The Shack, a wonderful 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. On winter cold days, the outside fire pit is blazing, and people of all walks of life gather around the umbrella tables; chatting, drinking, enjoying conversation with new and old friends. Of course, you can also dine indoors but where's the fun in that?
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 Tempranillo 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), The Root Beer King. 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. http://eastsacshack.com for menu and more information. Their patio dining is also dog friendly!
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 takes care of his guests with fans in the summer, portable heat and fire pit in the winter. Visit soon for laughter, good conversation, lots of food, and tons of fun!
Open Monday 11am-3pm
Tuesday through Friday, 11am-8pm
Brunch Saturday and Sundays, 8am-3pm
5201 Folsom Boulevard . Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone 916.457.5997 Fax 916.457.5999
friends@eastsacshack.com
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