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Quail State Launches New To-Go Food Options

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Quail State is Fresno’s first rooftop bar, located on the corner of Fulton and Mariposa at the top of the Pacific Southwest Building in Downtown. The rooftop bar has been a long time coming, and has been the passion project of Josh and Hayley Islas-Wolf. After hosting pop-ups events throughout 2019 serving up delicious craft cocktails and classics with new twists, Quail State took up a residency at Los Panchos restaurant and cantina, also located on Fulton Mall while they awaited the completion of all of the hard work that went into preparing Quail State’s rooftop location.

Quail State owners Hayley & Josh (Image credit & property of: Quail State Fresno)

Quail State was officially ready to open its doors with COVID precautions in place just before the 2020 holiday season, when virus numbers spiked and bars were required to shutter once again. Josh & Hayley made lemonade out of lemons however, converting their space into a bottle and spirits retail shop just in time for holiday gifting. Their knowledge of different spirits and what makes them unique and special, along with their exclusive selection of natural wines made them a great gift spot.

Soon we will all be able to enjoy the beautiful new Quail State rooftop location (Image credit & property of: Quail State Fresno)

Now, as we head into another period of time in which bar owners find themselves awaiting word of it being safe to re-open, Josh and Hayley have pivoted once again and have partnered with Chef Matthew Lee and across-the-sidewalk restaurant, Cocina de Mama, to offer delicious, to-go friendly meals that pair perfectly with the wine and spirits offered in the Quail State Bottle Shop.

Quail State has been revealing menu items each day since the start of the week which include dishes such as: Pan Roasted Squash Salad with delicata squash, jicama, apple, chèvre, and an apple-tarragon vinaigrette; Cauliflower a la Plancha, a beautiful steak of cauliflower poached in olive oil, roasted and nestled in a bed of romesco sauce, and topped with crispy herbs; Citrus Marinated Half-Chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes, wild fennel, blistered cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions; and the Quail Egg Burger, 7oz of beef topped with quail eggs, gruyere, caramelized onions, butter lettuce and tomato atop a toasted potato bun. (More items available on the Quail State to go menu.)

Food service will be offered Wednesday through Sunday from 5-9pm, and Quail State’s Bottle Shop is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12-6pm and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Let It Grow Fresno Opens Brick & Mortar House Plant Shop

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This is not the first time nor will it be the last time I was excited to share something with you about one of my favorite hobby – houseplants. However, in this article two of my favorite things collide: houseplants and locally owned small business! Let It Grow Fresno is a company that started on Instagram and has grown steadily over the past several months and amasses a cult following with its friendly customer service, affordable weekly plant delivery options and wide variety of uncommon and beautiful houseplants.

I had the opportunity to interview Kelly, co-owner of the company about the business and its up and coming opening in its new storefront located at 529 E. Shields.

Let It Grow Fresno co-owners Daniel & Kelly (image credit: Let It Grow Fresno)

FresYes: Tell us a little about yourselves, your background and your ties to Fresno.

Kelly: I have lived in Fresno my whole life. I grew up in Clovis and was a musical theater and performance addict. I have performed with just about every local theater company. Then I founded Aerial Arts. I taught and ran the aerial arts program at Cal Arts Academy and ran the non-profit Aerial Arts Fresno before the pandemic hit and everything shut down. My partner Daniel is from Byron, Texas and moved to Fresno six years ago to pursue his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. After completing his degree, he worked in the field for a bit before going back to his roots as a swim coach. He currently coaches online classes for Clovis Community College. Daniel is an avid movement enthusiast who loves hiking, rock climbing and acro-yoga (which is how we met, in an acro-yoga class).

A Puppy Tail Cactus hangs in the window at Let It Grow Fresno

FresYes: How long ago did you start Let It Grow Fresno as a business, and did you always envision having your own storefront?

Kelly: We posted our first post on Instagram in July, 2020 and never imagined it would have turned into what it is now! What started as a hobby turned into a full blown business in a matter of a couple of months and we just took things as they came. As soon as we realized we may actually be able to support our little family working for ourselves, doing something that we are actually passionate about we were like, well let’s go for it. Let’s invest in ourselves! I think just a couple months in I was already looking for spaces. 

Plants basking in the sun at the new Let It Grow Fresno location

FresYes: How did you decide on the location for your new store, and what do you love about it?

Kelly: It kind of just fell into our lap and we really feel like it was just meant to be. We were at a point where we had decided that we weren’t going to actively look for a space — especially with the pandemic and there being so much risk when it comes to being able to remain open. 

I was on a walk in my neighborhood and ran into Nichole Castech, Daniel’s insurance agent. She was moving her business into a new building and that meant that she needed someone to take over her lease on her current building. It just so happens that I have actually admired this space for some time because she had a lot of plants in the window, it has optimal natural lighting, and it is walking distance from our home. One of my favorite things about the space is how it feels. It feels like community.

Nichole extended her hand to us and helped us get into this space out of the kindness of her heart because like us, she believes in our little Fresno local business community. So I just feel very grateful for that and for the opportunities our store can bring that will enable us to pay it forward to others in our community.

Snake plants potted and ready for sale

FresYes: What types of plants and pottery would you say are your specialty?

Kelly: House plants are our specialty! We are also striving to carry planters and products from local (California-based) or small businesses (US-based)!

FresYes: Do you have a favorite plant? And, is there a plant variety even you struggle with at times?

Kelly: My favorites right now have been Calatheas! I just love how they are always in motion. I always struggle with certain types of delicate ferns… but who doesn’t? 

This is a calathea of my own, purchased from Let It Grow Fresno – NC

FresYes: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Kelly: We are just so grateful to our customers who have become our friends! We love seeing your plant pics and look forward to having you in the shop! Though we are near ready to open the store, we will not be open to the public, as we will be doing private shopping appointments due to the pandemic. We feel like it is our responsibility to be as cautious as we can in our personal lives in order to not spread Covid to any of our customers or their families!

Crotons, Aloe and String of Turtle plants await you at Let It Grow Fresno

In addition to private shopping appointments, you can shop Let It Grow Fresno’s inventory anytime on their new website at www.letitgrowFresno.com or via their Instagram. Local delivery is available weekly for a small fee. Happy plant shopping!

2020 Got You Down? Resources that can help.

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“How are you?”

“Oh, you know, fine. I mean, it’s 2020, Covid, you know… but fine.”

How many times have you had that conversation since March? Probably more than you’d like to count. And those of us who are “fine” are the lucky ones if we managed to avoid illness, fires or financial distress in this tumultuous time.

Sometimes though, we’re not fine or we come across someone who isn’t. Given the short days, colder weather driving us indoors and the raging pandemic that is forcing us to stay away from those we love — if you’re not ok, you are not alone.

In times like this it’s always helpful to know where to turn for trusted help. We’ve compiled a list for you and your loved ones to keep handy if additional support is needed.

Fresno County Warm Line – 559-600-WARM (9276)

A caring, live person is just a phone call away at Fresno County’s Warm Line. Warm Line Operators can help callers talk through challenges, provide emotional and coping support, and help direct Fresno County residents to additional mental health and wellness services suited for their specific needs. Note: This line is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Prefer to text someone vs. making a live call? Text the Crisis Text Line by sending a message to 741741.

The United Way of Fresno & Madera Counties 2-1-1 Helpline

Did you know dialing 211 on your phone will connect you to almost any type of resource you might need, and you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and help is available in over 170 languages? It’s true! The most common areas callers request referrals and assistance with are in the areas of food, housing, family needs, financial needs, utilities, healthcare, mental health and substance abuse. Trained operators can help you or someone you love 365 days a year with a quick dial of just three digits.

The Central Valley Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-888-506-5991

This hotline number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, their website is filled with helpful information including warning signs of crisis, help locating support groups for survivors, resources for family members affected by suicide.

Help for Parents of School-Aged Children

These are unprecedented times we are living through, and our children are feeling the brunt of the experience, too. Local school districts have gone to great lengths to ensure support, resources and information on critical topics like helping kids cope with the pandemic is readily available. For the resources offered through your child’s district, click the appropriate link below.

