Upgraded Living September 2011

LOCAL SHOPS DESIGNERS

Tickets may be purchased in advance from Zucchini and Vine in Chico and Fir St. Gallery in Paradise.

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Presented by the Butte-Glenn Medical Society All iance

There’s something about an issue that just comes together perfectly, and from experience in the publishing industry, I can truly say that there are few times when that is the case. Conveniently, our Taste of Chico issue happened to be our 4th anniversary issue of Up-graded Living Magazine! Four years ago this month, we dropped our first issue of Upgraded Living in Chico and it’s been an excit-ing journey ever since!

This issue also happened to be the first time we’ve made the leap in expanding our page count and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!

Enough about us though; there’s more to this issue than numbers! Hidden within this issue (page 21) is the key to some of Chico’s finest culinary secrets and the means to win over $1,000 in cash and gift certificates. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, we’re giving away over $1,000 in cash and gift certificates to some of our favorite restaurants around town. So read the magazine cover to cover, but make sure you don’t miss a single drop of the secret menu within. Believe us, you’ll be disappointed if you do!

This issue was a bit of a birthday present to all of us at the magazine, and we hope that you’ll celebrate with us by experiencing all that this issue has to offer. Thank you for your continued readership and here’s to all of you; we’re looking forward to another excellent four years ahead of us!

FROM THE EDITOR

Aveed KhakiPublisher and Editor-in-Chief

SEPTEMBER 2011

For advertising or editorial inquiries,please contact Upgraded Living at

530.519.5683 or [email protected]

We’re giving away over $1,000 in cash and gift certificates to some of Chico’s favorite restaurants! Like us today on Facebook to be entered to win!www.facebook.com/upgradedliving

Scan this QR code to visit us on facebook now

4 UPGRADED LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2011 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

newREAL ESTATE SECTIOn

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HOME6 . Design Q. & A.with UL’s design pro Melissa Snow

8 . Your Home:Maintaining Your Style

11 . Bring the Beach Home30 . Modern SpacesA dream come true

COMMUnITY10 . The Art of DiningYou’ll want to take a seat at this table

13 . Chico Hearing SolutionsWe profile this local Chico business

14 . Scrubbs Car WashScrubbs Car Wash brings sustainability to our town and our schools

15 . KivaOn a mission to alleviate poverty

17 . Taste Of ChicoThe event you’ve been looking forward to all summer

19 . Sipho’s Jamaican20 . Cupcake Crusader20 . Shubert’s Ice Cream21 . Secret MenuThe menu restaurants don’t want you to know about

GARDEn14 . Grounds for your GardenGive your garden a shot of caffeine with coffee grounds

On THE COVER:The Cupcake Crusader’s Chicopcake photographed by Clark Miller. Read all about it on page 23.

Are You Getting It?

contact:www.rsvppublications.comwww.facebook.com/RS-VPNCA888.729.2818530.519.3014

Look for the New RSVP Postcard Deck in Your Mail Box Mid-September

Like us on face book and receive special offers

If you are not receiving RSVP and would like to, email your full

name and address [email protected]

to receive the RSVP Postcard Deck at your home.

Dear Melissa,I really want to put the finishing touches on my space and

need some guidance on how to choose the right pieces. I tend to purchase randomly and on impulse, ending up spending tons and still not satisfied with my look. Any advice on

achieving that magazine worthy room???

Dear Sarah,Everyone wants a home that looks like it came out of a magazine. And if you only knew how many times I’ve been asked by clients to simply HGTV their homes, it’s almost comical. Here are a few of my tips on creating

that picture perfect look without breaking the bank.

Whether you are doing a complete overhaul or simply putting the “finishing touches” on a space, having a plan and shopping smart can make the biggest difference. A point of inspiration-be it your favorite pillow, lamp or painting should also be a big part of the planning process. It helps to set the tone and keep you focused on a style. You need to evaluate your space by first figuring out what isn’t working. Even if it is your favorite pillow, when an item sticks out like a sore thumb find it a new home. Once your space has been edited, make a list of things that are missing. For example toss pillows, eclectic accessories, a rug, new chair, etc. Having a list and sticking to it is where you can really save money. Another great tip is to assemble a “Shopping Kit” with your spaces existing elements-paint samples, fabric swatches, carpet cuttings, and a floor plan if necessary. It doesn’t matter if you keep it in a notebook or a Ziploc bag, just take it with you. Measure, keep the dimensions with anything of importance regarding the space-windows, rooms, niches, ceiling height etc. While you have that tape measure out bring it along as well. It will help to ensure your items are just right size and scale. Don’t forget to take pictures of your space. It’s always great to be able to reference back yourself, as well as showing a sales associate. Before you head out the door be sure to visit the internet. Visit your social media be it Twitter or Facebook for your favorite local shops. It’s a great place to find deals offered only to that businesses fan base. “Like” or “Follow” your favorite merchants and keep an eye out for coupons and sales announcements. Another one of my favorite tricks is to know the sales cycle in your area-buying at the end of the season can

really save some major bucks. Whether that’s outdoor furniture or a new sectional there are always seasonal treads. Now with the planning complete let the shopping begin. Remember to stick to your list. No matter how incredible the shopping deal may be if it isn’t on your list, pass (believe me I know that can be difficult.) Keeping in mind your goal is completing that perfect look. When a salesperson asks if they can help you, tell them specifically what you’re looking for, a small upholstered chair, round coffee table, red pillows etc. If they do happen to have something that could work, ask if they have a brochure on the product, or if they can make a copy of the spec sheet. Don’t be afraid to take pictures of items that you love so you can reference them later. Independent local stores offer some great, unique finds as well as furniture/design services. Most local stores will actually let you take goodies home and try them in your space first. You might need to leave some information and a credit card number but it’s worth it. Remember, with some detective work, patience, smart planning a little sass and savvy you too can find great decor bargains that turn your home into the magazine worthy space you’ve always dreamed of.

