Natali Carrera, Author at FresYes!

Love Local Produce? Food 4 Thought will make your week!

July 9, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Every time an out of state friend or family member visits, they always want to go shopping for fruits and vegetables, as they share that the produce they have access to pales in comparison to the fresh, ripe and generally affordable options we have here in the Central Valley. I love taking out-of-town guests to our Farmer’s Markets, especially.

We haven’t had guests since COVID-19 hit, however, our family still loves fresh produce and I recently learned of a great new way to acquire an abundance of local fruits and veggies at an incredibly affordable price! Food 4 Thought is a local business that specializes in providing locally sourced, in season produce to kids through school meal programs. Recently however Food 4 Thought began offering curated boxes filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables to the general public both via pop-up pick ups and home delivery (for a nominal delivery fee).

I decided to purchase one of their boxes and was super impressed with the quality and variety of items, especially for the price. For $19 I received 14 lbs of produce including mandarins, plums, plumcots, apricots, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, zucchini, yellow squash and broccoli. I chose to pick up my box from their pop-up location at 3938 Ann Avenue (nearest major cross streets are Willow and Ashlan. Pick up was super easy and there were additional pre-packed bags of specialty fruits like donut peaches that were available for purchase as well, if desired.

My actual purchased box of produce – all for $19. Isn’t it beautiful?

As of this week, Food 4 Thought is offering multiple types of fruit boxes which include a mixture of fruits and vegetables, just fruit, just vegetables and there are boxes with melons included now, too.

Food 4 Thought accepts multiple payment types including Venmo, which makes their contactless delivery service an especially great way to ensure high-risk or medically sensitive Fresno residents can still easily access fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, with so many encountering financial strain currently, this is also a wonderful way to ensure Fresno families still have access to great, fresh and nutrient-rich foods at affordable pricing – boxes are heartily packed and will feed a family for days.

Want to score a box of delicious local produce for yourself or send a box to a loved one? All of the details on pop-up locations (with some even as far as Coarsegold) and times as well as how to sign up for delivery are available on Food 4 Thought’s Facebook Page – so head on over, give them a follow and get your hands on a box pronto, I’m certain you’ll be glad you did!

Fresyes Food: Amazing Mexican Frozen Treats from Tagin’s Snacks

June 30, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Whether you’re a lifelong Fresnan or new to the area one obvious benefit to our great city is the amazing array of diverse cuisines made accessible through local restaurants and businesses. A friend recently alerted me to an awesome place to get Mexican ice cream, frozen treats and antojitos (snacks, typically street food, literally translates to “little cravings”) called Tagin’s Snacks.

Don’t miss Tagins! A hidden gem for sure.

Tagins Snacks is located on on the northwest corner of Jensen and Maple. It’s one of those places that you may not notice if you don’t know to look for it, as it’s nestled in a small retail strip next to a laundromat and barber shop and behind a gas station – but it is so worth seeking out!

Tagins menu offers Mexican ice cream, traditional ice cream and well-known treats like banana splits and sundaes and a variety of savory and spicy snacks, too. One of the most awesome things about Mexican food, is how flavorful it is. Mexican snacks definitely do not disappoint when it comes to packing a flavor punch. If you’re not familiar with Mexican snacks (trust me, you’ll want to change that!), let me introduce you to some key menu items!

A banana split (image via Tagins Snacks)

Raspados – Raspados are similar to shaved ice or sno-cones however, they can be made with a variety of sweeteners like fruit juice or soda syrups and they are sometimes served with ice cream.

Bionicos – Bionicos are refreshing fruit bowls, drizzled with cream that is made from a combination of yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema. They originated on food carts in Guadalajara, Mexico, and are often topped with coconut and granola.

Mangonados – Mangonados are a refreshing smoothie made with sweet, ripe mangos, lime juice, ice, chamoy sauce and Tajin. They are usually served with salted chile-tamarind candy and a chile tamarind wrapped straw.

Need a little help with a few of the ingredients? I got you.

