Dining Out

Andrae's Bakery, 14141 Hwy. 49, Amador City. Rustic breads, pastries, cakes and sandwiches. 209-267-1352

Aquatic Cow, 14235 Hwy. 49, Amador City. Cafe. 209-267-0605

Buffalo Chips Emporium, 14175 Hwy. 49, Amador City. 209-267-0570

Imperial Hotel, 14202 Hwy. 49, Amador City. Innovative Dinner menu and a fully stocked Oasis Bar. www.imperialamador.com. 209-267-9172

Franco's Italian Cafe, 26669 Tiger Creek Road., Buckhorn. 295-1700

In & Out Pizza, Take & Bake, 17968 Ruggles Ct., Buckhorn Village Plaza, Buckhorn. 209-295-BAKE

Old Well Market & Grill, 15947 Hwy. 49, Drytown. Breakfast, lunch, dinner served, specializing in grilled foods, soup, homemade dessert. Open daily. 209-245-6467

On Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 22, Amador Farmers' Market held its monthly fruit bake-offs. These fresh culinary competitions took place in Pine Grove and Sutter Creek.
This month, participants were required to bake their folksy masterpieces with plums. Amadorians that were there remarked that the entries were all impressive.
The judges for the Pine Grove bake-off were Chesney Grant of the Blue Moon Cafe and Stewart Munnerlyn of Munnerlyn's Ice Creamery. The plates were judged primarily on appearance and flavor. Sara Peterson came in third place with her plum coffee cake. Lynda Burman earned second with her rustic plum cake. Dee Dee Schuman took top honors with a plum torte.
When the next competition was held in the Sutter Creek, the judges were Steve Muni of Hometown Kitchen on Hometown Radio and Rob Duke, Sutter Creek Police Chief and City Manager. Muni and Duke were also faced with some hard, but delicious choices. In this bake-off, Greg Motch came in third place with a cornmeal cake with plum compote. Mary Kuntz took second place with her plum galette. The bigger winner of the morning was Carol Sethre for a plum cake called Doug's plum torte.
The winners from both bake-offs will compete next against the winners of upcoming bake-offs, including a pumpkin bake-offs in October. The next competition will be Sept. 19 and 23, and will feature apples. For more information about these special events or about the Farmers' Market, call the market manager at 419-2503.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Hwy. 88 at Carson Pass, Kirkwood. In state registered historic landmark, log cabin built in 1864. Barbecue ribs, burgers and chicken breast sandwiches. www.kirkwood.com. 209-258-6000

Kirkwood Cornice Cafe, Hwy. 88., Kirkwood. California cuisine. 209-258-7225

Kit Carson Lodge, Hwy. 88 at Silver Lake. Open June through October. California and French-style cuisine. 209-258-8500

Plasse's Resort Thunder Mountain Restaurant, 30001 Plasse Rd., Silver Lake. www.plassesresort.com. For reservations 209-258-8814

La Bella Rosa, 4216 Camanche Parkway North, Ione. 209-763-2855

Buena Vista Bar & Grill, 5864 Buena Vista Rd., Ione. Historic Landmark incorporating restaurant, saloon and general store. 209-274-4753

Caddy's Bar and Grill, 1000 Castle Oaks Drive, Ione. 274-6354.

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant, 21 W. Main St., Ione. Fine Mexican cuisine in Ione. 209-274-6313

Frank A's Pizza, 325 Preston Ave., Ione. Delivery. 209-274-6313

Hunan Restaurant, 335 Preston Ave., Ione. Chinese Cuisine. 209-274-2646

Ione Cafe, 15 Preston Ave., Ione. Ione's newest place to eat. 209-274-6820

Ione Hotel/Golden Star Restaurant & Saloon, 25 Main St., Ione. Serving traditional American food, ranging from pasta to Steak Diane. 209-274-6082

Gold Rush Coffee Co & Cafe, 338 Preston Ave., Ione. 209-274-0799. Full service breakfast and lunch 6 days a week. Full espresso menu, curbside delivery, delivery in Ione and Camanche, check website for daily specials. Visit us at: www.goldrushcoffeeco.com.

Rides & Rods Cafe, 10 East Main Street, Ione. Now serving great pizza! 1 Size fits all. 14" serves up to 6. $13.95 single topping. $1.25 each additional topping. Try our custom specials - $16.95. Open 7 days a week. Featuring Karaoke Fridays by - "My Favorite Music Co." 8:30 - 12:30 pm. Visit us at: www.ridesandrods.com.