With interior design pro, Melissa Snow

- Sarah

Have a design question of your own?Email [email protected] for your

chance to have it answered by a local Interior Design professional

HOME

6 UPGRADED LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2011 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM You’re 15 pages away from our big secret!

omewhere nearby on a se-cluded backroad, a Butte County daydream has awak-ened. Interior designer, Deverie Jarrett, calls the style “Tuscan Transitional” because there are some mod-ern design elements, but it would be just as fitting to name it “Tuscan-style Tran-scendence.” Each design el-ement has been added with a keen eye for comfort and beauty. Architect Greg Peitz and builder Steve Sicke worked together to create an over-sized oasis where tranquil-ity and elegance reign. This one-story treasure values en-lightenment like no other. Every room is designed with the intention of maximiz-ing the available light in ev-ery space, aided greatly by the experts, namely Adam Wolfe, at Wolfe Electric. Beginning at the front entry, visitors step through custom-made double doors and transom to find a very large, elevated formal living room area with a curved step and exquisite crystal chandeliers. The formal living room has a marble floor with mosaic inlay, and the marble pattern is reflected in the faux marble finish of the walls, painted by interior

HOME

by Emily Spesert Photographs by Clark Miller

The front doors part to welcome you to an endless expanse of beauty.


designer Christine Mac Shane. A quick glance through the living room’s wall of windows showcases the symmetry of the back patio and yard. The pool, designed by Perfection Pools & Spas, departs from tradition by utilizing both a Caribbean-style sloping entrance as well as a Jacuzzi-style step-down entrance. Low-voltage, inset landscape lights were custom-installed in concrete near the steps and a feature wall with a waterfall gives a vertical presence to the pool’s edge. The surrounding landscape, designed by Blue Oak Landscaping, was chosen so that every plant has a practical reason for placement and, sometimes, even a special meaning such as the Brunfelsia pauciflora, otherwise known as the “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Plant,” which blooms in different colors and represents the differ-

ent generations that might be staying in the home together. Travertine pavers form all the outdoor walkways and patio areas that wrap around the home, past an attached garage all the way to the front yard where a circular drive leads to the street. Approaching the entry doors again, Wolfe Electric skillfully installed a sur-veillance system (that is almost invisible), indirect soffit lighting, and custom LED lighting with unseen wiring access points. The homeowners received a high-tech CentraLite Elegance Lighting Control System from Wolfe Electric that allows them to control every electrical aspect of the home, including a “welcome scene” to greet them when they arrive home each evening. Directly inside, a gallery hall boasts

travertine tiles set on the diagonal and leads to a choice before entering the for-mal living room: the public spaces to the right or the private spaces to the left. A right turn leads past the inspiration for the home’s color palette: indirect-lighting sconces with a bronze finish, amber glass and copper accents. The public space leads first to a formal dining room where an arch is inset with mosaic tile hand-painted in Mexico, and an inverted pendant light cluster hangs over the table. A dark blue accent wall and dark walnut floors with inlaid marble tile finish the space. On the opposite side of the gallery re-sides the homes family room with kitch-en. A coffee bar rests near the doorway, where the smooth walls support a mural celebrating the coffee bean plant and

Come experience the possibilities…

Wolfe Electric Lighting Showroom 1300 Park Avenue in Chico (530) 345-2800 olfeelectricwe can fix it. we can create it. we can light it.

HOME

Left: Unique lighting by Wolfe Electric illuminates each room with its own personality.Right: Pool designed by Perfection Pools & Spas

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a backsplash that declares the majesty of Mt. Shasta. Dark walnut floors lead to a sitting area with chocolate brown fur-nishings and a deluxe entertainment wall where a mirrored space lightens the corner for a wet bar. A faux-marble finish on the fireplace in the corner showcases Christine Mac Shane’s talent and upgrades the space while maximizing cost effectiveness. This is the room where the great knowl-edge of Wolfe Electic is truly displayed. The greatest design feature here is the way that light is layered in the space. There are small pen lights above the doorways, re-cessed lighting in the soffits, and uplight-ing at every level of the tray ceiling. This effect is carried through to the kitchen where both downlights shine under the cabinetry and uplights shine above. Re-cessed lighting in the ceiling and uplights inside of a grand skylight in the middle of the space leave no corner unlit. To com-ply with electrical codes, decrease power usage, and increase the level of light, high-efficiency LED has been incorporated. The kitchen design is complete with walnut cabinets, a mosaic backsplash, cop-per accents on the stove, and an oversized island that contrasts a leather finish with the rest of the kitchen’s polished counter-tops. A copper sink with decorative motif breaks up the space and adds interest to the expansive counter where the home-owners gather to celebrate family and watch television while they eat.

The other end of the hallway leads past automatic footlights to three bedrooms, each uniquely suited to the owners. The master bedroom features an inset fireplace and spa-like bathroom with walk-through shower and mirrored vanity wall. The sec-ond bedroom displays an affinity for Na-ture with a tree mural and sconces that are integral to the theme. The third bedroom has a romantic, sophisticated theme of purple and chrome that shows off a pen-dant sconce that is adaptable to either a ceiling or wall mount and gives off a bit of a retro vibe with the square pattern of its design. The retro, fun vibe is continued into the study where a bay window makes room for two desks and a cluster of fiberglass mo-saic lights that hang down from the ceiling and look as sculptural as museum pieces while adding bright splashes of color to the space. Included under this 10,000 sq. ft. roofline is a 1,500 sq. ft. guest house where visitors are treated with all the respect they deserve along with access to an indepen-dent entrance, kitchen, family room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. “Even in a small place like Chico,” said the homeowner, “everything can be lo-cal. Bring it back to the community. We choose to live here, so we will use what is here.” And this home was built in ten months doing just that. Designer Deverie Jarrett wants people

to remember four trends from this project: (1) beige trim can work with colorful walls; (2) balanced lighting is most important; (3) sconces attached directly to the mir-ror provide the most light; and (4) relaxed window treatments (such as roman shades or woven wood) upgrade any space.

