571492 Tue Nov 11 17:34:57 -0800 2008 52 3 California 0 4165972 This is a rather sad thread to start, but given the current economic situation I fear it is necessary. My greatest wish is that it be short lived. In order to help fellow hounds in their searches and avoid wasting time on tracking down dead ends, I'm starting a list of what venues either no longer exist or have morphed into other entities. I propose that those wishing to add to the information, copy the previous response, start their posts with the line "Updated mo/day/year" at the top, paste the prior posts info into the message, then insert their new info into the alphabetical order. I'll start with a short list I have, some old news, some recent, then follow with an update a fellow hound posted today regarding pastrami. Again, may this thread die an early death. [Edit to Add: Just realized, in order for this to work, DO NOT reply to this (original post) but rather to the latest of the Reply>Reply> etc chain] November 10, 2008 Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Tue Nov 11 17:34:57 -0800 2008 18150 PolarBear 1 4165985 November 11, 2008 FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed CLOVIS: NY Family Deli - closed Tue Nov 11 17:38:31 -0800 2008 4165972 18150 PolarBear 2 4166193 PB, do you think Kim's is closed forever or considering a relocation? That strip mall is a horrible location. Tue Nov 11 19:23:47 -0800 2008 4165985 13118 Gail 3 4166447 The report I got was that they just left one night and never returned. It was a couple of weeks before the property owners could gain access and apparently the smell of rotten food was overwhelming. According to some leasing sources the stretch from Kim's for 5 miles or so west on Shaw Ave. is vacancy city. Tue Nov 11 21:40:28 -0800 2008 4166193 18150 PolarBear 4 4167346 Wow. Sounds like an emotional decision rather than a business one. This is sad. We were weekly customers when they were on Maroa. The Shaw location was just too inconvenient. Wed Nov 12 08:52:04 -0800 2008 4166447 13118 Gail 2 4167416 Does anyone know whether the Palms (near Palm & Nees) is still open? We drive by there periodically & never see a car in the parking lot. Wed Nov 12 09:14:38 -0800 2008 4165985 16340 alanstotle 3 4167457 Yes, they are open. I've been sent emails about planned wine dinners and husband's company is having their Christmas party there. Now that I'm typing this, it might be possible they are only open for group dinners??? Wed Nov 12 09:27:09 -0800 2008 4167416 13118 Gail 2 4170358 November 13, 2008 FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Fugazzi's - closed Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed Thu Nov 13 09:03:29 -0800 2008 4165985 18150 PolarBear 3 4174884 November 14, 2008 FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Fugazzi's - closed Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed Fri Nov 14 18:00:36 -0800 2008 4170358 18150 PolarBear 4 4191522 November 21, 2008 FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed Fugazzi's - closed Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed Fri Nov 21 07:59:49 -0800 2008 4174884 18150 PolarBear 5 4207323 November 28, 2008 Updates via Joan Obra for Flamenco's, Karsh's Grill, and Hi-Life (Kingsburg) FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Fugazzi's - closed Karsh's Grill - catering only Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Fri Nov 28 16:55:02 -0800 2008 4191522 18150 PolarBear 6 4207584 here is a link to Obra's article regarding Flamenco's and Karsh's Grill. http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/joan-obra/v-printerfriendly/story/1040270.html Fri Nov 28 19:51:58 -0800 2008 4207323 140436 fresnohotspot 6 4208436 FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed Karsh's Grill - catering only Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Folia Bros Deli had a 4-1/2 year run, lease was incredibly high (7k), could not lock into that for another 5 yr lease. Dealing with the city was insane/water, signage, etc. had a great following, but pockets just werent deep enough to keep it going, hated to see it go Sat Nov 29 12:44:49 -0800 2008 4207323 244339 mfchiro 6 4218670 Dec. 3, 2008 - updated via Joan Obra on Masala FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Fugazzi's - closed Karsh's Grill - catering only Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, now Roots Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Wed Dec 03 16:35:20 -0800 2008 4207323 18150 PolarBear 6 4227180 December 7, 2008 Updates via Joan Obra for Karsh's Grill, and report from friends on Georges transformation to Elements (tapas). FRESNO: Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Sun Dec 07 10:45:24 -0800 2008 4207323 18150 PolarBear 7 4259982 December 19, 2008 Updates via Joan Obra's article in today's "7" section. FRESNO: Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Lenny's Bistro - closed Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Fri Dec 19 11:42:48 -0800 2008 4227180 18150 PolarBear 8 4269784 December 23, 2008 Updates via post to MindHub and personal observations, Cafe Corazon, Le Roi, Mama Lo's, Olive Press, and Savannah's FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Rhema - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Tue Dec 23 14:39:07 -0800 2008 4259982 18150 PolarBear 9 4276372 An update to note that Le Roi Bakery has an outpost downtown at Tulare and "N" Street that is still open. Additionally, they have a little stand in the Fashion Fair Mall towards the Macy's side. Although I wish them well, I have not been overly impressed with anything I have had there. Sat Dec 27 14:30:32 -0800 2008 4269784 12410 glazebrookgirl 9 4363821 January 27, 2009 Updated to include Roots, and reinsert a couple that had dropped out. FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, >>> Roots - closed Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Rhema - closed Roots - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only Tue Jan 27 18:04:39 -0800 2009 4269784 18150 PolarBear 10 4374415 January 30, 2009 Updated to include Joan Obra's column in today's "7" about the Hi-Life in Kingsburg reopening. FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, >>> Roots - closed Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Rhema - closed Roots - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only >>> Dinner Thurs-Sat Fri Jan 30 18:01:48 -0800 2009 4363821 18150 PolarBear 11 4399755 Pangea closed its doors on 2/6/09. Sun Feb 08 21:43:19 -0800 2009 4374415 154300 Lunch Critics 11 4407962 Le Roi location downtown (on Tulare) is also closed. Wed Feb 11 13:11:44 -0800 2009 4374415 26440 tavmark 11 4434390 February 19, 2009 Updated to include Lunch Critics post re closing of Pangea (beating the Fresno Fish wrap by several days) and tavmark's observation of the lights out at Le Roi (downtown Tulare St. location). Also your humble scribes heartwrenching discovery today that El Toro Cafe's doors were closed, thankfully notes on them indicate they are in the process of moving just a block north of Shields Ave on the east side into the former brick building of DiCicco's, 3430 N. Cedar (note while looking for addresses you'll see everything on the corner as being in the 4100 - 4200, which refers to E. Shields. No idea when the new opening will occur. FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) El Toro Cafe - relocating 1 block north of Shields on Cedar (E side) to former DiCiccos location (red brick bldg) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Le Roi Bakery - closed (Tualre St. downtown) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, >>> Roots - closed Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Pangea - closed Figarden Village Rhema - closed Roots - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only >>> Dinner Thurs-Sat Thu Feb 19 19:48:28 -0800 2009 4374415 18150 PolarBear 12 4436026 Gawd PB, You gave me a jolt there for a second till I read on! I wonder how they'll incorporate their bar in the new location. I didn't even realize that DiCicco's was gone. How long have they been out of business? Fri Feb 20 10:25:30 -0800 2009 4434390 249861 Jeff Avis 12 4441651 For those who don't get PB's favorite newspaper, here is a link to today's edition with a good article about Fresno restaurants trying to stay afloat. Nice and balanced take by Joan Obra. http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/1214496.html Sun Feb 22 