Tamarind is a sweet, chewy tangy candy.
Chamoy can come in candy, liquid (most common) or paste forms, but it is essentially a pickled fruit with chile and salt added to it, and it is really flavorful as it combines salty, sweet and spicy in one ingredient.
Tajin is a spice mixture made with dried red chile, lime and salt.)

Elotes and Esquites – Elotes are grilled or roasted corn served on the cobb, typically coated in crema, cheese and chile or Tajin spice. Esquites are the same ingredients, but served in a bowl with the kernels removed from the corn cobb (for those who prefer a less messy way to enjoy their corn).

If you’re not familiar with Mexican ice cream or antojitos, don’t be intimidated. Tagins has a huge pictorial menu on the wall as you enter their shop, so you can see exactly what each item looks like. Everyone who works there is very kind, bilingual and will happily explain what’s in any item for you. And since each item is made to order, it’s easy to leave off or add ingredients to customize your selection.

At Tagins you’ll see “loco” on the menu a lot. It refers to adding spicy toppings like crushed Hot Cheetos, chile or chamoy (or a combination of all three) to menu items. I personally love spice, so I get all of my items loco-style, but for those who are more sensitive and prefer non-spicy food you can totally skip it.

Every item at Tagins is carefully handmade and super over the top in terms of presentation and ingredients – they’re virtually art pieces as well as food! It would be a fun place to take out of town guests and really impress them with something like a Jarrito Loco (Jarrito soda topped with skewered fruit, rainbow sour belt candy, slices of orange and spicy candies).

My husband, super excited about his pineapple Jarrito Loco

If you’re craving more than a snack (though fair warning – the servings are LARGE) Tagins also offers sopes (similar to tostadas but with a fried corn dough base), nachos and tortas (grilled sandwiches).

Tagins is currently open for take out, and has social distancing measures in place. They are located at 2590 S. Maple #104 and they are open daily from 10am to 9pm. Enjoy!

Sweet Thistle Farms Offers Beautiful Outdoor Experiences

June 18, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Life in the time of COVID has forced us to think differently about how we spend our leisure time or attempt a date night. Many of our favorite options from before COVID are either not an option currently, or carry with them a certain level of risk.

Since experts advise spending time with your household members or small groups and outdoors to minimize risk, I’ve been seeking out unique experiences to share with you here that may bring fun to your weekends while keeping you relatively safe.

This week, I present to you Sweet Thistle Farms — a beautiful, flower-filled farm that allows you the opportunity to pick your own bouquet, pick-up a pre-made bouquet, or even enjoy a special date night complete with wine tasting and charcuterie boxes.

Flowers collected by a friend on her recent visit to Sweet Thistle Farms

Sweet Thistle Farms is located in Clovis just east of Academy off of Shaw at 5365 N. Mendocino Ave. This year’s U-Pick season kicked off last weekend (June 13th) runs each weekend. If you decide to go, flowers range from $1-$3 each or you can fill an entire bucket full for $30.

My friend Amanda, her mother, sister in law and niece filling buckets with gorgeous Sweet Thistle blooms during opening weekend

Sweet Thistle will be hosting a Friday Date Night on June 26th from 5-8pm and it sounds like it may become a semi-regular occurrence during the warm weather months. Local wines will be offered for tasting, Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery will be offering cheese boxes to nibble on and guests are encouraged to pick their own bouquets and bring a picnic blanket to relax on and enjoy the evening surrounded by natural beauty.

If you’re lucky, you may even make a furry friend at Sweet Thistle!

If you visit, please note you’ll be walking through flower fields and will brush against plants, so you may prefer pants and/or tennis shoes. If visiting during the day time, don’t forget sunscreen and water. Additionally, since it is a flower field – there are bees present. Bees are an asset and so important for all of our crops. The bees at Sweet Thistle are much more interested in the flowers than they are interested in you, and are generally not aggressive – however, if you or someone in your family has a severe allergy, please take that into consideration.

Just looking to take a nice drive and purchase a ready-made bouquet? Sweet Thistle has a roadside stand that they regularly replenish with flowers for sale, ready to take home!

For additional details on all Sweet Thistle has to offer, visit them on Facebook or Instagram. Happy picking!

