As we all know, most foodies are equal opportunity diners. Frequenting both the dive ins, and the drive throughs as well as the finest of dining establishments. Nothing is out of bounds for the true foodie. Running the gamut from food truck to fu-fu shi shi (yes that is a real word in my world) can be a bit of a culinary obstacle course; but it's doable. While there is a deep love for supporting local business in North Highlands, Foothill Farms, Antelope and Elverta -- like anything else be it a gas station or the Galleria, we do drive through other neighborhoods on a regular basis. That my friend, is the glory of living in Sacramento. There is a great big world out there, and you can still support local business while staying within county lines.I urge you … I implore you … get out of your box and try something classy and convenient. The answer: a true cafe experience from Chef Randall Selland and his family of restaurants. If you've heard of Ella in downtown, or the exclusive Kitchen restaurant and don't ever spend THAT much on dining out but would love a taste from the same family and part of their 20 year tradition in this area - try Selland's Market-Cafe in East Sacramento. This beautiful, bustling cafe has been in business for about 10 years. This is the kind of cafe poets write about in love novels. It's the sort of place that might appear in Sunset magazine or a movie set. It's just ... PERFECT. The open dining room is surrounded by windows that let in all the sunshine. The counter is filled with homemade entrees, and the full service bakery features enough cookies and cakes to make you think you've dropped into Candyland. A busy staff is baking and mixing and cooking and layering and frosting. It's something as entertaining (we would imagine) as watching elves work at the North Pole.
The Selland's have always used fresh, local ingredients. From the bright hues of roasted veggies to the stacks of snickerdoodles, you'll wind up at the checkout register where various specialty items like 7 inch tall chocolate filled candy canes await. Then off to the side, a lovely pitcher of ice water filled with orange and lime slices. It's like traveling to Europe and back in an afternoon. Quality oozes from this place from the food to the three servers who asked us how we were doing while we noshed.Sunday Brunch features a basil breakfast sandwich, breakfast pizza topped with eggs, prosciutto and hollandaise and classic items like quiche. The Winter Cafe Menu has a full list of hearty, familiar options like beef brisket, potatoes au gratin and macaroni & cheese.
We sat next to a gentleman traveling between Placerville and San Francisco. As we chatted, he shared that whenever he has to make that drive, a stop at Selland's is a must, which is saying a lot considering all of the restaurant options in SF! But he won't have to wait for a road trip too much longer. The Selland’s group is expanding their business and opening a second cafe in El Dorado Hills at the Town Center this month. (January 2012 is a great time to resolve your epicurious dreams.)
They offer a weekly $25 for two dinner; but do try lunch. For this visit we had a meal for two: an order of the colorful red and yellow beet salad, crab cakes and pumkin bisque, roast chicken breast with a green salad and Pellegrino. Total bill: 33.50. The experience: Priceless!
5340 H Street Sacramento, CA
www.sellands.com/