There's a New Cafe in Town! Kopje Lodge, African Adventure

A special treat awaits you at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo! Friday, October 16, 2015 is the public opening of the new African Adventure and it is more than one expects! Upon finally entering the area that has been under construction for what seems like forever, one may experience an overwhelming emotion at the beauty of this fabulous exhibit!

Fresno Has Taste, as a member of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo had the opportunity to visit an early preview and is here to share info on the dining experience of the Kopje Lodge. Today's blog is full of photos about what you can expect, should you choose to dine at Fresno Chaffee Zoo's African Adventure.

The Kopje Lodge is an extremely large open air dining area, with delightful granite topped tables, an extremely high vaulted ceiling and a large fireplace at one end of the Lodge for warmth during the winter months. The whole structure is made of natural hewn wood pillars and beams. A pleasure to simply sit and enjoy one's surroundings.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy the respite of the Kopje Lodge. They may also enjoy purchasing their meal from the gorgeous cafeteria style restaurant before being seated. Here are the menus that are presented:

There are specials available too. Today's offering was a Chef's Special, Sustainable Ceviche Roll. pretty fancy! You may ask what is offered as the Soup of the Day, should you desire soup to warm your soul.

Those preparing your meal actually give the appearance of being chefs! It's an unexpected delight!

And the ambiance of the whole area is beyond one's imagination - remember, this is just a zoo! Well, maybe not anymore - this is now MORE than a zoo!

 OH! And did we mention that your pizza is actually prepared in a real Pizza Fire Oven! My, oh my! Fresno, you have outdone yourself!

We spoke of the ambiance in the food ordering area. Once you're seated in the dining area, we believe that the view and surroundings are unsurpassed in the Fresno area, and possibly can't be touched anywhere else in the entire United States - maybe even the North American continent! Have a look!

In closing, we went today, unsure of quite what to expect. So often, the press and hype of something new prepares one to be disappointed. Congratulations, Fresno and Measure Z - there was no disappointment here! You exceeded any possible imagination or expectations, and even brought tears to our eyes as we witnessed something that made us feel totally transformed to another continent and gave realization to our dreams of seeing wild animals run free.

THANK YOU, Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Measure Z for making the African Adventure a reality beyond our imagination or expectations!

Lifetime Achievement Awards - Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards - Part 4 - 2009 - 2014

Our final post of the Four Part Series - Lifetime Achievement Awards brings the years 2009 through 2014. The California Restaurant Association, Fresno Chapter has definitely honored the best of the best over all these years.

2009 - The Marscotti Family - The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar

1977 was the debut opening of the Vineyard Restaurant where Italian and American lunches and dinners, USDA Choice Steaks and seafood is served. Their menu reflects their Italian Traditions while being open to modern influences and innovations.

They are located at the junction of Hwy 145 and Hwy 99, a central location that makes the Vineyard a great meeting point for family, friends & business meetings.

Their list of awards is fabulous:

• 2014 Best Kept Secret Award
• Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009 Best of the Valley Award from the California Restaurant Association Fresno Chapter.
• Cited as one of the Central Valley's Best restaurants in Wine Spectator Magazine in the December 15, 1998 issue
• Voted Best Restaurant by the 2002 Sierra Gateway Readers' Poll.
• Featured restaurant in ght Ford Times, April, 1989.
• Named in Via AAA Traveler's Companion Magazine as one of the top dining spots in the Central Valley, March-April 2004 edition.
• Received a Diamond Rating from AAA in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
• Madera's Mayor's Office proclaimed March 1, 2010 as a day of celebration in honor of the Mariscotti family for contributions to the community.
• Named in NCSA Golf Magazine as the place to eat when golfing in the Central Valley in the Spring issue of 2008.
• Chris Mariscotti, owner of the Vineyard Restaurant, receives commendation and resolution by the California Legislature Assembly in February 2004 for outstanding service as president of the Board of Directors for the Madera Chamber of Commerce.

With a record like the above, it's a sure bet that when one dines at the Vineyard, they will be delighted with their experience!

