TAKE COMFORT

PLACERVILLE FOOD CO-OP

535 Placerville Drive, Placerville 530-621-3663, placervillefood.coop The only cooperatively-owned grocery store in El Dorado County, Placerville Food Co-op has a wide selection of natural and organic items, including many that are locally grown or produced, along with a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free foods.

KINGS MEAT

787 Pleasant Valley Road Diamond Springs, 530-497-5398 kingsmeats.net Family-owned butcher shop featuring fresh meats and dry-aged beef.

DEDRICK’S MAIN STREET CHEESE

312 Main Street, Placerville 530-344-8282, @dedrickscheese Cheeses from around the world, along with specialty items, cured meat and desserts—a true gourmet hangout.

ADAM’S MEAT SHOP

850 E. Bidwell Street, Suite 145, Folsom 916-496-3020, adamsmeatshop.com A local favorite since opening in early 2016, Adam’s Meat Shop features freshly made sausage, along with all cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork, veal and wild game meats.

FOLSOM QUALITY MEAT MARKET

640 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom 916-984-4700 Fresh breads, international foods, cheeses, fresh meat and poultry, along with a large selection of tea, lentils and spices.

ROSEVILLE MEAT COMPANY

700 Atlantic Street, Roseville 916-782-2705, rosevillemeats.com Wide variety of quality meats including beef, chicken, pork, whole pig, goat, venison, elk, ostrich, boar, and buffalo. Special cuts for pets also available.

SUNRISE NATURAL FOODS

1950 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville 916-789-8591 2160 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn 530-888-8973, sunrisenaturalfoods.net For nearly three decades, Sunrise Natural Foods is a one-stop shop for locals looking to improve their health. Featuring organic produce, vitamins and supplements (and a whole lot more!), their knowledgeable and helpful staff are ready to help you find the right products for you and your family.

IKEDA’S

13500 Lincoln Way, Auburn 530-885-4243, ikedas.com The iconic country market, restaurant and purveyor of house-made meat pies and fruit pies has been serving the community for decades. Fresh, local produce is always available in season, as well as specialty foods like salmon and Dungeness crab.

Comfort Take

A Local Food Lover’s Guide

by LORN RANDALL, LUNA ANONA, WENDY SIPPLE AND TERRY CARROLL

Let’s face it: food fills the soul and comforts our being, not to mention provides fuel to us so that we can slay the day. And right now, couldn’t we all use a little comfort food?

Fat's Asia Bistro

OUR GO-TO: Dim Sum Basket

featuring Shrimp Dumplings, Pork Shu Mei and Chicken Pot Stickers. TRY THIS: As much as I try and limit my carb intake, I have come to the conclusion that one cannot go through life without pasta—be it Italian, Asian or any other for that matter. If you haven’t tried Fat’s Bulgogi Pork Lo Mein, do yourself a solid and give it a try. Pork loin in a Korean style marinade, grilled and served over lo mien noodles with cabbage, carrots, and green and yellow onions, it’s a flavor freight train and you need to get on board. —LR

1500 Eureka Road, Roseville 916-787-3287; 2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133, fatsasiabistro.com

Land Ocean New American Grill

TRY THIS: With roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, pesto ailoi and fresh mozzarella cheese, the Portobello Mushroom

Sandwich gives the ‘ole burger a run for its money. —WS

2720 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-7000; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916407-5640, landoceanrestaurants.com

Goose Port Public House

TRY THIS: It doesn’t have to be St. Patty’s Day to crave some good corned beef or, in the case of Goose Port Public House, the Grilled Corned Beef Sandwich. House-made corned beef, sauerkraut slaw, Swiss cheese, pickle on toasted sourdough. Come in and get your daily dose of Irish! P.S. Start with their Loaded Tots—topped with bacon and spicy nacho cheese, chipotle crema, signature Goose Port orange salsa and green onions...it’s almost a meal in itself. —LR

316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine

TRY THIS: The look on diners’ faces as the Surf and Turf Molcajete lands on the table is priceless. A steaming stone cauldron of land and sea creatures, fiery peppers and onions in a piquant broth, it’s a presentation that cannot be repeated at home, besides it’s more fun to watch in a group! —LR

187 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 160, Folsom, 916-3510900; 5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772; mezcalitocuisine.com

