Best of the Burbs: Elk Grove writers' picks

Best addictive bread

Bolani at Chopan Kabob House

Bolani means “filled bread” in Farsi, and it’s quite possibly the most addictive dish in Afghan cuisine. At the unassuming Chopan Kabob House, said bread is described as pan-fried “turnovers,” carrying a thin layer of potatoes and green onions. The result is crispy, chewy and savory, with a cooling yogurt sauce and cilantro chutney for dipping. Imagine a cross between stuffed Indian naan and Chinese scallion pancakes, but a $10 heaping portion that could easily feed four people for their entire—albeit unbalanced—meal. 9105 Bruceville Road, (916) 684-8711. J.B.

Best vegan deep-fried snack

Golden Tofu at Loving Hut

You don’t need to be vegan to enjoy the hell out of this tasty appetizer. The all-vegan Loving Hut boasts an extensive menu of tasty options—so much to choose from, so little time (and stomach space). Still, the Golden Tofu is a must-order: Crispy-battered tofu that’s delicious but (thankfully) never too greasy. A serving ($3.95) is generous but is gobbled up fast. Better be safe and order two plates. 8355 Elk Grove Boulevard, Suite 800; http://lovinghut.us/elk_grove_01/. R.L.

Best controversial trainer

‘Fit Mom’ Maria Kang

Say what you will about personal trainer Maria Kang, but she’s at least a conversation-starter. In the past, Kang earned national attention for posting a photo on her professional Facebook page that showed the trainer dressed in a sports bra and shorts. Kang was flanked by her three young sons and the caption “What’s your excuse?” The post kicked off accusations that Kang was trying to fat-shame and lazy-shame the rest of us slackers and in the aftermath, she took her message to the big time with appearances in national print and media. Earlier this year she capitalized on the controversy even further with a self-help fitness book appropriately titled The No More Excuses Diet (Harmony; $26). While we may not fully appreciate Kang’s approach or message, we do like that she got people debating what it means for different people to achieve health and fitness. www.mariakang.com. R.L.

Best creation event

Hay Tone’s Hangout

As the story goes, God created Eve from Adam’s rib. Today, everyone knows ribs are the bomb. Honoring the true meaning of that fable is this all-ages roadhouse, which serves up another helping of its annual rib cook-off on August 29. Participating cooks will fire up their grills as early as 6 a.m., but you’ll have to wait until after the 2 p.m. judging portion to sample their creations. It’s almost enough to make you want to bite that apple, isn’t it? 10413 Franklin Boulevard, (916) 684-2261, haytones.com. RFH

Best place to eat in Elk Grove when you’re broke

Jimmy’s Superb Subs and More

Home of the $3.45 cheeseburger. But that’s not what you go for; this classic Elk Grove chow spot is about the large subs, such as the spicy Korean steak sub. Maybe some fries action with that. There’s also stuff like chicken tikka masala (six bucks) and teriyaki chicken over rice (ditto), or a $5 breakfast burrito. World cuisine on a dime? For sure. 8259 Laguna Boulevard, Suite 160; (916) 647-4180. N.M.

Best sugar-free, structured fun

Elementary Summer Sports Camp

Back in my day summer meant gorging on Otter Pops and The Price is Right and playing outside until nightfall. Modern-day kids, however, seem to demand more purposeful activity (and less sugar and binge-watching). Give them structure (and yourself a break) by enrolling them in the Cosumnes Community Services District’s Elementary Summer Sports Camp. The weeklong day camps take place at the end of June and in July and are designed for kids ages 7-12. The multi-sports based program emphasizes both skills and sportsmanship. Cost is $110 per person per week. Not quite as cheap as that box of Otter Pops. but probably better for your kids’ long-term development.www.yourcsd.com. R.L.