By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
If last night’s Global Spotlight: Southern USA dinner at The Grotto is any indication, these themed dinners have officially become one of Rio Linda’s hottest tickets.
And hot they were.
By the time we arrived, The Grotto was absolutely packed. Every table was full, the staff was moving at a full sprint, and there was a noticeable wait as the kitchen worked through what appeared to be one of its busiest nights yet.
The important part? Nobody seemed to mind.
When the food finally started making its way out of the kitchen, it became immediately clear why.
To call the portions “generous” would almost be unfair. This wasn’t simply a meal—it was an experience. Course after course kept arriving until our table was covered with Southern favorites that would make anyone below the Mason-Dixon Line feel right at home.
Our appetizer sampler alone could have been dinner for many people. Creamy shrimp and grits, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with pimento cheese, hot honey cornbread, and crisp fried green tomatoes all arrived beautifully presented on a wooden serving board. Every bite was packed with flavor, and the house-made remoulade disappeared quickly.
Then came the main event.
The smoked pork spare ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender with a beautifully caramelized glaze that balanced smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. They were accompanied by creamy Southern potato salad, hearty baked beans, sweet potato casserole, collard greens, and a hot honey cornbread muffin that somehow managed to disappear despite us insisting we were already full.
We weren’t.
Not when dessert was still coming.
In fact, there was so much food that we ended up bringing a mountain of leftovers home. If we came home with doggie bags, the dog must have been a Great Dane — a testament not only to the generous portions but also to the quality of the food.
Throughout the evening, Natalee, Jeremy, Chef Jonni, and the entire Grotto team never stopped moving. Even while navigating one of the busiest dining rooms we’ve ever seen there, they continued checking on guests, delivering plates with smiles, and making everyone feel welcome.
Could service have been faster?
Sure.
Would we rather wait a little longer for food prepared this well than receive something rushed?
Absolutely.
One of the highlights of the evening wasn’t just what was on our plates—it was seeing so many familiar faces throughout the restaurant. We ran into Ed Valencia (Lions), Troy Golden (RLERPD), Sheena McGowan (CPAC), the Silva family (Rio Java and Chamber), and many other friends from around the Rio Linda and Elverta community. It felt less like dining out and more like attending a neighborhood gathering where everyone happened to be celebrating Southern cooking together.
As many of our readers know, The Grotto is a Rio Linda Online Community Business Partner. We believe in supporting the local businesses that invest in our community, and evenings like this remind us why. When local restaurants take creative risks and bring people together around the dinner table, everyone benefits.
If you missed Southern USA night, don’t worry.
The next stop in The Grotto’s Global Dinner Spotlight series is Brazil, and after seeing what Chef Jonni and the team accomplished with Southern comfort food, we’ll definitely be back to see what flavors they’re bringing from South America.
Our advice?
Make a reservation.
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or one of Chef Jonni’s themed Global Spotlight evenings, come hungry.
⭐ Rio Linda Online Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
“Great food brings people to the table. Great hospitality brings them back.”
Visit The Grotto
If you haven’t experienced one of The Grotto’s Global Spotlight dinners yet, do yourself a favor and make a reservation for the upcoming Brazil dinner. If Southern USA is any indication, seats won’t stay available for long.
📍 The Grotto
960 Oak Ln.
Rio Linda, CA 95673
📞 (916) 238-4063
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Brunch 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Dinner 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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