The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for November, 2011
Decades of Dinky Dining Deliciousness
Jim Denny's Outdoor Patio
What the best thing about Jim Denny’s is can surely be debated. Could be the food, could be how hard you have to work to get the food. Could be the nostalgia, could be all the Food Network attention it gets. Could be watching the gals behind the counter operate like a (fairly) well-oiled machine, could be sitting outside on a warm, lazy morning. Could be the charming retro vibe, could be that the small but mighty structure stands out like a sore thumb amongst a set of otherwise-numb fingers.
Sad to say it was my first visit to Jim Denny’s in Downtown Sacramento, especially since I was born and raised here. What excuse do I have other than being a creature of habit and allowing most of my younger-year decisions to be made by others?! Anyway, what matters now is that I’m a bit more “in the know” when it comes to this long-held tradition and establishment.
Saturday morning, 10:40am, November 19
We were able to find a seat right away because a couple of barstools opened up right as we walked in, and we got to watch the cook juggle Hubcap pancakes and monster omelets right in front of us. But then we had to wait nearly an hour to actually eat anything. In hindsight I think it’s good to know this kind of thing ahead of time, so you don’t bite someone’s head off if you happen to stumble in starved from the get-go.
We got the Works Omelet, which they recommend sharing. Loaded with meat, cheese and veggies, and served with toast and potatoes on the side, it was a nice hearty meal. We both agreed, however, that my husband could have eaten it all himself (if I’d be willing to roll him home, that is). And the $11.50 price tag seemed a little high, but we’re probably paying for TV-worthy food at this point. Still, steaming and delicious, it hit the spot and then some.
Founded in 1934, Jim Denny’s certainly has a certain charm, and I had the urge to back up the truck, hook it up and take her away with us. Overall, the staff was friendly but not sweet-as-pie. Curiously, I’d say at least half of the diners were out-of-towners. The place is mostly counter seats because the back part of the “building” (if you can call it that) is for food prep, dish washing and what-not. There’s more to the story of course – check out their website and reviews on Yelp - just don’t believe everything you read. The website says they’re closed Saturday and Sunday. (I found this to be half true).
816 12th Street (between H & I), 916-443-9651
[P.S. If you do eat the whole thing yourself, there are plenty of hotels nearby to fit any budget. Check out the hotel finder on www.DiscoverGold.org]
Authentic Sacramento
Sacramento’s (Fall) Splendor
What makes Sacramento authentic? What makes it unique? People who live here often forget about its rich history, and that’s probably a pretty typical learned reaction to one’s environment. Like waking up to a gorgeous view every morning… The “novelty” will inevitably wear off a bit, the sheen dull a little in the repetition of the beauty. It’s just human nature, they say, although many of us do try not to fall so hard into these ruts.
I write about the greater Sacramento area all the time, and even I forget about some of her substance, significance, glory, gorgeousness, character and charm. So I’m going to be starting a new series on ‘Authentic Sacramento.’ Because every place we inhabit becomes a part of us, and it’s up to us to pause and take notice.
If you have any personal thoughts on what makes Sacramento authentic, please leave a comment here.
Have a great day!
~Melanie
Serendipitous Saturdays
Digging for nectar at Miner’s Leap!
So like many things in life, we found it by accident. On the way to Bogle we passed a very appealing-looking winery with signs that read: “Wine Tasting”, “Today” and “Open”. That’s all it took for us to turn the car around and make a detour from our original plans. Although we did manage to make it to Bogle before they closed, our first experience at Miner’s Leap was an all around pleasant – dare I even say inspiring – one.
From Mandy’s energy and friendliness to lazy rescue dog Lilly, from luscious red wines to well-stocked beer refrigerator, and from scenic grounds to getting to know Stefani, in total it was more than we bargained for… but in a ‘more is more (and better)’ kind of way.
Sipping wines just outside the 111-year-old barn with views of Yolo County’s agricultural landscape, Tom and I enjoyed hearing about Mandy’s adventurous life-shift from Cabo San Lucas to Clarksburg. A bit later lounging on the well-manicured patio overlooking the event grounds, we sipped a cool brew in the warm autumn sun and contemplated risk and worth in life.
Only getting tidbits of the colorful stories – the winery owners, their staff and animals included – their immense zest for life shows in their presence, their openness, and their wines alike. Making the very best of what they have to work with and being willing to risk it all, if necessary, in order to live to the fullest… Well, it’s not an easy way to go about it day to day, but it’s certainly a courageous and admirable one. And if a Miner’s Leap is one of faith – equipped with some preparedness and a love for both the experience and effect – I think that’s a mighty fine way to find and define success.
Miner’s Leap Winery
54250 S. River Rd., Clarksburg
916.641.7944, www.MinersLeap.com
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which she was built, the rivers that flow through her, the bounty around her and the people who make it their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town after a cleansing rain.
There’s truly something for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and nighttime adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
