INSIDER’S » TIP

The HANGTOWN FRY, a curious concoction of oysters, bacon and eggs, was allegedly born in 1849 when a prospector tossed a satchel full of gold dust onto the bar in the EL DORADO HOTEL in Placerville—then known as “Hangtown”—and demanded the most expensive meal in the house. They still serve the dish in town at the BUTTERCUP PANTRY.