\\\"\\\"

FresYes!

5 questions

The Revue Celebrates a big day!

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 19 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is an unrelenting cheerleader for and lifelong resident of Fresno, as well as a Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

My Tower District Favorite is another year older! Happy 4th Birthday

Those who know me know that The Revue is not only my favorite coffee shop in town but likely my favorite place to go in town, period. I love the atmosphere, the super nice baristas, the made-from-scratch syrups created especially for Revue by partner Ampersand Ice Cream and I love the cozy seats and ideal-for-working booths in the back of the cafe.

The husband and I enjoying our first coffee indoors at our favorite place, Revue, after COVID closures lifted
Revue’s cafe

This weekend marks The Revue’s 4th birthday in its current state as an updated, light, and bright coffee shop serving up delicious espresso drinks featuring Visalia’s own Component Coffee. The charming coffee shop is going all out to celebrate this Saturday, August 14th from 8 am-4 pm.

Photo credit: Revue via Instagram

There will be live music, ice cream specials (featuring Ampersand ice cream!), local vendors, and exclusive merchandise featuring designs by well-known and beloved whimsical artist Elowyn Dickerson. Elowyn has created a special set of 3 custom stickers that will be given out with purchase during (and only during) Revue’s birthday celebration.

Exclusive stickers available with purchase during Revue’s birthday celebration, designed by Elowyn Dickerson

Revue has recently partnered with a new local bakery Palo Verde Bakery to offer seasonal and freshly made specialty pastries like cinnamon-y morning buns, beautiful danishes, giant cookies topped with just the right touch of flakey salt, and much more. The selection will be constantly changing, so you’ll always be in for a new treat!

Revue also continues to offer their deliciously tender on the inside, crisp around the edges liege Belgian waffles, as well as their ice cream-based coffee, treats like affogatos, coffee shakes, and cold brew floats. These refreshing treats are unique to Revue in our area and made with premium vanilla ice cream.

Be sure to mark your calendars and plan your Saturday to include a stop by Revue to wish them a happy birthday! The street in front of the shop has just been entirely re-done and construction is finally complete, too, after months of closures affecting many nearby businesses – so if you’ve dealt with parking issues recently due to the construction, rest assured it should no longer be a challenge.

The Revue is located at 620 E. Olive and they are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm (and later into the evenings on Art Hop nights, as they are an official Art Hop venue, too!).

Ways to Celebrate Loved Ones & Support Local Right Now

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 19 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is an unrelenting cheerleader for and lifelong resident of Fresno, as well as a Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

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.”).

Crave Cookies Chocolate Chip Cookies

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:

  1. Adopt an Animal
  2. 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!)
  3. 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.

The Revue celebrates one-year anniversary with new mural

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 19 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is an unrelenting cheerleader for and lifelong resident of Fresno, as well as a Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

 

Locally owned and operated coffee house, The Revue, located at 620 E. Olive in the heart of Fresno’s Tower District, will be celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday, Aug. 25, with a special celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I caught up with one of their awesome owners, Bryan Feil, to learn more about the event and what’s new at Revue. A lot has changed in just a year!

Revue one year anniversary

FresYes: Tell us what you love about your location and about having been a part of the Tower community for the last year.

The Revue: We honestly just love engaging and connecting with our community through coffee and delicious products. Having the ability to offer products that are locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared is what gets us excited.

When you opened, you offered something no other local coffeehouse could—Ampersand ice cream! Since then, you’ve added new and unique offerings to your menu. Tell us about what’s new.

We have seasonal menu changes which bring about great excitement, from our soda offerings to house-made syrups or the crowd favorite, our Horchatte (a cinnamon-infused horchata-inspired latte). It’s been fun to keep people fueled with products that are unique to the Central Valley.

It seems like your back room has been hopping with cool, community events lately! Tell us a little about that.

Our desire to connect the community through beverages is exciting but, just as much, are the events that bring everyone together. We do Vendor Fairs every two months which showcase craft makers from around the valley.

We have partnered with Tower Yoga to do a Sunday Yoga Reads session and incredible weekly yoga events that bring health and connectivity together. We also offer kombucha workshops, coffee cuppings, open mic nights (every Monday night), and other regular music events.

It’s also been an event space community members can rent for their own events, which is another neat community engagement opportunity for us.

Revue one year anniversary

Cozy interior invites you to pull up a seat

Revue one year anniversary

The Revue’s back room is home to yoga, music, and more!

You guys recently commissioned an awesome mural for the side of your building, can you tell us more about it?

It was created by two incredible artists, Quinn Bowman and Julia Woli Scott, who have really pulled out all the stops to put together this 90-foot, five panel mural that is incredible, beautiful, and unique. We are doing a celebration of this on Aug. 25 as well.

What else would you like readers to know about your upcoming event or The Revue in general?

