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Lanna Coffee Co. launches “Valley Children’s Blend” to raise funds for hospital

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

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Fresno-based Lanna Coffee Co. has launched a new product designed to raise funds for Valley Children’s Hospital.

“Valley Children’s Blend” is a medium roast with vanilla undertones and a lingering nutty finish. Five dollars from every bag sold will be donated to the hospital’s Children’s Fund, which goes to improving care and services for patients, recruiting pediatric surgeons, and providing the most advanced technology.

“Lanna Coffee Co. wanted to provide an opportunity to use their product as a means to fundraise and give back to our community,” says Kelly Mitchinson, Administrative Director of Lanna Coffee Co. “With the daily ritual of drinking coffee, this new blend gives consumers another great reason to choose Lanna Coffee and make a difference in their community.”

Valley Children's Blend

Hospital serves over a million children in the area

For more than 65 years, Valley Children’s has provided care for our community. With more than 575 physicians and 3,400 staff members, the hospital serves 1.3 million children in their 12-county service area.

“We are so grateful to have the support of local businesses like Lanna Coffee,” says Zara Arboleda, Valley Children’s spokesperson. “We are humbled by their generosity and will use funds raised to continue providing the best pediatric care to Valley families.”

Valley Children’s Blend is sold in 12 oz. bags and will be available through Dec. 31. It sells for $15 and can be purchased online or at the Lanna warehouse at 617 Broadway St. in downtown Fresno. It’s also available at the cafeteria of Valley Children’s Hospital.

Valley Children's Blend

The team at Lanna Coffee Co. says they’re excited to support Valley Children’s mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive care. This isn’t the only way the company gives back. They use beans from Northern Thailand, and a portion of every sale is sent back to that region. The funds are helping build gravity feed water tanks in remote villages.

To learn more about Lanna Coffee’s mission, check out this FresYes article.

Fresno Flavor: Taste Kitchen

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

Welcome to Fresno Flavor! In this episode I check out a favorite local food truck that has recently opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Sunnyside area of Fresno.

Chef Martin Franco and I go way back. I’m so excited to be able to showcase his gorgeous, colorful new space, and his awesome food! Take a look at what Taste Kitchen is serving up, but be warned: your mouth is going to start watering…

How great does that look? As good as it looks, it tastes even better! 

Find out for yourself: I’m giving away a $25 gift certificate to Taste Kitchen’s new restaurant. See below to find out how you can enter to win!

Oh, and make sure to check out the Eater.com article we referenced in the video here. It shows just how diverse and amazing the Mexican food scene in Fresno is.

Where to find Taste Kitchen

Location: 
6105 E Kings Canyon Rd. Suite 102
Fresno, CA 93727
(559) 724-9948

Hours: Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Website: Found here
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Fresno Flavor Taste Kitchen

Win a $25 gift certificate!

As mentioned above, I’m giving away $25 to Taste Kitchen’s location at 6105 E. Kings Canyon Rd. Suite 102! Get over there and try that amazing chicken burrito bowl, or a delicious pork belly taco!

Just fill out the form below for your chance to win! Must be 18 years or older to participate. Deadline is Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, at midnight. Winner will be contacted via email on Aug. 20, 2018. 

How to see more Fresno Flavor

As always, I want to thank the team at Ppl for putting together this amazing video, as well as Chef Martin Franco and the wonderful staff at Taste Kitchen for letting us come in and film their delicious food.

Be sure to follow FresYes Realty on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss a single episode of Fresno Flavor. (We like to upload episodes on YouTube the day before promoting them on FresYes.com, so if you subscribe, you’ll see them first!)

