It's that time of year when publications look back at the year that was. Today, we look at Sac News & Review's:

After a few years of feeling like the dining scene was, understandably, in a bit of a holding pattern because of the wrenching recession, I now feel like it’s going almost too fast to keep up.

Some of the big changes have occurred in no, not the newly branded stretch of K Street called “The Kay,” but in an area near the Safeway located on 19th Street. Let’s call it the “Silver Horse District.”

Ramen House Ryujin (1831 S Street) recently took over for a spot that previously housed a generic Greek place and then a generic Mexican eatery—don’t you love it when a local restaurant replaces a chain, (which also happened when Firestone Public House trumped California Pizza Kitchen downtown)? While I steadfastly refuse to participate in the Shoki Ramen House vs. Ryujin debate, the latter is already a packed addition to the neighborhood.

Right across the street, big changes are also happening at Bows & Arrows (1815 19th Street), with the departure of its much-loved Fat Face cafe helmed by Jaymes Luu and the advent of Bows Bistro, with chef Gabriel Nokes. Nokes has expanded his successful Sunday brunch menu to include creative sandwiches, more salads and soups, and late-night snacks such as chicken tacos and a veggie and pickle plate with vegan dressing.

Read the entire wrap up in Sac News & Review.

More News:

First-Rate Sushi (and More) at Midtown's Kru - There’s no shortage of places in which we can enjoy sushi in Sacramento. From the rollicking, fun-focused Mikuni restaurants to more mellow, quiet neighborhood establishments like midtown’s Ju Hachi, there’s a great array of choices. But when I want to get serious about sushi, I head to Kru on J Street. Kru owner and sushi chef Billy Ngo, an artisan who crafts thoughtful, inspired cuisine, is considered to be a “chef’s chef” – one whose fare is sought out (and appreciated) by his colleagues on their nights off. Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.

Maranello to ring in 2013 -- and 3 years in business -- with special New Year's Eve menu - Maranello, like most other restaurants of its caliber, is busy with hosting holiday-related events. But what makes Maranello a little different is that the casual/fine dining restaurant in Fair Oaks is also celebrating its third anniversary. That's right - Maranello actually opened on New Year's Eve, an incredible, unpredictable and potentially wacky test for any new business. Maranello pulled through, blossomed slowly but surely in the months after and has settled in as a rising star in the restaurant game, thanks in large part to the excellent cooking and menu design of executive chef Gabriel Glasier. The intensely enterprising and highly skilled Glasier is a chef's chef, and even though he is somewhat hidden away in a corner of the suburbs, his work should be appreciated as playing a leading role on the local/regional culinary scene. Congratulations to owners Joe and Gayle Hensler, along with the entire restaurant staff, on the 3-year milestone. Maranello is at 8928 Sunset Ave., Fair Oaks. (916) 241-9365. Blair Anthony Robertson in the Sac Bee.