CHICO -- Finding restaurants to review for this column is a constant struggle. Almost everything has been reviewed by my predecessors, and I don't see many "Grand Opening" signs in this economic slump we are fighting to get out of. So I am always, always looking for suggestions as to where I can get a great bite to eat for less than $8.

I received an e-mail from the owner of Mondo's Cafe a few weeks ago, saying that although the cafe has been in Chico for more than 10 years, it is under new ownership and with that new ownership came a new lunch menu.

I walked into the dim cafe, at 951 Nord Ave., and was greeted by the aroma of coffee, which I like smelling better than drinking, and of course the friendly staff.

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The cafe provides free wireless Internet, which is convenient as students are always in need of some study time. The décor of the cafe is just as warm as the coffee aroma, with a mixture of comfy-looking chairs, stainless steel and wooden tables. The cafe was also decorated with coffee-inspired knickknacks and artwork.

The lunch menu contains Panini sandwiches, salads and wraps, all for just $5.99. This is on top of the coffees, espressos, teas, hot chocolate and tasty pastries the cafe also serves up. The cafe also has a breakfast menu that is comprised of granola
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and yogurt, a breakfast burrito and a breakfast sandwich.

I ordered a Butte Panini, which according to the e-mail I received from owner Oziel Magana, is the cafe's signature sandwich. It took about five minutes for the sandwich to be brought out, and when I saw it I was a bit shocked. It was huge.

The Panini was about eight by eight inches, and covered the whole plate it was served on. The bread was golden brown on the outside, complete with the signature sandwich-press lines on both sides, and sprinkled with herbs. It was filled with pesto aioli (a garlic sauce), artichoke hearts, chicken, tomato, mozzarella cheese and red pepper sauce. The sandwich was topped with a decorative skewer with an olive and pepperocini.

The flavor combination was astounding. The pesto aioli wasn't too overwhelming as pesto can sometimes be, and it complemented the sweet red pepper sauce amazingly. The savory, pickled artichoke hearts and the fresh, ripe tomato gave the sandwich a Mediterranean feeling. The red pepper sauce made everything in the sandwich orange, and also dyed my fingers a little.

While the flavors of the sandwich made my tongue do a little happy dance, I did have a few complaints. The cheese in my sandwich wasn't melted, which is a definite necessity for any toasted sandwich. And also the chicken in the sandwich wasn't cut into small enough pieces — it was just a little too chunky for me.

Despite the cheese downfall, I would go to Mondo's again. It could have just been an off day for the cafe. I had been there on one other previous occasion and had a hot chocolate and slice of pumpkin bread that were quite scrumptious.

Even if there aren't a whole lot of new restaurants opening, we can still support the local businesses we have. Especially businesses such as Mondo's, which employs individuals with developmental disabilities as part of a social work program.

Know of a restaurant you just love and want others to know about? Send me suggestions at gen.mclaren@gmail.com.

Genny McLaren is a senior at Chico State University and a former managing editor at The Orion, Chico State University's student newspaper. Each week she has just one hour's worth of minimum wage to spend at a local eatery, weighing in on restaurant fare, wait staff and atmosphere. She can be reached at gen.mclaren@gmail.com.

Mondo's Cafe

895-0878

951 Nord Ave., No. 1

5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday

5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

CHICO — I had trouble deciding where I wanted to eat this week because I have that nice little flu bug that's going around. When I am sick, nothing sounds very appetizing.

So, I decided to go with something safe, and something I knew I would like. I headed straight to Big Chico Burger.

Lucky for me the burger joint offers an appetizing special. For $4.99 customers can order the Big Chico Burger Special, which is a regular cheeseburger, small fries and a medium fountain drink. I decided to substitute a milkshake for the drink at the bargain price of $1.99, so my total ended up being $7.56.

Big Chico Burger is only a few years old and the facility is still nice. The downside is the location, which is not only quite far from my downtown apartment, but is also next to Pleasant Valley High School. Swarms of teenagers always seem to be present.

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The wait is typically a little longer than most fast-food places, but it is worth it because you know that staff are actually cooking the food right then and not just nuking it in the microwave.

