Food Awards (People`s Choice)

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
1
Uncle Harry's New York
BagelrY and Coffeehouse
multiple locations
Some people might not know that
Uncle Harry's New York Bagelry and
Coffeehouse is a mom-and-pop operation,
not a chain.
Its bagels are not machine-manufactured. Owners Wayne Rutledge and Rena
Gazarian Rutledge decided early on to
bake their bagels fresh daily to ensure
that each one is full of flavor instead of
perfectly formed, as with bagels at many
chains.
"The reason we believe our bagels are
so flavorful is because we don't skimp on
quality ingredients that make them taste
good and burst with flavor," Gazarian
Rutledge says. "Our bagels are known for
being the most flavorful."
Even customers who have moved from
Fresno to the East Coast can't seem to get
enough and have the bagels shipped,
Gazarian Rutledge says.
The most popular are the plain, the
cinnamon raisin and the pesto provolone.
Rutledge thinks the new red-velvet bagel,
with sweetened cream cheese schmear
baked on top, will soon be a winner.
The store isn't just a breakfast hangout.
It also sells soups, sandwiches andsweets.
Betty's Original Toasted Sandwiches
include the store's signature hot peppers
and East Coast mustard. They're served
on Max's ciabatta bread, which is also
made in Fresno. Soon the store will offer
salads.
The Rutledges opened the first Uncle Harry's store in 1995 and now have five
outlets in Fresno.
2. Great Harvest Bread Co.
997 E. Champlain Drive,
Suite 100
(SS9) 434-6440
greatharvestfresno_com
3. Fresno Bagel Co.
7739 N. First St.
(SS9) 436-8132
1
Eddie's Bakery Cafe
7098 N. Cedar Ave.
(559) 323-0900
eddiesbakel}cafe.com
Eddie's Bakery Cafe has been a
favorite in the community since it
opened in the downtown area in 1939.
Much has changed over the years, but
its delicious bakery items still draw a
crowd.
Owner Marc Wickliffe acquired the
successful business in 2007. Although he
has implemented new ideas for the
bakery, he thinks less is more when it
comes to a classic. •
"When you have 70 years of history,
you don't change what works," he says.
"I discovered the things that are great
about Eddie's, and I brought in some
new products, but Eddie's is the same as
it has always been. It has the same
products."
The store is a full-line bakery, making
all its cakes, pies, pastries and cookies
from scratch. It's a busy morning spot,
too, with breakfast specialties such as
Danish rolls, crescents and bear claws.
Wickliffe says Eddie's sells thousands
of bear claws every week. People come
in for their morning fix, he says, and take
the pastries to their business meetings.
2. La Boulangerie
Bakery and Cafe
730 W. Shaw Ave.
(559) 222-0555
laboucafe.net
3. Great Harvest Bread CO.
997 E. Champlain Drive,
Suite 100
(SS9) 434-6440
greatharvestfresno_com
1
Famous Dave's
7603 N. Blackstone Ave.
(559) 261-4227
famousdaves_com
When it comes to barbecue, Famous
Dave's secret to success is consistency. It
opened in Fresno four years ago and has
won the People's Choice Award every
year.
"Our barbecue stands out," says Ed
Sazote.Tamous Dave's district manager.
'We do the same thing over and over, so
the food is consistent, because if it isn't
just right, it is not going to sell. We also
strive to make everything as fresh as
possible."
Sazoie says perfection takes time, so
it's a long pro<;ess to make everything
taste great. Every day the restaurant
smokes its meats over a sweet-hickory
fire for. as long as eight hours. The meat
is then rubbed with seasonings and
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
slathered with sauces.
"We have won more than 400 awards
. for our barbecue," he says. "Our
spareribs alone have won hundreds of
awards."
Sazoie says one of the biggest sellers at
Dave's is its St. Louis-style spareribs,
which are hickory-smoked and smothered in a special sauce.
The Wilbur baked beans are a popular
side dish, packed with smoked pork,
brisket, hot-link sausage and jalapeno
peppers.