Special Thanks to: Deverie Jarrett Design Wolfe ElectricChristine MacShane | designer/faux painterSteve Sicke | builderGreg Pietz | architectBlue Oak LandscapingPerfection Pools & Spas

Wall sconces and hanging lights by Wolfe Electric illumi-nate the home in fully controllable lighting.Below: Hidden treasures, like this detailed, copper sink, can be found throughout the gour-met kitchen

HOME


Beach house elements akin to those found in South Beach are scattered throughout the pool house, immortalizing the beach in each and every accessory.

here’s nothing like a good summer vacation. Movies dwell on summer romance. Schools assign homework about what we’ve done. Careers often inspire dreams of Caribbean retreats where we can leave all the stress in our desk drawers while we float away in the ocean. And when we come home from a long day at work

or play, truth be told, we will most likely drop everything we’re car-rying and plop down at the kitchen table, the family room sofa, or in front of the computer so we can sit for a while and just think happy thoughts…or maybe not think much at all. During these last days of summer, as we race toward autumn and notice the falling leaves along the way, our days might be filled with school and work, but we can still bring home moments with special people and daydreams of tropical vacations. This is the focus of the latest project from local designer, Melissa Snow at Dolce Home Inte-riors. “In Chico, we’re really fortunate to have those Indian summers when we can enjoy having a pool house,” said Melissa, inspired by the typical heat wave that occurs after the first frost of the year. This relaxing and user-friendly pool house strives to be like the

beach, using elements from three regional styles: modern Miami, ritzy South Beach, and informal Southern California. It began as a small, rectangular room that had a wet bar. The white beadboard cabinets with green countertop and the double-sided stone fireplace that were already in the room are the foun-dation around which Melissa Snow built the rest of the room in shades of relaxation. But, unlike most beach retreats (which have cool tones of blue), this space uses a palette of warm tones: greens, yellows, and brownish neutrals. Grey walls, showcasing a tone-on-tone boxy stencil design, provide a modern vibe with gloss as a design feature: the stencil is shiny while the rest of the wall is flat. A two-tone grey sectional (with pull-out bed) anchors one corner of the room along with a natural jute area rug and a colorfully spotted, oval-shaped ottoman on casters. These pieces of furniture were all carefully chosen to maximize space availability and the budget. This design upgrade also added modern polished chrome hardware to the cabinets and an island countertop where the homeowner’s teenage daughters can enjoy an informal eating area while doing homework and entertaining friends. A large chandelier with hanging discs anchors the wet bar side of the room for some visual interest and ritzy pizzazz. Other design elements include two neutrally upholstered floating ottomans, a curtain leading to the bathroom, and a Roman shade over the window to make the space seem a little bit more like a hideaway. Melissa Snow emphasizes that small spaces can, in fact, provide tranquility rather than clutter. The idea is to stop before the design becomes overdone; just keep it simple and make the furni-ture fit the space. “In small spaces, pay attention to arm size and shape. That can save you up to two feet of space to move around in,” said Melissa, specifically motioning to the two barstools selected for the space. With all these design elements working in the space, there’s no reason to feel like that vacation getaway is very far in the future.

Bring thebeach home

HOME

BY Jason SummerfeldPhotographs by Aveed Khaki

11You’re 10 pages away from our big secret!

COMMUnITY

here’s something about local non-profits that has always piqued my interest. Whether it’s the selflessness, the signifi-

cant amount of time donated or the im-pressive outcome of the collective efforts within the group, local non-profit organi-zations are the embodiment of what we should all strive to be. The Butte-Glenn Medical Society Alliance (BGMSA) is one such organization. Organized by the spouses of local phy-sicians, the BGMSA contributes to, and participates in, projects that promote good health and quality of life for local families and individuals. For the past 30 years the BGMSA has hosted the “Deco-rator Dream House,” an event that local Chicoans are no doubt well aware of. Lo-cal designers from around town gather to-gether to give each room in a local home an extreme makeover. The items used to decorate the home are then auctioned off and the proceeds are donated to health-agencies and charities in need. This year, the BGMSA has decided to do something a bit different; they’re focusing on one area of the home in par-ticular: the dining room. With the holi-day season fast approaching, and a general sense of decorating magic in the air that often accompanies this time of year, “The Art of Dining” will invite local designers,

florists and shop owners to showcase their rendition of a one-of-kind, over-the top dining room experience. Once again, as with the “Decorator Dream House” event before it, the efforts of these local business owners will raise money to benefit a host of local charities and health-agencies. If previous “Decorator Dream House” events have taught us anything, it’s that the BGMSA knows how to throw a party. The event will take place over two days at the Enloe Conference Center in Chico. The “Evening Gala” will be held on Friday October 28th from 7:00PM to 10:00PM. Ticket cost is $50.00 per tick-et and includes Hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting, silent auction, and music by Equi-nox. On Saturday October 29th, doors will open to the public from 10:00AM to 4:00PM with an admission cost of $20.00 which includes a drink and snack. Celeb-rity chef Nancy Miles, author of In Good Taste, will conduct a cooking demonstra-tion at the Saturday event. “The Art of Dining” promises to be an exciting and inspirational event, garner-ing much needed fundraising for health related causes in our area. We’ll surely be there, and we hope to see you there too!

Tickets may be purchased at Zucchini & Vine in Chico & Fir Street Gallery & Gifts in Paradise.

Designers include:NantucketDolce HomeZucchini & VineThe AddressLittle Red HenTami Faulkner DesignWorld MarketRebecca Rose InteriorsEssential InteriorsCarter DesignM CreationsFindsSelective InteriorsBGMSA GirlsWe Do DesignFlowers by RachelleRaken StudioA&J Party Center

The Art of Diningby Jason Summerfeld


COMMUnITY

An estimated 31.5 million Americans report having hearing difficulty, and an individual is five times more likely to seek a hearing solution if they are given a posi-tive recommendation by their physician. When it comes to your hearing, you want thorough care & expertise. Chico Hear-ing Solutions has 20 years of combined experience in the hearing health industry. Dr. James Lacey of Chico ENT Group has partnered with Kari Parnell, Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist, to bring the city of Chico knowledgeable and informed hearing health care solutions. A recent visit with Kari Parnell answered a number of questions we had regarding hearing loss. She mentioned that many people are aware that their hearing has deteriorated but are reluctant to seek help for one reason or another, and that research has demonstrated considerable social, psychological & cognitive changes with untreated hearing loss. In fact, people who have difficulty hearing can experience such distorted or incomplete commu-

nication that it seriously impacts their professional and personal lives, sometimes leading to isolation and withdrawal. In addition to offering hearing testing & evaluations, Chico Hearing Solutions offers a full product line of the best digital hearing technology available. The instru-ments are designed to improve your ability to hear and understand even in difficult listening situations. Improved access to talking on the phone, watching TV, listen-ing to music, or talking in the car can be enhanced using hearing instruments that have wireless or BlueTooth connectivity. According to Dr. Lacey, “Not all hearing loss is due to nerve damage and sometimes surgery can restore a patient’s hearing. Hearing Instruments are a 100% risk free alternative to surgical intervention and often times the outcome is equally suc-cessful.” Our opinion? Call and schedule an appointment for a consultation regarding your hearing today. You may not know what you’ve been missing out on.