Papa Murphy's Take N' Bake Pizza, 777 S, Hwy. 49, Jackson. 209-223-5052

Jackson Rancheria Casino Restaurants include the Raging River Restaurant breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, Main Street Food Court including the Cofee Cafe, Italian Deli, Southwestern Grill and Asian Palace, Uncle Bud's Burgers, Lone Wolf's Fine Dining and the Bronze Eagle, 12222 New York Ranch Rd., Jackson. Visit us at: www.jacksoncasino.com. 209-223-1677

Waffle Shop, 543 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. Country cooking. 209-223-4888

Jose's Mexican Restaurant, 609 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. A la carte and entrees. 209-223-3886

Bonanza Bar & Grill, 835 North Main St., Jackson. Southern style cooking. 209-223-3751

Bronze Eagle, Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel and Conference Center, 12222 New York Ranch Road. Upscale dining; reservations recommended. 223-8700

Buscaglia's, 1218 Jackson Gate Rd., Jackson. Continental and Italian cuisine, full bar and lounge. 209-223-9992

Denny's Restaurant, 200 South Hwy. 49, Jackson. Open 24 hours. 209-257-1555

Fat Freddy's Hot Dogs, 4 Main St., Jackson. Specializing in hot dogs to eat in or take out, plus chicken fried steak sandwiches, BLT's, sodas and ice cream novelties. 209-223-2525

Gold Dust Cafe, 615 New York Ranch Rd., Jackson. 209-223-4136

Golden Harbor Chinese Restaurant, 535 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. 209-223-3467

Kentucky Fried Chicken,, 531 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. 209-223-4239

Lone Wolf's Restaurant, Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel and Conference Center, 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson. Upscale dining; reservations recommended. 223-8680

Magdaleno's Mexican Restaurant, 210 Main St., Jackson. 209-223-3567

Mel and Faye's Diner, Hwy. 49/88, Jackson. Famous for the "moo burger." 209-223-0853

Mountain Mike's Pizza,, 525-1 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson Creek Plaza, Jackson. Pizza, all you can shovel lunch, salad and full deli. 209-223-9163

Mother Lode Market and Deli, 36 Main St., Jackson. Mediterranean style cafe with fresh sandwhiches, salad, full deli, groceries, wine and beer. Specialize in home made Italian sausage. 209-223-0652.

National Hotel, 2 Water St., Jackson. Established in 1852. 209-223-0500

New Hong Kong Restaurant, 18 Main St., Jackson. Chinese Cuisine. 209-223-7688

Pelican's Roost, 535 Hwy. 49, Jackson. Fish and chips, seafood, salads and desserts. 209-223-5594

Pizza Factory, 165 Main St., Jackson. Serves pizza, pasta, calzone, salad bar, and sandwiches. 209-223-5151

Rosebud's Classic Cafe, 26 Main St., Jackson. Hometown cafe, breakfast, lunch and dinner. 209-223-1035

Subway, 525 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. 209-223-1845

Taco Bell, 541 S. Hwy. 49, Jackson. Mexican fast food. 209-223-2975

Teresa's, 1235 Jackson Gate Rd., Jackson. Italian family style dining. 209-223-1786

Vinciguerra Ravioli Co., 225 Sutter St., Jackson. Handmade raviolis made from scratch the old fashioned way. 209-223-7654

Wow! Bakery, 140 Main St., Jackson. 223-4619.

Z-Dogs, Jackson Elks Lodge, Kennedy Flat Rd., Jackson. Close until April. 209-223-9223

Baskin Robbins, 11960 Hwy. 88, Martell. 209-223-5422

Burger King, 11950 Hwy. 88, Martell. "Have it your way!" 209-223-3134

El Torero Mexican Restaurant, 11968 Hwy. 88, Martell. Authentic Mexican food. 209-223-0253

Golden Wok, 11984 Hwy. 88, Martell. Cantonese, Szechuan, Mandarin and Peking. 209-223-1476

Jack in the Box, 11222 Old Mill Ln., Martell. Amador Counties newest fast food restaurant. 209-223-1659

McDonald's, 12201 Trade Center Dr., Martell. 209-223-1577

Panda House, 12300 Martell Rd., Martell. New ownership and name. 209-223-3474

Perko's Cafe, 11988 Hwy. 88, Martell. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Senior menu. 209-223-4420

Round Table Pizza, 2084 Hwy. 88, Amador Plaza, Martell. 223-1232

Starbuck's Coffee, Highway 49 and Sierra Pacific Boulevard, Martell

Subway, 11960 Hwy. 88, Martell. 223-4141

Quizno's, Highway 49 and Sierra Pacific Boulevard, Martell

Pine Grove Pizza, 19724 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. 209-296-8555

88 Giant Burger to go, 19845 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. Hamburgers, chicken sandwhiches, hot dogs and shakes. 209-296-7277

