cocktailqueen77's Profile
Fresno Chowhounds?
Sadly, I have become a reader more than a contributor these days! Will attempt to liven things up! Agree that Fresno has some amazing eats out there - I am continually impressed by the amazing places that contribute the food scene.
Lela's Restaurant - new in NW Fresno
Did you happen across the hours and days of operation? You mentioned lunch as well...Thanks!
Lela's Restaurant - new in NW Fresno
Thanks PB!! I heard that Manny was going to open his own place, so glad that it appears a success! He has worked at some great places in Fresno - and he was the chef that turned me and my DH onto rib-eyes when he worked (just temporarily) at Lantana.
I have always been impressed my his culinary skills, and cannot praise him enough as a chef and person. We will be heading that way sooner rather than later and cannot wait!
Fresno Límon's Peruvian Restaurant Going Strong
Hello Fresno 'Hounds! Just a quick update...
Limón has relocated to the Riverview Shopping Center located on Friant and Fort Washington. Here is the link to The Fresno Bee's announcement:
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/10/20/2584733/popular-el-toro-restaurants-revived.html
Chowhound still shows the old location.
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Limon
El Paso St and Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA
El Toro Cafe Fresno??
The owner's did decide to close. They had been trying to sell the business for awhile, from what I heard. Mike (Shirinian) at Elbow said that they did find a buyer and were going to be fine. Hope this information is true - the Randy Burrito is sorely missed by myself and the BF!
Here's an interesting read on El Toro (and other eateries): http://tastefresno.com/blogs/the-cured-ham/who-tweets-for-el-toro-tambien
Giuseppe Gallo's - Fresno
Been hearing a buzz about this place - looking forward to trying it out!! Thanks for the detailed review tavmark!!
For the Fresno readers: What's up with that food cart in the Tower District?
You must mean Dusty Buns Bistro Bus. I haven't had the opportunity to try the food yet, but I have heard nothing but great things from friends.
Here is the link to the Yelp! reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dusty-buns-bistro-bus-fresno
Also, here is the link to their Twitter: twitter.com/dustybunsbistro
From what I have heared, they use local produce and products plus keep a very seasonal and fresh menu. Since the bus is considered something of a traveling food station, they are limited to where and when they can park and serve (something about unclear city zoning laws). One of these days I hope to track them down! Best of luck, and please report if you happen to try them.
Hmong Strawberries .OMG!.......Clovis
So happy it's berry season!! Thanks for the heads up...
Campagnia in Fresno Closes It's Doors
So upsetting, especially for a restaurant that appeared profitable and always busy. It's never good news when so many people are out of work in this economy.
Here's a link that details the closing:
http://fresnobeehive.com/2011/03/campagnia_close.html
Extra charge for rocks or neat
See my original post from 2008...
>> On the note about an extra charge for a scotch, or any other premium that is stated on a menu, that charge should already be factored into that price since it assumed that most patrons will order those neat or with some ice. I would question that restaurant in regards to that pricing (on another note, sometimes a restaurant uses a computer system that automatically adds a charge when the "neat, rocks, up" button is pushed, unbeknownst to server or bartender). <<
Ummm...if you had read throughout all my posts you would see that I actually agree with you -- that an extra $1 for neat pours on scotch (or any alcohol that would fall into the "this is almost ALWAYS ordered neat" category, like "99.9% ordered neat" category) is ridiculous. The price stated on a menu or by a bartender should be the final price...
>> I would be hestitant to go back to this restaurant again if they charged you the rocks fee for ordering a scotch/rocks. This shows a lack in attention to detail by management. <<
Zamora and a taco truck surprise [Fresno]
Mouth is watering...thanks Pb for reminding me of this place!!
The Mad Duck [Fresno]
Thanks for the head's up!! I am really looking forward to trying this restaurant. I heard that they will be using fresh squeezed juices in the bar cocktails - yumm, freshness.
The Habit - Fresno
Been meaning to check out The Habit, but every time I drive by there is a line out the door!! Good for them!! I hope it continues to stay busy, I'll just have to curb my burger craving until after the lunch rush.
Fresno: Where can I find a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Glad you enjoyed it!! The decor is really over-the-top, but I suppose some people love it (not my style either).
Fresno: Where can I find a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Wow, I didn't think anyone actually paid attention to my experimental blog!! Thank you, EOF - you have made my day!!
I have been meaning to pick it back up, but I have been finishing up my BA (tons of extra classes, had to finish up the general stuff online) and working a ton. Lately, looking at computer screen has gotten me all dazed and confused. Plus, I had to spend almost a month in Albuquerque (my dad passed away) so that has taken some of my steam.
I have a tone of news, so I'll get to updating. I'm sure Fresno has some cocktails coming my way (or visa versa)... :)
Fresno: Where can I find a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Go ahead and wear t-shirts and shorts, if the waitresses have to wear fluffy hats - well, you can wear whatever you want!! In all honesty, VRC does not get many men coming through its doors, but it is a restaurant in OTC (where cowboy boots are a-plenty), so I don't think that it will be a big deal. I hope the MC is as good as I remember (it was amazing, on many visits), I haven't trekked to Clovis in awhile.
Let us know how it is!!
Fresno: Where can I find a Monte Cristo sandwich?
