\\\"\\\"

FresYes!

5 questions

Tickets for the Boozy Scoops Adult Ice Cream Party on sale now

by Leave a Comment

JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)

 

If you like sweet treats and strong drinks, there’s an event for you coming this June. Forget what you know about ice cream socials and head to the Boozy Scoops Adult Ice Cream Party happening in downtown Fresno. It’s time to elevate your dessert experience with ice cream, vendors, art, alcohol, and more.

Boozy Scoops

Tickets are on sale now for this 21 and over event, which is being hosted by event planning organization CurateFresno. Diann Valentine will be there as a special guest (you may have seen her on Vh1’s Love & Hip Hop). There will be music by DJ Moonshine, adult coloring pages, and, in true Fresno style, tacos will be involved. Cocktails that combine alcohol with Ampersand‘s creamy and locally made ice cream are the highlight, but be sure to save room for other delicious treats (sober treats will be available in addition to boozy ones).

Ooh De Lolli and Southern Belle Sweet Tea will be there, as will Candyman’s Corner. They specialize in candies and treats that are infused with alcohol, so look out for their adult gummy bears!

“I’m excited about hosting an adult ice cream party in my home town. I often go to cities like L.A. and San Francisco and find these events happening and thought that we should have events like that here,” says founder of CurateFresno Monisha Edwards. “I created CurateFresno to do just that—to bring unique events to Fresno with my own touch of creativity. I just want the people in our city to have fun!”

Event details

Boozy Scoops will be held at the Broadway Event Center, 721 Broadway St., from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and VIP tickets are $20. You can buy them in advance here. Admission includes photo opps, samples of Ampersand ice cream, and in the case of VIP tickets, tacos.

If you like ice cream, alcohol, and supporting local events, get ready for a fun afternoon in FresYes! You can follow this event on Facebook here.

10 reasons to check out the Tower District’s all-new Revue coffee house

by Leave a Comment

Follow me

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.
Follow me

Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

Fresno coffee lovers, the time has come to rejoice. Not only is one of your favorite coffee houses open again, it has a whole new business model that adds something extra no one else offers locally—Ampersand Ice Cream paired with Lanna Coffee.

That’s right: at The Revue, located at 620 E. Olive in the Tower District, you can now order a delicious vanilla bean affogato (that’s ice cream drowned in coffee) along with other awesome coffee-and-ice-cream offerings and, of course great coffee sans ice cream.

In honor of The Revue’s opening this week, I paid a visit to capture some photos, taste the coffee, and gather intel just for you, FresYes readers. (Okay, let’s be honest: I would have gone anyway. But, hey, I did take photos and ask questions on your behalf.)

Here are 10 reasons to visit the new Revue.

Revue coffee house

Updated store front view of The Revue

1. Location

The Revue is located in the same building as its prior iteration, but is now under new ownership. Lanna Coffee Co. and Ampersand owners came together to offer a unique and (I fear, addictive) combination of both of their great products: coffee and ice cream.

2. Interior

The interior of The Revue got an awesome facelift with lots of natural light streaming in, unique and eye-catching light fixtures, and a beautiful custom coffee bar that allows you to watch all the magic being made at the espresso bar.

Revue coffee house

I love this light fixture!

Revue coffee house

Order a drink at the beautifully remodeled counter

Revue coffee house

Watch coffee magic being made

3. Signature drink

Their signature espresso drink is a Whiskey Caramel Latte (which I ordered, hot) and it was fantastic. Like, really, really fantastic. The whiskey caramel added a smokiness and richness of flavor compared to the typical caramel latte, and the foam was just thick enough without being too much. I typically order coffee drinks with nonfat milk, which they didn’t have, but they did have reduced fat milk, which they used. Maybe that added to why it seemed so delicious to me!

My insanely tasty Whiskey Caramel Latte

4. Diverse menu

The Revue also offers more than the typical espresso bar offerings, such as Nitro Cold Brew Floats (coffee brewed with nitrogen for a smooth taste and slightly greater caffeine kick, topped with vanilla bean ice cream), Cold Brew Milkshakes, Affogatos (espresso shots topped with ice cream), and they even have kombucha on tap.

