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The Mt Tomba Inn was originally built in 1924 to serve as a boarding house for employees of a nearby mill. Bootleg whiskey and wine were produced in the cellar. It became a dining establishment in 1934, owned by John Vardanega, who after prohibition, obtained the first liquor license issued by the State Board of Equalization. Until 1969, there was a running spittoon in the trough at the foot of the bar. The building housed legalized gambling including slots and blackjack. Vardanega was born in Italy at the foot of Mt. Tomba; that’s where the name came from.
The Duke himself stands tall in a photo pasted to the wall overlooking the bar. Bright red tablecloths against wooden walls and floors set the backdrop for this quaint old establishment, famous for their hand cut steaks. The place is filled with John Wayne movie memorabilia and is indeed serving up meals that would satisfy even “The Duke.” Two fireplaces provide a warmth only found by a real fire, one in the main dining room and one near those wishing to ‘belly up to the bar.’
Owners Susan Terry and Levi England are both chefs at Mt. Tomba Inn. The Flat Iron Steak featuring the owners’ own spicy Missouri dry rub is named “The Cowboys.” Filet Mignon is “The Quiet Man”, known for it’s tenderness. “Rio Bravo” is lightly breaded, grilled calamari. It seems all the entrees are named after John Wayne movies. A house specialty is Susan’s slow roasted, baby back ribs. She is proud of her recipe. Who wouldn’t be? These sweet, tender ribs have a slight ‘zing’ which greatly enhances the flavor of the spices she uses. These ribs are marinated for five days before they are slow roasted.
The line up of steaks also includes the rib eye, New York and chicken fried steak. Prime Rib is a house specialty and they offer a nice selection of seafood including lobster, and fowl (including pan fried chicken). Each meal comes with some really delicious homemade soup and fresh baked bread with real butter (always my favorite)! Dinners also include a salad with your choice of their fresh, homemade dressings. They all bring raves especially the house creamy garlic which one called a garlic lovers delight. You also get your choice of baked, mashed or fried potatoes or rice, plus coffee and dessert. Wow, no wonder the cowboys love this place. Susan is knows as the Martini Whisperer who shakes up just the perfect martini, every time. They have an excellent wine list and wines are also available by the glass. You can find a smiling Larry Binns behind a full bar with some fun drink specials and Ben Ricks is on hand ensuring you sincerely enjoy your dinner with “The Duke”.
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By Melissa Wynn
On a sunny afternoon in September my friend, Marilyn, and I were off to Chico for a day full of chores and appointments. We decided that all work and no play makes for dull girls and we couldn’t have that. So, we decided to go to Marilyn’s favorite spot for a superior sushi lunch, Japanese Blossoms at 2995 Esplanade Suite #104.
We were greeted with a smile from Yuka, the busy and always sunny owner of this awesome authentic Japanese restaurant. I was instantly drawn to the stunning floral paintings of Japanese blossoms that grace the wall. Local artist, Lloyd Liebes, has an amazing talent for capturing the real beauty of flowers. Marilyn’s daughter purchased a gorgeous daisy during their last visit. Mr. Liebes’ work can also be purchased at the Art Ect. Gallery at 122 W. 3rd St. in Chico.
Our wonderful meal began with a simple garden salad topped with a sweet yet tangy sesame dressing. Cool and fresh. Next, our beautiful server, Jaisri, brought steaming bowls of Miso, a traditional Japanese soup with small bits of tofu and sliced green onions. Delicious! The sushi roll of the day was called Hot Mess ($14) and I just had to try it. Tuna, avocado and snow crab served tempura style with ponzo sauce, spicy mayo, green onions and habenero masago made me glad I did. It may be called a hot mess but it is truly a spicy culinary delight. Our second choice was one of Marilyn’s old favorites called Goldilocks. This roll is a genius combination of tempura asparagus, crab, avocado and spicy tuna topped with more avocado, spicy tuna mix, sweet Thai sauce and a sprinkle of tempura crumble on top. Both were so good that we finished every bite. There is no doubt that Yuka knows her sushi.
Not only can you enjoy the excellent food in house at Japanese Blossoms, you can order take-out, have your favorites catered or even have it delivered in the Chico area. Would you like to learn to make your own mouth watering sushi? Well, Yuka can also make that happen. Japanese Blossoms offers Sushi Classes and will even bring it right to your home, office or wherever. How cool is that? Invite some friends and family, add a little music and some sake and its a party. The fee is a mere $55 per person. Can’t beat that. Just give Yuka and the crowd a call at 530-891-9022 and have it your way.
Growing up in Japan, Yuka fell in love with the art of sushi. It was there, in her homeland, where she learned the art of sushi. At twenty three years old. a young ambitious Yuka moved to the United States where her skill was quickly recognized by her employer and Chico sushi lovers. Inspired to provide more authentic dishes, Yuka opened Japanese Blossoms restaurant.
The vision for Chico’s Japanese Blossoms restaurant started in Japan and developed over Yuka’s 17 years working at another restaurant. Today you can benefit from Yuka’s passion for a friendly staff, relaxing ambiance and affordable great food.
Japanese Blossoms supports the local economy by purchasing produce grown and sold in Chico by local farmers. This ensures Yuka’s customers are tasting fresh, in-season ingredients as well as keeping your dollars in the community.
Yuka is proud of her homeland and wants to bring the best of it to you. She feels Chico’s Japanese Blossoms is the perfect way to do that. Try it for yourself and you will see why Japanese Blossoms is the best choice for superior sushi in Chico. I have never tasted better. For a full menu visit their website japaneseblossoms.com.
Japanese Blossoms
Authentic Japanese Restaurant
2995 Esplanade Suite #104
Chico, CA
(530) 891-9022
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By Eileen Majors
Photos by Jaime Vega
If you are into nostalgia and good food, then a cruise over to the Sug’r Shack in Westwood might be in order. Take me back! When we pulled up we could hear the 50’s music and smell the burgers grilling. Owner Julie Brecht and daughter Brandy cook up quite a few varieties of homemade food. Even the chili dogs and fries have a ‘beans-optional’ clause with their homemade chili. One look at the picture and you automatically you think frosty cones and burgers. Right you are, and those burgers are made fresh every day with beef from Don Biggs’ Butchery right across the street. They get all their meat there, for their homemade pulled pork sandwiches as well as beef and chicken for their freshly made tacos and burritos. When you think tacos and burritos at a burger shack. you probably aren’t thinking about slow roasted meat atop fresh tortillas with all the toppings including sour cream. They even make their own salsa!
I had a bacon cheeseburger which was huge and delicious. They’ll even throw some onions on the grill if you ask them to. The fries are a tasty double fried version of original thick cut fries… yum!… and who could resist a milkshake topped with whipped cream? I had blackberry and Jamie had a Chai Tea shake! They also offer Hawaaian ice in several flavors. The Sug’r Shack is more than a great stop for food, it is a gathering spot. Julie said they wanted it teen friendly and the kids have been regulars since they began almost a year ago. Now, Brecht says, “The adults are catching on. We now have more adults than kids.” (Hmmm… It must be the food.) You will find the Sug’r Shack in downtown Westwood across from Young’s Market on the corner of Birch and 4th Streets. Take Highway 147 from the East Shore of Lake Almanor into downtown Westwood, or hop off Highway 32 onto Birch St. to downtown Westwood. You can also call orders in at 530-250-5421.
