Astonished is not the word for learning that my favorite downtown Sacramento restaurant, 55 Degrees, is closing tomorrow. Saddened, stunned and disappointed are much better descriptive words.
Owner Ali Mackani made the decision last week to close 55 Degrees. Among his reasons are the rising cost of ingredients, overhead and the fact the slowdown in the economy has hit restaurants particularly hard.
The Sacramento Business Journal reported last month that the July Sacramento unemployment rate was 7.3% but that 2,900 (29% of those jobs) were in the leisure and hospitality area, and 2,400 of those were in the bar and restaurant business (when people cut back, they quit eating out).
55 Degrees was a place you could go to totally hungry and equally exhausted. The service was exceptional. You could plop down in a chair, ask for a martini and order the chef's surprise selection -- which was a multi-course meal of the chef's choosing, paired with extraordinary wine selections. You didn't have to think about what you wanted because the chef would always prepare a delightful meal, and you knew you would be pleased.
My husband and I tried to get reservations to say goodbye to 55 Degrees, but they were open only for lunch this week. Tomorrow, 55 Degrees will be closed.
No Towers, no Aura, and now, no more 55 Degrees. It's a sad day in Sacramento.
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Broker-Associate at Lyon RE. Selling since 1974, helping buyers & sellers in Sacramento. Land Park resident. Midtown office. Home Buying Columnist for New York Times' About.com. DRE license #00697006
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Elizabeth, I am so sorry. Our neighborhoods are changing in unimaginable ways with this downturn in the economy. Several of my favorite places no longer exist... bummer...
It was a one-of-a-kind restaurant, C. That's not to say there aren't others in Midtown / Downtown I like, but this was my favorite. 55 Degrees understood what customers wanted and it delivered on quality and service. I'm very disappointed to see it close.
When things turn around, and you know they will, I hope Mackani opens another similar. He has the Lounge on K Street, but it's not the same as 55 Degrees.
You know, I have never been there. I guess I will not know what I am missing until he one day opens another location. :-(
we lost a couple of great places recently - it really is a sad time for a lot of people - good people that have worked hard to build a good rep and then presto - it SUCKS
Your not alone, this is happening in our area as well, and I am sure everywhere in US.
Elizabeth, I hope we start turning this around soon. We've lost restarunts and shops and title companies. We are down to three title companies. Three have closed. I talk with one of my Escrow Officers yesterday and she's low man on the totem pole. I am giving her two escrows and hope things pick up for her. I talk to several agents in my office and we're all giving her escrows. It so tough out there. You made me want to go there and have that Martini.....sounded so good! I am sorry.....we love the little luxuries that are familiar and that help get through our days!
Elizabeth, at least you still have the "Grad"
dean
Hi Jeanean: A martini with gin, not vodka, right?
Hi Dean: What is the "Grad"?
"The Grad" is in Davis and it's full name is the Graduate--home of the .75 cent shot, $1 pitcher of beer, and $1 hamburger. . . in 1980.
dean
Dean: If I wanted to drive to Davis. :) Actually, Sacramento has a few great hamburger joints of its own . . .