Joanne Lui - FresYes!

Date with your Pup? Fresyes, Please!

December 10, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

Lazy Dog Restaurant is a Hit with Humans and Canines Alike.

Many of us treat our dogs like family members. I have seen this firsthand through my dog-sitting business. So it seems like such a pity when you find a good place to eat and can’t share it with your pups, right? The new Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar totally understands this, which is why they have created one of the most dog-friendly dining experiences I’ve ever seen.

The national chain moved into the space formerly occupied by Elephant Bar at the Villagio Shopping Center several weeks ago. They boast a menu with a wide variety of selections, as well as weekend brunch. But what really sets them apart is a large, semi-enclosed, dog-friendly patio and a menu for canine companions.

I took my infamously ridiculous beagle, Grover, to Lazy Dog last week, and the results were predictably entertaining. As soon as we arrived, he was presented with his own bowl of water. I ordered brown rice & veggies for him, and crispy deviled eggs, bison meatloaf, a PB&J burger (you read that right!), and a chicken salad sandwich with butternut squash soup for my parents and me.

Lazy Dog showed that it’s not just a gimmick with the quality of its food. All of our dishes were delicious. I’ve been waiting for another PB&J burger ever since trying one on Colton’s Social House’s specials menu. The problem was that Grover also knew how yummy our food was, so after wolfing down some veggies so quickly that he choked, he refused to eat his plain, appropriate-for-canine-stomachs brown rice. I was irritated in the way that parents probably feel about their picky human eaters. I PAID FOR THAT RICE, dang it!

“Look,” he told me, “How did you think you were going to get away with feeding me brown rice? I CAN SMELL YOUR MEATLOAF. AND YOU HAVE PEANUT BUTTER UP THERE. And I KNOW there was a hamburger patty and chicken breast on my menu and YOU DIDN’T ORDER IT FOR ME!”

I could see his point. So I threw a couple chunks of meatloaf into his bowl. Which he consumed while avoiding the brown rice still, of course. But I didn’t let him eat off my plate, because of the very important rules.

To keep things safe and fun, there are three rules for pups at Lazy Dog—the “three B’s”: no begging, no barking and no biting.

The human and canine menus at Lazy Dog.
Tux’s apparently far superior meal of chicken and rice.
Grover giving puppy eyes to my dad in hopes for some meatloaf.
Our PB&J burger and bison meatloaf.
Grover eagerly getting his meal from our waitress, before he realized it was just brown rice.
My friend’s dog, Tuxedo, in front of Lazy Dog.

As for the human rules? Dogs must be on a leash and remain on the ground; servers are not allowed to touch your (adorable) pup while working; and canine friends can’t eat off human plates or drink out of glasses.

Some of those rules are naturally confusing for the dogs. As my friend’s dog Tux told me after his recent visit, “The food was deliciously not the food I have at home, so it was really amazing. I ate it ALL. The only con was that the employees were not allowed to pet me, so lots of wasted potential pets at that meal.”

Tux’s owner actually sprung for the chicken breast, so that’s probably why his review of the food was better than Grover’s. As for the petting, it’s obviously for health code reasons that servers can’t touch the dogs. But ours was super friendly and let Grover lick her face while she put her hands behind her back. They all said it’s a little bit of cute torture working at this job.

If you find yourself without a canine, you can still sit in the patio and enjoy all the furry goodness. The atmosphere and bar inside Lazy Dog are also great, and there’s an awesome happy hour that starts at 3 p.m. both inside and out. You can check out their menus on their website.

So get yourself out to Lazy Dog soon! And if you see me and Grover out there, be sure to say hi. I have a feeling we’ll be regulars. And I’ll probably be conned into ordering him the hamburger next time.

AR Workshop takes wine and painting to the next level

October 10, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

I have a confession to make: wine and paint nights give me massive anxiety. I’m a writer, not an artist. Not even a little bit. While I think it’s an awesome concept in general, paying to sit down and create “art” that will never be good enough to hang up is not my idea of fun. So when a friend invited me to her birthday celebration at a place where we would be making our own wood signs while sipping wine, I was sure I was about to have another paint night disaster. But AR Workshop in Fresno is SO much different than that. I had so much fun that I’m here to tell you anybody can do this, and everybody should try it!

I should start by saying that wood signs are only one of many, many things you can create at AR Workshop, a nationwide chain of studios that specializes in DIY home décor. The local franchise was opened just a couple months ago by cousins and Central Valley natives Leigh Champlin and Michelle Bentzen. Each workshop is about 2 ½ hours long, and each person in your group can pick a different project within a theme and personalize the words and art on it, so everyone goes home with something they will be happy to display in their space.

Just a few of dozens of project examples at the AR Workshop studio.

