"Upscale dining in California’s capital city has an unspoken mandate in farm-to-fork sophistication at this point, no? It’s a welcome given, and Prelude is no exception. But where many restaurants hew to flavor pairings that border on the cliché, this swanky Midtown destination, right across the street from the Capitol, takes things a step further, aims to surprise. There, the Brussels sprouts small plate is studded with pork belly instead of the usual bacon, and dressed with a puckering cranberry compote and a dash of apple cider vinegar. And how often does one get to enjoy the warming depth of an arrabbiata with delicate Dungeness crab? Not to mention dark chocolate mole — as a side dish. Prelude is a celebration of creativity expressed within convention, a fine way to kick off an evening." - Tamerra Griffin
