THE VALLEY’S BEST BARS & DINING
RAINBIRD’S MUST-TRY TASTING MENU
SUSHI FOR FOODIES
Pardini’s
THE NEXT GENERATION
16 AROUND TOWN
August ushers back the school year with notoriously high heat, but don’t let that keep you from getting out with so much fun stuff to do around town.
22
2023 CENTRAL VALLEY HEART & STROKE BALL
The American Heart Association’s annual event featured an engaging program that included the inspiring story of the Domingos family.
24
WHITE HOT SUMMER NIGHT 2023
Fundraising for cancer care services at Community Health System took center stage at this summer night dressed all in white.
26
GLITZ AND GLAMOUR GALA
This opulent occasion celebrated the accomplishments of the North Fresno Rotary and the work they do for local causes.
28
2024 LUXURY AWARDS
We’ve added new categories this year! Nominations for the 2024 Luxury Awards just wrapped. Stay tuned to find out which of your favorites made it to the ballot next month.
30
ALL IN THE FAMILY
The next generation of Pardini’s is forging ahead with a revamped venue and new bar. Now, Fresno’s biggest name in catering is unveiling its latest venture: The Red Room. You’ll find the backstory and inside scoop here.
38
SUSHI DATE
Sushi lovers and newbies alike, this one is for you. Namikaze sheds some light on what it means to put a Californian twist on a Japanese tradition.
43
The 2023 Luxury Award Best Bar winner and nominees continue to make grabbing drinks so much more than just imbibing a cocktail.
50
RAINBIRD
Fine dining is taking root in the Central Valley with an accessibility never before seen thanks to this Merced restaurant, whose tasting menu is the first of its kind in this region.
57
Eating well is easy thanks to the winning and nominated restaurants named in the Best Dining category during CVLUX’s 10th Anniversary.
64 COSTARS
Take a spontaneous approach to life under Leo’s radiance.
Nothing brings people together like a great meal. The shared experience around a table allows each of us the opportunity to decompress from the outside world, and just forget about our problems for an hour or two. Our community has so many options when it comes to dining. In this Cuisine Issue, we highlight some of our mouthwatering favorites.
There is a roundup of last year’s nominees for the 2023 Luxury Awards in both the bar (page 43) and dining (page 57) categories. If you are craving something a little more exotic, check out our sushi feature (page 38) and see what Namikaze is all about. Looking for something on the finer side? The city of Merced may just have what you are looking for at Rainbird (page 50). The possibilities are endless!
This August Edition also features a beloved Fresno mainstay, Pardini’s Catering (page 30). Jeff Pardini is heading up a new era with an over-the-top remodel that will surely impress the most decerning of your guests. With this revamp comes a fresh spin on some menu classics. Make sure you book this venue for your next event.
As a reminder, we are currently selling tickets and sponsorships for the 2024 Luxury Awards slated for next March. The ballot featuring this year’s nominees will be released in our next issue. Thank you for all your nominations this year as we prepare for what will be our largest event to date!
Cheers, David
In just 12 short months, you’ve made The Legend one of the most listened to radio stations in the Valley.
It’s the music we grew up with that other radio stations left behind.
Garth, Reba, George, Hank, Willie, Waylon, Tammy, Patsy – well, you get the idea. 55 minutes of music every hour of every day. We hope you like it.
On the cover is the revamped Pardini’s venue and bar, which nods at its Fresno history while looking to the future in our first-ever Cuisine Issue (page 30). Revisit the 2023 Luxury Awards with features about the Best Bar (page 43) and Best Dining (page 57) winners and nominees. Check out the latest categories added for the 2024 Luxury Awards (page 28). Social Affair covers the 2023 Central Valley Heart & Stroke Ball (page 22), White Hot Summer Night 2023 (page 24), and Glitz and Glamour Gala (page 26). August’s Around Town offers plenty of options to see and do (page 16). Rainbird restaurant in Merced is making Central Valley fine dining exceedingly accessible (page 50). Namikaze talks sushi with a Californian take (page 38). Leo encourages all to get in touch with their spontaneous side (page 64).
Food is a universal language. Sharing a meal allows us to go deeper with friends, carry on family traditions, and get to know strangers in a way that no other medium facilitates. Allow yourself to take a seat, grab a bite, and sip the day away with those who matter most this month.
DAVID MANNING
Publisher, Sole OwnerEDITORIAL
Editorial Director LAUREN BARISIC Features Contributor CECE F. QUINN Astrologer SHARI SCHOPP
ART
Design Director PHENG MOUA Graphic Designer SAMANTHA DEATHERAGE
Contributing Photographers TRAVIS BIRCHFIELD, DON DIZON, LORI KEARNEY, ELLIE KOLEEN JESUS SEPULVEDA, MIKEL ZAREMBA, EL CAPITAN HOTEL and MURRAY PHOTOWORKS
BUSINESS
Regional Marketing Director CAROL DEFENDIS Sales Executive CAROLINE HOWARD Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH
Please submit all advertising inquires to information@cvlux.com.
Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to information@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length.
Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to lauren@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material.
CVLUX is published twelve times a year by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.
Fridays through October 27th
Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market
Old Town Clovis
www.oldtownclovis.org
The Old Town Clovis Friday Night Farmers Market will go on until the end of October. Located on Pollasky Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets, the market features local certified producers and supports the NOSH “give one – get one” program, which distributes produce to families in need through five Clovis pantries. Their live music schedule is always entertaining.
August 3rd
Beef & Bourbon Dinner
The Vintage Press
www.thevintagepress.com
Justin Pettit of Santa Carota Beef, as well as Garrison Brothers Distillery, will be featured this evening. This third-generation rancher produces beef with extraordinary flavor and vitamins thanks to the cows’ grass and carrot diet. An hors d’oeuvres reception and four-course dinner will be paired with special selections of this Texas cowboy bourbon. Tickets cost $135 each, plus tax and gratuity.