Chico Hearing

SolutionsBy Sarah Covington

LOCAL BUSInESS PROFILE

Kari Parnell, LHIS (left); Dr. James Lacey MD (right)


Grab a cup, and let’s get to re-cycling! Bidwell Perk is doing their part by repurposing their used coffee grounds and donating them for com-munity use rather than simply dispos-ing of them!

Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, 1.45% nitrogen to be exact. They also contain other minerals which, along-side nitrogen, happen to be the perfect building blocks for beautifully fertil-ized soil. So grab a drink from Bidwell Perk’s spectacular menu offerings, but instead of tossing your cup when you leave, use your empty cup to grab a cup-full of their free coffee grounds on the patio. Sprinkle them over your garden soil when you get home and watch your plants rejoice! Gardening never smelled so good!

Owners, Michelle and Gentry Power be-

hind their coffee bar at Bidwell Perk in

Chico

grounds for your gardenBy Sarah Covington

SuStainable ChiCo

ScrubbS car WaSh

COMMUnITY

These days, susTainabiliTy is found in The mosT surprising of places. In fact, you’ll often find yourself wondering how you hadn’t questioned just how non-sustainable an activity was, until you research the environmental impact a sustainable shift in it makes. The most recent of these realizations came while researching part of Chico’s Secret Menu at Scrubbs Car Wash on the Skyway in Chico. The act of washing a car in your own driveway, though seem-ingly benign and innocent, is actually one of the largest causes of water pollution in cities across the United States. When you factor the soap run off, road tar and other chemicals that spill off your car and into the gutter headed for the storm drain, it really is surprising that more hasn’t been done to educate the public as to the pressure exerted on the local environment by such a com-mon task, one that most Chico residents seem to complete weekly. Thankfully, it turns out, a sustainable option does exist. Scrubbs Car Wash in Chico has been locally owned and operated since 2006, and has progres-

sively done more each year to lessen the impact car washing has on our com-munity’s environment. From filtering harmful chemicals from the water before draining to calculating the least water needed to properly and thoroughly wash visiting cars, Scrubbs has done its due diligence in making sure that its service provides local residents with a means to

wash their car guilt-free. Best of all they have a number of options, and one for every type of budget. Most re-cently, Scrubbs has begun rolling out their fundraiser washes to help lessen the impact that car wash fundrais-ers (one of the largest car

wash pollutings by far) have on the local environment. The beauty? Organiza-tions, schools, etc. can sell car wash gift certificates and the organization would retain up to $7 from each certificate sold for their cause, while ensuring that raising money for their cause doesn’t negatively impact the environment. That’s something we can all get behind.

For more information, visit Scrubbs online at www.chicoscrubbs.com or contact them directly at (530) 893-4885

From filtering harmful chemicals from the

water before draining to calculating the least water

needed to properly and thoroughly wash visiting

cars, Scrubbs has done its due diligence in making

sure that its service provides local residents with a means to wash

their car guilt-free.

By Aveed Khaki

You’re 7 pages away from our big secret!

By Emily Spesert

SuStainable ChiCo

KIVAa non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty

COMMUnITY

Charity is a strange monster. We might feel a desire to help other people but we live in a society where people beg for change while we wonder whether that money will be used for drugs instead of food. We live with suspicion about whether that quiet homeless man goes home to a six-bedroom mansion and fancy sports car at night. We’ve all heard the stories and watched the movies about dishonest people. But I’ve discovered a charity that’s totally legitimate. Friends of friends have worked here. It is an opportunity to feed the need to help other people through life. It is, geographically, so close to Chico that we might as well call it local. It’s called KIVA. Based in San Francisco, KIVA is a

non-profit organization that gives 100% of donations to entrepreneurs in third-world countries so they can begin their own small business venture. Close to $237 million has been donated and the number increases every day. More than 600,000 entrepreneurs have received funding (81% are women) and there is almost a 99% repayment rate. This means that donations are better described as loans that the entre-preneurs are giving back. You can give to charity and then get your money back! The recipients are schoolteachers, shop owners, farmers, millworkers, policemen and other professionals who just need some capital to get a good start in the business world. The official website shows hundreds of stories about people who are driven to succeed, willing to work, and

anxious to be given the chance to prove that they can accomplish their dreams to support their own families and com-munities. KIVA’s goal is to give people everywhere the ability to find a better life, to abandon poverty by diligently pursu-ing prosperity. Donating funds essentially fulfills the American Dream for people in other parts of the world. Lenders in 215 countries are providing the funding. Famous contributors include companies like Google, Chevron, and Starbucks. The band Maroon 5 is also a supporter. Donations can be as small as $25 or as much more as you want to give.

Visit the website at www.kiva.org to see the inspiring stories and contribute to the cause.

A loan of $650 helped Truphena Anyango to purchase more cosmetics and sanitary products.

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18 UPGRADED LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2011 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM You’re only 3 pages away from our big secret!

o you love classy hang-outs and high-quality food? Well, Chico has a lot of that! This September 11, spend your Sun-day afternoon (noon-4pm) at Taste of Chico, celebrating all

the delicious food, beer and wine, live music and local artwork you can see! Plus, there is plenty of opportunity to meet other community members and greet old friends. The Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA) is hosting the event with live music and culinary indulgences. A big crowd is expected to gather on the streets of downtown, with admission tickets and hungry tummies at the ready. The DCBA continues to keep downtown Chico looking great and will use ticket proceeds to maintain and upgrade the downtown area, as well as create more public events. Proceeds will also be donated to charity.

For 26 years, Taste of Chico has been wowing people with its of-ferings and it is planned to showcase more than 125 vendors this year! Popular restaurants that are expected to participate include: Johnnie’s Restaurant, Hula’s Chinese BBQ, Basque Norte, Farm Star Pizza (who will have a very special surprise at the event indeed!), Madison Bear Garden, Monk’s Wine Lounge & Bistro, Tres Hombres, and Sierra Nevada. Tickets are available online and at Tri-Counties Bank and Diamond W Western Wear, as well as Thursday Night Market and Friday Night Concerts. Volunteers are welcome to fill 250 job positions (3-hr. shifts) and will be rewarded with a free t-shirt and a meal. Visit www.downtownchico.net to find out how you can help out. The Upgraded Living staff will be manning our booth at the event and we hope to see you there!

DBy Emily Spesert

Mark your calendar for the Taste of Chico: Sunday, September 11th, 2011 Noon - 4:00pm

Visitors to the Taste of Chico rely on their taste buds to lead the way. Thousands flock to this yearly event to sample the very best that Chico’s culinary field has to offer.

