The Redwood Sandwich Co.

One of the things I enjoy about this feature, if I haven’t said it before, is that the duty allows me to look to places I don’t always go. Whether time permitting or proximity to work, there are just a lot of places I have yet to try out. Enter The Redwood Sandwich Co. in the Safeway shopping center on East Avenue. This, one of many eateries in the strip to each side of the grocer, is a modern-interiored, clean, and ample-seated place I just had not before visited. The huge chalk menu to the right of the sleek wooden bar/ counter as you enter clearly displays their 18 specialty sandwiches as well as the salads, soups, and sides like mac and cheese or pesto pasta salad.

The soup special for Monday was loaded baked potato, and what a wonderful winter treat it was! It had the consistency of a light puree, like potato and vegetable stock with flour to add density, which warmly coated my throat and stomach on the way down. If I’d had a blanket and a recliner, I may have called the day quits with no regrets. While the soup wasn't filled with many slices of potato, as they were sparsely mixed about, it had every bit of flavor of a loaded potato from the blended potatoes themselves, with salt from the rich cheesiness as well as the bits of bacon. Color and texture were provided by chopped parsley and hints of soft yellow onion. Don’t let the picture fool you, the modest beauty lies in its taste, not the presentation. After all, everything that glitters ain’t gold. The 12-ounce cup was wholly satisfying, though I wouldn’t mind having a delicious sandwich and the smaller soup together anytime.

In summary, our Monday search for lunch was a hit. Food is often better when you don't prepare it yourself. The vibe was energetic, upbeat and friendly as the group of five or so worked the lunch assembly line. It’s always great to walk into a place and feel like the workers are happy. It makes the meal that much more enjoyable. We invite you to experience it yourself.

February

CHICO COMMUNITY BALLET: Sleeping Beauty

PILOBOLUS BIG FIVE-OH!

NEIL BERG’S

50 Years of Rock & Roll

TREELOGY: A Musical Portrait of California’s Redwood, Sequoia and Joshua Trees

March

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: NOLA LIVE!

Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr. & Jon Cleary

PINK MARTINI featuring China Forbes

LOS LOBOS with special guest Gaby Moreno

BANFF MOUNTAIN

MASTERWORKS 3: HAYDN’S DRUMROLL

Guest Soloists, Young Artist Winners: James Johnston, violin; Sarah Harris, soprano

MTAC Youth Orchestra; Shasta College Youth Strings

Join local youth orchestras and Young Artist winners in a humorous and quirky, upbeat performance showcasing the young performers in our communities.

Saturday, Feb. 11 | 7:30 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico

Sunday, Feb. 12 | 2:00 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

MASTERWORKS 4: RACHMANINOFF & DVOŘÁK

Guest Artist Charlie Albright, piano

Join North State Symphony as they capture in sound the iconic beauty of nature’s endless charm.

PROGRAM:

BAJZER - Lassen Awakes! *World Premiere*

RACHMANINOFF - Piano Concerto No. 2

DVORAK - Symphony No. 8

Saturday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

Sunday, May 14 | 2:00 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico