Gironda’s Chicago Style Italian Food in Redding

We hear Gironda’s is now open for lunch, and decided to check it out.
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Above, our attentive server Garret serves up Sautéed clams with garlic butter and shallots infused with fresh herbs and lemon, deglazed with white wine and chili flakes. Superb.

Below, a very fresh seafood salad. Shrimp, crab, cherry tomatoes, on a bed of mixed greens served with homemade Louie dressing and lemon wedge. Click any image to enlarge.
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Above, house lasagna for lunch gets some added Romano. Layers of pasta, mozzarella, ricotta and homemade meat sauce baked to perfection. Surprising to find fresh tomatoes in the lasagna, which add subtle texture to an often overdone and bland dish.

Black granite tabletops lend an understated elegance, coupled with black napkin table settings. The bare concrete floors look somewhat rough in the photos, but all that texture adds a post-modern touch of style when experienced in person.

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Easily recognizable art from Redding artist Armando Mejorado graces the boldly colored walls. His work suits the space very well. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and music in a similar genre completes the scene. Entirely appropriate.girondas6
girondas10Soup of the day was a creamy chicken artichoke. Very Tuscan.

Now open for lunch. Located in a nondescript building in a semi industrial neighborhood, one which might comfortably host a more working-class diner, Gironda’s exceeds all expectations Link to their comprehensive menu: http://girondasitalian.com/ and friend on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirondasItalianStyleRestaurantandBar/girondas1I’ve spent no small amount of time in Chicago. Girondas accurately captures the Italian cuisine often seen there, but spins it with an authentic Neo-Redding vibe. You should check it out, too. You won’t be disappointed. Gironda’s is Really Redding.

Bistro No. 107 in Mt Shasta

Recently stopped in for a pleasant lunch at the new Bistro No. 107 in Mt. Shasta.

It’s wedged into the triangular lot at the conjunction of Mt Shasta Boulevard and Chestnut Street.

Bistro 107 Patio

This was the Billy Goat Tavern for a long time.

Always a great place stop for a beer after a long day of skiing. The new owner has given it his own touch, and we liked it a lot.

Bistro 107 proprietor Serge Margot.
Bistro 107 proprietor Serge Margot.

Found this online at MtShastaNews.com
The opening of Serge Margot’s Bistro 107 earlier this month in downtown Mount Shasta is due in part to the city’s Community Development Block Grant program.
“It’s great that the city is assisting business owners who are trying to make Mount Shasta a better place,” Margot said.
Bistro 107, located in the old Billy Goat Tavern building at 107 Chestnut St., was made possible when Margot qualified for a microenterprise loan through Mount Shasta’s CDBG program, according to a press release from Great Northern Services.
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There is a lot of outdoor seating in the front and back patio. We sat beneath the tall trees on the shaded back patio, and watched the world go by on Mt Shasta Boulevard.
Bistro 107 FoodA very creative menu with several specials. I had the Halibut Burger, and the lovely Karry chose the Panko Crusted Snapper sandwich with garlic fries. A Fresh Squeezed IPA and a Hexagenia hit the spot. Nice shade out here on the patio on this Mt Shasta summer day.

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They post their Bistro 107 Specials menu and ever changing tap lineup at their Facebook page.

You can just catch a glimpse of Mt Shasta itself in the background, below.

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Bistro No. 107. you should check it out. No need to wait for Bistro No. 108.

Just about an hour of a gorgeous drive north of Really Redding.

Bricks Roadhouse in Redding closes

Bricks Roadhouse opened on Churn Creek Road just over a year ago. Definitely a Redding original, I had posted here about Bricks 2 previous locations. I liked their food very much. I took these images seen below intending to post about the Churn Creek location. But I hesitated, thinking I needed a few better photos first. I really wanted an image of the cool looking bar. Too late, now.

Today I read at Redding.com that Bricks has closed. Too bad. In retrospect, the images I captured make it appear mostly empty. A grim foreshadowing.

This building has seen several restaurants come and go.
I was hoping Bricks would break the cycle.

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In my draft, I wrote:

“Bricks has been around for years. This is the third time I’ve written about them in this blog, and this is their third location. With each move, they’ve grown bigger and the list of food and drinks grows accordingly. Evidence they have a menu for success.”

Evidently not. Easy to blame the building/location. Who will be next to give it a try?

Thanks for trying, Bricks. Looking back on my first post about Bricks from 2010, you can sense the excitement as they begin, and start to grow popular. That feeling like the sky is the limit.