For those who don't like beans, the
restaurant also has potato salad, french
fries, coleslaw, garlic red-skin mashed
potatoes and warm apples in a cinnamon and amaretto sauce.
The menu also includes an array of
soups and salads, as well as chicken,
burgers and sandwiches. A children's
menu features kid-size portions of all the
favorites, including hickory-smoked ribs,
country-roasted chicken and Georgia
chopped pork.
.
2. Dog House Grill
2789 E. Shaw Ave.
(559) 294-9920
3. QN4U BBQ House
1414 Clovis Ave., Clovis
(559) 765-4078
qn4ubbqhouse.com
.
cups to go with the multicolored walls.
"Customers like the mismatching," he
says. "Regulars look for their favorite
cups to drink out of when they come
here. People love that it is nice and
peaceful and say it feels like they are not
in Fresno."
The restaurant is known for its eggs
benedict. It offers a classic version,
which is the most popular with customers, consisting of ham 'and eggs. It also
has a double-bacon eggs benedict and a
vegetarian-style version with artichokes
and avocados.
Another popular menu item is
Florentine crepes, with spinach, onion,
tomatoes and jack cheese.
Diners also have the option to create
their own crepes.
2. BJ's Kountry Kitchen
multiple locations
(559) 275-1981
3. Mimi's Cafe
7660 N. Blackstone Ave.
(559) 439-2669
mimiscafe.com
1
Sweet Tomatoes
7114 N. Fresno St.
(559) 435-5797
1
sou plantation. com
People often overeat at buffet-style
restaurants, but some guilt may be
Fresno Breakfast House
removed if the food is healthful.
3045 E. Ashlan Ave.
Sweet Tomatoes prides itself on
(559) 229-1036
offering fresh produce and salads; fresh
2085 W. Bullard Ave.
fruit, soups made from scratch, hot.
. _ tossed pastas, freshly baked breads and
(559) 431-1385
muffins and frozen yogurt.
Purple walls, mismatched plates, good
Guests can count on fresh ingredients
service and good food have made the
and menu items that are made daily.
Fresno Breakfast House a breakfast
"We serve fresh, wholesome food so
getaway.
people have healthy options when
When it opened in 1999, owner Sam
dining out," says Jennifer Carrillo,
Tellawi didn't know what his wife,
general manager.
Yolanda, had in mind for the restaurant's
Carrillo thinks people seek healthful
ambience.
food options at restaurants. Sweet
"My wife thought we should do the
Tomatoes has a variety of signature items
walls in different colors, and I was
that rotate every couple of weeks.
hesitant at first," he says: "I remember
The three most popular dishes are
coming in the restaurant, and one of the
Won Ton Chicken Happiness (a wonton
walls was purple, so I called my wife and
chicken salad), clam chowder and
said she needs to come look at it. When
blueberry muffins.
she got here, she said it was beautiful, so
Guests can get meals tailored to their
I thought she obviously knew what she
needs and can get something different
was doing."
each time because of the number of
Tellawi says his wife, who is talented
items offered.
in decorating, was right, because it
"We are ,really excited to win (people'S
ended up looking great. She decided it
Choice) again," Carrillo says. "We want
also would be fun to have mismatched
to thank everyone for voting us No. 1
silverware, plates, glasses and coffee
again."
THE FRESNO BEE
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SATURDAY,MARCH 26, 2011
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FOOD & DRINK
FRESNO BREAKFAST HOUSE:
Victor and Olga Salazar enjoy breakfast at Fresno
Breakfast House.
2. Hometown Buffet
multiple locations
hometownbuffet.com
3. John's Incredible
Pizza Co.
7095 N. Cedar Ave.
(559) 323-1111
johnspizza.com
1
Pardini's Catering
& Banquets
2257 W. Shaw Ave.
(559) 224-3188
pardiniscatering.com
A tradition started by Al Pardini in
1958 has again been recognized by
Fresno Bee readers, earning Pardini's
Catering and Banquets its sixth win in
this People's Choice category, first
introduced in the contest in 2006 ..
