The 10 Spot: Secret Menu Items
Julian's Pâtisserie and Café in Folsom has some sweet surprises up its sleeve. Firstly, all of their crêpes are customizable, so instead of getting their raspberry Nutella crêpe with candied almonds, you can go crazy and change it to strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream instead. And if you’re crazier still, try the awesome Frozen Hot Chocolate, which comes in traditional, caramel, and Oreo flavors. julianscafe.com
La Provence Restaurant and Terrace in Roseville has a secret tapas menu and weekly “surprise” specials menu that are only available on Fridays in their lounge. Past items have included Deviled Eggs and Pork Belly with gherkins, croissant crostini, frisée, and maple sriracha. Don’t think that’s going to stay a secret much longer! laprovenceroseville.com
Ask for the Penne Toscana next time you visit Vaiano Tratorria in Granite Bay. It begins with the browning of crumbled sausage, before red onions and red wine are added to the mix, after which their homemade meat sauce is incorporated and tossed with penne before folding in fresh spinach. Salivating yet? We are. vaianotrattoria.com
Roll into Folsom’s Hisui Sushi and ask for the Yost Roll that boasts shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, crab, fried asparagus, avocado, fresh ahi tuna, mushrooms, jalapeños, tobiko, spicy garlic aioli, and unagi sauce. Now that’s one satisfying mouthful. hisuisushi.com
Citrus Toro is an über delicious chef’s special that’s available at Mikuni in Fair Oaks. Chef Ule serves white tuna toro sashimi smeared with garlic, garnished with orange slices, green onions, and chili powder before being delicately finished with a ponzu and miso dressing. Talk about a feast for the senses. mikunisushi.com
Yes, Wally’s Pizza Bar in Cameron Park has some amazing pizzas—including their rotating pie-of-the-week (Latin Luau, Chicken Chili Verde, St. Patrick’s, etc.). But what we spied with our greedy eyes was the Sriracha Breakfast Potatoes that are served for breakfast on weekends. Their already amazing breakfast potatoes are tossed in garlic butter and sriracha seasoning along with peppers and onions. It’s the perfect wake-up call! wallyspizzabar.com
Sienna has not one, not two, but a host of secret menu options to choose from. Think Skirt Steak Risotto (pictured), blackened prawn salad, and a Philly-style French dip. Not to be outdone, their sister establishment, Land Ocean, offers their own menu of crab cake sliders, chicken teriyaki over rice, and The Lavish chicken sandwich. siennarestaurants.com; landoceanrestaurants.com
The Cali Hot Pastrami at Guy’s for Lunch in Roseville has been named the Cadillac of sandwiches—one customer even jokingly calls it the Tesla. The tender-spicy pastrami comes with ripe, smooth avocado, crispy bacon, and juicy tomato slices with homemade smoky jalapeño mustard and a bit of mayonnaise—all between a fresh-out-of-the-oven soft sourdough roll. Acquaint yourself with this beauty the next time you visit Guy’s. guysforlunch.com
Visconti’s Ristorante in Folsom offers meatballs that can be added to any menu item or as a side option to any dish. What many don't know about their Baked Meatballs is that they’re twice baked, which includes being topped with parmesan and mozzarella then baked in the oven until sinfully melty. Have them on a sandwich, with spaghetti or plain, in all their delicious glory. viscontisristorante.com
Fusion Taps is Folsom’s newest gastropub. Their off-menu Tilapia Larb is an authentic Thai dish that would make any fish lover happy. Marinated with fresh lime juice, tossed in herbs like lemongrass, mint, cilantro, and galangal, along with roasted rice powder and chili, this delicacy is served with lettuce and cucumbers and makes for a healthy dining option. fusiontaps.com
By Tarah Mendanha
Julian's, La Provence, Vaiano, Hisui, Wally's, Visconiti's, and Sienna photos by Dante Fontana. Other 10 Spot photos courtesy of their respective restaurant.