The restaurant business is really tough in Really Redding.

Take in the Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise

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Few northstate activities are more Really Redding than a day on Lake Shasta. So what could be better than a Dinner Cruise on the largest boat in the lake? The lovely Karry and I recently went out for dinner with some friends old and new, on a perfect Shasta evening, and here are some images I captured.

The Dinner Cruise runs Friday and Saturdays in Summer. It takes place onboard the Cavern Queen, which departs from the Shasta Caverns facility up Interstate 5 to O’Brien on Shasta Lake. Reservations are needed, as seatings are obviously limited. A little planning rewards you with a memorable dinner in an unmatched setting. The cruise runs from 6 to 8 pm. The buffet style meal neatly compliments the scenery. We saw deer and eagles, along with campers and waterskiing families out enjoying the 300+ miles of Shasta shoreline. My friend told me that if I wanted to explore other coastlines, it might be worth looking into CruiseAgency and if they are at the standard of the one we just been on then you must check it out.

Below, click on the image to their website. Thank you Captain Dave and the Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise crew! You’re Really Redding.

Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise

 

 

 

CookHouse at Bridge Bay

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Welcome to CookHouse at Bridge Bay.  Longtime Redding people will recall this restaurant and lounge as Tail O’ the Whale. Click any image to enlarge.


Cookhouse15The main dining area is under great spokes radiating from a center pylon. The large windows to the north allow views of Lake Shasta. The marina is in the foreground, and then past the Pit River Bridge, you can clearly see the Gray Rocks with Shasta Caverns. It’s a visually stunning setting.

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Our attentive server Alyssa with delicious Potato Skins. Below, Mahi Mahi Tacos. There’s a full wine list, and beer on tap, including an IPA by Fall River. Mmm.

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Above, a Seared Ahi on wilted spinach with salad. This plate wasn’t specifically on the menu, but staff was very accommodating to the special request. The CookHouse menu is online at their website.

There’s also some outdoor patio space for al fresco dining, around the perimeter.

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The classic lounge is upstairs. Check out this Bloody Mary, served by Dan!

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Outside, the views are captivating. All around you are people coming from, and leaving for adventures on emerald Lake Shasta. And of course, attire is beach casual. But that’s true of most of Redding anyway.

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Cookhouse2aCookhouse12Just outside the CookHouse are dozens of chairs for taking in the scenery. Perfect for observing Bridge Bay resort patrons and their watercraft. It’s a very party-like atmosphere, but also just as laid back as you may desire.  Lake life!

Cookhouse 16When people ask why I live in Redding, I often speak of the natural beauty of our surroundings. Lake Shasta plays a large part in the lifestyle and beauty of our region. Bridge Bay and CookHouse offer an unmatched setting for providing food, fun, and access to the lake. And it’s all a very quick and easy 13 mile drive north of Redding proper via Interstate 5.

The lake life, it’s Really Redding.

REX CLUB in Burney

Rex Club 7“Burney’s oldest Bar/Restaurant,” so it is said.

That seems entirely plausible. The weathered exterior hints at the rustic interior decor found inside. Also filled with wood carvings, and dozens of taxidermy wildlife mounts.

We recently stopped in for a late lunch. They were cleaning up for the dinner shift, but service was fast and friendly.
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Katie serves up a hot pastrami on toasted rye and a french dip Special.

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They didn’t have any beer on tap, but no matter.

They do serve the local IPA in a frosty mug. And that totally works.

Rex Club 4 Hexagenia

What time is it?

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And they have a website.

Click on the image below to get there from here. Includes menus. They also have some lodging available, as cabins.

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“The Rex Club was built in 1938. Located on Main Street in the heart of Burney, California.  It served as a dinner house, bar and hotel/motel. For many years it was the main source of entertainment for the local people, bringing in many different musicians and dancing.  Our family bought this magnificent old property in 2006, with the hope of bringing it back to its former glory. We enjoy the history of the club and love to hear everyone’s story of “the first time” they came into this place.”

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Welcome Fishermen!

With legendary fly fishing nearby, the REX CLUB knows its clientele. The authentic Burney experience, on the main boulevard.

Just about an hour drive east of Really Redding.

