Taste of Chico welcomes all foodies

Classics and newcomers will all gather in downtown Sunday to feed the foodies of Chico.

The 33rd annual Taste of Chico will feature over 150 food and drink vendors from throughout Northern California. Participants will be treated to live music, work from local artists and activities for children. Furthermore, The Coors Light Cold Zone will be open to patrons over the age of 21, offer over 100 varieties of alcoholic beverages and showcase the headlining band Mojo Green.

Local favorite, Madison Bear Garden, will be one of the many restaurants at the event. Although the establishment has a huge following around the city, manager John Ehrke spoke on why they decide to participate every year.

“It opens up people’s eyes to see what’s not usually in their realm. We see what others offer to see if maybe we can do something like they do,” Ehrke said.

Boba Tealicious has been participating for the last four years, but owner Stacy Tran has decided to change how they approach the festival. This year they will have a stand in downtown to go along with the store being open.

“It’s (Taste of Chico) actually brought a lot of customers since people really don’t know our location. It would be amazing if it could bring a collaboration with another business one day,” Tran said.

Tran also plans to unveil new menu options on the day of, such as two original boba burst flavors.

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Stacy Tran preps a taro milk tea drink with boba and lychee. Photo credit: Brian Luong
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Stacy Tran tops off the boba and lychee with taro milk tea, one of Boba Telicious’ most popular drink. Photo credit: Brian Luong

Recently opened restaurant, LemonShark Poke will be doing the same as they intend on releasing their albacore tuna nachos to the public. The meal consists of wonton chips, ahi tuna, ahi sauce and their original Lemon Shark sauce as the finisher.

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Taylor Conley cooks two classic Bear Burgers at Madison Bear Garden. Photo credit: Brian Luong

Owner of Celestino’s New York Pizza, Enzo Perri, has decided against switching up their menu due to the popularity of their classics.

“It’s just going it be our basic pizza, which I feel is our best one. Just cheese or pepperoni, a simple topping so you can really taste the cheese, dough and crust,” Perri said.

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Bryce Arnovick cuts off excess dough while preparing calzones. Photo credit: Brian Luong
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Enzo Perri tosses pizza dough to the desired form for Friday’s dinner rush at Celestino’s. Photo credit: Brian Luong

The event offers two types of tickets. The wine and dine package cost $35 and provides eight food tastes, 10 alcoholic drink tastes, five non-alcoholic drink tastes and a souvenir tasting glass. The full course package cost $25 and intended for those not interested in alcoholic beverages. It offers eight food tastes and five non-alcoholic drink tastes.

Tickets are available online or on the day of for $10 more. However, the website recommends buying early as the event sold out last year.

For any questions about tickets or the event contact the Downtown Chico Business Association Office at 530-345-6500 or [email protected].

Yaritza Ayon can be reached at [email protected] or @ayon_yaritza on Twitter.