Jim Pardini took over his father's
catering business in 1981 when his dad
retired. Now his son is following in his
footsteps, bringing his own ideas to the
family business.
Pardini dedicated himself to just
catering to modernize the business when
he took over. Now his son, Jeff, is
helping build relationships with area
businesses, securing catering contracts
with the Fresno Convention Center and
the Fresno Fair's Grand Stand.
''We are very proud of our own venue
and try to continue to strive for excellence and to do things-better every year,"
Pardini says. "Maybe that is why we
continue to win (people's Choice)."
Pardini says it's an honor to be chosen
again and thinks several factors keep the
business on top, including his hands-on
approach. Another factor, he says, is the
family's continual research and development to stay current with food trends, as
well as the quality and service the
business provides.
"One thing that I never do is compromise food for price," he says. "My prices
are competitive, but I will not lower my
prices to serve food that isn't high-quality."
The restaurant, which was built in the
1970s, is open only for breakfast and
lunch.
Although Pardini's has a banquet room
next to its restaurant, the catering
business cooks 90% of its meals on the
premises. It has four traveling kitchens
so catered food can be cooked on-site,
including its signature dishes, Penne
Abruzzi Pasta and met mignon.
Pardini's is Fresno's oldest catering'
service and continues to be voted the
best.
2. Grand Occasions
4584 W. Jacquelyn Ave.
(559) 277-3663
gograndoccasions.com
3. Love & Garlic
90 E. Escalon Ave.,
Suite 127
(559) 438-8677
loveandgarlic.com
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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011
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PEOPLE'S CHOICE
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STARaUCKS:
There's just something
relaxing about meeting a
friend for coffee at
Starbucks, known for its
. bold flavors and multiple
drink varieties.
3. PF Chang's China Bistro
7894 N. Blackstone Ave.
1
(SS9) 438-0814
pfchangs.com
Shanghai Chinese, Cuisine
4011 N. Blackstone Ave.
(SS9) 221-0227
shanghaichinesecuisine.com
Showcasing authentic Chinese dishes
with unique hot and tangy sauces, fresh
ingredients and traditional Chinese
recipes, Shanghai Chinese Cuisine has
150 tasty treats on its menu.
Owner Edward Soo says Fresno
customers love chicken, as the restaurant
sells approximately 400 pounds of
chicken a day. The chicken salad is the
No. 1 seller, followed by orange chicken.
Also on the menu are pork, beef, fish
and vegetarian dishes.
Soo says Shanghai Chinese Cuisine
seeks to provide excellent service,
reasonable pricing and good food in an
Asian atmosphere filled with traditions.
"We try to maintain a standard with
quality food and price," Soo says. "It is
important that the customer is happy, so
in the beginning, it was trial and error."
Shanghai has been in business since
1980. It was also voted Best Chinese
Restaurant by California Restaurant
Association in 1994, 1996, 1999 and
2001. Shanghai is open every day except
Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.
Reservations for parties of five or more
are recommended.
2. Dai Bai Dang
16S Paseo Del Centro Ave.
{SS9).448-8894
daibaidang.com
1
Starbucks
multiple locations
starbucks.com
Mocha Frappaccino, Skinny Caramel
Macchiato,Venti Vanilla Latte or just a
plain brewed coffee. Starbuck's coffee
has become a new language arid
beverage known to all. It has dozens of
drinks made with both espresso and
coffee so visitors can create their favorite
personal drink or try something new
each visit.
Starbucks selects premium beans to
make its coffee, which is what gives it the
rich taste and flavor. And the baristas are
trained to handcraft each beverage to
meet the needs of the customer.
"We recognize the relationship
between the success of our company and
the strength and vitality of the communities where we operate," says Tony Pisa,
Starbucks regional director. "We are sO
excited to be honored by the Fresno Bee
People's Choice Award for Best Coffee
for the seventh year in a row."