Fresno Unified Families

Clovis Unified Families

The Calm App

If you are a Kaiser Member, the popular meditation, relaxation and sleep stories app “Calm” is available at no cost for one year. Click here to get an account at no-cost.

Bookmark this list, print it, keep it in your purse or on the fridge in case someone you know needs it, and remember the people of Fresno are a big part of what makes our city great. You matter and we’re so glad you’re here!

Plant Lovers Rejoice: Expand your collection for FREE!

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Recently a friend shared a meme that had a picture of a sketchy looking window-less van with the words “Free Plants” on it with the caption, “This is how they get me.” I laughed, and found it all too relatable.

I was already starting to collect house plants before the pandemic began, however my interest and knowledge about them continues to increase as I have more time to spend at home tending to my collection and researching answers on how to best keep my plants happy and thriving. (And in turn, this seems to help keep me happy and somewhat thriving despite the dumpster fire that is 2020.)

If you are a plant lover like me, I have some awesome news for you: did you know there is a rapidly growing local group on Facebook created specifically for plant lovers who’d like to grow their collection through trading? It’s true! There is! You can request to join the Fresno Plant Swap Group here.

The group’s founder, Lacey, who started the group this past September says she created the group because she loves collecting plants and expanding the variety in her collection, and she wants to help plant-lovers connect with one another and make new friends.

Though the group is less than three months old, there are already 389 local members and the group is hosting twice monthly plant exchanges at the Safe Exchange Zone located in the parking lot just West of Signature Theater at Manchester Center. (Northeast Corner of Shields and Blackstone, near the 41 freeway.) To participate, swap-goers simply have to rsvp to the event in the Facebook group, then gather their plants, baby plants propagated from other plants or clippings and meet at the designated location.

These are the plants and cuttings I came home with from the most recent swap. A Pink Butterfly cutting, variegated Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, a Neon Pothos, petite succulents and bulb for an Alocasia Amazonica!
I recently traded this mystery philodendron for the Tradescantia zebrinas shown below. They were new to my collection, and I grew the philodendron from a larger plant of mine.

No sales are allowed, all plant exchanges, trades and gifts made are to be completely free. Group members can also offer plants for trade or request to trade for specific varieties on the Facebook group at anytime. Most members do this via porch pick up, and all guests at the recent plant swap which I personally attended were wearing masks and being conscientious of distancing, and since the event was outdoors it felt relatively low-risk Covid-wise.

Marble Queen: Isn’t she cute?

The group is looking forward to continuing to grow, as as the founder says, “the more the merrier, as the more people participating, the greater variety of plants we’ll all get to enjoy!”

If you’re a plant-fan, come join the group and I hope to swap with you soon!

Fresno Chaffee Zoo attracts talent from New York for next CEO

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Our beloved Fresno Chaffee Zoo announced today that Jon Forrest Dohlin will be its new Chief  Executive Officer. He will succeed retiring CEO Scott Barton with the transition expected to take place in early 2021. 

The Zoo announced, “We are thrilled that Jon Dohlin has accepted our offer to join Fresno Chaffee Zoo as its next CEO. Jon brings extensive experience in project and animal management and a strong commitment to conservation, education and delivering a world-class guest experience. We could not be more excited to have Jon in the Fresno Chaffee Zoo family.”

Incoming Chaffee Zoo CEO, Jon Dohlin

Dohlin will be the eighth Executive Director and CEO in the Zoo’s 90-year history and he currently serves as the Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, a  position he has held for the past 12 years. In his 20 years with the Wildlife Conservation Society,  he was also involved in project design and management with the Bronx Zoo. The New York  Aquarium is Brooklyn’s largest cultural institution.

“We’re pleased that Jon has agreed to join the Fresno Chaffee Zoo team and I believe that the Zoo’s ability to recruit talent of his stature speaks to its importance to the people of Fresno as well as the international zoo and aquarium community. The Zoo’s position as a leading educational and cultural institution will be enhanced through Jon’s leadership and we look  forward to welcoming him to our great city,” said Fresno Mayor Lee Brand.  

