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Sudz in the City is returning to Downtown Fresno!

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FresYes Writing Team

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Sudz in the City, Fresno’s original beer festival, will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Cultural Arts District Park in downtown Fresno.

The 21+ event will feature more than 30 local, regional, and national brews offering unlimited samples, plus an El Jefe Margarita bar, a handful of local food trucks, and live music from tribute bands Blink 180 True and Foreigner Unauthorized, as well as local favorites the Lucky Lopez Band and John Clifton Blues Band.

“Sudz in the City is a day in the park with four live bands, a cold beer, and a few thousand of your closest friends,” says John Ostlund, a partner in One Putt Broadcasting, which is organizing Sudz in the City along with sponsors Valley Wide Beverage Company, the Central Valley Brewers Guild, and Selma Auto Mall. “Sudz is more than a beer festival, it’s a marquee event to celebrate all that is cool about downtown.”

sudz

Regional and local beers available for tasting

The first Sudz in the City happened in 1993, and soon became one of the most anticipated downtown events of the year. As the years went by, Sudz happened intermittently. This year, it’s back for the first time since 2015 with a new leadership team and new location.

Among the regional names beer drinkers can expect at Sudz in the City are Ballast Point, Barrelhouse, Lagunitas, Drake’s, and 21st Amendment. There’s also a big dedication to local brews, thanks to a partnership with the Central Valley Brewers Guild. The local brews include Riley’s, House of Pendragon, Full Circle Brewing Co., Zack’s, Zone 9, and Tioga-Sequoia.

Tickets for Sudz in the City are available now for $30 at Eventbrite.com. They’ll be $35 at the gate. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10.

For info and updates, check out Facebook and Instagram.

Check out these 5 beer events happening in Fresno this fall

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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“Mmmmm beer…” 
         – Homer J. Simpson

Is there a better way to welcome the coming of fall than with a drink with friends? There are lots of fun ways to enjoy a glass of craft beer this fall in Fresno, and I’ve compiled a handy list for you. From polka to taco trucks to lederhosen, there’s fun for everyone!

fall beer events

1. Fig Garden Village Wine Walk & Craft Beer Tasting

Do you like to drink for a good cause? Habitat for Humanity Fresno County is joining the merchants of Fig Garden to host this event. Tickets are on sale now for $30 (prices go up at the door) for this event, which takes place Sept. 20 from 5-8 p.m. There will be over 50 wines on hand as well as 8 craft beers. Food will be provided from restaurants in the Village and you’ll be able to check out sales in the shopping center. You can buy tickets here and find out more on their event page. You can also pick up tickets at We Olive Fresno and The Elbow Room.

fall beer events2. Sudz in the City

On Sept. 22 at Cultural Arts District Park, Sudz in the City will bring you unlimited samplings. There are 32 breweries involved (and a margarita bar!) so you’re guaranteed to have great variety. This event also includes live music from Lucky Lopez and Blink 180 True (to name a few), and food trucks will be on hand in case you get hungry. This event runs from 2-7 p.m. and tickets are available here. It’s a great way to hang out downtown and enjoy great beer. For more information, check out the event Facebook page here.

fall beer events

3. Tioga-Sequoia Oktoberfest 

Downtown Fresno is going to be hopping in September (get it?!). On Sept. 22 from 12-11 p.m. you can visit the Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. for Octoberfest. Featuring German food, German beer, and polka music, this is a more traditional take on the classic celebration. All ages are welcome and admission is free. You’re encouraged to dress up in your best lederhosen, so don’t forget to pull those suckers out of the back of your closet. If you’re looking for a family friendly event to drink great beer at, this is your event. For more information, click here.

fall beer events

4. HoPtoberfest

September is a great month for sampling all things German at House of Pendragon‘s Sanger, Clovis, and HoP PK locations. Starting on Sept. 22, you can purchase a 1-liter stein for $25 filled with any German-style beer. Then, when you bring your stein to a House of Pendragon tasting room from Sept. 22 to Oct. 7, you can fill it with MORE German beer for the price of a pint. So far ,the beers featured are a German Pilsner and Festbier, with more to come. Check out the HoPtoberfest 2018 Facebook page here.

fall beer events

5. Big Fresno Fair Craft Brew Fest

On Saturday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. you can enjoy craft beer at the Fair. Inside the horse racing infield, check out over 30 craft breweries, listen to music, and play lawn games like cornhole. You can also place your bets on your favorite horse and sample fare from food trucks. Tickets are $45 in advance. Your ticket includes parking in the infield parking lot, admission to the fair, and a custom tasting cup. Learn more about this event here.

