Storytelling lore shares tales of an imagined paradise, isolated from the world, a utopian land of mystical happiness. So when Sommer Peterson, entrepreneur, and restaurateur, planned the opening of her next big project, she set her sights on creating a stylized escape in the concept of Shangri-La.

Peterson, founder of the famed Mini Bar SF and artistic genius behind the award-winning Mission Bowling Club, is no stranger to an inventive challenge. In fact, her tenacity and originality reflect a passion she has built her reputation on. She explains, “I love to create environments and design experiential spaces that go beyond the traditional dining establishment fare. Shangri-La Restaurant is my vision of an urban escape, a place to fully engage and immerse oneself in a ‘happy place’.

Finding potential in an old mortuary location, Peterson boldly opted on accessing the 1-acre plus setting to breathe life into an epicurean vacation spot while paying homage to one of her own favorite retreats…Palm Springs. Peterson liked the bones of the building’s architecture and repurposed it in mid-century modern fashion as a chic gathering place to welcome all who pass through its entry. Hidden behind a peek-a-boo fence, constructed for privacy, guests are dazzled by large windows that give an open-air detail extending to a patio filled with dining tables, a fire pit, bocce, and an intriguing indoor/outdoor bar service. Proving an exciting addition to the Sacramento region’s culinary scene, embracing the beauty that is Shangri-La is truly a treat.

Taking inspiration from the legendary Parker Hotel of Palm Springs, Shangri-La Restaurant boasts splashes of bright yellow, a terrace dotted with umbrellas, and sports outdoor misters to cool as well as add to the ambiance. Peterson says enthusiastically, “I wanted a dining destination that has a colorful, fun vibe that screams, ‘I have arrived’. I believe we’ve curated elements that make the experience feel like a quintessential Palm Springs resort. With the convenience and comfort of outdoor misters, guests can celebrate the best of California’s laid back luxe lifestyle”

Outdoor Misters Can Be As Essential As AC for the Food Service Industry Operating in the “New Normal”

Covid-19 has put unprecedented stress upon the restaurant and entertainment industries, impacting almost every facet of their business. While foodservice has overcome this ever-changing landscape, it has vacillated between indoor, curb-side, and now, ostensibly, outdoor dining,

Restaurant owners have had to rapidly pivot to accommodate Covid-19 public health initiatives. With outdoor spaces subject to extreme and seasonal climate changes, the health of both staff and guests remains a priority.

Peterson understands this dynamic and contends, “With the pandemic raging, I’ve basically had to turn an inside restaurant… to an ALL outside experience. Keeping customers and staff healthy and happy is my most important goal. While I can’t control the outdoor weather, the installation of outdoor misters has off-set the heat. Kind of like climate control for outside. It’s as essential as an indoor AC.”

Palm Springs and Sacramento regional areas share a common seasonal phenomenon… it’s sizzling hot in the heat of summer and this stifling heat is a deterrent to businesses that have no option but to operate outdoors. Thus, outdoor misters have become an important part of Peterson’s successful re-opening of her business during Covid-19 by offering the ability to seat more customers comfortably, offering her hard-working staff a much-needed respite, and staying true to the Shangri-La atmosphere she has manifested.

Shangri-La is an Al Fresco Foodie Find

If the description of this seemingly ideal scene doesn’t lure curious adventurers, the food is a slice of heaven that cannot be overlooked. Shangri-la Restaurant specializes in seasonal, contemporary American fare and handcrafted cocktails. With a host of veggie and gluten-free options, you’ll want to indulge and imbibe in the finest sourced ingredients.

Must-Have:
The Shangri-La SLUSHEEZ
“citrusy, layered, focused” citrus green tea-infused vodka, fresh-squeezed lemonade”

SHANGRI-LA BURGER
(served with fries or salad)
Pliny beer cheese, house pickles, aioli, crispy onion strings
– add bacon, heirloom tomato or avocado
– Gardenburger patty available upon request

As those in the know have come to appreciate:

”Leave the world behind and enjoy the fresh air on our expansive patio”

And don’t forget to make reservations to dine under the outdoor misters!!

Shangri-La is located at 7960 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. For reservations and connections please go to shangrilafairoaks.com or phone 916-241-9473.

Please be advised of the Shangri-La COVID HOUSE RULES:
• Please practice social distancing and help do your part to keep guests and employees safe.
• Masks must be worn at all times while moving throughout the restaurant.
• If you get up from your seat, your mask must be on.
• Furniture cannot be moved.
• 2-hour time limit on all tables.