Tong Fong Low reopens after fire

Tong Fong Low, a popular Chinese restaurant that has been in Oroville since 1912, reopened last week after being closed by a fire.

[Diana from Nebraska]

How often I think about "Charlie's."
It was the first place I had chow mein. It is the taste to which I compare all other oriental foods I consume.
As I sit here now, in front of this computer, I remember the last time I saw "Charlie." I was in 6th grade and I and his granddaughter were to march in a parade with the band from Central Middle (Elem.?) School. He fed me supper because I spent the afternoon with his granddaughter. I thought it was my privilege to do so. I wish I could really remember her name. The name Jeannie runs around in my head but I'm sure that is not it. I'm also sure she would not remember a chubby 6th grader named Diana Martin either. That was so long ago.
Many a Sat. lunch was enjoyed at Charlie's. My mother worked at the Penney's store in the yardage and white goods departments. Her name was Mary Connor. She brought my older sister and I to town in the morning and we'd shop or go to the park. The three of us would have lunch at Charlie's then Darlene and I would go to the matinee at the State. I also had dance lessons at Mrs. Eckhart's dance studio and on those nights Daddy would sometimes join us in town and after lessons and we'd have supper at Charlie's. Many of my memories center on the booths with the wooden seats and curtains there.
During the ensuing years I have often wondered if the restaurant was still in existance. We've only made one trip back to the northern part of the state and that was in 1981. I could not get my husband to go past where it used to be. He and Daddy were in a hurry to get to my brother's home on Safford St., down by the levy. Mom and I didn't get to sightsee nearly as much as we wanted to. We ended the trip having traveled 4,500 miles in 14 days. Not fun!
Anyway, I happened on this article through one in the Enterprise-Record. It was about the bias Chicoans still exhibit against those from Oroville. Having been the target of that bias when we moved from Oroville out into the valley when I was 12, I felt compelled to post a comment there. Then I looked up the Mercury-Register. First article that caught my eye was this one, though the headline was just about a restaurant that caught fire. The picture did show an oriental name however.
By the way, my family and I lived 12 miles outside of town, near Wyandotte. I went to Wyandotte Elem. through 4th grade, then was bussed into Bird Street Elem. for 5th grade. I got to go to Central for 6th grade where I was put in the accelerated class. That's where I met Charlie's granddaughter.
I have many reasons to thank your family. The good food and excellent taste bud training during my childhood, and the wonderful memories all during the ensuing years and the warm atmosphere of the restaurant made a lasting impression on a little girl and her family. I thank you. I hope I get to return one day. Peace and Blessings from the Nebraska prairie.

[Overrated]

This place is over priced. All their dishes taste exactly alike, becuase they use the same sauce in all their dishes. They have poor customer service just like 95% of Asian's restatraunt do. Egg Roll King in Chico being the worst customer service, but they have the cheapest price. Save your money and enjoy it somewhere else.

[Jennifer]

Overrated,
You must have a personal issue. Tens of thousands of people for almost a hundred years have enjoyed Charlie's. Get a life! GO CHARLIE'S!!!

[noodled]

I ate there one time, and have never been back. it wasn't the service, the appearence of the store or the wait for the food, it was the excessive use of MSG. There is way to much MSG in there foods. I was sick for three days due to the MSG. I know it was the MSG, because I have eliminated it from all my food and have never felt like I did the week after I ate the. The food is good but the MSG is really bad. Good luck on keeping it going, some like MSG, but I feel it is used way too much in asian foods. It is used only for the purpose to lengthen the time food can be stored, so how old is the insides of that egg roll? twoo weeks maybe three with cold storage? nuff said

[Brown]

Best Asian Food in Oroville. I am so happy they are now fixed up and re-opened. When we went last week everything seemed back in running order and the food was fresh as could be. Why does every body have to be so negative? Can't you think of one good thing to say.

[Jack Snow]

Don't worry about them making it noodle head. The community loves them and their food. MSG, by the way, is seasoning that does something to blend flavors in food and make them richer. I have eaten food prepared with MSG for years without a problem.

[Dallas Craig]

I have traveled the world over and there is only ONE "CHARLYS'". I'm sorry about the fire but glad the legend continues. I have had the pleasure of being aquainted with at least four generations of the family and they were all wonderful and decent people. I agree "GO CHARLY".