12:09:27 -0800 2009 4434390 140436 fresnohotspot 13 4442299 I would never consider going to Ruth's Chris, but after reading the incident that Joan related at the end of the article, I will definately make it a point to actually discourage anyone else from going there as well. Sun Feb 22 16:17:41 -0800 2009 4441651 18150 PolarBear 14 4442353 Actually when I was at Ruth's a few months ago the service was very good as was the steak. We had none of the problems mentioned, we were seated in 2 minutes, service was good, etc. I've been taken to Ruth's elsewhere in the country by clients over the years, Dallas, Vegas, etc. (Clients and Ruth's, do they all share notes on where to take someone?) Had a good meal in Dallas, but the food was bad in Vegas, other cities I've been happy with it.. When I went a few months ago it was my wife's choice. She has never been in one and wanted to see what it was like. Between Ruths and Flemings I'd still tell someone to go to Ruth's. Flemings is too noisy for my taste. But we still prefer Chefs Table, Trelio, and other places around town. Sun Feb 22 16:41:06 -0800 2009 4442299 16126 FresnoFacts 12 4442310 February 22, 2009 Updated to include information on Palomino's and Richard's as reported by Joan Obra on the front page of today's papier l'pesce. FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) El Toro Cafe - relocating 1 block north of Shields on Cedar (E side) to former DiCiccos location (red brick bldg) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Le Roi Bakery - closed (Tualre St. downtown) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, >>> Roots - closed Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Palomino's - cuisine change Italian >>> Mexican (some fusion & variations) Pangea - closed Figarden Village Rhema - closed Richard's - closed Roots - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) Upstairs/Downtown (closed @ 2 years ago) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only >>> Dinner Thurs-Sat Sun Feb 22 16:22:41 -0800 2009 4434390 18150 PolarBear 13 4459312 February 27, 2009 Updated to include information on Ensenada Grill, Laurita's, and Tico's Place. FRESNO: Cafe Corazon - closed (Fulton Mall) Casa Mariana II - closed (Herndon & Cedar) El Toro Cafe - relocated 1 block north of Shields on Cedar (E side) to former DiCiccos location (red brick bldg) Ensenada Grill - closed (SW Bullard & Marks) Fahrenheit 5104 - closed, now Krua Thai (Thai Kitchen) Flamencos Tapas of Spain - closed, now catering only Folia Bros. Deli Fugazzi's - closed George's (Marks & Bullard) - closed, reopened as Elements (tapas) Karsh's Grill - catering only - reopened Wed-Sat eves Kim's Vietnamese - closed La Paella - closed Lantana - closed Laurita's Pupusas - closed now >>> Zamora Taqueria (pupusas & hamburgers) no association with Zamora's on N. Fresno St. Le Roi Bakery - closed (Champlain & Perrin) Le Roi Bakery - closed (Tualre St. downtown) Lenny's Bistro - closed Mama Lo's - closed, now Myles' Family Kitchen Marsol - events only (Maroa S of Shields) Masala Indian Cuisine - closed, >>> Roots - closed Olive Press - closed (Kern St.) Palomino's - cuisine change Italian >>> Mexican (some fusion & variations) Pangea - closed Figarden Village Rhema - closed Richard's - closed Roots - closed Rumba - closed Savannah's - closed (Kern & L Sts.) Strings - closed Sumo's Japanese Grill - closed Tau Asian Bistro - closed ( formerly Tien Ju ) Tico's Place (Colombian) - closed Toom Thai now Gem Of Thailand 66 E. Herndon Av. (NE at Blackstone) Upstairs/Downtown (closed @ 2 years ago) CLOVIS: Fugazzi's - closed Jimmie's Bakery & Cafe - closed NY Family Deli - closed KINGSBURG: Hi-Life - catering only >>> Dinner Thurs-Sat Fri Feb 27 17:39:00 -0800 2009 4442310 18150 PolarBear 12 4449124 El Toro Cafe opened in their new location Feb. 23. Stoped by briefly today to see when they would reopen . Linda (longtime waitress at El Toro) told me they had opened yesterday at 2pm. The place looks very nice. They must have been working on this transition since shortly after DiCicco's moved out in August.. I'm impressed! Tue Feb 24 16:43:37 -0800 2009 4434390 249861 Jeff Avis 13 4449266 Great news, Jeff. Thanks for sniffing that out. Tue Feb 24 17:25:06 -0800 