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Original Pete’s ~ 2495 Carmichael Drive – Chico, Ca ~ (530) 891-0611 originalpetes.net
By Melissa Wynn
On a warm June morning, a friend and I were exploring campgrounds along Hwy 32 and came upon Mike Shabar, owner of Original Pete’s. He and his sons Sean and Jason were fishing for Rainbow Trout along Deer Creek. We admired their catch and they invited us to dinner at their Italian restaurant at 2495 Carmichael Drive in Chico. It was our lucky day!
We arrived several hours later after a very busy day parched, exhausted and starving. Young and handsome manager Jason Shabar, was awaiting our arrival and had a fresh pot of coffee brewing, just like home. We decided at Deer Creek to let Jason choose our dinner, bring on your best. As we waited with anticipation, I couldn’t resist wandering about to inspect the several hand painted murals that grace the walls of this friendly, family owned and operated establishment. My personal favorite tells the story of the journey from Italy to America via Ellis Island. Everything at Original Pete’s, from the savory aromas in the air to the artwork on the walls, whispers Italy. There are even 17 pendants hanging that represent the 17 neighborhoods of Siena in Italy. This town has hosted the bareback horse race known as the “Palio delle Contrade” every year since 1656. Great atmosphere after a long day. Further exploration led me to the banquet room where co-owner Mrs. Nina Shabar and a group of ladies were engaged in a fun-filled jewelery party. They were having such a good time that we were tempted to grab a spirited libation from the full service bar and join in. I soon noticed that our bubbly and patient waitress was waiting to serve our crisp, cool garden salads, so we cut our visit with Nina and the girls short and returned to our table to dine.
Minutes after finishing our salads, Jason once again graced our presence with his smiling face, serving us his two primo pasta choices himself. This guy knows his pasta. We first sampled the rich and decadent Chicken Gorgonzola. Gorgonzola cheese, grilled chicken, bacon, mushrooms, garlic, red and green onions, basil and rosemary in a creamy sauce with bowtie pasta. Delicious! On the lighter side, Jason chose for us a tongue tingling penne pasta with feta cheese, fresh basil, spinach and tomatoes, accented with roasted pine nuts and lightly tossed with extra virgin olive oil. Yummo! Both dishes were served with an awesome garlic cheese bread, light and flavorful. Although the wide variety of dessert choices were tempting, we were full to the top. No wonder Original Pete’s is a local favorite for pasta, pizza and sandwiches of all kinds. Mike, Jason, Nina and the crew are around Mon-Sat 11 to 9 pm and Sun 12-9pm. Lunch specials before 4pm include a tasty pasta combo, the pizza lover’s dream and a veggie sandwich that I plan to try next time.
Visit the Shabars for lunch or dinner and enjoy some primo pasta or call for some to go at 530-891-0611. A full menu that varies slightly by location can be viewed at originalpetes.net.
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By Melissa Wynn
As I travel around looking for great places to eat and share with our readers, I often make my choice by asking a handful of locals about their favorites and then choose the spot most mentioned. Quincy was no exception. I had the kids with me and they wanted spicy, so time after time the locals pointed us to the fairly new Timatillos for street tacos. We found Timatillos tucked out of sight in Grover Alley, behind the Eagles Nest. We arrived mid afternoon to find tall and charming owner Tim Schooler and his helper Anthony Sturgeon hard at work making an incredible watermelon salsa. It is a challenge to stop eating the homemade delight, to save room for the tacos.
We ordered at the counter, as is the custom in this tiny, inviting eatery. I decided to try Tim’s signature dish steak tacos, carne asada style steak seasoned to perfection in a roasted red pepper sauce, atop double corn tortillas with diced onion, fresh cilantro and a thick lime wedge, beans and rice on the side($6.99). The steak was melt in your mouth tender and that roasted red pepper sauce is divine. All six taco sauce choices at Timatillos are homemade and there is something for everyone. My favorite was the Arbol sauce. It is a bit warm, but not too hot, with just a touch of sweet. Yummy for me. My son, on the other hand, seems to get some sort of satisfaction from burning off his own face, so the Ghost sauce was what he poured all over his huge, beefy taco salad ($6.99). This extremely hot sauce is made from the Bhut Jolokia pepper, which is the hottest pepper on earth, three times hotter than the famous habenaro. Ghost sauce is not for sissys. I couldn’t believe that Chris ate the whole thing! My daughter decided to tackle a mountain of shredded chicken nachos($4.99) with sour cream, salsa and guacamole dripping with cheese. She mixed sauces for variety and tried the chipoltle, as well as the Tomatillo Jalapeno. Both were delicious. When dining with the kids, food is go big or go home, so we couldn’t resist adding an order of rolled tacos($4.29) with sour cream and guacamole to our spectacular supper. We’ll call it an appetizer.
Timatillos is very homey with bold, lovely paintings by the talented Sally Yost gracing the walls. The cozy gas fireplace in the corner insured that we were in no hurry to be on our way. It was several minutes before I could even drag my stuffed, full self out of my chair. The courtyard outside, with its quaint wrought iron furniture, is shared with the Drunk Brush wine bar next door and Timatillos guests are welcome to order from both establishments and dine outdoors. You can always get a cold beer with your mexican fare at Timatillos, but the wine comes from across the way. Now that is my kind of neighborly Mountain Valley Living!
I think Tim Schooler described his establishment best when he wrote, ” My goal is to serve you the same style food you would find from taco trucks and street vendors. I don’t claim to use the word ‘authentic,’ as it has so many different meanings to so many different people from many regions of Mexico. I only promise to make my food the freshest possible, from the highest quality ingredients. At Timatillos you will not find a freezer or a microwave, a bottled hot sauce or any food from a can. Come in my friends and enjoy the difference of tasting food made with extreme care and passion.” Tim is great fun and true to his words. Drop in and give him a howdy or call (530)-283-1351 for orders to go.
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By Melissa Wynn
Summer has returned to the Sierras and Lake Almanor is calling, “Come and Play!” After a relaxing day of fishing and swimming, who wants to go home and cook dinner? Not me! So when our day of fun in the sun comes to an end, we prefer pasta at Tantardinos Pizzeria and Pasta. For twenty years, Art and Barb Tantardino and their family have been serving exquisite home- made Italian fare from old family recipes at 401 Ponderosa Dr. on the Lake Almanor Peninsula. The pizza is hot (also available for take and bake) and the beer is cold, irresistible.