August 7th to 11th
Fresno Art Museum
www.fresnoartmuseum.org
Summer 2023 ArtAcademy, FAM’s visual art workshops for kids and teens, will wrap the season with its fourth week featuring two sessions. In the morning, “Fun with Mixed Media” dives into a variety of mediums. Later in the day, “Capture It!” lets students learn about how to generally compose and edit successful photographs and is inspired by photographer Martha Casanave.
August 8th
Big Time Rush: Can’t Get Enough Tour
Save Mart Center www.savemartcenter.com
Big Time Rush (BTR), with special guests Max and Jax, is coming to the Save Mart Center with their Can’t Get Enough Tour BTR became an overnight sensation in 2009 with the launch of their namesake series on Nickelodeon. This isn’t a reunion, this is a comeback with songs that nod to the disco era. The cost of the tickets ranges from $29.95 to $499.95.
August 12th
Changing Lives
Summer Music Fest
Changing Lives
Visalia Country Club
www.changinglivesscholarships.com
Changing Lives, in honor of Reagan Heitzig and Cort Turner, was founded in 2019 and continues to assist high school seniors with scholarships to supplement the cost of their ongoing education. The event’s opener is Foreigner Unauthorized, followed by Mr. Rude as the headliner. Tickets are $50 each. Sponsorship opportunities include table options and advertising.
August 13th
Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour
Saroyan Theatre
events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
Registered Nurse Blake is the most popular nurse influencer on social media and the founder of Nurses Support Their Young, which aims to support healthy healthcare work environments. His tours and podcast draw on his real-life nursing experiences as a professional and student. He covers topics that are insightful for nurses and healthcare workers alike with humor.
August 13th
Battle of the DJs
The Darling Hotel
www.thedarlingvisalia.com
The last of The Darling Hotel’s Summer Pool Parties will commence this month with “Battle of the DJs” as the theme. Watch your favorite DJs battle it out poolside while sipping a cold drink. This event is hosted by MC Damen and sponsored by Firestone Walker. See the winner who will receive a headlining slot for an upcoming Darling Visalia Event or next year’s Pool Parties.
We have completed extensive training specifically for cosmetic dentistry and utilize state-of-the-art materials and technology to create beautiful smiles. We enjoy collaborating with our patients to develop a treatment plan that will achieve their dental goals and obtain the smile of their dreams. We look forward to meeting you! Take the next step towards having a smile you love by requesting a Smile Virtual consulation today!
P r o t e c t y o u r s e l f a n d y o u r e m p l o y e e s w i t h a p r e m i u m g r o u p h e a l t h b e n e fi t s p a c ka g e a t t h e m o s t c o m p e t i t i v e r a t e s i n t h e a r e a
“ We a r e y o u r S e l f - f u n d i n g e x p e r t s w i t h o v e r 3 0 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e ”
August 18th to October 8th
Arsenic and Old Lace
Good Company Players
2nd Space Theatre
www.gcplayers.com
The Good Company Players will perform another classic story at the 2nd Space Theatre. This is a comedy about the only thing deadlier than poison: family. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat in this rated PG show. General admission is $25. For students and seniors, the tickets are priced at $22.
August 20th
Valley Strong Ballpark
www.act.alz.org
The 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Tulare and Kings Counties will take place at Valley Strong Ballpark. Check-in/ registration opens at 8:00AM, Opening Ceremony begins at 9:00AM, Walk begins at 9:30AM. Each registered participant will receive a Promise Garden flower in either blue, purple, yellow, or orange to best represent their connection to the disease.
August 25th
Saroyan Theatre events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
Gladys Knight began singing with her siblings as “the Pips” at eight years old before the group opened for R&B legends and then headed to Motown and crossed into pop music. Today, she is fondly referred to as the “Empress of Soul.” This performance will also feature comedian Ruben Quintana, one of the godfathers of Latino stand-up comedy, as the opener.
August 25th
3rd Annual Summer Soirée in the Hamptons
Salt + Light
Visalia Convention Center
www.saltandlightworks.org
Salt + Light continues to cultivate community with their third annual summer fundraising event. Proceeds from this inspiring evening will benefit the organization’s work, which is focused on those experiencing and at risk of homelessness in Tulare County. A community style dinner, as well as wine and beer tasting, is included in the ticket price of $125 or $1,200 for a table of eight.
August 25th
Fleetwood Mask
Visalia Fox Theatre
www.foxvisalia.org
The ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute band is coming to the Visalia Fox Theatre. Founded in 2012, Fleetwood Mask is actually the only tribute band in America that is endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself. They play the band’s very best songs with a focus on the 1975 forward five-piece version of the line-up that catapulted Fleetwood Mac into stardom. Tickets range from $35 to $50.
August 26th
Summer Vibes
Chukchansi Park
www.milb.com/fresno
Summer Vibes is a Downtown Fresno experience you can’t miss! The Fulton Street Block Party, in conjunction with the Fresno Grizzlies, will kick off with the hottest music from Teezzy Radio and DJ Burns before returning to Chukchansi Park later that night. The $25 ticket covers admission to the pregame party and the following baseball game against the Stockton Ports.
August 26th Hukilau!
Fresno Art Museum
San Joaquin Country Club
www.fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com
Presented as a fundraiser by the Board of Trustees of the Fresno Art Museum, this Hawaiian-style beach gathering will transform the San Joaquin Country Club for the evening. A Tahitian pearl bar and Polynesian dancers will transport guests to island time, where dinner with wine and a silent auction will also be included. Tickets cost $175 each or $1,400 for a table for eight.
