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STORYLINE Vietnamese restaurant is Midtown Sacramento meal deal -- for lunch or dinner
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Enjoy the Great Food at Sarus Before the Restaurant is Gone
by Barbara Steinberg, published on July 26, 2009 at 3:22 PM
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Get to Sarus Restaurant on 21st Street Before It's Gone!
Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©
I had eaten at Sarus a couple of times; most recently since returning to work in the Central City. Sarus is across the street from my bank and just a few blocks from my office. I remember taking home a large portion of my yummy lunch which was more than I could eat. Earlier this week, I noted a sign in the window promoting their newest menu item: Banh Mi - a wonderful Vietnamese Sandwich -- when done right, it's the simple nature of a good Bahn Mi that makes it so special.
So, when I had the occasion to wander over to do some banking, I crossed at the corner of 21st & Capitol and walked into Sarus Restaurant for Banh Mi to go. I went for the grilled chicken. Back at my office, I carefully unwrapped my precious package - the sandwich rolled up in sandwich paper and secured with a rubber band seemed so homey. None of that plastic wrap, thank you very much.
I quietly and contentedly munched on this Vietnamese delight. Slices of marinated chicken, cilantro (which I love), pickled carrot and daikon salad, and sliced jalapeño...wish there had been more! And the bread -- clearly an important ingredient -- was wonderfully fresh and chewy from a Vietnamese bakery, Houng Lan, in South Sacramento. And the deal....$3.49, which includes a fortune cookie.
The next day I learned that Sarus will be closing; probably by the end of August. So I decided to rush over for the details and (selfishly) another Banh Mi. I opted for the same grilled chicken. My husband chose the lunch special -- another meal deal -- sesame chicken, steamed rice, egg roll, bowl of hour & sour soup, and a fortune cookie...drum roll...all for $4.99. No, I am not kidding. And it was all delicious. I had a few bites of this and that along with my Banh Mi; I hate being left out of a great meal.
The menu at Sarus Restaurant is extensive and it's all good. Steaming bowls of pho, curry, vegetarian delights and an interesting list of shakes including one made from fresh avocado. The owner, Dawn, said she loves to provide good food that's also healthy. The avocado shake is made with milk and ice (no cream added onto that ice) which creates a creamy and refreshing smoothy affair. The taste is very subtle but really great on a hot summer's day. Be sure to check-out the fried banana with tapioca. And monitor your blood sugar along the way.
Unfortunately, some health issues have forced Dawn to sell the restaurant. The business was her lifelong dream and truly a labor of love. New owners will be taking over but it's unclear as to what style of cuisine will be served.
So in the meantime, run -- don't walk -- to enjoy the food, flavors, and love that is Sarus Restaurant. They are closed on Sunday. BTW - my fortune from yesterdays' lunch said, "You will travel to many exotic places in your lifetime." That's a pretty good guess if you know anything about me.
1315 - 21st St
Sacramento, CA 95811-4210
916/448-8833
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I urge all readers to eat soon and as often as they can in August before closing. I plan to do so. Thanks for your article Barbara.
i can't comment on the banh mi, though, because i've never had it.
A general statement like that reminds me of folks who like commercially prepared Mexican food (Taco Bell, Jimboy's , Baja Fresh, etc) but say they can't stand Mexican home cooking.
I ate spring rolls: ordered veggie but got pork. Then i had a vermicelli dish that was dry and cold with pallid "lemongrass" chicken. Ho hum.
Good Vietnamese? How 'bout Pho Bac or Pho Saigon? Or is that too Baja Fresh for you? ...
No. 2, I know they don't get their eats from the farmers' market at Sarus; I've seen the minivan pull up and unload the goods from Costco. Pound the pavement, do the legwork, let me know, aight?
Maybe we can split hairs over some Jimboys, OK bro? Seriously ... don't you have a ABC license to protest :)
Incidentally, IF you saw a Costco delivery, it does sell and deliver more than vegetables, like rice noodles,and vermicelli which restaurants need in volume. Anyway I know she buys most of her vegetables from the farmer's markets. As to the vermicelli, there is cold and warm and mine was moist. I've ordered spring rolls several times and none had pork. Maybe you ordered the wrong thing and are blaming her.
I am sorry FFT that your experience has been less than favorable. Come out from behind your intials moniker