In a sunny December, I had the delight of indulging in some of the most tantalising dishes in and around Sacramento. From flavoursome tamales at a cosy Mexican eatery to sushi escapades at a Japanese bistro, the food scene was nothing short of impressive. And now, I’m eager to dish out all the scrumptious specifics.

First stop on my gastronomic odyssey was Los Nopales Carniceria & Taqueria, a humble Mexican eatery on Fulton Avenue. Despite the name, there isn’t much prickly pear or meat market in sight. Instead, I uncovered the finest handmade tamales around, along with delectable dishes like camarones a la Huichol and pozole. The camarones a la Huichol, a traditional seafood dish from Nayarit, danced with a delightful chile-lime flavour, while the pozole was a tangy perfection. And let’s not forget the pambazo – a petite sandwich stuffed with chorizo and potatoes, dipped and fried in a guajillo chile sauce. You simply can’t miss this gem at 3106 Fulton Ave.

Next on my list was Koi Japanese Bistro, a charming spot nestled in the Newton Booth neighbourhood. Cherry blossom trees and a serene koi pond welcomed me to a feast of miso-and-mushroom risotto with pan-seared scallops and grilled oysters with uni and crab compound butter. The ramen choices were equally alluring, and the sushi rolls were an absolute delight. But the real star of the show? The salmon bombs – seasoned imitation crab, sweet potato, and green onions, wrapped in salmon, torched, and served with a peppery slaw. Every bite was an explosion of flavours that left me speechless. You can uncover this culinary haven at 1920 29th St., Suite A.

In the mood for some hearty sourdough pizza, I made my way to Pizzeria Luba in downtown Auburn. The Foggy Dew mushroom pizza, adorned with fresh ingredients from nearby farms, and the Coronado pizza, with its creamy aji verde drizzle, were both stone-baked to perfection. The butter lettuce salad, with its medley of greens, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. blue cheese, and candied pecans, was a taste of heaven. This place is an absolute must-visit at 780 Lincoln Way.

Finally, I found myself at Twin Lotus Thai, a restaurant that seamlessly blends art and food. The Phuket salad, with its blend of avocado, mango, apples, and pineapple, was a refreshing explosion of flavours. The spicy basil dish, complete with sauteed bell peppers and a poached egg, had just the right amount of sweet heat. And the panang curry, a comforting dish with a nice kick, was the perfect ending to my culinary escapade. You can experience this culinary artistry at 8345 Folsom Blvd., Suite 119.

In conclusion, my food adventures in December were nothing short of magical. From Mexican delights to Japanese wonders and everything in between, Sacramento’s dining scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. I eagerly await to see what the new year has in store for my taste buds!