When it comes to kids and dining out, most of us assume it’s simply not worth the hassle to visit an upscale restaurant. It’s far easier, we reckon, to grab the bibs and crayon box and head out to a family-friendly (often chain) restaurant, where the kids are welcome and the food is, er, acceptable. But we’re here to tell you that you can combine kids and great food—there are a number of very nice restaurants in the Sacramento region who will greet your children with a warm smile (and their very own menu) and still serve up a dinner that will make mom and dad feel like they’re on a very special (and extra-rambunctious) date.
Malabar One of the finest (and prettiest) restaurants in Natomas, Malabar features an arresting, bold interior, with a bustling open kitchen and a large black stairway dominating the dimly lit, busy space. At night, tiny, delicate apricot-colored lamps with mottled brown spots glow through the darkness, looking like upside-down exotic flowers. And while it might be best known for its lively bar scene and business power lunches, Malabar has not forgotten its littlest customers. The kids’ menu—all items are $4.95 and include a beverage—offers up entrées such as the ziti pasta with red sauce, pepperoni pizza, a corn dog and a cheeseburger. Parents, try the fried calamari, served with a ginger-chili sauce, and the enormous, very tasty Cobb salad. 2960 Del Paso Road, Sacramento, (916) 574-9074; www.malabaramericancooking.com
Paul Martin’s American Bistro Loud and boisterous, Paul Martin’s is an ideal upscale restaurant for kids. The staff is friendly and young, the kids’ menu is appealing (all items are $6.95) and includes some pretty delicious macaroni and cheese and mini-hamburgers, and the restaurant tends to be noisy enough that your children’s whines, shrieks and giggles won’t be heard by other patrons. The restaurant’s credo—"Eat organic. Believe in sustainable. Buy local. Love fresh.”—is an enticing one for parents interested in healthy dining, and the menu offers up a number of delicious options. Recommended (big people) items include the plump, moist wine-steamed Manila clams, embellished with a generous sprinkling of chili flakes, and the fabulous BLT sandwich. 1455 Eureka Road, Roseville, (916) 783-3600; www.paulmartinsamericanbistro.com
Riverside Clubhouse A Land Park neighborhood favorite, Riverside Clubhouse embraces its young customers. This busily patronized restaurant offers up both a fun kids’ menu and a visual feast for their curious little minds. Lead them over to the magical fireplace in the lounge area, where yellow flames leap cunningly out of a pile of blue crystals. In the patio area, there’s another tri-level fireplace, filled with quirky sculptures, and a wall-length waterfall that is fascinating to watch (and touch). All kids’ meals are $5.95 (popular choices are the chicken tenders, grilled cheese sandwich and mini corndogs) and include a beverage and greasy, cute “smiley fries.” But the best part, moms and dads, is that the kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday evenings! Since you’re saving a couple of bucks, splurge on the kitchen’s ultra-rich lobster ravioli, glistening with yummy scampi butter cream. 2633 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 448-9988; www.riversideclubhouse.com Mikuni Midtown Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar Kids will be easily entertained at Mikuni, where staff members jovially shout out Japanese greetings to new customers and the sushi bar is stacked with intriguing-looking ingredients. Sushi chefs flourish shiny knives, assemble cool, artsy-looking rolls and deftly manhandle chunks of fish while chatting animatedly with customers, and will even hand out samples of jewel-like fish eggs to intrepid young diners. The restaurant has a great kids’ menu, featuring items like the “Red Plate” (shrimp tempura, chicken teriyaki, gyoza and rice) and a tasty bowl of udon (thick flour noodles and tofu in broth)—definitely no cheeseburgers here. But kids will be pleased with their chewy, rice paper-wrapped Japanese candy (comes with the $6.50 meal), which harbors a tiny toy in every box. 1530 J St., Sacramento, (916) 447-2112 * Other Mikuni locations also offer a kids’ menu. Visit Mikuni’s corporate website (www.mikunisushi.com) for more information
La Provence Restaurant & Terrace Who could resist La Provence’s stunning, romantic setting? Surrounded by gnarled, ancient oak trees and terra cotta pots erupting with lovely, colorful flowers, this country French-style restaurant—although elegant and rather pricey—has a soft spot for kids. They have their own menu (items are $3 to $4, and include a beverage and an ice cream sundae) which features a briskly selling grilled cheese sandwich, crispy chicken strips and a corn dog. Parents shouldn’t miss the luscious, creamy salade césar with its irresistible, crunchy housemade croutons, or the ever-popular onglet sauce échalotes, juicy slabs of heavily marinated, grilled hangar steak drizzled with an intense shallot and red wine reduction. If the kids get antsy, take ’em outside to run amongst those beautiful trees. 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville; (916) 789-2002; www.laprovenceroseville.com
» Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration At Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, The Sacramento Ballet’s artistic director was honored with a performance and party at the Sacramento Theatre Company.
» Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
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