Come on the 25th ready to celebrate our community and great beverages, and enjoy a unique, one-time opportunity to enjoy a “steal the glass” nitro float drink. We are so thankful for our city and the Tower for allowing us to serve this year, and hope to continue bringing our best daily. If you haven’t had the opportunity to come down, please come and visit with us and the community this Saturday, it will be fun!

Revue one year anniversary

Come see The Revue’s wall mural at their anniversary party this weekend!

Hate a certain pumpkin spice coffee drink? Drink these local lattes instead

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 19 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is an unrelenting cheerleader for and lifelong resident of Fresno, as well as a Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

It’s Pumpkin Spice Season! Or… you know, fall.

If the thought of a certain pumpkin spice-flavored coffee drink makes you want to smash jack-o-lanterns (don’t do that, it’s mean!) fear not. I’ve gathered for you a delicious list of the best local and lovingly-made fall coffee drinks from around Fresno—none of which contain pumpkin.

Enjoy and happy sipping!

1. Nutella Latte

Where to find it: Dale Bros. Coffee, 744 P St. Fresno, 93721

Owner Melanie Unguez is proud to offer a smooth and comforting Nutella Latte ($4 for 12 oz, $4.50 for 16 oz). You love Nutella, you love coffee. There’s nothing but goodness here. (Check out my write-up on Dale Bros. here.)

local lattes

Dale Bros. Coffee Nutella Latte [photo: Dale Bros.]

2. Five Spice Latte

Where to find it: The Revue, 620 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, 93728

The Revue’s Bryan Feil recommends their Five Spice Latte. “It’s super incredible and includes nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, clove, and Madagascan vanilla. It’s the perfect balance of fall in a cup—not overly sweet, but hits the nail on the head for flavor and makes you want to fall in a pile of leaves.” ($4.50 for a small, $5 for a large)

local lattes

The Revue’s Five Spice Latte [photo: The Revue]

If you haven’t already tried it, I’d also add their Whiskey Caramel Latte to your must-try list, even if it’s not seasonally-specific. The whiskey adds a depth to the caramel that is above and beyond most caramel coffee drinks I’ve tasted. (Check out my review of Revue here.)

3. Chai Latte

Where to find it: Hi-Top Coffee, 1306 N. Wishon Ave. Fresno, 93728

Hi-Top recommends their chai latte. “It basically tastes like fall feels. You can get it hot, 12 oz for $4.25, 16 oz for $4.75, or iced for $4.25. Our signature drink, the Low Top, also contains cinnamon and cardamom so it has some of those familiar fall flavors in it and that is $4.25.”

As an added bonus, Hi-Top also offers seasonal toasts, including a fall toast they’ll be serving as of this week. “We’ll have a caramel apple toast with a cheese spread on the bottom, followed by a layer of thin sliced green apples, and topped with caramel, brown sugar and crumbled nuts.” (Check out my write-up on the newly opened Hi-Top here.)

Hi-Top Coffee’s Chai Latte [photo: Hi-Top Coffee]

4. Gingerbread Man Latte

Where to find it: Yellow Mug Coffee, 1137 E. Champlain, Fresno, 93720

Yellow Mug has a number of seasonal offerings. “We have the Casper, which is an espresso drink flavored with brown sugar cinnamon and white chocolate; the Gingerbread Man Latte, which is flavored with gingerbread and hazelnut; the Spooked Cider, which is apple cider with a gingerbread twist; and Witches Brew, which is a cold brew swirled with condensed milk.” (Check out the FresYes review of Yellow Mug Coffee here.)

local lattes

Clockwise from left: The Casper, Spooked Cider, and Witches Brew from Yellow Mug Coffee. [photo: Yellow Mug Coffee]

5. Amaretto Latte

Where to find it: Collect Coffee Bar, 3142 E. Campus Pointe Dr, Fresno, 93710

Barista Vincent recommends Collect Coffee’s Amaretto Latte. “It’s amaretto with coconut, garnished with chocolate. We also have a nutmeg cinnamon spiced chai for the non-coffee drinkers.”

local lattes

Collect Coffee Bar’s beautiful Amaretto Latte [photo: Collect Coffee Bar]

And there you have it. Five local lattes with not a pumpkin in sight! If you have a favorite fall coffee drink, let me know about it in the comments.

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. Check out our calendar for even more stuff to do.

Also, don’t miss tonight’s screening of “Pop Aye” hosted by CineCulture and Fresno Filmworks, the “Brick MADNESS” premiere at the Tower Theatre Saturday, and the mini fringe festival, “Seattle to Fresno,” taking place all weekend long.

