Lounge on 20

Written by: Tina Macuha	5:52 PM PST - 3/10/2009
Photography by:	|  Next Photo

The goal was to create a relaxed, community setting within the dining walls of Lounge on 20, a hip, spacious restaurant at the corner of 20th and K Street in midtown Sacramento. Owners Ali Mackani and Hayk Galachyan decided on this concept that's proven popular in San Francisco, New York and Miami. The doors opened in June 2008 to a curious crowd that approved quickly.

Picture this. Brown leather couches and chairs surrounding large coffee tables where groups of guests can relax like they would at home. The sun shines through the larger than life size windows.

Bottles of wines and champagnes decorate one side of the restaurant creating a vast variety of choice. The “Bubbles” list includes domestic champagnes and selections from France, Italy and Spain and Japan. There are quite a few wines from Amador, Napa, and as far away as Austria and Germany. Mixed cocktails with creative names appear on the menu as well.

The idea is to pair your beverage with your food. Most of the selections can be ordered by size: taste, small plate or platter. A few bites make up a “taste” while a “platter” can be shared by a few sitting around the table.

Executive Chef David Boswell describes the menu as New American focused on French and Italian influences. He adds that the produce comes from local farmers and the beef is from Masami Ranch.

Main dishes include the Dixon Lamb Loin that comes with young carrots, heirloom squash, foraged mushrooms with leek crespelli and pancetta jus. I don't eat lamb that often but this was delicious. All the vegetables complimented the dish.

If you have a late night sweet tooth especially on a Second Saturday, try the Lemon Curd Napoleon, a crispy phillo puff pastry with spiced citrus and fennel, wild huckleberry puree and passion fruit sorbet. What a great way to use all these fruits!

Lounge on 20 is currently open for dinner Monday through Saturday, 4pm to close, 1050 20th Street, Suite 100, Midtown Sacramento, 916.443.6620. For information, visit www.loungeon20.com.