The Thursday Night Market in downtown Chico offers more than just food, it offers the opportunity for community gathering, memories and indulgence in other cultures separated by colorful tents.
For siblings Ashnu and Ashita Kumar, the market has become routine for them each week. They operate a stand for Gogi’s Market and for ten years that stand has been present for the Thursday Market. Their joy for the market comes in the form of those they see. “I like it when my friends are here,” said Ashnu. “And seeing the community come together.”
Their stand is popular for selling dishes such as butter chicken, channa masala, matar paneer and samosas. Being vendors for almost a decade built consistency as well as deeper connections, drawing in familiar faces for comfort food as well as conversation.
Several booths down from Goji’s Market stands Butte Valley Salsa, owner Antonio Flores has been a part of this market for more than twenty years. Flores, who came to the United States from Mexico at age 15, shares how this market has become somewhat of a comfort, getting to see the friendly faces each year. “It warms my heart that people come to visit me just to say hi. Past Chico State students and now the younger generations come back to see me,” he said.
The stand offers authentic Mexican cuisine, lined pork and chicken with tamales. Not only is there a promise of flavor but that of a deep relationship with the community, strengthened with one interaction at a time.
For Sipho, the owner of Sipho’s Jamaican Food, it’s the energy and buzz of the market that has him returning week after week. Sipho’s stand has been present at the market for ten years, this year however has stood out the most. “I interact with people but this year I had the best week ever. I got to go back to my restaurant and bring even more food. There’s so many more people and I’m enjoying the new diversity.”
Sipho’s menu features jerk chicken with rice and peas, Ital stew and rasta pasta. The menu may be rooted in deep tradition but serves a changing crowd that grows more and more each year.
Maria Jaquez of a Venezuelan pop-up, A Taste of Mi Kasa, is new to the market scene and offered a new perspective as this is her very first year at the Thursday Night Market. The stand itself isn’t part of a permanent restaurant and instead makes appearances around town from time to time. Jaquez is continuing to build her connections with the Chico community. While she did say that she has yet to form a favorite memory from the market, her menu of shredded beef and cheese empanadas as well as black beans with plantains adds a new cultural flavor to the already impressive lineup available.
Many contribute to making the Thursday Night Market a place of comfort and culture. From long standing vendors to first time participants, food offers opportunity to expand and explore the backgrounds of those who prepare it. The food becomes less of a transactional experience but a bridge into exploring a more diverse side of Chico.
Bria Martinez can be reached at [email protected]