2010 - Gary Lanfranco - Cosmopolitan Tavern & Italian Grill

The Cosmopolitan Tavern and Italian Grill is one with a rich past history and is entering a new element with new legacies to be built. 

The Cosmopolitan Tavern & Italian Grill, one of downtown's most popular restaurants is moving - to the Selland Arena parking lot, of all places!

The Cosmopolitan first opened in 1933, and is now forced to close or relocate due to the high-speed rail. Gary Lanfranco, third-generation owner, said that he's not leaving downtown, and so groundbreaking has begun in the corner area of the Selland Arena Parking lot. 

Fresno is fortunate that this long time, well-loved restaurant is stepping up to the plate and bringing it's fabulous meals to a new beginning downtown.

2011 - Rudy Liebl - The Ripe Tomato

The Ripe Tomato first opened in 1977, one of Fresno's top upscale restaurants closed it's doors on February 15, 2014. The Ripe Tomato was known as a fancy, pricey place where couples went for special dates and was frequented mostly on special occasions. Rudy Liebl, chef and owner has said that on holidays the restaurant was packed, but the rest of the year, not so much. He had decided it was time for a break as fewer people are seeking out fine dining these days.

As he was going to be 75 years old, he figured it was probably time. The Ripe Tomato - a Fresno memory for many of many very special occasions with very special dining.

2012 - George and Kathy Milutinovich - The Lime Lite

The Lime Lite first opened it's doors on Clinton Avenue in 1964. It has occupied several locations over the years and now presents fabulous food at it's current location on Shaw, just west of Palm.

We featured the Lime Lite in one of our previous blogs - 9-19-2015. Please visit that post to learn the interesting background and present day information on this fabulous piece of Fresno's Dining Establishment History!

2013 - Roger Rocka - Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater and Dan Pessano - Good Company Players

The first performance ever presented by Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater was "Gypsy" in June of 1978. Although they had worked long and hard to get ready for this grand opening, the kitchen and bar were still unfinished and they had to cater the food in. Many other parts of the theater was yet unfinished and the staff had to make do as they went along. It is quoted that "It was a mess! It was exciting! It was a smash hit!"

The theater company, Good Company Players, led by Dan Pessano began in 1973 and after 5 years, Dan and Roger joined forces.

There are six musical comedies each year at Roger Rocka's. Chef Eric DeGroot and his staff consistently produce a fabulous menu - whether it be for the served dinner or for the buffet at each show. Sometimes the meals will be a reflection of some part of the shows. 

So many in the Fresno area love Roger Rocka's and the Good Company players. Watch their website for upcoming presentations and take an evening to enjoy fabulous local entertainment and delectable dining in the Tower District of Fresno.

2014 - Erna Kubin-Clanin - Erna's Elderberry House

The story of Erna Kubin-Clanin and Erna's Elderberry House is a fabulous story of a woman with a dream and the drive to see it to fruition. 

Erna was born in Vienna, Austria and attended the Academy of Fine Arts, majoring in Theatre design. At the age of 20, she was granted an art scholarship to the New York Academy of Art in Manhattan. This is what brought her to the United States. Subsequently, she completed her studies at UCLA.

She opened her first restaurant, Scorpio's, in Westwood, LA. Eight years there of hard work and success, then Erna decided to relocate to the Sierras. There she leased the Redwood Inn which was next to the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park. There she offered five-course dining with  a blend of European and nouvelle cuisines. Her lease with the Redwood Inn was not renewable, so in 1983, Erna purchased property right in Oakhurst, CA and built Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant.

The Elderberry House was named for all the elderberry bushes that graced the property where Erna built her fabulous restaurant. Keep in mind that such a rural location is rare for such fine and sophisticated food such as Erna presented. 

In 1987 one of the world's most respected critics visited the Elderberry House. Craig Claiborne spent three days there, then wrote his review which you can see here: 

http://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/08/garden/erna-s-food-and-a-view-in-the-sierras.html?pagewanted=all

The review put Erna's on the map, and soon, "foodies" from all over the world were traveling to visit Erna's Restaurant. That created another problem. There weren't enough hotels to handle the throng of people flocking to Erna's. Sure, there were some motels and such, or availability at Yosemite, but this wasn't fitting the need. Erna decided to meet that need and to build the Chateau du Sureau. Six years of working through a variety of lenders, backers and builders when eventually a builder, Gary Browns and Erna had plans in place. Finally after many efforts at designing, redesigning, redrawing, etc, as well as many sleepless nights, the first guests were greeted in May of 1991.