5. More than coffee

Other drinks you can enjoy include teas (including chai and matcha tea lattes), coffee pour overs, and house-made sodas.

Pour over anyone?

Revue coffee house

Specialty drink options

6. Cold brew in bulk

Love cold brewed coffee? You can buy it by the growler for $12 or $20, and just $8 or $16 for a refill.

7. Plenty of indoor seating

The Revue has two indoor seating spaces. The front room surrounds the espresso bar, which is bright and light, filled with plants and modern-looking, smaller wooden tables. The back room has three larger custom-built booth tables and a pair of upholstered chairs for lounging and sipping in. Soon, I was told, there will be a large, wooden community table added to this room as well.

Revue coffee house

Comfy chairs welcome you in the back room

8. Patio seating

In addition to the indoor seating areas, there are two outside patio seating areas in front and directly east of the entrance.

in addition to the indoor seating areas

One of the two outdoor seating areas

9. Take-home coffee for purchase

Lanna Coffee, loose leaf teas, and pastries are also available for purchase.

in addition to the indoor seating areas

Coffee and tea, available for home brewing

Revue coffee house

A few of the pastries for sale during my visit.

10. Great atmosphere

Service was very friendly, and hot drinks come with Instagram-able latte art. Did I mention how fantastic the Whiskey Caramel Latte was? Please order one soon.

The Revue is officially open for business from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Save

Here’s What You Should Do This Weekend

by Leave a Comment

FresYes Writing Team

Latest posts by FresYes Writing Team (see all)

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some fun suggestions for events happening in Fresno and beyond. Make sure to check our calendar for even more stuff to do.

Friday

do this weekend 15

Hal Masonberg presents “JAZZ NIGHTS: A CONFIDENTIAL JOURNEY”

The documentary intimately brings to light what it means to take risks as an artist, what it means to be a jazz musician today — particularly in Los Angeles — and what it means to be part of the ongoing history of jazz and the joyful exploration of passion and community. Free admission, 7-8:30 p.m. at University Theatre, Fresno State. [Details]

Farmers Market Peach Party

This night is all about the peach! Free samples and cooking demonstrations by the IOT culinary academy. Vendors will create peach dishes for the evening: Peach ice cream, peach salsa, peaches and cream pizza, and peach tamales. 5:30 p.m. in Old Town Clovis. [Details]

Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen 2-Year Anniversary

Starting the weekend off at 9 p.m. tonight is Motel Drive. Saturday will be The Morning Drive. The theme is gold, so guests are invited to wear gold. There will be food trucks, a dunk tank, live body painting, photo booths, and other fun stuff. [Details]

Wee Beasties + Magic Giant

8 p.m. at Strummer’s. All ages. $12. [Details]

90’s Night Sadie Hawkins with Rocky Rock Band

Dress the same as someone else and get in two for the price of one. Couples can be boy/girl, girl/girl or boy/boy. 21 and over only. $10 at the gate. 6 p.m. at Engelmann Cellars. [Details]

John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous

7 p.m. at Saroyan Theatre. $25-$35. [Details]

 

[See more Friday events here]

Saturday
do this weekend 15Fuss Fest

Celebrating everything femme Fresno and surrounding areas have to offer. Live music, vendors, food and more. 1 p.m. at Yoshi Now! Free, all ages. [Details]

CCAD Movie Night

Central California Area Derby will be showing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” tonight at 8:30 p.m. at Full Circle Brewing Co. Free admission. [Details]

Everclear live at The Wakehouse

6 p.m. at The Wakehouse Woodfire Grill and Barrel in Reedley. All ages. $25 in advance, $35 day of show. [Details]

VCR Night “Retro & Future Dance Party”

All-night dancing and fun to the Retro and Future Stylings of Bit Mortis. $5 entry, drink specials, dress up. 8 p.m. at Fulton 55. [Details]