Benefiting American Heart Association
Photographer Jesus SepulvedaOn Friday, June 16th, 190 well-dressed guests gathered in the ballroom at Sunnyside Country Club in Fresno for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Central Valley Heart & Stroke Ball. Featuring a reception, silent and live auction, engaging program, and musical performance by Jeremy “Elvis” Pearce, the event raised $180,000. Funds will go to the AHA and support research along with local programs focused on high blood pressure management, CPR training, and nutrition access. Emceed by KSEE’s MedWatch host, Amber Lynn Carroll, the program included remarks by Central Valley AHA Board Chairman Kurt Vote and Executive Director Kelley Berry. Guests also heard the inspiring story of the Domingos family, whose 10-year-old son, Luke, is living with a congenital heart defect.
For more information about the AHA, please visit www.heart.org.
Benefiting cancer care services at Community Health System
Photographer Don Dizon
Presidents Club hosted their fifth annual White Hot Summer Night fundraiser on Saturday, July 8th at Evanelle Vineyard in Madera, CA. As one of Community’s most beloved event, dinner, an auction, and live entertainment in a picturesque setting made this an evening to remember. Dressed in the event’s signature white wardrobe, over 750 guests enjoyed an evening of fun and philanthropy in support of the thousands of cancer patients who turn to Community for care, for which more than $625,000 was raised. To date, Presidents Club has fundraised nearly $3 million to support this important cause.
For more information about Presidents Club, please visit www.communitymedical.org/presidentsclub.
Photographer Don Dizon
The North Fresno Rotary (NFR) held their Glitz and Glamour Gala, which celebrated their accomplishments as a club, on Friday, July 14th at the Fort Washington Country Club. The 200 guests in attendance received a glass of champagne as they entered the red carpet and browsed the amazing silent auction items with cocktail music provided by the talented Kat the Artist. The Marie Wilson Band performed, and the night was capped with roulette, craps, and blackjack tables. Sontaya Rose was the mistress of ceremonies and Freddie Silviera was the night’s auctioneer. District Governor Debbie Hale recognized NFR with its 75th Anniversary presentation. NFR continues to serve and meet the needs of the local community by giving back more than $150,000 to various causes during the last few years.
For more information about North Fresno Rotary, please visit www.northfresnorotary.org.
CVLUX Magazine is pleased to present the 2024 Luxury Awards. Each year, CVLUX recognizes the Central Valley’s favorite businesses with Luxury Awards. Nominations were submitted in July 2023. The top five in each category will be featured on this year’s ballot. The nominees will be announced in September 2023. The winners will be revealed at the Luxury Awards.
Voting will be open from Friday, September 1st until Friday, December 29th, 2023—each email address may only vote once and all emails are authenticated at the end of the voting period.
Holy Trinity Ballroom, Lounge & Courtyard
2226 Ventura Avenue Fresno, California 93721
Friday, March 8th, 2024 5:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.
DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE FORMAL
For additional information, contact information@cvlux.com. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.
The next generation of Pardini’s forges ahead with a revamped venue and new bar.
Features Contributor Cece F. Quinn
Photographer Ellie Koleen
the Central Valley, the name Pardini’s is synonymous with hospitality. It’s not just the industry they belong to, but also at the core of the way this third-generation family business runs their operation. For 65 years, a legacy of innovation and outstanding service has defined their brand, and it continues with a newly renovated event venue and Fresno’s most buzzworthy new bar. “From inside and out, the entire venue has been refurbished with a clean, modern design,” says Co-Owner Jeff Pardini about the family’s newest iteration.
Upscale finishes and design elements such as hardwood floors, custom chandeliers, and imported stone have brought a vibrant new feel to Pardini’s, while soaring ceilings and lighter tones have brightened up both the interior and exterior. Elegant yet contemporary, standing in this setting feels as if you’ve been transported to a luxury hotel event space. Also, the technology inside Pardini’s has been updated to accommodate hosts with the best presentation equipment available to boot.
“We have upgraded each room with a new audio/visual system that includes built-in laser projectors with a drop-down screen,” says Jeff. Newly installed surround sound is ideal for live music and hosted programs, while various lighting options allow for creative juices to flow. The user-friendly automatic projector screens offer ease of entertaining and are a no-brainer for hosting corporate events. “Our design and technology upgrades really set the venue apart from any other in town,”
says Jeff. “Our goal is to offer our existing clientele and entire community a state-of-the-art event space where they can host a wide variety of celebrations for years to come.”
Ever since patriarch Al Pardini started his various restaurant businesses in the 1950s, the family has offered their customers a top-notch experience, both in catering and in the restaurant sector. Al Pardini was behind most of Fresno’s preferred dining establishments in his heyday: The High Life, Town & Country, Cedar Lanes, Pardini’s Restaurants, and, of course, Pardini’s Cafe among them. On any day or night at their restaurants, you could find a mix of neighborhood families, the city’s power brokers, Westside farmers, ladies who lunched, and out-of-towners who had heard it was the best food in Fresno.
Al began catering services at his Cedar Lanes location around 1958, and it took off from there. Al’s son Jim Pardini officially established Pardini’s Catering in 1981, and they’ve been known to feed crowds, big and small, with some of the best fare in the country ever since. Pardini’s has long served The Fresno Convention Center, the entire Fresno State athletic department, and multiple venues throughout town, including their own at the corner of Shaw and Van Ness. Valley brides, non-profit organizations, corporate groups, and just about anyone throwing a party near Fresno have long flocked to their reliable, delicious food and bar offerings, along with their outstanding service.