As Chief Executive Officer, Dohlin will oversee all functions of the Zoo, including its 220+ species of animals and the Zoo’s exhibits, such as Sea Lion Cove, Stingray Bay and African Adventure. He will also continue the progress on Kingdoms of Asia, which broke ground in September 2020. This $38 million project includes habitats for tigers, orangutans, and sloth bears and is expected to open in fall 2021.  

Elephants peacefully roam across the open area in African Adventure at Chaffee Zoo

“I am privileged and excited to join the Fresno Chaffee Zoo team and continue to build on the  great work they’ve done to create an outstanding zoo experience for the Fresno and Central Valley communities,” said Dohlin. “Fresno County residents’ commitment to the Zoo through Measure Z creates a powerful partnership, which I am honored to steward into our shared future. Fresno Chaffee Zoo is highly respected within the national and international zoo communities for its award-winning exhibits, commitment to conservation and talented and engaged staff, all of which drew me here from New York. I look forward to continuing the Zoo’s mission by focusing on conservation, education, world class animal care, community engagement and WOW exhibits.” 

Fresno Chaffee Zoo welcomes over 800,000 guests annually, including visitors from all 50 states and over 30 countries. Almost 100,000 local area students and chaperones frequent the Zoo each year and families from all over the Central Valley enjoy their special attractions such as Zoorassic  Park, ZooBoo, and ZooLights. 

FresYes Buy Local 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

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Now more than ever, our small businesses need our support. This holiday season, we hope you’ll consider purchasing gifts for the holidays from small shops! We’ve compiled a great list of tried-and-true places to shop for special and unique gifts for everyone on your list. Happy shopping!

Business NameGift IdeasLink to shop
Crazy SquirrelAwesome board games, RPG games, puzzles, hobby supplies & morehttps://shopthesquirrel.com/shop/
Just the EssentialsCustom, signature handmade blends with organic ingredients for body, skincare and aromatherapyhttps://justmyessentials.com/bath-%26-body-care
The Magical TeacherHandmade, colorful tassel & resin statement earringshttps://www.carlandathemagicalteacher.com/shop
Let It Grow FresnoHouse plants, plant stands and handmade pottery (delivery available!)https://www.instagram.com/let.it.grow_fresno/
Dough AmazingFreshly baked, warm GIANT cookies delivered freshhttps://www.doughamazing.com/
UltrosportHigh-quality active wear for men and women (Veteran-owned)https://www.ultrosport.com/
Terra BlueHandmade macramé earrings, décor, ornaments and aromatherapy productshttps://www.terrablue.co/
Cerise De TerreBeautiful, handmade porcelain potteryhttps://cerise-deterre.com/
Bleu de ToiBeautiful and custom art prints and illustrationshttps://shopbdt.com/?fbclid=IwAR0z4Cp–m7BlJulrPAn2rPDOMEJ50wt4DFMh7KmI7TllEkiVcmGYU6RhFE
Harper GrayceCustom, rustic laser cut signs and décorhttp://harpergraycesigns.com/
Sheepdog BBQHomemade, flavorful barbecue sauces and rubshttps://www.sheepdogbbq.com/
Basilwood FarmsSoothing body, skin and baby care products made from goat’s milk and natural ingredientshttps://www.basilwoodfarm.com/
Happy HouseHome decor, curated vintage items, handmade artisan clothing, accessories and lifestyle goods, heirloom quality children’s toyshttps://www.happyhousefresno.shop/
VerdaleeFurniture, home accents, fine gifts and children’s clothing, all beautifully wrappedhttps://www.facebook.com/Verdalee-640617842713274/?ref=page_internal
Graham CrackerCustom vases and furniture made from repurposed woodhttps://grahamcracker.shop/collections/graham-cracker-collections?page=1
KLSD DesignsCustom apparel, accessories, home goods and jewelryhttps://www.klsd.shop/ (or shop their brick & mortar store in Downtown Fresno @ 1755 Broadway St #105)
Gwen Lewis SkincareNatural and effective skincare and beauty productshttps://glewisskincare.com/
Zsweets559Custom, beautifully made and delicious sweets & treats (delivery available)https://www.instagram.com/zsweets559/?igshid=1sl3e9jxnlw13&fbclid=IwAR0NL4uI1x6TbK1CS2kyJlB9CjZ2Me8xZuaxA-I7kMrDeUn2egVjU0kzgeI
Art by ElowynCustom prints, stickers and illustrations including custom pet & people portraitshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByElowyn?ref=search_shop_redirect
Alina Walker DesignsWhimsical illustrated prints, greeting cards and stickershttps://www.alinawalkerdesign.com/
Mr. Steam CleanGive the gift of freshly cleaned carpets to a loved one at a great price!http://www.mrsteamcleanfresno.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Ram5wn6LrEXW3DFb3yNQSTcPeGPOiz9WfuiYRzIl4g99vvvxGRk9SRzQ
Petunia’s PlaceBeloved, independent children’s bookstore now also offering books for adults!http://www.petuniasbooks.com/
A Book BarnNew, used and rare books from an independent bookstorehttps://www.clovisbookbarn.com/
Make Pie JewelryCustom, handmade & engraved jewelry http://www.makepie.net/