My latest visit was a family celebration. Our meal began with festive libations, including top shelf Patron Tequila and margaritas from the full bar for the boys, and Kendall Jackson Chardonnay from the varied wine list for my sister and I. Cheers! Soon came the appetizer, tender ‘Steamed Clams’ ($8.99) in a delicate yet flavorful white wine sauce, served with Tantardinos famous house cheese bread. We quickly devoured the entire heaping bowl. Delicious!
Next came fresh garden salad with an amazing mix of dressings suggested by Barb’s daughter Trish, 12 year operator of Tantardinos. The homemade basil vinaigrette, with just a touch of bleu cheese, comprises the awesome ‘Basil and Bleu’. While we were munching salads, long time Tantardino chefs Erin Lundergreen and Ben Hovland, were in the kitchen preparing our pasta perfection. My sister and I both ordered the evening special ($16.99), a delightful bow tie pasta with huge prawns, crisp asparagus, marinated artichoke hearts, juicy grape tomatoes, romano cheese and fresh basil all mixed in blissful harmony with a mouth watering white wine cream sauce. Sweet Italian sausage over pasta ($14.99) with Tantardinos outstanding red meat sauce, was my brother-in-law’s entree choice. I can’t believe he ate the whole thing. My better half just can’t resist good sourdough bread, so for him the fresh baked ‘Sour Dough Bread Bowl’ brimming with steaming homemade clam chowder ($9.99) served with a garden fresh side salad was a no-brainer. The homemade lasagna ($15.99) served at the next table looked so good that we all vowed to try it soon.
No family celebration is complete without dessert, so we all shared two. The sweet smell of cinnamon reached our table just before the huge slice of ‘Apple Pie Pizza’ drizzled in a smooth homemade caramel sauce arrived. Of course we polished it off, along with the ‘Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae’ ($6.99). The brownie was so thick and rich that our party of four could barely finish it. It was torture, but we managed. (Wink). All in all, it was a great Italian meal I won’t soon forget.
Beyond pizza and pasta, Tantardinos serves several popular salads including the meaty antipasto ($10.99) with Canadian bacon, pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and olives atop a bed of mixed greens. Homemade Sicilian meatballs in savory meat sauce on a homemade hoagie, dripping with mozzarella, and topped with mushrooms and bell peppers ($8.99) is just one of many extraordinary sandwiches served with a smile by Susan Sherod, for eight years, at Tantardinos. Sandwiches are served until 4:00, but dinner on the patio with the Tantardinos is a leisurely pleasure that lingers past sunset.
Art, Barb and daughters Trish and Gina are happy to serve you 11:30-9:00 weekdays and 11:30-9:30 Friday and Saturday. Tantardinos is closed on Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (530) 596-3902. A full menu is available online at tantardinos.com. Come taste the flavors of our neck of the woods; tantalize your taste buds at Tantardinos on the Lake Almanor Peninsula.
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Now Serving:
| Pizzas |
12″ Small |
14″ Medium |
16″ Ex-Large |
| Cheese |
$12.99 |
$15.99 |
$17.99 |
| 1 Item |
13.79 |
16.69 |
19.99 |
| 2 Items |
14.79 |
18.39 |
20.99 |
| 3 Items |
15.39 |
19.49 |
21.89 |
| 4 Items |
15.89 |
20.69 |
22.99 |
| Extra Toppings |
1.19 |
1.49 |
1.79 |
| Toppings: Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Ground Chuck, Canadian Bacon, Salami, Linguicia, BBQ Chicken, Turkey, Mushrooms, Anchovy, Pineapple, Green Onion, Red Onion, Avocado, Black Olives, Bell Pepper, Fresh Garlic, Bleu Cheese, Jalapeno, Tomato, Artichoke Hearts, Parmesan, Pepperjack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese.
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| Tropical - Canadian Bacon & Pineapple |
14.79 |
18.39 |
20.99 |
| Combo – Cheese, Onions, Bell Peppers, Olives, Mushrooms, Canadian Bacon & Italian Sausage |
16.29 |
20.99 |
23.49 |
| Low-Fat Pizza – Extra sauce, very light cheese, and 4 of your favorite low-fat toppings. |
16.29 |
20.79 |
22.79 |
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Any of our Special Pizzas below |
16.29 |
20.79 |
23.49 |
| Mexican – Cheese, Onions, Bell Peppers, Olives, Tomatoes, Linguicia & Jalapenos
Vegetarian – Cheese, Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Olives, Tomatoes (sprouts added on request)
Zesty Zombie – Our Zombie is made of five delicious cheeses.
Lumberjack – Canadian Bacon, Salami, Pepperoni, Sausage, Beef & Linguicia.
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| Gourmet Pizzas |
16.29 |
20.79 |
23.79 |
| #1 Stuffed Mushroom… Garlic cream sauce, our blend of cheeses, lots of mushrooms, bleu cheese & green onions.
#2 Cabin Fever… Garlic cream sauce, our blend of cheeses, pepperoni, linguicia, cooked avocado & mushrooms.
#3 Boarding House Special… Red sauce, our blend of cheeses, ground chuck, red onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, green onions.
#4 Northern Exposure… Garlic cream sauce, Canadian bacon, mushrooms & tomatoes, topped with parmesan cheese.
#5 The Hot Italian… Garlic cream sauce, Italian sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, jalapenos & green onions.
#6 Garlic Veggie Delight… Garlic cream sauce, red onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes & green onions.
#7 Jalapeno Popper Pizza… Garlic cream sauce, a secret blend of six cheeses, and a generous helping of jalapenos makes this a favorite.
#8 BBQ Chicken… Red sauce, our blend of cheeses, bell peppers, tomatoes, pineapple and a generous portion of BBQ chicken. |
.50 “to-go” charge on all pizzas
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Sandwiches
Served with our nachos
Add small soup or salad bar for $3.49 |
| Turkey Temptation… Real turkey with mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado & choice of Swiss, jack, American or pepperjack cheese. Served on homemade bread. Add cranberry sauce: 50¢ |
$7.69 |
| Grandma’s 1877… A good old-fashioned ham sandwich with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles & choice of Swiss, jack, American or pepperjack cheese. Served on homemade bread. |
7.69 |
| Roast Beef Delight… Prime roast beef with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles & choice of Swiss, jack, American or pepperjack cheese. Served on homemade bread. |
7.69 |
| The Country Club… Triple-decker ham, Swiss, turkey, American, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo & mustard. Served on whole wheat. |
7.99 |
| Beefy Cheese Supreme… Prime roast beef on french roll with mayo, mustard & our special BBQ sauce, topped with jack, mozzarella, onions & jalapenos. Baked & served with fresh tomatoes. |
7.49 |
| BBQ Chicken Sandwich… Baked open-faced & topped with sauce, cheese, bell pepper, tomatoes & pineapple. |
7.49 |
| Hot Ham & Swiss… with tomatoes, mayo & mustard on sliced sourdough. |
7.49 |
| Baked Ham & Cheese… with tomatoes, mayo & mustard on a roll. |
7.49 |
| French Dip… Our prime roast beef, mozzarella & jack cheese, heated on a french roll & served with scrumptious au jus. |
7.49 |
| Pizza Sandwich… Our scrumptious pizza sauce & cheese on a french roll, baked open-faced with any two toppings. |
7.49 |
| Veggie Supreme… Cream cheese, mayo, avocado, tomato & lettuce. Served on fresh homemade bread. A real treat. |
7.49 |
| Polish Pup… Polish sausage & cheese heated on a french roll with mayo, mustard, onions, pickles & tomatoes. |
7.49 |
| Kiddie Express… A little ham, turkey or salami with mayo. |
2.99 |
Senior Citizen Special… 10% off entire purchase
(Please advise cashier before we ring up your order.)