This may sound a little strange, but the best Monte Cristo is at a tea parlour in Clovis called Victoria Rose Cottage (in Old Town Clovis, on Pollasky and 4th). I kid you not. The restaurant uses the same recipe that a famous place (known for the Monte Cristo) in Disneyland does, can't think of the name though. VR Cottage batter dips, fries and dusts their Cristo with powdered sugar, served with a fruit compote (or jam) on the side. Hope you try it!!
Don't let the decor throw you off (it is really over-the-top brocade and antiques), the experience is really fun!!
The Palms, Fresno
Nope, sadly they are not open on my days off. My coworker mentioned that he is going for dinner tonight, I'll ask him how it went next time I see him!!
Central Valley?
Hello there!! Glad to see that you will be heading our way.
There are two restaurants that come to mind, that you might not have been to here in Fresno:
Pismo's - the scallops on the half shells were wonderful, sadly I did not find the cioppino up to par, but others seem to rave about it. Mixed reviews from this board and Yelp, but worth a trip.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/666464
mangOsteen - one word: YUM
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/652400
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/665217
If I think of anything else I will let you know!!
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Pismo's Coastal Grill
7937 N. Blackstone, Fresno, CA 93720
Pismo's Coastal Cuisine of Fresno
I tend to think that sitting at the bar is the best way to go - more attentive service, plus bartenders typically are the more "seasoned" staff then the rest of the FOH.
The gal who cuts my hair works in the same center as Pismo's and she was able to go to the soft opening. She raved about the cioppino, oysters and garlic bread. She said that they get the bread from SF and lather it with butter and garlic!! I would love to have a great oyster right about now - this rainy weather is reminiscent of the coast...
Pismo's Coastal Cuisine of Fresno
I'm with you TM!! I think I'm going to wait awhile so that everything can be ironed out.
Help me plan a weekend trip to Fresno
You're welcome!! Thank you for your wonderful review - and I am so happy that you found such great eats here in Fresno!! If you do come back, any shrimp dish at Don Pepe's is a must, and Trelio's is an amazing gem as well.
Help me plan a weekend trip to Fresno
Eeekk...here I go again...
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Imperial Garden Restaurant
6640 N Blackstone Ave Ste 108, Fresno, CA 93710
Campagnia
1185 East Champlain, Fresno, CA 93720
Cracked Pepper Bistro
389 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710
Trelio
438 Clovis Ave Ste 4, Clovis, CA 93612
Help me plan a weekend trip to Fresno
Hi there mollyo! Seen you on CH for awhile - always enjoyed your posts!!
Let's see....
Light Lunch:
mangOsteen (not tacos, but great food) - SW corner of Fresno and Shaw
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/652400
Don Pepe's - Blackstone & Gettysburg
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/645443
Dinner:
Cracked Pepper Bistro - SW corner of Fresno and Shaw
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/558442
http://www.crackedpepperbistro.com/
Trelio's - Old Town Clovis - worth the drive!!
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/89259
http://www.treliorestaurant.com/
Brunch:
Campagnia's - pricier, but there really aren't too many options for brunch here
http://www.campagnia.net/
Imperial Garden (not brunch but GREAT dim sum) - Blackstone & N/Sierra
Good luck!!
Pastry slide at the Vineyard Farmer's Market?
The only bakery, that I know of, at the Vineyard Farmer's Market is Dolce Artes (owned by the couple who had Bistro Rustico). Same owner's, and I know that Varouj has a very high standard for quality. Possibly one mishap? I have always had consistently great breads, pastries and desserts from them.
Need a weeks worth of food in Fresno
Where is SW Fresno will you be? Near the Tower, or more near the airport? You could easily jump on the 180W, then take the 41N - it would only be a 10-15 minute drive on the freeway to head north (as long as it isn't during rush hour - although our traffic jams are nothing compared to larger cities...we still like to moan and groan about it though!!). You could also easily jump on the 168E, that will take you to Clovis.
Tower Eats...
Tower Dogs - "gourmet" hot dogs (and sausages, I think) with unique toppings and combos.
Irene's Cafe - I have always had great food from here, but others have had some bad experience's. Cafe style food, burgers and sandwiches.
Sequoia Brewery - I love the fish and chips, and I think they have bottomless fish and chips on Thursdays (same price as the menu). Typical brewery fare, with burgers - but I actually really like the ribs.
Landmark - been there forever, and has a good happy hour.
Cuca's - the milanesa is my FAV, and they have homemade corn tortillas (sooo good)
El Cochinito Contento - like walking into an obscure restuarant in Mexico, very authentic Mexican food, very good
Downtown Notables...
Basque - either the Old Basque Hotel or The Shepard's Inn. I have eaten at the Shepard's Inn the most, the blackened catfish and garlic smotherd either pork chops or fried chicken are my favs.
Central Fish Company - great deals on seafood and sushi, has a sit down area (plus you know the seafood is fresh since they get it daily right there!!).
Off the 168E...
North India Bar and Grill (exit Shaw, go east) - the best Indian food I have ever had, great prices!
Hope that this helps!! Might think of some later...
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El Cochinito Contento
88 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Irene's Cafe
747 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Central Fish
1535 Kern St, Fresno, CA 93706
Landmark
644 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
North India Bar & Grill
80 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
Cuca's Restaurant
936 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Sequoia Brewing Co
777 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
