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Where the Chefs Eat

From hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to high-end eateries, our region’s top chefs are dialed into the dining scene. Curious where they go and what they order? Here’s the dish on their local foodie favorites.

Frank Visconti

chef & co-owner at Visconti’s Ristorante
2700 East Bidwell Street, Suite 700, Folsom, 916-983-5181, viscontisristorante.com

Frank Visconti chef & co-owner at Visconti’s Ristorante; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO MORNING MEAL OUT? Friends with Benedicts Mimosa House for their veggie omelet, plus a side of potatoes, two sausage links, and sourdough bread. The ingredients (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, onions, Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, sour cream, and avocado) are all fresh, and the restaurant is family-owned and operated.

Land Ocean New American Grill; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

AND FOR LUNCH? Land Ocean New American Grill. They use American Kobe beef in their cheeseburger, and the fries are perfect.

The prime rib at Bacchus House; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

IF YOU’RE GOING OUT FOR A MEMORABLE DINNER, YOU’RE ORDERING…The prime rib at Bacchus House is consistently juicy. Add a side of risotto, Brussels sprouts, and house salad for a truly remarkable meal!

Jarunee Fleming

chef & owner at Thai Paradise
2770 East Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-984-8988, thaiparadisefolsom.com; 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0389, thaiparadiseedh.com

Jarunee Fleming chef & owner at Thai Paradise; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT FOR BREAKFAST? Karen’s Bakery and Café for a chocolate croissant or lemon muffin. Their mochas and macchiatos are the tastiest in town, too.

Karen’s Bakery and Café; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

AND FOR A LOCAL LUNCH? Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine. The mole in their chicken enmoladas is delicious—the best in the Greater Sacramento region.

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

IF YOU’RE DINING OUT FOR DINNER, YOU’RE GOING TO…Vaiano Trattoria for the zuppa di pesce; the fresh mussels from Prince Edward Island are worth every penny and calorie. For great cocktails, you can find me at Milestone.

Milestone; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Wing Chang, the former owner and chef of Suishin Sushi. He’s hard-working and incredibly creative.

John Sanders

chef & owner at Old Town Grill
444 Main Street, Placerville, 530-622-2631, otgplacerville.com

John Sanders chef & owner at Old Town Grill; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE? Cuppa Coffee & More on Placerville’s Main Street. The welcoming team and upbeat music are a perfect way to start the day. I tend to gravitate to their seasonal specials.

Poor Red’s Bar-B-Que; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT ABOUT A GOOD LOCAL LUNCH? The chicken & waffles from Poor Red’s Bar-B-Que. The homemade Belgium pecan waffle with orange zest is excellent on its own, but add salty bacon bits, bourbon maple syrup, toasted rosemary butter, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken to the mix, and you’re in for a real treat. Plus, they have a great patio and casual ambiance.

Allez!

 

AND FOR DINNER? Allez! is the perfect dinner. All the entrées are made with so much love, but the paella with chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and saffron rice; or the garlic-crusted rack of lamb with Dijon mustard and French white beans are both at the top of my list. It’s genuine country French fare at its finest.

WHAT DO YOU ADMIRE ABOUT OUR REGION’S CULINARY SCENE? El Dorado County has so many great chefs and dedicated restaurants who adapt and strive to make dining out feel as if you’re coming home. It’s an honor to be a part of the region’s culinary family.

Derrick Sand

chef at La Provence Restaurant & Terrace
110 Diamond Creek Place, Suite 150, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

Derrick Sand chef at La Provence Restaurant & Terrace; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD BREAKFAST? I love a morning meal with some spice! Mexican food is usually my go-to. The Mimosa House does a great chorizo and eggs entrée with pinto beans, salsa, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas.

The Mimosa House

 

AND WHEN IT COMES TO LUNCH? I love Wally's Café. Small and family-owned, the service is top-notch, and the shawarma is second to none. Plus, the lentil soup (served complimentary with your meal) has a kick and is super satisfying.

Wally's Café; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

GO-TO DINNER DESTINATIONS? If my family has anything to say about it, it’s sushi! Mikuni Sushi is always a favorite, but Tang's Sushi and PK Sushi are outstanding options as well; all three places serve super fresh fish and incredible sashimi.

ANY OTHER HIDDEN RESTAURANT GEMS? For a local drink, I’m heading to CJ's Pizza Bar & Grill. Cold drinks, great pizza, and a good man running the operation. If I feel like getting dressed up, I go to Pink Martini California Kitchen & Cocktails.

ANY LOCAL CHEFS YOU ADMIRE? I appreciate the longevity and success of Molly Hawks at Hawks and love the approach of the many talented chefs at The Chef's Table.

Orlando Avalos

chef at Wally’s Pizza Bar
4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com

Orlando Avalos chef at Wally’s Pizza Bar; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DINE OUT? Not as much as I should. My wife and I prefer cooking for each other. I believe cooking and creating is at its finest when preparing food for loved ones.

BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN? I frequent Cameron Park Coffee & Deli and usually order a caramel macchiato with a gluten-free carrot cake muffin. It’s a specialty that’s home-baked, sweet, and moist.

