find anywhere. The fresh and crispy shell is jam-packed with fresh fish and mango-jicama salsa that adds a hint of sweetness. In the words of Guy Fieri, they’ll take you to flavortown! $8 each; 10505 Fairway Drive, Roseville, 916-789-2000

Don't let the line deter you, Sunflower Drive-In Natural Food is well worth the wait! Whenever I'm looking for a tasty yet healthy meal (aka, all the time), I make a stop here for a Super Nutburger. The nutmeat patty is sure to impress even the most carnivorous, while the fresh veggies like onions, tomatoes, romaine, tomatoes and sprouts add a delightful crunch. I often add avocado for an extra oomph. Eaten alongside their fresh Carrot Juice (juiced while you wait), makes for the perfect meal, bound to satisfy all. Trust me, there's a reason the line is always so long. $7.59 (super nutburger), $2.99 (small juice), $3.29 (large juice); 10344 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, 916-967-4331

Chopsticks Restaurant has been around forever and has the best War Wonton Soup I’ve ever had. The serving is plentiful, and the broth is always flavorful, piping hot and studded with chewy wontons, plus heaps of shrimp, chicken, beef, pork and veggies. It blows the socks off all the other restaurants! $8.50; 1000 Sunrise Avenue, Suite 12A, Roseville, 916-786-7770

 Mikuni is my number one spot for fresh and flavorful seafood. My two favorites are the Rainbow Roll and the Oysters on a Half Shell. I’ve even turned a couple of hesitant friends onto oysters after tasting Mikuni's. Served simply—with only ponzu sauce and a dot of sriracha to add tang and a kick—they take an ordinary oyster and make it extraordinary. Their rainbow roll is a classic that doesn't need any fancy sauces to delight, and balances the fish to rice ratio perfectly. $10.95 (sushi), Market Price (oysters); 1565 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-797-2112

 I’ve never seen a more appetizing pie than the Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza at Chicago’s Pizza With-A-Twist. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it comes loaded with tangy chicken, sharp onions, green bell peppers and fragrant cilantro, hitting the spot every single time. $7.99 (personal), $11.99 (small), $14.99 (medium), $18.99 (large), $20.99 (extra-large), $23.99 (family size); 7441 Foothills Boulevard, Suite 170, Roseville, 916-780-6100

Sushi Mon by Sky‘s aptly named Big Mama Roll is truly a mouthful of goodness. Filled with crabmeat, avocado, cream cheese, albacore and salmon, then deep-fried to crunchy perfection and drizzled with sauce, it tastes as good as it looks. Their hot Garlic Edamame is to die for, too! $13 (roll), $6.25 (edamame); 7456 Foothills Boulevard, Roseville, 916-786-8228

Ask anyone who enjoys Italian food about the dishes they love most, and you’ll almost always hear, “it’s the sauce!” Vaiano Trattoria, a favorite among Granite Bay locals, makes a ridiculously good Bolognese marinara. Try it in their Spaghetti Meatballs, and thank me later. $15; 7160 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-780-0888

 I always make sure to save room for the Doughnut Holes at Sienna Restaurant. Served with a trio of dipping sauces—Jack Daniel’s crème anglaise, chocolate and raspberry—they’re little bits of heaven and the sweetest ending to a memorable meal. Oh, and forget a glass of milk with this dessert; the Vanilla Old-Fashioned is the only beverage you’ll need. $9 (dessert), $12 (cocktail), 1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700

Steak Fajitas are always a good call, but especially when dining at Carmelita’s. Tender, flavorful beef is served sizzling hot alongside a plentiful helping of sautéed onions and peppers, rice, beans, guac, sour cream, pico de gallo and fresh tortillas. To really get the fiesta going, order the ridiculously delicious Blackberry Margarita. $17 (fajitas), $12 (cocktail); 204 Riverside Avenue, Roseville, 916-783-0411

I urge you to try Land Ocean New American Grill’s Creamy Blue Cheese Dip with their house-made potato chips. It’s been called “incredible” and “delightful” by my companions, and will make your taste buds sing. Give the pomegranate Special K Martini a go, too; made with house-infused orange vodka, it’s a pretty sight and even tastier sip. $10 (dip), $10 (martini); 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916-407-5640

The Pork Mojo grilled sandwich at Joe Caribé Bistro and Café entices you with tender pulled pork marinated in a spicy, citrusy sauce, accompanied by jack cheese, a cool island coleslaw and creamy rémoulade. Served with mixed greens tossed in passionfruit vinaigrette, this combination is a winner. $11.95; 13470 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-823-5333

 The Thai Seafood Fat Pot at Fat’s Asia Bistro is like a treasure hunt of flavors—with its layers of seafood and veggies in a rich red curry coconut broth that’s full of spicy goodness—and always my go-to order. An area institution for over 75 years, the quality of Fat’s ingredients, friendliness and knowledge of their staff, and warm and inviting atmosphere cannot be overstated. And if you haven’t been to their Happy Hour, then you haven’t been to Happy Hour! $18.60; 1500 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287

To call the Mulitas from Chando's Tacos a quesadilla with meat is blasphemy. They’re pure alchemy. Nothing else can explain the transformation of three elementary ingredients—meat, jack cheese and corn tortillas—into flavor gold. $3.49 each; 943 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, 916-782-8226

 The all-American Cowboy Burger at Bar 101 Eats and Drinks hits the spot every time. The half-pound angus beef patty with onion rings, house-made barbecue sauce and bacon is served on a toasted brioche bun with French fries, home-style chips or salad. That’s some finger-licking goodness. $11.95; 101 Main Street, Roseville, 916-774-0505

 Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and the Monte Cristo at Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs is one of the reasons why. The triple-decker French toast stuffed with ham, Swiss cheese, turkey and cheddar is sprinkled with powdered sugar—just to throw you over the edge—and is served with a bowl of fresh fruit. $11.99; 1950 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville, 916-782-2400

The Green Boheme makes healthy eating so easy with a menu that’s bursting with vegan and raw food options. My favorite—and everyone else’s—is the Enchilada. House-made corn or squash tortillas are filled with their signature “notcho” cheese (ground pumpkin seeds), marinated mushrooms, avocado, salsa verde and “sour crème” (coconut and cashew nuts). The offering also comes with soothing tortilla soup. $15.95; 1611 Lead Hill Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville, 916-474-5609

Nothing Bundt Cakes offers 10 flavors as well as seasonal special flavors, but my all-time favorite is the delectable White Chocolate Raspberry Bundlet. The moist, fluffy cake with a swirl of raspberry and hint of white chocolate melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more! $4.49; 1112 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-780-2253

I crave the Mango Sticky Rice from My Thai Table all too often. The sweet, sticky rice is infused with coconut milk that has been carefully cooked to the perfect consistency. Along with the fresh mango slices and sesame seeds sprinkled on top, it makes for a memorable dessert. $10; 5550 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 200, 916-791-4111, Granite Bay

 The antidote to a long week is a glass of wine and the Meat and Cheese Combo Board at House of Oliver. It comes with your choice of three meats (pork and truffle mousse, prosciutto, chorizo and salami) and three cheeses (aged white cheddar, smoky blue and brie), along with crackers or fresh bread and an array of accompaniments. What’s not to like? $24; 3992 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-773-9463

Compiled by Style staffers // Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group