Projects for every personality

My friends and I went on a night where we could create a wood sign, lazy susan, wood tray or wood photo frame, and every project choice was represented in our group. When you register on AR Workshop’s website, you can peruse the available projects and request your customizations. I found a photo board that said “Football is My Favorite Season” and, naturally, asked that the ladies prepare a stencil for me that said “Baseball is My Favorite Season” instead. AR Workshop is a great place to create something with your family’s last name or your child’s name. They even offer wood photo frames for pets!

My friend and birthday girl Heather Haupt holds a sign that the AR Workshop ladies made to put with our party snacks.

On the night we went, there were two birthday parties that had booked the studio. We were given space to put out some snacks, alcohol, and cake. Our custom project materials were laid out around a space with our name written on it. This is when I started hyperventilating a little inside, because there were literally individual planks of wood stacks at my station, along with hardware, and I started panicking at the thought that I was really going to have to put this sign together piece by piece!

This really scared me at first!

But the employees at AR Workshop were so patient and great at explaining the steps that I soon found myself holding a nail gun with glee. That’s the thing that ended up being so cool about the experience: I really built this photo board and designed it myself from start to finish. I sanded wood, picked a stain, debated paint colors, stenciled—all of it. The stencil is a key part of the process. Because I had a guide, I avoided the art disasters of paint nights past.

Me wielding a nail gun—under supervision, of course.

Holiday gifts handmade by you!

This is a great time of year to try out AR Workshop so you can create custom holiday décor and gifts instead of buying generic versions at the store. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas… they’ve got you covered! Other workshop themes include wall hangings, pillows, and canvas totes; centerpiece boxes for your table; and even guest appearances by chefs who will teach you how to decorate cookies or lay out a charcuterie board while you create a custom wood tray. There are also youth-themed events where you can drop off your kids for a few hours to make a project while you go on a date night!

My friend Mandy staining her project.

Whether it’s for girls’ night, date night or a celebration, AR Workshop is a great place to do something really different with your friends and family, and leave with something that will make you happy for a long time to come. Couples who like to work with power tools will enjoy this far more than painting two of the same canvases together, too!

My friends Kelly and Traci painting in their stencils on a lazy susan and wood tray.

AR Workshop is located next to Young Chef’s Academy at Champlain and Perrin in Fresno. Follow AR Workshop Fresno on Facebook so you can find out about special events right away, like their Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop that sold out in just hours. Go to their website to find a full schedule and photos of hundreds of project ideas. Then shoot me a message, because I’m dying to find someone to go back with me!

Our finished projects!

Changes at the Fresno Grizzlies: All Your Questions Answered!

October 1, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

Four years ago, Fresno Grizzlies fans were shook when the San Francisco Giants chose to end their affiliation with the team after a long and successful partnership. The Houston Astros took their place. People didn’t understand why. They threatened to stop supporting the Grizzlies. Some asked why another California team couldn’t come in, like the A’s or the Dodgers.

Me? I got on my laptop and started typing like mad. I wrote a quasi-viral post for FresYes titled, “My Love Letter to the Fresno Grizzlies,” with an impassioned plea as to why we should support our boys no matter what. It ended up landing me a spot on the Grizzlies’ Community Advisory Board, where I’ve been serving ever since, getting an up close look as the team flourished in their partnership with the Astros, winning a Triple-A National Championship and sending players on to win a World Series.

Photo courtesy of the Fresno Grizzlies

In those four years, the Grizzlies firmly established themselves as a quintessentially Fresno brand. Meaning, no matter what happens, no matter what Major League team the Grizzlies are affiliated with, Triple-A baseball is here for the Central Valley to enjoy, with great young players, fabulous promotions, and a community-centric mindset.

So when it was announced a couple weeks ago that the Astros would be leaving Fresno to return to Texas, and the Washington Nationals had signed a two-year deal to send players to Fresno, I wasn’t concerned. But fans were once again left with a lot of confusion. Reading their comments on social media reminded me that not everyone has the inside track on minor league baseball and understands how all of this works. It can be complicated. So I’m setting out to answer some of the biggest questions, with help from Grizzlies President Derek Franks.

Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks with the Houston Astros 2017 World Series Trophy at Chukchansi Park. Photo courtesy of the Fresno Grizzlies.

Question: How does all this affiliation stuff work?

Answer: The Pacific Coast League (PCL) franchise that is owned by Fresno Sports & Events, LLC, gives the Grizzlies a guaranteed right to have a Major League Baseball affiliation. MLB and Minor League (MiLB) clubs sign what are called Player Development Contracts (PDCs) on a two- or four-year basis.