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace

TRY THIS: Finding a restaurant in the suburbs that serves a perfect Beef Wellington is almost unheard of, but La Provence in Roseville pulls it of perfectly time after time. Their six-ounce filet mignon, mushroom duxelles, and prosciutto wrapped in a thin layer of puff pastry is good enough to make a certain screaming TV chef smile. —LR

110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

Visconti's Ristorante

Visconti’s Ristorante

TRY THIS: One of the only local places I’ve found that serves Cioppino on their regular menu. The rich, traditional Italian-style broth and delicate shellfish beg to have some of Visconti’s warm garlic bread. Fortunately there are plenty of both! Oh, and for dessert, get one of their homemade cannoli—while their tiramisu usually gets the top billing, their cannoli is to die for. —LR

2700 E Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-5181, viscontisristorante.com

Dolce Vita Caffé

TRY THIS: Quiches, frittatas, crepes, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, amazing sweets await you at Dolce Vita Caffé. My favorite is the Grilled Portobella a la Caprese salad—a great variation on the traditional Caprese. Finish with the Trio of Beignets. —WS

1008 Riley Street, Suite 2, Folsom, 916-4677679, dolcevitacaffe.online

Wally’s Pizza Bar

TRY THIS: Wings at Wally’s? Yes, yes, yes! Their fresh, never frozen FLB Wings are jumbo wings flame roasted and served with a gorgonzola dipping sauce. Come for the pizza and beer, but get the wings too! —LR

4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com TRY THIS: How can you pass on bacon-wrapped shrimp? Camarones Don Felipe is the perfect partner for a pint of beer or a pitcher of margaritas. Jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and tossed in hot sauce with peppers and onions with a picante dipping sauce. —LR

384 Main Street, Placerville, 530-3447757, cascadainplacerville.com

Curry Bowl

TRY THIS: Chicken Tikka Masala

and Garlic Naan. Their Tikka Masala is a succulent, mouthwatering amalgamation of garlic, ginger, turmeric and garam masala in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Pair with their fragrant Garlic Naan, and it’s a done deal. This is the combination all entry-level Indian food newbies should start with. —LR

1870 Prairie City Road, Suite 500, Folsom, 916-467-7675, currybowlrestaurant.com

The Kitchen @ Helwig Winery

TRY THIS: Pork Belly Banh

Mi Sandwich...the ultimate #GetInMyBelly sandwich! With extra thick slices of their house smoked applewood pork belly (no processed meats here!), marinated carrots, daikon radish and jalapenos, along with slices of cucumber, green onion and cilantro served with sriracha mayo on a French roll and paired with their beer battered fries. —WS

11555 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, 209-245-5200, helwigwinery.com/ kitchen

Thai Paradise

TRY THIS: Two words: Angel Wings. A whole wing deboned, stuffed with ground chicken, noodles, garlic and ginger; then battered and deep-fried and served with a special plum sauce. If you like wings, these are a must; if you don’t, try them anyway, you’ll be converted! Start with their Fresh Spring Rolls and finish with their signature Sweet Sticky Rice and Mango. —LR

2770 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916- 984-8988, thaiparadisefolsom.com; 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0389, thaiparadiseedh.com

LANA LANE GOURMET GOODS

451 Main Street, Placerville 530-333-5443, lanalanegourmetgoods.com Using locally-sourced ingredients, they produce all-natural jams and wine jellies, spiced nuts, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, along with gluten-free cupcakes, cookies and brownies.

THE CRAZY GRINGO TACO WAGON SALSA CO.

3300 Coach Lane Cameron Park, 530-305-3675 thecrazygringotacowagonsalsaco.com A retail establishment for purchasing their famous salsas, as well as their home-made chips, tamales and smokehouse pies.

WINDMILL CREEK OLIVE OIL

8148 Mt. Aukum Road, Somerset 530-620-7211, windmillcreek.biz Their store features their locally-grown olive oil along with other local and regional specialty foods including jams, balsamic vinegar and hot sauces.

NIBBLERS POPCORN

4420 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, 916-235-2400 nibblerspopcorn.com This family-owned and operated popcorn shop features more than 60 artisan-crafted popcorn flavors that are popped in-house daily.

SNOOKS CANDIES & CHOCOLATE FACTORY

731 Sutter Street, Folsom 916-985-0620, snookscandies.com Family-owned and operated by the Snook Family, they’ve been producing gourmet chocolates, honeycomb toffee, candies and their signature butter brittles in their Historic Folsom location for nearly 50 years.

