SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's no secret that Sacramentans appreciate food, and Michelin has noticed. Frank Fat's, Mother and Canon earned a place in the Michelin guide's Bib Gourmand category, a list that highlights exceptional food at a moderate price.
The Sacramento restaurants are on the list alongside 151 California restaurants from Wine Country to San Diego.
Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
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“Our inspectors were very impressed by the diversity of cuisine and culinary trends that they have seen across the Bib Gourmand selection in California," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. "It’s great to see that many of these restaurants take advantage of the fantastic local produce available throughout the state."
This is the first year that Michelin inspectors have visited restaurants in the Farm-to-Fork Capitol. Earlier this year, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Visit California tourism board paid Michelin around $600,000 to expand coverage from beyond the Bay Area to areas like Sacramento, San Diego and Santa Barbara.
BIB GOURMAND SACRAMENTO:
FRANK FAT'S - 806 L Street
"Frank Fat's is a longtime Chinese-American staple in Sacramento that has been passed down throughout generations," Michelin writes. "The food sings with flavor, and the space is filled with charm."
The "family tradition since 1939" has long been a staple in downtown Sacramento and boasts on its website that it is the oldest Sacramento restaurant to be owned by one family. The family also owns several restaurants in Roseville, Folsom and Old Sacramento.
In 2013, Frank Fat's received the James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award for serving "quality food that reflects the character of its community."
Below: Peking Duck served with steamed buns and Hoisin sauce.
MOTHER - 1023 K Street
Mother's vegetarian fare is self-described as "tasty, casual and meatless by happenstance," a sentiment that Michelin agrees with, calling menu items creative and expertly conceived and "incredibly craveable."
You'll find this writer somewhere near the Sweet Potato and Apple Latkes and the Chicken Fried Mushrooms.
Below: Arancini- risotto with butternut squash, sage, mozzarella, parmigiano, orange zest and whipped marinara.
CANON - 1719 34th Street
"Grab a seat and stay awhile," the restaurant whispers on its website, telling readers that they'll find a seasonal menu in a welcoming space.
"Canon in Sacramento delights crowds with the chef’s menu of fun and shareable contemporary plates," Michelin writes.
Combing through their Instagram was the best part of the day.
Below: Succotash w/ Grilled Squash, Blistered Peppers, Baby Corn, Cranberry Beans, Huitlacoche
BIB GOURMAND NEARBY:
- Backyard - Forestville, Ca.
- Glen Ellen Star - Glen Ellen, Ca.
- Comal - Berkeley, Ca.
- Soba Ichi - Oakland, Ca.
- Farmhouse Kitchen Thai - San Francisco
- Gran Electrica - Napa, Ca.
The complete selection in the 2019 Michelin Guide California, including the Michelin stars, will be unveiled on Monday, June 3. For the full list of Michelin's Bib Gourmand restaurants in California, click here.