…

It’s safe to say there’s a lot of refreshing brews in FresYes, and this is the season to try them. The only difficult decision here is figuring out which events to attend (hint: probably all of them).

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.

Everything you need to know before FresYes Fest 2018

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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

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FresYes Fest, an event that celebrates the very best of Fresno, takes place this Saturday. Are you ready?

No? Still have some questions? That’s okay. I’ve put together this post detailing everything you need to know — from beers and food to bands and FAQs — before you head out to Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. Feel free to leave any lingering questions you have in the comments.

fresyes fest 2018 faq

Event details

When: 1-11 p.m. Saturday, March 24
Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., 745 Fulton St., Fresno
How much: Admission is free.
Who: This is an all-ages event. You can even bring your well-behaved, chill dog if you have one.

What’s different this year?

In a word: size. FresYes Fest 2018 is literally bigger and better, taking up a larger footprint in downtown Fresno.

As part of the FresYes Fest expansion, organizers will shut down the portion of Inyo Street in front of Tioga-Sequoia and Fulton Street north toward Kern Street. They’ll also use the empty lot directly across from Tioga-Sequoia’s beer garden as a new family-friendly FresYes Activity Zone, as well as a space for DJs, dozens of vendors, and food trucks.

The layout now includes almost twice as much space, more entrances, triple the amount of bathrooms, and more beer stations. Check out this map to see the new footprint.

Fresyes fest 2018 faq

What beers will be available?

Tioga-Sequoia will serve these beers at every beer station:

  • Half Dome Juicy Wheat
  • General Sherman IPA
  • 99 Golden Ale
  • Zorro Especial Lager

And these beers will be at the two main bars: 

  • Fulton Street Hazy IPA
  • Mt. Whitney Xtra Pale Ale
  • Firefall Red Ale
  • Double Dry Hopped General Sherman Unfiltered IPA
  • RushHour Breakfast Stout
  • Joaquin Murrieta Chile Beer
  • Coco Joy Chocolate Coconut Milk Stout
  • Piece of Cake Dessert Stout
  • Red Sun Ryse Red IPA
  • Café Tamarack Coffee Amber Lager
  • Roast Gose Chile Tart Wheat
  • FAFO Hazy IPA

Will there be a Tribute Beer like last year?

Last year, a very special beer was unveiled at FresYes Fest. The Take Me Out to the Ballgame Brown Ale celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Fresno Grizzlies, and sales from it benefitted the Junior Grizzlies, a challenger league that allows kids with disabilities to play baseball, and Fresno’s Sunnyside Little League.

There will be a special tribute beer released this year, too. It’s called “Pride of the Valley: World Champ IPA,” and it’s been named in honor of Jose Ramirez, the Valley’s newly crowned world boxing champ. 

Like last year, Tioga-Sequoia will donate all money from sales of the FresYes Tribute Beer to charity. Ramirez has chosen to donate the money to help build a new church in Avenal. He explains: “It will help make a bigger church for the community. The one there now is too small and people stand up during mass or even listen outside. Building a bigger church will definitely help people go and keep their faith strong.”

Jose Ramirez also will make an appearance at the event, so be sure to show up before 5 p.m. for your chance at a meet and greet with the champ.

You can find the Pride of the Valley IPA at all beer stations (except those serving can beers only).

Can I take my beer onto Fulton Street?

Yep! Anywhere within the designated festival area.

fresyes fest 2018 faq

Which food trucks will be at FresYes Fest 2018?

Everyone you know and love will be there, including:

  • Ampersand
  • Casa de Tamales
  • Chicken Shack
  • E’s Sol Food
  • Gastro Grill
  • Jay’s Specialty Ice Cream
  • Jesse’s Bang’n Balls
  • La Elegante
  • Latin Urban Bistro
  • Los Toritos
  • Pita Kabob
  • Pizza Pit
  • Pop’s Emporium
  • Rubia’s Churros
  • Sanchez Corn
  • Sno Café
  • USA Hot Dogs
  • Wafflicious
  • WTF: Where’s the Food

Can I bring my own food and water?