Jim Pardini carried on Al’s legacy in the 1980s and has since brought his two sons into the fold. Jeff and Jimmy were born with their own passion for the food and hospitality business, as evidenced by the family’s latest endeavors. Nowadays, Jeff, with the help of Jim, oversees the day-to-day operations of Pardini’s Catering & Pardini’s Concessions. Jim remains instrumental at the corporate office and is always available for long-time clients, many of whom he calls close friends.
After elder son Jimmy cut his teeth under the guidance of famed L.A.-restaurateur Nancy Silverton, he brought his culinary chops and elevated Italian fare to the Valley with The Annex Kitchen (housed in the former Pardini’s Cafe location) and Annesso Pizzeria in Northeast Fresno.
It’s easy to imagine just how proud Al would be of his legacy and what the family has been able to accomplish again and again over the years, which includes maneuvering through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While events and in-restaurant dining were shuttered, many restaurants and catering businesses closed completely—but the Pardini men got creative, knowing their community would need an outlet for culinary experiences despite being (more-or-less) stuck at home. They began a robust takeout program, and even a gourmet market took root out of The Annex Kitchen, while an entirely new concept was cooked up in the parking lot outside.
As many in Fresno will remember, The Big Wagon food truck opened with a limited yet delicious menu as families pined for something different. People still talk about the tri-tip and fried chicken sandwiches, seasoned fries, signature spicy ranch, and the vodka-spiked frozen lemonades cleverly served in mason jars. The Big Wagon was a lockdown favorite for locals and another innovative hit.
Now with the refreshed Pardini’s space, the family is excited to show off its latest innovation to longtime customers and new ones alike. The footprint remains mostly the same, and clients will recognize the names of each room as they haven’t changed either—with the exception of the bar, now called “The Red Room.”
Formerly known as the Tuscan Room, the bar at Pardini’s is located toward the front of the building. Valley dwellers have created a multitude of memories in this bar—a fully stocked watering hole that has served the community well over the years. While the Tuscan Room was previously only offered for private events, except briefly as a COVID-era pop-up establishment called Al’s Bar, The Red Room is open to the public and will offer a speakeasy vibe where guests can get craft cocktails served up with the famous Pardini family hospitality.
The bar gets its name from the interior’s cardinal-hued décor—plush and sophisticated, with a modern twist. With a great location and a high-end atmosphere, Fresnans won’t want to miss out on a good night with friends, fresh libations, and friendly service The Red Room will come to be known for. “Our bartenders will have extensive spirit and cocktail knowledge and enjoy sharing that with our guests,” says Jeff. “This will be a place to have an experience, rather than to just go get a drink.”
Running the crew of bartenders and developing the beverage program at The Red Room will be seasoned mixologist Ryan Metcalf. Ryan has spent time as a bartender at The Annex Kitchen, 13 Prime, and, most recently, Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar in downtown Fresno. He brings a passion for craft cocktails and his years of experience to the Pardini’s team. “We wouldn’t be opening The Red Room without Ryan,” says Jeff.
Of course, The Red Room will be available to rent for private events, either as a stand-alone reservation or in conjunction with the greater Pardini’s venue. “We want the space to represent our company’s brand as a whole, which is always striving to improve the hospitality experience,” adds Jim.
Sixty-five years (and counting) of improving the hospitality experience for Fresno is only the beginning for the Pardini family. They envision carrying the torch for decades to come with even more growth in the catering and restaurant sectors in the future. After all, it’s in their blood.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic Photographer Don Dizon
Sushi is decisive; you tend to either love it or hate it. Many learn the former, yet whatever side you fall on, it’s tough to deny that this Japanese staple is intriguing. From its colorful presentation and distinctive manner of eating to the arguably exotic ingredients and unique flavor profile, sushi is a meal, conversation, and experience simultaneously. Considering the number of sushi restaurants across the Central Valley, it’s safe to say there are quite a few sushi lovers among us. And if you’re into sushi, chances are you have a handful of go-to restaurants in your arsenal that each stand apart for some special reason, despite similar underlying culinary currents.
Sayuri Edwards has made Namikaze—which is celebrating five years in business—much more than just another sushi joint in Fresno. As the restaurant’s owner, and a native of Japan, she shares what makes this tradition so special. “I was born and raised in Japan, so I wanted to bring traditional Japanese cuisine with a little American twist so that everybody will enjoy it,” Sayuri shares. Contrary to popular belief, “We don’t really eat sushi all the time in Japan. We have ramen and curry—those are things that are daily food,” and can be found on Namikaze’s menu. They’re actually one of just a handful of local Japanese restaurants that serve curry. “Then when a celebration happens, that’s when we eat sushi together.”
By definition, sushi is “cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished especially with bits of raw seafood or vegetables,” according to MerriamWebster. Freshness is key, which is why Namikaze sources most of their fish from Southern California multiple times a week. Images of exotic ingredients, like roe, might also come to mind, “but in Japan, the fish is very important too, as much as rice is very important,” imparts Sayuri. “Like how they cook the rice, how to wash the rice, and how to season the rice. Some people train for 10 years just to cook rice. That’s a major component.”
Sushi is meant to be shared, which fosters a community experience. The colorful ingredients, intriguing presentation, and captivating smells make every roll a multi-sensory experience. “Presentation is everything to me,” Sayuri professes. Sushi should first be visually taken in—hence the meticulous plating—before sampling. “Japanese people nowadays are super Americanized, so we don’t have like a super traditional way to eat it.” Chopsticks, fingers, forks—there are many ways to get it in your mouth. Sayuri just believes, “However you want to eat it, enjoy your meal!”
Then there are the health benefits of sushi. For starters, its essential ingredients can help fight inflammation. Fish naturally contains numerous minerals, such as vitamin D and collagen. “All fish contains high collagen, so it definitely helps your skin and joints,” Sayuri begins to list. The omega-3 fatty acids from fish can help fight heart disease and reduce stroke risk. “Another good thing is there’s a lot less fat than meat. Then some fish provide calcium and other stuff. It’s a lot of benefits in there without taking in a lot of calories! And it’s not heavy.”