DONNA’S DELIGHTS

916-234-6520, donnashealthytreats.com Based in Granite Bay, this baker specializes in gluten-free, protein-infused muffins and cookies. Available locally at Sunrise Natural Foods, Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market, The STUDIO Martial Arts & Fitness and Climb Society Folsom.

LONG DREAM FARM

4053 Wilson Town Road, Lincoln 916-543-0758, longdreamfarm.com A working farm with a mission of animal health and sustainability, their farm store features items produced on the farm including yogurt, eggs, butter, cheese and ice cream.

SUNSET RIDGE FINE FRUITS

7825 Fox Hill Lane, Newcastle 916-663-9158, gotmandarins.com Open seasonally from November 1 through January 31, the family-owned and operated farm store features their organic locallygrown fruits and specialty made products.

Vaiano Trattoria

TRY THIS: Craving Italian food, and want something light and delicious? Look to Vaiano Trattoria’s Pollo con Spinachi, a flavorful composition of grilled chicken, tomatoes, artichokes and capers in a lemon and white wine reduction over raw spinach. Start with their Insalata di Pere con Gorgonzola Salad. Just the right combination. —LR

7160 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-780-0888, vaianotrattoria.com

Pete's Restaurant & Brewhouse

TRY THIS: Their menu is designed to give you choices, lots of choices: salads, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, fish, steak...and on and on. But the key here is that it’s all very good, served quickly and in a nice pub setting. Try Pete’s Chicken Philly sandwich— chicken and cheesy goodness...so, so good. —TC

6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, 916-988-8812,

petesrestaurantbrewhousefolsom.com

The Independent Restaurant and Bar

The Independent Restaurant and Bar

TRY THIS: Nothing says comfort food like a thick and hearty chop, and The Independent’s Pork Chop is absolutely sublime. Grilled perfectly, with a hint of pink in the center, served in an apple shallot sauce and paired with creamy polenta and al dente vegetables. Have you been missing a good pork chop because they’re always dry and overcooked? The Independent has your back! —LR

629 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7645, independentplacerville.com

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

TRY THIS: Widely known for their sushi, nobody does tempura better than Mikuni, and one of our favorites is their Flaming Shrooms—tempura mushrooms with crab mix, cream cheese and jalapenos, and served with special sauce, onion and shaved bonito flakes. Every Mikuni meal should start with them! —WS

185 Placerville Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-934-5250; 1565 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-7972112, mikunisushi.com

Heyday Café

TRY THIS: I’m always on the hunt for a good salad with a twist. Heyday’s Roasted Butternut Squash salad fits the bill. Baby spinach, goat cheese, red onions, bacon, almonds and brown sugar cider vinaigrette, it’s protein packed and a great salad option. —LR

325 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-9700, heydaycafe.com

Nékter Juice Bar

TRY THIS: Packed with a crazy amount of taste, not to mention nutritious and fresh ingredients, I‘m huge fans of Nékter Juice Bar‘s Açaí Bowls, and our favorite is their Açaí Mango Bowl. This bowl is jammed full with Açaí, banana, pineapple, mango and coconut water blended together, then topped with hempseed granola, coconut flakes, banana and agave nectar. Delicious + nutritious = Love. —WS

900 E. Bidwell Street, Suite A400, Folsom; 1410 E. Roseville Parkway, Suite 110, Roseville, 916-771-0428, nekterjuicebar.com

Strings Café

Strings Café

TRY THIS: Strings‘ menu is full of Italian comfort food favorites like Fried Ravioli, Fettuccine Milano, Calzones and, of course, their Pizza. But, one of my goto entrees is their Strings Combo—it features Lasagna Pastry and Tortellini alla Panna. Come hungry—it comes with Minestrone Soup and their mouthwatering bread. —WS

25035 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-9838815, folsomstrings.com

Hisui Sushi

Hisui Sushi

OUR GO-TO: The Prisoner Roll

with deep-fried shrimp, cucumber, spicy tuna, real crab, avocado, BBQ albacore, masago and tempura flakes TRY THIS: With plenty of unique dishes for everyone, one stands out as a “Must-Try” selection: Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna. Although it’s on the Tapas menu and meant to be shared, the crispy fried rice topped with spicy tuna and avocado will have you rethinking the whole tapas concept. Maybe order two, just in case. —LR

25004 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916985-7778, hisuisushi.com TRY THIS: When I want Mexican, I want authentic. I want homestyle cooking, not fancy-shmancy new age Mexican—try their Fish Tacos (breaded and fried or grilled) and served with whole or refried beans, rice and complimentary chips and salsa. —TC

