Last week, I was lucky enough to celebrate a special occasion with dinner out at Grange, the new restaurant adjacent to the trendy Citizen Hotel. I’d heard a lot about it, including the chef’s affinity for local ingredients, so I was eager to see what Grange had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised on arrival – it was a Thursday night and the restaurant and bar were lively and packed with diners. The restaurant has a warehouse-feel with huge windows facing out onto 10th Street that give the space a very open feeling.
We decided to start by sharing a bowl of Alfredo’s Spicy Tortilla Soup. The soup was creamy with just the right amount of spice and topped with a lime crème and cilantro. It was the perfect lead-in to our meal and paired well with the Oregon Pinot Noir we were sipping on.
For my entrée I decided on the Black Pepper & Lemon Gnocchi with morel crème sauce, pancetta, peas and porcini oil – after reading the description, how could I resist? The gnocchi were melt in your mouth good and I had no trouble cleaning the plate and using the French bread on the table to sop up the extra sauce – yum! However, if you’re not in the mood for pasta or risotto as your entrée, a great option that Grange offers is a half-size portion that can be ordered for an appetizer.
My dining companion had the Grilled Free Range Chicken with soft polenta, braised local greens and salsa verde. I had a bite (or two) and I don’t know if I’ve ever had chicken so juicy – it was truly delicious.
Great food, ambiance and service make Grange a spot that I definitely plan to return to – I’ve already got my eye on the Tuna Tartare and Fritto Misto appetizers for next time. Grange also offers daily three course featured meals for two for $45 which include a set entrée, soup and salad. You really can’t go wrong with the seasonal and fresh ingredients that Grange is known for – if you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think!
Grange Restaurant & Bar
926 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 492-4450