Previously:
Fresno Flavor: Limón
Fresno Flavor: Rocket Dog
Fresno Flavor: Take 3 Burgers
Fresno Flavor: Chef Paul’s Cafe
Fresno Flavor: Casa de Tamales
Fresno Flavor: Benaddiction
Fresno Flavor: The Gastro Grill
Fresno Flavor: Just the Tip
Fresno Flavor: Oaxaca Restaurant 

Food Expo showcases awesome projects and new name

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

 

The annual Fresno Food Expo kicked off with a big announcement: it’s getting a new name. It will now be called the California Food Expo and will expand to feature exhibitors from the entire Golden State.

“Our production value in both fresh and manufactured products, our innovation, and our diversity make California a food powerhouse,” said Amy Fuentes, Manager, California Food Expo. “The Expo’s vision to incorporate all of California enables us to harness the state’s thriving food industry and connect buyers to authentic California brands.”

food expo new name

Top buyers attend Expo to connect with CA brands

The July 26th event at the Fresno Convention Center featured more than 135 exhibitors, showcasing things like flavored honey, almond butter, fruit-flavored jelly, and organic milk.

Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross, attended this year’s show. “California is the nation’s top agricultural producing state, accounting for $46 billion in output from over 400 different commodities,” said Ross. “The state is also home to more than 5,500 food manufacturing facilities, twice the amount of any other state in the nation. These astounding numbers give the California Food Expo an incredible platform to fortify California relationships and continue to expand the industry into the future.”

Top buyers attending this year’s Expo included Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, Grocery Outlet, Smart & Final, and Walmart.

“Discovering and carrying quality California products remains a high priority for our store,” said Randy Ducummon, Vice President for Whole Foods Market, Northern California and Reno. “Having the California Food Expo include food and beverage products from throughout the state provides a unique and incredibly valuable opportunity for us to connect with California brands, while also sourcing new store offerings.”

Expolicious lets public try new offerings

Over 1,000 people attended Expolicious, the Expo’s public event held in the evening (during the day, the Expo is just for businesses). They got to sample new bites created by local restaurants, including The Annex Kitchen, Elbow Room, and Rev’s.

What I enjoy most about the Expo is being able to taste and learn about products (and, in some cases, the people behind the products) made in our own backyards. For example, those fancy Pressed Juicery drinks that celebrities love to sip on in L.A. are made right here in Fresno. I had no idea!

food expo new name

I also learned that Ernest and Julio Gallo, the famous winemakers, had a younger brother in the dairy industry. Joseph E. Gallo founded Joseph Farms Cheese in Atwater. They had a wide variety of products on display at the Expo, including their new Hatch Chile Cheese, which is a pepper cheese without the spice.

food expo new name

Dogs Dig ‘Em is a locally produced dog treat that is helping disadvantaged women get back into the workforce. They showcased their latest flavor, Double Peanut Butter & Honey.

food expo new name

The Brown Butter Baking Company makes artisan brown butter cookies and sells them at the Clovis and River Park Farmers Markets. The McKinseys started their business because they loved cookies, now they are hoping the Expo helps them grow into a wholesaler.

food expo new name

Date for 2019 Expo set

There’s definitely a lot to sample and learn about when visiting the Expo. Mark your calendar for the 2019 California Food Expo. It will take place July 24-25.

Follow the California Food Expo on Facebook or visit the website for updates.

Tower District’s Hi-Top launches line of branded coffee

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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This month, Hi-Top Coffee in the Tower District officially began selling its own line of coffee featuring beans from Colombia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Peru—roasted right here in Fresno. According to Hi-Top’s owners, “The coffee beans have been picked, processed, and shipped from around the world during optimal times, as the seasonality of the product is taken into thoughtful consideration, and the beans are roasted for peak freshness and flavor.”