.20 “to-go” charge on all sandwiches, salads, etc.
Soup, Salads, Appetizers & More
| Soup & Salad Bar (all you can eat with homemade bread) |
$ 8.99 |
| Soup & Homemade Bread |
5.29 |
| Cup of Soup |
3.69 |
| Homemade Bread |
1.79 |
| Salad Bar (all you can eat) |
6.49 |
| Salad Bar (once through) |
3.99 |
| Salad Bar (once thru with pizza or sandwich) |
3.49 |
| Garlic Bread |
2.79 |
| Garlic Cheese Bread |
3.29 |
| Jalapeno Poppers |
Small: 3.79
Large: 6.79 |
| Buffalo Wings… a generous portion |
7.99 |
| Nachos |
Small: 2.29
Medium: 3.29
Large: 4.49 |
| Sides: Ranch, Jalapenos, etc. |
.69 |
Luncheon Specials (served until 4 p.m.)
| Mini Pizza or Pizza Sandwich with once-thru Salad Bar |
$8.29 |
| Soup & 1/2 Sandwich (turkey, ham or roast beef) on homemade bread |
6.99 |
| Soup & once-thru Salad Bar |
6.99 |
Student Special
Pepperoni Pizza Bread w/Nachos and Drink $3.99
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Location: 473-455 Johnstonville Rd
By Melissa Wynn
On a lovely evening in April, we decided to go to Susanville and have dinner out at ‘R House’. As I walked in the door, the mouth-watering aromas of barbecue and homemade bread tickled my nose and made my tummy growl with hunger. A flickering fireplace in the entryway beckoned, “Come inside and make yourself at home”. The sweet and bubbly owner Sandy Harkness, greeted us in the full service bar, dressed in her apron.
Three dining areas whisper memories of the old west, decorated with wagons of pine cones, tiny lanterns, steer horns, snake skins and even a pair of badgers. My personal favorite was the back dining area, decorated with barbed wire and Sandy’s awesome collection of authentic bird nests, a collection thirty years in the making. Next to the cool and crisp salad bar, sits and old wood burning cook stove named Bessie and a miniature model sits on the shelf in the next room. Sandy certainly reached her goal of making her guests feel like they are eating at OUR house when dining at R House. Out on the patio there is always a campfire burning and guests are always welcome to gather round, share a cocktail and shoot the breeze. Kick back and enjoy, you are among friends!
Not only is the decor homey, so is the food. Oh the food! Our meal began with a basket of mini loaves of homemade bread so tender and lightly sweet that there is no doubt it was made by a grandma. Ice water served in old fashion mason jars along with build your own salads and dinner was on. Several potato choices were offered with my rack of fall -off -the-bone BBQ baby back pork ribs($19.99) including sweet potato fries. In the end, I opted for the broasted potatoes that are fried under pressure, giving the crispy outside of fries without all the grease. Add the fresh steamed green beans and my meal couldn’t have been better if I had prepared it myself at home. Sandy’s homemade BBQ sauce puts mine to shame. It is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and spicy. Oh yummy. Even the buns for the R House burger($10.99) are homemade daily. Our second entree was the juicy Rib-Eye($21.99) served sizzling in its own skillet. The crisp veggies and steaming baked potato came on their own plate. At evenings end, more than half of our delicious meal went home for tomorrows lunch in a box. Just like at Grandmas house, there is much more food than one can devour in a single sitting. We left R House waddling, our bellies stuffed.
Next time you are in Susanville, drop in on Sandy and her extended family at 473-455 Johnstonville Rd and enjoy a real home cooked meal, Monday-Saturday 4-11 pm. Perhaps the Pork Cutlet($16.99) or a Shrimp Pasta($15.99). Friday nights bring the most popular Prime Rib special ($23.99) and there is often a wait for a table on prime rib night. Patience my fellow patrons, this delectable fare is well worth a thirty minute wait. Four flat screen TV’s in the bar will quickly pass the time. Reservations are only taken at R House for groups of ten or more by calling (530)252-1777 . All other dinner guests are on a first come, first served basis. Home rules and home cookin’, welcome to R House.
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The Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant on Susanville’s Main Street might be an auspicious place to take Mom this Mother’s Day. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, the service of the restaurant is impressive. Every time we arrive, we are immediately welcomed.
Dinners start with edamame soy beans : delicious popped straight out of the pods, or with a little hot mustard sauce. As one of Happy Garden’s “on the house” items, it is a special treat. A wide variety of teas can be served with dinner: from herbal or decaffeinated green teas (jasmine is my favorite), to more traditional oolong or black teas. Dessert of pineapple, orange, and raspberry sherbet follows the meal, along with the ubiquitous fortune cookie. This rounds out the “on the house ” items.
The owner, Margaret Wang, has been catering to her dining public in this location for two years. The decor is Chinese traditional meets American modern garden party. The portions of food are generous and very reasonably priced. We have never gone away hungry or without a doggy bag.
Rice can be found in white or brown varieties. MSG is never used. Special food needs are happily catered to. Wheat-free soy sauce or white sauce is available, and many items on the menu are unbreaded.
We started with appetizers of tangy Teriyaki Beef marinated in hoisin sauce and served with a mini hibachi at the table. We got right into the mood of the meal with this one. Steamed dumplings or “chashao bao” were filled with barbecued pork, but can also have shrimp, tofu, or vegetable stuffing. Soup for my husband was his favorite Hot and Sour. My egg flour soup was creamy with contrasting textures of carrots, peas, and corn. His sweet-sour pork with spring roll, noodles and rice hit that sweet-tooth spot. My chicken breast Lettuce Wrap can also be had with other meats or vegetarian filling. The crispy organic iceberg lettuce makes a nice textural and temperature contrast with the filling.
Photos By: Mary Beth Laraway Conlee (click once to view caption -twice to enlarge)
 
Enjoy your meal. Happy Gardening!
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It isn’t often that you will find a big chain restaurant written up in Mountain Valley Living. Nor is it often that you find a chain that makes you feel like you’re getting a mountain-made meal. In Reno, I would have to recommend Texas Roadhouse. It is a lively, fun, family experience and the food is really good. The place is known for hand cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, sides made from scratch and fresh baked bread that is out of this world. Potato bread I guessed. But nobody was giving up any secrets around there. When you walk in, you can’t miss the aroma of those hand-made, fresh-baked rolls which are served warm in baskets plentiful with their signature honey-cinnamon butter. I ordered regular butter too. There is nothing like fresh hot baked bread and real butter to start off a meal.
