Slocum House   

7992 California Ave
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
916-961-7211
www.slocum-house.com

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Tucked away in a quiet corner of Fair Oaks Village, the historic Slocum House is a Sacramento area dinnertime favorite, but we prefer to stop in for Sunday brunch. Walk up the tree-lined steps to Slocum House, and you'll feel the tension of the work week slide from your shoulders and roll out your fingertips. The sweet scent of jasmine floats by on a warm breeze, and a strutting rooster crows a boisterous hello. If the weather is right, pass on the indoor dining rooms -- they take on a romantic glow at night, but they're less appealing in the harsh glare of daylight. Instead, head straight for the shady outdoor courtyard, where a harpist plays and a flock of chicks wobbles around the winding concrete pathway. The courtyard setting is one of peaceful grace, gentle breezes, dappled sunshine and the gentle murmur of quiet conversation. With a setting like this, the food could be an afterthought and we probably wouldn't care. But under the guidance of Jim La Perriere -- formerly of Enotria -- the kitchen offers an impressive brunch menu of unusual and well-executed dishes. Each of the brunch entrees is relatively inexpensive, and each includes a glass of champagne and a stroll through the "starter buffet," an appealing array of fresh fruit and pastries. If it happens to be on the menu when you visit, don't miss the French toast, flavored with Madagascar vanilla and topped with caramelized bananas and a lattice-work of thick- cut bacon.