As demand increased, Erna enlarged the Chateau to 2000 square feet, and finally in November of 2005, Erna opened the Spa du Sureau.

Such a fabulous history and a fabulous venue for a dinner and stay at a fine hotel - right here - less than an hour from our own homes. It's something that many of us should put on our bucket list. It's definitely on mine!

Part 3 - 2003 to 2008 Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards, Lifetime Achievements

Our third in the series of the California Restaurant Association, Fresno Chapter Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards covers the years 2003 to 2008.

2003 - Nicola "Nick" Troiani - Nicola's

Nicola Troiani's Nicola's Restaurant in Fresno was well respected for 20 years. He also had a restaurant in San Francisco called O' Sole Mio. He was born in 1929 and passed away in December of 2005.

2004 - Don Saladino - Saladino's

Don Saladino's father owned a grocery Store in Fresno back in 1944. Don worked in the meat department of that grocery store. Between his meat packing experience and the family recipes from the Calabrese region in Italy, Don formed the Saladino's Sausage Company, initially distributing sausage products to local grocery stores. In 1980, Don's son, Craig Saladino,joined the business and they expanded their products to include a wider variety of sausage and meat products, and began distributing to local pizzerias and restaurants.

Craig Saladino is now President of Saladino's Incorporated. They are now in a new state-of-the-art distribution facility in Fresno, CA. Don Saladino's Motto, "Never forget where you came from," is evident in every aspect of Saladino's business practices, which has always considered its number-one priority to be customer service.

2005 - Richard Stockle - Richard's Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant

Originally, when Richard Stockle opened his Richard's Prime Rib & Seafood Restaurant on Belmont, he planned for  a beer bar, a couple of pool tables and a little gaming on the side. That was in the summer of 1969. Expenses grew during opening preparations, so Richard scratched the original plans and reworked the plans for a restaurant. It didn't take long for the restaurant to become a local hotspot for its juicy steaks and fresh seafood.

In July of 2005, 36 years since the original opening, Richard sold the restaurant. It didn't take but a few years til Richard had it back. The previous owner had defaulted on payments and when Richard re-assumed the role of owner, he found the place in a total shambles. Richard's Restaurant required a complete renovation and when the Stockle family was finished, it was much better than in the beginning. 

Richard's is still a family-run restaurant to this day. Richard's grandson Ben now serves as the restaurant's general manager, and his father and aunt sit on the board of directors. To this day, Richards remains constant with great food, a great atmosphere and a great staff that welcomes its guests as family.

2006 - The Castillo Family - Castillo's

Unfortunately, at the time we searched for any background on Castillo's on line, we were unable to locate any information or photos. Should we become fruitful in our endeavors, or if anybody out there has any information, please let us know. We will update with any info that comes available.

2007 - Vito Guido - Elbow Room

It was 1955 and it was the first year that the Elbow Room was open in Fresno. From day one, they've been serving a fantastic steak sandwich and it's still the number one item on the menu today.

It was hard to dig up much information on Vito Guido on the internet, but we did find some information on Mary "Lee" Rider, who became Vito's beloved wife, Mary "Lee" Guido. She and Guido married on July 25, 1969. In 1971, they purchased The Elbow Room. In talking with one old timer, we learned that Guido wasn't a large fellow, but his charisma was definitely dominating when he walked into a room. This old-timer recalls going into the Elbow Room in Downtown Fresno and always finding something great to eat. He recalls that it could have been a taco, or a sandwich or just about anything, but that it was always definitely good!

Lee and Vito retired in 1981 and moved to Cayucos, CA. 

We haven't been able to located the date of the move of the Elbow Room to the location at Palm and Shaw. We do know, though, that the Elbow Room did a fabulous business at that location for many years. Eventually, The Elbow Room moved to it's present location in the Fig Garden Shopping Center - in the restaurant which was once known as Borelli's. 

