Walking up to The Porch people are visually enveloped with a crisp white exterior. Upon entering one will be met with warm shades of brown and cream. The more subdued tones of grey and black provide a strong juxtaposition. The focus of The Porch for Dine Downtown is Southern fare. “We offer a specially prepared menu for Dine Downtown,” co-owner Jerry Mitchell said. “The fare we offer here is from Charleston, S.C., injected with California. I just felt it was right for here.” Hungry patrons start off with the Porch salad, a light buttermilk bleu cheese dressing over roasted beets, apples, pecans and mixed greens. In the second course, enjoy buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp and grits or

The holiday’s are over — now what? How about starting January off right by sampling the best of Sacramento’s dining scene? Starting today, hungry foodies and food nerds can dine in some of downtown’s favorite hot spots, including the newly opened The Porch Restaurant and Bar, during the annual Dine Downtown Restaurant Week. Nearly 30 restaurants will offer $30 three-course meals throughout the grid during the next 10 days. “Dine Downtown gives patrons a chance to relax and treat themselves to a leisurely and delicious three-course meal, at a price that doesn’t break the bank,” said Megan Emmerling, Downtown Sacramento Partnership marketing manager. “Capitol Garage is known for brunch a

Dine Downtown is back with stomachs and wallets rejoicing. Restaurants across the grid opened their doors, welcoming patrons with tantalizing three- or four-course dinners for $30. I decided to eat at Biba Tuesday night for the first time. As a lifelong resident of Sacramento, the aura of Biba is undeniable. From her now classic cooking show, Biba's Italian Kitchen, multiple cookbooks and award-winning cuisine, Biba Caggiano is a powerhouse in Northern Italian cuisine. With so much hype resting on the meal, I'm happy to report it didn't disappoint my high expectations. The antipasto offered a choice of Polpette di Granchio e Cappe Sante (crab and prawn cake) or Barbabietole Arrosto (beet

The fifth annual Dine Downtown week is back January 8 through January 17 with 35-featured restaurants. Dine Downtown is the perfect opportunity to sample the best Downtown restaurants like The Firehouse, Biba Restaurant, Bistro 33, and Ella Dining Room & Bar on a budget. How it works: Each Dine Downtown restaurant will offer a prix-fixe three-course dinner menu for $30 per person that typically includes your choice of an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. All you have to do is ask for the Dine Downtown menu once you’re seated. Restaurants like Morgan’s at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and The Pilothouse Restaurant also offer special wine pairings to complement each dish. Plan ahead: Take a

Sacramento’s original restaurant week is back January 8 through January 17! Dine Downtown is returning with 36 of Sacramento’s top restaurants offering special three-course prixe-fixed dinner menus for only $30 per person. “Dine Downtown gives you the opportunity to experience Sacramento’s finest restaurants on a budget,” said DSP Director of Marketing and Outreach Lisa Martinez, “This year Dine Downtown has been extended from 7 to 10 days, giving diners an extra 3 days to sample the best restaurants on the grid.” Participating restaurants include 3 Fires Lounge & Restaurant at The Marriott, 4th Street Grille, 58 Degrees and Holding Co., Biba Restaurant, Bistro 33, Brew It Up!, The Broil