THE BUZZ: Lawmakers, staffers, and lobbyists return to Sacramento this week, prepared for another year of important work. But one momentous question looms over it all: Is there anything good to eat around here? Yes, for the hungry hardworking chief of staff or legislative aid (or, let’s be honest, out-of-town lawmaker) downtown Sacramento’s culinary scene can be a bit disenchanting. Sacramento’s downtown restaurants, pummeled by the pandemic and the era of remote work, have seen a good deal of turnover and closures in the past few years. "It's a pretty tough gig to open a restaurant in downtown Sacramento these days," said Benjy Egel, the Sacramento Bee's esteemed food/drink reporter, who knows so much about capital-area dining he literally wrote the book on it. “The lunchtime audience hasn't fully come back, and even that late-evening audience can be hard to capture as well." For everyone tired of scarfing down cold coffee shop sandwiches on the sidewalks outside the Swing Space, Playbook compiled a list of some of the best places to grab a bite as you conduct the people’s work. We asked Egel for his favorite spots and also checked in with Carney King, a policy consultant in Sen. Richard Roth’s office who has gained a following on X as the Culinary Caucus for his unsparing reviews of Capitol-adjacent eateries. "Our whole career is based on networking," King said. "So I'd rather go get a coffee with someone or something than sit at my cubicle with a cold tuna sandwich." A disclaimer — This is by no means an exhaustive list, but if you feel strongly about the exclusion of a certain establishment, text us about it on the tipline and we might update the guide with your suggestions! Gold Rush Grille $ — Good for economical eats, with specials for breakfast and lunch. Located in the Secretary of State building at 11th and O Streets. Pizza Supreme Being $ — This pizzeria at 14th and O Streets is one of the reasons the New York Times says Sacramento is turning into a “great restaurant city.” Open Wednesday through Sunday. Jim Denny’s American Diner $ — The revamped Sacramento staple, on 12th Street between H and I, is the spot for burgers and hot dogs. Kim’s Restaurant $ — The pork banh mi at this Vietnamese spot has sustained POLITICO’s Sacramento bureau on many a busy day. Located near 10th and J streets. Maydoon $$ — Persian spot at 16th and P Streets serving kabobs, rice bowls and vegetarian options. Bawk! By Urban Roots $$ — Fried chicken restaurant serving cocktails and beer. Located near 14th and R Streets. Kodaiko Ramen & Bar $$ — For the price, Egel says, Kodaiko makes the "best ramen in Sacramento," and is another one of the top spots identified by the NYT. Located near Golden One Arena at 7th and K Streets. Try the Japanese egg salad sandwich. Seoul Street $$ — Korean spot near 15th and L serving street food like bulgogi tacos and kimchi fried rice. Frank Fat’s $$ — It’s often said that more laws have been written in Frank Fat’s than in the halls of government — and for good reason. This Chinese restaurant has been a favorite spot of lawmakers and lobbyists for decades and is still serving up grub and gossip at L and 8th Streets. Fox & Goose Public House $$ — English alehouse serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (and occasionally, hosting a POLITICO trivia night), at 10th and R Streets. Camden Spit & Larder $$$ — Upscale London-inspired lunch and dinner fare at 555 Capitol Mall. Grange $$$ — Upscale eatery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, located in the Citizen Hotel. Ella $$$$ — A swanky spot for fundraisers and parties, with a good happy hour menu. Located at the corner of 12th and K Streets. GOOD MORNING. Happy Tuesday. We hope you had a pleasant holiday and happy new year! PLAYBOOK TIP LINE — What are you hearing around the halls of the Legislature? Give us a ring or drop us a line. Now you can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on Twitter —@DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. DOUBLE THE FUN — We have an exciting update for California Playbook readers: Starting TODAY all Playbook subscribers will also receive Playbook PM every Monday through Thursday. As a member of the Playbook community, you will get a double dose of scoops, storylines and analysis. Keep an eye out this afternoon! | 
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