Sacramento is a foodie’s paradise. Stroll downtown and you’ll find a world traveler’s map of options to try: Ethiopian, Greek, German, Thai, Korean, and more are ready to tempt your palate with the familiar or exotic. Here are a few of my favorites.
If you’ve read any of my other blogs, then you know that I am half Japanese and that my grandmother grew up in Sacramento as the daughter of a strawberry farmer. As such, I have two go-to locations that connect me with Grandma Ann (who passed away in 1994). I love Oto’s Marketplace with their variety of fresh produce, the plethora of packaged ramen, and special ingredients that I can only find here – I always buy at least three boxes of Mochiko! (Insider’s tip: pass on the prepared from the back right corner. It’s just so-so.)
My next favorite spot is Osaka-ya during summertime. I admit it’s not much to look at but this place has been around since 1963. This was one of my mom’s favorite places to visit with her friends when she was in her 20’s and now we visit here with my kids. I LOVE the fresh Manju that is so beautiful. Manju is pounded sticky sweet rice that traditionally has a red sweet bean paste inside. However, my favorite one is filled with peanut butter. Crazy, right?!?! They also have amazing shaved ice – which is what my kids prefer. It’s super cheap and perfect on a hot day.
Another spot that we love – especially my husband – is Texas West BBQ. Is it just me, or is it really hard to find great barbecue? Well, look no further than this awesome place. Bring your appetite, loose jeans, and a case of wet wipes. From their perfectly tangy barbecue sauce to their creamy mac and cheese, this place will have you planning your next visit before you even leave the parking lot. I also search for unique restaurants that are family-owned, and this fits the bill. It has great ambiance, it’s clean, and you can feel the pride and love that’s put into each dish.
If there was a support group for ice cream lovers, I would have to attend. Unfortunately, I am passing on this addiction to my children, but I don’t feel too bad. Go to Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream for creamy, rich, delicious ice cream. We seriously don’t have a birthday party without their ice cream cake piled high with chocolate chip mint ice cream and covered with frosted peaks of diabetic goodness.
So those are a few of my favorite indulgent treats. No, I don’t have a blog on the best gyms or diet centers, but clearly that may be coming up in the not-so-distant future.
If you’re thinking of moving to Sacramento, contact the Rick Fuller Team. We know and love the area and we’re excited to help you find your next home. We live here and we’re ready to introduce you to what makes Sac Town so special!