“The system was set up in a way that the contracts are up for renewal in even years, so that is when you will typically see change,” Derek says. “The financial terms of the PDC relationship is set forth in the contract that binds the MLB and MiLB together, called the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA). Those terms state who pays for what in the day-to-day operation of the MiLB club. The MLB club supplies the team and coaches, and pays the salaries. The MiLB club pays for the travel up to a max number of players and coaches, and so on…”

It’s worth noting that when Fresno Sports & Events, LLC, took over ownership of the Grizzlies this past spring, they signed a lease agreement at Chukchansi Park through 2036. So I’m not kidding when I say that baseball is here to stay in Fresno.

Photo courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies

Question: Why did the Astros decide to leave Fresno?

Answer: There was always a strong possibility the Astros would leave town at the end of the season, and the reasons had nothing to do with Fresno or any sort of ill will towards our city or the Grizzlies. In the end, it all boiled down to geography and family. The Astros naturally embraced the idea of returning to Texas to partner with the Round Rock Express. Paving the way for the move was the fact that Round Rock is owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball. Ryan as in Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. He is an executive advisor to the owner of the Astros, and his son, Reid Ryan, is the president of the Astros.

“We respect their decision and understood when we first signed with them it was likely the relationship would last only four seasons,” Derek says. “We are indebted to the Astros for the great quality of teams we’ve had the last four years.”

It’s worth noting that of the 15 other cities currently in the PCL, nine have had multiple MLB affiliates during Fresno’s time in the league. Five cities have had three or more affiliate changes in that time. In other words, this is all kind of normal!

Question: Why didn’t the A’s come to Fresno? Or the Dodgers?

Answer: MLB and MiLB relationships are a complicated dance with lots of moving pieces. Or as Derek describes it, “The process is like musical chairs, but nobody can pull away a chair. Everyone gets a seat.”

First, only the MLB teams whose PDC contracts were up this year could consider Fresno and vice versa. The Dodgers were not one of them. Furthermore, they own a share of the Oklahoma City Dodgers minor league team that they are affiliated with, so a future move is highly unlikely.

It’s not just one entity or the other who gets to make the decision. According to Derek, “I think the MLB clubs carry more weight, but at the end of the day, the process allows for mutual agreement on the PDC.”

So why did Oakland decide to go to Las Vegas instead of Fresno? We can all only speculate, Derek included. The Las Vegas 51’s just built a brand-new stadium that was likely a draw. And Vegas has a much bigger airport. It’s not always just about the physical distance between the MLB and Triple-A teams.

“The PCL is a brutal travel league—toughest in the MiLB—and Vegas has many direct flights to almost every PCL city,” Derek says.

That’s not to say Fresno is not a great place to play ball. We still have one of the nicest stadiums in the MiLB (trust me, travel to some of the other cities and you’ll see)! And the new ownership team is committed to making tons of upgrades and improvements in coming years.

Derek Franks speaks at the recent ground-breaking for a new social area currently under construction at Chukchansi Park. Photo Courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies

“Chukchansi Park is a world class ballpark that plays more neutral for pitchers/hitters in a hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League,” Derek says. “We also play in a city that has baseball weather. People look at me cross-eyed when I say that because of the heat, but the lack of rainouts helps managers and farm directors keep players on the field and in their routines.”

(Side note: You only have to look at the combined number of rainouts and delays in the recent PCL playoff series between the Memphis Redbirds and Oklahoma City Dodgers to know Derek is preaching #TRUTH. Who wants to play a double-header at the end of a make-or-break series?!)

Question: But the Washington Nationals? Really? Why should I care or keeping going to games?

Answer: First of all, the Nationals are an excellent ball club with a strong farm system—the same one that developed players like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Although they didn’t make the playoffs this year, they still finished second in their division. It’s not like we suddenly became the affiliate of a sub-.500 team. Expect the Nats to be contenders in coming years, with some real players to watch coming through Fresno.

“The Nats have at least two prospects in MLB.com’s Top 100 Today and have seen two others that were ranked high—Juan Soto and Victor Robles—see time in the big leagues in 2018,” Derek says.

Courtesy of the Fresno Grizzlies.

But way more importantly, being a Grizzlies fan is about supporting Fresno and loving baseball. The players may be different, but the passion for the game is the same. You will still get to experience professional baseball in a way more up close and far less expensive manner than going to a Major League game. And keep in mind, there are 30 cities in the entire country who have a Triple-A baseball team. I think we as Fresnans forget how lucky we are to have the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies staff remains committed to bringing some of the best entertainment in the city to the ballpark as well. Expect to see even better promotions and bigger events than ever before. I can’t wait to see how many of their theme nights end up on ESPN next year.