Local Nurse forms FLAG Non-Profit to Support Front Line Workers and Local Restaurant Owners

June 12, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

In what has become one of his most-quoted talks, Mr. Rogers encouraged his young viewers during challenging or scary times to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” The Valley has been lucky to have one of those helpers in Tali Whelan, a local nurse who answered a special call to duty.

Whelan found a way to rally the community in support of both front line workers and local restaurant owners when she founded FLAG Central Valley. FLAG [Front Line Appreciation Group] Central Valley gathers community-donated funds to purchase meals from local restaurants, and delivers them to those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. Read on to learn about Whelan and her very special non-profit organization.

Front line workers enjoy a delicious meal from El Jaliscience provided by FLAG Central Valley

FresYes: FLAG is such an amazing idea – can you explain its function and the story behind its start?

Tali Whelan: Hi FresYes! Thank you for having me! My name is Tali Whelan and I am a local registered nurse and founder of FLAG Central Valley. I know what it’s like to work long shifts, care for critically ill patients, and be a part of emotionally difficult, and dire situations.

With restaurants suffering [due to the pandemic], many hospital cafeterias closed, and medical professionals unable to leave and get a meal, I knew I could fill a need in the community by feeding people and that is what pushed me to start FLAG Central Valley.

FY: Can you share a bit about the journey of FLAG since it began, and the reach and impact its had so far?

TW: Since our launch, FLAG has grown from supporting local hospitals to rural healthcare clinics, and first responders such as the fire department staff and others. FLAG is constantly looking for ways to grow community partnerships to engage and support local businesses while reaching as many health care providers as we can to show them support. To date, FLAG has delivered thousands of meals throughout the Central Valley.

FY: Has there been a particular experience of delivering meals that was extra rewarding?

TW: Recently we partnered with Best Buddies-Team Central Valley, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Best Buddies interns made cards of support for healthcare providers at Community Regional Medical Center and personally delivered them. It was moving. Local schools have also sent cards of support too. Getting diverse communities involved has been a way to not only help local businesses and frontline workers, but to strengthen the great community we have in the Central Valley!

FY: What type of feedback do you receive when you drop off the meals?

TW: The feedback from local hospitals, healthcare providers, first responders, and restaurants has been overwhelmingly positive. Restaurants are grateful for the business and the opportunity to support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers and first responders are moved and grateful for the fresh, delicious meal.

FY: So not only does FLAG support Front Line Workers, but it also supports local restaurant owners – how many restaurants have you been able to purchase meals from so far?

TW: To date FLAG has worked with over 28 restaurants and food trucks throughout the Central Valley! All of our partners are locally owned, with firm roots here in the Valley. To get involved, restaurants can email us at info@flagcv.org.

FY: How can people help financially? Do you need volunteers who may not have extra funds, but can donate time or skills?

TW: Word of mouth and creating a place for community involvement is important to us. So many individuals want to help, but don’t feel like they know how. With FLAG, individuals can volunteer and engage from home. Getting the community involved is at the core of our mission/cause. We have partnered with the Girl Scouts of Central California South, Best Buddies of Fresno, the local Miss America organization, Toca Madera Winery, Quady Winery and more. We’ve adopted the mentality that, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

In order to continue, we need monetary donations. We have various donation sponsorship packages for those who would like to support a meal package. We also value individual donations and accept them at any amount with gratitude. Donations can be made via our website at www.flagcv.org.

Fresno, Protests, Progress and You

June 4, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

On Monday, June 1^st a social media post of a screenshot of text stating plans for a destructive riot to be held in Fresno’s Riverpark Shopping Center on June 2^nd began circulating. According to the post, those who wanted to “support” Black Lives Matter were to show up, meet at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 4pm and be prepared to destroy property.

This was utterly dismaying after over 3,000 people participated in a peaceful three-hour protest the day before in Downtown Fresno, led by the Fresno State NAACP. (Watch video from the event here.)

