It was a day much like today. It was just about lunch time and we were scrolling through Instagram looking for all the good stuff. We follow the #FresYes hashtag for obvious reasons and happened upon this incredible looking burger.
It was described as
“The Banh Mi Burger. Angus beef with ghost pepper jack, pickled local veggies, local cucumber, fresh jalapeno, spicy mayo, sprouts, cilantro and basil on a pate toasted bun.”
We’re not sure if it was the beautiful photography, the incredible sounding ingredients, the burger itself, or just the fact that it was lunch time – but we had to meet the person behind this masterpiece. So we reached out to Libelula on Instagram for one of the more delicious interviews we’ve had!
So tell us, who are you, where did you come from, and what do you do?
I am Chef/Owner Ian Cookson. I was previously Executive Chef of the Vineyard Restaurant and Bar in Madera. There I honed my skills in local farm to table cuisine. There, we were published in countless magazines and online articles including Food and Wine Magazine. After making a name for myself there I branched out on my own to start Libelula.
Libelula was my selfish creative outlet. I stepped down as Executive Chef of the Vineyard at the start of Covid 19 so I could concentrate on my own Restaurant. I am originally from Maine. I came to California as a child. I had half my food exposure on the east coast and the other half on the west coast. I think that is what gave me such a different perspective on food.
Different is right! Tell us a little more about the business.
Libelula has been open for four years. I am constantly inspired by what the central valley small farms provide for us. It’s sad to think that all these bay area and LA restaurants get all this acclaim for their food when the Valley is really responsible for it. I strive to give Fresno a better reputation for good food in California. I feel we are overlooked far too often.
Besides these great images, what is something that you do that makes you stand out?
We are hands down the most creative restaurant in Fresno. We strive to provide an eclectic food experience with no pretense. We have a seasonal menu with new specials every week.
What is it that most people DON’T know about?
We are not a vegan / vegetarian restaurant. While we do cater to those who are, its more like our vegan and vegetarian dishes have no need for animal products.
Anything new coming up?
Our bakery is up and running (Salty Bitch Bakery) ran by my daughter. We have recently extended our hours of operation to 7 pm so we can do our pizza program.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Stop being scared of Downtown. We are proud to be in DTF!
FIND LIBELULA:
Address: 1154 Broadway St, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 570-8180
Email: libelulafresno@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libelula_fresno/
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