[Read my post on Hi-Top’s grand opening here.]

hi top branded coffee

Aaron Bagato, co-founder, presents new, locally roasted Hi-Top coffee for purchase

Hi-Top Coffee’s roasting procedures “highlight the complexity of each region, for optimal natural sweetness.” These coffees will be especially intriguing to coffee connoisseurs, as the flavors will expand beyond typical roast varieties like light, medium, and dark, offering more nuances in flavor. However, they will also aim to be approachable and enjoyable for all coffee drinkers.

hi top branded coffee

Each Hi-Top Coffee package presents tasting notes

“The way in which we roast the beans is for optimal enjoyment, and the result is coffee that is juicy, bright, and exciting,” says Aaron Bagato, co-owner at Hi-Top Coffee. Just eight months after opening Hi-Top, the team, including Bagato and co-owners Spencer and Karsyn Suvanto, began the local roasting process behind the scenes, and are now proud to bring the final product to market.

Familiar artwork on packaging

Hi-Top Coffee is packaged in compostable bags, and the familiar artwork on the packaging (like that seen adorning the walls of the Hi-Top shop) was designed by local artist Quinn Bowman with help from shop employee Lexie Fabbian.

hi top branded coffee

Hi-Top Coffee is now available for purchase

“This is an important milestone for me personally, as well as for everyone in our shop,” says Bagato, whose work experience includes several specialty coffee establishments both locally and abroad. “This is something we’ve been working towards for a while, and it’s fun for us to be bringing our take on the current coffee scene to the Central Valley.”

The roasted beans are sold in 10 oz bags and range in price from $13 to $17. The coffee can be purchased in the shop at 1306 N. Wishon Ave. in the Tower District, or online. Wholesale purchases are also available. For more information, visit www.hi-topcoffee.com.

All images courtesy Hi-Top Coffee

Tickets going on sale for Craft Brew Fest + Wine Festival at The Big Fresno Fair

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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Though summer is just beginning to bear down on us, many Fresnans are likely already looking forward to the start of one of our city’s favorite events—The Big Fresno Fair. Those working feverishly behind the scenes to ensure this year’s Fair continues to thrill and delight guests are excitedly preparing for the event as well, and they’ve shared with us some exciting news.

The Big Fresno Fair has announced not only the return of last year’s popular Craft Brew Fest, but the addition of the new Fall Wine Festival. Both events will serve as fundraisers for the Fair’s non-profit foundation, Friends of The Big Fresno Fair, in support of the Fair’s award-winning Fresno County Historical Museum. What’s really special and fun about both of these events (beyond the awesome local craft beer and wine selections) is that they take place inside the race track during live horse racing, providing attendees a unique view of the races while enjoying their beverages.

“As a Fair, it is our mission to provide entertainment options for everyone,” says Lauri King, Deputy Manager II, The Big Fresno Fair. “With the addition of the Craft Brew Fest last year, we catered to the wide array of craft beer enthusiasts in our area. We are excited to expand this event to give our wine enthusiasts something new and different to enjoy at the Fair—all while giving back to the community by supporting our Fresno County Historical Museum.”

Craft Brew Fest

Guests enjoying craft beer at last year’s Craft Brew Fest (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

Craft Brew Fest

More than 30 craft breweries will offer tastings at this year’s event (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

Craft Beer Fest offers chance to sample from 30 craft breweries

This year’s Craft Brew Fest will highlight over 30 craft breweries from throughout California and the nation, along with food trucks, music, and lawn games. New this year, the Fair has partnered with the Dawg Pound Cornhole League to hold a cornhole tournament. Attendees can register in advance here, as space is limited. The cost to compete is $15.

The event will also feature betting stations for the horse races, and screens will be added this year so wagerers can see the odds before placing their bets. The Craft Brew Fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 2-5 p.m.

Craft Brew Fest

Fall Wine Festival features California wineries

Given the success of the Craft Brew Fest in 2017, the Fair decided to move forward with its idea of holding a wine festival, as well. The Fall Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, also inside the race track. Like the Craft Beer Fest, it will feature betting stations, music, and food trucks. The event will also include olive oil tasting from the Fair’s San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition gold medal winners, art and luxury car displays, and shopping boutiques to create a unique experience for attendees.