With so many choices, many people
may just want to get a coffee and be on
their way, so it is good to know that Pike
Place Roast is brewed daily. Its name
derives from Starbucks' first store, which
was located in Seattle's Pike Place Market
in 1971. The coffee has a soft acidity,
smooth body and hint of cocoa and
toasted nuts. It also has seasonal drinks
which include gingerbread, eggnog,
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FOOD & DRINK
pumpkin spice lattes and toffee-flavored
coffee drinks.
"We love being part of people's daily
routines and look forward to helping
make for better mornings in Fresno in
2011," Pisa says.
2. Iron Bird Cafe
1915 Fulton St.
(559) 412-4534
ironbirdcafe_com
3. Dutch Bros. Coffee
4982 E. Ashlan Ave.
1798 W. Bullard !Jve:
dutchbros.com
3. The Grind
1122 E. Champlain Drive
(559) 433-9405
At Sam's people can find fresh Italian
cold cuts, imported cheeses, antipasto
platters, subs, sandwich trays as well as
Angela's and Sam's homemade Italian
sausage. It has 12 different kinds of
raviolis, 40 different kinds of dry salami
from every region in Italy and stocks
various products made' with truffles to
keep up to date with cooking trends.
Sam's employs 25 people so it is a
full-service delicatessen.
"We try to stand out when it comes to
service," he says. "Our staff is experienced and the product selection and
quality is what keeps us different. In the
fast times where' personal service is a
thing of the. past, you can still visit the
past with a neighborhood store that
invites everyone to be part of the family."
2. Deli Delicious
multiple locations
deli-delicious. com
1
Sam's Italian Deli
and Market
2415 N. First St.
(559) 229-9346
samsitaliandeli.com
nickswinecomer.com
Three generations of Italian families
have brought old world traditions to
Fresno for 30 years. Sam's Italian Deli is
much more than a deli; it is a full-service
Italian market stocked with specialty
items that are shipped from around the
world.
Sam and Angela Marziliano emigrated
from Southern Italy and opened a deli in
the '80s. Their son Nick Marziliano
continues the legacy by stocking
imported Italian pastas, olive oils and
specialty Italian groceries. His mother
also bakes homemade bread and
foccacia as well as prepares take-home
pasta dinners inspired from various
regions in Italy.
"Everything we do here is from scratch
including the ravioli, meatballs and
entrees," says co-owner Nick Marziliano.
"The definition of a deli has changed and
we are more of an Italian grocery store
with an extensive deli and wine department."
Marziliano says if it isn't something he
would eat, he doesn't bring it in. His
family is from the Puglia region of Italy
so it makes specialty dishes including a
traditional rolled stuffed flank steak.
Some of the most popular items it sells
are the Italian sausage, New York Style
Hot Pastrami and the homemade beef
ravioli Bolognese and cheese and
spinach ravioli.
3. Piemonte's Italian
Delicatessen
616E. Olive Ave.
(559) 237-2038
piemontesdeli.com
1
Eddie's Bakery Cafe
7089 N. Cedar Ave.
(559) 323-0900
eddiesbakerycafe.com
Coffee cakes, bundt cakes, loaf cakes
and cupcakes all make a good treat.
Other than the mouth-watering cakes,
Eddie's Bakery Cafe has tortes, tarts,
cookies, pies as well as cannolis, eclairs
and other European-style desserts for
those who are seeking something sweet
and unique.
The hot spot for desserts is now
focusing on making after-dinner snacks
that can be enjoyed by all, even those
with dietary restrictions.
"I have requests from people with diet
issues so I am now coming up with ideas
to make items that are gluten free and
.
desserts for people who are sensitive to
sugar or want an eggless cake," says
Marc Wickliffe, owner of Eddie's Bakery
Cafe.
Wickliffe says Eddie's slogan, the
Valley's personal baker since 1939, is
why he wants to try to accommodate
everyone. He is self-taught when it
comes to his culinary skills but has been
involved in the trade for many years. He
remembers cooking for his brothers
when he was a little boy.
"I feel very fortunate to purchase a
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PEOPLE'S CHOICE
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business that is so warmly received by
the community," he says. "I take this
responsibility very seriously and try my"
best to keep up with growing demands."
