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Raised in the growing community of Chico, California, Chef Symmes, a fourth generation chef, has taken his country style to the next level. Joe's innovative style is known to those close to him as “Country Fusion” - a twist of old fashioned comfort food using local ingredients, infused with flavors and techniques from around the world. This is the trademark of his dedication and hard work to support local farmers and ranchers from the area, while importing delicacies from around the globe.
Seafood is definitely our focus here at Johnnies Restaurant. The most popular signature dish is our Blackened Ahi. We fly fish in from Hawaii one to two times a week so you never know what to expect, except that it will be the freshest fish possible. “I am so glad to be back in Chico (my home town). Having the Farmers' Market in Downtown Chico two days a week is a blessing, I love using the products you find from sugar cane to organic duck eggs," says Chef Symmes.
Being a recognized part of both the California Walnut and Rice Commissions for the past 7 years has really provided Joe with the tools and contacts to be a part of some other great Charity and Special events, including...
Chef Synnes has not just been an integral part of our restaurant, but of the community too. He has participated in several local charity events, including United Way Wine Auction, which has raised an average of $22,000 per event. Among the many winemakers represented were Silver Oak, Caymus Vineyards and Joseph Phelps. Joe was also Honorary Chef at the Honda Cultural Food Museum, with over 40 demonstrations to his credit and newsletter publications in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
• Sutter County Prune Festival 2002 • Sutter County Tomato Festival 2001, 2002, 2003 • Butte County California Olive Ranch 2001, 2002, 2003 Says Chef Symmes, “Winning the Sacramento Platinum Chefs Award
(An Iron Chef style competition) was definitely one of the highlights
of my career. I enjoyed the competition very much, it was great
to get out there and show the culinary world that the Chef’s
from up north California are on the cutting edge of food and are
able to show case our talents.” |
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With over 17 years restaurant experience and over 100 cooking demonstrations
under his belt, Johnnie's Restaurant's own Chef Joseph Symmes has
created a dedicated following of “Food and Wine Enthusiasts”
who have followed him around Northern California for over the last
decade.
Other local events in which Chef Symmes has participated include