Percussion Discussion

John Santos is a Grammy-nominated percussionist and prolific Afro-Latin band leader, composer, teacher, writer, and producer. Mario Pam is a founding member of Brazil’s Ilê Aiyê’s youth percussion ensemble who creates innovative repertory and also directs an international samba group. Professor Umi Vaughan will moderate this discussion as we learn about the history and practice of “Drum Talk” from these masters. 7-8:30 p.m. at University Theatre, Fresno State. [Details]

 

[See more Saturday events here]

Sunday

do this weekend 15

Rick and Morty Rickmobile Event

2-5 p.m. at 745 Fulton St. Pop-up shop with limited supply of Rick and Morty merchandise. First come, first served. A great gathering for Rick and Morty fans and cosplayers. [Details]

Spellbound, Big Balls, and Pinkeye

Sunday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Fulton 55. 21 and over. Tickets are $5-7. [Details]

Aenimus

5 p.m. at Full Circle Brewing Co. Live performances. All ages. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. [Details]

National Ice Cream Day

From noon to 11 p.m. at Ampersand Ice Cream, try 8 unique flavors only available that day. [Details]

FAB T-Dance Brunch

From noon to 4 p.m. enjoy Continental brunch at FAB Fresno in the Tower District. DJs
Jacob Terry, Lorraine Contreras and Shant P. will be on hand. Event goes until 6 p.m. No cover. [Details]

Sawdust Sunday at Fresno Ideaworks

From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., it’s wood shop day at Fresno Ideaworks in downtown Fresno. If you have an interest in woodworking, lathe work, carving, or any other means of sawdust production, this is a good way to get some pointers on an existing project or gather information on how to get started. This event is open to the public and requires no fees. Some experience is necessary for equipment use. No experience is necessary to explore the possibilities. [Details]

Brian Regan

7 p.m. at Saroyan Theatre. Tickets are $46.95 to $51.55. [Details]

 

[See more Sunday events here]

5 Places to Get Ice Cream Right Now

by 2 Comments

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)

Last week, we told you about Roll Me Some Artisanal Ice Cream, and it just reminded me how many great places there are to get ice cream — and other frozen treats — in the Fresno area.

Roll Me Some is currently a pop-up with plans to open a store front in downtown Fresno soon, but in the meantime, here are five places open now where you can satisfy your cool, sweet cravings.

1. Ampersand Ice Cream

Located at Weldon and Echo in the Fresno High area, locally owned Ampersand is known for creative flavors and for hosting neighborhood events. Look for unique concoctions like Peanut Butter Caramel Bacon, Honeycomb, and Strawberry Balsamic, along with old favorites like Mint Chip and Rocky Road. And follow Ampersand on Facebook to see what events it has lined up.

Details:
Open 7 days a week, noon to 11 p.m.
1940 N. Echo Ave.
Fresno, CA 93704
559-264-8000

2. Creamistry

Creamistry is a franchise with locations throughout California and Arizona; its Clovis location opened in July of 2016. Creamistry’s claim to fame is that it specializes in fresh, made-to-order ice cream using liquid nitrogen. That’s right — they freeze the ice cream right in front of you. Also, the store has a very extensive menu. Follow Creamistry on Facebook.

Details:
Open Mon-Thurs noon – 10 p.m. | Fri-Sat noon – 11 p.m. | Sun noon – 9 p.m.
635 West Herndon Ave. Ste 150
Clovis, CA 93612
559-575-8454

get ice cream

Bon Goût Gelato Lounge serves a variety of fresh flavors

3. Bon Goût Gelato Lounge

Javier Sara opened Bon Goût Gelato Lounge on the northwest corner of Willow and Nees in northeast Fresno late last year. Sara, who is from Venezuela, was previously a civil engineer, but now he spends his time creating a variety of fresh gelato flavors — some traditional, some experimental. Since opening, Sara has taken his ice cream on the road; he recently started mobile dessert catering. Find Bon Goût on Facebook here.

