Southern Fried Tofu, Potato Salad and Macaroni and “Cheese” from Souley Vegan Vegan Soul Food in Oakland, CA.
Archives for June 2010
Jim-Denny’s, Sacramento
Growing up in a house of seven, a leisurely weekend breakfast was always something to look forward to after a hectic week. Whether we fought over the last bite of the latest scrambled egg concoction whipped up on the fly, or we ventured out to a new grungy diner-style breakfast spot, our weekend breakfasts always promised to leave us with a craving for the next week’s endeavor.
So, when my mom paid a visit to Sacramento last weekend, I had one assignment: find the perfect breakfast spot. Luckily, a fellow Sac Foodie had recently told me about a place she described as a Sacramento landmark, with huge servings and, more often than not, a line out the door. Those words were all I needed to hear to decide we were going to Jim-Denny’s.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, pulling up to Jim-Denny’s will have you wondering if this place is a drive-thru, walk-up or just plain closed for business. As soon as you swing that front door open, though, you will know you’re at the right place.
The entire restaurant is slightly larger than a walk-in closet with a counter seating about 10 and two small tables-for-two squeezed in along the wall. The kitchen and staff are front and center behind the counter for all to observe. The staff is very friendly and attentive to diners while providing a fun atmosphere with their family-style chastising for a myriad of kitchen transgressions.
Atmosphere aside, Jim-Denny’s could probably be your traditional diner. What makes it particularly special is the famous grill in the corner window, seasoned to perfection with about 70 years worth of burgers, omelets, pancakes and more, adding a uniqueness to everything cooked on it that no other restaurant can match.
Jim-Denny’s is known for its tasty burgers and hubcap-sized pancakes – yes, you read that correctly — they’re huge! After much contemplation and witnessing a couple pancake-conquering failures by our fellow diners, we (Mom & I) opted to try out the hearty omelets while enjoying the delicious smell of those pancakes sitting nearby.
Rest assured, our omelets did not disappoint. They were amply stuffed with sausage, cheese and veggies and totally covered the plate. First thought that comes to mind when you see one of these omelets is “How am I going to finish all of this?!” They’re so good that you’ll find a way, not wanting to leave a morsel on your plate. Hey, this is a casual place…you might even consider licking your plate!
I’m not sure if it was the atmosphere, my breakfast or the pancakes, burgers and other menu items that are now taunting my appetite, but Jim-Denny’s definitely left me planning for my next visit.
Jim-Denny’s
816 12th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-9645
And the winner is…
Congratulations to Heidi Holley Pope, the winner of the pair of tickets to the Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts Food and Wine Luau on June 26!
The event will take place at the Sacramento Zoo from 5:30 to 8:30 and will feature tastings from numerous wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, click here.
Wordless Wednesday: Wood Tavern Restaurant, Oakland
Spring pea and prosciutto bruschetta with sweet honey drizzle from Wood Tavern Restaurant in Oakland.
Giveaway: Two Tickets to the Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts!
Mark your calendars – June 26th is the Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts Food and Wine Luau. On Saturday the women of “Good Day Sacramento” will host the event to raise money for the zoo.
Event attendees will have the opportunity to sample beers, wines and spirits from more than 20 wineries, breweries and distilleries, and delight in food from 30 local restaurants and bakeries. A silent auction will also be held to further support the zoo, with prizes including:
- Several large, 3-liter bottles of wine
- An original painting by Sacramento Zoo resident, Josie the chimpanzee
- A private tour for 12 of the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg and wine tasting at Carvalho Family Winery
The zoo will be open during the event and attendees will be able to walk around and see the animals. While you’re taking a stroll, enjoy the live ukulele music and hula dancers that will be providing entertainment around the zoo grounds.
What better way to ring in the summer than with wine, food, and zoo animals? To be a part of this special event, you can purchase tickets here for $50. OR you can enter for a chance to win tickets right here on SacFoodies! To enter, simply visit the event website and then leave a comment here or on our Facebook page telling us which wine or food vendor you’d be most excited to try. On Tuesday, we will pick one lucky winner who will receive a pair of tickets to King of Feasts!
Please note, this is event is for those 21 and over.