Clovis...Anything a Hound Would Enjoy

[Lanyboy]

Never having been in the Fresno/Clovis area, what could I expect to find? What recs might you have? Don't limit yourself by type of cuisine or price range. I am looking for a list from which to choose anything that might be recommended by Chowhounds, and thanks in advance !!!

[foodwhore]

If you are looking for food the caliber of the best in the country you better get to Trelio. As good as it gets in the central valley and comparable to anything in SF or LA!!!

[mrsmegawatt]

Cracked Pepper is truly wonderful. In Clovis, Kijima is good for Japanese food. The sushi is fresh and excellent.

[FresnoFacts]

Since the topic title is Clovis I'd strongly second porkchop's mention of Trelio, located in Old Town Clovis.

The current owner was formerly sommelier at Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst.

The menu changes regularly so the menu on the website is only a sample of what you might find.

Also click the "events" button, they do wine tasting dinners every couple of weeks along with other special dinners.

http://www.treliorestaurant.com/treli...

[tavmark]

Although I wrote a good review of this before, we went again within the last month or so and the food and service were way off. Don't know if it was just that night, but it was 180 degree experience from the first time. We had reservations this time - there was only one wait staff working. They were out of our first three choices of wine, they ran out of bread, and the food was only adequate. All in all not a positive experience.

[FresnoFacts]

We haven't been in about 2 or 3 months (too many places, too few meals to visit them).

Hopefully you caught an off night due to the holidays or something else.

But we'll keep it in mind the next time we go.

[glazebrookgirl]

I was wondering if anyone had been to Trielo's within the past month and what their experience was. I was wondering if it was still worth a try or if they had gone downhill. Hubby and I are looking for some nice dinner options and wondering if this place is still worth it. Thanks!

[FresnoFacts]

Good question, we have not made it in January but are considering a stop next month.

[luv2cook]

I was in Fresno last week and tried the Basque Hotel. Very good food.....would do it again.

[glazebrookgirl]

Wow, there are a lot of really good places in Fresno, I will attempt to start a list and hopefully others will chime in. Maybe you could help by narrowing down to a price range or cuisine type.

Parisian Cafe/Breakfast/Pastries:
Le Parisien Cafe
1085 E Herndon
Fresno, CA
559.432.4454
CLOSED MONDAYS
Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 am-6:00pm
Sunday 7:00am-3pm

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/311500
Yummy croissants, amazing french fries, good crepes, and nice sandwiches/french bread.

Mexican:

Don Pepe's
4582 N Blackstone Ave
Fresno, CA 93726
[phone]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/338034
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/327865
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/320822
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/319908
Hole in the wall taqueria turning out excellent tacos,burritos, and to die for seafood.

Taco Grande
7357 N Blackstone Ave
Pinedale, CA 93650
[phone]
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/326269
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/319053
Limited menu, but what they do have is very good. Hubby loves their carnitas and I love their chicken torta.

There are two locations for Salsa's in Fresno:
Salsa's Bar and Grill
6729 N. Palm, Suite 102
North Point Shopping Center
(on Palm and Herndon
)Fresno
446-1234

Salsa's Mexican Grill
453 Pollasky in the Dewitt Building
Old Town Clovis
324-0468
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/306908
More of a sit-down Mexican place with a more creative menu than just combination meals, the wood fired chicken is delicious.

Chris's Meat Market
1323 Kern Street
Chinatown area
559.233.8134
http://www.fresnofamous.com/node/2188
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/311468
A truly scary place to score melt in your mouth carnitas, asada, pollo and other taco delights. A Fresno tradition, but no ambiance.

Mexican Breakfasts:
Please peruse these links for an interesting disucssion on both breakfast burritos and other Mexican breakfast delights.
Breakfast Burritos:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/325187
Other Mexican breakfasts:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/333182

Thai:
Thai Royal Orchid
6735 N. First St. Ste 110 (SW corner at Herndon
)559-431-0132
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/317028
The above link is to Polar Bear's report on Thai Royal Orchid
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/89576
This link is my report on Thai Royal Orchid--we both agree this is probably the best place in town for Thai. Complex sauces, terrific rice, and very flavorful.

Basque:
Since you are in Fresno, why not take advantage of our Basque food? There are a couple of excellent, very traditional Basque restaurants in town, two of which happen to be in the downtown area.

First up is the Basque Hotel, or the Old Basque Hotel. You can get a great Basque meal at a very reasonable price. The decor is old-school, but the food is very good.
Basque Hotel
[phone]
1102 F St
Fresno, CA 93706

Second is the Shepherd's Inn. Personally, I like the Old Basque Hotel slightly more, but it is more a personal preference and nostalgia more than anything. Shepherd's Inn is right next to the train station, which I guess is the most traditional place for a Basque restaurant (the Basque people would ride the trains and stay and eat in the Basque hotels while working). The food is great here as well.

Shepherd's Inn in Historic Downtown Fresno
[phone]
935 Santa Fe Ave
Fresno, CA 93721

Pastries:
Eddie's Bakery and Cafe
7089 N Cedar Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
[phone]
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/312909
I think their bear claw is easily the best is town, their other pastries are delightful as well.

Beerocks/German food:
The Beerock Shop
559-439-0402
2016 W Bullard Ave
Fresno, CA 93711

If it has been awhile since you've had a beerock, or maybe you've never had one, here is your chance! This family restaurant serves traditional style beerocks at the corner of West and Bullard (which is easily within 10 minutes of Herndon and Marks). Their signature beerock is filled with braised beef, cabbage, and onion with a peppery sauce. If beerocks really aren't your thing, they also do a pretty good hamburger and homemade chicken pot pie. Prices are pretty reasonable with a combo plate of cheeseburger and side order coming in at $7.95. Individual beerocks are about $3.50.

Italian:
Parma Restaurant
[phone]
7089 N Marks Ave # 101
Fresno, CA 93711

This is a great Italian experience. The restaurant is located in a strip mall, but inside the restaurant, the owners have gone out of their way to make it cozy and romantic. The food is outstanding, many different choices from the Parma region. Elena is the owner and she is from Parma and her love for the food really comes out. From the appetizer to the desert, the service is excellent.

Sam's Italian Deli
[phone]
2415 N 1st St
Fresno, CA 93703
http://www.samsitaliandeli.com
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/328434
A fun store to shop in for Italian supplies and an amazing deli counter with great sandwiches, olives, cheeses, and more. The link above is to hubby's post.

Wine Shops:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/327936

[porkchop]

Trellio's, La Posada

[sillyrabbit]

Everyone has been raving about The Cracked Pepper Bistro. I haven't been there yet, but there's a lot of buzz about it.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/309160?query=cracked+pepper+bistro&user_name=

www.crackedpepperbistro.com