My chocolate shake was the first thing brought out. The inside of the cup was dripping with sweet chocolate syrup, and the thick shake was blended with real ice cream. I had finished almost half of the shake, which could have been a little larger,
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before my number was called.

I like Big Chico Burger because you can top your burger however you like. If you want a salad on top of your burger, which translates to lots of lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles piled high; or you can just slather it with some of the many condiments provided. It is an outlet of culinary creativity.

Before I had even made it back to my slightly sticky table, I was already munching on my huge pile of fries. The fries are always burning hot, and you can put your own seasoning salt on. I like mine extra salty with lots of ketchup. I've never had the onion rings, but I saw someone who ordered them and man-oh-man did they look tasty. I checked the menu and they cost about $4, so they are a little pricey. But if they can make my mouth water with just a look, they're probably worth it.

I guess since I went to a burger joint, I should probably address the burger. My favorite part was the bun. It was toasted to the point that it wouldn't get soggy, but the bread was still moist and soft. The patty wasn't exactly what I would call "big" as the name so implies, but I shouldn't complain as I could only eat about half of my burger and half of my fries. I didn't realize how much more filling shakes are compared with a soft drink or water.

The milkshake and fries were my favorite part, and I think I would have been happy if I had just ordered that. When you feel sick sometimes it is just best to eat what you know you like. Most of the time you end up feeling just a little bit better.

Genny McLaren is a senior at Chico State University and a former managing editor at the Orion, Chico State University's student newspaper. Each week she has just one hour's worth of minimum wage to spend at a local eatery, weighing in on restaurant fare, wait staff and atmosphere. She can be reached at gen.mclaren@gmail.com.

CHICO — Not having a car isn't that big of a deal living in Chico. Downtown shops, the university and even grocery stores are all within walking or biking distance. If I ever really need a ride somewhere, my brother or my boyfriend are usually happy to chauffer me around.

Well, I discovered a restaurant that isn't within walking distance, and it's called CJ's Last Chance Diner.

Let me just say, I am going to be asking for rides more often now that I know what delectable dishes I can find there.

If you head north on Highway 99, just on the outskirts of Chico, you'll spot CJ's. I walked in and wasn't sure what to expect. From the outside, it reminded me a little bit of a truck stop.

Fifteen or so people sat at old, wooden family-style tables having savory specialty burgers and sandwiches. It was a good thing the tables were so large because I had my family in tow, and the five of us were all anxious to get our fill of diner-style dinner.

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I ordered one of the specialty burgers for $5.35 with a side of fries for an additional $1.60. I really wanted to try the sweet potato fries. I had heard they were the specialty, but they were $3.50, and seemed a little too pricey. So I made my mom order them. Is that considered cheating on my $8 budget?

As I waited semi-patiently for my
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sustenance to arrive I noticed the Western-style décor. Even though the room was big and open, it had a cozy and comfortable feel, and everyone seemed to feel at home. It made me think this restaurant must have quite a few regulars.

If I had a car, or lived on the outskirts of town, I could become a regular at CJ's myself.

My burger came plain — well, besides the giant crispy onion ring, the melted sharp cheddar cheese, the three slices of crispy salty bacon and the hamburger patty that put fast-food patties to shame. It was thick, juicy and, for lack of a better word, real. I added spicy, smoky barbecue sauce and a leaf of romaine lettuce to the lightly toasted, buttery bun. I was in hamburger heaven.

I just discovered my new favorite hamburger place in Chico. Those sweet potato fries are wonderful as well.

They're crispy on the outside and a little more moist and sweet on the inside than a typical fry. I dipped mine in ranch dressing, but I think ketchup would probably suffice, too.

My only complaint was the restaurant doesn't serve milkshakes.

They seem like a diner essential and would have been a satisfying complement to the burger and fries. About halfway through my decently sized burger, I realized I was stuffed, but it was so good I wanted to eat it all. I managed to eat a few more bites before leaning back in my chair, patting my full belly and letting out a relaxed sigh.

I really hope this isn't my last chance to enjoy CJ's.

Genny McLaren is a senior at Chico State University and a former managing editor at the Orion, Chico State University's student newspaper. Each week she has just one hour's worth of minimum wage to spend at a local eatery, weighing in on restaurant fare, wait staff and atmosphere. She can be reached at gen.mclaren@gmail.com.