The Fair has partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association to bring in more than 30 wineries from the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast for attendees to sample, enjoy, and learn more about.

Craft Brew Fest

Tickets go on sale in July

Ticket prices for these two events are $50 (per event) for an all-inclusive ticket (includes event, fair admission, VIP Parking); $35 for event-only ticket; and $25 for designated driver ticket. Tickets will be sold at the gate for $60, so you can save by purchasing in advance.

Tickets will go on sale exclusively to Big Fair Fan Club (the Fair’s free email newsletter) members first, on Tuesday, July 10, at 9 a.m. until Sunday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, every ticket purchaser will be entered to win a $100 betting voucher. A winner will be selected from both Craft Brew Fest and Fall Wine Festival ticket purchasers. You can easily become a part of the Big Fair Fan Club and gain early ticket access by signing up here.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, July 16, at 9 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be sold to both events.

For more details on the Craft Brew Fest, please visit: http://bit.ly/BFFCraftBrew

For more details on the Fall Wine Festival, please visit: http://bit.ly/FallWineFestival

Craft Brew Fest

Make it a social event and invite your friends to enjoy the Craft Brew Fest with you! (Image via The Big Fresno Fair)

About The Big Fresno Fair and Fresno County Historical Museum

The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 600,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest event in the Central Valley. The 2018 Big Fresno Fair will run Oct. 3-14.

The Fresno County Historical Museum is located within the fairgrounds and is open to visitors year-round. This unique, 14,000 square foot, two-story museum preserves Fresno County’s rich history with displays encompassing agriculture, sports, public safety and military memorabilia, and so much more. View historical artifacts and cultural exhibits downstairs and learn about key local figures upstairs. Guided listening tours are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Learn more about the Fresno County Historical Museum here, then call (559) 650-FAIR to schedule a tour.

 

Fresno Flavor: Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

[The contest for the gift certificate has ended. Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to our winner!]

Guys, I’m excited about this one.

In this episode of Fresno Flavor, I’m hitting up Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant on Belmont and Chestnut. Based on traditional Oaxacan flavors, the food at Oaxaca is unique and so, so great. I can’t wait to go back!

Check out what’s on the menu at Oaxaca (and what’s on the SECRET menu *chirp chirp*), then scroll down to find out how you can win a $50 gift certificate to this Fresno gem!

Chapulines. Who knew! You’ve got to try these crunchy treats for yourself. And how insanely good does that tlayuda look??

Where to find Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant

Location: 
4773 E. Belmont
Fresno, CA 93702
(559) 454-1614

Hours: Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: Found here
Catering: Found here
Social: Facebook 

oaxaca restaurant

Win a $50 gift certificate!

As mentioned above, I’m giving away $50 to Oaxaca! Grab the family or some friends and get a tlayuda, some chapulines, and a horchata (or one of the many other fantastic dishes they make).

Just click the blue button below for your chance to win! Must be 18 years or older to participate. Deadline is Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at midnight. Winner will be contacted via email on May 17, 2018.

How to see more Fresno Flavor

As always, I want to thank the team at Ppl for putting together this amazing video, as well as Daniel, Ben, Tomasa, and the entire wonderful staff at Oaxaca Restaurant for letting us come in and film their delicious food.

Be sure to follow FresYes Realty on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss a single episode of Fresno Flavor. (We like to upload episodes on YouTube the day before promoting them on FresYes.com, so if you subscribe, you’ll see them first!)

Previously:
Fresno Flavor: Limón
Fresno Flavor: Rocket Dog
Fresno Flavor: Take 3 Burgers
Fresno Flavor: Chef Paul’s Cafe
Fresno Flavor: Casa de Tamales
Fresno Flavor: Benaddiction
Fresno Flavor: The Gastro Grill
Fresno Flavor: Just the Tip

The 2018 FresYes Guide to Farmers Markets

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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It’s that wonderful time of year again when Valley spring crops are at their peak and summer crops are just around the corner. That’s right, it’s farmers market season!

