By Melissa Wynn
Melissa | Mountain Valley Living MagazineRed's Old 395 Grill
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- Red’s Old 395 Grill
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Melissa | Mountain Valley Living Magazine
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Melissa | Mountain Valley Living Magazine 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. Bookmark to:
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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Cafe Le Coq- Quincy, CA 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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Chalet View Lodge- Graeagle/Portola, CA 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 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 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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Main Street Coffee-Chester, CA
 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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Gamboni’s Peninsula Grill- Lake Almanor, CA 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.
The latest news at Gamboni is their new lunch fare served Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 am until 2:30 pm. The menu includes an assortment of starters including Baby Back Ribs, Buffalo Wings, Crab Cakes and Coconut Shrimp. An assortment of salads compliment the menu with creations like Chef Gamboni’s Candied Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad with cranberries, apple and balsamic vinaigrette. The Flat Iron Steak Salad features romaine, tomato salsa and bleu cheese crumbles. A half pound Angus burger with fries and all the fixin’s is $8.95, with a Cesar Wrap at $7.95. There is more too, including a fresh fish sandwich with freshly prepared dill tartar, fries and accompaniments at $13.95.A Caesar Wrap, and Chicken or Calamari teak Sandwich is offered as well as a kidsmenu! Enjoy excellent food and great service on the beautiful Lake Almanor Peninsula!
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Mi Casita Mexian Restaurant- Quincy, CA
 Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant 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! Bookmark to:
Sage Hen Restaurant- Susanville, CAAdds 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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The Walker Mansion Inn- Westwood, CA 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! Bookmark to:
Coventry Gardens- Susanville, CA
 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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Casa Baeza- Truckee, CABy 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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The Polka Dot- Quincy, CAA Family TraditionBy Steve Thackeray 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.
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Old Mill Cafe- Westwood, CA Old Mill Cafe Just six miles from Lake Almanor, Westwood is home to The Old Mill Cafe. For many years locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the quaint, old fashioned coffee shop ambience, and their famous homemade pies! Grandma Maxine cooks up fresh pies every day.
Breakfast starts at 7 am with all your regular favorites. There is a variety of omelettes including the “Spanish” with house-made sauce.. yum. The biscuits and gravy is downright famous for it hearty presentation and excellent flavor. The pancakes are good and boy, are they huge. Besides burgers and fries and a variety of great coffee shop entrees on the lunch menu, you find daily lunch specials at this friendly cafe in downtown Westwood. This welcoming, small town restaurant has counter seating too. They Old Mill is well known for their nightly dinner specials, like Pork Cutlets served in a flavorful gravy. I like it with the mashed potatoes. They serve up tender and juicy prime rib on Friday nights with Saturday night seafood specials that are spectacular! The Captains Platter is hard to resist. Every night’s special seems to draw a crowd to the historic mill town of Westwood. The Old Mill is housed in one of the original logging camp bunkhouses and visitors to town will also want to stop at the giant statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox just a block away. At The Old Mill Cafe, you will find those good old fashioned flavors of home cooking. Fresh coffee is served with half and half and dinners come with a mini loaf of bread with real butter, salad or their homemade soup of the day, vegetables and choice of potato. Chicken Fried Steak is a popular item on this menu lined up with loads of good old fashioned dinners, like fried chicken, pork chops, steak or grilled chicken breast to name a few. Lunch items are also available at dinner time. Prices are reasonable and that is reason enough for me to save room for that homemade pie!
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Lakeside At The Pines- Lake Almanor, CA For many, dining on the deck is an annual tradition. Others come more often!
Lakeside at the Pines is located at Plumas Pines Resort on the west shore of Lake Almanor. Locals and tourists alike make their way by car or by boat for lunch and dinner. For many it is an annual must-do.
It’s not just the views that keep them coming back. Chef Rob Nelson’s menu is sure to delight for lunch and dinner.
