Democrat correspondent

“I don't like gourmet cooking or 'this' cooking or 'that' cooking. I like good cooking.”

— James Beard

Snooty Frog

"Last week three of us had dinner at Snooty Frog Restaurant and Bar, which is located in Cameron Park's Burke Junction. Chef Michelle Schanel prepared four dishes for us to try and they were all fantastic. In fact, three of them were so outstanding that I don't think I have ever tasted similar dishes that good when eating out or in for that matter.

When we arrived, her partner, John, who is the bartender and also serves the food, opened a bottle of 2006 Madroña Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and poured us each a glass. “Michelle selected this wine for you and used the same wine in the cabernet reduction for your lamb dish,” he told us. The wine was excellent and went well with all of our dishes, especially the lamb.

Our first dish was a seasonal gazpacho, made with fresh tomatoes from the Cameron Park farmers market. It came ice cold in a large martini glass and it was so good it was hard to describe. I have made gazpacho myself, but never have I had one so delicious and fresh, filled with tomato flavor and with a slight bite to it. If I had been served a large bowl, I would have just sat there and enjoyed just it with the fresh, warm bread they served. But, there was more to come.

Our second dish was sturgeon, perfectly cooked and served with rice and al dente vegetables. It was lightly sautéed and then poached with an unbelievably delicious garlic, champagne sauce that was then thickened with cream. We were served family style and there was nothing left on the dish. We fought over the last of the sauce.

Our meat dish was rack of lamb, roasted and complemented by the cabernet sauce. It came cut into rib portions and served with mashed potatoes and more of the wonderful vegetables. Two of us there absolutely love lamb and there was a friendly fight over the last piece. Using the same wine you are drinking in the sauce is what Chef Michelle likes to do. In fact, if you bring your own wine, she will ask if you want to share some of it for the sauce.

This was followed by smoked salmon tortellini. Chef Michelle brines the salmon for a day and then smokes it herself. We could detect the sweet smell of the smoked salmon as John brought the dishes to us. The fresh pasta melted in your mouth, the salmon was exquisite and the sauce, heavenly. If the dish hadn't been so filling, I could have eaten it forever. However, while complementing Chef Michelle, who had come to our table to talk, I proceeded to pick up one of the tortellini and drop it on my shirt, lap and the floor. I was a bit crushed that I had lost something so delightful in front of the chef. I, of course, received from one of my companions the, “Doug, we just can't take you anywhere” comment.

In spite of really not having room for more, we were served a delicious caramel mud pie and three spoons. It consisted of coffee and vanilla ice cream in a graham cracker crust, topped with caramel sauce and walnuts. You put caramel sauce and walnuts on anything and I am in heaven.

I could go on and on about the food, their martini bar (John is a very competent bartender), outstanding local and California wine list, the atmosphere, the lighting and everything else, but I am saving that for another story."

Snooty Frog Restaurant and Bar, the “Home of the Sizzling Filet,” is open for dinner from 4 p.m. until closing, seven days a week. They also can do a special anniversary, birthday or wedding celebration party for you and yes, they also do catering. For more information call 530-677-9025. By the way, the menu, with pictures, is on the restaurant's Internet page snootyfrog.com. Because it is seasonal and they want to use only the freshest ingredients, the menu has additions and subtractions. Call for information about what is available and the specials.


"Snooty Frog is a wonderful, local, cozy place. It is great to have Michelle back in the kitchen and John back behind the bar. The food is fabulous too! Please patronize an independently owned, local establishment manned by two gracious hosts."
    ~Julie of Cameron Park


"Service, food and atmosphere were all top notch. Wine selection (at least the reds) were great and affordable. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic dinner with great food."
    ~A Yahoo Contributor


"Wow. Great Food. Great Service. Original..."
    ~Anonymous


"We had such a great time there, and the food and service were excellent!"
    ~Helen


"On behalf of the El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club, I would like to thank you for the wonderful lunch you made possible for us on February 11th. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere, delicious food, and the excellent service of your restaurant..."

    ~Phil Blackwell, El Dorado Hills Newcomers

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