Hit or stick?

At long last, there is gambling in north Chico. I’ve stopped in to check on the progress inside Quackers Fire Grill and Bar several times over the past year or so, and much to my surprise, I got a phone call from some girlfriends Saturday night (Oct. 20) inviting me out to the new card room. It’s open?! OK!

As everyone probably knows by now, I’m a pool player. So, I’m sad to report that several of the tables that used to occupy the room known as Crystal Billiards are now gone. But, they’ve been replaced by card tables. Just one was occupied Saturday night (Casino Chico owner Jon Scott, who was working the cage when I cashed out, informed me the place was just holding its soft opening, so dealers and other staff were still being trained).

I decided to try my hand (yes, I went there) at the blackjack table in the billiards room, while a group of what appeared to be high-rollers had taken up residence in the more exclusive area (more or less what used to be Edwards). Nobody at my table seemed overly confident, which was fine by me. The stakes were a bit high—$5 buy-in—but I started with $20, played about half an hour of cards, and walked away with $15 in my pocket. Not a bad deal.

As mentioned above, Casino Chico is still figuring itself out. I look forward to seeing how it evolves. In the meantime, be kind to the staff—they’re new—and hopefully you win big!

Butt out Speaking of casinos, last week, Rolling Hills cut the ribbon on its new nonsmoking casino, at the north end of the Corning facility. With over 100 slot machines inside and separate doors, this promises to offer a healthier alternative for those with breathing problems or others, like me, who just hate coming home reeking of cigarettes.

They have the meats I remember a year or so ago, Arby’s released elk and venison sandwiches at select locations and I was bummed one of them wasn’t in Chico. While I honestly can’t even remember the last time I ate at the fast-food sandwich place, I do guiltily enjoy hearing Ving Rhames’ deep voice rave about its meats. And now, Chico’s on the special list.

Starting last Saturday (Oct. 20), the restaurant unveiled a seared duck breast sandwich specifically in places where duck-hunting is prevalent. It’s a limited-edition ’wich, so if that’s your thing, go get your fill.

Bonus shopping I was walking through the Garden Walk Mall recently and noticed signs for a flea market on Saturdays throughout October. I stopped in to Zot’s Hot Dogs & Deli and chatted with owner Leslie Montague, who informed me this Saturday (Oct. 27) is the last they’ll be holding the flea market, run by five of the Garden Walk business owners and taking up residence in a large space toward the interior of the mall. Items range from clothing to jewelry to all manner of knickknacks.