Meet Dr. Allen Clyde: Local physician, horse packer and new author

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Local podiatric physician and surgeon Dr. Allen Clyde has operated a horse packing service in the John Muir Wilderness for 40 years, transporting to over 20,000 visitors and their supplies. Dr. Clyde has also served on the Fresno County (California) Board of Education for nearly 20 years. On November 17th, his first book, Life Lessons on the Sierra Trail releases for purchase and we got the unique chance to learn more about his wildernesses and writing experiences just prior to the release. Please enjoy our interview with Dr. Clyde!

FresYes: Dr. Clyde, you’ve been a successful practicing physician and commercial horse packer for 40 years, what inspired you to become an author too, and write Life Lessons on the Sierra Trail?

Dr. Clyde: The Wilderness has far more to offer than just sniffing flowers and hugging trees. Here, Mother Nature is in charge. She doesn’t care who you are or where you came from. How well prepared you are how you conduct yourself determines her kindness. It would have been a shame if 40 years of experiences were to blow away in the wind after my passing. That’s why I wrote this book.

FY: How did you get your start in horse packing, and how did you balance two professional careers?

Dr. Clyde: I started in my youth as a backpacker in this same area. This I continued until after all my Medical training was over and I had just started private practice in Clovis. My uncle, Auggie Wolf, took me up on my first horse pack trip and I was hooked. I started taking friends up and renting the stock. After about 2 years I was taking 10-15 people at a time and renting 25 head of stock. Doing this several times per summer made me the pack stations best customer. 4 years later, I just bought the station. Since I did the scheduling for both the Medical practice and the pack trips, I was forced to be a master planner out of necessity to pull it off. Time management is everything. Now, after being retired from medicine after 43 years, I have no idea how I did it. Especially when you add in running a cattle operation and be an elected school board member for the past 2 plus decades.

FY: What was one of the biggest life lessons you personally learned on the Sierra Trail?

Dr. Clyde: A good one is outlined in the prior answer. You never know your limits until you push them. When you do, new horizons open up that were never seen before. The Wilderness is a tough place to physically get through, but for those who persevere the rewards can be life changing. These include the outside splendor and the peace of inner satisfaction.

FY: In the book, Dr. Clyde, a character based upon yourself, and a young protégé encounter many different characters who visit the Sierra Trail – which three characters are most impactful in your eyes and why?

Dr. Clyde: The third main character is my wife, Deborah. She has an eye for detail and offers different perspectives which amazes me daily. All the other chapter characters have their own unique contributions. That’s why, early on, I impress on Pablo to focus on each person as an individual. You’ll find inner bright spots that make them truly interesting. If all people were the same, this world would be a boring place.

Dr. Clyde with his wife, Deborah

FY: Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

Dr. Clyde: One thing in general the book will impress you with is that your view of the Wilderness changes with your attitude. The more you slow down and spend time on the details, the whole Wilderness experience becomes brighter and more fulfilling.

FY: What types of readers do you think will most enjoy Life Lessons on the Sierra Trail?

Dr. Clyde: I tried my best to universalize this book as much as possible. The young through old should all find something that hits a spark within them. This includes people who live in Florida, New York or Nebraska. It’s a story of a young man coming of age and our local John Muir Wilderness is the backdrop.