Each year, it is my pleasure to provide you with a roundup of the many wonderful farmers markets all across the Fresno area. Without further adieu, I present to you:

The 2018 FresYes Guide to Farmers Markets

(All markets are linked to web pages with additional information for your easy reference.)

2018 farmers markets

The Vineyard Farmers Market is held under the iconic arbor at Blackstone and Shaw in Fresno.

2018 farmers markets

Beautiful fresh flowers and bouquets greet shoppers at he Vineyard Farmers Market

The Vineyard Farmers Market

The Vineyard Farmers Market, now in its 38th year of operation, is a Fresno staple operating twice weekly, year round (rain or shine). It’s located under the beautiful, vine-covered arbor on the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw avenues in central Fresno.

The Vineyard operates on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

The Saturday vendors tend to be a bit more plentiful than the Wednesday vendors, but you can find everything from fresh, organic stone fruit and berries to locally made gourmet cheeses, artisan chocolate, and farm-fresh eggs on both days.

My best tips are:

  1. Be sure to check out Thao Farms at the far west end of the arbor for some of the best and most varied vegetables you’ll find anywhere.
  2. Arrive early during the summer if you want to get the greatest variety in berries. Mendoza Farms is very popular and always has a line (though it moves quickly!).
  3. Go early on a Saturday and enjoy a pastry from La Boulangerie and a coffee from Fabiano’s before you shop for the week’s produce. It’s heaven!

More info: Vineyard Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

Fresno Kaiser Farmers Market

The Fresno Kaiser Farmers Market is offered right in front of the Kaiser medical campus on Fresno Street, just north of Herndon, every Wednesday throughout the year.

During the winter months, the market begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. During spring and summer, it runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting year round).

At the Kaiser market, you can shop for fresh produce, gluten-free baked goods, pickled vegetables and olives, freshly squeezed juices, and even handmade, natural soaps!

This market is a great place to take a lunch break because Casa de Tamales and Raw Fresno are there, so you can enjoy a locally sourced lunch while you peruse the offerings of more than 20 regular vendors and 10+ rotating seasonal vendors. Bliss Baking offers gluten-free pastries on the first and third week of each month, and Bread and Butter offers international pastries and desserts on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month.

More info: Kaiser Farmers Market

River Park Farmers Market

The River Park Farmers Market is now a year-round market, taking place every Tuesday evening from 5-9 p.m. The market sets up directly west of Edwards theater and focuses on organic and locally grown produce, as well as prepared foods like Mexican-style corn on the cob (elote), tacos, and shaved ice.

The River Park Farmers Market also provides free entertainment such as live music, dance performances, and appearances of popular characters and heroes, such as Captain America, for meet and greets with kids (and the young at heart!)

More info: River Park Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

Shoppers enjoy a balmy evening at the River Park Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

A Sanchez Corn Bowl with Chile and Cheese from the River Park Farmers Market.

Old Town Clovis Farmers Market

This is actually a two-part market.

One part is the year-round market that happens from 8-11:30 a.m. every Saturday in the old DMV parking lot at 625 Pollasky Ave. in Clovis.

The other, perhaps better-known, market is the one that happens Friday evenings from 5:30-9 p.m. beginning the first weekend in May and running through the end of September.

Vendors at each are extremely varied and offer everything from delicious fruits and nuts to fresh lobster and chicken chow mein. Though the Saturday morning market is considerably smaller than the seasonal, Friday night market (which offers live entertainment, music, children’s activities, and food trucks) it is not light on options.

More info: Old Town Clovis Farmers Market

2018 farmers markets

The Market on Kern

This farmers market takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, May through October, on Kern Street between M and N streets. The market offers those of us working and living downtown an awesome opportunity to buy some of the best produce around.

