Each year the Downtown Sacramento Partnership produces “Dine Downtown Restaurant Week.” For 10 days only, local chefs at 30 restaurants create special three-course dinner menus for only $30 per person. The Partnership contacted the SacFoodies and asked if we would like to review a preview at a participating restaurant. Of course we all jumped at the idea of this generous opportunity but lucky for me I was chosen. I did not have a restaurant preference so the Partnership selected the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento and made reservations for me and my husband.
Although I’ve lived in Sacramento for 11 years, I’ve never been to the Firehouse Restaurant. Not for any particular reason other than I just had not made my way over to that part of town. So, needless to say, I had no expectations or opinion, other than my husband’s faint memory of a company party some five years ago.
Upon arrival I was moved to the sublime by the historical beauty and exquisite décor. With the high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and walls lined with rich mahogany, I could just picture Artie Samish in the corner smoking a cigar with Governor Merriam discussing slush funds. We were promptly seated in a back corner booth with a view of the entire restaurant, in my opinion; it was the best seat in the house.
The Dine Downtown menu provided us with a choice between soup or salad, four entrées and two desserts. I chose the mixed green salad, chicken forestiére and chocolate cheescake while my husband enjoyed the lobster bisque, pork tenderloin and lemon bar.
What they don’t mention on the menu are the special accoutrements provided in between courses. The amuse bouche, French for a tiny bite-sized morsel traditionally served before the first course of a meal, consisted of delicately prepared carrots and beets, topped with caviar, curly parsley and crystallized lemon peel, accompanied by crème fraiche. The intermezzo, Italian for a composition which fits between other musical or dramatic entities, but in this case a meal; was a lemon cucumber sorbet. The flavor brought me right back to a soothing, calm place such as a day spa when cucumber water is provided after a luxurious massage. A perfect treat to enjoy before my main course.*I could go on and on about every taste, sensation, enjoyment and pleasure but I want to save that experience for you. Just know the attention to detail in each course was faultless. The service was beyond expectations. The passion that went into creating and preparing the menu was entirely evident in the execution of every course. Not one stone went unturned. Words cannot describe their success so please, use your imagination and enjoy the photos above and wish the Internet could fulfill your senses of taste and smell.
A very special thank you to the Executive Chef, Deneb Williams; Pastry Chef, Jill Berger; our server John and Megan at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Dine Downtown Restaurant Week begins January 7 and runs through January 16. Please visit www.downtownsac.org for a list of participating restaurants and menus. You can also check out our review of The Firehouse Restaurant’s lunch menu here.
SacFoodies was provided two complimentary meals and was not compensated for this review.
*Please note the Amuse Bouche and Intermezzo are subject to change.
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Draper says
Fantastic experience. The Firehouse really has it figured out; pleasant atmosphere, great food and especially friendly and professional staff.
Vinenzo Guccjione says
As the Executive Chef for Torme’s Jazz Bar & Restaurant in Palm Springs Ca. I can singularly appreciate what Ms. Dayton so aptly described as Food with a Passion.
My only regret is that I only get to Sacramento a few times a year. Kudos to the Firehouse, their Chef & Staff for keeping the “Passion” alive. And to Ms. Dayton who obviousley know’s her “Food” A real “Foodie” you mihgt say.
Respectfully…..Vincenzo guccione