Eddie's features different cakes every
month. The featured cake in March
(which is also the most popular cake) is
an Irish potato cake. Wickliffe says it is
so popular that he didn't anticipate the
demand for it when he took over the
business. Eddie's starts making the cakes
after Valentine's Day through the end of
March.
"It is very good," he said. "You don't
really taste the potato but it is in there."
2. Cheesecake Factory
639 E. Shaw Ave.
(559) 228-1400
thecheesecakefactory.com
3. La Boulangerie
Bakery and Cafe
730 W. Shaw Ave.
(559) 222-0555
laboucafe.net
1
Red Robin
multiple locations
red robin. com
Not every restaurant has its own
mascot to greet small guests and raise
money for the schools the little ones .
attend. Red Robin's feather-covered
friend, Red, is one reason this restaurant
is recognized as a great family eatery.
Red Robin not only creates tasty
gourmet burger's but also puts a strong
emphasis on how it treats its team
members, guests and the communities it
serves.
- "A lot of team members have families
of their own so we strive to make sure
our members are taken care of because a
happy team makes for happy guests,"
_~s.Ashley Box, Red Robin assistant
general manager.
Box says most members have children
of their own. And because young
children sometimes have trouble sitting
in a restaurant to eat, the staff tries to be
understanding and makes sure each
guest leaves happy.
'We cater to families," Box says. "We
try to be fun for kids by giving out
balloons and having our mascot greets
our guests."
Every couple of weeks it also holds
Red Night in which it sets up an activity
table for children.
It holds fundraisers with Red in the
community by going to local schools and
passing out fliers. When people bring
the fliers back in the restaurant a portior
of the proceeds go toward the schools.
It offers a lot of different varieties on
its regular menu and children's menu
with fun and healthy food for kids.
Children can have fruit or salad for their
side dish or the traditional French fries.
Whether it's the Royal Red Robin Burger
California Chicken Sandwich, turkey
burgers, a fish sandwich, Gardenburger
or vegan Boca Burger, guests have many
options to satisfy a craving.
2. Yosemite Falls Cafe
multiple locations
yosemitefallscafe.net
3. Applebee's Neighborhood
Grill and Bar
.
multiple locations
applebees.com
1
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
and Wine Bar
639 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 14!l
(559) 222-5823
flemingssteakhouse.com
Contemporary fine dining in an
elegant setting is what brings Fresnans t(
Fleming's. This establishment wants
locals to not only enjoy the cuisine but
also share their special occasions at the
restaurant.
The restaurant features the finest in
prime beef, a variety of pork chops,
seafood, chicken, salads, side orders and
desserts. Its wine list (known as the
Fleming's 100) consists of some of the
finest wines around, which are all
available by the glass.
"Our goal is to provide an ongoing
celebration of exceptional food and
wine," says Fleming'S Operating Partner,
Casey Eades. "It is all about hospitality
and building relationships by making it ;
memorable night here whether someone
is celebrating a birthday, anniversary or
just a night out."
Fleming's helps customers pair the
perfect wine with their meals, which
helps bring out the best flavors in both
the food and wine. It is known for its
filet mignon and lobster but some
people might be surprised to know that
another big seller is its Fleming Prime
Sirloin Burger, which is reasonably
priced during happy hour.
Although the restaurant has only been
open in Fresno since 2006, it's almost
run entirely on regular customers.
During the holidays reservations are
THE FRESNO BEE
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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011
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FOOD &. DRINK
IN·N·OUT BURGER:
Although the People's Choice winner for Best Hamburger has a
simple menu that focuses on burgers, fries and shakes, it is a Valley favorite. When you go, don't
forget to ask for a double-double with animal fries, part of its "secret" menu.
always recommended at least a week in
advance and Thursday through Saturday
evenings are booked up fast.
"It's an honor to win," Eades says. "It
is a good sign because this award is from
the people."