FY: What do you hope your readers take away from the book?

Dr. Clyde: In today’s world it definitely takes a village to raise the young. So, when one youth sees the light and gets on a positive track, it helps us all.

FY: What was the highlight of the writing experience for you?

Dr. Clyde: The highlight of writing was realizing the hardest part is getting started. Once you get past that it gets fun. I would start at 6:00am and the next time I looked up it would be 6:00pm. You just get fully absorbed and forget all about time. It took me 20 days to write this book.

FY: Who is the author in your genre that you most admire?

Dr. Clyde: I’ve always liked James Michener, Ernest Hemingway, Will James and Zane Gray. Too bad they have all passed away. That said, to all you young writers out there, there’s plenty of room for you.

You can pre-order the book today here. Dr. Clyde is already planning for a second volume, with hopes of releasing it by November of 2021.

There will a book signing for Life Lessons on the Sierra Trail on Saturday, December 12, at 2:00 PM at A Book Barn, 640 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 93612.

Celebrate the Lives of Loved Ones Lost this Dia de los Muertos

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If you’re not from a Mexican family, the cultural traditions that surround Dia de Los Muertos may not be something you’re largely familiar with however, with the release of Disney’s animated film Coco a few year’s ago, and the privilege we have living in the Central Valley being surrounded by diverse cultures from around the world, including Mexican culture, we are easily afforded the opportunity to learn more about and celebrate the beauty of the traditions of Dia de los Muertos right here in Fresno.

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday meant to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed – not to be a somber or dark day. Some of the traditional elements of the holiday include creating an “ofrenda” (Spanish for offering) in the home in honor of the departed loved ones. Typically ofrendas are decorated with photos of the loved ones being honored, flowers (typically orange marigolds), butterflies, colorful strings of patterned paper cut into intricate patterns (“paper picado” which translates to mean perforated paper) and offerings of favorite foods or drinks of the loved ones.

When it comes to holiday foods, tamales and other Mexican specialty dishes are common as are sweet, pillow-y breads coated with a dusting of sugar and made in the shape of bones (“pan de muerto” which means bread of the dead”). Additionally, colorful, decorated sugar skulls (“calaveras” are used both as added features for ofrendas and sometimes as edible treats, created from softer sugars or chocolate.

Typically, there is a big celebration of Dia de los Muertos in the Tower District in Central Fresno, however, due to COVID-19, unfortunately that will not be occurring this year in its normal fashion. However, there are still ways to experience the beauty and reverence of this special holiday this year.

5 Ways to Celebrate and Honor the Traditions of Dia de los Muertos

  1. Visit Arte Américas, our local Latinx museum and cultural center for their special Dia de los Muertos Mercado Sazón (seasonal market) on Saturday, October 31st and enjoy outdoor shopping for special arts, crafts and treats and to view the community ofrenda. This event takes place from 10am-6pm, and is sure to be a fun and colorful experience. Arte Américas is located on the corner of Calaveras and Van Ness in Downtown Fresno (1630 Van Ness). Masks and social distancing are required.
Image credit: Arte Americas
  1. Partake in a remote class to learn how to make your own Ofrenda. Hosted by Arte Américas via Facebook live, this class will be taught at 9am Saturday morning by Cecilia Aranaydo. To join in, simply the Arte Américas Facebook page at the time of the class.
Image credit: Arte Americas
Last year, my son’s Spanish teacher helped students to make their own ofrendas honoring loved ones. This is my son’s ofrenda honoring his great grandma Sally.
  1. Visit Frida Café and bring your own memento to honor a loved one and add to their community ofrenda (and enjoy a delicious handmade drink while you’re there).
  1. Youth can enter in @CaliYoungMinds Dia de los Muertos Calavera Contest to win a Starbucks gift card by turning themselves into/painting their face like a Calavera and uploading their photo to social media tagging @CaliYoungMinds by November 1st. For full details, visit their Instagram account.
Image credit: @caliyoungminds
  1. Order delicious, handmade, traditional tamales to-go from Fresno’s newest Downtown restaurant, The Golden Tamale, (located at 744 P. Street Suite 103) and enjoy them while watching Coco as a family.