By: Jake Ferguson and Amanda Frew
The Sacramento food scene is a buzz with new restaurants and we were thrilled to find out that one of the newest eateries to open in town is right in our backyard. Strings Urban Kitchen, also known as SUK, now open at Capitol Towers (O and 7th), is dishing up delicious flavors for both lunch and dinner brought to life by the folks from Strings Italian Kitchen.
We were recently invited to enjoy a delicious 3-course meal that showcased the options available at SUK. We were pleased by the welcoming atmosphere, revamped interior and hospitality we received from the staff and owner Michael Gelber.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a glass of Prosecco (who doesn’t love that) and received a full tour of the tastefully designed décor and offerings, which included an expansive wine selection and display, state of the art soda dispenser and a private dining area that is perfect for an occasion-based dinner or work lunch.
The evening featured a custom menu made up of some of the signature dishes offered at SUK. Here are our thoughts on the various dishes:
Seafood-Based Tomato Bisque: This bisque is creamy with a nice kick of spice and is topped with just the right amount of lump crab to give the dish distinct seafood flair. While served as a starter, this bisque would have no problem holding its own as a main course.
Pasta Sienna: This hearty pasta dish includes chicken and shrimp sautéed in pesto, garlic and red chili pepper, tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, penne pasta and a touch of alfredo and curry. Admittedly, the addition of curry caused some hesitation initially, but we must say that it really makes the dish! The flavors marry together perfectly and we couldn’t get enough of the subtle spice and flavor the curry added.
Cioppino: SUK focuses on freshly sourced seafood, and this dish is a perfect example of the succulent seafood available at the restaurant. The light garlicky broth is beautifully complemented by a plethora of fish, mussels and shrimp with a generous portion of lump crab. The fresh Italian bread was a perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious broth, as we didn’t want any of it to go to waste! This dish is definitely a winner.
Conchiglie Ripiene (stuffed shells): This dish is indulgent, yet perfectly balanced. The creamy cheese stuffing is offset by crispy, salty pepperoni, making each bite interesting and addictive. The creamy tomato vodka sauce brings this dish together with a bit of spice and some acid to round out the dish. We heartily recommend this dish.
In addition to the restaurant and full bar, SUK also features a retail wine shop in which sommelier and partner Michael Chandler can assist in selecting the perfect bottle of vino! SUK promises to provide Downtown Sacramento with an inviting place to “Eat. Drink. Gather.” and we recommend doing just that.
Strings Urban Kitchen
1500 7th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-444-6500
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