Are You That Woman

Fair Oaks Chicken Festival Celebrates Local Clucks

September 17, 2022, 12-6 p.m.

11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Free, forpd.org

Join the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District for the Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. This year’s event will span over the course of the day with pop-up events in the Village of Fair Oaks & at the Fair Oaks / Orangevale Grange. The main festival will take place at Fair Oaks Park.

• Chicken Stock (live music)
• Rocky’s Roost (kids' park)
• Feed Court (food trucks) presented by SactoMoFo
• Watering Hole (beer & wine sales) presented by Fair Oaks Rotary Foundation
• Craft and Community Vendor Booths
• Cornhole Tournament presented by Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce & Orangevale Cornhole CCA
• Cluck n' Crow Contest presented by Kiwanis Club Orangevale - Fair Oaks
• GREAT Chicken Decorating Contest
• Community Spirit, and much more!

Here's the original story from the very first Chicken Festival!

By: Barbara Steinberg

Fair Oaks, CA--Why DID the chickens cross the road? Evidently to get out of the way of the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. Yes, Fair Oaks Village! Where chickens and roosters, like queens and kings, are treated as honored dignitaries! These feathery fowl were reason to rejoice at this first-time event which paid homage to our chicken brethren. Colonel Sanders would be proud.

For decades this feral poultry has wandered the main streets and back roads of historic and tranquil downtown Fair Oaks. Annoying to some residents beware of poultry poop but beloved by most. I remember my own first encounter at the Slocum House, dining in elegance as a rooster and his harem clucked and strutted their way across the patio. A string of chicks in tow.

On a poultry-perfect September day locals came out to dance, dine, and drink in the center of town. The poultry clucked as the vendors hocked everything chicken from hand-crafted quilts and stained glass to chicken paintings and tiles. And no one went hungry: The chickens scratched while the human force chowed-down on hot ‘dawgs', ice cream, BBQ beef brisket, and, yes, irreverently, chicken. For anyone willing to get-up with the chickens, the festival breakfast was something to crow about: Scrambled eggs (ouch!), biscuits and gravy, ham, pancakes, and coffee, OJ or milk…all for the paltry price of $5. Needless to say, it was well-worth the wait.

There seemed to be something for everyone, with no complaints from the chickens. A flock of kid activities were organized in Village Park. Face painting, gold panning, games, bug-petting zoo, and potting plants kept the young chicks smiling. Many, along with their parents, could be seen kicking up dirt at the Festival Stage serenaded by local bands including ‘fave' Mumbo Gumbo and their raucous "Everybody Loves Barbeque." Cooking demonstrations and wine pairings were held at Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater while a beer garden of microbrews could be found on the other side of town.

The festival also included a barbeque competition hosted by the local Oak Hardware and the Big Green Egg which claims to be the "world's best smoker & grill." The ceramic Big Green Egg is a versatile and effective outdoor cooker designed for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking and barbequing all kinds of foods. Ten competitors were given instructions on how to fire-up and control this mother of all eggs. There were special sauces and dry rub; chicken, fish, and kabobs; and special techniques which included cans of beer and cast-iron skillets. "Judging is based on appearance, taste, and tenderness," said Darry Smith, one of the judges and a seasoned professional in the world of BBQ competitions. Truthfully for hours I was thinking Dr. Seuss. Then, brushing the feathers from my eyes, "Oh, I get it…big egg!"

I had to dash off before the final judging. Based on the determined looks, perspiration, and smoke in the air each chef was resolute to be rulin' the BBQ-roost by day's end. With any luck, this event may someday answer the unanswerable of which came first…the chicken or the (Big Green) egg?

The wonderfulness of this event is its old-time appeal. The Fair Oaks Village, thankfully, maintains its small town charm while surrounded by fast-moving freeways and the ever-changing modern world. For more information the festival visit FairOaksChickenFestival.com or other happenings in the Village fairoakschamber.com.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.

Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine

For more than 25 years in the same location. They must be doing something right.

A welcoming, "Howdy!" was the start of another 5-star Wednesday dining experience. Thank you to Maxine and May for an entertaining evening. We were laughing and smiling from the moment we sat down. And the rest of the regulars who were clearly having a good time. The coming and going of DoorDash and Grubhub pick-ups a clear indication of the popularity of Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine. The staff was on a first-name basis with many of the takeaway customers. And as soon as we introduced ourselves, they were talking to us in the same way. We loved the window into the kitchen watching the fast-paced cooking  of this two-person team Cindy and Chan. Exhausting!!!

Huge menu made the decisions difficult. An order of pan-fried pot stickers were rushed to the kitchen because they take time to prepare. Then an order of Mu Shu Pork and Chicken Chow Mein. Already knowing it was going to be too much food, we couldn't resist and had plenty for another meal. And then before our food arrived, Maxine brought us both a complimentary bowl of Egg Flower Soup. It was fantastic! Even on this incredibly hot day we slurped it right down.

Everything was so fresh. And thrilled to know they shop the Chico Farmers Market. We strongly support all things local and happy to put Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine on our star-studded list of local deliciousness. We will definitely be back and have already shared this outing with other Chico friends.

 

Basque Norte Restaurant 5-star local favorite Butte County and beyond

 

 

Yes, we just added our names to that list of Basque Norte Restaurant fans. Our friend Jamie nudged us to find our way there. Didn't require too much nudging and so glad we took her advice. Family-owned and operated since 1975 it's clearly doing something very right.

Many of the reviews refer to this traditional Basque-style dining as a "steak restaurant"! While they do have a great selection of steaks, this so much more than that.

I'll get to the food. What I want to talk about is the amazing service. The owner, Susie, happily greeted us eyes smiling above her COVID mask. We had a reservation and were quickly seated in the main dining room. A Wednesday night, the place was bustling. Many families and larger groups - we were just a twosome. Our server, Tracy Hord, was quickly at the table. She was scrambling - as were all the other servers. All women! At least that night. They were carrying loaded plates of food and busing their own table. Tracy said she'd be with us quickly - she had hot food waiting to be delivered. We smiled and said we could wait.

Our first time at Basque Norte. The prices are reasonable considering the volume of food. Like everyone else, we left with more than one container of leftovers - two be to be exact. Many tables had three or four. Yes, your eyes are bigger.... Our leftovers lasted for two more dinners. In the future, we'd likely share an entrée. But we also want to try the tapas menu in the bar. The extensive menu of steaks, seafood, lamb, pork, and pasta. You couldn't possibly leave hungry.

Back to our server Tracy who has worked at Basque Norte for more than 15 years. In between her sprints to get to tables and food, she shared some of the history of the restaurant and other places to dine in Chico. We also shared some of our other local and regional favorites. Her service was definitely 5-star plus!

My husband ordered a 1/2-rack of ribs. The meat was moist - just falling off the bone. I had the marinated, grilled chicken breast. Enormous. It was a little dry, but the flavor was great! We really loved the Basque-style red beans - a little spice was just perfect. And the side-order of spaghettini was DELISH - just the right amount of garlic. Really had to resist eating too many of the side dishes that are included with the family dinners.

This locally-owned and locally-loved restaurant is worth a visit. We will definitely be back. Great food. Incredible service. Warm hospitality. Thank you Tracy!