2. Campagnia
1185 E. Champlain Drive
(559) 433-3300
campagnia.net
(closed, please see story under SUl.1day
Brunch)
3. Cracked Pepper Bistro
389 E. Shaw Ave.
(559) 222-9119
crackedpepperbistro.com
1
In-n-Out Burger
multiple locations
(800) 786-1000
in-n-out.com
Less is more when it comes to eating
hamburgers. Forget the fancy sauteed
mushrooms or the greasy onion strings
piled on top of the patty, people want a
good burger that is familiar. Not much
has changed at In-n-Out. The menu is
still the same basic menu customers have
been ordering from since the first
location opened in Baldwin Park in
1948.
Although there are only a couple
options on the menu, the most popular
burger is the Double-Double, which has
two hamburger patties and two slices of
cheese. Everything is made fresh to
order. Customers can see French fries
being made from hand-diced potatoes
and the shakes are made from real ice
cream. This fast food joint doesn't
believe in microwaves or freezers.
Friendly staff serving customers the
freshest hamburgers is its main goal and
what it prides itself on. In its mission
statement, In-n-Out says the customer is
its most important asset.
"We have always placed a heavy
emphasis on customer service," says Carl
Van Fleet, In-N-Out Burger vice president, planning and development.
Van Fleet says he is thrilled to learn
that In-n-Out won the award for No. 1
hamburger in Fresno especially because
it comes directly from customers. The
company relies on its staff to be friendly
and courteous so it pays its workers
relatively well for the type of work that is
done. The starting salary is $10 an hour
and raises are given periodically.
"We hire friendly, hard-working
associates who are committed to making
sure that every customer has a great visit,
every time," Van Fleet says.
2. Colorado Grill
46 E. Herndon Ave.
(559) 439-2747
1207 Willow Ave., Clovis
(559) 325-3460
coloradogrillfresno.net
3. Red Robin
multiple locations
redrobin.com
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THE FRESNO BEE
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
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Cold Stone Creamery
multiple locations
www.coldstonecreamery.com
"I scream, you scream, we all scream"
for Cold Stone's ice cream. With so many
flavor combinations to choose from, it is
no wonder Cold Stone was picked for
the People's Choice award.
The process of preparing freshly made
custom ice cream creations on a frozengranite stone (a cold stone) is what
makes Cold Stone ice cream taste so
good. Customers can have nuts, fruit
and candy mixed into a creamy delight
of their choice to make up their favorite
ice cream creation. Over the years the
creamery has come up with a few
concoctions of its own called Cold Stone
Signature Creations, which customers
can sample.
"The top flavor is our Founders
Favorite, which is made with sweet
cream ice cream, brownies, pecans,
caramel and fudge," says Jennifer
FOOD & DRINK
Mouser, co-owner of Cold Stone.
She says its coffee lovers' and chocolate lovers' ice creams are also popular
among its customers. Her family got into
the business 11 years ago and has been
serving up the finest ice cream, cakes,
smoothies and shakes to Valley residents
in Fresno, Clovis, Hanford and Visalia.
"We are a local family business and
believe in our product. We work really
liard to keep it top quality and appreciate our customers that voted us No.1,"
she says. "We have a following of regular
customers, which I think is awesome!"
2. Baskin-Robbins
multiple locations
baskinrobbins.com
3. "Marble Slab
1512 E. Champlain .Drive,
Suite 105
(559) 433~6671
6071 N. Milburn Ave.,
Suite 150
(559) 432-1819
marbleslab.com
1
North India Bar & Grill
80 W. Shaw Ave., Clovis
(559) 325-7788
northindiaclovis.com
Surinder Singh decided to move his
family to the Valley and start the North
India Bar & Grill in a time when the
economy was at its lowest. Even though
business was tough at first, things are
looking up.
"Business is improving every month,"
he says. "We are now seeing a lot of
repeat customers, some who said they
never had Indian food before they came
here."
Singh opened North India Bar & Grill
in 2008. He has more than a decade of
experience making Indian food, however, having previously owned a restaurant
in San Francisco. Singh says a big
difference between owning a restaurant
in San Francisco versus Fresno is that
many Valley residents don't know about
Indian food or are afraid to try it, so he
is trying to get the word out about his
!
restaurant.