So come out to the ballpark. Buy those ticket packages. Cheer on our home team. Because that’s who they are. Not the Giants. Not the Astros. Not the Nationals. The Fresno Grizzlies. And I for one can’t wait to see what they do next.

Build your own sliders at Burgerim

August 23, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

There’s basically never a time when I’m not craving a burger. I love burgers the way most people probably love pizza. So when my friend told me about a new build-your-own sliders place, you can bet I was in. After all, if you can choose your own toppings for your pizza, why not burgers, too?

The place I’m talking about is Burgerim, which is a fast casual joint that opened next to Dave & Buster’s off Friant and Fresno a few months ago (there is another location on Clovis Ave. near Kings Canyon, as well). They boast a menu that offers over 40 million ways to build your burger. I’ve been three times now, and pretty much every combo I’ve made has been delicious.

Choices are basically endless

Here’s how it works: You start with a base of meat. That alone give you five different kinds of beef (regular, merguez, dry-aged, Spanish or wagyu), lamb, turkey, chicken, salmon, veggie patty, or falafel. Then you choose your style (aka toppings like cheese, sauce, and veggies). You can pick from a few recommended recipes like California and Cowboy, or get creative and do whatever your heart desires.

The sliders are available in combos of uno, duo, or trio, and you can customize each individual burger in your box. The combos also come with a side of Burgerim fries, which are actually a delicious cross between fries and chips, and a drink. The fries alone might be worth the trip, and even the drink has endless possibilities, because Burgerim has a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which is another one of my favorite things.

Speaking of drinks, Burgerim also does milkshakes, because burgers and shakes are a classic combo, of course. And they serve wine and beer, too, including local favorites from Tioga-Sequoia for only $5.

If you’re somehow NOT a burger lover like me, and someone drags you to Burgerim anyway, they have chicken strips and wings, as well as salads. And burgers can come without the bun, wrapped in lettuce or on a salad. By the way, I have actually tasted almost every “meat” option on the menu, including the salmon and veggie patties, and they’re pretty good!

Honestly, maybe the trick is to just put Burgerim’s garlic aioli on everything! My personal favorite so far is the lamb burger topped with swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and the garlic aioli, which is to die for.

If you’re having a party, you can also call ahead and order a big box of your favorite sliders. Check out Burgerim’s full menu and other information on their website.

If you go, I would love to hear what combos are your favorites. Maybe you can inspire me to try something new next time. After all, there are 40 million possibilities!

Fresno Grizzlies will honor fallen firefighters in upcoming game

August 7, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

As the last weeks of summer come upon us, my beloved baseball season is also drawing to a close! I can’t believe there are only two home stands left for the red-hot, division-leading Fresno Grizzlies. The good news is, I’m warning you now so you can mark your calendars and figure out which games you want to go to!

As always, the Grizzlies have some excellent promotions planned, including some designed to benefit very important causes.

CAL FIRE Night benefits firefighters’ families

The biggest one is CAL FIRE Night this Friday, Aug. 10, benefitting the families of Brian Hughes and Braden Varney, who died while battling the still-burning Ferguson Fire. Five dollars from every ticket purchased in advance at this link will be given to the fund, while two dollars will be donated from every walk-up ticket bought the night of the game. The Grizzlies have partnered with local law firm McCormick Barstow to kick-start the funding with $2,500.

A moment of silence for fallen firefighters will be observed before first pitch, which is at 7:05 p.m. There will also be a silent auction of autographed, game-worn jerseys from this season during the game, with all proceeds donated directly to the families.

Other upcoming promotions

Want another way to enjoy baseball while doing some good? The Grizzlies have also partnered with United Way to hold a school supplies drive for underprivileged children. Fans who donate socks, underwear or school supplies in any amount between Aug. 9–12 will receive a free ticket voucher good for any game in the upcoming home stand, Aug. 9–15. Donations will be taken at gates 1, 2, and 6.

And of course it wouldn’t be the Fresno Grizzlies if they didn’t have an extra special promotion up their sleeves. This time, it’s Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris Night, on Thursday, Aug. 9! There will be a ninja star throwing range at the ballpark, as well as special “Nunchuck Churros” for one night only. Pick a team for just $20: This deal includes a ticket to the game and a “Team Bruce” or “Team Chuck” T-shirt. The purchase of this package also enters fans in a contest to win one of twelve $50 gift cards to the Grizzlies team store.

Food and entertainment deals for the whole family

If you’re wanting a good deal for food and entertainment, the Grizzlies have got you covered there, too. Most notably, hot dogs will be just 25 cents on Sunday, Aug. 12. Fans who show their Save Mart receipt or Save Mart app at the box office will also receive $5 off each ticket that day.