By the time we reached our table, one of our servers had scooped up a hefty portion of peanuts for our table. Our kids knew exactly what to do, dance to the music, throw down some peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. About every 30 minutes the staff does their own line dance to the music. Birthdays are also a big deal at Texas Roadhouse.
Dressings and sauces are homemade and they go out of their way to please. On my first visit there, I ordered a skewer of grilled prawns. When I asked for cocktail sauce, I was more than surprised when they made it up fresh for me from scratch. For kids, the plentiful choices included homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans, applesauce and more fresh vegetables in addition to the mashed potatoes, beans and fries. All are side choices with the kids’ meals ($2.99 – $4.99) and the ranger meals ($5.99 – $7.99). Several “Starters” are offered and many a bloomin’ onion passed us by. When the food came, the kids turned to food and enjoyed it all right down to the tasty green beans.
Who could resist the hand-cut steaks? Not me. Ft. Worth Ribeye was my choice among the USDA Choice Sirloin, Texas T-Bone, New york Strip and Dallas Filet. Mine was cooked perfectly and smothered with a side of sauteed mushrooms. I had the 10 oz. Ribeye at $13.99 which was plenty with two sides from their dozen homemade choices.
The menu included plenty of selections, from salads and steaks to ribs and chicken. Country dinners included Pulled Pork and Country Fried Sirloin. Each were under $10.
In Reno, The Texas Roadhouse is located at 150 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, west of Highway 395. Monday through Thursday they are open for dinner from 4 – 10 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday they serve lunch also and open at 11 am.
Save room for dessert. Choose from Granny’s Apple Classic, Strawberry Cheesecake and their Big Ol’ Brownie!
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By Melissa Wynn
Ken Donnell & server Shannon Morrison
Here in the mountains we find it perfectly acceptable to color outside the lines. We love to gather in random groups at unique venues and combine the joys of life that feed our bodies, minds and spirits. Pangea Cafe and Pub at 461 main St. in Quincy, Ca is a perfect example of such a venue, especially on Monday nights when the music plays. Various local musicians jam together on instruments as mixed as the company. On the Monday night of our visit we enjoyed banjo, accordion, upright bass and fiddle, just to name a few. This group is collectively known as Fish Tacos since that is also the Monday night dinner special at the predominantly organic Pangea Cafe and Pub.
Fish Tacos were my dinner choice made with wild Alaskan pollack, smoky cheddar cheese, avocado and lettuce. On the side I enjoyed coconut milk black beans and rice with marinated onions. The fish is topped with a wonderful homemade tomatillo cilantro dressing that is one of three bottled and sold at Pangea.
Open Jam Session "Fish Tacos" come and join in Soon after the music jam began, several guests were up and dancing. (A broken toe was all that stopped me from joining in.) This is really a let-your-hair-down-and-join-the-fun kind of place. Owner/ operator Holly Nordt and her partner Cheryl Arthur are committed to supporting the local arts and the economy, buying local beef from Thompson Valley and local produce whenever possible. Organic is the general theme but you can still get a death by chocolate cheesecake. After all we need something to feed the soul. Local wines and micro-brew beers are also on the menu at Pangea Cafe & Pub.
Blake Dedeker & Melissa Irby A full menu is available online at pangeapub.com that includes sushi, some Thai dishes and even a $5 kids menu. We had an awesome visit at Pangea and I can’t wait to go back after my toe is up to dancing. Eat, drink and be merry with Holly and the crowd. Take in a Monday for some local flavor and two kinds of Fish Tacos!
Pangea Cafe & Pub on Main Street in Downtown Quincy.
Phone: (530) 283-0426
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Open Jam Session “Fish Tacos” come and join in
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Ken Donnell & server Shannon Morrison
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Fish Tacos
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Blake Dedeker & Melissa Irby
Experience the flavors of the world with our small town friends!
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By Melissa Wynn
Welcome to CR Gibbs American Grille,”Where Rumors End and Legends Begin.” I recently enjoyed dinner with a friend at this happening, classy little eatery at 2300 Hilltop Drive in Redding. We were spending the night next door at the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn and were drawn like moths to a flame by the smoky aroma of tri tip grilling on the open, oak fired outdoor BBQ pit.
Festive palm trees and a gurgling fountain led the way to our dining delight. I knew we were in for a good time when the banner outside read Nutsy Hour 4pm-6pm daily. It was 5:00 so nutsy it is. Our idea of being a bit nutsy was to let the staff choose our meal. It was great fun to watch them choose and prepare each flavor of our adventure in the open exhibition kitchen. I was especially fascinated with the constant flame of the brick pizza oven.
We enjoyed fresh steaming coffee and warm fresh baked french bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping as chef Stephen White prepared eared Ahi Tuna with a succulent raspberry sauce and a touch of kickin’ hot wasabi he had chosen as the appetizer to grace our table. Thinly sliced and encrusted in sesame seeds, every delicate morsel melted in my mouth. Soon our upbeat server Kristen Hernandez danced by again carrying a tray of CR Gibbs American Grille’s famous martinis in a rainbow of colors from the full service bar to a group enjoying cocktails and mounds of shrimp over ice ($7.95). Ooo, that looks good too! Service Manager Ramone Alverez’s entree choices for us were the amazing creamy yet mildly hot, spicy Rajun Cajun Pasta ($17.95) with chicken breast and Andouille sausage topped with green onions, pico de gallo and Parmesan cheese and the rich flavorful Salmon Italiano ($19.95) encrusted with feta cheese, roasted red bell pepper, basil, lemon aioli, garlic and italian bread crumbs on a bed of cheesy Rissoto Caprese. Every bite of both dishes were a party for the taste buds. It was a shame that I ate so much of both that I no room to sample the decadent dessert choices like hazelnut flan, bananas foster and snickers pie. Maybe next time. We waddled happily across the parking lot back to our rooms full and happy. Complimentary access to the CR Gibbs American Grille’s breakfast buffet comes with the room at the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn so just twelve hours later we were back to indulge in biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon and eggs, a bit of cool vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit and of course a bottomless cup of that good strong coffee to charge us up for our busy day. CR Gibbs American Grille is an awesome choice for “eatertainment.” For a look at the full menu served 7 days a week visit their website at crgibbs.com. Like the menu says: Experience, Explore, Engage and Enjoy. We sure did.
photos courtesy of CR GIBBS American Grille and Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn
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(530) 596-3179
By Eileen Majors
A driveway filled with cars on my way out to the Lake Almanor Peninsula one evening mad me wonder if I should make the Hillbilly Grill the next stop on our Mountain Valley Dining Tour. So I asked at my next stop where I was told about the great breakfasts they also serve. I had my answer. I was going.
As one who has long enjoyed some of the great cuisine served up at this location in the old days, I was delighted. The Hamilton Branch pours into Lake Almanor practically across the street from the restaurant, where a fishermen’s parking lot often fills with anglers.