Nelson has enjoyed cooking for over 15 years and especially enjoys the lakeside ambience. Owner Trudi Dillard tells us they are open 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They use the freshest ingredients including 100% natural Black Angus beef. Dining is available indoors or on the deck. There is a nice line up of “starters” including crispy coconut prawns, Dungeness crab cakes and their new spicy tuna roll, to name a few. They serve a variety of salads like the classic Caesar, southwestern chicken salad and Asian taco salad with pepper crusted Ahi. Sandwiches include the Philly cheese steak, pulled pork and more. A personal pepperoni pizza and roasted portobello sandwich are also choices at lunch. There is a flavorful array of dinner entrees. Braised chicken with a Chardonnay cream sauce, pan roasted fresh pacific halibut with a Thai glaze and baby back ribs… Entrees are served with salad or soup (Lakeside’s clam chowder). Lemon herb linguini with grilled tiger shrimp is a favorite for pasta lovers but it is hard for me to pass up a Black Angus steak. The dinner menu also offers a Lakeside burger, tavern style fish & chips and fresh panko crusted salmon. Prime rib is served on Fridays and Saturdays. Gorgeously delicious dessert specials are offered nightly. Come enjoy the views and lakeside cuisine at Plumas Pines Resort, with Almanor’s only lakefront dining, just off Hwy. 89.  The Courtesy Dock Awaits You Bookmark to:
There’s going to be a “party with a purpose” on Sat. July 31st & you’re invited. Imagine strolling spacious gardens lined with softly lit evergreen trees on a warm summer evening, sampling epicurean treats and sipping a great Merlot or Chardonnay. You’re enjoying the impressive Foxwood Park and Pavilion, listening to live jazz in the background and celebrating with Rotary as it sponsors the best of what a Lake Almanor summer has to offer. Cost of participation is only $40.00 It all starts at 6:00pm with Wine, Spirits & Food Tasting from area restaurants and Northern California wineries while shopping the best of local artisans and bidding to your hearts content on spectacular silent auction items all set to the lively music of 8 O’clock Jazz band. At 9:00 the silent auction tables start closing & successful bidders are announced while the party continues at the Pavilion with dancing to the intuitive & rocking tunes of DJ- Buzz Barrett & “no host” libation poured by the Elk’s Lodge until midnight. This will be Rotary Club of Chester’s major fund raising event replacing a Wine Tasting/Dinner fundraiser that was historically held in the late fall. This even incorporates a major makeover of the former event into the “Premier Summer Lawn Party” held in the Lake Almanor Basin. Chester Rotary is establishing an event that you want to be a part of and will have a substantial following from year to year. All proceeds stay in our club to be used for local community and ongoing club commitments like Chester Rotary Scholarships, Youth Exchange (RYE), Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Music & Speech Programs, Major Appliance Cleanup (MAC), Rotarians at Work Day, the Chester Elementary 6th grade Watershed Program and various international projects. With the success of this event comes Rotary’s ability to expand these & other needed services to the community. Don’t miss Almanor Basins best party of the summer, Call 530-259-4874 or visit www.MidSummerMadness.Info for event information and ticket reservations. Participation is limited to 500 guest Bookmark to:
By Melissa Wynn
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 Truckee, Ca or call for something to go at 530- 587-2161. Bookmark to:
 Tunisian Salmon By Melissa Wynn 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 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 for more delicious details and even download a coupon at www.thesagehenrestaurant.com. Photos courtesy of The Sage Hen Restaurant  Chocolate Whiskey Cake Bookmark to:
