Aziz Bellarbi Salah

For food lovers in Sacramento, there’s a name that has been a growing part of our city's culinary scene - Aziz Bellarbi Salah. Now, if you're a foodie, you've probably heard of him, but if not, here’s a little more about him.

After many years, working in several of his father’s concept restaurants, Aziz decided he wanted to engage some of his academic desires. In 2003, Aziz entered into the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) to study Cognitive Science. Pursuing his passion for learning was coupled with his need for adventure, which led him to long nights of rigorous study and summers spent traveling to Europe and his ancestral homeland of Algeria. However, these excursions were never exempt from the influence of his father’s culinary training.

Upon returning to Sacramento in 2007, Aziz would jump in to open The Grand – a concept that realized the vision of offering an “oasis” to those in search of eclectic wines and beers from around the world. The 150 square foot wine bar was a hit with regular patrons and has become a must-visit for anyone who loves good people watching the nightlife scene at 16th and “L” Streets. The Grand now offers craft cocktails, in addition to the wine and beer selections from its on-site cellar. Wanting to strike out on his own, Aziz would soon launch his own concept, Brasserie Capitale, in 2015.

When the pandemic hit, Aziz went into “fix it” mode. Converting Aioli into a bodega meant keeping the doors open and retaining some employees. Looking ahead, he immediately went into food delivery, charities, and looking for ways to reopen safely to serve a scared public. For the duration of the shutdowns, partial reopenings, and eventual complete reopening, Aziz worked tirelessly to ensure that his employees were safe and secure, all while remaining engaging with his regulars and attracting new devotees. In 2021, Aziz made the bold decision to re-brand Brasserie Capitale as Brasserie du Monde, a move he made because of the support he felt from all in the Sacramento community.

However, Aziz isn't just about running restaurants. In 2021, Aziz kicked off an in-store project to provide food items, pantry items, wines and spirits in a concept known as Aziz’s Bazaar. Over time the concept evolved and Aziz has now turned it into a blog that's a goldmine for anyone who loves food and wine. But, it's not just about buying wine - it's about learning, exploring, and discovering. Aziz has hosted wine tasting events and family dinners at Brasserie du Monde, and expects to grow those early successes into an opportunity where guests can taste amazing wines and enjoy some seriously good food.