Eh, kinda. Water you can definitely bring, but the point is to try out the different food trucks and beer, so no bringing in coolers of food or giant pizzas or anything.

What vendors will be on hand?

As usual, you’ll be able to buy more than food and beer at FresYes Fest. The following vendors will be on hand to either sell their wares or talk to you about other events and goings-on in Fresno:

  • Bakagirl Jewelry
  • Believe Mobile Boutique
  • Blue Shell Gaming
  • Bread and Butter
  • Buck Naturals
  • Candyman’s Corner
  • Casual Glitz
  • Chickies Tasty Treats
  • CMAC
  • Colt’s Jerky
  • Craft Slinging Slasher
  • Cupcake Pups
  • Dear Danger Mobile Boutique
  • Designs by Camille
  • Dorothy Mae and Dominga
  • Fathom FX Face & Body Art
  • Fresno Bully Rescue
  • Fresno Gift Pic
  • Fresno Underground Art/Juliet’s Jewelry
  • FresYes Realty (helloooooooo)
  • Grandpa’s Popcorn and Sweets
  • Grizzly Fest
  • Hippie Kitty Creations
  • Imm3rse.in Virtual Reality
  • In-Tension Productions
  • J.E Creations
  • Lace Marie Eyewear
  • Lady Heather Soap Company
  • Mermaids & Co.
  • Natasha Holland – Illustration & Cartography
  • Nola Love/Beachy Life Design Co.
  • Ooooby Fresno
  • Pressing Buttons
  • Product of Seele
  • Raphio Chocolate
  • Rebel Lion gear
  • Root
  • Rory’s Inspiration Lapidary Arts
  • Scraps
  • Sloppy Stitches
  • The Body Building
  • The Peculiar Palette
  • The Purple Pig
  • Valley Native
  • Velvet Blush
  • Vino & Bling Products

Fresyes fest 2018 faq

What bands are playing this year?

Take a look at this fantastic music lineup:

  • Gang’s Back: This famed Fresno funk/R&B band is giving the FresYes Fest crowd its first live performance in five years. Gang’s Back was huge in the ’80s, performing with the likes of Kool & The Gang, Hall & Oates, Tower of Power, and War. They had two songs—”Hot Fun” and “Got My Eye On You”—on the Billboard charts in 1982.
  • Sparklejet: Icons of the Fresno scene who have been playing booming rock tunes since the 1990s.
  • White Glove Service: This thriving Fresno-based reggae band plays festivals and clubs up and down the state.
  • Glen Delpit & The Subterraneans: From Fresno but inspired by New Orleans, this band brings home-cooked blues tunes to the FresYes menu.
  • Sharks of Dance: One of Fresno’s best alt-rock bands of the moment, they’ll get you up and dancing.
  • The Box: This ’90s tribute band is sure to get any party started with its mix of hip-hop and R&B. They’ll close out the night at FresYes Fest.

What if it rains?

FresYes Fest is a rain-or-shine event, so bring your umbrella if it looks like it might rain on Saturday.

When is the best time to go?

If you really want to avoid lines, be sure to be at the event before 4 p.m., as that’s when it tends to get really busy.

Should I bring a chair?

Sure, if you want a guaranteed place to sit. But Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. reserves the right to, you know, move you and your chair if need be.

Are there in and out privileges?

FresYes Fest is a free event, so you can come and go as you please, but you do have to wait in line each time you leave the festival area. Different from last year is the fact there will be even more entrances. That should cut down on some of the wait time to get in.

…

Have fun out there, everyone. Make sure to bring your money for food and fun, and find a ride if you plan on drinking delicious, delicious beer.