The Elbow Room, completely remodeled in 2013 now has three uniquely designed banquet rooms and is a favorite dining location for many Fresnans. Mike Shirinian, present owner says it's their artisan approach to comfort food that's the real secret to the success of the nearly six decade-old California icon.

Chef Roy Harland invites you to experience the amazing flavors in their fresh seafood and exceptional steaks. The Elbow Room has both eyes on the future while retaining an important link to its historic past - where everything old is new again.

2008 - Sam & Angela Marziliano - Sam's Italian Deli & Market

What a fabulous legend Sam's Italian Deli is for the Fresno area. Please stop by our previous post from September 23 to learn more about this fabulous Fresno icon. 

Don't for a minute think that Sam's Italian Deli is resting and basking in it's long-term history, they are moving it and shaking it, keeping up with today's demands and culinary desires.

Stop by Sam's soon to see what's moving and shaking there! You'll not be disappointed!

Be sure to stop by our blog tomorrow to learn the history of the 2009 through 2014 Award Winners. We have a lot more history to share! See you then!

Part 2 - 1997 to 2002 - California Restaurant Association - Lifetime Achievement Awards

Welcome to Part 2 of the CRA's Lifetime Achievement Awards, 1997 to 2002. It's pretty certain that as you enjoy the information on these fine restauranteurs, many memories will come to mind!

1997 - Emilio Canales - Casa Canales

A search on the internet revealed very little about Emilio Canales or the well-known restaurant, Casa Canales. What we did learn was that Joe Canales started the family business on F Street in 1928. That was 87 years ago and at that time it was the first tortilla factory and one of the few Mexican restaurants in Fresno.

Joe's son, Emilio, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 opened Casa Canales on Olive in 1953. In 1962 he relocated it to 3110 N. Maroa.

In 1978, Emilio sold Casa Canales. There's been some talk that many wanted to know what the family's  recipes were. Apparently their salad dressing was quite the rage; even  a 1970 Fresno Bee story spoke of some clues as to the ingredients of the dressing.

Peter Canales, Emilio's brother, had been the chef for the restaurant. He explained that it took him three years to perfect the dressing. Peter is quoted as saying, "It has condiments that go into both Caesar and Roquefort dressings. The secret was in making a tart mayonnaise and balancing the dressing with the correct amounts of anchovies and garlic. The effect was to bring out the features of both Caesar and Roquefort in one blend."

Should any of our readers have any further information or memories regarding Casa Canales, please feel free to share in the comments below.

1998 - The DiCicco Family - DiCicco's Family Restaurants

The original DiCicco's Italian Restaurant was opened on April 12, 1956 by Mamma and Papa DiCicco and their four sons. Every morning, Papa would go in early as he baked bread, made spaghetti sauce and minestrone soup - all from scratch.

Some of the Fresno locals have heard of the "Four Sons of Italy". Those four sons were the four young brothers, Nicola, Alberto, Frank and Roberto. Between the four of them, they would open the doors to the restaurant seven days a week. Dicico's rapidly became know as the place to go for great Italian food, fun and atmosphere. The four sons helped to develop this reputation by working together, singing songs and tossing pizzas in the air.

They owned a 1956 Ford Panel Truck which they drove to and from work, they also used this truck as their first pizza delivery vehicle. Still to this day, Dicicco's delivers a full menu of their fabulous Italian food - 7 days a week - to homes and offices. Today there are 19 DiCicco's locations in California with 12 of them in Fresno.

1999 - Charlie Chitchjian - Mars Drive-In, Charlie's

While researching Charlie Chitchjian and his restaurants, Mars Drive-In and Charlie's, one word continued to stand out. That word was "cruising". Those from the 50's, 60's and 70's all have fond memories of cruising Belmont. They talk of Mars Drive-In along with others: Port George, Royale, Bob's Drive-In, Moon Glo and some mention of the car-wash across from Mars. Upon further investigation, we learned that those going to the car-wash to hang out went there because they weren't buying food, but could still see the cruisers on Belmont.

