Mulvaney’s B&L (also known as Mulvaney’s Building & Loan) is one of Sacramento’s finest examples and originators of the Farm-to-Fork concept, with proprietors Patrick (Chef) and Bobbin (Marketing Director) Mulvaney at the helm.

Included in the Michelin guide for Sacramento restaurants, Mulvaney’s B&L is among the city’s top eateries. Its menu changes daily to reflect available ingredients from the region, satiating patrons.

Mulvaney’s B&L is a recipient of many awards, including a 2015 Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly, and Bobbin and Patrick Mulvaney was honored as “Sacramentans of the Year” in 2018 by the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

I visited Mulvaney’s for my 31st birthday. Three decades of my life were officially signed and sealed, and I felt I needed to celebrate the accomplishment at a restaurant fit for the occasion.

Starters at Mulvaney’s B&L

As a blessing of fate, a friend happened to be a server at Mulvaney’s. A beautiful picture of every plated ingredient with mouthwatering details was painted and made the evening at our table memorable at every moment. He went above and beyond and was fantastic as our guide!

The assortment of cheeses arrived on a wooden plank with a different cheese featured in each of the four corners and colors that evoked the emotions of the fall season. Sesame crackers, rosemary jelly nuts, quince membrillo — paired with the cheese. The cheese platter also included an unusual cheese from Idaho wrapped in smoked bark. Bold and pleasantly acidic!

A Del Rio Farms greens followed – topped with artisan croutons and parmesan crips. It was tossed with Revsin’s balsamic vinaigrette and leaped off the plate with an earthy zest. Profoundly green and bright.

Along with our starters, we ordered gin cocktails. They were the perfect balance of tangy and sweet and refreshing to enjoy with cheese and salad.

Experiencing Small and Large Plates at Mulvaney’s

I’ve never eaten sweetbread, so as my waiter friend noted, “Mulvaney’s is the place to try it.” I was sold. The sweetbread banh mi small plate with sriracha aioli was topped with pickled carrot, daikon, and chicken pate on sourdough. Decadent and meaty, the sweetbread combined with the toppings for a flavor that popped deliciously.

As a shared large plate, we ordered the blackened ahi with chermoula sauce. A ahi sat atop a Mediterranean white bean stew, lacinto kale, tomato and olives. Pleasantly salty with contrasting textures from the fresh vegetables and tuna.

The next large plate was the Bledsoe double-cut pork chop with cranberry mostarda. Brussels sprouts, B&L bacon, and a sweet potato puree were served with the pork chop. The pork chop was juicy and beautifully cooked, and I loved the sweet potato puree as a dipping sauce on the plate for each piece of meat.

Paired with plates were additional glasses of wine picked and married wisely to ingredients and a B&L’s Manhattan to try the whole gamut of cocktails served for the night.

Between courses, we were also bestowed with an exceptional “secret” menu item brought out from behind the kitchen counter. It melted in your mouth with all the buttery goodness and sweetness you could ever imagine. And amazing tomato sorbet and caviar chips as amuse-bouche between plates! Reserve your table today and I’m sure you’ll also have similar moments of surprise and delight.

Ending with Desserts at Mulvaney’s Building and Loan

We had to cut our evening a touch shorter than initially hoped due to a work schedule change but decided to get desserts to go. We couldn’t miss dessert! Dessert included a berry crumble and an elevated slice of pie with nuts — with our ice cream served prior with a candle and birthday message in chocolate. Everything was rich, but with lighter moments highlighted by refreshing berries and creams. Divine!

Throughout the visit, the plating was elegant but not out-of-touch or without a tone of warmth.

To chef Patrick and everyone at Mulvaney’s, thank you for a truly memorable birthday dinner! I’m not only dazzled by the food but impressed by the establishment’s 15+ year history of environmentally-conscious operation: recycling, composting, buying directly from sustainable farmers and ranchers, and leading the community with time and talent.

Have a chance to book a table at Mulvaney’s B&L? Don’t miss it!

Where is Mulvaney’s B&L located?

Mulvaney’s is located at 1215 19th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 between L and Capitol. Look for the “pigasus” red star landmark sign to find the restaurant!