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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FresYes Writing Team

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

Friday

do this weekend 26

Last Farmers Market of 2017

Where: Old Town Clovis
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
What: It’s time for the Pistachio Party. 
Details: Free, kid friendly. [More]

Family Fridays – Fall Harvest Celebration

Where: Moravia Winery
When: 6 p.m. Friday
What: There will be fun for the whole family, including pumpkin painting, visits with farm animals, star gazing, food vendors, and wine.
Details: Tickets include dinner, dessert and wine and sangria (for kids and adults). $15 adults, $5 kids 12 and under, $17 at the door. [More]

Nickel Nickel Nine 40 Oz Release Ft. Art Of The Forty/ Concert

Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
What: Tioga-Sequoia & FTK release the first-ever Premium Malt Liquor 40 ounce dedicated to the Central Valley. The event will feature the “Art Of The Forty” art show. DJ Kay Rich will be in the mix as several of the NN9’s rising stars perform with a grand finale of the 2010 Classic “Nickel Nickel Nine Anthem.” The Smokin’ Burrito & Los Toritos will serve “Classic 40 Oz” themed spins on their menus. 
Details: [More]

Soul Butter With Ray Moore & Friends

Where: Kocky’s  Bar & Grill
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
What: Music starts at 9:30 p.m. 
Details: Free before 9:30, $5 after. [More]

Saturday 

do this weekend 26

The Meux Home Museum’s Antique & Vintage Sale

Where: Meux Home Museum
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What: Local vendors, food, crafts, music, museum tours and more.
Details: [More]

Fall Plant Sale

Where: Fresno State Horticulture Nursery
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday 
What: Vegetable, landscape and house plants on sale.
Details: Free, kid friendly. [More]

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Where: Petunia’s Place
When: Noon Saturday 
What: Authors Gary Soto and Margarita Engle will be signing many of their books. At 12:30 there will be a performance of Folkloric Dancers from Pinedale Elementary School.
Details: Free, kid friendly. [More]

Gazebo Gardens Concert with Prestige

Where: Gazebo Gardens Nursery
When: 6 p.m. Saturday 
What: Food trucks, drinks, and the music of Prestige to dance the night away.
Details: [More]

A Night Under the Stars – Astronomy Event

Where: River Park (71 E Via La Plata)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday 
What: There will be multiple high-powered telescopes set up for guests throughout the event area near Teazer.
Details: Free, kid friendly. [More]

Sunday 

do this weekend 26

Great Pumpkin Blood Drive

Where: Pumpkin King Pumpkin Patch
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
What: Give blood and receive a free t-shirt, blood drive pumpkin, pizza slice, and soft drink.
Details: Kid friendly. [More]

Pumpkin Patch and Classic Car Cruise

Where: Marketplace at El Paseo
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
What: Pumpkins for the kids, crafts, apple cider, face painting, bounce house, harvest games with prizes, bring your classic car.
Details: Kid friendly. [More]

Sausagefest Part Drei

Where: Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
What: There will be steal the stein, a variety of German beers, sausages, churros, live music, and drinking games.
Details: [More]

Family Chili Cook-Off

Where: West Fresno Family Resource Center
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
What: Activities include live entertainment, fun activity area for kids, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and more.
Details: Free admission. [More]

Take a visit to Turlock’s excellent Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

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Craig Scharton

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

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Recently, my family gathered for my sister’s birthday at the massive Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Taproom in Turlock. It was a good central location for the folks in Fresno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area to gather at. I had previously been to the Dust Bowl’s other location, the Downtown Taproom, a couple of years ago before a concert and had a good time.

The Downtown Taproom is a nice-sized microbrewery with a pub-type menu and outdoor seating in downtown Turlock, which has a very nice walkable, tree-lined ambiance and a number of restaurants, shops, and local businesses.

Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

When it opened, the Downtown Taproom was a hit, leading to the creation of a second location. The newer facility, which opened in July 2016. is located at 3000 Fulkerth Rd, and is easy to access from Highway 99 at the Fulkerth Road exit—you really can’t miss it. It features indoor and outdoor seating. The inside has tall ceilings, a long bar, and massive windows showing off the brewing equipment and bottling line. The outside features a dog-friendly beer garden, games, and bike racks. They have two 20-tap towers, plus sell beer-to-go in cans, bottles, and growlers.

We sat outside on the patio. Our party of 15 was a tiny fraction of the crowd sitting outside. Really, you have to see this place to appreciate its scale. The fans overhead looked like the ones used by citrus growers to protect their crops from frost. They also have bocce courts to rent for $15/hour.

Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

Many of us had and shared tasters, which allow you to try samples of five of the beers and ciders. The food was good; just what you’d hope for at a brewery restaurant. I had the Cali Burger without cheese, with sweet potato fries (yes, I’m sticking with my whole food, plant-based diet—I subbed a Portobello mushroom for the beef, which is an option at Dust Bowl Brewing). I was very glad to have something delicious at a brewery! When I went to their downtown restaurant a few years ago, I had the 50/50 Burger (half beef, half bacon). How the times and my health have changed!

Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

I’ve been a big fan of Dust Bowl beer for years. We liked to have them on tap at Peeve’s Public House almost all of the time. They have a great, local story, too. The San Joaquin Valley and the dust bowl are intricately linked and both of the taprooms honor this historic connection.

Indulge your ‘curryosity’ about Indian pizza at The Curry Pizza Company

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Valerie Shelton

Caffeine addict - karaoke queen - dachshund mommy - writing machine

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A self-proclaimed foodie, there is nothing I enjoy more than two cultural dishes merging together to create an epic food fusion.

In my opinion, when it comes to flavor, Indian cuisine tops the charts with its variety of sauces and spices, from the well-known curry, tikka masala and tandoori, to the exotic and delicious bhuna, korma and jalfrezi. But unless you know how to prepare Indian entrées at home (if you do, teach me!) you often have to dish out a hefty amount to get the best-quality cuisine locally.

Curry Pizza Company

The Curry Pizza Company in northwest Fresno celebrated its grand opening at the end of August.

On the flip side, there is every foodie’s favorite budget-friendly Italian-American supper: pizza! When in doubt about what to do for dinner, pizza is always a go-to option. I can’t even begin to count the number of times someone in my own family has said “well, let’s just get a pizza tonight” or something to that effect.

The idea of fusing fancy Indian dishes with everyone’s favorite carb makes sense—I mean, most Indian restaurants have a tandoori oven, which is similar to a pizza oven, to cook their Naan—but it’s one I never would have thought of. Kudos to the geniuses who married the two and brought the concept to Fresno.

Curry Pizza Company

The delicious butter chicken pizza was flavorful and on the mild side. My family loved it best.

I’m delighted to say there are two joints in town where Fresnans can indulge in Indian-style pizzas: Chicago’s Pizza with a Twist, which Natali wrote about last week, and The Curry Pizza Company, which I had the pleasure of trying during its grand opening week at the end of August.

You could say the idea of Indian pizza really peaked my curryosity and I was anxious to taste a couple of the most popular specialty pizzas on the menu.

It’s always the same thought at first: It sounds too good to be true. And all too often it is, so I expected the eatery would master one or the other (i.e. great Indian food on a so-so crust, or a solid pizza with not as much Indian influence as I would like). Surprisingly, though, The Curry Pizza Company delivered on both fronts.

Curry Pizza Company

The tandoori wings were so good I could hardly put them down.

Upon entering the Curry Pizza Company, I was overcome by that all-too-familiar scent of curry and other strong Indian spices and I immediately thought that this was indeed an authentic Indian restaurant. At that point, my expectations rose.

My party started with two appetizers: an order of tandoori wings and some cheesy breadsticks.

The breadsticks were as one would expect from any high-quality pizza place, though these seemed extra buttery, so I assume clarified butter was used. I only ate a small bite of the breadsticks, leaving those for my nieces and nephews who have yet to develop taste buds that can handle spicy Indian dishes.

The wings I could hardly put down. I’m a huge fan of buffalo wings, but I think the tandoori marinade definitely has the buffalo sauce beat. For a first-timer, the wings may be on the spicy side, but because I’m used to Indian spices, I felt the wings were rather mild.

Curry Pizza Company

The tandoori chicken pizza was on the medium to spicy side, a must-have for Indian food lovers.

I really didn’t know how the pizza could possibly be better than the wings, but of course, then we got our two medium pizzas.

The first, milder pizza was the butter chicken pizza—a pie topped with a delectable butter chicken sauce, cheese, diced tomatoes, red onions, butter chicken and fresh cilantro. You can probably tell by its name that it was buttery. Paula Dean would be proud. It was also loaded with chicken and cheese. Even one of my nephews was adventurous enough to try it, though he basically just picked off the pieces of chicken to eat alone because kids don’t like veggies on their pizza, I guess. It’s safe to say this pizza was the family favorite.