Other deals worth considering:

At the game on Thursday, Aug. 9, from the time gates open at 6:05 p.m. to first pitch at 7:05 p.m., you can buy a burger, fries, and 12-ounce beer for just $5.
On Monday, Aug. 13, you can get two tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas, two Fresno Chaffee Zoo vouchers, and two Pieology pizza or salad vouchers, all for just $25!
For Taco Tuesday on Aug. 14, in addition to 2-for-1 field box and club tickets, fans can enjoy $2 tacos, sodas, and churros through the fifth inning. You can also receive a voucher for two free tacos if you purchase a 24-oz Dos Equis can.

I just gave you a whole bunch of reasons why you should go to a Fresno Grizzlies game before the end of the season, so I hope one of them will entice you to head out to Chukchansi Park.

Visit the Grizzlies website to buy tickets in advance and get full details on all of the promotions. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and go Grizzlies! Hopefully, they’ll make the play-offs so we can have a little more baseball in September!

Here are all of the Valley’s 2018 Fourth of July events!

June 29, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

Is there anything better than the Fourth of July? You’re basically honor-bound as an American to indulge in tons of food and fun—and you can legally set things on fire. It’s a day I look forward to all year.

Here in Fresno and all across the Valley, we take things up to the next level. If you want to, you can find a way to celebrate Independence Day every day from June 29 to July 4 (except for July 2—I couldn’t find any events because apparently even the Fourth doesn’t like Mondays).

What follows is my comprehensive list of all the ways you can rejoice in the United States of America for the next few days. Spoiler alert: It involves lots and lots of fireworks.

Fireworks over Chukchansi Park. Scroll down to July 4 for info on the Fresno Grizzlies’ annual show!

June 29-30, July 1, July 3-4

• Star Spangled Revue—Wild Water Adventures in Clovis

For several days around the 4th of July, after dark, Wild Water Adventure Park puts on a big display of fireworks, laser light shows, and music. The event will also include a multimedia show featuring live music by Higher Power. It takes place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is included with park admission. There are a lot of ticket options, so check out their website to find out more.

June 30

• Lights on the Lake—Lake McClure in Merced

Visitors are welcome to enjoy fireworks from the shore or their boats. The viewing area opens at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. All-day fee of $20 will be charged for entrance. Limited camping spots are available for an additional fee. Folding chairs, food, drinks, ice chests, and plenty of ice are recommended. Additional information can be found on Lake McClure’s website.

• Red, White & Blue Classic and Fireworks Show—Madera Speedway

The speedway opens at 10:30 a.m. with events throughout the day and fireworks at 9 p.m. Adult tickets are $15, seniors and military are $13, youth ages 6-12 are $7, and kids five and under are free. View the full race schedule here.

• Independence Day Celebration—Merced Speedway

The Merced Speedway will also be hosting a free event with fireworks on Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m. Information can be found here.

• Shaver Lake Fireworks Show

As always, the celebration at Shaver Lake kicks off with a boat parade that begins around 6 p.m., with boats starting out from both the Sierra Marina and Shaver Lake Marina and heading toward the middle of the lake, followed by a fireworks display. Check out Shaver’s website for more.

July 1

• Freedom Fest: Free Community Block Party—Valley Dream Center Campus in Fresno

This event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Valley Dream Center Campus (1835 N. Winery Ave.). Attendees are invited to enjoy food, games, giveaways, crafts, activities, water slides, live music, fireworks, and more. For further information, please email Arturo@valleydreamcenter.org.

My favorite American flag photo, taken at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Clovis.

July 3

• Community Independence Day Celebration—Selma High School

Head to Selma High beginning at 5:30 p.m for children’s rides, game booths, food, entertainment, and fireworks. For more info, you can call (559) 891-2235 or (559) 891-2237.

• Kingsburg’s Independence Day Celebration—Kingsburg High School Football Stadium

Gates open at 6 p.m. so attendees can grab a bite to eat before the fireworks show, which begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Check out more about the event on Facebook.

• Festival of the American Spirit Fireworks Show—Kerman High School

The event starts at 6 p.m., with vendors, entertainment, and servicemen recognition. Tickets can be purchased in advance at local businesses and are $5 for adults and $2 for children. They will be $1 more at the gate on the day of the event. Visit the Kerman Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page for a full list of places where you can buy tickets.

• 53rd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza—Tulare County Fairgrounds

Gates open at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, with a $5 admission fee (kids under 5 are free). Go early to enjoy the pre-show entertainment and food, including snow cones and kettle corn. Check out the Tulare County Fairgrounds Facebook page for more information.

• 3^rd of July Blast—Woodlake

This free event is taking place at Miller Brown Park from 6 to 9 p.m. Please call (559) 799-1399 for more information.

