A few of my favorite things

The annual Best of Chico issue is always one of my favorites, even if it is a behemoth and a ton of work. It’s just really nice to get to rave about all the coolest stuff around, a nice break from the doom and gloom. So, in the spirit of the issue, I present a few of my favorite things about Chico, my own best-of list, if you will, in no particular order:

Best reason to go out Monday night: No, not Monday Night Football. This one’s a toss-up, depending on my mood. If I want a quiet dinner with a glass of wine for $10 or so, I’ll head to Franky’s for its pretty rad all-night happy hour (spaghetti and a salad for $8!). If I’m craving a hamburger with a buddy, however, it’s to the Oasis Bar & Grill I go, for two-for-one burger night.

Best oxymoron: The silent disco. I have yet to attend one of these mystical events, but I’ve seen them advertised at everywhere from the El Rey Theater to Parkside Tap House to the University Sports Bar. I have a feeling it’ll simultaneously be mind-blowing and nothing I’ll ever want to experience again.

Best egg roll: Without hesitation, Taste of Hmong in the Nord Safeway shopping center. If you haven’t been yet, go.

Best way to show you love your dog: Get his paw print permanently emblazoned on your person. (Shout out to David Singletary at Sacred Art Tattoo. And to Oliver, the best Boston terrier around.)

Best Benedict: I used to be a die-hard Roost Irish Benedict fan—and that’s still fantastic—but my taste buds point me more and more toward the Icelandic at the Old Barn Kitchen—their smoked salmon is killer.

And the best of the rest, which need no explanation: Mango mimosas while perusing the Filipino market—or relaxing on the patio—at Inday’s Filipino Restaurant. The carpaccio at Crush. The staff/owners of my two favorite pool halls (the aforementioned Oasis and The DownLo), where I spend way too much of my free time. The sundried tomato artichoke dip and naan chips from Guzzetti’s Catering. Getting your name on the board at La Cocina Economica (free taco!). Japanese tacos at Izakaya Ichiban. Yony’s Roasted Corn. The cheese counter at The Galley. Dave Mettler (aka the Wine Guy) at Safeway on Mangrove. The Lamb & The Wolf food truck (which is prepping a brick-and-mortar location in Rocklin). And, last, but not least, the Downtown Ambassadors, who keep our streets clean and always offer a smile.

And, some news: Last week, local employees of UnitedHealthcare pitched in to donate and deliver over 5,000 pounds of food to Catalyst Domestic Violence Services in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I’ve sadly referred more than one person to Catalyst as a way to climb out of a bad situation and they do great work, so I know the food will go to good use and be much appreciated.