We arrived late for our dinner reservation but were cheerfully greeted by our hostess/waitress Jenna, adorned in a tiny princess crown. Co-owner and chef Clint McDonald was also wearing a crown. It seems it was his birthday and Jenna had also made him a Hillbilly King crown. Co-owner Marsha Tolen was not in but saved us a cozy table by the window.
Fresh coffee with real cream started my dining adventure. What is it about real cream and real butter that sets a restaurant apart from the rest! That was only my first surprise.
I decided on the prime rib as this location had long been famous for their prime rib. I could not resist the salad bar but got a taste of the homemade clam chowder too which was delicious. The salad bar offered a fresh blend of lettuces, a nice variety fresh vegetables and toppers including craisins and tasty homemade dressings. Homemade potato bread is made daily at the restaurant and served warm. Everything is homemade according to McDonald who has spent 30 years in his profession. Marsha his partner, has spent 17 years on the other side of the business, providing great service and running a restaurant. Their efforts deliver an outstanding presentation in service, friendly ambience and fabulous flavor.
My huge cut of prime rib was delivered just as I ordered it, only bigger than I had bargained for. (I brought half of it home!) The flavor was outstanding. McDonald pointed out that they get their beef from Biggs’ Butchery in Westwood. I had to ask, “The breakfast sausage too?” Confirmed, biscuits and gravy with Don Biggs handmade sausage…mmm!. My prime rib came with a creamy, stout horseradish and au jus. The fresh carrots, broccoli and cauliflower’s buttery fresh sauteed flavor was amazing. The choice of baked, mashed, beans or rice was nice. Also at the table was Chicken Parmesan, the best I had ever tried. A crispy chicken breast lay atop fettucine with flavorful sauce and melting mozzerella!
The dinner menu was wide with steaks, pasta, ribs and more including all seven lunch burgers also available. Lunch includes a steak sandwich, BLT, and vegetarian selection are available all day.
Breakfast entrees include everything from griddle cakes to steak and eggs with an assortment of fresh omelettes and even Huevos Rancheros. Take Highway A-13 from 36 or 147 to the Hillbilly Grill at the Hamilton Branch. Call 530-596-3179 for reservations or orders to go.
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Enjoy Fine Dining Creations by Chef John Gamboni. For reservations, call (530) 596-3538
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Enjoy a beautiful lunch or dinner out at Cafe Le Coq- Quincy, CA. (530) 283-0114
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By Melissa Wynn
Every now and then during my wanderings I find a place that is truly out of the ordinary. Red’s Old 395 Grill at 1055 S. Carson Street in Carson City is beyond unique with antique cars, sleighs and larger than life old ship carvings hanging from the ceiling. Standing in the center of this old west restaurant you will find a 1923 Monarch Steamroller from Groton, New York that is one of the two left in existance. The steamroller was used to pave what is now Wall Street in New York City. The Fire Steam Water Pumper Fire Engine above the bar was built by the American La France Company in 1907 and sold to the City of Waco, Texas. Of course they want it back, but it belongs to the citizens of Carson City now. Red’s vast bottle collection consists of over 1,000 different varieties of beer from around the globe. Each and every bottle was consumed by one person, who, rumor has it, is still in possession of his original liver. The walls are covered with antique paintings, autographed photos, game mounts, boat oars, 7 TVs, a giant circus-style billboard menu and countless other curiosities too numerous to notice during our first visit in late July. My brother and I stopped in for dinner after a busy day in Carson City and spent a long time gazing about, trying to soak in the enormous collection. We wandered out to the luxurious patio, fully equipped with a gas-fired BBQ as well as a gas log fireplace, just to see what else there could possibly be. To our amazement the outside is as much a museum as the inside. A carved bear and a gurgling fountain made of wine kegs were my outdoor favorites but my brother was more impressed with the outdoor TVs and the copper smokestack advertising Red’s Old 395 Grill’s 101 Beer choices that compliment the full bar. Not only is the decor out of this world at Red’s, the BBQ is said to be the best west of the Mississippi. We decided to let handsome and friendly manager Todd Bachman choose our meal and boy can he and his staff throw down a meal. Our “surprise me” dinner was the famous Colossal Que For Two ($39.94) that included 2 racks of Red’s bodacious BBQ Ribs that were smokey delicious and falling off the bone, melt in your mouth BBQ Chicken, 3 huge spicy Chicken Chipolte handmade sausages that we chose from a wide variety of sausage choices, 2 blue corn tortilla bowls full to the brim with Prairie Fire Baked Beans, 2 red corn tortilla bowls of tangy fresh coleslaw and two thick squares of corn and pepper cornbread complete with honey butter. There was so much tongue tingling food that we had to take our sinfully tasty Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ($6.99) to go. I was thankful that Todd did the choosing because the menu has so much to choose from. A wide variety of Steaks, Chicken Piccata, Grilled Salmon, 8 Different Salads, Smoked Beef Brisket and a variety of delectable authentic Mexican Cuisine choices barely begins to give you an idea of all you can taste at Red’s Old 395 Grill. For a look at the full menu give them a click at www.reds395.com.You can place orders to go by calling 775-887-0395 but it would be a shame to enjoy that awesome fare anywhere but in the spectacular imaginarium that is Red’s Old 395 Grill .
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By Melissa Wynn
If you have not yet found yourself inside the Red Onion Grill for a meal, you are missing out on a great dining experience. From sliders, fish & chips and salads to tempura fried prawns or grilled steak and pastas, there is plenty of flavorful fare to choose from. Filip Laboda of Chester’s Red Onion Grill is proud to announce free delivery of “To-Go” orders over $45 to Chester, Lake Almanor West, Pratville and the Lake Almanor Peninsula. Orders under $45 are subject to a $10 fee. I say spend that $10 on a lip smacking appetizer like the Pan-Seared Crab Cakes or Tempura Shrimp; both are $9.95. Deliveries will also be happily made to Hamilton Branch,Lake Almanor’s East Shore and Canyon Dam for the same $10 fee.
Red Onion Grill is open 7 days a week so you can get dinner delivered any night you wish. The challenge is deciding what to order. Will it be the rich and creamy Chicken Gorgonzola with artichokes and roasted red peppers or perhaps a thick and juicy Black Angus Rib-Eye Steak? Maybe you prefer the seafood fare such as the Cajun spiced Fire Grilled Shrimp Skewers or the Two Pesto Salmon. Several Pasta and Salad choices are also available on the diverse menu at the Red Onion Grill. An early bird entree is offered daily from 5 until 6 pm at $12.95. They also offer tempting desserts like freshly made Tiramisu and Rum-Raisin Ice Cream. Dine in at 384 Main Street in Chester or call 530-258-1800 for reservations or delivery; your palette is sure to be pleased. Dinner with Filip and gang at the Red Onion Grill is available seven days a week. View our menu at redoniongrill.com.
