Spending time in Fresno made me happier than I imagined-most of you I know from San Diego...so that might be hard to believe coming from beach-city, pleasant weather 90% of the year. I mentioned fresh produce availability in my last post, but the variety of dining out is enough for eating out 1-2x/week. If you LOVE national parks, then Fresno has 3 within 2-4 hours of driving depending what part of the parks you want to be in. But I digress-on to the food related!
Armenian
Phoenician Garden (Fresno), 1025 Herndon Ave, Suite 106. I am in love with their fish kabobs, gotten them all 3 times I have visited and brought 3 different groups of friends or family here.
Chinese Food
Hunan (Fresno), 6176 N Cedar Ave, Suite 104. The staff was helpful when I explained I needed to have noodles made with rice and no added flours-we got a seafood noodle soup that was messy but delicious. I cannot speak to soy sauce as I am not sensitive to wheat/gluten on that level.
Imperial Garden (Modesto), 2045 W Briggsmore Ave, Suite A-1. A family favorite. I enjoy their sizzling rice with shrimps the most. My mom always orders the spicy green beans. Again I don't speak to soy sauce use...sorry readers here for that.
Farmer's Markets
Fresno: Vineyards Farmer's Market, 3-6pm on Wednesdays, 7am-12pm on Fridays on 100 West Shaw Avenue. I've only gone on Saturdays. Do yourself a favor and try some of the fresh Mediterranean food-I bought a box of dolmas (made vegetarian and naturally gluten free). Try Bob's honey-thick stuff but yummy garlic-honey or dark-chocolate honey. I enjoy the Japanese lady who sells different mushrooms and sweet potatoes, also tempted to buy her plum wine vinegar. There is a vendor who sells different types of humanely raised porks-it's pricey as most meats of this kind are. Many other great produce vendors!
Modesto (Seasonal), 8am-1pm Thursdays & Saturdays on 16th Street between H and I: Last one Dec 15, until late spring I believe. This place has really grown since my middle school days. Not only produce now, but among my favorites are: MJC students bring their chicken eggs, a bay area person sampled shiitake mushroom jerky, tamale vendor with vegetarian options (including no lard in the dough), candles, DragonFly tea room. If you like papusas-got to try eating one fresh at the market here. They have a restaurant in Riverbank, CA but for some reason it tastes 10x better at the market IMHO.
Sushi
Have to say verdict is still out on this one for Fresno. I tried a few but I feel the sushi rice isn't done the way I like (balance of sweet and sour, Dad taught me to do 1:1 ratio).
In Modesto, my family's go to is Sushi Garden, 3500 Coffee Road. They used to run a restaurant in Stockton which we would drive 40 minutes for with our family friends we called the "DR's" . I recommend the simple sushi chirashi if you're ok with raw fish, or if you're like my dad and do not do egg or do not like seasoned sushi rice, then go for sashimi plate. This place does carry gluten-free soy sauce! Just ask for it.
Tea
Tapei 101 (Fresno). Quiet place nice for hosting meetup.com meet and greets. Comfy couches and decent sized table to hang out at. My favorite drink to order is the REAL avocado smoothie. You can order snacks here as well, but most are deep fried or meat-centric so I cannot give recommendations on that. They have some adorable office type supplies for sale when you walk in as well. I forget to take a close look since I usually meet friends here but...one day.
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| Dragonfly Tea Room-Afternoon tea set sweet version. Which they apparently no longer have as of December 2018 when I last visited. But you can pick savory too plate with 3 tea sandwiches, fruit , a scone and a pot of tea of your choice for $15 or $17 (picture below). Check ahead for gluten-free availability. |
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| Mom ordered a regular sized and crust included sandwich and salad. These were not gluten free. |
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| Sister ordered a nice big fruit and nut salad. |
Dragonfly Tea Room (Modesto), Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Saturdays 8am-5pm, 835 W Roseburg Ave.
My meetup.com friends introduced me to this establishment and it is a lot of fun! The tea menu is extensive. They also have "happy hour" and daily teas that are on sale. You can buy loose leaf tea here as well. I enjoy that they have gluten-free dessert options, and they were able to accommodate my friend who has nut allergies.
Thai
Pad Thai (198 Shaw Avenue, Clovis-pretty much Fresno): Generous dinner portions-prepare to take home 2-3 portions of leftover-possibly even if you and another person share two dishes! Enjoyable flavor. I have had red curry, noodles (pad see ew and drunken noodles) and tom yum here. All solid choices. I did not ask them if they can swap soy sauce for gluten-free soy.
Lao Thai (4937 E Kings Canyon Rd, Fresno). Ate here because one time my lunch got thrown away as someone made good on cleaning out unlabeled items in the work fridge. Really enjoyed the rich flavors of pad see ew. Not yet vetted for true gluten free options.
Until next time readers, and I still plan to give a rundown on some of the foods to try should you go to Thailand or Vietnam!
Questions for you:
1) Is there a cuisine or dish you've tried this year that you can't stop thinking about?
2) What is your favorite winter recipe?
3) Has anyone successfully gotten a restaurant to switch to more eco-friendly to-go containers?