 Grandma Maxine Tillford, Pie from The Old Mill Cafe By Melissa Wynn photos by Melissa Wynn The economic demand for double income families and the convenience of fast and prepared foods have made good old fashioned, down home cookin’ a dying art. Dessert has come to mean ice cream from a carton or perhaps some cupcakes from a shiny cardboard box. So many of us just don’t have the time or energy at the end of a long work day to throw together one of Grandma’s delicious chocolate pies, but fear not The Old Mill Cafe in Westwood, CA has us covered. Homemade pie is not just for Thanksgiving anymore! Six days a week Maxine, our own resident Grandma and scholar of the cooking arts, is faithfully posted in The Old Mill Cafe kitchen, creating masterpiece pies from scratch, the way pie was meant to be. There is always a menagerie of choices and trust me, making a selection is harder than you think. Not only are the daily choices posted on the wall, the cold case is in the dining room flashing its tempting fare. How does one push aside Mixed Berries in a flaky sugar dusted crust for Coconut Cream atop a thick layer of rich chocolate piled high with whipped cream (Black Bottom)? Many Westwood locals have a favorite but I recommend you visit Grandma often at 324 Birch St. and try them all. So, you’re not the social type but still want Grandma’s homemade pie, Strawberry Rhubarb perhaps? Kippy, Sabrina, Stacy, Lana or Marci will be happy to cut you a wide thick slice ($4.25) of Dutch Apple, Blueberry Cheesecake, Pecan or maybe even a huge square of Bread Pudding and box it up with a smile to go. Just give them a call Monday - Friday 6am-7pm or Saturday 7am-7pm at( 530)256-3180. Can’t beat that with a frozen puck in a foil pan, no Mam. Whole nine inch pies and cheesecakes are also available by ordering ahead and range in price from $17-$25. Rod Theobald, owner of The Old Mill Cafe, really knew what he was doing when he hired Grandma Maxine, his own mother-in-law to bake her famous pies for all of us, and when Maxine isn’t available his wife Connie can step right in. Let them eat pie! Come on over to Westwood and join us at The Old Mill Cafe for homemade pie. You can have Pumpkin or Pineapple Cream or Sour Cream Raisin or Cherry or…….. Bookmark to:
By Melissa Wynn
 Half Supreme / Half Tropical On those nights when nobody feels like cooking we often order a 50/50 with the girl’s half being the #8, BBQ Chicken Pizza with traditional red sauce, tons of stretchy cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, pineapple and loads of BBQ chicken. The boys have the Lumberjack: red sauce, Canadian bacon, salami, pepperoni, sausage, ground chuck and linguicia dripping with cheese. Now that’s dinner. Not only does Buffalo Chips Pizza serve earth’s best pizza, they have a soup and salad bar ($6.75 once through) always packed full of cool fresh salad fixins’ and a homemade soup of the day. I love their Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup, while Friday’s Clam Chowder is top notch. A steaming bowl with two huge, thick slices of Buffalo Chips delicious, hot, fresh baked homemade bread is only $4.85 seven days a week. Several of the outstanding sandwich choices at Buffalo Chips also come on that amazing homemade bread including my favorite, the Turkey Temptation ($6.85), made with fresh roasted turkey breast right from the bird, mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado and your choice of Swiss, Jack, American or pepperjack cheese and Grandma’s 1877 thick sliced ham in place of the Temptation’s turkey; no cold cuts here. The local favorite hot sandwich at Buffalo Chips Pizza is no doubt the Beefy Cheese Supreme ($6.85) with its huge pile of prime roast beef drizzled with the perfect amount of Buffalo Chips own tangy BBQ sauce topped with Jack and mozzarella cheeses, onions and jalapenos oven toasted to perfection atop a soft French roll and finished off with fresh cool tomato slices. Be careful, this sandwich can easily become an addiction. All sandwiches are served with tortilla chips and warm nacho cheese sauce. Adding a small soup or one trip through the salad bar is only $3.30 more, same with pizza orders. Awesome food at great prices, what more can you ask for? Perhaps the only things that does make it better is the homey atmosphere and friendly company that defines Buffalo Chips Pizza. Soft lighting and a log cabin feel find us all making ourselves right at home in the company of the many buffalo that accentuate the country decor. Just the other day I found myself among the herd having a great visit with  Phil Bryant, Jane Medici, Ross Macy Phil Bryant, Jane Medici and Ross Macy in for lunch from Westwood High School where Bryant and Medici both work and Macy is a student. I was waiting for an order of Buffalo Wings ($7.50), Garlic Cheese Bread ($3.25) and some Jalapeno Poppers (sm.