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Buffalo Chips Pizza- Westwood, CA
 Buffalo Chips Pizza Okay, so you probably have heard about the pizza at Buffalo Chips in Westwood. It is so good that it draws people from all over the area throughout the year to historic downtown Westwood. Watch them toss it in the air, form it into an artistic masterpiece with all of your favorite toppings, then bake it to a bubbling perfection. If you have only tried the pizza, it’s time to go back and experience the rest of the story. Each day they make homemade bread to serve warm with homemade soup, or to make your favorite sandwich. Try that turkey temptation for one. They cook a real turkey breast every day, serve it on homemade bread with mayo, lettuce, tomato and avocado. Yum! The salad bar rocks at Buffalo Chips too.Take Hwy. 36 or or 147 to downtown Birch Street in Westwood.
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(530) 283-0114
 Cafe Le Coq Welcome to Cafe Le Coq in downtown Quincy. Dine in the garden or in the quaint, old fashioned home restored into a welcoming cafe. Owner/Chef Patrick LeCoq and his wife Donata enjoy what they do and it shows. Patrick thoroughly enjoys preparing fresh appetizers, salads, soups and specialties of the house. The dinners are fabulous and reservations are recommended. Private parties are welcome. Lunch is served up in four courses, starting with a fresh appetizer. A wide choice of entrees are each preceded by homemade soup and followed by French dessert. Yes, Patrick is a Frenchman, obvious by his charming accent. You will love the food and the charm of Cafe Le Coq.
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(800) 510-8439
 Chalet View Lodge The Chalet View Lodge is located on Highway 70 between Graeagle and Portola. Dinner is served inside or on the deck by the outdoor fireplace. People come from miles around to enjoy the fabulous cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a meal in their room. The lodge boasts a pool, hot tub, a duck pond, playground equipment andand six hole practice course for golfers visiting the area’s many fabulous golf courses. There is a health club, spa and salon on the premises as well and a Starbucks in the lobby. They have a great selection of fine wines and now also serve cocktails. Come for dinner or come for a stay.
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Mazatlan Grill- Susanville, CA
(530) 257-1800
 Mazatlan Grill The Mazatlan Grill brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to Main Street in Susanville. They pack em’ in for lunch and dinner because of the great food.The service is also great at Mazatlan Grill. Lunches are served quickly and there is a full bar. Enjoy freshly prepared, margaritas, beer or wine with a meal if you choose. You will find this friendly restaurant on Main Street across from the Grocery Outlet in Susanville.
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Maria’s Restaurant- Chester, CA
(530) 258-2262
 Maria's Restaurant Maria’s Mexican Restaurant welcomes you. Their family offers a fabulous menu of authentic cuisine. Maria and her daughters serve while Dad and son are in the kitchen. The restaurant features all of your favorite Mexican dishes plus some great house specials featuring prawns and more. The food is excellent and the service is smiling. Maria’s also offers a full bar and a line up of margaritas in festive fruit flavors. They have a large dining room and can easily cater to large parties. Visit them in Old Town Chester on Main Street and also enjoy some lunches and snacks from this family in the summer at Lake Almanor West Golf Course.
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(530) 258-2355
 Main Street Coffee
Get your kicks on route 36! Main Street Coffee in Chester is new since last summer and is located right next to US Bank. They have completely remodeled this hopping location and have greatly enjoyed serving up coffee, smoothies and more. These girls have fun mixing up your favorite Latte’ or blended drinks. The drink menu is long and the lunches, breakfasts, desserts and pastries are all homemade by mom in their all new kitchen. From breakfast croissants and other tasty treats to the friendly service you get when you walk through the door, you will love Main Street Coffee.
Tell ʻem we sent you!
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(530) 596-3538
 Chef John Camboni and Kippy Mayne ready to serve lunch! Everybody around here knows about Gamboni’s Peninsula Grill at Lake Almanor. Chef John Gamboni is truly a culinary artist. Fresh delicious flavors come alive in a variety of balanced meals with attention to every corner of the plate, often evenadorned with a fresh flower. The food is fancy I will say but they are careful tosay the lake is casual. While the prestigious presentation and fresh and impressive cuisine may fool you, the attire and prices are quite casual too.
Fresh sushi is one of his many specialties, and one that draws dozens of cars even on a snowy night in winter. From a variety of scrumptious steaks and fresh seafood to fresh pasta and tantalizing appetizers, the fare at Gamboni’s Peninsula Grill is comprised of the freshest ingredients. Entrees include freshly prepared veggies, soup or salad, potato or rice and a delicious basket of bread with dipping sauce and fresh creamy butter. Yum! There is something to satisfy every palate.
No lunch at Gamboni’s…. but the dinner is awesome
 
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(530) 283-4755
It was a beautiful day in Quincy, Ca when I met Mario Marquez, owner of Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant. This has long been a favored stop for me when I am in Quincy and now I see why. Mario is no stranger to cooking professionally. He got his start at the original Mi Casita in Susanville many years ago. Now it was beginning to click… every friday night, way back when, we used to crowd in with all the rest on that Main Street corner in Susanville for some of Mario’s cuisine. He eventually moved on to Josefina’s, and went to work in Chester when Josefina’s opened there. When they were done in Chester, Mario stayed and changed the name to Mi Casita. With many of the original recipes in hand, he began preparing them his own way. He expanded into Quincy in 1999, leaving his ister Elizabeth with the Chester location, also open 7 days a week on Main Street in chester.
Scents of chile verde drew us to the top of the hill in East Quincy to Mi Casita where a bright red tablecloth and a basket of chips and homemade salsa welcomed us to our seat overlooking the popular patio area. It was an obvious hot spot for the working lunch.
We were greeted by the familiar face of Sergio, Mario’s son who plans to play baseball at Feather River College. He brought great service and some humor to the table. Turns out, Sergio and I have the same Mi Casita favorite… his dad’s chile verde. He likes the burrito.
There is a wide variety of specials including seafood, and all of your favorite Mexican dishes. Combination plates including rice and beans or salad range from one taco at $5.25 (lunch special) to their enchilada, tamale and chile relleno combo at $11.45.
They serve a good breakfast too at Mi Casita from 6am. They also have steak or steak and prawns which is a Rib Eye steak and six deliciously deep fried prawns. Many American favorites come with fries including a burger, steak sandwich or their Fish Fry.
This family owned and operated restaurant welcomes you from 6 am until 9 pm for some of their favorites, soon to be yours also. Stop in soon and meet them if you have not already. You’ll love their large menu. They serve beer, wine and wine margaritas too and a scrumptions $15.95 prime rib special on Fridays.
 Mario & Son, Sergio
 Mario's daughter Stephanie- it's a family affair! Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
(530) 257-3458
Adds Basque Night
 Sage Hen Restaurant Just when you think the dining delights of The Sage Hen Restaurant couldn’t get any better, they announce fine Basque cuisine on Thursday nights, served family style in a casual country setting. Each week, Master Chef and owner Serge Marchale will be whipping up several new entrees, such as a steaming rich lamb stew. All entree choices include homemade soup & fresh green salad along with two mouth watering sides. If Basque is not your style, the regular menu is still available with treasures like Veal Scallopini and local Five Dot Ranch steaks. The Prime Rib Buffet has returned to The Sage Hen Restaurant on the weekends, matched up with their extensive wine list and full service bar for a buffet that is hard to beat.
