I scream, you scream

When I first moved to Chico, the only local frozen dessert shops were the almighty Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy and Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe. Two distinctly different businesses that attracted their own loyal fanbases. Over the years, I’ve seen a frozen yogurt fad come and go—at one point, there were no fewer than five different create-your-own-yogurt-bowl shops in town—and one distinct newcomer blossom on the scene.

That newcomer—which got started in 2012—is La Flor de Michoacán Paletería y Nevería. I’m excited to report that the homemade ice cream shop, which specializes in frozen treats ranging from ice creams by the scoop to Mexican paletas (fruit popsicles), is getting ready to open its third location. What started as a food cart at local farmers’ markets soon will be taking over the spot left vacant late last year by Baskin-Robbins in the Safeway shopping center on Mangrove Avenue. What a great way to fill that space! Check out the shop’s Facebook page for updates.

Speaking of Safeway … That shopping center and in particular that very corner of it suffered several blows last year. First, longtime local salon Capelli’s closed up shop early in 2017. Then, two doors down, Radio Shack abandoned ship, followed by 31 Flavors. Looks like the Radio Shack spot is now home to a new smoke shop, Smoker’s Choice, which advertises vape pens and other tobacco products in the window. The old Capelli’s appears to have been spruced up, too, so maybe we’ll see another new business move in there soon. Keeping Chico’s strip malls filled with tenants appears to be a tough game, so it’s good to see the quick turnover here. There are few sadder sights than window after window of “for lease” signs.

Sopes, anyone? I noticed late last year the closing of another local business, Serrano’s Mexican Grill. The late-night Five & I restaurant was always good for a sober-up quesadilla or a bizarro burrito (think taquito burritos or enchilada burritos, with those things actually rolled up in a big tortilla). Its sign has since been replaced by one for, simply, Taqueria, and “now open!” So, I stopped in.

Turns out the place is owned by three local families. They’ve redecorated—no more watching your food cook—and put up a new menu. I tried the sope because I’d never had one before and the woman at the register recommended it. Delicious! I’ll have to go back to sample more items. She assured me they’re working on a name—stay tuned for updates.

More poke? I was browsing through new business listings and came across yet another poke restaurant in the works. This one, with an address in the Safeway shopping center on Nord Avenue, is called I Fish Poke Bar Thai Kitchen. A search of the owner’s name yielded no clues, so I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

The new poke bar will be taking over the space previously occupied by Wok ‘n’ Roll. I stopped by there a few weeks ago and was surprised by a sign on the door that said the restaurant, which has been in business since 1995, was closed indefinitely.