SacFoodies

Spoonful of Chutney—Go South!

by SacFoodies

By: Shreya Suresh
Fun fact: Most popular Indian foods in the U.S. are North Indian specialties. Naan, paneer, and chicken tikka masala all originate in the North. South Indian cuisine is vastly different—it’s almost like eating food from a different country. Breads (like naan) are a staple of the North, while South Indians survive primarily on rice and are mercilessly ridiculed for it. South Indian food is also spicier and offers an overall larger variety of vegetarian options.
Now I don’t want you to feel like you did in algebra class—mildly interested but wondering if this would take you somewhere. I want you to experience the actual difference between the two cuisines by going to one of the most amazing South Indian restaurants in the area. Mylapore, a restaurant located in Folsom, offers a large variety of great South Indian food. I recommend you try the Paper Masala Dosa—it’s crisp, served with potato masala and eaten with their fresh chutney. It’s a great introduction to the cuisine, although I may be a little biased in this opinion—I’m kind of a dosa snob.   
While you can enjoy dosa at any time in the day, it’s usually a breakfast or snack food. Think of it as the savory equivalent of pancakes or crepes. And if I scared you off by telling you that South Indian food tends to be spicier, don’t worry—you can always request a milder version.
So here’s wishing you a delicious trip to Folsom!

masala dosa
Photo by Saras

Mylapore
1760 Prairie City Road, #160
Folsom, CA 95630
916-985-3500
www.Mylapore.us

The Cellar in Historic Folsom

by SacFoodies

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There are some restaurants that are just a pleasure, and The Cellar on Sutter Street in Historic Folsom is one such place. I’ve been to The Cellar a number of times, but when I learned of their expanded menu, I couldn’t wait to try it. Executive Chef Joe Cuka has created a little something for everyone with a whole lot of deliciousness going on.

Once we made our wine choices from the extensive wine list, we began sampling a few items from the menu. We started with Ahi Tuna Tartare Tacos and one of their most popular salads, featuring strawberries and spinach, and both were really tasty.

I was unprepared, however, for how Amazing (yes, with a capital “A”) their Three-cheese Mac ‘n Cheese would be. I have no words. It was simply THAT GOOD. And, drumroll please, it was gluten free to boot. Chef Cuka explained how he eliminates the need for a traditional roux base which calls for flour, and instead uses a creamy garlic and onion béchamel as a base for the three-cheese sauce. And I can attest to how flavorful this makes the dish.

For dessert, I sampled (okay, inhaled) the double fudge brownie with caramel, whipped cream and strawberries, which is also amazingly, inexplicably, deliciously gluten free. I freely admit that the chocolate-obsessed me that I keep under wraps was in foodie Nirvana.
The menu features a wide range of items from Bruschetta to Chorizo Grilled Cheese to Pulled-Pork Sliders, from Flatbread Pizzas to the traditional Cheese Platters, and in addition to the decadent Double Fudge Brownie, they also offer a Berry Cobbler.

The menu prices are so reasonable, with most items ranging between $6 – $12. They also expect to receive their full bar license soon and plan to offer craft cocktails.
I encourage you to check out The Cellar. You may see me there enjoying another bowl of Mac ‘N Cheese – but don’t expect me to share!
Tell us about your favorite menu items.
The Cellar Wine Bar
727 Sutter Street #B
Historic Folsom District
Folsom, California 95630
916.293.9332
For more information, visit:
www.TheCellarWineBar.com 
The Cellar Wine Bar’s Facebook page

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Historic Holiday Fun On Folsom’s Sutter Street

by SacFoodies

Guest post by Maria Kniestedt

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned holiday tradition that has a little something for both big and little kids alike, head to Historic Sutter Street in Folsom tomorrow, December 7 from 6-9 p.m. for the annual Christmas tree lighting.
This year’s event will include free train rides and photo opps with Santa (bring your camera!). In addition to singing from local groups and an ice rink just waiting for you to glide across, Snooks Chocolate Factory will host a hot cocoa booth where you can purchase a steaming cup of holiday tradition. Or head down to their store—only one block from the festivities—and experience a mug of traditional hot chocolate, made from steamed milk and gourmet chocolate.
And, since you’re there, why not make a night of it? Enjoy dinner at any one of the fabulous restaurants along Sutter Street, such as Sutter Street Steakhouse, Chicago Fire, Samuel Horne’s Tavern, or two new restaurants – Hampton’s on Sutter and the Fat Rabbit Public House.
Celebrate the holidays with food, family and some good old-fashioned fun!