The Curtis Park neighborhood responded to the needs of Butte County fire victims with “Paella for Paradise,” a sold-out fundraiser at Taylor’s Kitchen.
The Dec. 2 event was produced by Steve Nikkel, a Curtis Park resident, co-owner of Swell Productions, server/bartender at Taylor’s Kitchen and a known Spanophile and Paella freak. He was assisted by friends Rob Lind, executive chef at Ella; Isaac Hernandez, sous chef at Brasserie Capitale; and Bryan Fernando, sous chef at Taylor’s Kitchen. Neighborhood vintners John and Lynn Giguiere of Matchbook Winery and Scott Dilyard and Susan Joy of Venture Winery donated their wines.
“We had two big 32-inch rigs in the alley,” creating versions of what Nikkel calls “California Paella,” with lots of fresh green beans, red and green peppers, chicken and mussels atop the exquisite rice. “You could really feel the community in the room,” Nikkel said. “Over $7,000 was delivered to the North Valley Community Foundation in Chico.”
Photo/Steve Nikkel