This Indian restaurant bends over
backward for its customers. It not only
serves Indian food but can make just
about any request a customer might have
induding pizza, burritos, sandwiches
and burgers.
"If someone in your family doesn't
want Indian food but you do, then we
are happy to make something else so
everyone is happy," he said.
The staff asks guests if it is their first
time eating Indian food so they can help
people decide what to order. Guests can
enjoy exotic dishes induding a barbecue
sauteed curry, chicken Tikka, sauteed
chili chicken, a steak in a yogurt and
cashew sauce and much more.
2. Brahma Bull
3050 W. Shaw Ave.,
Suite 108
(559) 275-1100
3. Tandoori Niglit
6751 N. Blackstone Ave.,
Suite 104
(559) 438-7200
tandoorinightfresno.com
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THEFRESNOBEE
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PEOPLE'S CHOICE
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dinners, ateppan-yaki children's menu,
combinations, cocktails, appetizers and a
la carte items. It is open for dinner and
has value lunches in both dining and
teppan-yaki,
"Japanese Kitchen is honored to
receive this award," Wong says.
2. Edo Ya
3050 W. Shaw Ave.,
Suite 112
(559) 275-7535
edo-yarestaurant.com
3. Yoshino Restaurant
6226 N. Blackstone Ave.
(559) 431-2205
110 Paseo del Centro
(559) 432-4244
NORTH INDIA BAR
GRILL:
&
Waiter Kevin Cook serves Indian cuisine to Manpreet
Gill, Ev Yang, I5ham Boriboun and Lakhbir Gill at North India Bar & Grill, located in Clovis.
fresh seafood and. the culinary talents of
several chefs.
'
"Our staff has a unique family-like
relationship with our customers that has
developed over the past 25 years," says
David Wong, Japanese Kitchen general
manager. "Meals prepared fresh off the'
teppan-yaki grill by our experienced
chefs have become a customer favorite."
It has eight teppan-yaki complete
lledit mTilnean ".
1
Mediterranean Grill and Cafe
1031 U St., Suite A
(559) 441-7050
For the third year in a row, Mediterranean Grill and Cafe has been recognized
by the people of not only Fresno but all
over the state. The traditional Lebanese
recipes are followed exactly so that each
dish is made the same every time it is
served.
Owner Heiam Elaawar says her
mother, Siham Hemaidan, is the
backbone of the restaurant. According to
Elaawar, she always prepares her food
consistently. The recipes, -including the
popular chicken and rice with a fattoush
salad made with mint, parsley, mixed
vegetables and baked pocket bread for
croutons, are Hemaidan's personal
dishes she has been cooking for her
family for years.
"We believe in quality and consistency
so our food has the same flavors, and
that is what people love," Elaawar says.
"Some people may cut back on products
but we don't. We still use the same
ingredients that we did 18 years ago
when we opened."
The restaurant serves a lot of people
who work in the downtown area. It has
regular customers who have 'been
coming since it opened. It also sees
people from outside the area who have
heard of its reputation.
"We have people come from all over
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE FRESNO BEE
2. By the Sea
6745 N. Palm Ave.
(559) 446-0201
3. Phoenician Garden
1025 E. Herndon Ave.
(559) 261-2747
Jlexican ~
1
Sal's Mexican Restaurant
7476 N. Fresno St.
(559) 438-3030
The co-owner of Sal's Mexican
Restaurant literally goes to great lengths
to keep on top of her business. Lorraine
Salazar travels all over Mexico to study
with chefs and look at what fusion of
flavors she can bring back to Fresno.
It has traditional Mexican food from
recipes that have been passed down
from generation to generation. Her
father, Salvador Salazar, started the
restaurant in 1942 in Selma after buying
$25 worth of building materials.
Over the years, it has acquired regular
guests who rely on good food and
service. After a fire last year, which
temporarily shut down its Selma
restaurant, she really saw just how many
loyal customers it had.