Giannini's Italian Restaurant, 19845 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. Full service dinner house specializing in the Roman style of cooking. Saltimbocca a la Roman and many other veal dishes. 209-296-7222

Las Minas Mexican Restaurant, 20220 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. 209-296-6400

Sierra House Restaurant, 20153 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. 209-296-4894

Munnerlyn's Ice Creamery, 20145 Hwy. 88, Pine Grove. 209-296-4400

Mace Meadow Restaurant, 26570 Fairway Dr., Pioneer. Overlooks Mace Meadow Golf Course. Visit us at: www.macemeadow.com. 209-295-8808

Black Station Inn Restaurant, 28355 Hwy. 88 (4 miles east of Buckhorn), Pioneer. Specialties in steak, chicken and seafood. 209-295-4508

Bru-Go's Take and Bake Pizza, 26590 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. 295-2253.

Carmen's Red Corral Drive-In, 22536 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. 209-295-7780

Ginna Lee's, 24160 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. 209-295-2333

Le's Chinese Restaurant, 26638 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. Specializing in Mandarin, Szechwan and Hunan dishes. No MSG. Oil cooking available. 209-295-7000

Merlo's Pizza, 2669 Tiger Creek Rd., Pioneer. 209-295-1700

OK Corral Motel Restaurant, 27065 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. 209-295-4883

On the Go Espresso, 24140 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. Gourmet coffee, espresso, deli, lunches and mini-mart. 209-295-2202

Red Corral Deli, 22500 Hwy. 88, Pioneer. Marinated and garlic fried chicken, Chinese chicken salad, hot meatball sandwich, homemade chili and homemade soups. 209-295-5400

Villa Toscano Winery Bistro, 10600 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth. 209-245-3800. Visit us at: www.villatoscano.com

Amador Vintage Market, 9393 Main St., Plymouth. 209-245-3663

Beanie's at Plymouth Hotel, 9356 Main St., Plymouth. Espresso, breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads. 245-8805

Cafe at the Park, Far Horizon 49er RV Resort Village, 18265 Hwy. 49, Plymouth. Full-service deli, espresso cafe and ice cream parlor. 209-245-6981

Colina De Oro, 17810 Hwy. 49, Plymouth. Serving Mexican food seven days a week. 209-245-3278

Gold Country Cafe, 17830 Hwy. 49, Plymouth. 209-245-6218

Incahoots BBQ, Pizza & Grill, 9486 Main St., Plymouth. Complete on-site BBQ catering service. 209-245-5544

Marlene & Glen's Diner, 18726 Hwy. 49, Plymouth. 209-245-5778

Papa Jim's Take 'N Bake Pizza, 18170 Hwy. 49. Plymouth. 209-245-5049

Taste, 9402 Main St., Plymouth. Seasonal menu of California cuisine. 245-DINE (3463)

Sutter Creek Ice Cream Emporium, 51 Main St., Sutter Creek. Fresh homemade fudge, sodas, sundaes, desserts, soup and sandwiches. Don't miss our ragtime festival: www.suttercreekragtime.com. 209-267-0543

Susan's Place, 15 Eureka St., Sutter Creek. Wine bar and eatery. California cuisine with a mediterranean flair. 209-267-0945

Back Roads Coffee House, 74A Main St. (Randolph at Main St.), Sutter Creek. 209-267-0440

Bellotti's, 53 Main St., Sutter Creek. Restaurant and bar. www.americanexchangehotel.com. 267-5211

Caffe Via d'Oro, 36 Main St., Sutter Creek. 209-267-0535

Chatterbox Cafe, 39 Main St., Sutter Creek. Original 1946 soda fountain, ice cream, sundaes and sodas "served the old-fashioned way," breakfast and lunch. 209-267-5935

Intermezzo Cafe, 42 Main St., Sutter Creek. 267-1070.

Sutter Creek Coffee Roasting Co., 20 Eureka St., Sutter Creek. Local coffee roasting. 209-267-5550

Sutter Creek Palace Restaurant and Saloon, 76 Main St., Sutter Creek. 209-267-1300

Sutter Diner, 291 Hanford St., Sutter Creek. 209-267-1551

Tea Eras Tea Room & Gifts, 73 Main St., Sutter Creek. 209-267-0333

Thomi's Coffee & Eatery, 40 C Hanford Street, Sutter Creek. 267-0500.

Humble Pies, 16154 Main St., Volcano. 209-296-8066

Country Store, 16146 Main St., Volcano. 209-296-4459

St. George Hotel Restaurant, 16104 Main St., Volcano. 1862 landmark hotel, www.stgeorgehotel.com. 209-296-4458