402 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-673-9085, larosablanca-folsom.com

Which Wich

TRY THIS: Another sandwich shop? Yes, and we are glad! The menu is huge and offers pretty much any mix of items you want with awesome bread choices along with gluten-free and vegan options. I order the straight up Thank You Turkey—it’s Thanksgiving dinner on a roll! —TC

Sunny Garden

TRY THIS: The Singapore Curry Rice Noodles are my go-to item here. Great flavor, perfect spice and noodles done to perfection. Little restaurant with big menu and flavors, and you can’t beat the prices—a Folsom gem! —TC

25085 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-983-8882, folsomsunnygarden.com

Rosati’s

1300 E. Bidwell Street, 916-294-7439, order. whichwich.com/menu/which-wich-folsom

Folsom Tap House

TRY THIS: This is serious happiness in a bowl. Piggy Mac n’ Cheese starts with large elbow macaroni, then loads it with a cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, BBQ pulled pork, Italian sausage and hickory smoked bacon—all topped with bread crumbs and lightly toasted. Trust me, you won’t want to share it with your tablemates, and I don’t blame you. —WS

25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

Relish Burger Bar

Rosati’s

TRY THIS: Growing up in Chicago, you’re pretty much fed deep dish pizza from birth, and Rosati's

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

instantly transports me back to a time when the biggest worry I had was how big I could get my bangs (yeah, can you say BIG ‘80s hair?!). They start with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust, then fill it with Mozzarella cheese, topped with chunky pomodoro tomatoes and customized with your favorite toppings. Tip: it takes time to make this perfect pizza, so be patient. —WS

5140 Foothills Boulevard, Suite 110, Roseville, 916-797-7492, myrosatisroseville.com

Suishin Sushi TRY THIS: I liken Suishin to sushi bars I used to frequent in Osaka, Japan—it has an intimate, friendly feel, but most of all, it has great sushi. I’ve been going for years, and do you know what I see? The same customers coming back, and that says it all. My go-to roll? The STYLE Roll, of course! —TC TRY THIS: In a sea of chain burger joints, there is a privately-owned standout among us: Relish Burger Bar. They stand out for the exceptional, well, everything! Great beef, turkey and vegan burgers, and Kobe beef options. Perfect fries, tots and onion rings. The Relish Kobe Burger customized by adding a fried egg along with caramelized onions and Gouda cheese is my fave. And try the Fried Avocado Wedges—sounds odd, I know, but they’re great. —TC

1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar. com

Papa Gianni’s Ristorante

TRY THIS: So many national chain restaurants completely strike out on one of my Italian favorites: Eggplant Parmesan. Papa Gianni’s gets it done right—breaded eggplant, layered with mozzarella, basil and marinara sauce, served with a side of penne marinara. Another favorite of ours: Pasta alla Vodka—just the right amount of decadence. More reasons to support our local independent restaurants, authentic food cooked right. Thanks Papa Gianni!—LR

3450 Palmer Drive, Cameron Park, 530-672-2333, papagiannis.net

194 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-985-8885, suishin916.com

Bar 101

TRY THIS: Loaded Nachos—while technically a “starter,” this is a meal in itself. Crispy tortilla chips coated in cheesy goodness and loaded with a mountain of toppings including black olives, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapeños, refried beans, green onion, and your choice of shredded chicken, carnitas or ground beef. Another go-to of mine is their Fish & Chips, a quintessential pub favorite, featuring hand-dipped beer battered cod served with their house-made tartar sauce with a side of fries. —WS

Sienna

TRY THIS: Got a mad sweet tooth? Whenever we go to Sienna we cannot pass up their Sienna Doughnut Holes for dessert. They‘re served with a sauce trio including Jack Daniels creme anglaise, silky chocolate sauce and raspberry sauce. Is it wrong to have these as an appetizer? Asking for a friend. —WS

3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-9419694; 1480 Eureka Rd., Roseville, 916- 771-4700, siennarestaurants.com

Lotus 8

TRY THIS: Lotus 8 is a staple for lunch with our Style staff. Great selections, fast friendly service and one of my favorite Hot and Sour soups ever. I am an Orange Chicken connoisseur, and L8’s is one you have to try—it’s lightly-breaded and served with a sauce that’s zesty, not syrupy.—TC

TRY THIS:

Chilaquiles Poblanos is one of my go-to dishes from Mexquite. Crispy corn tortillas (simmered with tomatillo salsa and cheese until they slightly soften) are topped with two over-medium eggs, onions (though I do mine without the onions!), cilantro, queso fresco and a side of refried beans...fills the belly and warms the heart. The only downside is that it’s only available on their breakfast menu.—WS

25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro

TRY THIS:

So many favorites at Bacchus, but my comfort food pick has to be their Risotto.

