Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Ahead lies the entrance to the dining and buffet area of Kwando Buffet. Photo taken by Elena Mendonsa on Aug. 25, 2024.

Kwando Buffet – A hidden treasure of Chinese cuisine

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
April 4, 2025

After a long and treacherous hike up Monkey Face Rock in Bidwell Park, my friend and I were absolutely craving Chinese food. We knew we had no other choice but to go to our favorite restaurant in all of...

Madison Bear Garden, Crazy Horse Saloon, Riley’s, Bella’s Sports Pub and Joe’s Bar are all within walking distance of each other in downtown Chico. Photos taken by Lexi Lynn on Feb. 22.

Blackout on a budget: Chico’s cheapest drink nights

Lexi Lynn, Entertainment Reporter
February 25, 2025

When the cost of a dozen eggs is $20 and you’re a broke college student, there’s no way to justify spending $8 on a shot of bottom-shelf vodka at the bars: here’s a list of the cheapest drink nights...

The menu of Lovebird Coffee has something for coffee and non-coffee drinkers alike, however does not include the seasonal menus. Photo taken by Damon Gallegos on Feb. 19.

Spring has sprung for Lovebirds

Damon Gallegos and Brynna Garcia
February 25, 2025

Lovebird Coffee announced the release of spring drinks: Tiramisu Cold Brew, Greena Colada and Pistachio Rose Latte. We went to Lovebird Coffee and tried them all, so you know what to get next time you...

The Ranch Hand truck in front of Tehama Hall to welcome students back for another semester at Chico State. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on Jan. 21.

The Ranch Hand food truck rolls into campus

Chris Hutton, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 23, 2025

This semester welcomes a new food truck on campus, The Ranch Hand, a family-run business offering grass-fed beef. It will be located outside Tehama Hall every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. On...

A plate of four delicious street tacos and a cup of horchata. Photo taken by Dominic Curcuro on Oct. 26.

Birrieria Barajas: A strong competitor in Chico’s Mexican food scene

Dominic Curcuro, Writer
December 20, 2024

After walking by Birrieria Barajas almost daily before its opening, I am glad to say the restaurant went beyond my expectations. Quesabirria tacos are something I have only had a handful of times but...

Downtown Chico spotlight: Hispanic-owned restaurants

Downtown Chico spotlight: Hispanic-owned restaurants

Dominic Curcuro, Writer
December 18, 2024

Chico has a vibrant, varied and delicious Hispanic food scene, and Downtown Chico specifically is an easy place to get to from campus. These restaurants have a lot of standout dishes and good deals,...

Student Pavan Kasukurti (left) and owner Ahmad Ghous (right) outside the truck. Taken by Dominic Curcuro on Oct. 27th, 2024.

Halal Platter: An underrated food option on campus

Dominic Curcuro, Writer
November 29, 2024

Over the past few months I have often got food from the red Halal Platter food truck on my way to classes, and it has quickly become my favorite food option on campus. Usually parked outside the Wildcat...

All sizes of the Ozzi reusable boxes and cups on the desk of Thomas Rider’s office in the BMU. Photo taken by Sophia MacKinnon on Oct. 10.

Are Ozzi boxes reducing waste on campus?

Sophia MacKinnon, Food Reporter
November 25, 2024

Ozzi boxes have been on campus since 2019 after receiving a grant for the Associated Students sustainability fund. Since then, there have been many changes made to continue the pursuit of a more sustainable...

Plated fajitas made of ingredients from the Wildcat Food Pantry, Dollar Tree and Safeway. Photo taken by Sophia MacKinnon on Nov. 4.

How to make steak fajitas for under $15

Sophia MacKinnon, Food Reporter
November 24, 2024

We have gotten to a time where grocery shopping is more expensive than going through a fast food drive thru. I am going to show you a way to make this easy, filling and nutritious meal for under $15 that...

The Bell Memorial Union Marketplace Cafe has added three new restaurants. All the new places are locally owned. Taken by Jenna McMahon on September 4.

The Future of the Marketplace Cafe

Nadia Hill and Chris Hutton
November 14, 2024

The Marketplace Cafe in the Bell Memorial Union has a new look and new flavors, but this is only the beginning of the changes the Associated Student Dining Services hope to make regarding on-campus food...

Candidates from the two ends of the country have very different iconic food for their state. Graphic was created on Oct 24 by Nadia Hill.

Which candidate has the better hometown food?

Chris Hutton, Entertainment Reporter
November 3, 2024

With the presidential race coming close to an end and constituents preparing to cast their ballots, I’d imagine we are all quite exhausted by the election talk. So instead of focusing on the candidates...