Bar Bowl Games

This writing comes days after the Super Bowl—a clock-ticking time bomb of anxiety for fans not just from Kansas City or Philadelphia, but lovers of football altogether. Day Two of our Bar Bowl games took us to a familiar site of our downtown walks, made new again with their patio expansion and upgraded curb appeal from the Diamond’s luxurious historic remodel above. Yes, we’re talking about the Rawbar. From the sleek interiors to the red brick and turquoise Satava art, the Rawbar has its very own refined signature feel. The newer patio with multiple propane heaters welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauties of Downtown Chico and bird-walking through meetings, all while satisfying their appetites.

Given that this was a bowl challenge, the Rawbar made the list upon the idea's inception. A local nutritionist and chiropractor told me she swears by this because it checks all the boxes, although I opted for grains over greens today. Ingredients: Broccoli (a superfood packed with vitamin C, iron, potassium, and high in protein), organic rice (gluten-free, full of healthy carbs), and chicken (high in protein, lays eggs, I love eggs). The chicken was juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. The broccoli had a light sweetchili-spice sauce with a touch of citrus, not hard-hitting, just delicious in flavor and lightly cooked texture. The grains were a blank canvas adding softness and density to the bite while taking in the other flavors. Again, the dressing was the secret weapon. The Slam Sauce (aka Rawbar Ranch) is this umami bomb—a thin mayo, soy, and chili oil creation of sushi master, and former chef, Mike. To finish my lunch, I added all the sauce and had the best rice soup of my life.

Of course, you can enjoy the great rolls and sashimi indicative of their name, or stop in for an oyster shooter, but their hot menu also has something for everyone. With happy hour back from 2-4 pm Thursday-Monday, you can enjoy more for less. Just make sure when you go to order an Arnold Palmer, you ask properly for their limeade version, the Jackie Chan.