John Cassidy, left, poses with Festus Ezeli, center, with associated members of Tower Media Studios on Nov. 13 during the filming of a pilot episode for “Festus Feast,” shot locally. Photo courtesy of John Cassidy

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A pilot episode for “Festus Feasts,” inspired by the Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” was filmed at five local restaurants last week on Nov. 13.

The featured eateries include Pasquini’s in Live Oak, Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood in Wheatland, and Sopa Thai, Happy Viking and City Cafe off Plumas Street in Yuba City.

“The idea is to feature food districts as opposed to single restaurants,” explained John Cassidy, the show's producer. “It was easier for us to start here obviously since we’re all pretty local to Yuba-Sutter, but the goal is to take this on the road and feature food districts across the country that people may or may not be aware of.”

Cassidy co-hosts the episode alongside Festus Ezeli, a former Yuba College student and National Basketball Association player.

The two met during Ezeli’s time playing for coach Doug Cornelius at Yuba College and when Cassidy was doing sideline radio for the Sacramento Kings.

“I would talk to him at games and we became really good friends after he retired,” said Cassidy. “He has become a central figure on the pre, half time, and post-game for the Warriors and ESPN used him a lot in the last year because he is just so talented.”

Associates of Tower Media Studios helped film a pilot episode for ‘Festus Feasts’ at local Yuba-Sutter restaurants on Nov. 13. Photo courtesy of John Cassidy

Neither Cassidy nor Ezeli claim to be chefs but the two do appreciate a good meal and atmosphere. In the show, Cassidy takes the lead on introducing Ezeli to the individual owners and gives a bit of history on each establishment. Ezeli is then set free to mingle and feast on whatever is brought before him.

“He’s so relatable and so charming and just has this natural ability with people,” said Cassidy. “To find people who are that good on camera, it’s just one in a million and that's part of why he has been so successful in his broadcasting as well.”

Cassidy admits to having a bias for the “Salmon Cassidy,” a plate at City Cafe that he helped create 26 years ago. He said that the criteria for choosing which restaurants to feature was tough and came down to time, diversity, longevity and, of course, cinematic composition.

“The Plumas Street corridor is probably the best restaurant distinct of any small town in Northern California,” said Cassidy. “What we will do in each episode, and when we finalize this one, we will also highlight other restaurants that we didn't visit in the region, that will be part of each broadcast.”

Some of the restaurants Cassidy regrettably had to pass on included Sutter Buttes Brewing, Fernando’s, Hooligans, The Brick and the Silver Dollar Saloon just to name a few.

After a full day of filming both Ezeli and Cassidy left with full bellies, excited to see what the next step in this journey may lead to.

“I love how food brings people together and builds a sense of community,” said Ezeli. “My dream job would be one where I can travel, share incredible meals, and tell the amazing stories of people from around the world. If I can use those stories to impact how we see and connect with each other, that would be truly fulfilling.”

Being from Nigeria, Ezeli grew up with a fondness for traditional dishes like fufu, garri, egusi soup and bitter leaf soup. Moving to America shifted his preferences toward Mexican food and he credits San Francisco for introducing him to dim sum which has quickly gained a top spot on his palette.

“If I had to pick a favorite from that (filming) day, it would be Sopa Thai,” said Ezeli. “I just love Thai food, all the flavors, the curry's, the spice, yum!”

In addition to featuring locals at local restaurants, team members and associates of Tower Media Studios were brought on to round out the film crew. Tower Media, headed by Robert “Bob” Fischetti, is a Marysville based nonprofit media and production company which also houses the community radio station 93Q. The assembled team included Tyler Johnson, Lonnie and Kayla Webb, Kert Baird, David Toledo, Prince, Veronica and director Mike Iachella, who has over 40 years of experience with Cassidy in local television and commercial production.

Festus Ezeli dines at City Cafe, right, alongside owner Toni Ruiz, center, and executive chef Casey Jackson, left. This encounter was part of a new pilot episode called ‘Festus Feasts,’ shot locally on Nov. 13. Photo courtesy of John Cassidy

“Everybody pretty much volunteered to do this pilot, we had a few costs associated with it but for the most part people volunteered their time and effort because they see the potential in the concept,” added Cassidy.

Once the pilot episode is complete, a viewing party will be held before pitching it to professional networks. Their target platform is of course Food Network and Guy Fieri, with whom Ezeli has a personal relationship.

“Guy is a big Warriors fan, a big basketball fan,” said Ezeli. “He used to watch me play for the Warriors, which led to me going on his show as a guest and then going to spend time with his family, and spending birthdays and holidays with them.”

If the show gets picked up by a major network this could be a big boon for Tower Media. Fischetti said he is thrilled to be partnering with Cassidy again and will continue helping in any way he can.

“Guy Fieri is a big deal and ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ has got to be one of their best shows,” said Fischetti. “They need to keep up with that viewership and so this could be the next big thing for them, and for us!”