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THE 26TH AnnuAl

TASTE OF CHICO

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hico finally has a new import: au-thentic Jamaican food. Since my first trip to the Ca-

ribbean years ago, I have continued to crave the lingering spiciness of Jamaican curry, the undeniable abundance of vegetables used in each meal and the fresh nature it brings to every dish. Well, be still my growling stom-ach, for Sipho’s Jamaica has arrived and I need crave no longer. Located just slightly outside the hustle and bustle of Nord Avenue traffic at 1228 Dur-ham Dayton Road in Chico, Sipho’s Jamaica has taken a forgotten location from long ago and brought it back to life. In fact, we dare you to walk, bike or drive down Durham Dayton Road and miss it. The colors are un-mistakable. Bright reds, greens and yellows beckon you towards an unofficial Jamaican embassy where you can bask in amnesty from the daily grind of the business world, kick off

your shoes and relax in the all-too-familiar laid back lifestyle and environment synony-mous with Jamaica. Once you’ve slid as far down into your seat as you can go and you find yourself hum-ming along lazily to the Bob Marley or UB40 tune wafting through the air, grab your menu and prepare to be surprised; it’s extensive and they have something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of curry, oxtail, vegetarian dishes or have never tested your taste buds with the items on the menu, there’s a dish that’s right for you and best of all, there’s someone there who would be glad to tell you exactly what that dish is. Owner and proprietor, Sipho, may just be that someone. To him, this restaurant is not just a means of making a living, it is his ven-ue to educate the world around him. As he puts it, “It is our mission to provide authen-tic Jamaican cuisine to the community using

natural and healthy ingredients. In doing so we hope to infuse our guests with positiv-ity through nourishment while offering high quality food and excellent customer service. Our passion: food that is fresh, healthy and cooked with a lot of love.” I hesitated to even write his quote, as it sounds so much better in a Jamaican accent, and feel reading it simply doesn’t do it justice. Stop by when you have a chance. The at-mosphere will envelop you, the food will clev-erly satisfy even the most rampant of hungers, and the generosity will make you question whether or not you should ever leave. Afford-able in price and only a short walk, bike ride, or drive from anywhere in Chico, Sipho’s Ja-maica is Chico’s newest IT place to eat.

Check out their full menu online atwww.siphosjamaica.com

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CBy Aveed Khaki

Top Left: Sipho’s Jamaican Food brings the best in Jamaican food and relaxing outdoor dining to Chico. Top Right: Si-pho’s Jamaican Food’s sign rises above a waterfall strangely reminiscent of Dunns River Falls in Jamaica and the vacation we wish we were on. Above Right: Sipho’s famous Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich.

1228 Dayton Rd.,Chico, CA 95928Phone 895.1866siphosjamaica.com

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COMMUnITY

CupCAkE CruSAdEr

SHubErT’S ICE CrEAm

any crusades have been fought throughout history, but in our opinion, maybe none as impor-

tant as the crusade for cupcakes right here in Chico, California. Lucky for us, we have a heroine fighting the good fight for us. Tia, the Cupcake Crusader, has been bringing joy to the hearts and cumulative lo-cal sweet tooth for some time now, and we’d be surprised if you haven’t seen her mobile cupcake truck zoom down the esplanade, off to save another someone from a low blood sugar catastrophe! The Cupcake Crusader was kind enough to design and create our issue’s cover cup-cake. The “Chicopcake”, as we call it, is a marriage of all things Chico. The outer cup-cake is made of a 30th anniversary Sierra Ne-vada Stout Chocolate batter, while the inner cupcake is made with Chico Chai. Atop the

cupcake sits a familiarly green hued frosting with almonds suspended within. Almond trees, Sierra Nevada Stout, Chico Chai in the sweetest thing you’ve ever laid eyes on? What more could you possibly ask for?! Assuming none of the above piques your interest, (and we can’t possibly imagine how that could be the case) there are plenty of other options available and chances are, one will fit you perfectly. Whether it’s the Wid-owmaker, Veggie Hitman, Sinister Mint or any other, know you won’t leave with any-thing but on a smile on your face. Try more; smile more. Follow the Cupcake Crusader on face-book at facebook.com/cupcakecrusader for locations. She may just pop up in your neck of the woods one of these days, and believe us, you won’t want to miss her!

hen you think of ice cream, do you think of Shubert’s? For seventy-three years, the

Shubert family has been making ice cream and candy (including chocolate!) in the shop on East 7th St. Officially called Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy Co., the business was started by Leon-ard C. Shubert who relocated from Montana at age fifty-four in order to establish an ice cream shop. In 1951, Shubert’s widow sold the business to his nephew, Charles Pulliam, Sr., (who had already been working in the shop) and the legacy has lived on in the three generations of Pulliams that currently work there. My own family never experiences an im-portant event without indulging in Shubert’s mints, which are more satisfying than any candy that any of us have ever tasted. And there have been many evenings when we make an impulsive ice cream run to the little shop with dual benches and striped awning.

I’ve heard other families tell similar stories. The Shubert family business has become integral to the community and is represen-tative of the high quality and craftsmanship that Chico is known for. Creative flavors such as pumpkin ice cream and watermelon sherbet remind us of something we might try making at home, but Shubert’s is way better. Enjoying Shubert’s ice cream and candy supports the local community from which the butter, cream, honey and nuts are sup-plied every week. Plus, Shubert’s is choos-ing sustainability by continuing to use an original 5-gallon ice cream-making machine because it still works and makes really good ice cream! If you are the type of person who likes national acclaim, you should know that the Shubert’s website announces that CBS ranked Shubert’s ice cream at #2 in America, but don’t take their word for it. Stop by and taste it for yourself!

By Aveed Khaki

By Emily Spesert

Phot

o by

Cla

rk M

iller

M

W

Cupcake Crusader’s Lemon Raspberry cup-cake is a hit amongst all. Man or woman, old or young, something about this cupcake keeps people coming back for more!

Top: Chocolate covered carmel squares hot on the belt. Bottom: The original Shubert’s Ice Cream Shop on E. 7th Street, where it still stands today.


