‘Dream Eater’ makes a stop at Orange Works
We all have our dream jobs.
For some, it may be an ice cream taste-tester. For others, it may be a puppy dog groomer.
Chase Ramsey possibly has the best dream job ever.
Chase is the California Dream Eater, the man tasked with the responsibility of tasting the best menu items that California has to offer.
His new “eatertainment” series has gained a loyal following on social media outlets such as Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, as well as on televised networks such as Dream 365 TV.
He currently has more than 12,000 followers on Instagram with 13 episodes currently available on YouTube. Individual episodes have racked up 300,000 to 500,000 views.
Another 10 episodes are slated for release over the next year.
His program sponsored by the industry website Visit California has taken the so-called “California Culinary Ambassador” to test the waters in Long Beach with a bowl of Hot Cheetos-topped macaroni and cheese at The Attic, and the sweet goodies of San Diego’s famous Donut Bar.
But he was missing one thing: A taste of the Central Valley.
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He found it on Jan. 22 at The Orange Works Café in Strathmore, the most recommended restaurant in Dream Eater history for their taste-bud melting fresh orange ice cream and mind-imploding tri-tip sandwich.
The house was packed with the California Dream Eater film crew for the special guest to take his first big bite.
Prior to letting those flavors sink in, we caught up with Chase to find out more about how he found the ultimate dream job, and what exactly it is that’s so enticing about the flavors of the Central Valley.
Question: Hi Chase. First off, could you tell me a little bit about yourself and what being the California Dream Eater entails?
Answer: Being the California Dream Eater means listening to food lovers throughout California and traveling around to eat their dream meals for them. Which I love because I love people and find passion in hearing their stories about what makes them tick. This also applies to food because all food has a story. I am not a chef or a critic and so I get to eat great food on behalf of food lovers everywhere.
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Question: What was the path like for you leading up to becoming the California Dream Eater?
Answer: When I was younger I lived in a place where food was simple and there wasn’t much diversity in the dining options. But I specifically remember one night I ate with one of my friends’ families who happened to be Italian. The food we ate was authentic and packed with flavors I had never tried before. After that day, my culinary curiosity began to grow. Then I moved to California and have been trying new food ever since. When you combine my big personality, love for people and obsession with great California cuisine, you’ve got a perfect recipe for a California Dream Eater.
Question: In addition to your sense of taste, people love your sense of humor. How did you develop your on-screen persona?
Answer: Great question. There was never really a development because this is pretty much what I am like in real life but with a bow tie. Like most people, I love to have fun and eat great food with great people. But I am also surrounded by some incredible teammates who are just as passionate about food and California as I am, so we have a good time together and try not to take ourselves too seriously, and what you see onscreen is a reflection of that.
Question: I think many people would think of eating great food as a full-time job as an utter dream. What do you think they don’t realize about it?
Answer: It is an utter dream. I truly believe that I have the best job in the world. But you do have to be open to trying new things and you can’t be afraid of looking ridiculous at times. But that’s all part of the fun.
Question: I share your affinity for burritos. Where have been the best bites you’ve had so far?
Answer: I don’t like to pick favorites. But man oh man do I love burritos. I’m never not in the mood for one. I had this incredible surf ’n’ turf burrito at Sancho’s Tacos in Huntington Beach that was smothered in their secret chubbie sauce. Make sure to check out the episode. The crew has been talking about flying back there on a day off, just to have that beautiful burrito again.
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Question: We’re very excited to have you visit Strathmore. How did you hear about The Orange Works Cafe?
Answer: Whenever I’m getting ready to film new episodes, I ask my fans where they think I should go, because they’re the real experts. When word got out that I was coming to Central California, the suggestions for Orange Works started pouring in. It was an onslaught. In fact, Orange Works Café was the most-recommended location in the history of Dream Eater. Needless to say, I can’t wait to try it for myself; it’s definitely going to be a highlight of the trip.
Question: According to what you’ve heard so far, what are you most looking forward to trying?
Answer: Is there even a question? The signature orange ice cream, of course. I hear it has a really unique texture and flavor that you just can’t find anywhere else. But like a true Californian, I’m also a huge sucker for anything with tri-tip, so I’ll definitely have to try a tri-tip sandwich while I’m there as well.
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Question: Are you more of a “sweet” or “savory” kind of person?
Answer: Well, being as spoiled as I am and having the best job in the world has made it so I don’t have to pick a side. I can be the Switzerland of Dream Eats because there are a time and place for both of them. Sometimes I start out with a savory and move to a sweet and sometimes I do the opposite. And sometimes I even open my mouth wide enough to eat both at the same time.
Question: Do you think you might try out any other places in Tulare County while your here?
Answer: You never know. I’ve been known to sneak off set in search of dream eats, so nothing is off the table.
Question: Anything else you would like to share about the show?
Answer: My most recent episodes from Southern California just went online, so be sure to check those out on YouTube or Dream365TV. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but they may or may not feature dream eats such as the Monte Cristo donut and some epic Mac’n’Cheetos.
And for everyday dream eats, be sure to follow me on Instagram @CaliforniaDreamEater and tag your own food photos with #DreamEats for a chance to be featured.
How to watch
While the episode featuring the Orange Works Café is still in post production, current episodes of the California Dream Eater are available to be viewed online at www.visitcalifornia.com/dream365tv or on Youtube. Just search California Dream Eater.