Downtown restaurant brings big-city feel

Originally published Jan. 30, 2008 in The Orion.
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Small college towns are known for fraternity parties, hipster coffee shops and modest eateries, but a new dining option downtown is bringing the excitement of city life.

Located above Jamba Juice in the former Chevy's location on the corner of Broadway and Second streets, Crush 201 made its debut in late December, said owner Gino Fiori. Along with a handful of other business partners, the restaurant is co-owned by Celestino Gencarelli, of Celestino's Pizza.

The restaurant specializes in Italian food, but the owners do not want the restaurant to be classified as "just another Italian place," Fiori said. The food is based on traditional Italian recipes, but chefs experiment with ingredients to add a modern twist.

One of the most novel dishes on the menu is the grilled lamb "lollipops," he said. Priced at $15, the lamb is seasoned with rosemary, balsamic and tomato confit.

Even people who are not money-deprived students may find it hard to splurge on the full dining experience.

"It was a treat for me," said first-time customer Karen Mullner. Prices were reasonable, but she can only afford the outing about three times a year, she said.

Dining with Mullner was Cori Ong, who said she enjoyed one of the pork dishes and agreed the prices were high.

"It was a little pricey, but it was a lot of food," she said.

On the occasions when people cannot afford to have dinner at Crush 201, customers can mingle in the restaurant's lounge.

Besides a menu with appetizers, salads, brick oven pizzas, pastas and seafood, Crush 201 has a full bar and a long list of fine wines.

"Restaurants are about elements," Fiori said.

Most drinks are $7.75 and include such popular options as mojitos, cosmopolitans, Manhattans and martinis. In addition, Crush 201 has homemade tonics used in a variety of crush drinks. The "tonic crush" is mixed with Belvedere vodka or Tanqueray Ten gin.

Additional elements that make Crush 201 stand apart from other Chico restaurants are the location and aesthetics. Light coming out of the second-floor location immediately attracts the eye when walking downtown.

"We knew this building was a critical point for success," Fiori said.

The entrance is near the building's small parking lot and upon entering, bright lights and gold stairs lead to the second floor.

Once in the restaurant, the lighting becomes low and chattering voices of excited customers overwhelm the room. The bar is located on the left, the cozy L-shaped lounge is in the middle and tables are positioned on the outskirts, overlooking the street.

Another impressive aspect is the waterfall maintained between glass panes in the right corner of the room. The display is surrounded by rock-filled adornments that dispense light currents of smoky air.

Crush 201 is quite different from the humble Celestino's pizzeria, Fiori said. The upscale restaurant focuses more on the dining experience and serves about 1,000 meals per week. Everything works on a bigger scale with 50 employees.

"Economically this is a big machine," he said.

However, the commitment to the community is no different, Fiori said. Knowing Chico has an environmentally-conscious population, the owners make vegetarian food options available. In addition, much of the produce and meat is organically grown and purchased in Chico.

The business partners of Crush 201 are in tune with the people of Chico and have a lot of experience and pride in the outcome of the restaurant and bar, Fiori said. They also understand the importance of hospitality.

"No is not in the equation."

Cafe Coda: Age is not an issue

Originally published Jan. 18, 2007 in The Buzz

Chico's Cafe Coda specializes in small-plate dining with a large side order of live music.

With just seven weeks under its belt, Cafe Coda is proving to be the child prodigy of Chico cafes and a promising all-ages music venue.

The venue, which opened its doors Nov. 29, shares its home with Humboldt Studios at 265 Humboldt Ave. It is no surprise the cafe took on a musical theme, being in a building that has so much music within.

The menu includes "sweet melodies" such as French toast and pancakes, "masterpieces" such as eggs benedict and wraps and single orders of "improvisations and solos."

Owner Eric Danielli, from Paradise, is also no stranger to music. Danielli, 26, was in a band called Phoenix Down, which included members of Chico's La Fin du Monde.

Originally, Danielli wanted the cafe to only operate in the mornings and focus on a breakfast menu, he said. He wanted to stay away from the bar crowd.

Thankfully, Cafe Coda is more than a place for breakfast.

Danielli decided to host music events because music is a big part of his life, he said. Besides, live music is a positive addition to the cafe atmosphere.

"It's not a dinner house, more of a gathering," he said. "Have your senses entertained."

The food takes care of the taste buds, live music comfort the ears and art on the walls please the eyes. The dim lighting and soft maroon and tan painted walls draw you to the tables, which are already set up with plates and glasses. There is also bar seating if that is your style.

To the far right lays the stage. Speakers are suspended from the ceiling, waiting to spread the love of music. Soft lights accompany the speakers, ready to shine on the next musical sensation.

While Cafe Coda has been appealing to the post-college age group, ranging from 25 to 55, the variety of live music is inviting for people of all ages, Danielli said. He is striving to make the cafe a stable music venue where age is not an issue. Considering the difficulty of sustaining an all-ages music venue in Chico and the fact that Cafe Coda sells alcohol, Danielli is aware of the tough position he could possibly be in, he said. If all goes well, underage drinking will never arise, as staff is diligent about checking IDs.

Danielli hopes the community realizes that he is simply trying to give back by making all music events open to all ages, h esaid.

"I don't want to exclude anyone," he said.

So far events have been successful and well received by the community, Danielli said. People who have stopped by for music have also been good about making food and drink purchases, which allows the cafe to make all events free from a cover charge.

The most successful shows to date featured Chico's The Yule Logs and The Secret Stolen, which show the variety of music that can be heard on any given night.

While Danielli is trying to stay away from metal and punk bands, he is open to any ideas, he said. Events will not only feature Chico bands, but also state and nationally recognized acts . However, bigger shows may call for a small cover charge.

Cafe Coda is also proving that live music is not only for night owls. Early birds can also enjoy love music on a few selected mornings.

Lukily for Cafe Coda and music lovers in Chico, music is oh so sweet at any time of the day.