COMMUnITY

hey eat at you when you know them; you want to know them when you don’t. they’re secrets, and when it comes to knowing them in a town

as small as chico, there’s simply nothing more important.

would we rather hold onto this book of secrets ourselves and watch friends’ and family’s eyes widen with amazement when we bestow one secret sparingly upon them? sure, but honestly, we’ve been itching to tell someone about this for months now.

what you hold in your hands is local gold, and we expect that you will use it as such. passed down through the generations, and added to over the years, this book holds the key to unlocking some of chico’s most hidden culinary treasures. what do we ask in return? that you share it with those around you. try each dish and tell others about them. like any good secret, you only feel better when you finally let the cat out of the bag. so open the bag, and let the cat out. it’s stuffy in there.

22

The “Chicopcake”, as we call it, is a marriage of all things Chico. The outer cupcake is made of a 30th anniversary Sierra Nevada Stout Chocolate batter, while the inner cup-cake is made with Chico Chai. Atop the cupcake sits a fa-miliarly green hued frosting with almonds suspended with-in. Almond trees, Sierra Nevada Stout, Chico Chai in the sweetest thing you’ve ever laid eyes on? What more could you possibly ask for?!

We’re giving away over $1,000 in cash and gift certificates to the

following 18 restaurants. Winning is easy! All you have to do is snap

a photo of the item you’re trying and post it to our facebook wall by

following the steps below.

Winners will be selected on October 31, 2011

Step 1 Visit www.facebook.com/UpgradedLiving and

click

Step 2Snap a photo of the item you’re trying with your

smartphone or camera

Step 3Post the photo to our facebook wall with the

title of the secret menu item as the caption (for

example: Tin Roof Bakery’s Round Mountain

Blackberry Tart”)

Step 4Rinse and repeat! We will be giving away one

$50 gift certificate to each restaurant for a total of

$900 in gift certificates! One lucky Chico foodie

who tries all 18 locations will win a $200 CASH

grand prize!

the cupcake crusader’s chicopcake

Not required to win the Secret Menu Challenge, but we highly recommend it

Follow the CupCake Crusader on FaCebook at FaCebook.Com/CupCakeCrusader For loCations

23

Left coast Pizza’s Gluten-Free Pizza and Hot Teriyaki Wings

Sourced from the hillsides of

Round Mountain, California,

this Round Mountain Blackberry

Tart gives new meaning to the word

decadence. Lemon pastry creme fills

a perfectly baked pâte sucrée crust that proved itself steadfast from

crumbling against the angst of our knives as we dug in sans mercy. A

tower of Round Mountain blackberries, perched atop the lemon pastry

cream, provide an explosion of taste that is simply beyond words, while

the candied lemon zest adds a final sweet afterword to an already per-

fect pastry. Three words came to mind: We’re not worthy!

When it comes to combining health and taste, Left Coast

Pizza reigns supreme. Their gluten-free pizza offerings prove

that even gluten-free pizza can acquire the tasty crunch of regular pizza

without sacrificing taste. This half Gourmet Veggie, half Fryin’ Hawaiian

masterpiece will turn any modern family from fighting over the toppings

to oohing over sweet unadulterated bliss. In

the meat-eater’s corner: Canadian bacon,

pineapple, bacon, onion and jalapeño. In the

meat-hater’s corner: spinach, squash, zuc-

chini, onion, red and green bell peppers, sun

dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts all on a

garlic sauce sent down from above. Whether

you’d rather try one or the other, or both at the

same time, you’ll find yourself on a gluten-free

cloud nine.

Not to be forgotten, Left Coast Pizza is

famous for their wings, and with wings like

their spicy Hot Teriyaki flavor, it’s no surprise.

One taste and you’ll convert. You’ll forget the

other wing joints around town, where you put

your car keys and maybe even the name of your

eldest child. Yes, these wings are that good.

Unfortunately for Raw Bar,

standard rating scales have not

yet evolved to properly rate the level of

perfection obtained by their sope. Five

stars? Too few. A perfect ten? We need

higher options. Modern science has yet

to provide us with the means to rate this

magnificent dish, so we find ourselves

forced to create a word of our own. These

sopes are “tastealicioustastic”. Pureed

kimchi, bulgogi beef, crème fraiche, pico

de gallo and micro cilantro intertwine

beautifully upon fried naan bread in

a way that you could simply never

imagine... in essence, an excellent reason

to stop by and try one for yourself. Your

imagination is simply not enough.

Their summer salad pairs perfectly

with their sopes. Light, airy, and stricken

with flavor, it combines heirloom

tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, green

beans, eggplant relish and edamame

cream dressing. Place these items upon

the included grilled flatbread for a taste

that is simply out of this world.

627 broadway st(530) 345-1362 346 broadway

(530) 897-0626

800 bruCe rd #100(530) 892-9000

Tin Roof BakeRy’s Round MounTain BlackBeRRy TaRT

don’t forget to

check each item

off your list

24

Bellachino’s Avolicious Bagel will make you wish

you had two stomachs to fill. Avocado, tomato,

onion, sprouts, mixed greens, pepperoncini mayo and balsamic

vinaigrette find themselves sandwiched together between a

lightly toasted supergrain bagel, in such a way that you’ll find

yourself testing your self-control in between bites. To attempt

to chew two bites at once, or not? That is the question. And at

an easy to devour $6 pricetag, having one now and taking one

home for later might be the best choice you’ve made all day.

Those that are cursed with impeccable taste will find

themselves pairing their Avolicious Bagel with a Holli Berry

smoothie. A swirl of mixed berries, vanilla yogurt, banana,

spinach, orange juice and flax will keep the doctor away, while

the dash of cinnamon will open your taste buds to the flavors

hidden within. Bring a friend and enjoy the combina-

tion together as one

person

mmm’ing

by them-

selves is

always more

awkward

than two.

An open letter to our friend, Nachos: You’ve been put on

notice. A bed of hand-cut french fries set the stage for mari-

nated tri-tip grilled to perfection, onions, cilantro, guaca-

mole, monterey jack and cheddar cheeses drizzled with hot

or mild sauce and topped with Mexican crema. These fries

will put a kick in your step and a smile on your face, but

don’t forget your fork, these guys are nothing short of messy.