Details:
Open Mon-Wed & Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
2950 E Nees Ave. Ste 105
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 575-8500

4. La Reyna de Michoacan Paleteria & Neveria

Unlike other stores on this list, La Reyna is not open year-round — and that’s what it makes it so special. That, and its paletas of course, which are some of the most sought-after treats in Fresno. You can find a rich variety of paletas here, but the one that seems to get the most attention is strawberries and cream. There is also a selection of ice cream and yogurt available. Find La Reyna de Michoacan on Yelp.

Details:
Open Mon-Wed 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Thurs-Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
720 E. Belmont Ave.
Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 485-3013

5. Sno Cafe Food Truck

Sno Cafe is a family-owned food truck owned by Mama Denise and her two daughters, Stacey and Sarah. The family serves their take on traditional New Orleans-style “snoballs” — shaved ice, but turned up. Their latest is a key lime pie snoball, which you basically have to see to believe. Check Sno Cafe’s website to see where they’ll pop up next.

 

With temps in the high 90s, you’ll be thankful for this list. Make sure to add your favorite ice cream spot to the comments below.

Here’s What You Should Do This Weekend

by Leave a Comment

FresYes Writing Team

Latest posts by FresYes Writing Team (see all)

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some fun suggestions.

Friday

Do This Weekend 3

Enjoy Going Vintage

It’s time for the 43rd Annual Vintage Days. Enjoy great food and lots of crafts and fun activities for children. Vintage Days kicks off today and runs through Sunday at Fresno State. Free admission and parking. No pets allowed except service animals. [Details]

Get Back Up On That Bike

Meet at Fresno High at 7:30 p.m. tonight for the Spring Time Ice Cream Ride. Group will roll out at 8:00 sharp heading downtown toward Frosty Queen then back. Dust off those bikes, pump up your tires, grab some friends and have a little fun. [Details]

Go Emo

The folks that bring you Emo Night Sacramento are bringing sing-a-longs, dancing, jumping, and screaming to Emo Night Fresno tonight at Fulton 55. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. Cover is $5. [Details]

**See more Friday events here

Saturday

Do This Weekend 3

Spring Into Some Culture

Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m., enjoy the Spring Cultural Festival at Shinzen Japanese Garden in Fresno’s Woodward Park. There will be arts, crafts, food, music, cultural performances, Bonsai demonstrations, and more. This event is for all ages. [Details]

Celebrate Record Store Day

Food, bands, drink, prizes, RECORDS! All happening at Tower District Records in Fresno from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. [Details]

Honor Earth Day

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Radio Park in Fresno, Earth Day Fresno will host the Central Valley’s largest Earth Day celebration. This year’s theme is “Environmental & Climate Literacy” and there will be fun demonstrations, kids activities, local exhibitors, delicious food, live music, bike show and more. [Details]

March for Science

After participating in Earth Day activities, join a peaceful march in conjunction with hundreds of marches being held nationwide from 3-5 p.m. Saturday at Radio Park in Fresno. Marchers will assemble at the intersection of Orchard and Clinton avenues and march down Clinton Ave. toward Blackstone. [Details]

**See more Saturday events here

Hit Up the Derby

Support your local roller derby team, Central California Area Derby (CCAD), as they battle it out with Central Coast Roller Derby (CCRD) in their first home game of the season. Tickets are $10, children 10 and under are free. Saturday at Full Circle Brewing Co. Doors open at 3 p.m. [Details]

Sunday

Do This Weekend 3

Zoom Over to the Old Town Car Show

The Old Town Clovis Car Show is Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Last year, there were over 300 entries. [Details]

Eat Ice Cream for a Cause

This month’s Sundae Sunday at Ampersand Ice Cream will feature the winning flavors from Fresno City College’s Culinary Arts ice cream challenge. 100% of the proceeds from sales of this day will benefit the FCC Culinary Arts program through the purchase of needed equipment. Open Sunday noon to 11 p.m. [Details]

Try Succs and Suds

Sunday from 2-3:45 p.m. at Gazebo Gardens Nursery in Fresno, put your green thumb to the test assembling a terrarium. $40 in advance/$45 day of ticket includes three succulents of your choice, glass container, gravel, soil, assorted decorations, and your first beer. Food from Taqueria Jalisciense will be available. [Details]

**See more Sunday events here