There are days when the idea of cooking dinner feels completely overwhelming. Meal planning and preparation can be challenging, but it gets even more daunting when we’re faced with unexpected guests, running late at work or need to feed the family extra-quick just to make that dance rehearsal on time. Fortunately for Sacramento-area residents, a wide range of eateries cater to the harried meal planner, from small family delicatessens to upscale grocery stores. Consider picking up a pre-made dinner from one of these five establishments—we bet you’ll save enough time to treat yourself to a bubble bath before that dance rehearsal.
Paesanos Pronto Operated by the folks who own popular Paesanos on Capitol Avenue, Pronto specializes in “Real Italian Real Fast Food.” Pronto can be a lifesaver for downtown denizens looking for a quick-fix meal. The restaurant has wonderful rotisserie chicken and tri-tip available for take-out, as well as a hefty bacon-wrapped meatloaf with mashed potatoes and freshly made soups. You also can order from an attractive selection of (huge) salads (try the sweetly refreshing spinach salad, tossed with crumbled goat cheese, crisp Fuji apple slices, toasted almonds and sundried cranberries), pastas and sandwiches. (We like the juicy, hot New York Cheese Steak Sub, piled with thinly sliced grilled beef, grilled onions, pepperoncinis and cherry peppers.) 1501 16th St., Sacramento; (916) 444-5850; www.prontogo.com
Newcastle Produce Perched on a hill in historic Newcastle, this wonderful, community-focused store is housed in a cheery pumpkin-orange building with green trim. The bright, airy space is crammed with fresh produce, most of it from local family-owned farms. You’ll also find lots of locally produced jams and jellies. But the best part may be the store’s colorful, fresh take-out items, from the house-baked quiches and lasagna to the plethora of salads (of special note is the All American potato salad and the refreshing black bean and corn salad) and other fun nibbles, like the kitchen’s Asian chicken wings. Try the popular “Caprese” sandwich, composed of tomatoes, pesto, mozzarella cheese and black olives. The menu changes weekly (sometimes daily), so make sure to check the store’s website for current take-out availability. *Note: popular items can sell out early, so it’s best to call before visiting if you have a particular item in mind. 9230 Cypress St., Newcastle, (916) 663-2016; www.newcastleproduce.net
Mati’s Indian Express Buried in a bustling Natomas mall, Mati’s Indian Express is an oasis of fragrant aromas and welcoming geniality. All items are hot and ready to go, so if you’re hankering for Indian food—fast—this is the place to visit. The tiny establishment offers a mouthwatering selection of appetizers (try the luscious samosas—fried pastries stuffed with peas, carrots and potatoes), rice bowls, side dishes and entrées. This is a great place for vegetarians, as Mati’s has a number of non-meat dishes like the delectable aloo gobhi, a sauteed cauliflower and potato curry, and chana masala, a fragrant and rib-sticking garbanzo bean curry. Other winners are the creamy, mildly spiced chicken tikka masala and the pillowy, you-can’t-kiss-anyone-for-two-days-after-eating-it garlic and cilantro naan. 3880 Truxel Road, Suite 200, (916) 285-0532; www.matisindianexpress.com
Whole Foods Market Need to throw a large, swanky party together in an hour or two? Whole Foods Market is the place to go. This lovely store has a mind-boggling selection of take-out food items, including party platters that, if not immediately available, can be assembled in moments. In addition to the endless variety of appetizers and side dishes—including grilled Thai chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce, marinated Portobello mushrooms, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and pre-made crab cakes—the store has a long list of Aram sandwiches, salads (try the vibrant chile-lime-basil tofu salad) and hot-and-ready-to-go entrées ranging from a colorful vegetable enchilada casserole and chicken Parmesan to herb-crusted beef tenderloin and poached salmon. Load your cart up with some fresh cookies from the bakery and Chardonnay from the store’s impressive wine collection, and you’re all set to impress your guests. 4315 Arden Way, Sacramento, (916) 488-2800, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/sacramento
Bravo! Pastaria Market & Eatery Located next to Paul Martin’s American Bistro in Roseville, this very friendly restaurant is a great resource for time-crunched family cooks. Bravo offers up pre-assembled and very tasty lasagnas—meat and vegetarian—as well as Italian meatloaf with mashed potatoes, all of which need to be baked at home. But if you call a few minutes ahead, the restaurant can prepare you a wide-ranging menu of take-out items, from the popular four-cheese ravioli and Cajun jambalaya pasta to the kitchen’s chicken Marsala, smothered with mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes. Bravo also has a nice selection of sandwiches (try the hot Italian meatball sandwich, served on a hoagie roll) and pizzas, including an intriguing white clam pizza and the spicy sausage pizza. All items come with the restaurant’s fresh-baked bread and a warm smile. 1465 Eureka Road Suite 140, Roseville; (916) 772-8777 www.bravopastaria.com
» DOWN BY THE SEA Crab lovers feasted at the Sacramento Children’s Home’s crab feed and auction, Down by the Sea, at the Folsom Community Center. Originally an orphanage, the home now serves as a safe haven for abused and neglected children.
» DOWN BY THE SEA
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