Monday, January 9, 2012

New CRC Blog- Get the Louie Bread

By Tim Johnson, California Rice Commission President & CEO

Memorable eats are scattered in the Sacramento Valley. I am fortunate that my travels take me to Colusa, Richvale, Chico and all the out of the way places in between. Invariably there are restaurants unique to the town that have memorable menus. So, here is the start of a periodic blog on those great, local and completely authentic restaurants and taco stands in the Sacramento Valley! Food mentioned here is solidly in the …”did you eat at…when you were there?” category. They are all places I go out of my way to eat.


Louis Cairos, an icon of the Valley, is found in Williams. Stepping in, I’m taken back immediately to the great Italian restaurants that were once common throughout Northern California – dark, homey and always with a bar. No surprises here. You step into the bar first – and it’s a good bar.

Two things are unique about this restaurant. First is the garlic bread. You have to order it. Advertising a “clove of garlic in every bite,” I have never had anything like it. Fresh steak rolls smeared with butter, an obscene amount of chopped garlic and toasted. Want something even better? Try half Louie bread and half blue. Still not sure? They have eight other options. Better make sure everyone in the group eats at least one piece!

Second are the steaks. Great beef and perfectly cooked. I always order the sandwich since I’m most often visiting at lunchtime. Grilled sirloin on garlic bread you eat with a knife! Now that’s a sandwich.

Don’t forget the pasta. The ravioli here is outstanding as is the spaghetti. The meat sauce is slow cooked and busting with great beefy-tomatoey goodness.

Combine great food with walls sporting the local cattle brands (real ones from real ranches in the area) and you can’t miss.


If you’ve not been there, the town is about 45 minutes north on I-5 from Woodland. The restaurant is just under the “Williams” sign that hangs over E street. Turn left on 7th and it is on the right side of the road.

www.louiscairos.com



Tim Johnson, CRC President  & CEO

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