Armando’s Gallery House in Redding

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A dinner at Armando’s Gallery House is unlike anything you are otherwise liable to experience in Redding.
Armando Mejorado is a Redding artist, who works in a broad range of media. He opened an art gallery in a charming building on the Promenade, and began hosting parties. The parties turned into regular food servings and wine pairing. In addition, you can paint on Thursdays. Have some wine with friends and go to work on canvas. It’s incredibly unique and special.


They offer a prix fixe menu, from which you may order a la carte. You can find out what’s on Armando’s restaurant menu on any given night via Facebook. Armando’s seems only to rely on word of mouth and social media to get the word out. They encourage online sharing and interaction. At FB, you can see images of his past special events. Check out the recent Burlesque event for Valentines Day.

When you step inside and get a table, the attentive staff suggests you get up and walk around for a look. The decor changes continually. Downstairs, Armando has a gallery showing of his work. It reveals depth and authenticity seldom glimpsed.


I published about Armando’s Gallery House Morroccan Dinner a while back, thinking it was a one time event. It seems the events proved popular, and turned into nightly gatherings. It’s fabulous for private parties.

Armando’s doesn’t simply blur the lines between culinary arts and fine art. It acknowledges they are one and the same.

Here’s the thing:

Like any art gallery showing, something this special has a beginning and an end.
Premier and Finale.

I suggest you get down there right away, before the moment is gone forever. Don’t wait and let the opportunity slip away.
1350 Butte St Redding, California (530) 768-1241

Armando’s is Really Redding.


Armandos Gallery

Woody’s brew pub in Redding

Woody’s broke a dry spell of sorts when they came to town. Redding seemed to be “between” brew pubs. So we were all like thirsty mine workers, waiting for that first beer. Needless to say, the arrival of Woody’s was warmly welcomed.

Woodys3You’ll feel warmly welcomed too, when you walk in to Woody’s. That’s one of the key features of this modern style taproom and the friendly staff. We felt welcomed as though we were regulars.

Woodys2Lets get to the beer, shall we?  Among the choices, Swheat Dreams, Teachers Aide, Nutty Woody, and my fave Hopzerker. I saw some growlers being filled. They had a special brew on tap when we were last there, LAW-XX Dubbel. ABV of 8.0 and IBU 35. I didn’t get a chance to try it, so now I have a reason to go back.

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Taco Tuesday means tacos 4 ways. Carnitas, Pico Pollo,  Shredded Beef, and Diablo Cod. Below, burgers clad in delicious pretzel buns can be ordered with ghost pepper jack cheese. There’s fish n’ chips and salads too. See Woodys’ remarkably well rounded menu for a taproom. They do serve wines, and host a banquet room you can reserve for events. They even offer a line of apparel festooned with their classy looking logo.

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Woodys1Woody’s is no longer the only game in town for the thirsty. But they do have a lot to offer, and are well worth a visit. They will make you feel as though you are another regular. Thanks, Woody’s. You’re ReallyRedding.

Jaimitos Tacos of Redding

Street tacos are a bit like pizza, in that everyone seems to have a different idea what goes into the dish. Jaimitos is one of the newer taco places in Redding, and offers their idea of street tacos and more.Jaimitos1  Located right on Cypress Avenue.JAimitos2 Jaimitos3

Oops. I cut off the taco portion of the menu. Tacos of all sorts are just over $2
Oops. I cut off the taco portion of the menu. Tacos of all sorts are just over $2
Jaimitos4 “Done right” is a bold claim in the world of street tacos. Check it out and see if you agree. Jaimitos has a Facebook page you can Like, and are located at 916 E Cypress Ave in Really Redding, Phone (530) 768-1047.

Jack’s Seafood in Eureka

We dined at the new Jacks restaurant in Eureka recently.
Jacks EurekaIt’s one of the newest restaurants in Eureka, and one of only few restaurants actually on the waterfront. I think the other waterfront restaurant might be Cafe Marina on Woodley Island.

Jacks waterfront1Eureka Jacks room 1Eureka Jacks appetizers1Above, butterfly shrimp and crab salad in avocado. Below, swordfish and scallops.

Eureka Jacks main1Years ago, I worked regularly in Eureka and we dined often at Lazios, which sadly burned to the ground, or burned to the harbor, years ago.  That place had authenticity (and an interesting story) The new Jacks looks to establish that fresh fish/waterfront element to the Humboldt Bay restaurant scene. They even have outdoor seating, which makes some sense in the new warmer climate Eureka seems to have obtained.

You should try Jacks when next in Eureka.  More at the Jacks website. Just about 3 hours from Really Redding.Eureka Jacks1