$3.75 lg. $6.75) for my own get together when I noticed that Ross Macy was having something I had never even thought to try, a pizza sandwich with garlic cream sauce, roasted turkey breast and artichoke hearts along with his heaping garden fresh salad. Yummy idea, Ross. Speaking of good ideas, the Gibbs family sure had one when they filled the huge front porch with tables so we could gather under the sun for pizza and beer all summer long. This community porch even has a tiny log cabin playhouse for the little ones and planters full of cheerful blooms, just like home. We have gathered here with friends and family for 30 years or more, since before the porch, when Ryan’s mother Marilyn first opened in the original location just a few doors down. My own children have never known a Westwood without Buffalo Chips Pizza. The best things in life withstand the test of time, including many of Marilyn’s original recipes that I strongly encourage all of you to come and taste test for yourselves. Two generations of Westwood natives and a constantly growing number of loyal patrons from nearby communities can’t all be wrong. Westwood is a great spot to stop off for lunch when traveling along scenic Hwy 36 between Susanville and Red Bluff. Just turn onto Birch St. at the Westwood Business District sign and follow the herd to the Buffalo Chips Pizza & Pub sign above the porch. Buffalo Chips Pizza is also an excellent choice for lunch or dinner when camping, fishing or swimming at stunning Lake Almanor just 8 miles away. Ryan and his dedicated crew are here to serve with a smile 7 days a week. Drop in next time you find yourself in our neck of the woods or call ahead for your Buffalo Chips Pizza favorites at 530-256-2412.
photos by Melissa Wynn Bookmark to:
Visit the Old West at Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon By Melissa Wynn  The balcony view from our room #9 After being cooped up in the house through a seven day series of Sierra snow storms, my sister and I decided to cross the mountain. We were in search of some fun and sunshine in Nevada’s famous Comstock Lode. It is only about 15 miles from the US 395 exit 57B to Virginia City, but that short drive is like a time tunnel that carries you from the modern hustle and bustle of Reno back more than a century to the simpler times, reminiscent of the 1860′s. In those days, gold and silver miners filled the saloons of Virginia City by day and many spent their nights a mile down the road at the Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon. We also spent the night in this nostalgic, official historic site that claims the title of Nevada’s oldest operating hotel. Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon first welcomed boarders as the Riesen House around 1859 and remains a most warm and inviting place to hang your hat for a night or two. We arrived excited, chattering about our earlier visit to downtown Virginia City where we met members of The First Regimen of Fort Churchill. Colonel Ringo, Sergeant Whiskey Rivers and his brother Brigadier General GB Rivers were three of the  Left to right: Sergeant Whiskey Rivers, Colonel Ringo, Brigadier General G.B Rivers of the First Regiment Fort Churchill Now there was a piece of Virginia City history from our own childhood. The flowing drapes in our beautiful, antique furnished room framed an amazing view of the sun setting pink, gold and orange over the rolling, sage dotted hills. The ancient head frame of old Yellow Jacket Mine stands tall next door and I stood there wondering how many miners left this very room for a long day’s work beneath the ground. A fire was laid in our room’s stone fireplace and the copper oil lamp on the thick wooden mantle spoke of days before the light switch was installed. My sister and I sat before the fire awhile wondering about the host of outlaws and celebrities that must have ventured here over the last 150 years. The Saloon at The Gold Hill is still slinging drinks so we headed downstairs to check it out before dinner. Another roaring fire was burning in the Great Room when we passed through on our way to the tiny full service bar where dollar bills decorate the ceiling. Our charming host, Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon owner Bill Fain, was at his regular post in front of yet another fire, eating his lamb chop dinner and visiting with patrons as if we were all old friends at a planned get together. Everyone felt right at home. My sister ordered a cocktail and I ordered coffee, remarking that I would be driving after dinner. Mark, the bartender, changed my mind by telling me about an extraordinary local gentlemen that shuttles folks around Virginia City, working for donations with no set fee. His name is Grant Smith and he is a great big beautiful doll. Every business in town knows who he is and how to contact him–the friendly neighborhood designated driver. This town rocks! “A little Irish cream in my coffee please.”  