Taking over a restaurant is a challenging endeavor. Taking over a restaurant and remodeling is daunting. Taking over a 35 year-old restaurant in a historical building with a vision for its renovation is a valued commitment. Michael Sanson, owner of Plank Craft Kitchen and Bar, has made his mark on the local Sacramento regional restaurant scene with his well-respected, popular culinary hot spot, located in the Folsom Historic District. Rich in history, the Historic District began in the 1850’s and is a preserved representation of a Gold Rush era town. Set among old western styled buildings and weathered facades, upscale bistros, wine cafes & festive pubs mix with fashionable retail shops to attract visitors. This historic district has embraced modern amenities including commercial outdoor misters. Along this “strand”, guests are welcomed with outdoor misters on sidewalk eves, patios, and decks.

No stranger to the machinations of working with historical landmark buildings, Sanson recently took over the former Hacienda Del Rio Restaurant with a plan to rebrand the space, housed on the upper second floor of the Hacienda Building situated on the busy corner crossroads of Sutter and Riley Streets.  After investing in a significant face-lift, Hacienda Real Mexican Grill and Cantina opened Spring of 2023 with a menu offering appetizers, salads, soups, and traditional Mexican fare with a flair. The extensive bar features margaritas, mules, mocktails and bottled and draft beer.

Hacienda Real Must Have:

 Vampiro Asada Tacos
Marinated steak + avocado salsa + cabbage + radish + oaxacan cheese + lime on crisp tortillas; Served with three (3) soft corn tortillas and served with rice and choice of beans.

Vampiro sparks visions of “vampires” and seems a mystery when applied to a menu item. So, what is a vampiro taco?  Imagine a recipe that takes a corn-tortilla, cooked on a grill until it turns crackly, then topped with a layer of melted cheese and added assorted protein toppings such as chicken, shrimp, and beef…like a lovingly tendered blend of a taco, a tostada, and a quesadilla.  This yummy “snack” is said to bloom from the streets in the Mexcian State of Sinaloa, with several ideas as to the origin of its unique name.

• Some say the name tacos vampiros relates to the fanned-out wing shape of the grilled tacos.
• The garlic added to the “protein topping” is considered “Dracula-repellent”…thus, the vampire reference.
• It is, also, said that the dish vanquishes your hunger just like blood quenches thirst for a vampire.

Whether the shape, the garlic taste, or its satiating power, tacos vampiros is awesome!

The Patio Deck Is a Show-Stopper with Outdoor Misters
Hacienda Real’s face-lift includes a “new and improved” ambiance with updated interior décor, seating, and art to create a festive, yet beautiful environment. The remodel has made great use of the space so that the service flow is streamlined, and crowds can move around smoothly. The outdoor deck has been significantly enhanced and is the place to be “scene”.  On any given day, you will find a throng of customers enjoying an al fresco dining experience under the outdoor misters on the upper deck of Hacienda Real. Overlooking the Historic District, the deck is a gathering spot seen from the streets below and invites with a fun vibe.

The deck has been upgraded with a shaded cover complimenting the restaurant exterior. White patio lights, big wood beams, and black metal accent the “sun-screen” without deterring the open air feel. Outdoor misters mounted to fans and outdoor mister lines create a warm, welcoming environment with a cool and comfortable atmosphere. If you want to learn more about Koolfog’s state-of-the-art misting technology with expert design, manufacturing, and installation, visit www.koolfog.com.