Vinh Phat Market

This is one of the better known Asian Markets in Sacramento. This store has a produce section, butcher, and a large variety of imported foods from Asia. My mom prefers to purchase fish and meat from this market in contast to other Asian markets.

They have expanded their parking lot, so it's quite easy to find a spot lately. Everyone in the store seems to be in a rush, but it's alright if you're not. Familiarize yourself with the place because it has a lot to offer.

They also sell Chinaware. Be aware of the cashiers. They don't use scanners, so they often count things twice if they're interrupted.

PROS: great variety of imported goods
CONS: cashiers, fast pace shopping

Lam Auto Repair

My car has been running smoothly ever since I brought my car to Lam's Auto Repair. During the summer, my car was constantly on the verge of overheating. I first brough my car to a big name auto repair company, but I had a feeling that they were trying to cheat me because they pointed to many different sources of problems, some of which I though were completely irrelevant. Feeling discriminated and unable to pay for their high estimation, I continued to drive my car without repair.

One day while I was driving to work, my car overheated and the closest place was Lam's Auto Repair. I was desperate and asked them to check fix whatever was absolutely necessary. Lam, the owner, pointed out to only one source of the problem, and that was my radiator. Luckily, my car was a common Honda Accord and he had a radiator ready.

I appreciated how he was very fair with the labor and parts price and admire his truthfulness. I have not needed any repairs since then, but I often suggest him to my friends.

PROS: Honest Mechanic, Good Prices, Fast Service
CONS:

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.

This store makes healthy eating easy. I'm a young adult who is use to purchasing junk food and eating fast food. The Sac Co-Op makes it simple for me to find snacks that are healthy, free of trans fat and preservatives. The deli is a good alternative to fast food. The regular prices on items can be a little steep, but there are often sales. I especially like to buy different varieties of Yogi Tea and Cranberry Juice.

This store also has a large corner for supplements. There are many things here that you would never be able to find in a chain supermarket.

PROS: Good Sale Item Prices, Healthier Snacking
CONS: Steep Regular Prices

Roma's Pizzeria-Franklin Blvd

Their prices are similar to pizza chains, but Romas Pizzaria blows away other pizza restaurants in all aspects. Their pizza says homemade all over it. Generous servings of toppings and a delicious crunchy crust makes this place my favorite. My family usually orders a combination/specialty pizza. The service is fair. You have the option of dining in or ordering to go. They also have calzones and other pastas, but their specialty is great pizza.

PROS: Generous amounts, Homemade
CONS: none

Houng Lan Sandwiches

There are so many things going on all at once at this place. There are two seperate registers: one to pay for packaged food and another for ordering/purchasing Vietnamese Sandwiches. Vietnamese sandwiches made with french bread and generally include pickled vegetables, peppers, some sort of meat (veg. also available), pate, homemade mayonnais and cilantro. These big sandwiches usually range from $1.50-$2. I always order the "Thit Nuong" sandwich without mayonnais. They also have a dine-in area where you are able to order traditional Vietnamese plates such as Pho. Huong Lan also has pre packaged meals, desserts and a made-on-order Boba drinks. They close pretty early (around 7 or 8 pm), so call ahead of time to make sure they're open.

PROS: Cheap Sandwiches, Huge selection
CONS: Hard to find parking

Hong Kong

The closest to authentic Chinese food that I have eaten around Palo Alto. However, this restaurant is a well kept secret. I myself would have never tried it had it not been suggested by a friend of mine. The prices are as you would expect, with dishes ranging from $6-$10. I usually like to order Peking Spareribs. Hong Kong made this dish especially well. This place is unique because it is attached with a hotel/motel. It's a little small, but it does have table to hold big group meals. The service was also real good!

PROS: Good Service, Good Food, Fair Prices
CONS: Small Dining Room

Pho Hoa

I appreciate how this place makes my dishes consistently delicious. I usually like to order their Bun Thit Nuong, which is rice noodles, marinated grilled pork, sweet fish sauce, lettuce and bean sprouts. It's a great place for those who have never had the opportunity to try Vietnamese food because the menus come with photos. They also specialize in Pho, which is a traditional Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup. The prices are good, costing about $4-$7 for large portioned servings. Also a good place to have a large group.

PROS: Consistently Good Dishes, Good Price, Opens Late
CONS: Fish Sauce tastes good, but smells "different"

Leatherby's Family Creamery

The desserts at this place are absolutely sinful, but it is worth it. The ice cream is made relatively fresh and the hot fudge is so yummy. Leatherby's also has your basic burger and sandwich meals, but people often go there for their gigantic ice creams, which fill you up as if they were a meal in themselves. The prices are pretty steep for dessert though. A average sundae will cost you about 7 or 8 bucks. I also love the fact that they are open so late during the weekends!

PROS: Magnificant Ice Cream Sundaies, Great Service
CONS: Pricey Ice Cream

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant

If you want to dine well with your family without going broke, I suggest going to Jumbo Seafood. My family always orders the $24 meal (available during lunch and dinner), which comes with 8 different dishes. The food is served family style, meaning that everyone shares the food. The owner often goes around the restaurant with his inviting personality. The food is served in relatively good time. I find this place quite clean, including the restrooms. You can also order the meals to-go. The restaurant itself isn't too fancy or decorative, so I don't suggest bringing your in-laws or business partners. The waiters and waitresses are really wonderful too.

PROS: Authentic Chinese Food, Good Service and Inviting Environment
CONS: Not fancy or Decorative

La Favorita Taqueria

A great place to Dine-In. You will sometimes find the line going through the doors during dinner time, but it moves quickly. This is the closest to authentic mexican food that I have ever gotten at a restaurant. I usually order the Super Burrito with Shredded Chicken. Don't forget to try the Horchata Drink. The prices are so cheap that it's a great place to bring a big crowd. Try to Dine In because I've had bad experiences when I've to-go.

PROS: Cheap Prices, Great Servings, Fast Service
CONS: Beware: Ethnic Food, make sure your stomach is up to it