Very shortly after the “Riot” invite began circulating, Fresno State NAACP President and co-organizer of the previous protest D’Aungillique Jackson took to social media imploring people NOT to participate in the event, and made it very clear that it was not associated with the Black Lives Matter movement of the Fresno State NAACP. Her words were reinforced by local social activist and community leader Chris Milton in a video he streamed directly to Facebook. Around the same time, the Fresno Police Department also began sharing news of the planned riot and their plans to protect businesses and public safety.

Late Monday evening, many businesses with large window displays began to board up their buildings as a preventative measure in case the threats of the riot were founded. Stores like Victoria’s Secret and Macy’s were covered by plywood around their entire exterior. Additionally, large retailers like Target and Best Buy adjusted their business plans for the day and closed early as a safety measure and to protect their team members.

By 3:30pm a number of law enforcement officers and vehicles had congregated in the parking lot directly west of REI and Ruth’s Chris restaurant. They were met by what appeared to be around 100 community members including leaders from the NAACP, well-known community and church leader DJ Criner, and Fresno-raised NBA Veteran Quincy Pondexter. As I watched streaming footage as the 4pm hour approached and went on with no sign of a riot taking place, I found myself deeply heartened by the sigh of the officers and community members smiling, shaking hands with one another and standing together to ensure peace in our city.

Acting Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall addressed the crowd briefly and stated it was his belief that the “riot” was an attempt to divide the community, by someone that was definitely not a part of either the NAACP or Black Lives Matter. “I believe it was somebody that wanted to create tension in our community, and what we saw was just the opposite, it brought people together.”

On the heels of two successful community gatherings, or moreover one very successful gathering and one potential disaster turned successful gathering, you may be wondering what’s next for Fresno in regards to anti-racism, police policy and how to stay informed on local issues.

You can follow the Fresno State NAACP on Facebook here to stay informed and up to date on future events.
You can view the list of the demands made during the protest in relation to local law enforcement and policy here.
You can follow updates from the City of Fresno Police Department here.
Local members of the police department, city leaders and pastors from churches across town have been gathering to work together toward peace, justice, and protection. You can view CBS 47 and KSEE 24’s story on this here.

And, because we’re FresYes and you know we love local business AND food and bet you do, too – we’d like to turn your attention to this awesome list of great Black-owned local businesses that you can support and enjoy delicious food from in Fresno. (Adapted from a list originally compiled by Phil and Riki Skei and Fresno Street Eats)

Chef Paul’s Café – Check out our Fresno Flavor episode on Chef Paul’s here!

Take 3 Burgers – And here’s our Take 3 episode!

Chicken King

Hot Dog on a Stick (in Fashion Fair Mall)

Barb’s Soul Food (Food Truck)

Weekend Dreams Burgers and Grill

Cookies ‘n’ Things – Here’s a story we did shortly after they opened.

Fasika (Ethiopian & Kenyan Cuisine)

Yellow Mug Café (Coffee Shop)

E’s Soul Food (Food Truck)

Triumph (African Cuisine)

Catering Companies:

Tha Soul Chefs, Enthrall You Desserts, Doll’s Kitchen

The Latest in Fresno Food Truck News

May 29, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Life as we know it has definitely been altered this Spring, with some restaurants remaining open for takeout and delivery throughout shelter-in-place and some having to make the difficult decision to close either temporarily or in some cases, sadly – permanently.

One thing that has remained consistent throughout this period of time is the presence of awesome food trucks in our community. Though their locations throughout the week vary, their dedication to offering patrons a wide variety of food items spanning a multitude of cuisines has not wavered in these uncertain times, and thanks to some outside the box thinking and flexibility on the part of food truck owners to rapidly adapt to changing safety rules some exciting new things are happening within the Fresno food truck scene.

Here are a few key updates we think are of note for Fresno foodies!

New Food Trucks

Barb’s Soul Food – Though Barb is no rookie when it comes to cooking, the food truck is still relatively new, so if you haven’t had a chance to try Barb’s delicious and comforting soul food yet, make yourself a note to remedy that very soon. Learn more about Barb’s and view their stop schedule on their website here.

