Diego’s in Grass Valley, CA

The tough part about traveling and finding good food is whether to trust Yelp – or the local intel from the “eaters on the ground” (EGs), and to be very clear: EGs win every time IMHO. I feel the best EGs are the restaurant staffers who live in whatever local area you happen to pass through…and amazingly Charmian & I were afforded the chance to do some New Years Day traveling; this time upon the beautiful area of Grass Valley and Nevada City, CA. And being even luckier in this journey was the local intel from a well-informed lady that works at one of the best restaurants in GV, but unfortunately they were closed on the holiday – so she said Diego’s was the next best…and it was, to skip the obvious Justin Timberlake reference: “Da Bomb”.

She warned us that it looks like a hole in the wall and nothing matches inside, but the food is superb. Parking is truly a treat, especially for those that love the insurance ads of your driver’s door being ripped off by the hick truck going 50 – which can easily happen here. But when I saw the sign over the door – which is now my blog header – I knew I had found my home for food in the gold country of California.

The interior is almost inexplicable; rife with candles, cloth interiors that would make any fire inspector act like Fire Marshal Bill from In Living Color, Renoir replicas, mosiacs, colored lights, two kitchens (not sure why but both functioning simultaneously), and so on.




Then the wait staff sat us and provided our time there with the best “your mom is serving you” performance. She sits at the table with you, is charming but positive in knowing what you will like, yet makes you feel like you are welcome.
We ordered the special somethings (I cannot remember the name so forgive me)- and as it said on the menu the most “popular” dish there, but tonight being a holiday it had some extra panache. Fortunately, we split it in half as the portions are quite large. The theme of this place is described as true Latin American food with an Italian influence, so even the bread was authentic as were the dipping fluids (so do not go here if you want the Americanized version of “South American” food).

I could further this review with a plethora of details about ambiance, service and menu items – but I am skipping that tonight instead and adding this summary: I truly feel should you find yourself driving through the famed region of gold mining in CA – that this restaurant will make you want to stay the night in Grass Valley. Desserts looked great, the drinks ample, the food authentic, and the atmosphere – unique.
There is outdoor seating but at 25 degrees, the indoor tables are more than appealing. The second kitchen and back-area dining appears as almost a second restaurant. The community artist chalkboard affords a glimpse into local talent, but I suppose what matters the most is the quality of food – and I think they meet the bill…hope you enjoy. And as a credit note – if you don’t see Charmian in the pic – she took it…especially if it looks great…