2009 4449124 18150 PolarBear 1 4167495 Both the Fresno and Clovis locations of Fugazzis closed. I'm hearing rumors about a few other places from real estate people but will wait to see if they come true. Some landlords are renegotiating leases right now. Wed Nov 12 09:37:23 -0800 2008 4165972 16126 FresnoFacts 1 4190549 I just saw Channel 30 News announce the closure of Flamenco's Tapas of Spain (near Woodward Park). Thu Nov 20 18:22:06 -0800 2008 4165972 140436 fresnohotspot 1 4190570 Flamencos Tapas of Spain just closed. The Ortega family noted their business had fallen off 70 percent in the last few months. Thu Nov 20 18:31:37 -0800 2008 4165972 140436 fresnohotspot 2 4197230 It's a shame. I work for an accountant and we can definitely see the economic downturn for our business clients. People losing 30 40 50% of their portfolio's. It's frightening. Dining out seems to be an easy thing to eliminate. I'd have to say that we are more careful about eating out these days. I was sad to see Fugazzi's go. They had a salad there with assorted greens over a bed of pasta that was really nice. I wondered whether their business had fallen off because of the newer restaurants opening up in the expansion. Very sad. Sun Nov 23 23:48:06 -0800 2008 4190570 13924 mrsmegawatt 3 4198664 mrsmegawatt, do you know if Cracked Pepper has finished its expansion? I thought they might try to have it ready-to-go for the holidays. Mon Nov 24 13:24:22 -0800 2008 4197230 13118 Gail 4 4206693 Hi Gail. I don't know if it's finished or not. I don't think they've been working on it that long...maybe a month or so? I'll have a look next time I drive by. I'm happy to see that awful store that was next to it...gone! Fri Nov 28 09:54:13 -0800 2008 4198664 13924 mrsmegawatt 5 4206980 Me too!! Also, I think it will impove their seating situation, especially for duos. Please report back if you see/hear anything. Fri Nov 28 13:00:06 -0800 2008 4206693 13118 Gail 1 4218621 Joan Obra wrote today that Masala Indian Cuisine is closing and the space will be taken up by a new restaurant , Roots. Masala was convenient because they had a lunch buffet that allowed for quick meals. Unfortunately, their quality was hit and miss depending on what chef was working. Here is a link to the article - it also includes an interesting write up on a new seafood provider to the local farmer's markets. http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/joan-obra/story/1049360.html Wed Dec 03 16:20:55 -0800 2008 4165972 140436 fresnohotspot 1 4235490 Obra wrote today that Belana and Slates are continuing their operations under bankruptcy protection. Here is a link to the article which describes their difficulties during the economic slowdown over the last two years. http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/joan-obra/story/1065140.html Two of my family members in the local industry have told me their restaurants are "battered and getting up off their knees, still scratching and clawing." I didn't know whether to smile or cry. Wed Dec 10 09:16:06 -0800 2008 4165972 140436 fresnohotspot 2 4240129 I hope the downturn will force restaurants to look at their customer service and make improvements where that service is lacking. These days, I don't think it's enough for a server to had you a menu, take your order, drop the food off, and occasionally refill your glasses. My wife and DIL enjoy Macaroni Grill, so we splurged and ate there twice recently. Both times the server's friendliness and professionalism added positively to the experience. Both times the servers seemed glad to talk with us when we asked them how they were, their majors in college, their favorite dishes, etc. People want to feel cared for, and training staff to attend to that want costs little and encourages repeat customers. This is one reason I enjoy Trelio so much--great service that goes way beyond "How's your food?" Thu Dec 11 16:05:32 -0800 2008 4235490 99521 KenWritez 3 4240559 >>>training staff to attend to that want costs little and encourages repeat customers.