The Market on Kern features a great selection of produce as well as handmade gifts and ready-to-enjoy foods. Please note: this part of Kern Street is closed to traffic during the weekly market, and parking in the area is mostly metered, so having a few quarters on hand will make for a smooth experience.

More info: The Market on Kern

Manchester Center Farmers Market

This year-round farmers market takes place in the Manchester Center parking lot on the corner of Blackstone and Shields every Friday from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Vendors offer local produce, and a variety of international foods are provided by multiple food trucks. If you’re looking for a tasty lunch and some fruits and veggies to take home for the weekend, Manchester’s Farmers Market may be the perfect stop for you.

More info: Manchester Center Farmers Market

…

You really can’t go wrong with fresh produce and products from any of these markets. See you out there!

HoP PK is the love child of beer and Mediterranean food

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Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

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Chafic Dada and Tommy Caprelian met at a Visalia craft beer event in 2013. Chafic was part of a Visalia family that had opened three Mediterranean restaurants that all featured craft beer. Tommy was from Sanger and had just started making beer commercially—in fact, this was the first event he had brought his beer to.

The two entrepreneurs quickly decided that someday they would partner together on a venture that would combine both of their concepts.

HOP PK

HoP PK is located in downtown Fresno across from the Spiral Parking Garage. It’s a great place to grab some food before a Grizzlies or Fresno Football Club event.

HOP PK

HoP PK = House of Pendragon + Pita Kabob

The history

The Dada family had opened Pita Kabob in an old car mechanic shop in downtown Visalia. They were developing a style of Mediterranean food that was an incredible mash-up of traditional pub food with a Lebanese twist (or is it the other way around?). They’d come a long way from the original 1,000 square foot deli that Chafic’s parents had started. His mom began cooking authentic food at home and bringing it to the deli on Fridays. This became so popular they built a commercial kitchen and never looked back.

Tommy Caprelian and House of Pendragon are both products of Sanger. He started his path toward making beer in 2006 and expanded to a brew pub in Clovis, a tasting room at his brewery in Sanger, and now the partnership with HoP PK (this stands for House of Pendragon and Pita Kabob). Prior to opening his own brewery, he worked as the Assistant Brewmaster and was in charge of Quality Control for Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. Good breweries always produce great alumni, who continue to grow the craft beer scene. The folks at Tioga-Sequoia are proud of Tommy’s success and they partner together often.

HOP PK

The interior of HoP PK features the downtown Fresno skyline.

The restaurant

HoP PK is located at 820 Van Ness Ave., across from the Spiral Parking Garage. The interior of the restaurant is completely renovated. There is a wonderful wood sculpture of many of downtown Fresno’s iconic buildings. There are comfortable booths, or you can sit at the bar or one of the long community tables. They also have a second floor that can accommodate up to 100 people for private events and parties.

Although HoP PK features House of Pendragon beer, they also have other local beers as well as interesting beers from throughout the west coast. They have specialty beers like sours and saisons, alongside dark beers, lighter pilsners, and lagers. There are 32 taps and you can order a flight of House of Pendragon beer to find the one that you love.

HOP Pk

You can get a flight featuring House of Pendragon beers.

HOP PK

Hoppy Hour specials!

The food

The food is incredible. Chafic has a great way of designing a menu to match the wide variety of craft beers. He spends much of his time in the kitchen to make sure that the quality stays high.

The Shawarma Fries are a huge hit. I’m a big fan of the Jerusalem Falafel Pita Wrap. The Mediterranean Flatbread is so good you’ll finish the whole thing in one sitting. And their Pita Chips with either Cilantro-Jalapeño Hummus or Garlic Dip are fresh and delicious, and will be perfect for a casual time sitting at the bar. Finish the night with some baklava—I love the pistachio option.

HoP PK

Along with the traditional choices of lamb, beef and chicken, they also feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They have wine, too!

Hours

HoP PK is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (later on ArtHop nights—which is this Thursday!), and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). They are now open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit their website here, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.