• America’s Birthday Celebration at the Ballpark—Visalia Rawhide

Giants fans can head to the stadium to watch the Rawhide take on San Francisco’s Class A Advanced affiliate, the San Jose Giants, and then get the bonus of a post-game fireworks show. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets are as low as $7 and can be purchased here.

July 4

• Fireworks Extravaganza—Fresno Grizzlies

The biggest fireworks display in the Valley on the Fourth will be after the Fresno Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park. Marketing guru Sam Hansen told me that the team will spend quadruple the amount on the show than they do on regular Friday night fireworks. Special stars and stripes uniforms and hats will be worn on the field by the Grizzlies and auctioned during the game, with July 4 merchandise also available in the team store.

The free kids zone will feature four water slides, including the return of the Growlifornia Monsoon. The game starts at 6:35 p.m. Tickets start at $12, with a special all-you-can-eat BBQ ticket available for $35. This one almost always sells out, so reserve your seats online now!

Upcoming Fourth of July and Military Appreciation jerseys to be worn by the Fresno Grizzlies.

• 4th of July Independence Day Celebration—Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. in downtown Fresno

Want to watch the Grizzlies’ fireworks from a different vantage point AND meet a local sports hero? Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., across the street from the stadium, will host a bash with boxing champ Jose Ramirez days before he defends his title at the Save Mart Center. He’ll be in the ring at the beer garden warming up for the media from 1-3 p.m. and will be available for a meet and greet and autograph signing from 3 to 4 p.m. Starting at 4, Tioga-Sequoia will have games and music. Food trucks are available from noon to 11 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Check out their Facebook event here.

• Star Spangled Fun Fireworks Show—Tachi Palace Casino

The band Prestige will perform at Tachi Palace before fireworks, taking place in Parking Lot 2. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and canopies, as bleacher seating is limited. No glass bottles or outside alcohol is allowed. Fireworks start at approximately 9:15 p.m. More information can be found on the casino’s Facebook page.

• Sanger’s Fourth of July Spectacular—Sanger High Practice Field

If you don’t feel like cooking, Sanger’s party will feature Cinnamon Roll Shack cinnamon rolls, Kona Ice, Yosemite Grill burgers, Tastefully Twisted soft serve ice cream, Vega Bros shrimp tacos, Sadie Maes BBQ, and more. Before the fireworks, there will also be live music, a flat retirement ceremony, and other family fun. A $10 parking pass includes admission for four. Walk-up tickets are $3 each. No outside food, drinks, ice chests, or canopies are allowed. The event goes from 6 to 10 p.m. More information can be found on the Chamber of Commerce’s website.

• Freedom Fest—Clovis High School Football Stadium

When I was growing up, Freedom Fest was always the place to be if you were a Clovis kid. The location may have changed over the years, but the fireworks show remains awesome. Get there when gates open at 4 p.m. to snag a good seat. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. In between, there will be food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Admission is $5 and free for children under five years old. Find more info on the event’s Facebook page.

• Big, Bad, Boom Fireworks—Kings County Fairgrounds in Hanford

As event names go, this one definitely wins! Hanford’s celebration includes free parking and entry. There will be a beer and wine garden, live music, bounce houses, food vendors and, of course, Big, Bad, Boom Fireworks, choreographed to classic rock. Doors open at 5 p.m., with promised booms going off after 9 p.m. More info is on the Hanford Chamber of Commerce’s website.

• 4th of July Celebration—Lemoore Naval Air Station

The NASL Fitness Center Football Field will host the Valley Cats Band, with fireworks at dusk. This family-friendly event will also have games, food, and a beer garden. The party goes from 7 to 9:30 p.m. More information here.

• Independence Day Fireworks Community Festival—Groppetti Stadium in Tulare

Join CASA of Tulare County at their 4th of July Independence Day Fireworks Community Festival at Groppetti Stadium. Activities include games, live music, waterslides, swimming pool access, a hot dog eating contest, dunk tanks, and fireworks. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Festivities begin at 2 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 8:30 p.m. Check out the Facebook event page here.

• 4th of July at the Island Waterpark—Fresno

Island Waterpark wins for best description of their event, so I’m just going to let them speak for themselves: “CELEBRATE LIBERTY, JUSTICE AND FUN FOR ALL AT ISLAND WATERPARK THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY! Ditch The Ordinary For The Extraordinary! A Day-cation At Island Waterpark! Whether You’re A Thrill Seeker, Sun-bather Or Lazy-dayer, Island Waterpark Is The Ultimate Destination This July Fourth! Feel The Thrills Of The Slides, Play It Cool In The Wave Pool, Float The Lazy River And End The Day With A Huge Firework Extravanganza!” Rides at Island Waterpark will stay open until 8:30 and fireworks show will start as soon as it’s dark. Park tickets are $34.99, with junior admission for those under 48″ at $25.99. Buy them here.