800 bruCe rd #600(530) 892-2244

3269 esplanade ste 155(530) 342-4616

Bellachino’s avolicious Bagel & holli Berry smoothie

Sol Mexican Grill’S aSada FrieS

Getting out of bed is hard enough in the morning as it

is; starting it off with a dry cup of coffee from a can will

only make it worse. Let the experts handle it. Treating yourself

to Bidwell Perk’s Con Panna Fantastico may cause you to begin

looking forward to your morning wake-up routine and force you

to rue the hour they decide to close in the afternoon. Fear not

reader, the espresso in this morning delicacy will keep you run-

ning on all cylinders throughout the work day, and should you

need a refill when your energy meter starts to inch towards the

inevitable “E”, you’ll find them open for a fill-up. Whether you

choose the carmel with fresh whipped cream and carmel drizzle,

chocolate whipped cream with godiva shavings, fresh whipped

cream with glass sprinkles or ultra-secret mexican chocolate

flavor, you’ll find that productivity follows you wherever you go.

Want to impress a client for lunch? Maybe just your own taste

buds? Grab the ultra-secret homemade chicken salad with sea-

sonal fruit, and make sure to absolutely, positively order it with

Asian-sesame dressing. Unless you don’t care for Asian-sesame

dressing, in which case, we have some serious questions to ask

you. This combination of homemade chicken salad and seasonal

fruit on a bed of organic greens, topped with almonds and (if you

aren’t a robot sent from the future to destroy us) Asian-sesame

dressing, will train all eyes on you, and your eyes on it. Prove your

humanity to yourself and those around you; try this dish!

664 east 1st ave(530) 899-1500

Bidwell Perk’s Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit & Con Panna Fantastico

25

Potentially not the most

secret items in Chico,

the Chico Mint sundae and root

beer float are classics that we simply

627 broadway st(530) 345-1362

Shubert’S ChiCo Mint Sundae & rootbeer Float

Scrubbs’ Car Wash Breakfast Bagel & Protein Shakes

Morning Thunder’s Jerry Tacos

Car’s been through the

ringer once or twice? Get

it washed the eco-friendly

way at Scrubbs Car Wash

in Chico. But before you

decide to settle down with

a copy of Upgraded Living

on the patio, stop by their

kitchen for a menu that’ll

leave you wondering if you’re

at a car wash at all, and why

you were so quick to hand

your keys to the attendant in

the blue shirt.

Fancying a healthy alterna-

tive to the usual snack foods you see around town? Grab

one of Scrubbs’ new protein shakes made with Nu-Tek Pro

5 protein, fruit and skim or low-fat milk. We went with

strawberry and found ourselves gabbing like schoolkids about

its similarity to Nestle Strawberry Milk. Which brings up

an excellent point: these are great for the kids. Other flavors

include chocolate, vanilla, mocha and orange half-and-half

bar! Breakfast on the run? We recommend the breakfast

bagel with egg and bacon. It tastes great, it’ll fill you up,

and best of all, it’s affordable.

There’s nothing we like better than a new take on an old

classic, and this is no exception. Morning Thunder’s Jerry

Tacos are everything that’s right about restaurants that are

willing to step outside the box and turn something good into

something exquisite. Set atop two medium sized tortillas sits

a generous piling of tastes that complement each other in

every way. Chicken, lettuce, sour cream, jack and cheddar

cheeses, red onion and cilantro conspire to lay siege to your

taste buds while bacon proves that all things are in fact bet-

ter when it’s around. Ask for the secret salsa (either rojo or

verde) if you’re looking to add some spice to your life, but be

prepared, “hot” doesn’t begin to describe what you’re

bound to experience if you do.

1020 skyway(530) 893-4885

352 vallombrosa ave(530) 342-9717

couldn’t pass up in

our definitive menu

of Chico. What

may be a secret to

you, however, is

that Shubert’s root

beer is home made,

and one taste will

prove that beyond

a shadow of a

doubt! Finish a

meal off with one

of these two Chico

favorites or stop by when the mood

strikes and find out why Chicoans

agree... this is the best ice cream in

the nation!

*Want more Shubert’s secrets?

Check out their story on page 20.

26

Farm Star Pizza reminds us of the importance of fresh,

local ingredients and the first bite of any of their piz-

zas will prove that importance. The El Padrone combines

carmelized onions, roasted garlic, corn, padrone peppers,

cilantro and homemade pork sausage on top of a red sauce

and mozzarella cheese base. Our recommendation? Eat

slowly. Each ingredient is a top-level flavor unto itself and

should be treated as such, trust that you’ll be glad you did!

Fresh is baked into every bite of this piece of pizza perfection

and remember, a pizza purchased at Farm Star supports local

farmers throughout the north valley!

Flaky outside layers give way to tender inner

layers for a classic experience that keep locals

clamoring for more. This light breakfast is filled with al-

monds crushed to a sublime paste and folded in the layers.

It is lightly dusted with confectioner’s sugar and toasted

almonds. Pair this local favorite with a cappuccino and

enjoy a good read on Upper Crust Bakery’s beautiful patio,

or people watch from atop the bar stools adjacent the Main

Street sidewalk.

Shock and awe. Donut Rising goes beyond the normal fray of donuts

with a lineup that proves consideration goes a long way. The “O

Canada” Bar, an old school yeast bar topped with pure Canadian maple icing and

a thick strip of Applewood-smoked bacon, tastes like an entire pancake breakfast...

sweet, gooey and savory!

The Fat Boy donut, an old school yeast donut filled with homemade vanilla bean

custard and topped with chocolate icing, will make you feel like you aren’t having a

donut at all, but instead a pastry straight from a French bakery. Pair this with a cup

of your favorite café, close your eyes and be transported to Paris for free!

2359 esplanade(530) 343-2056 130 main st

(530) 895-3866

1008 west saCramento ave ste a1(530) 894-7847 (next to saFeway on nord avenue)

Morning, noon or night, TBar

Fusion Café seems to have the

perfect drink to bring sweet balance back

into our lives. If you’re lucky enough to be

a regular, you may have already been clued

in on their secret menu, so we went deep

undercover to root out the two biggest secrets

hidden deep within.

The Matcha Mint Frost, a non-dairy, low-

fat frost with super-powered green tea and

a mint sprig garnish, will make you wonder

why you haven’t had a mint milkshake before,

and if you have, why it was nowhere near

this good. Refreshing and filling, the Matcha

Mint Frost is the perfect in-between-meal op-

tion, and best of all: there’s no milk involved.

So live it up and order two, your taste buds

will thank you.

The Sparkling Cranberry-Orange with

Green Tea hails from the depths of the ocean

floor of secret menu items. Ardent patrons of

TBar, Upgraded Living’s staff have learned to

swear by certain menu items and tend to or-

der them religiously, causing non-stop arguing

over which is best. One taste of this sparkling

green tea masterpiece, naturally flavored with

orange and cranberry, finally has everyone in

agreement, there’s a new king in town.

