Our hunt for some of the North

Nic's

With all of the hype on charcuterie exploding back onto the scene well over a year ago, you might say we are a bit behind on this. Better late than never, as we had the opportunity to visit the hybrid deli-and-social-gathering-locale Nic’s in Paradise, well into their stride. All the way down to their logo burned into the board, they are serious about serving you a plate you’ll remember. We had the option of a single plate including one meat and cheese with a variety of accompaniments, a cheese and sides plate, or the “I Want it All” with, well, all of it. We went with that route.

Nic’s board has a solid variety of flavor profiles. The soppressata salami and prosciutto provide salt, while the tang from the stone ground mustard and sweetness of the fig jam and local honey provide incredible balance on the large round crackers. This is tied together by the aged white cheddar, brie, and smoked bleu cheeses. The palate cleansers of almond and dried apricot are ever-welcoming. Finally, the plate is completed by sides of gherkins with capers and some of the most delicious olives I have had. When asked about the ingredients, Chef April, who also happens to be Nic's general manager, explained, “They’re a little more expensive, but it’s those small touches that are important to elevate the experience.”

Nic’s began with a purpose to give folks looking to rebuild in Paradise a place to eat that was dine-in, rather than the mobile-only options that existed shortly after the Camp Fire. Since their opening, they have expanded to include outdoor seating, monthly pairing dinners, and chef takeover events that you wouldn’t otherwise find. It’s important to note that it’s worth the short drive because there really isn’t anywhere else quite like it, not just in town, but in the county. They boast a great wine selection, 4 rotating taps, and a constantly rotating deli meat and cheese assortment. Also, I must recommend that you try the peach and bacon with brie and balsamic flatbread; it’s insanely good.

Unwined

We visited Unwined as it opened, watching what would become a packed house on one of their many nights with live entertainment. The decor is sleek, stylish, and accommodating to groups of all sizes. A library of liquor behind the bar with a vast amount of seating in their dining room, covered patio, and adjoining entertainment lounge give the variety of privacy and comfort that suits you best. At the bar, you can see the food in motion—between the bar and pizza prep, there was no shortage of entertainment. It was there we enjoyed the sampler platter of charcuterie that was served.

The joy of this month's feature is that, as opposed to our other food side-by-sides, it's not the finished product but rather the individual ingredients that we get to focus on, highlighting presentation and diversity. Centered on the stone plate, house-made black and white sesame crips made for the serving crackers. The variety of soppressata, thick-cut prosciutto, and buffalo summer sausage were spread throughout. The cheeses were cut into playful shapes and included vino rosso, a wine-soaked parmesan, and a bright and marbled sage derby. Their garden-fresh-picked rosemary was interwoven throughout the plate, acting as both an aromatic and palate cleanser between the meats and sweeter components of grapes, strawberries, and exquisite candied pecans. To either begin your appetizer or complete your dessert lie two mouthwatering deviled eggs. I highly recommend pairing the thick-cut prosciutto with a wedge of their pillowy soft smoked mozzarella.

Unwined is centrally located in Chico and has a dining experience sure to please. A wide array of American and fusion cuisine, as well as nightlife options sure to keep you coming back. Their weekend brunch is out of this world as well, with a variety of Benedict, bottomless mimosas, and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. Check out their Facebook and Instagram to keep informed on what’s new. Whether special dishes or in their lounge with bands, magic shows, and other entertainment, Unwined deserves your attention in the near future.