Taqueria El Carnaval; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

FOR A MIDDAY MEAL, YOU CAN BE FOUND AT…Taqueria El Carnaval in Placerville. I usually order their authentic tacos or molcajete. The latter is served in a volcanic rock bowl with shrimp, chicken, crab, octopus, carne asada, and cactus leaves. It's like the Mexican version of the kitchen sink.

AND YOUR GO-TO DINNER DESTINATION? I love the ceviche appetizer (served on crispy wonton tostadas) and rainbow hand roll at Mikasa Asian Fusion. Their sushi is full of different flavors and textures. Plus, the service always exceeds my expectations.

WHAT OTHER LOCAL SPOTS DO YOU FREQUENT? I find myself coming into Wally’s Pizza Bar a lot for breakfast and sometimes dessert. It has a great family-friendly atmosphere, and since I live a sober life it's all about the food and ambiance for me.

Mikasa Asian Fusion; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Bernabe Pareja from Mikasa Asian Fusion is so creative and attentive. As a chef-owner, he inspires other chefs, such as myself, to work toward one day running my own restaurant.

Karen Holmes

chef & owner at Karen’s Bakery and Café
705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, 916-985-2665, karensbakery.com

Karen Holmes chef & owner at Karen’s Bakery and Café; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO BREAKFAST SPOT? I don't usually eat a hearty breakfast, but when I do, I love Noah's Bagel’s Nova Lox Sandwich with salty capers, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and creamy shmear on a fresh bagel. Yummy!

Fish Face Poke Bar

 

AND FOR LUNCH? Fish Face Poke Bar in Midtown Sacramento. You can get a meal that feels a notch above salad but is delicious and doesn't become a gut bomb. During Covid, my husband and I would go there on Sundays for lunch dates.

Nixtaco

 

IF YOU’RE DINING OUT FOR DINNER, YOU’RE GOING TO…Hawks or Nixtaco. The former is great because you can sit at the bar and have a casual, above-par dinner while getting to visit and talk. When I’m craving tacos (which is often), it’s dinner at Nixtaco. I can make a meal out of their warm tortillas—they’re so delicious—and it’s even better now that they've reopened their inside dining room.

Restaurant Josephine

 

ANY SPOTS YOU’RE EAGER TO TRY? I'm really interested in going to Restaurant Josephine in Auburn. Good pedigree from the people behind it, and the space looks super cute.

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. I've known Rick Mahan (The Waterboy/OneSpeed) for such a long time and admire his tenacity. I think Mike Fagnoni and Molly Hawks (Hawks) are terrific, too. They've grown their dream (and their family) and have so much good stuff to show for it. Finally, Patricio Wise at Nixtaco, because I admire people who start out small and just plunk away at it, one day at a time. He's achieved so much.

Michael Liu

chef & owner at Hisui Sushi
25004 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-985-7778, hisuisushi.com

Michael Liu chef & owner at Hisui Sushi; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN? The veggie benedict at Friends with Benedicts Mimosa House always comes out with perfectly poached eggs and veggies that aren’t over-done. Can’t forget a cappuccino either!

Friends with Benedicts Mimosa House; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

FAVORITE LUNCH OUT ON THE TOWN? Tender, juicy, and beer-battered, the Baja fish tacos at Zócalo always impress and are the best in town.

Zócalo

 

AND YOUR GO-TO DINNER? The namesake Veal Visconti at Visconti’s Ristorante is my favorite. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with rich, sweet marinara sauce and silky mozzarella…what’s not to like?

Land Ocean; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT ABOUT CRAFT COCKTAILS? If I’m ordering a cocktail, the jalapeño martini at Land Ocean New American Grill is what you’ll find in my hand.

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Executive chef at The Kitchen, Kelly McCown, is honest, outspoken, knowledgeable, and an overall great person and chef.

Lamyai “Joy” Palmer

chef & owner at My Thai Kitchen
1465 Eureka Road, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-781-7811, eatatmythaikitchen.com

Lamyai “Joy” Palmer chef & owner at My Thai Kitchen; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN TOWN? The “Pete’s Steakhouse” salad at Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is always a go-to; there’s a generous portion of meat on it (cooked to your preference) and their honey mustard dressing is to die for.

GUILTY PLEASURE MEAL? The prime rib at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse! The portions are large, so there are always leftovers for the next day.

Zócalo

 

ANY OTHER RESTAURANTS YOU FREQUENT? I love sitting on the patio at Zócalo and enjoying a glass of wine and enchiladas.

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Patricio Wise and Cinthia Martinez (Nixtaco) are unbelievably passionate about their product and have worked incredibly hard to get where they are.

Scott Tomblin

chef at Smith Flat House
2021 Smith Flat Road, Placerville, 530-621-1003, smithflathouse.com

Scott Tomblin chef at Smith Flat House; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

FOR A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE, YOU’RE GOING TO…The Ugly Mugs’ Coffee & Tea. It’s a welcoming place to grab a cup of java and begin the day. Their caramel macchiato really pulls me through my long hours in the kitchen.