Keith James and Danielle DuBois of Reno, NV enjoy a meal at the hotel. A stroll back through the Great Room and down the hall brought us to Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon’s own Crown Point Restaurant that specializes in gourmet dinners. We were greeted by Executive Chef Randy Bryant. Not only is Randy an excellent chef, he is a delightful barrel of laughs. We asked about the menu and learned that if the ingredients are in the kitchen, Randy will prepare any meal you choose and with a weeks notice he will make sure that the ingredients for your chosen dishes are in the kitchen. Danielle Dubois and Kieth James made the short drive from their Reno home to dine at Crown Point as well and we so enjoyed their company. Chef Randy made Danielle a custom Alfredo dish filled with fresh veggies ($15) and topped it with chips of aged parmesan cheese. Kieth savored The Buffalo Filet Mignon($38), just one of the specialty game dishes served at Crown Point Restaurant. It is wrapped in apple-wood bacon and topped with Chef’s Jack Daniels Red Bell Pepper Sauce. Did I say oooo yummy? Excellent food, service and company, what more can you ask for? With our tummies full we ventured back to the Saloon and made that call to Grant for our ride to town. We made our $10 donation and decided since we were staying at Nevada’s oldest hotel that we might well get dropped off at The Old Washoe Club,Virginia City’s oldest Saloon. We danced the night away with the locals and a few other visitors to the rockin’ tunes of Road Dawgs, an excellent band that played all our favorite classic rock and kept the crowd lively to the very last song. When the music was finished and the lights came up we saw Grant sitting at a corner table sipping a 7Up, waiting patiently to safely deliver us back to Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon. What a guy! We drifted off in our soft and comfy bed, dreaming of Comstock adventures. This was a great getaway and rates are very reasonable beginning at just $55 a night for the double bed rooms on a weeknight and topping out a $225 for a weekend night in the Brewery Lodge, a private 3 bedroom residence across the way. Virginia City always has some thing going on. If you would like to visit, you can learn more about Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon and Crown Point Restaurant by visiting goldhillhotel.net or just give owners Bill and Carol Fain a call at 775-847-0111. Tell them Mountain Valley Living sent you and have ball…we did.  photo courtesy of: The Road Dawgs from Reno, NV Bookmark to:
Locals of Lake Almanor have long planned dinner out around Sushi night at Gamboni’s Peninsula Grill. Our bubbly server Sarah Puhl offered an impressive wine list and wide variety of daily specials including a full pound of Alaskan King Crab Legs ($39), Steamed Clams in a Garlic White Wine Sauce ($14) and a very tempting Hamachi Roll with Crunchy Wontons ($12) along with the regular dinner menu. In the end we chose the Crystal Shrimp Roll ($11) as our appetizer. This amazing sushi roll is wonderfully light sticky rice filled with crispy deep fried shrimp in a creamy yet tangy secret sauce. Served with fresh ginger, wasabi and soy sauce it has so much flavor and texture it’s like throwing a party for your mouth. Speaking of parties, Gamboni’s Peninsula Grille has a full service bar and throws a kickin’ New Year’s Eve Party complete with dancing, a D.J. and several drink and dining specials. We’ll be there for sure, sampling the Kosmo Kramer ($8). Dustin the bartender will be mixing up Mandarin Vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry and a splash of Chambord that completes the house martini. I can’t wait. All entrees at Peninsula Grill are served with soft, warm fresh baked bread and your choice of a fresh garden salad or the homemade soup of the day. We followed our Crystal