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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - July 20, 2009)
If you have been keeping up with my column, you know I have a house-guest. Her name is Jan. She is recently retired from the San Joaquin School District. When not working, her favorite thing to do is help her friends decorate their homes and organize “stuff.” This past year I have bombarded her with my columns and magazines about our community. She, being smarter than I, also accessed everything she could find on her computer. Because we are now both on a budget, Jan said she would cook one meal a day, during her visit, and eat out the rest of the time. There was one condition: “We eat where locals eat, rather than tourists.” I said, “O.K. I’m game!” Then I asked my readers to guide me.
The first night out we went to Western Pacific Brewing & Dining. The food was great. I had all I could eat from the soup and salad bar. Jan ordered the Smorgies Chicken and wanted to taste the beer. The chicken was delectable. The beer? It was enough for a table of six. We did take-home. (Is that legal?)
Our waitresses Kay DeLaBarre and Brandy Reed were efficient, friendly, and informative. Kay has worked at The Depot for the past 21 years. Brandy lives in Quincy and told us she began working at The Depot 9 years ago as a bookkeeper. When she realized there was more action and income as a waitress, she gave up bookkeeping. Now she gets to meet and talk with the diners, and has a lot more fun. Kay is an icon, a fixture, a trooper and delightful to talk with. Can you imagine working for 21 years at the same restaurant?
Naturally I did some table-hopping, as I frequently do, and met up with a lady who said she knew me from Big Daddy’s. I agreed with her, but spent the next week frustrated, trying to figure out, “Who is Big Daddy?” Well, when you are a Newcomer, one tends to forget what face goes with what business.
I often forget to eat breakfast at home. Must be because I was a working girl, always in a hurry to get out of the house on time. Still, my very favorite meal out is breakfast. Where did we go? The Waffle Shop appealed to Jan. It is located on Feather River Blvd., across from Applebees. In the past, Jan and I often ate at The Waffle Shop in Manteca, but we had no clue it was a franchise started 25 years ago by two brothers from Rancho Cordova. Alice Chavez, the manager waited on our table and was delightful, filling us in on the history of the owners, Michael & Chuck Muhareb, who are brothers.
Alice started working for them 19 years ago, while she was in college. After graduation she worked in an office, with a telephone on her desk. She said, “It was boring.” She went back to work at The Waffle Shop. “The regulars become family. I love them!” she happily told us.
But what about out-of-towners and newcomers like me? Why are you keeping this wonderful little restaurant a secret?
Jan and I were taken aback by the menu ... A healthy breakfast for only $2.99? Gosh, what a deal. There is no senior menu or even a child’s menu. One can order cold or hot cereal, biscuits with gravy, pancakes, French toast and/or a cup of fruit. Alice informed me she had designed the special menu for her regular diners and families instead of a separate senior menu. It is food seniors and children can eat.
Trying to decide where to have our lunch out was a tough decision. There are so many wonderful places in town to eat, be it a quickie, working man’s, take-out, fast food, or smorgasbord. I asked neighbors to give me a hint, point me in a new direction. A call came, “Go to Mike’s Grande Burger on Olive Highway, for Taco-Tuesday (2 tacos for $1.49).”
Wow! What a wonderful surprise. We walked into a real Sports Lounge, chuck full of families. I quickly learned these were not just locals, there were travelers going up to Lake Oroville and seasonal property owners. They cater to all ages. The menu consisted of rotisserie chicken, and ribs, burger specials and the flavor of Mexico with wonderful munchies, salsa and even cocktails. It was definitely a family atmosphere.
Talking about Checkers ... I dearly love the gourmet food prepared at this awesome restaurant. I have lunched with business people. But, I have to tell you that dinner on Friday and Saturday nights is to die for—elegant ... fantastic—fit for a Queen and her King.
Checkers Italian Restaurant on the corner of Table Mountain Blvd and Grand Avenue is one of the best-kept secrets in all of Oroville. Why save it just for locals? This restaurant is truly a gourmet treat, and everyone should be told the menu changes monthly, and all the food is prepared by trainees, and every business person I know loves to eat there. The problem is Checkers is not open every day for lunch and dinner. It is open for lunch Monday through Friday. For dinner, for romance, for fun, they are open Friday and Saturday evenings until 8 p.m. By the way, they do serve local wine. For reservations, call 538-2007.
Oh yes! I received another call, this time about a Free Lunch. That is right; it is free. “Lunch is served every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Church Building on the corner of Myers and A Streets. Everyone is welcome. It was Jackie Lara from “New Life Mission” who informed me saying, “The current economic climate is difficult for everyone because so many are out of work and down on their luck, even homeless. Therefore we encourage anyone in trouble to come for a free lunch every Wednesday.”
By the way “New Life Mission Boutique” is now located at 2014 Lincoln Blvd, Oroville (next to the discount bread store.) They have a beautiful, new showroom and the same great people who volunteered to run the store on the corner of Myers and Park Avenues.
Is that all? No! I have only just begun. My friend Jan is coming back to Oroville to visit again soon. She’s a great cook, does the dishes, drives a large vehicle and wants to explore, (maybe relocate). But first and foremost she wants me, her friend, to be “organized!” I told her it is a lot more fun to ‘eat-out’ and sample the wares when you have someone to share the food and flavors, while critiquing the service. Be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, please share good information with this Newcomer. Drop me a line by e-mail: della@diggernews.com. Or put your suggestion in the box next time you drop by the Digger News & Shopper at 2057 Mitchell, across the street from Raley’s.
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