While it changes seasonally, it is consistently the best around—so creamy and utterly delicious. And don’t forget dessert: their Warm Salted Caramel Bread Pudding is extraordinary. It’s a definite must have. —WS

1004 E Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-9847500, bacchushousebistro.com

Shogun Hibachi Grill & Sushi

TRY THIS: Teppanyaki is always a great time especially with a group of four to eight people. Watch your chef’s knife skills while preparing steak, chicken, or shrimp along with fried rice and vegetables, all while flipping shrimp tails into their chef’s hat and creating the Flaming Onion Volcano right in front of you. And, one of our favorite Shogun sushi rolls is the Folsom Roll, naturally—shrimp tempura and spicy salmon topped with spicy fresh tuna and yellow caviar. —LR

1870 Prairie City Road, Folsom, 916-9859888, shogunatfolsom.com

Lucille's Coffee Hops & Vine

TRY THIS: Lucille’s Egg Salad Sandwich is simply perfection. Lots of chunky egg, not too much mayo and all the right spices. Served with tomato and lettuce on toasted bread, this is a sandwich made in heaven— well, actually Folsom. —TC

25055 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-294-7472, lucillescoffeehopsvine.com

Sacramento Pizza Company

TRY THIS: It’s hard to choose a favorite between Tandoori Chicken Pizza (a globally-inspired pizza with grilled chicken and Tandoori Drizzle among other fresh ingredients) and The SacPizzaCo Pizza (a classic pie with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers). Lucklily, I don’t have to...I can have them both...and you can too! —WS

Folsom Palace

TRY THIS: I love fish prepared with Asian flair, and my choice here is the Canton Style Salt and Pepper Scalloped Sea Bass—prepared perfectly with an array of flavors that make this one of my favorite fish dishes in the region. —TC

1169 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-983-8880; 3941 Park Drive, Suite 10, El Dorado Hills, 916-9360808, folsompalace.com

Bricks Eats & Drinks

TRY THIS: Fried Green Tomatoes:

the perfect union of sweet, sour, savory, crispy, and soft. Coated with a golden panko crust, these come served on grits and topped with tomatillo salsa and creme fraiche. Pair it with The Brickface, a warming swirl of Jack Daniels, amaretto, orange curacao, and Southern Comfort float. Comforting, indeed. —LA

482 Main Street, Placerville, 530-3033480, bricksonmainstreet.com

Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market

TRY THIS: Start with their Beyond Burger—a vegetarian burger served with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion and house dressing on an Acme roll, with fries on the side. And end with their Key Lime Pie—it’s creamy and tart with a crisp graham cracker crust and topped with sweetened cream...I won’t judge you if you don’t want to share. —LR

1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com

Rock-N-Fire

TRY THIS: With wings, salads, burgers, pizzas and fries, there are so many tasty choices at Rock-N-Fire, but their Lil’ Italy pizza is at the top of the list— made with homemade red sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, diced tomatoes, minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil. And you cannot go to Rock-N-Fire without having their Pesto

Fries. —WS

1010 Riley Street, Suite 4, Folsom, 916-673-9474, rocknfirerestaurants.com

Wise Villa Winery

Wise Villa Winery

TRY THIS: I’m a huge fan of their Roasted Beet Salad featuring seasonal beets, cucumber, burrata cheese, frisee and spring mix tossed in sherry vinaigrette, refreshing, delicious and satisfying. Start with their Crispy Brussel Sprouts. You’re welcome. —WS

4200 Wise Road, Lincoln, 916-543-0323, wisevillawinery. com

FIND MORE RESTAURANTS AND EATERIES TO EXPLORE AT STYLEMG.COM

EDITOR’S NOTE: AS WE WENT TO PRESS, SOME OF THESE EATERIES HAVE SPECIAL MENUS DUE TO COVID-19. PLEASE CHECK WITH EACH ESTABLISHMENT AS TO THEIR AVAILABLE MENU OPTIONS.