Train Station Coffee Shop; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A SOLID, STICK-TO-YOUR RIBS BREAKFAST? Train Station Coffee Shop is a low-key place for some of the best biscuits and gravy I've ever had, and the 13-plus-year veteran cooks only do the bacon one way: perfect.

NAME A LOCAL LUNCH YOU LOVE. Santa Maria Taqueria is tucked away off the beaten path, but for those who know, it's the most authentic Mexican food around. The carnitas burrito served with grilled serrano peppers is deliciously inspiring.

Thai Noodle Express; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

ANY OTHER HIDDEN RESTAURANT GEMS? Thai Noodle Express on Placerville’s Main Street makes Southeast Asian cuisine with lots of love. I enjoy grabbing a window seat and indulging in my favorite comfort food: chicken pho.

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Chef Orlando Avalos does incredible things with pizza over at Wally's Pizza Bar in Cameron Park. I began my career as a pizza chef, and pizza is still very close to my heart. I admire his creativity and unique twist on classics like the margherita.

Brian Bennett

chef & owner at Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market
1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com

Brian Bennett chef & owner at Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHERE’S YOUR GO-TO BREAKFAST SPOT? 105 Noshery. Great coffee and even better bacon and over-easy eggs; Randy and his team do an outstanding job.

The Chef's Table; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

FOR LUNCH, YOU’RE GOING TO…The Chef’s Table for their fish tacos or PBJ Burger…with fries, of course.

WHAT ABOUT A MEMORABLE MEAL OUT? Anything on the menu at The Waterboy is wonderful. It’s my go-to!

Goose Port Public House; Photos by Dante Fontana © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

ANY OTHER HIDDEN RESTAURANT GEMS? I love Saturday mornings at Goose Port Public House. College football, great pub food, and lots of fun…what’s not to like?

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. I respect all the chefs who work every day to stay open and take care of their staff and the guests who support them. Every chef is different and from different backgrounds, but they all deserve our support.

Fred Reyes

chef at The Farm Table
311 Main Street, Placerville, 530-295-8140, ourfarmtable.com

Fred Reyes chef at The Farm Table; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DINE OUT? Since the pandemic, not often—usually once a week. Working in a restaurant during the day and in the evenings makes it hard to get out.

Fox & Goose Public House; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

YOUR LAST MORNING MEAL OUT WAS AT…Fox & Goose Public House in Sacramento. I had the corned beef hash with house-roasted brisket, English country potatoes, two poached eggs, a crumpet, and cup of coffee. Everything was awesome!

WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB DINNER? Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is a great spot for fresh sushi and other inspiring entrées and desserts. Plus, their cocktails—like the old fashioned—are wonderful, too.

Temple Coffee Roasters

 

ANY OTHER LOCAL FOODIE FAVORITES? OneSpeed has some of the best pizza, and Temple Coffee Roasters serves my favorite cappuccino in town.

NAME A LOCAL CHEF YOU ADMIRE. Rick Mahan from The Waterboy and Kurt Spataro from Paragary Restaurant Group. Randy Paragary, who recently passed away, was a wonderful mentor. Although he wasn’t a chef, his inspiration and leadership greatly influenced my career.

Courtney McDonald

pastry chef, co-owner, and general manager at Restaurant Josephine
1226 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-820-3523, josephineauburn.com

Courtney McDonald pastry chef, co-owner, and general manager at Restaurant Josephine; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A QUICK MORNING BREAKFAST OR CUP OF COFFEE? The Baker & The Cakemaker. They serve locally roasted java from Valiant Coffee Roasters, and their cinnamon rolls and savory brioche are the perfect morning pick-me-up.

The Baker & The Cakemaker; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

WHAT ABOUT FOR LUNCH? The Auburn Bodega. The "Is That Good?" sandwich is my favorite, and Molly (co-owner and chef) makes the best hummus.

The Auburn Bodega; Photos by Taylor Gillspie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

AND YOUR GO-TO DINNER? Auburn Thai Garden for their beef larb, Crying Tiger, panang curry, and green apple & crispy fish salad. Amazing flavors!

ANY OTHER DINING DESTINATIONS YOU CRAVE? I absolutely love Nixtaco, Hawks, and The Pour Choice.

The Pour Choice

 

NAME SOME LOCAL CHEFS YOU ADMIRE. Mike Fagnoni, Molly Hawks, and Ed Lopez (Hawks); Patricio Wise and Cinthia Martinez (Nixtaco); Chris Barnum (Localis); and Alice and Nathan Shreve (The Baker & The Cakemaker).


compiled by Megan Wiskus
Allez! photo courtesy of Allez!. The Mimosa House photo courtesy of The Mimosa House.
Fish Face Poke Bar photo courtesy of Fish Face Poke Bar. Nixtaco photo courtesy of Nixtaco. Restaurant Josephine photo courtesy of Restaurant Josephine. Zócalo photo by Tom Paniagua.
Goose Port Public House photo by Dante Fontana. Other photos by Taylor Gillespie.

In-Print, Food+Wine Feature November 2021
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