"Our loyal guests in Selma drove all
the way to Fresno and Madera when our
Selma location was closed to get their
'Sal's fix,' " Lorraine Salazar says.
It has everything from tostadas to fish
tacos and mole enchiladas, but its No. 1
seller is the Famous Sal Fancy Burrito
that can be served with either chili con
carne or chile verde. Salazar says she has
added more fish to the menu because
people are eating healthier nowadays.
The Specialty Board announces new
SATURDAY,MARCH 26, 2011
17
FOOD & DRINK
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
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and are really thankful of that," she says.
"I want to thank all of my customers
because we would not exist without
them. I am very grateful that they keep
us busy."
This hidden secret in the downtown
area is always busy. The Mediterranean
Grill is only open for lunch from 10:30
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday.
+
a.•••••••••••••••••••••••
items, including its Chipotle Basa served
during Lent. If people like it, it is put on
the menu.
Salazar says her father always had a
great love of people and hospitality; she
tries to continue his legacy.
"Our success is because of our staff
and the focus they put on our gusts. I
have to give them credit because we are
all a family and I can't do it without
them," she says.
According to Salazar, Sal's is also
known for its handmade tamales. It
makes them all year long; they can be
ordered for takeout by the dozen. It also
makes last-minute party trays that can be
ordered within an hour of a special
event.
2. Casa Corona
7044 N. Cedar Ave.
(559) 323-7409
casarcorona.com
3. Toledo's
multiple locations
toledosmexicanfood.com
1
Sequoia Brewing Co.
777 E. Olive Ave.
(559) 264-5521
1188 E. Champlain Drive
(559) 434-2739
sequoiabrewing.com
Before the days of commercial
brewing, beer used to be brewed on the
premises of where it was sold. Commercial beer has become so commonplace
that it's a real treat to go to a microbrewery and try custom-made beer.
Brewmaster Kevin Cox has been
brewing beer since 1989 at the Tower
District location. When Scott and
Michele Kendall took over what used to
be known as Butterfield Brewing
Company, Cox stayed on- creating his
signature beers. Since the name change
in 2003, the company has been wholesaling the beer across the United States so
others can taste what has made the
restaurants so famous.
1
DiCicco's
multiple locations
dieicc:os.com
With 19 locations in California, 12 of
which are in Fresno, DiCicco's is a
household name for residents. In 1956,
Alberto DiCicco opened his doors (and
residents' hearts) to his food. Because
DiCicco was from Italy, he brought with
him great Italian food in a fun atmosphere just like in his native country.
DiCicco had four sons and as the
family expanded, so did the business.
Different family members took over
different locations. Each location may
differ slightly. For instance, the special-
ties may vary depending on each owner,
but all restaurants have a commonality:
to serve fresh and tasty Italian food in a .
family environment.
"DiCicco's has a more personal feel
than some otherrestaurants,"
Carlo
DiCiccco, owner of the Blackstone
Avenue and Oakhurst locations, says. "I
shake hands with 30% of the customers
who I grew up with in Fresno."
The location at Blackstone and
Belmont avenues was the first to open in
1956, but over the years it has been
moved to a different spot. If locals go
out of town, it's good to know there is a
DiCicco's in Clovis, Madera, Sanger,
, Hanford, Visalia, San Jose and even a
location in Colorado.
Whether it isa calzone, meat ravioli,
rigatoni or a tortellini Alfredo, DiCicco's
is the "little Italy" of the Valley. The most
popular dish at every location is the
Scarface, which has sauteed chicken and
mushroom with Alfredo sauce. Each
restaurant bakes fresh bread, prepares
the spaghetti sauce and minestrone soup.
from scratch and has a variety of
specials.
"We won every year except one, so it
is fantastic knowing the public appreciates us," he says.
2. Olive Garden
389 E. Shaw Ave., Clovis
(559) 323-7297
olivegarden.com
3. Luna Pizzeria
and Italian Restaurant
349 Pollasky Ave., Clovis
(559) 299.;.4141
lunasclovis.com