Californian sushi maintains the same hallmarks of traditional sushi, but with added components that highlight the bounty and vibrancy of the West Coast. For example, “We don’t have avocado [in Japan],” Sayuri offers. “California rolls have crab and avocado.” Using local ingredients make the rolls more fun and familiar. American style sushi is colorful, while Japanese food uses a lot of color-muted ingredients, such as soy sauce and teriyaki. “It tastes good, but everything is brown, so you don’t enjoy it with your eyes,” explains Sayuri. “When you see the presentation is pretty, it tastes better now.”
Central Valley sushi is unique. Close proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows sushi lovers to enjoy this delectable dish near and far. But this proximity also sets the bar that much higher. Sushi standards are elevated along the coastline, where fresh fish is readily available. Local access to the caliber of sushi found in major coastal cities has become more of an expectation than a treat in the Valley. Yet local restaurants, like Namikaze, are meeting and exceeding those expectations, oftentimes at a more affordable price point than what you’d find on vacation. “Fresno is growing, and we should grow, too,” Sayuri acknowledges. “They want that freshness here … so you don’t have to go too far to get it.”
For those new to sushi, Sayuri has a handful of recommendations. “Start off with a California roll or something easy,” preferably with familiar ingredients. “I don’t recommend a fishy fish … Salmon is actually not too fishy, especially if it has a citrusy dressing, like a ponzu sauce. Then maybe like a yellowtail tuna later,” given that the textures are different and serve as steppingstones to venturing into more exotic territory. “Normally when I introduce it,” through these steps, Sayuri shares, “people tend to like it.”
Sushi brings people together differently than many traditional meals. “Even though a lot of people are sushi lovers nowadays, it’s still new cuisine for them. They’re curious about what it is, so they always talk about it,” as opposed to a steak, which is beautiful albeit very familiar. “They always find new things,” Sayuri says of even her regular customers. “There is so much other stuff to try … so there’s always something new to talk about.” It facilitates conversation, thus enhancing what is involved with sitting down for a meal with someone. In all actuality, sushi is an art form. Authenticity coupled with the freshness factor and Cali vibes, from color to community, makes sushi an exceptional unifier.
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Following is a celebration of the 2023 Luxury Award winner and nominees in the Best Bar category. Every watering hole nominated here has consistently been ranked as one of Fresno’s finest places to stop for a drink time and again. Elbow Room Bar & Grill took home the fan-favorite title amidst the lineup that included Annesso Pizzeria, Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar, Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar, and Pismo’s Coastal Grill. Between their inviting atmospheres and oh-so sippable cocktails, there’s a place perfect for everyone and every occasion, whether it’s a special occurrence or simply a day that ends in “y”. Let’s toast!
Since 1955, the Elbow Room Bar & Grill has been one of Fresno’s favorite watering holes. And just like fine wine and whiskey, it keeps getting better with age. This Fig Garden Village fixture includes beautiful bar sites both inside and out, making it the perfect place to grab a drink or bite no matter the time of year. With Luxury Award nominations nearly every year and two previous wins, it should come as no surprise that Elbow Room was voted Best Bar at the 10th Anniversary Luxury Awards. After nearly 70 years in business, this Central Valley landmark is clearly still doing something right. Whatever the occasion, Elbow Room makes it easy to celebrate life’s big and minute moments daily thanks to its multitude of offerings.
Inside, the windowless wraparound bar top with leather barstools makes for sultry seating. Outside, patrons can enjoy patio seating and views of the bustling shopping center. Beyond the bar, Elbow Room’s private banquet facilities come with separate menus and highlight the joy of wining and dining. Three room options are available for groups large and small: the Banquet Room, the Vineyard Patio, and the Wine Cellar, which was the sight of CVLUX’s eighth Shake+Stir installment. There, Chef de Cuisine Eric Rodriguez wowed the crowd with food that is so much more than mere sustenance. Furthermore, General Manager/Operating Partner Daniel McGee and his terrific staff make everyone in the Elbow Room feel welcome.
This outstanding hospitality stems from Owner Mike Shirinian. As a keenly knowledgeable wine and spirit enthusiast, Mike developed Elbow Room’s Wine & Whiskey Clubs to share his passion. Club members discover new makers and enjoy enduring favorites from Elbow Room’s award-winning cellars that are shipped directly to your doorstep, all of which is only enhanced by additional perks and special discounts. Whether you’re looking to grab drinks at one of their bars, sip a glass of wine with dinner, take home a bottle from The Elbow Room Market, or receive a club membership case, rest assured that any and all selections were hand-picked by Mike, who seeks to make every Elbow Room experience better than the last.
t Annesso Pizzeria, you’ll find more than just old school pizza with modern technique. Contrary to its casual name, this is, in actuality, a next-level pizza joint. Wood paneling and rustic yet chic touches foster an undeniable warmth and hospitality. Seasonal specials extend across the food and cocktail menus. Annesso’s open-concept design encourages a social atmosphere from the dining area to the bar, whose L-shaped design seamlessly integrates while standing apart as a destination in and of itself. Every day of the week, the drinks menu is full of options that pair perfectly with Italian fare. Sections dedicated solely to spritzes and Negronis will sweep you to Italy with just a sip, as will cocktails on tap, while Annesso’s bubbly, white, and red wine selections are reliably delicious.