Friday

do this weekend 23

Farmers Market

Where: Old Town Clovis
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
What: KSEE 24 will sponsor Friday night’s music, plus enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables of the season.
Details: Free, kid friendly. [More]

Marie Wilson Band 

Where: Engelmann Cellars
When: 6 p.m. Friday
What: Specializing in the latest chart-topping hits as well as non-stop classics throughout the decades, the Marie Wilson Band is the Central Valley’s hottest dance band. Food for sale by Sadie Mae Southern Cooking, Meltdown Bistro and El Premio Mayor Tacos.
Details: $10 [More]

Poki Bowl Express Grand Opening Celebration

Where: Poki Bowl Express, 6127 E. King Canyon Rd., Fresno
When: 6 p.m. Friday
What: There will be music, prize wheel, face painting for kids and food specials. You can win prizes and have fun with your family and friends in our photo booth. Also, $1 from every bowl purchased will go to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Details: [More]

Jammin’ with DJ Roeski

Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
What: DJ Roeski will be setting the mood for the evening with an eclectic mix of music to feed the soul. 
Details: Free admission. [More]

Lecture: 50 Years of Armenian Literature in France

Where: Alice Peters Auditorium, Fresno State
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
What: Christopher Atamian is a leading writer, filmmaker, and translator. He will present his talk on his seminal translation of Krikor Beledian’s Fifty Years of Armenian Literature in France: 1922-1972 which brings this important work to the English-reading public for the first time.
Details: Free and open to the public. [More]

Nights in the Plaza: Los Hijos de Jose

Where: Arte Américas
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday
What: Come out for a night of Son Jarocho-inspired worldbeat y mas with Los Hijos de Jose.
Details: Doors open at 7 p.m., show from 8-10. $12 for adults, $10 for members, $5 for kids under 10. [More]

[See more Friday events here]

Saturday

do this weekend 23

Grand Opening & Steal the Glass

Where: The Revue 
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
What: Celebrate the grand opening of The Revue coffeehouse. Purchase a Nitro Cold Brew Float and take home the commemorative Revue pint glass.
Details: Free admission. [More]

Fresno Cactus & Succulent Societies’ First Judged Show & Annual Sale

Where: Clovis Veterans Memorial District
When: Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
What: Judged exhibition of show plants. Quality plants for sale. Knowledge to be shared.
Details: [More]

Bowlero Fresno Grand Opening

Where: Bowlero Fresno 
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
What: Celebrate the grand opening of Bowlero Fresno and enjoy free bowling, arcade play, $4 pints from 805 Beer, live music from The Hubcap Stealers, and more. Bowlero is Fresno’s newest spin on fun with blacklight bowling, interactive arcade games, and inventive menus.
Details: Free admission, registration required for free bowling. [More]

Parabolic’s Grand Opening Party

Where: 431 E Olive Ave, Fresno
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday
What: Celebrate the grand opening of Parabolic, a gallery for art and design featuring new work from digital artist Michael Frank.
Details: Free admission. [More]

ValleyPBS Kid’s Nite

Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday
What: Get ready to meet your favorite PBS characters: Daniel Tiger, Curious George, Buddy the Dinosaur and Super Why! For the first time, watch a special screening of a PBS Kids show inside African Adventure after dusk. Uncover bones in Dino Dig, be amazed at Ross Laird’s Winged Wonders Bird Show, stroll through the Zoo after hours, visit arts and crafts tables, animal bio-facts, vendor booths and kid-friendly entertainment inside Canopy Grove in African Adventure.
Details: ValleyPBS or Fresno Chaffee Zoo Members: $14 Adult and $11 Child (ages 2 -11 years). Non-Members: $17 Adults and $14 Child (ages 2 – 11 years). Children 1 year and under are free. [More]

5th Annual Chicano Family Festival

Where: Arte Américas
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
What: From the music to the artwork, this annual event brings together folks from throughout California who enjoy dancing to music under the stars while hanging out with a whole bunch of art lovers and their kids. 
Details: $5. [More]

Under the Big Top 4 – the Fun House of Oddities

Where: Full Circle Brewing Co.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
What: Music, body painting, vendors and more.
Details: 18 and over, $10. [More]

Sunday

do this weekend 23

2nd Sunday Market Bazaar 

Where: Full Circle Brewing Co.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
What: A fun day of shopping, great food, and good brews all rolled into one for the entire family.
Details: [More]

Nicole Renee Unplugged and Uncorked at Engelmann Cellars

Where: Engelmann Cellars
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
What: Live music, cornhole and giant Jenga. Enjoy the day and stay for the sunset.
Details: Family friendly, so bring the whole family and have a picnic in the park. No reservations needed. [More]

Reception for Arthouse Futurespective Artists

Where: Arte Américas
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
What: Enjoy an afternoon reception and private tour with the artists featured in the FUTURESPECTIVE group show curated by Adam Mena, one of the co-founders of the legendary Arthouse on H Street and Calaveras. You will have an opportunity to meet the artists and hear a few of them speak about their works on view.
Details: Free and open to the public; all ages. [More]

Caribbean Vibe Soul Lounge

Where: Fulton 55
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
What: A harmonious blend of soulful sounds with an island twist. Brought to you by DJs PDK, HunnitKay, yelo. and an incredible band led by Ray Moore.
Details: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. 21 and over only. [More]

 

 

 

[See more Sunday events here]

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

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 19 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is an unrelenting cheerleader for and lifelong resident of Fresno, as well as a Fresno State grad.
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