• Bass Lake Fireworks

Bass Lake is another great place to watch fireworks on the water. You can do it from a blanket on the shore, of course, but if you’re feeling fancy, The Pines Resort is hosting a barbecue. Tickets for the buffet and live music— with prime seating for fireworks—are $64.95 for adults, $54.95 for seniors 55+, and $34.95 for children under 12. A full bar is also available. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance here.

• Fowler’s Fabulous 4^th of July—Fowler High School Football Field

This event features a fun zone, food vendors, and live music by the Juzt UZ Band. Gates open 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. No ice chests are allowed. Fireworks begin at dusk. More information can be found on the City of Fowler’s website.

Go Fourth and Celebrate

Phew! That’s it! Hope this list helps you pick somewhere great to celebrate with your family and friends! Have fun, be safe, and Happy Fourth of July from all of us at FresYes!

House of JuJu team opens Papa’s Place in Clovis

June 6, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

When people ask me what the best place to eat in Clovis is, I’ve only ever given one answer: House of JuJu in Old Town. Their burgers, flatbreads, and salads with an endless combination of sauces and meats cannot be surpassed. The restaurant is so well-loved it moved into a bigger location late last year at Pollasky and Bullard.

So I was beyond excited to hear that the owners of Juju’s have just opened a new restaurant, Papa’s Place, in Juju’s old location in the breezeway of the Dewitt Building in Old Town Clovis.

Choose your own food adventure

Juju’s is named after co-owner Julie Glenn, using a nickname from her grandchildren. Papa’s is named for her husband and co-owner Scott Glenn, also using his nickname from the grandkids. Papa’s seems to use Juju’s philosophies with a different style and new flair. It’s a craft cocktail and pub food joint with a southern inspiration.

But much like House of Juju, Papa’s Place has the same “choose your own food adventure” philosophy. Nearly every item on the menu can come fried—or not. And a whole new set of sauces are waiting to be explored.

Sauces and cocktails. Who needs more than this?

I started my meal with one of the restaurant’s craft cocktails, the Gatsby, which has vodka, grenadine, lemon, bubbles, and candied orange peel. It was refreshing and neither too bitter nor too sweet. I’m definitely looking forward to working my way down the cocktail list in future visits.

Next was appetizers. We went with the deep-fried mac and cheese with bacon, and the sweet-and-spicy sweet potato waffle fries. After we ordered, the waitress brought out a tray with various sauces for us to taste: homemade honey mustard, lemon herb sauce, Cajun ketchup, and mango coconut curry. The cool thing about having so many sauces was getting to pick which I liked best with each food item throughout the meal.

The favorite appetizer at my table was the sweet potato fries paired with Cajun ketchup. Without the ketchup, they could almost work as a dessert. My sister declared that they tasted like churros, in the best way.

Sweet potato waffle fries and fried mac and cheese balls at Papa’s Place.

Fried or grilled: you make the call

Our main courses were equally diverse and delicious. Every item in the protein area can come fried or grilled. I ordered the Cajun shrimp, fried, with beer-battered French fries. The shrimp are paired best with the delicious homemade honey mustard, in my opinion.

There are actually three different kinds of fries to choose from: beer-battered, skinny steak fries, and chips. My sister ordered the po’ babies with fried chicken and chips, and lemon herb for her sauce. The chips are a cross somewhere between an actual potato chip and a potato skin. And don’t be deceived by the name “po’ babies.” There’s so much meat, you could ask for extra bread to make yourself another sandwich. The fried chicken strips made with thigh meat are really tender and juicy.

Po’ babies and fried cajun shrimp.

The clear winner for us, however, was the entrée my dad ordered: the grilled pork belly—which, yes, could also be fried, but trust me when I say you want it in its pure, grilled goodness. Truly good pork belly should melt in your mouth, and this one was perfection. I don’t remember the last time I was so impressed with a piece of pork. The two pieces may look small, but they are fatty and super filling. So much so that we agreed we’d probably order it as an appetizer to share next time. But really, it’s a must!

Best pork belly ever!

Visit Papa’s Place

Overall, our meal at Papa’s Place was unique and delicious. And it’s a fun atmosphere, too. The restaurant features a band area with live music every Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. It makes for a fun date or girls’ night out. Safe to say, the House of JuJu team has done it again!

Papa’s Place is located at 453 Pollasky Ave. in Clovis. It’s open Tues-Thurs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fri-Sat from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Follow Papa’s Place on Facebook to check out more about their menu and see what bands are scheduled to play!

