Wish they would carry more stock items,  Monday, 07 May 2007 I cannot tell you how many times that I've gone to Encore Music looking for a type of cable, or interconnect, or even musical equipment.....but they seem to be tuned into a different station.

Every time, I end up ordering online -OR- driving down to Sacramento because Larry doesn't have what I need in stock.

They don't even carry the top brands like JBL in the store, because the clientele cannot afford them. So they have all the cheap Peavey gear (entry level musical equipment).

As a local entertainer and Disc Jockey service, I try to shop locally whenever possible. Unfortunately, this store doesn't cater to the upper echelon entertainer, but rather to the low level garage band musician and bedroom DJs.

 Best coffee house and coffee roasters in Auburn CA,  Monday, 07 May 2007 Outstanding fresh-roasted coffee and tea options make this a destination coffee house in downtown Auburn, CA. Whenever I'm on this side of town, I'm usually going to stop in for a cup of Decaf.

 Best hamburgers in Auburn, CA,  Monday, 07 May 2007 In N' Out Burger chose Auburn, CA as its first location in Northern CA for good reason: its right on the main Interstate (I-80) highway that leads to Reno and Lake Tahoe. For this reason, its best to avoid during peak holiday travel rush hours. Best time to visit? 3pm to 5 pm daily, and you won't wait in line.

Crowds notwithstanding, this is the ONLY decent fast food chain in the United States, according to the author of Fast Food Nation. They use fresh (not frozen) beef....they use fresh potatos, fresh vegetables. Everything is made to order, which is why this is not really "fast" food.

My wife and daughter will NOT eat any other hamburgers. I probably eat at this location once a week....my favorite is the "Double Meat" (double double w/o cheese).

In N' Out Burger is the best hamburger restaurant in Auburn, CA.

Note also: this company pays top dollar ($10 an hour, unheard of in fast food industry) health benefits and paid time off to their employees. They do not hire illegal immigrants! I know this may not be relevant to some people reading this, but want to give my dining-out money to responsible, law-abiding, and benevolent employer. They are closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas so the employees may have time off with their families!

 Much better than Starbucks pastries,  Monday, 07 May 2007 Locally owned and operated (in Grass Valley & Auburn CA), the Flour Garden produces high quality (but expensive) baked goods in the Elm Plaza shopping mall. Although a nearby Starbucks is giving them some competition now. the coffee is not that great, which is why they lost so much business.

Best strategy is to buy your pastry at the Flour Garden, then walk across the parking lot to the nearby 'Bucks.

 Great lunch value at Pizza Express,  Monday, 07 May 2007 I like the "Mini Pizza & Soda" lunch special. The quality is slightly better than the chain pizzas.

 Yet another restaurant that caters to gringos....,  Monday, 07 May 2007 Tio Pepe is on a par with the old Casa Maria and El Torito mexican chain restaurants. Set your clock back 30 years, because the owner was once an "El Torito" chef back in those days. Apparently they have no idea that there is really authentic Mexican food being served at the Foresthill Rd. exit by El Portal (and to some extent Maria's).

This is one of many places that has made my wife ill due to MSG or lactose problems in the food. Many "chain mex" places have this effect on her! I didn't care for the food here either, although it did not make me sick to my stomach.....I cannot recommend Tio Pepe to anyone.

 Very mediocre and ordinary Mexican food,  Monday, 07 May 2007 My wife has a very sensitive stomach, due to MSG and lactose intolerance, and the food here makes my wife very sick.

I didn't care for the food at any Cafe Delicias location. They cater to gringos who don't really know better....there are so many better Mexican restaurants in Auburn.....El Portal for example.

 Just your average Midtown dining and drinking venu,  Monday, 07 May 2007 Unfortunately, the Club Car has not been consistent on repeat visits.......They seem to be living off their past reputation, because it just hasn't been the same lately.......Perhaps its because the new "Auburn Ale House" has taken some of their clientele......I guess its still OK if you prefer live music.....but even the entertainment quality has gone downhill.

 Best fine dining restaurant in Auburn, CA,  Monday, 07 May 2007 Bootleggers is in Old Town, which would be a dining wasteland were it not for Ty Rowe and his talented band of chefs.

When guests visit from out of town, this is probably one of our first choices for fine dining (now that Madonna's is closed).

One of my faves is the "Mixed Grill" which usually features pork, beef, and fish....but varies from season to season. My daughter likes the steak options, and my wife is fond of their fettucine dishes.

Bootleggers has become an Auburn CA institution. Fortunately, they don't rest on their laurels and continue to provide innovative California and American cuisine. (Although the Club Car and other restaurants offer better entertainment options).

 One of the best Country Club wedding sites and Lun,  Monday, 07 May 2007 The Ridge is the best wedding reception venue in Auburn, CA.
They are leaps and bounds above the rest of the catering facilities. For one thing, the setting is gorgeous. Secondly, they are very well organized and have great service. Thirdly, the quality of the food is always superior to the best Sacramento hotels and is on a par with the best country club wedding places.

The Ridge is also a great business lunch location. My wife does 60% of her business dining at The Ridge, whenever she takes a client out to lunch. She is a very fussy eater, and if she's happy.....well, that's a stellar recommendation!