250 vallombrosa ave #200(530) 895-8100

TBar Fusion Café’s Matcha Mint Frost & Sparkling Cranberry-Orange

The Mexican version of the famous Sloppy Joe, El Puerco Verde or “the

Green Pig” is the torta your mother warned you about. A combination of

carnitas, spinach, chile relleno, monterey jack cheese, pickled onions and

cilantro generously topped with guacamole and tomatillo salsa will force

the first button of your perfectly fitted jeans open and leave the second

hanging on for dear life. “Satisfied” is an understatement for how you’ll

feel after defeating

this challenge. Side

effects may include:

moments of intense

clarity, excessive

salivation and a

heightened chance

of falling into a food

coma.

Healthy, tasty, and made with love, Sipho’s Jamaican Grill has a menu that’s

simply out of this world. Newly opened, their entire menu is technically still

a secret to most of Chico’s foodies, but with the rave reviews we’ve heard,

and our recent visit to try it for ourselves, we can’t imagine that will be the

case much longer. Sipho’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken

sandwich will make you wonder if

packing up and moving to Jamaica is

the right move at this point in your life.

Realistically, if the food there comes

close to being this good, it may not be

a bad idea. Fresh Jerk Chicken comes

together with lettuce, bell peppers,

avocado and light mayonnaise on toasted

whole wheat bread for a crunch of taste

that is simply fantastic.

For the full experience, pair the

sandwich with their ginger limeade and

indulge yourself in a refreshing, naturally

decaffeinated pick me up that you’ll be

sure to love.

905 wall st(530) 809-0370

1228 dayton rd(530) 895-1866

La CoCina EConomiCa’s “EL PuErCo VErdE”

Sipho’S Jamaican Jerk chicken Sandwich &GinGer Limeade

28

Gooney Bird’s Island Pie and Classic Burger

Gordo Burrito’s Sinaloa Sope and Shrimp Cocktail

From the heights of Broadway Street

comes a sandwich so delightful, you’ll

wonder if you’ve died and gone to

heaven. Broadway Heights’ Rosemary

Chicken Sandwich combines oven-roasted garlic chicken, artichoke

hearts, fresh spinach and roma tomatoes in a rosemary marinade atop

lightly mayonnaised, house-baked focaccia. The result? A presentation

worthy of any five-star menu from a staff whose undeniably perfect

and compassionate service itself would be reason enough to visit. Pair

this fine sandwich with Broadway Heights’ famous Caesar salad and

raspberry lemonade for a taste that’s truly at a height all its own.

A classic burger may not sound like much of a secret item, but it is

when it’s new to the Gooney Bird and not at all prepared the way

most classic burgers are. This half-pound, home-ground steak burger will

leave you wondering whether or not to eat burgers anywhere else. Topped

with lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles, the burger is served sans condi-

ments to increase awareness of the steak flavor, which shines through

beautifully. Pair this with a side of steak fries and you’ll be guaranteed to

leave happier than you arrived.

For those who dare experience one of the best desserts in Chico, order

up an Island Pie. A combination of macadamia nut ice cream, covered with

a thick layer of chocolate fudge

and topped with whipped cream

and nuts on a crunchy chocolate

cookie crumb crust will win your

heart for the best ice cream pie in

Chico... maybe even the world.

The best part? You can grab one

of these pies to go and relive the

experience at home, over and

over and over again.

Gordo Burrito is a diamond in the rough.

This hole in the wall on the corner of East 8th

Street and Bartlett Street packs more flavor

into each bite than restaurants ten times its

size. Hailing from Sinaloa, Mexico, Gordo

Burrito knows shrimp and they know it well.

One taste of their made-to-order shrimp

cocktail will alleviate any doubt of this fact.

Cilantro, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, diced

avocado, black pepper and fresh, perfectly

cooked shrimp blend together in a salsa style

cocktail that had us drooling at the very sight

of it.

Order up a couple of their Sinaloa Sopes

alongside your shrimp cocktail and you’ll be

transported to Mexico’s coast in moments.

Refried beans, your choice of meat, lettuce,

tomato, and avocado sit atop handmade

artisan corn tortillas drizzled with sour

cream and topped with cotija cheese

crumbles and your choice of salsas for

a taste that simply goes beyond words.

One taste and you’ll know, this is 100%

authentic coastal Mexican food.

300 broadway(530) 899-8075

1295 e 8th st(530) 809-1211

3312 esplanade(530) 892-9534

Broadway HeigHts’ rosemary ChiCken sandwiCh

29

HOME

A DREAM COME TRUETruly Modern modern spaces come to chicoBY Jason Summerfeld

hen you speak to Eric Enns, owner and founder of Dream Develop-ment Co., you know one thing is absolutely certain: he is passionate

about what he does. Eric began renovating houses in 2001; five years later he was branching into design, land development, commercial and residen-tial new construction. It’s no surprise either. One look at his designs will dissuade even the staunchest of critics from believing he wasn’t born with an eye for architectural design. More recently, Eric has broadened his architectural design spectrum by launching Modern Spaces, a design and development

company aimed at creating, what he calls, “über-stylish (but still practical) forts for grown ups”.

These small footprint, single-unit buildings are custom built onsite at the location of the buyer’s choosing. Due to the small footprint of each design, these buildings are able to forgo the need for expensive permits and costly engineering usually associated with home expansion projects. More importantly though, these designs

will turn heads. The modern approach to building exudes from each design, and the possibilities are infinite. Whether you desire a home office, garden retreat, pool house, playroom, man cave, guest room, or the per-fect getaway to pursue your favorite hobby, these modern spaces can provide the perfect location in the privacy of your backyard at a price that you can afford. Currently, Eric has developed four de-signs to choose from and there are more on the way. Each design measures no larger than one hundred twenty square feet and comes equipped with high-ceilings and plenty of windows to bathe the space in natural light throughout the day and is wired for electric-ity to keep you working throughout the night when need be. With prices starting at $6,000, this is a home addition that most could afford.

Visit Dream Development Co. and Modern Spaces and Sheds online at www.dreamde-velopmentco.com and http://www.modern-spacesandsheds.com/ for more information, or call Eric directly for a consultation at (530) 518-3742 and let him know you’re ready to upgrade your living!

“We believe that good design and beautiful spaces for life and work need not be exclusive to the rich and famous.”


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