Sticky Rice on Wheels – this truck offers authentic Lao food like “Heavenly Beef” (Sin Savanh), a thinly sliced and deliciously marinated beef and rice dish and Papaya Salad and Kua Mee (fried noodles with vegetables). Check out their food photos and see where they’ll be located next by following their Instagram account!

Kua Mee
(Image credit: Sticky Rice on Wheels)

Big Wagon BBQ – This food truck just recently popped up on the scene and is located in one spot all week, at 2257 W. Shaw Avenue right by The Annex Kitchen. Big Wagon’s menu is similar to In & Out – not a ton of different options, but the items they offer are darn good. Their entrees include a Spicy Chicken Sandwich made with Mary’s chicken, a Spicy Tri-Tip Sandwich featuring chimichurri and Fresno chiles and a BBQ Tri-Tip sandwich. My family just tried one of each (we shared around) and thought all three sandwiches were really good. The Spicy Chicken was our #1 favorite if you need us to pick one though. Visit their website and order online in advance here.

New Food Truck Times

Did you know you can now grab lunch from a variety of different food trucks on Fridays at the Vineyard Farmer’s Market from 11am – 2pm? It’s true! Additionally, The Frappe House located at 2777 E. Nees is also hosting Friday lunch food truck hubs from 11am – 3pm. Follow Fresno Street Eats to keep tabs on which trucks will be at each location and of any updates to the schedule.

New Food Truck Gathering Spots

Fresno Street Eats has also been hard at work planning neighborhood Food Truck Pop-Up events in different neighborhoods around the Fresno/Clovis area! This coming weekend, on Saturday, May 30th, you can find tasty food and desserts in Belterra Park, Copper River Ranch and La Ventana neighborhoods! For more specific details and to keep up to date with future planned Pop-Ups, visit Fresno Street Eat’s event page here.

Location Change

Recently, a popular food truck El Tibu Taqueria (made extra Facebook famous by one of its biggest fans, Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson, who often stopped for dinner en route home from long workdays) had to make a location change. If you visited El Tibu at 145 and Highway 41 previously, you can now find their truck at 6053 N. Blackstone Ave. from 11am to 10pm daily. Follow them on Facebook for updates here. Superintendent Nelson, my husband, and my son all adore the Al Pastor tacos, my neighbor touts the burrito as an excellent choice, and I adore their Carne Asada tacos, specifically with their red salsa.

Ways to Celebrate Loved Ones & Support Local Right Now

May 21, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

The COVID-19 Pandemic has left us all reeling in a multitude of ways, many of us are collectively mourning the loss of momentous once-in-a-lifetime experiences for loved ones including high school and college graduations, traditional wedding gatherings and even birthday parties and Mother and Father’s Days with big family brunches and barbecues. Enduring life’s challenges during this time is even more grueling, as is the experience of a friend who is currently going through her umpteenth round of chemotherapy, only this time for safety reasons, she has to go to each appointment alone, and recover at home without friends by her side.

If you’re looking for ways to bring a little cheer to the lives of those hard hit by the current state of the world, we’ve rounded up nine awesome gifts to give that will bring joy while also supporting local businesses that need us to rally around them.

Purchase a Customized Jewelry from Make Pie

Make Pie offers beautiful customization jewelry like their Word of the Year bracelet that can be hand-stamped with a word of your choice, or their custom-dated rings and necklaces which can be made in honor of a graduation date or other special occasion. Click here to view all available pieces.

Make Pie’s
When Life Gives You Lemon Necklace
(Image credit: Make Pie)

Make Pie’s Customizable Word of the Year Bracelet
(Image credit: Make Pie)

Send Farm Fresh, Locally Grown Flowers

Sweet Acres Flower Farm is a locally owned and operated mother-daughter business that will deliver gorgeous seasonal blooms arranged perfectly in a mason jar delivered to the recipient of your choice for as little as $25. Flowers are delivered on Fridays, so get your order in early in the week to ensure delivery. To order, DM them on Instagram!