<<< A very important aspect which is often lacking, Ken. The Ripe Tomato is the epitome of good food and the service you refer to. We have always enjoyed the Limelight (both locations). A family member was often the server and now they have chosen others well. The food I feel is too expensive and I see no adjustments for the times. Perhaps the established clientele doesn't care. Frankly, it just makes me mad to pay $1.50 for bleu cheese on my salad when I'm paying $17. for lunch...but I digress...sorry. Thu Dec 11 19:05:30 -0800 2008 4240129 13118 Gail 4 4241036 I've only been to the Limelight once, the venue in the Tower District (on Olive?) near Roger Rocka's, and I won't return there. The service was perfunctory, the food taste and quality below average, the ambiance wasn't much better than eating in a locker room (we were in the large rear party room) and the price ridiculously high for the quality and amount of food received. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 2. These guys are on par with Richard's, that neon-lit palace of mediocrity now deservedly out of business. Fri Dec 12 00:43:27 -0800 2008 4240559 99521 KenWritez 5 4241605 Ken, are you thinking of Livingston's, on Pine across from the post office and around the corner from Rocka's? Year's ago the Lime Lite was near Clinton and Hwy 99, but has been at the NE corner of Shaw and Palm (x from Fig Garden) for quite some time. Their service is pretty top notch, at least for our area, and they are pricey but do some things well. Fri Dec 12 08:12:38 -0800 2008 4241036 18150 PolarBear 6 4241721 My name is KenWritez and I dance the dance of crappy memory. Arrrgh! Yes, it's Livingston's, not Limelight. You are correct, sir. I apologize to all, especially the Limelight people. Fri Dec 12 08:55:09 -0800 2008 4241605 99521 KenWritez 7 4242507 Yeah Ken, you were thinking of Livingstone's in the Tower. I dance that dance too... Fri Dec 12 13:26:05 -0800 2008 4241721 13118 Gail 8 4242572 I would say that I dance that dance, too, only now I can't remember which dance we're talking about. Fri Dec 12 13:44:20 -0800 2008 4242507 16340 alanstotle 5 4242457 I'm glad to see this corrected. You may be thinking of Livingstons or maybe the Landmark, but not the Limelight. The Limelight is a really well run family business on Shaw near Palm--the owner is always there. Their food may be a throwback to the 80's, but it's properly prepared , well served, and fairly priced. Their Prime Rib is as good as any in Fresno. Fri Dec 12 13:01:35 -0800 2008 4241036 13992 FAT Traveler 4 4241592 Two close friends that have frequented the Ripe Tomato on a very regular basis over the past several decades reported having a bad experience just a week or so ago, to the point of possibly never returning. They didn't know if Rudy was in the kitchen or not and I didn't have time to get any additional details, will try to follow up ASAP. Fri Dec 12 08:07:53 -0800 2008 4240559 18150 PolarBear 5 4241781 Please follow up, PB. I'd be most interested in the specifics. We, too, have been going there since dirt. My dh has had business (group) dinners there and we have gone as a couple sooo many times without a glitch in food or service. I sure hope it was a one-time thing as I'd hate to see it go downhill. Fri Dec 12 09:16:27 -0800 2008 4241592 13118 Gail 3 4240748 I completely agree with you Ken. It seems like most Fresno restaurant servers lack in basic and respectful service. It seems like my family and I get treated worse than usual when we go out with my disabled sister (she has cerebral palsy). It can't count the number of times we were stuck in "the corner booth" across the way in a half empty restaurant. I think this is why going to the Cheesecake Factory is one of my guilty pleasures. Every time we've been there we have received nothing but great, attentive, and courteous service along with solid, decent food. Thu Dec 11 20:22:44 -0800 2008 4240129 166921 gmk1322 1 4259474 Chowhounds of Fresno - you have been recognized. Here is a nice article from Joan Obra on the changing restaurant scene. http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/joan-obra/story/1085584.html Fri Dec 19 08:52:53 -0800 2008 4165972 140436 fresnohotspot 1 4324281 Joan Obra is reporting that Roots Organic Bistro closed Christmas Eve. http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/joan-obra/story/1127507.html Tue Jan 13 21:20:41 -0800 2009 4165972 16126 FresnoFacts