Such were the days. We also learned that in 2007, at the age of 85, Charlie Chitchjian was the membership director of the Fresno Convention & Visitors Bureau. He was once quoted as saying, "You retire, you expire."

2000 - Chic Brooks - Dynaco, Perko's Cafe & Grill, Country Waffles

We all have our passions and our hobbies. While researching Chic Brooks and information on Dynaco and their various restaurants, more information was learned on Chic Brooks' hobby. From the clues found, we are fairly certain that Chic Brooks has had quite an impact on the Racing Pigeon sport. He is noted for the Poly Breeding Program and all fingers point to his large involvement in Hapyco Lofts.

As to the history of Dynaco and the various restaurants, we found it difficult to uncover much other than a few paragraphs on Country Waffles. Most native Fresnans are familiar with all of the Brooks restaurants. Many also recently with the new chain, Huckleberry's. All of these restaurants bring good ol' home cooking, plenty of it and great service to go with it.

2001 - Sal Salazar - Sal's Mexican Restaurant

Sal was born on September 16, (Mexican Independence Day), 1935. By the summer of 1942, seventeen years later, Sal found himself picking peaches for 35 cents an hour. Sal loved good food and had many loyal friends. One hot day, Sal had had enough, climbed down from his ladder, threw his basket on the ground and vowed, "I have picked my last Elberta." (Note the peach in the above Sal's ad).

Sal's desire was to sell tacos and other Mexican food to the local farm workers. Sal was quite the entrepreneur, finding an old man who had wood that he had planned on using to build a chicken coop. The man had grown too old, so Sal offered the then large sum of $25.00 for that wood. From that, he built his very first "Sal's". His mom and dad, Jose Maria and Antonia gave him a helping hand.

It wasn't long before their hard work, great food and superb service  grew that small taco shed into the very popular family restaurant, Sal's Place. Their reputation drew people from miles around. To this day their reputation lives on in three locations, one in Selma, one in Fresno and one in Madera.

Sal left this world on yet another Mexican Holiday, Cinco de Mayo, 1980. His legend still lives on while his daughter, Lorraine and son, Karl carry on the tradition in the aforementioned local restaurants.

2002 - Barbara Lew - Loy Loy Chinese

Our research on this Fresno icon was next to futile. The only history that we could find was that Barbara Lew passed away on March 1, 2004 at the age of 74.

Personal memories, though, are still alive. Memories of the evening meals and the fabulous Chinese Smorgy. The food was great and plentiful. A favorite of mine was the breaded, deep fried oysters. Oh, for a visit to Loy Loy's today - good times with friends who have passed on. Such great memories.

Stay tuned, tomorrow brings yet another six years of the Fresno Great Lifetime Achievement Awards of the Best of the Valley Restaurants. 

California Restaurant Assn, Fresno Chapter - 24 Years of Awards - Part 1

What a treat we have for you in our 4 Part Series

Fresno's Lifetime Achievement Awards

Best of the Valley Restaurants -1991 to 2014

We recently visited with Roman Cotta of Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center. Roman Cotta is past President of the California Restaurant Association, Fresno Chapter. He was kind enough to share with us the list of the Past 24 year Lifetime Achievement Awards for the Best of the Valley Restaurants.

Many of you have seen these plates hanging on the walls of a few local restaurants. Pictured below is the award for the Vineyard Restaurant and The Mariscotti Family in 2009. The Vineyard will be one of our upcoming features in this series.

1991 - Marie Vallis, Vallis Restaurant, Kingsburg

Today's list of featured restaurants and restauranteurs begins with Marie Vallis of the Vallis Restaurant in Kingsburg. Our research on the web provided only a tad bit of information and digging for a photo only provided us with the one above of Jonathon's Restaurant which followed after the close of Vallis. Jonathon's is also closed now and our research shows that it has been replaced with an Armenian restaurant called the Hye Life. Marie Vallis and her youngest son have passed away and we understand that her oldest son is an attorney still practicing in his office next door to the restaurant. 

NOTE: We are unsure of the validity of the information here and in the remainder of the stories in today and tomorrow's report. We are simply reporting information we have been able to locate on the internet. Please feel free to advise of corrections or information that you might have.

