Original P day and Fine Dining

Sunday Sept 12th apparently was the original "Proposal Day." Kelvin popped the question early, but we still had special plans on Sunday night which he had made well in advance!

He took me to The Kitchen, which is a fabulous restaurant that prides itself on being the best "dining experience" in Sacramento. The restaurant seats guests by reservation only, and doesn't even have a sign out front (this is to prevent passers-by from knocking on the door!). It was, by far, the fanciest and best meal I have ever had. Basically, the chef and his associates create this "dining experience" (advertised as like acts of a play) for about 50 guests per night (the capacity of the restaurant), which lasts about 4 hours. They create and, in detailed fashion, describe a multi-course meal of delicacies which are unique, largely local, and delicious. They allow you to ask for for seconds, thirds, or beyond, of any of the courses, to wander around the restaurant as you please, and to stay as late as you want. Needless to say (without going back for seconds), I was entirely full and satisfied at the end and may not ever need to eat again. The service and personal touch was outstanding-- the head chef even chased us out the door at the end to tell us how happy we joined him that night and to congratulate us. Below is the scrumptious menu we were served, which changes monthly.

- September 2010 Dinner Menu -

Presented by Chefs Nancy Zimmer, Randall Selland and Chef de Cuisine Noah Zonca
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‘Soup and Sandwich’ of Heirloom Tomato and Maine Lobster with Homemade Bacon, Swiss Gruyère
and Cherry Tomato Salsa
~~~
Slow Braised Elk Grove Rabbit with Thyme Infused Pasta, Olives, Ricotta and Young Parmesan
~~~
Sushi ~ Sashimi ~ Crudo
~~~
Butter Basted Grilled Wild Salmon and Rock Shrimp Hush Puppies with Last of the Summer Squash, Almonds, Butter and Burrata Cream
~~~
Beef Tenderloin Cooked ‘Backwards’ with Saskatchewan Chanterelle Mushrooms,
Red Wine and Arugula
~~~
Vanilla and Chocolate Crème Brûlée and Phyllo Napoleon Blackberries, Cookies and Sorbet

I couldn't even begin to choose a favorite of mine out of all of the courses-- they were all really THAT good!

Some photos:

In the lovely courtyard

The cookbooks in the kitchen of "The Kitchen"

The setup at the counter

The wine cellar

We probably can't really afford to go back to the Kitchen very often (or, well, ever), but it was absolutely and definitely worth it for the special occasion! If you live in Sac, you have to go sometime!