There are no strangers at Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar, just friends that have yet to meet. And that friendliness and familiarity is infused in everything from the menu and drinks to the décor. Manhattan brings a bit of New York City to the Central Valley with a swankiness that is juxtaposed by everyday elegance. This isn’t your usual steakhouse; think “fun dining” rather than “fine dining” for every course and cocktail. Parties of all sizes are easily taken care of. Between the main dining room and two banquet rooms, all party sizes are accommodated, but the lounge is particularly fun for those looking to meet at the bar. Though Manhattan is not open Sunday or Monday, you can always rely on Tito’s Thursday. Park Avenues—their signature adult milkshake—are the perfect end to every dinner.
The Downtown Fresno bar scene has taken off in recent years, and Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar is one such establishment that is pioneering this progress. Located in the walkable Brewery District, they are on a mission to bring people together through the experience of crafting cocktails. Each drink is a sippable work of art. They even offer cocktail classes to let anyone get in touch with their inner bartender. Modernist uses cocktail culture to build connections, especially through specific themes throughout the year. During the holidays, they’ve participated in the Miracle Christmas-theme pop-up bar. Through summer, they are featuring Shipwreck Social Club, a tropical pop-up bar with island-vibe drinks. Modernist is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open late otherwise.
If you can’t pack up and leave for Pismo Beach at a moment’s notice, visiting Pismo’s Coastal Grill simulates being in the restaurant’s namesake Central Coast town. A hand-crafted wooden boat at the entry introduces coastal vibes in Northern Fresno, which are reinforced by roll-up windows, Adirondack-style booths, and Santa Barbara rock columns. More than a dining establishment, a fish market and high-quality seafood make Pismo’s a memorable destination, but their bar magnifies the experience. Situated with views of virtually the whole restaurant, of which every inch is thematic, it allows guests to soak in encompassing sea spirit. Fish-fare appetizers and great drink specials lure locals in for happy hour on weekdays. Open daily, you can deck into Pismo’s from lunchtime through dinner.
In the heart of Downtown Merced lies one of the Central Valley’s culinary jewels. Californians are known to have high standards when it comes to food, which is par for the course given that this is the most agriculturally abundant state in the Union. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, meat, seafood, all right in our own backyard—it’s no wonder farm-to-table cuisine has become the norm statewide. So to stand apart amidst the vast number of local gourmet establishments is something to marvel at. Going out to eat can be a treat, but Rainbird restaurant will shake up the way you approach eating out altogether. This upscale tasting menu brainchild of Executive Chef Quentin Garcia is more than just El Capitan Hotel’s crowning glory—it’s a regional treasure that absolutely must be experienced by anyone who considers themselves a foodie.
Rainbird is El Capitan’s signature restaurant, and the hallmarks of this establishment mirror what the hotel aims be in the intersection between the Bay Area and Yosemite National Park that is Merced. El Capitan Hotel is now managed by New Waterloo, an Austin Texas-based independent hospitality development, design, and management company known for its dedication to community engagement and impact, which speaks to the bigger picture that this Merced hotel is seeking to further cultivate through its dining options and meeting and event spaces. All of El Capitan’s eateries are a must-stop in Merced’s budding downtown scene, and the hotel is eagerly looking for new ventures to expand its reach in this booming area.
El Capitan’s central location on Main Street allows easy access to social and business life for locals and guests alike, as well as university students. In addition to Rainbird’s dining room, there are three other ways to eat here. Named in honor of the infamous climbing route in Yosemite National Park, Native Son offers patrons a casual café and bar setting with indoor and outdoor seating. For hotel guests, EC’s adventurous cocktails and sharable bites (sourced from Native Son) may be enjoyed in its courtyard garden. Mainzer, a revamped movie theater that still shows films and hosts events, is known for comfort food and a wall of pour-your-own-tap beers with screens all around to watch the big game on.
El Capitan’s interior design reflects the frontier spirit of early California and the American West, and Rainbird’s décor takes cues from this philosophy. The outstanding local art collection curated for the hotel, as diverse as Merced itself, extends into this restaurant, where two of its most admired pieces are on display.
“Peregrinate” by Daniel Van Gerpen abstractly examines the city’s layout through a two-piece bird’s eye view of Merced in mixed media on canvas, while Margaret Haden’s ceramic installation “Ontogenesis” shows an aerial view of an almond orchard as its blossoms transform. Natural wood floors, rustic linens, and organic ceramic dishware speak with simple elegance from the walls to the tabletops.
Rainbird opened in February 2022. Its name was inspired by the legendary Native American bird known to sing before rain, whose unique migration pattern signaled a bountiful forthcoming harvest. In this way, the restaurant embodies the Central Valley. The experimental nature of Rainbird’s tasting menu concept brings the first fine dining destination of its kind to this corner of California and epitomizes the farm-to-table culinary movement. To call its menu seasonal doesn’t quite do it justice. Yes, of course it’s seasonally inspired, but considering how so many different produce items in California are peaking at just as many different times, the menu features what’s currently being harvested, which means it’s being updated constantly. What you might find on it at the beginning of the week might not be there on the weekend.
The unique dynamic created by merging the lives of students and multigenerational locals, coupled with the tourism vein attributed to those passing through to and from the Bay Area and Yosemite National Park, makes Merced a prime crossroad. Chef Quentin, who came to Rainbird from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa, saw it as an opportunity in terms of culinary savviness. Here, he sought to craft “an ethereal experience to direct the foundation for fine dining in [the] Central Valley.” Yet he also believed it needed to feel extremely approachable so as to allow connoisseurs and newbies alike to access a fine dining experience sans the hurdles of price and pretentiousness that might otherwise bar them.
