The Shack, part of
Sacramento's history
By Eva Dunn
In
September, a Launch Party and Book Signing was held at The Shack
Restaurant, 5201 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento for Tom, Sally and Jeff
Myers' new book, Sacramento Impressions,
a collection of photographs that capture the essence of Sacramento.
I had never visited this local restaurant, and when I asked Tom
Myers why not hold the event at a bookstore or coffee shop, he
replied, "We didn't just want a book signing, we wanted a party!"
Also known as The Sub Shack, this restaurant is part
of the old
Italian neighborhood where 1940 style homes abound, neighbors are
friendly, and gather at The Shack to celebrate the occasions of
their lives. The owners, Gary Slaeppy and his wife Jen, have found
their niche. After 2 1/2 years of culinary school, Gary had a dream
to open a wood fire pizza and espresso place; that is, until he ran
across The Shack, all boarded up and ready for demolition if it
didn't sell.
He
knew he had to buy the place, to preserve this part of Sacramento
history. So what happens when a chef opens up a shack? You get
amazing, home-cooked, quality food and personally created recipes,
a place filled with warm ambience and memories, an eatery that
rocks with fun on a daily basis. On Thursdays, the party begins
when Gary throws a dart at a world map, and where it hits, he
prepares that country's cuisine for the evening. There is live
music with local bands that play jazz, bluegrass and more; children
are welcome (chalk is available for sidewalk drawings),
dogs (a can of dog biscuits await
them) are welcome, and everyone has a really good time.
If
the dart hits on Africa, Gary roasts and grinds cardamon for the
cuisine; absolutely everything is made by hand, from scratch, using
fresh and local foods. Mexican night on Thursdays could feature
Chicken Mole and Chili Rellenos, all home made. Gary's skills are
evident in everything he prepares. For the past two months,
newcomer Ryan is proving to be quite the cook's assistant,
relieving Gary for other duties such as greeting new and old
friends visiting the restaurant or creating new taste treats.
Friends with Jeff Myers for 20 years after meeting initially at
Java City, there was no question as to where the Myers wanted to
hold their book signing. Many pieces of Jeff's art hang on the
walls at The Shack; Jeff Myers is a noted artist, with his first
major show at Michael Himovitiz Gallery when he was 19 years old.
Jeff lived and painted in New York for five years and most recently
had a one-
person show at
Pacific Zen Institute in Santa Rosa. Jeff's medium is oils focusing
on the environment and human consciousness; how we interact with
our environment. This is powerful, dynamic art, reflecting his
passion. He also does large charcoal drawings and large
photographic prints. The Shack's regular menu includes the Shack
Burger, a 1/3 lb chuck patty on a French roll; a Steak Sandwich
with sliced Sirloin, onions and Mozzarella on a grilled roll;
Pastrami with Swiss; Chicken sandwich on sourdough; Meatball &
Marinara; Peppy Sleppy with roasted red pepper, Jack Cheese,
Cucumber, marinated onion and pesto mayo on toasted wheat; Socal
Club, a triple decker turkey, ham, bacon on toasted sourdough. They
also have 4 great salads and of course, drinks, beer and wine.
Besides all that, Gary is always creating and often serves items
not on the menu. I am hoping he keeps the New Zealand meat pies on
the regular menu; they were
excellent.
We
had a taste of what regulars enjoy on the day of the book signing;
miniature corn dogs that were fluffy and delicious; scrumptious New
Zealand meat pies made of puff pastry and loaded with steak and
gravy; spinach dip with chunks of artichokes served with crusty
bread; and for dessert, the most fabulous cheesecake I have ever
eaten--huge squares of creamy, divine cheesecake piled high on the
plate. Paired with this good eating were several wines available
for tasting. One of my favorites was the Boeger Tempranilla Rose
2006 Condesa De Leganza; the other was the earthy Tapena 2005 from
Spain. The Shack will be carrying the Mira Flores Zin from El
Dorado County and Rhone Glen from Sierra Vista. Gary also carries
Belgian Beers.
A
unique feature at the Shack are the vintage photographs arranged
under the glass tops of the tables. Photographs of the Sacramento
area, covering decades, places we all have visited or recognize,
shots of the past that have shaped our present, are great
memorabilia to muse over. The walls in the restaurant are from an
1800 homestead's barn siding; Gary plans on keeping these. Several
small windows along the sides used to be the drive-through windows
when it was Doc's Place (1931-1971). I remember coming to Doc's
often with my family after shopping in Sacramento on the way home.
We got hamburgers and root beer floats from this great little place
that is now the Shack. That makes me so happy that it is enjoying a
second life, bringing happiness to families once again. Visit The
Shack soon at 5201
Folsom Blvd,
Sacramento; hours are 11am to 7pm 5 days a week; The Shack is
closed weekends.
Come on Thursday nights, enjoy some great music, fantastic food and
join in the fun. Be prepared to wait a bit for your food; it is all
made from scratch, the old-fashioned way. This is a cool,
neighborhood joint with a heart; you can't go wrong having a meal
here. Gary has a special request for readers: He needs vintage
photos of the Sacramento area, specifically McKinley park when it
was a campground (wow!), and the pond at East Portal Park. If you
have any photos you to contribute to the Shack's collection for all to enjoy,
please contact Gary at 916-457-5997. Visit soon for laughter, good
conversation, lots of food, and tons of fun!
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