Serge, Rita, Joey, Josh and Dustin, who make up the staff at the family owned and operated Sage Hen, made our Mountain Valley Living family feel right at home. This warm and cheerful bunch is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 7a.m.-9p.m. at 2975 Main Street in Susanville. From an early morning steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee, through a lunchtime, build your own Five Dot Ranch Burger or a delicious dinner of Tunisian Salmon, on to a late, sinfully scrumptious, homemade dessert like Chocolate Whiskey Cake or Deep Dish Apple Pie, The Sage Hen Restaurant has it all. Dine in with the Marchales or take your yummies to go by calling 530-257-3458. They are across from Safeway at 2975 Main Street and meals are moderately priced. Make your way in for some exquisite dining. You can visit their website or more delicious details and even download a coupon at www.thesagehenrestaurant.com.
 
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(530) 256-2169
 The Walker Mansion Inn The Walker Mansion Inn was once the residence of the Walker family, founders of Westwood and the Red River Lumber Company. Upstairs, guest suites are immaculate and each decorated with a separate theme.
It is a perfect place to hold a wedding or other special event as they have a giant lawn connecting to the garden. The guest suites overlook the grounds and beautiful scenes of Mountain Meadows and Dyer Mountain.
The dining is a pleasure with delightful sandwiches and an assortment of salads. You’ll love the fancy coffee and tempting desserts. Choose a seat inside the cozy dining room, at the bar, or outside on the screened in porch. An occasional train passes through the meadow, bringing thoughts of the old days when the logs left by train from the mill just footsteps away.
A few steps from the dining room you will find a great gift shop. There is an assortment of beautiful gifts including cookbooks, linens, dishware, baby items and much more. You could browse for quite some time through the gift shop which also carries very nice upholstered furniture. Visiting the Walker Mansion Inn during yourstay in the area is a must-do.
 A large, lust lawn in the garden is a perfect wedding spot! The bandstand is ready for any special occasion. Upstairs accomodations are loaded with charm, reminiscent of a luxurious past, in the old logging days of Westwood.  You're going to LOVE the gift shop! Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
(530) 257-4832
 Coventry Gardens Zach Hart is chef and proprietor at Coventry Gardens in Susanville. Zach’s love for cooking began when he and his brother grew up fishing and hunting. The rule in their family: you kill it, you clean it and cook it. Parents Rob and Linda Hart say they always enjoyed the samples.
Zach has always been one to experiment with spices and herbs, to find the perfect balance of flavor, according to Mom.
The lunch menu includes a variety of salads, homemade quiche and the Coventry Garden Luncheon” where you can choose any two items from: soup, 1/2 sandwich, quiche and salad, all served with a pot of tea or soda and choice of homemade scones.
Things have changed some since they first opened as a tea room. With Zach now running Coventry Gardens, he has revised the menu. It includes some of the tea room favorites and now in an effort to cater to more people, he has created some hearty specials like the smokey ham and cheese or the ‘Big Ben’ prime thin sliced roast beef and jack cheese all served on a french roll with au jus. Homemade sandwiches are served with a choice of side salad, a cup of soup or Zach cut french fries. The menu has been a hit so far.
There is a variety of burgers including the ever popular bleu cheese bacon burger. A children’s menu is available at Coventry Gardens.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 until 3 with Friday hours till 8pm, when they serve a fabulous array of dinner entrees in addition to their regular menu.
The restaurant is housed in an historic victorian home which has been restored and transformed into a very beautiful restaurant. Located one block off Main Street at 70 South Roop Street in uptown Susanville, the restaurant also offers outside catering and special events there.
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(530) 587-2161
By Melissa Wynn
 Andre and Calisto Baeza TWO BROTHERS TO MEET…
Who can resist spicy, authentic Mexican cuisine from Casa Baeza in Truckee, Ca? Not me for sure. Owners, operators and brothers, Andres and Calisto Baeza, keep the food hot, the beer cold and the jokes fresh. These guys are experts in good food and good fun and are definitely two brothers to meet. Casa Baeza is all about having a good time, no long faces here.
Warm, fresh cooked tortilla chips and homemade salsa with a bit of a kick, start every meal. I always add an order of guacamole to cool my tongue from the tasty salsa. Balance is good, right? Lunch and dinner choices include all of our authentic Mexican favorites including tamales, menudo, enchiladas (red and green), tortas, carnitas, tapatias and ceviche just to name a few of many. Each entree is cooked in the tradition and taste of old Mexico. Recipes have been perfected and that’s why this place is a hopping spot!
The full service and happening bar in Casa Beaza carries over 55 brands of Tequila on the regular menu as well as 15 top shelf brands and 7 over the top brands. The Baezas know tequila, but in case you are not a tequila fan, their bar serves all the other party spirits too. On the soft drink side, seven sodas from Mexico are available to insure that all may sample a true taste of that country. Drop in on Andres and Calisto Beaza at 10004 Bridge Street in historic downtown Truckee, Ca. or call for something to go at 530- 587-2161. Great food, a ton of fun, in probably one of the friendliest restaurants around.
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(530) 283-2660
 The Polka Dot Polka Dot has been making great hamburgers and customers smile since 1962!
Our Family moved to Quincy in 1968 and it wasn’t long thereafter that we discovered the best thing since sliced bread. While I may be exaggerating a bit, it only takes one visit on a sunny afternoon to understand why the Polka Dot is so special. Great food is not the only reason this place quickly became a family favorite.
I’m not certain the Perkin’s family had a master plan to become the most popular eatery in Quincy when they opened for business in 1962 but that’s what happens when you combine yummy food, the warm sun, outdoor dining, and a small creek for the kids to play in. I asked my six year old daughter, Kayla, what her favorite thing about the Polka Dot is and she couldn’t choose between the corn dog or the “river”. I then mentioned the ice cream cone and she had a real dilemma deciding!
The Polka Dot offers a large variety of delicious food, ranging from old fashioned hamburger and fries to rice bowls. Go to www.mountainvalleyliving and view the complete Polka Dot menu. The Perkins Family would love to have you stop by and you can also phone ahead at (530) 283-2660.
Mountain Valley Living Magazine has been placing our magazine (please pick up a copy to read while eating) on the parking side of the Polka Dot for about three months now. This has been a real problem for me because I go there about every third day to restock our supply and I cant stop drinking their milk shakes. The shakes are so thick and tasty…good luck trying to stop this addiction once you start.
I was there with Eileen (our Publisher) the other day enjoying an ice cream cone and we noticed that there were quite a few people gathered around one of the picnic tables. Eileen went over to see what the special occasion was and found the Quincy High School class of 1960 celebrating their 50 year reunion. They said that there is no better place to meet and enjoy a day with old friends and good food. It dawned on me that the Polka Dot is a tradition for other families besides my own.
 - Creekside
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