It’s of utmost importance to approach eating at Rainbird as a “dining experience,” not just another mealtime. Much like how you’d buy a ticket to a sporting event or concert with the intention of that being your entertainment, so too is the (quite reasonable) price of eating here. It’s not uncommon for a meal to last hours. And honestly, it should. Don’t rush through anything—every bite is worth savoring for however long the moment begs. Rainbird’s refined cuisine is matched by its tableside service. The particularly tentative staff is innately attuned to your every need, watching keenly from afar in anticipation of and responding to your unique pacing across every course.
This isn’t your average “take a seat and pick a plate” kind of supper. Dinner at Rainbird consists of a prix fixe tasting menu that leads guests on a vegetable-forward, multi-course journey through local produce and regional fare. Select between the 5 or 8 course tasting menu at the offset. Both begin with an amuse (an appetizer-style duo) followed by the first course, for which you have a few options to choose from. If you go with the 5 course, you’ll receive one more dish before the main, otherwise you’re in for four more samplings with the 8 course. Seriously, do the 8 course! Next up is the main, the largest dish, for which you get to make another plate choice from a handful of options. To finish, everyone also decides on a dessert.
Imagine popping a savory mini macaron into your mouth that simulates an entire roast beef sandwich, trying a spoonful of terrine that mimics a forkful of crisp spring greens, or tasting a deconstructed s’more in the form of chocolate mousse reminiscent of a boy scout campfire, each in a single bite. It’s arguably otherworldly. In fact, Chef Quentin draws on lucid dreams for new dish concepts. Inherently creative from a young age, food became the medium through which he could best express himself. Now, what he dreams translates to magic on a plate. It’s edible art, and you needn’t intake much to see, or taste, just that. Don’t be concerned about the proportions that come with this sampling style assortment—rest assured that you won’t leave Rainbird hungry. What is provided is plenty to satisfy your palate and stomach.
The artisan cocktails here are a fabulous evening precursor, but absolutely opt for the wine pairing with dinner. This optional add-on perfectly complements the entire meal with four wines from start to finish. Bubbles launch the dining experience that unfolds. Your selection for the first dictates which wine accompanies that course as well as the samplings to follow, no matter if you’re doing the 5 or 8 course option. The main has its own glass accordingly matched with whichever primary plate you receive. Dessert choices dictate the sweet wine at the end. All wines served for the pairing option are repurposed from the wine dinners Rainbird hosts monthly, making each varietal an extra special addition in and of itself.
Rainbird regularly partners with local producers and makers on special dinners, pairings, and events, such as the restaurant’s “A Taste of Wine Country” dinners, which occur every month. Each showcases a different California winery, highlighting the prolific varietals that come from all over the Golden State. These chef-inspired, four-course dinners with wine pairings beautifully exemplify an investment and interest in the region at large. A menu featuring the season’s current bounty is arranged in a manner that speaks with the spot-lit winery. Reservations may be made online through OpenTable, where you pay in advance for the upcoming experience that begins at a set time.
On Sundays, Rainbird offers one of the Central Valley’s best brunches. Plan to stay awhile for this too—let it be a leisurely Sunday brunchday. From the bar, morning cocktail classics, such as Bloody Marys and mimosas, are available, but specialized libations, like the grapefruit-centric “Mariposa” and “Mum’s the Word,” introduce a unique twist on favorite breakfast juices and even coffee flavor
profiles. Again, the menu is broken down, this time into three parts with the option to add on sides and beverages. The beginnings portion includes a smaller-scale breakfast starter. The sustenance section provides the major part of the meal. Finally, the sweets selections let everyone in on a sugary ending.
Whether you’re looking to be introduced to Rainbird via dinner or brunch, bear in mind that this is a dining destination, a culinary experience, and an opportunity to expand your horizons. If you allow yourself to be fully immersed in what Rainbird has to offer, your meal will become a multi-sensory experience around which your conversation will revolve. Be invested in analyzing the new sensations and flavor combinations presented in reimagined ways, and be willing to discuss it—it’s enlightening. Trust me, there’s plenty to mull over and explore in every plate. The wine pairings and unique cocktails truly add another layer to the culinary discovery that unfolds. Rainbird will leave you utterly inspired and exceedingly eager to return.
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In this feature, the 10th Anniversary Luxury Award Best Dining winner and nominees are recognized. The restaurants listed in this section boast outstanding reputations and reliable dishes that draw in Central Valley natives and travelers alike. Max’s Bistro & Bar proved to be the most beloved establishment in this grouping that also named The Annex Kitchen, Cracked Pepper Bistro, FIVE, and Parma Ristorante amongst its ranks. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or plan to sit and savor awhile, all are the embodiment of what exceptional local dining looks like here thanks to their inviting ambiances and exquisite cuisine.
2023 Luxury Awards Winner
Max’s Bistro & Bar has been a favorite of locals and visitors ever since it opened its doors in 1997. Still on the corner of Bullard and West, this Fresno staple continues to serve the artisan fare and breads—for which it is known—with ever-evolving seasonal updates to the menu. From the artistic décor to its food and cocktail offerings, the establishment is undeniably creative yet comfortable. With lunch and dinner as well as event and catering options, it’s the kind of place that family, friends, and colleagues will savor no matter the occasion. For the second year in a row, after many nominations, Max’s took home the 10th Anniversary Luxury Award for Best Dining. Max’s is what the unity between cuisine and service should look like.
Everything placed on Max’s tables or within its building is constantly evolving. The fresco-plastered walls are adorned with the works of artist Tomas Panzarino, whose Master Collection of approximately 50 signature “zinc and polychrome” fine art pieces rotates around the restaurant. His artistic influence begins at the front door design and extends through the scroll motif found on the stained concrete floors, along the bar backdrop, in the flared interior columns, and even above the kitchen hand-off window. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Douglas Lund is behind Max’s upscale yet familiar fare. Classic dishes get reinvented, which explains why CVLUX’s Shake+Stir has been hosted at Max’s twice now.