1992 - Elmo Del Bianco - Lucca's Restaurant, Madera, CA

The only information we were able to locate is that Victoria and Sirio Del Bianco became co-owners with Elmo and Anna Del Bianco of Lucca's Restaurant in Madera shortly after WWII. Lucca's Restaurant originally began in 1935, started by Sirio and Elmo's parents, Georgio and Lela Del Bianco. This information was gleaned from Victoria Del Bianco's obituary after she passed away on May 6, 2015. There is no working phone number for Lucca's in Madera that we could find.

1993 - Tom Ferdinandi, Sr. & Jim DeMera - Me-N-Ed's Pizzerias

Please see our blog on Me-N-Ed's dated 9-21-15.

1994 - Albert Pardini - Pardini's Restaurant, Fresno

The year was 1958 and Al Pardini was a young restauranteur, just new to Fresno. He had a passion for serving fine food, bringing a quality product and a customer-focused mentality.

The name Jim Pardini is familiar to all of us, as he continued with his father's values since 1981. And in recent years, Jim's two sons have entered the business, now three generations of fine food for the Fresno area!

Many of us will remember the fine dining at the old Pardini's Restaurant, fabulous steaks and seafood. It was at Pardini's where I was first introduced to one of my favorites, escargot! Yes, I'm telling my age, and I remember many evenings enjoying the music of Jim Lyons and socializing with the young crowd in the Pardini's Bar.

How many of you remember Jim Lyons first album that he produced back in those days? He's still performing regularly in Fresno today! But we're getting off the subject here.

1995 - Arthur Bender - McDonald's

What a story Arthur Bender has! Many claim that the first ever McDonald's restaurant was the one at Shields and Blackstone. In fact, the first ever McDonald's was opened in San Bernardino, California in 1948 by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. The Art Bender who received the Best of the Valley Restaurant award in 1995 was there in San Bernardino in the very beginning! With just a little research on the internet, you'll find an interview with Art Bender that will give you in-depth background.

So, you ask, what't the deal with Fresno if he is from San Bernardino? As Art had been working with the McDonald brothers from the start,  once they started opening franchises, they sent Art to Phoenix, then back to California to open a store in Azusa, then one in Pomona. While Art was in Azusa, Ray Kroc became involved. That's when Art came to Fresno and in the long run opened 7 stores here. In 1980, he sold them all back to the corporation.

As far as we can learn through our research, Art now resides in Carmel and enjoys music; playing banjo, mandolin and a keyboard. He enjoys his loving wife and loving children and spends time walking around the Carmel area.

1996 - Joseph Desmond - Hart's, Uncle John's, Wendy's and KFC

Joseph Desmond, owner of JEM Management Corporation and  22 Wendy's restaurants, 15 KFC outlets and a 1,500 acre walnut farm left an amazing legacy when he passed away August 19, 2007.

Joseph was born in 1920 in New York City. His father passed away when he was 5 years old. Due to the Recession, Joseph grew up quickly. He graduated from high school at the age or 15 and joined the work force when his family moved to San Francisco.When he worked at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, he moved from dishwasher to dining room steward in just one day! As he grew older he married Edna Henbury and together they had two daughters. In 1942, Joseph went into WWII with the Marine Corps and fought at Guadalcanal and other sites in the South Pacific. He was wounded and discharged with an Honorable Discharge.

Eventually, in 1948, he became the manager of Hart's Restaurant in Fresno. He and Edna purchased Hart's in the mid 1950's, selling it in the 1960's.

With his ability as an entrepreneur and having a great sense of what the future was to bring, he risked moving to north Blackstone in 1959 where he opened Uncle John's Pancake House. Talk about a keen sense for the future, he was one of the first ever ten franchisees with KFC and the first franchise owner west of the Mississippi with Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers. Joseph earned a multitude of awards from many associations in Fresno. He earned the Wendy's Dave Thomas Award in 1990. A Google search on  Joseph Desmond will give you much more detail on this forward-thinking successful restauranteur in the Fresno Area.

Stop by soon to learn of more dynamic restaurants and restauranteurs from Fresno's past!