Foodies
Orland’s Secret Treasure:
Farwood Bar and Grill by Amber Abney
photography by Clark Miller
It was Mother's Day, and he wanted to do something special for her. Soon, he had devised his very first menu; oatmeal, pancakes, and coffee. Jim leans back and laughs as he recalls how that meal was made on that day so long ago. Describing how he first put the beans in the coffee pot, then followed on top with the filter! The oatmeal was dry, the pancakes burned, and then there was that coffee. But, like only Moms can do, she accepted his gift with a full heart. For this meal had been prepared for her on that day by her 4-year-old son, Jim. It was the perfect passion for a child whose parents believed in exposing their children to foods of other countries, and to the satisfaction of growing your own ingredients. "We weren't a mashed potato and meatloaf family," Jim jokes. He shares stories of his Father's “Christmas Around the World” meals. Each year they would embrace a new region, and cook that region’s food as their holiday feast. Jim's passion for fresh, garden
(top left) The entrance to the Farwood Bar and Grill in Orland, CA. (top right) Chef Jim Vereb. Visit Farwood Bar and Grill at 705 5th Street Orland, CA Be sure to call for reservations (530) 865-9900
grown ingredients was something he learned first hand from his Mom, Debi. At 15, Jim's journey begins with a job opportunity. He will be working at the salad station in the prestigious Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. It is a multi-level restaurant, with an exposed serpentined kitchen, where they serve 500-600 patrons an evening, at Canaletto Ristorante Veneto. With the support of his parents, Jim worked by day through High School, and by night at the restaurant. He listened, and he learned from everything that went on around him. Committed to his passion, Jim would work on his knife skills by cutting bags of potatoes on his days off. Others would notice his dedication, and he was rewarded with progression in the kitchen ranks. Shortly after Jim's Mom relocated to the North State, he would join her. His choice to relocate gave him the opportunity to work at some of the area’s most beloved restaurants prior to joining Farwood Bar & Grill earlier this year. Shortly after Jim arrived, Farwood’s own-
er Leigh Ann introduced him to her passion, and one of the unique priorities of Farwood. Together, Jim & Leigh Ann visited the local farmers, ranchers, and vendors that supply Farwood. "We have people bring in their product and they just tell me, 'do something great with this!' I am touched by their trust in me, it's a big deal." Every Saturday starts the same, with a trip to Farmer's Market. Jim starts in Orland, but attends others in Red Bluff and Chico to build his signature Saturday dinner, “The Farmers Market Dinner Special.” He arrives with no plan, other than to be inspired by the fresh, local and seasonal ingredients that the markets offer to him. "Offering these market dinners gives me the opportunity to show people what they can do with these fresh ingredients. And I always let the vendors know that I will be including their product in my dinner special, and they get excited about that." "Green lights and open doors, with not one red light in the whole journey!"is how 25