The other pizza we tried was the tandoori chicken pizza. The toppings on it mirrored those on the butter chicken pizza, but the sauce was its own white sauce and the tandoori chicken was much spicier and stuck with you.

Curry Pizza Company

The interior of The Curry Pizza Company, featuring a basketball jersey signed by Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry.

For those who aren’t familiar with Indian heat, it’s a bit delayed and hits you in the back of the throat; rarely is it on the tip of your tongue like a spicy habanero or jalapeño flavor. It does cause your lips to tingle a bit, though. To me, it’s a more pleasant, flavor-filled heat versus being spicy for the sake of being spicy.

Indian food, for the most part, is about balance—there are spicy ingredients, but there is also a lot of cheese (paneer), clarified butter, and yogurt-based sauces used in combination with the spices to keep them from being overpowering. Of course, newbies will still certainly find the tandoori chicken pizza overwhelming. To my taste, it was medium.

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with how The Curry Pizza Company molded two of my favorite food groups together and I would highly recommend going and checking it out!

The Curry Pizza Company is located on the west side of town at 3173 W. Shaw, Suite 103. Follow them on Facebook or check out their website for menu options.

After all this heat, you need to CHILL

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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

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So raise your hand if you kinda thought for a sec the extreme heat was over.

I did. I admit it. Sometimes I’m stupidly optimistic like that.

As anyone living through this week knows, mild weather is not what we got. And that’s why we’re in desperate need of some CHILL.

CHILL

Name sums up the vibe

CHILL is an event dedicated to desserts, shopping, beer, music, and food that takes place at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. It’s put on by the husband-and-wife duo of Mike and Tanya Osegueda.

If you recognize the name “Mike Oz,” you should; he’s the co-founder and/or organizer of events like Taco Truck Throwdown, FresYes Fest, and the monthly TB&J (Tacos, Brews & Jams) at Tioga-Sequoia (he also writes about tacos for FresYes on occasion). Tanya is the owner of Narativ PR, a public relations, marketing, social media, and events company.

Together, the Oseguedas created CHILL as a way to showcase local vendors and food trucks in a relaxed, cool setting.

“CHILL originally started when I had booked bands for two different nights, thinking they were both TB&J nights,” says Mike. “Rather than just scrapping one of them or doing a second TB&J night that month, I thought about what else the night could be. I was in the car with Tanya and I asked her, ‘What would you want to go to? What would your friends want to go to?’ That helped shape what CHILL would become.”

So far there have been three CHILL events. After Friday’s event, there will be one more this year.

“I love all the taco events that I do, but it’s nice to be able to work with some different local businesses and give them a little bit of a chance to shine,” says Mike. “I hope the vibe is chill—that’s why it’s named that. It’s why we have a DJ and not a band. It’s why you can get a massage there. There are a lot of events that have vendors and food trucks, but I wanted to create something that had more of a ‘treat yourself’ type vibe while still being communal.”

CHILL lineup

Here’s the rundown on what to look forward to at this Friday’s event.

DESSERTS: Ampersand ice cream, Pop’s Emporium popsicles, Sno Café sno cones, Rubia’s Gourmet Churros, Grandpa’s Popcorn and Sweets and baked goods from Delectable Edibles.

FOOD & DRINK: Two local food trucks will be on site serving dinner: WTF: Where’s the Food and Burgers & More Co.

VENDORS: Fashions and handmade goods from Believe Mobile Boutique, Dear Danger Mobile Boutique, Two Girls & A Truck, Peyton’s Attic, Buck Naturals, Lady Heather Soap Company, Sloppy Stitches, Velvet Blush, Metal Mouse, Studio Azucar, The Hammer, Celena Martin Art, In-Tension Productions, The Purple Pig, Fresno Gift Pic, Camille Cole, Felicia Wallace, Makeup4Men, Fly With Wings massage, and iPolish manicures.

MUSIC: The soundtrack of the night will be curated by DJs Omedj and Chiquidj.

Event details

Friday’s event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. and will feature food, dessert, a masseuse, a manicurist, DJs, and of course Tioga-Sequoia beer.

Admission is free and the event is all ages (though you must be 21 and over to drink). Kids and dogs are welcome. Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co. is located at 745 Fulton St. in downtown Fresno.