6 reasons you should go to a Grizzlies game

April 5, 2018 by Joanne Lui Leave a Comment

It’s my favorite time of year again! Time for the crack of the bat, the smell of freshly grilled burgers, and the special feeling that comes from cheering along with a crowd of fellow fans.

I’m talking, of course, about the opening of baseball season. For us in the Fresno area, that means welcoming back the Fresno Grizzlies, complete with stadium renovations and new ownership that promise to make a trip to Chukchansi Park more fun than ever before.

Opening Day is just around the corner, so I want to highlight the top six reasons you should go to a Grizzlies game this month, and even give you a chance to win free tickets to the first game on April 10!

1. It’s a Better Value Than Ever

The new ownership group that purchased the Grizzlies during the off-season is committed to keeping baseball in Fresno, and making it accessible for the whole community. That means lower ticket prices and, maybe more importantly, the cheapest beer in minor league baseball. The price for a 20 oz. draft beer is dropping from $8 to $5 for every game!

Photo Courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies.

There are plenty of other great deals, too. Opening Day is a Taco Tuesday, which means the team will take the field as the Fresno Tacos, and there will be $2 specials for authentic tacos from local trucks, churros, and sodas (and free tacos for the first 1,000 fans through the gate!).

Monday Madness provides two reserved tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas, two Fresno Chaffee Zoo vouchers, and two Pieology pizza or salad voucher—all for $25.

But perhaps the best deal of all is the Friends and Family Membership. For $229, you will get six tickets to every Monday-Thursday game all season long, along with invites to exclusive events like player autograph sessions and stadium tours, as well as discounted $10 weekend tickets. Purchase a membership here.

2. Post-Game Entertainment

Entertainment at a Grizzlies game extends beyond baseball. On April 13, a ticket will get you into the game as well as post-game fireworks and a concert by Christian recording artist Ryan Stevenson as a part of Christian Fellowship Night.

As is Grizzlies tradition, there will also be fireworks after Opening Day, as well as every Friday home game. Who decided those are just for Fourth of July, anyway?! (Even though there will, of course, be fireworks at the July 4 game.)

If you’ve never experienced the spectacular show at Chukchansi Park, it’s a must. They’re set off just over the scoreboard, making it a very up-close fireworks display.

Fireworks after a game last season. Super professional photography courtesy of me.

3. Stars and Barks

Saturday, April 14, is the perfect night to bring the whole family out to Chukchansi Park — and I do mean the whole family, four-legged members included. It’s the first Bark in the Park of the season, benefiting Valley Animal Center. Bring your dogs to the game and sit in a special designated section in right field. Tickets and canine waivers can be found here. Advance purchase is required. Five dollars from each canine ticket will be donated to the local no-kill shelter.

Photo Courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies.

For the kids, Saturday is also a time to enjoy NASA Night. There will be live demos of Moon and Mars portals, an “Ask a Scientist” booth, rocks from Mars, telescopes, and more “edu-tainment” out on the concourse.

4. Honor Vietnam Veterans

Another special event is happening at the ballpark on April 28. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans will be hosting an event to honor local Vietnam vets before the game. The organization is working with Amvets and the Grizzlies to give a proper “welcome home” ceremony to veterans who may have encountered protests and/or didn’t receive recognition when they returned from the Vietnam War because of the political climate at the time. Organizers are planning recognition on the field, a military salute, a formal flag ceremony, speeches by city and military officials, and a fly-over.

Vietnam veterans can get two free tickets to the game by entering the code “VETERANS” on the following website. If you or your company would like to sponsor the event, you can find details here.

5. Celebrate the World Champs

When you strip it down to the basics, Chukchansi Park is simply a place to watch really good baseball. Four of the last eight World Series-winning teams were affiliated with the Grizzlies, including last year’s Houston Astros. Several players who played with the Astros last year will begin the season in Fresno, as will five of the Astros’ top 30 prospects.

Photo Courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies will have giveaways to celebrate the Astros’ World Series triumph all season long, beginning with the Replica Championship Ring Giveaway for the first 5,000 fans through the gate on April 28. The Astros just unveiled the ring, and it’s a beauty!

6. Free tickets

[Ed. note: Contest has ended; congrats to our winner!] What better reason to go to a game than free tickets? If you’re our lucky winner, I’m sure this will become your number one reason.

We’re giving away four vouchers to Opening Day! Simply click here and fill out the form to enter to win all four vouchers, which you will exchange for tickets at the Fresno Grizzlies box office on Tuesday, April 10. One winner will be chosen at random and must be able to pick up vouchers from the FresYes Realty office during business hours on Monday, April 9, 2018.

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For a full list of this season’s events and promotions, visit the Fresno Grizzlies website or follow the team on Facebook. Tickets for games can be purchased online or at the Chukchansi Park box office.