Planning a celebration for teens is not always easy. Recently, FogGirl 2.0 (our older daughter is FogGirl OG) had planned a fun evening in Old Sacramento to celebrate her 15th birthday. She and her squad anticipated a night without chaperones to enjoy riverside eats and a ride under the stars on the Waterfront Park Ferris Wheel. Unfortunately, the morning of the big day, there was a snafu and reservations were canceled.

We began the scramble to come up with an equally exciting agenda, with the energy imagined for a 15th soiree, when Shangri-La Restaurant in Fair Oaks came to mind. Koolfog has worked with Shangri-La to provide cooling misters for guests as well as staff and our team loves the ambiance as well as the food. Shangri-La is an amazing destination offering flavorful gourmet fare on a pristine Palm Springs-inspired patio. Bright colors mix with a bocci court and an outdoor bar creating a festive scene and be seen oasis. Filled with palms, flamingos and a tres chic vibe, this sophisticated setting offered the perfect place to impress style-minded teens. With a shout-out to the understanding owner, Sommer Peterson, we were able to secure a last-minute reservation and the day was saved.

The girls were excited for this new adventure, an opportunity to get their glam on, take lots of photos, and try new tastes. Upon arrival, the ladies were greeted by the wonderful staff and were delighted to experience the “Mojito Mocktail”. Described as a “treat with a lemongrass twist’, the youthful gals were able to lift their glasses to cheer the birthday girl while adding a splash to their sense of adulting.

Shangri-La’s menu is spot on with the versatility to satisfy diverse crew cravings and dietary needs that include gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, carnivorous, and carb-friendly. La La’s Grilled Cheese mingled on the table with shrimp and the Steak Frite Burger, while bites of the Baja Fish Taco’s and Ahi Poke were shared. Fried Mary’s Chicken was a fan favorite with a fancy dessert plate sweetening the meal. The Candy Bar, a stacked brownie with peanut butter mousse, candied nuts, and caramel, gloriously ended the party on a high note.

FogGirl 2.O and her pals had the best night with a fashionable event that was compared to the likes of a “Gossip Girl” worthy gathering. “Shangri-La magically takes you to another place and the food was amazing. But what really stood out was the customer service. The friendly attention we received and the great service truly made us feel welcome. Sommer Peterson even took time from her busy schedule to check in on us.”

It is no easy feat to wrangle a group of teens into trying a new spot or find a fun activity to keep them safely engaged. The team at Shangri-La has outdone themselves on all levels…with not an eye-roll in their midst. Put this venue on your list of “must-do’s” for your teen’s “girl’s night out” with the confidence that they will keep cool under the misters and leave the restaurant feeling special as they have enjoyed a uniquely tasteful culinary experience. With Homecoming right around the corner, make your reservations now!