Owner and Operator JJ Wettstead diligently upholds Max’s founding principles. After getting his start in the restaurant industry when he was 15 years old, JJ was searching for something he not only believed in but could also be a part of. In Max’s, JJ discovered his true passion. Now he inspires his incredibly friendly staff in their cumulative mission to bring people together through food. This kitchen showcases the freshest ingredients possible, and their dedication to local, organic, free-range, fresh-caught, artisan, and gourmet cuisine reflects their commitment to the community they serve and source from. Being hyper-local allows both JJ and Max’s to be part of something bigger—day after day, generation after generation.
For rustic Italian food in Fresno, look no further than The Annex Kitchen. Dim lighting and wood paneling encourage patrons to sit and stay any day but Sunday and Monday. Its Italian-inspired cuisine is influenced by the seasons, making nearly every dish reflect what’s currently being harvested in the Central Valley. Annex is known for succulent house-made pastas, grilled meats and fresh vegetables cooked in a wood-burning hearth, and perfectly baked pizzas from their Acunto oven. The full bar draws on locally sourced produce for the inspiration it needs to put together modernized craft cocktails that pay homage to the classics. Gaze out at the beautiful trees that line Annex’s expansive windows during dinner service or choose to sit at the lengthy, cozy bar.
Californian cuisine commands center stage in the heart of the Central Valley at Cracked Pepper Bistro. The menu focuses on regional dishes that highlight local ingredients as well as nightly specials, and even though there are seasonal updates, you can always rely on a handful of staples available since the beginning. The Mala-Insana Napoleon appetizer is maddeningly divine, and their bread pudding is nothing short of infamous. Cracked Pepper is known for supporting wineries, with the majority of its wine list being sourced from the nearby Paso Robles appellation. Posh yet cozy, patrons may take a seat inside on the covered patio or at the bar on Tuesday through Saturday. Cracked Pepper continues to be one of the area’s most beloved bistros—year after year.
There are more than a handful of reasons to love FIVE. A unique fusion of Californian and Italian flair makes their food stand apart from the norm. This local hotspot is imbued with an energetic ambiance and engaging atmosphere, making it the perfect place for everything from a romantic dinner to a night out with friends. It’s all about the courses here: savory appetizers, stunning salads, a great selection of main meats, house-made pastas and pizzas, and a beautiful selection of desserts. Family and food are the priority at FIVE, and that’s demonstrated in the menu. There’s something for everyone, no matter the party size. For dinner nightly (except Mondays), the Family Style Dinner Menu is ideal for takeout, while FIVE’s catering menu is designed for larger gatherings.
The moment you enter Parma Ristorante, it will transport you to the city after which it is named. From authentic Italian food to the butter yellow and pale blue décor, Parma embodies its owner’s hometown in Northern Italy. A wallpapered mural of the Piazza Garibaldi lets guests feel as though they are dining alfresco with the people in the plaza. Pasta made from scratch is just one of the many menu offerings that uphold traditional cuisine from this region of Italy. One cannot go wrong with any choice from the extensive menu, which includes a vast selection of both domestic and imported wines as well as numerous dessert options. Here, it’s all about slowing down and taking in what’s presented. From Tuesday to Saturday, Parma serves dinner only to a dine-in audience.
July 23rd to August 22nd
The life-enhancing, radiating Sun rules this sign, and for the month ahead, it will encourage a more spontaneous approach to life. You are a creative person, proudly symbolized by the lion whose roar can dominate situations. A focus on personal well-being will be at the forefront because energy reserves deplete as a result of excessiveness during this time. To alleviate fatigue, utilize discipline, make plans that support wellness, avoid overindulgence, eat heart-healthy foods, celebrate in moderation, have a hot stone massage, and either play or relax in the sun.
August 23rd to September 22nd
Tap into the quicksilver energy that is available for new ventures, and get things started now! It may not be perfect, but; at a later date, you can analyze and generate revisions to what you’ve begun.
September 23rd to October 23rd
Currently, with Venus retrograde, there is an opportunity to explore your relationship with self. Introspection integrates emotional harmony, adds fulfillment, and improves all areas of life.
October 24th to November 21st
Make inroads with projects that require special attention to detail. Your mental acuity and focus are extremely strong now, which efficiently uses brainpower to process incoming information more quickly.
November 22nd to December 21st
The body’s stamina is being called into play. Upgrade your daily routines with wellness and psychological fitness. This will help you buy some time to plan and make arrangements for your next adventure.
December 22nd to January 19th
A tactical approach aids investigation and research, slowing the process of exploring your subsequent move. This effort reenergizes aspirations and motivates one to make plans that will come to fruition.
January 20th to February 18th Toxic connections that are annoying will emerge. A courageous approach will dissolve disagreement without skipping the details. Devote extra time to finding allies who support your unconventionalism.
February 19th to March 20th
A new orientation is needed when working with others. Imaginative avenues are open when you speak with clarity in all of your communication. Thus, misunderstandings can be avoided, and relationships can be transformed.
March 21st to April 19th
Team up with detail-oriented individuals who balance and support your pioneering ideas for a successful endeavor. It’s an opportunity to assess integral components that are critical for best results.
April 20th to May 20th
Express your creative ventures with eloquence and lucidity. When expressed in writing, ideas will be easier to share because they’ll be perceived in a whole new way. The words that come through transcend meaning.
May 21st to June 21st
Feng shui aids in the beautification of an eyesore. It clears space and lifts your spirits, duly orienting the flow of energy around you. The added benefit of your introversion is that it gives you privacy to refuel.
June 22nd to July 22nd
A dream creation of yours is being driven by your euphoric passion and purpose. Make as much progress on this project now to relieve pressure later. This will offset energy burnout and help you push your limits.