Shrimp with a delicious Broccoli Smoked Cheddar Soup perfect for dipping the buttery bread. Mmmmm. I struggled between the Grilled Salmon ($26) over garlic mashed potatoes with caramelized vegetables and bell pepper and chive beurre blanc, and the evening special of Penko Macadamia Encrusted Halibut ($29) drizzled with an irresistible Pineapple Rum Sauce over a tender rice pilaf with fresh al dente’ asparagus. The halibut is Molly’s favorite and after trying it myself I am convinced this dish must be the reason she married him. It was garnished with a stunning dainty orchid and every succulent bite melted in my mouth. My companions 14 oz. Grilled Rib-eye Steak ($26) was remarkably tender and the Blue Cheese Herb Butter gave it a rich and flavorful kick. I can’t believe he ate the whole thing, leaving just a few garlic mashed potatoes and one lonely grilled zucchini. Ben’s not a fellow of large appetite so his clean plate was a huge compliment to chefs Jim Stevenson, Shane Mayes, Mary Benson and of course John Gamboni. This group presents an unforgettable dining experience. Drop in on them for Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. daily Tues-Sat for select half price appetizers or make a dinner reservation, (530- 596-3538) and enjoy the whole fabulous fare at 401 Peninsula Drive, Lake Almanor. Bon Appetit!
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Just before the lower gate to the Lake Almanor Peninsula you will find a one-of-a-kind Mountain Valley restaurant. Nancy’s Restaurant was opened July 7 by Nancy Eberle. She has been in the food service industry for the past 27 years, mainly working in resorts in St. Louis, Beaver Creek, CA and Lake Tahoe. But this restaurant is her dream child. I was first introduced to Nancy’s when a group I belonged to came for a meeting in a curtained-off side room of the restaurant. Here we munched on fruit kabobs, vegetables and dips, muffins, coffee and tea as we talked together. One of the owner’s dreams for this business has been to open it to groups of all sorts including art associations, AA groups, book clubs, church meetings, Round Table discussions, open mike talent shows, music jams and more. Watch the local newspapers for information on upcoming events. Or you can give her a call with your ideas or plans.  Local Bookclub Meeting I must say that the food here is high quality and delicious. Each day, Nancy plans a special of the day along with the other menu items. When our book club met for breakfast this summer we were delighted with the choices and the very reasonable prices. Menu items include the regular stand-bys of biscuits and gravy, assorted cereals, yogurts, muffins and sweet breads. Add to that the homemade Breakfast Sandwiches ($4.95), Breakfast Burritos ($5.50), Quiche of the Day ($4.95) and Bagels, alone or with cream cheese and lox, and this menu is sure to suit the tastes of everyone in the family.  A Perfect Breakfast For lunch Nancy serves the Special of the Day al0ng with Deli Sandwiches ($5.95), Tuna Salad as a side or sandwich, fruit, pasta and tossed salads, chips and dip, pita with hummus and Hot Clam Pie. She also makes the best vegetable lasagna I have ever eaten which can also be made to go—as can any of her dishes. Call ahead to order large quantities to go. Nancy uses all natural ingredients in both cooking and beverages. Nancy’s idea of space is to encompass everything from art, casual but delicious food, comfort, relaxation, internet access and music. She has asked Feather River Fine Arts Association to exhibit at the restaurant and members’ work now adorns the walls. Each month a different artist’s paintings or photos can be seen hanging in the restaurant.  Outdoors at Nancys Because there is a large yard adjacent to the building, customers may sit outside on beautiful days at several picnic tables with umbrellas while the children stretch their legs in the fenced in picnic area. Dogs are also welcome in this area. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch every day but Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 4 pm. Although the restaurant is not open for dinner at this time, Nancy will remain open for special groups and parties in the evenings by appointment. Nancy’s is located at 449 Peninsula Drive, Lake Almanor, CA. For group reservations or food to go, call 30-596-3690. Bookmark to:
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