Sweet Acres Farms Seasonal Flowers
(Image credit: Sweet Acres Farms)

Order Fresh, Local Stone Fruit

The annual Stone Fruit Jubilee will not be able to take place in person this year, however, local stone fruit farmers are offering a box of wonderful, organic Valley stone fruit for just $20. Place your order online here. Boxes will be ready June 27th. Pick up one for yourself, and one to gift – everyone is sure to love sweet, fresh summer fruit straight from the farm!

Have Cookies Delivered

Crave Cookies continues to delight and is now delivering in more zip codes than ever before. Order their piping hot, crispy on the outside, doughy on the inside giant chocolate chip cookies or their new limited-time sugar cookie with frosting and Fruity Pebble topping delivered to a special someone on any day of your choosing. If they don’t deliver where you need them to just yet, you can always meet them in their delivery range by sending a note with your order (e.g. “Meet in the Target parking lot on Blackstone and Nees, I’ll be in a red Honda.”).

Give the Gift of Wildlife

Our beloved Chaffee Zoo is currently struggling financially as the Zoo has been ordered closed since early in Shelter in Place and has lost all admission revenue during what is typically a very busy season. Support the Chaffee Zoo and delight an animal lover you know in one of three ways:

Adopt an Animal
Purchase and gift an annual membership (dates will not begin until the Zoo reopens, so your recipient will benefit from a full year of Zoo access!)
Make a donation in honor of a loved one

Purchase a Cool Tee, Hat or Mask

KLSD is offering a special apparel collection for men and women featuring hats, tees and face masks that say “Heart for Fresno” or “Be a Good Human” and when you purchase these aesthetically cool pieces, you’ll also be supporting local charities that are providing COVID-19 specific relief right here in the Valley.

KLSD Heart for Fresno Mauve Tee
(Image Credit: KLSD)

KLSD Heart for Fresno Hat
(Image credit: KLSD)

Send a Plant from Foliage

Have a special plant lover in your life? Purchase directly from a locally owned plant shop and have a plant and beautiful pot delivered. Shop Foliage’s inventory and arrange for local drop-off or curbside pick up here.

Purchase or Commission an Art Piece

One of my favorite local artists, Art by Elowyn will create a custom piece including a portraits, pet portraits and even paintings of your wedding bouquet. Or, shop her selection of colorful, joyful ready-made art pieces online here.

Purchase a Gift Certificate

And though it probably goes without saying, it bears being repeated. A great way to support local businesses is to purchase gift cards or certificates from favorite places and send them to your recipient for use once businesses are open. Businesses like Revue coffee, Ampersand Ice Cream and cocktail bars like Modernist and of course your favorite local restaurants all offer gift cards that are sure to delight. Please consider a local gift card purchase over a national chain during this challenging economic time.

FresYes Car Scavenger Hunt Wrap Up & Weekly List Archive

May 15, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

For the past three weeks, we’ve been hosting a super fun photography Car Scavenger Hunt that gets families out of their homes and into our awesome City for some free and easy entertainment.

Each week, we posted a new list of 14 items to find in the Fresno/Clovis area and photograph for entry into our weekly contest. We awarded a prize to the first party to finish each week, as well as two additional prizes via weekly drawing for all Scavenger Hunt completers. It has been SO MUCH FUN for us to see all the photos, everyone’s smiling faces and glimpses of our city through lenses other than our own.

Week Three Drawing Winners the Grunau Family on their hunt

The Flores family out to find the items on our week 3 list

Nana, Oliver, Milo and Xander out on the hunt!

Know where to snap a photo of this awesome purple house? If so, you’ll have one item down already on our week 3 list!

Lucha Reyna and crew got great photos Downtown during week 2 (see next)

Though our official contest period might be over, we still want to encourage anyone who did not get to join in on the fun to do so now, so below you’ll find all three of our weekly hunt lists! All you have to do is hop in the car, designate a photographer and try to find and snap a photo of at least 12 items from each list. Even the creator of our weekly lists, FresYes Blogger Natali Carrera and her family said they had a ton of fun trying out the hunts for themselves, despite being ineligible to win prizes.

Thank you again to everyone who participated and made this event such a success! And for those getting ready to get started now, happy hunting!