I only know a few of you that might even be in East Hampton, NY, during any part of your life.
If you are there, be sure to try Fresno.
Veteran East End restaurateur David Loewenberg has teamed up with Michael Nolan and opened Fresno located on the outskirts of the village of East Hampton. The executive chef is Gretchen Menser who since 1992 has worked in such East Hampton restaurants as Nick & Toni’s, Rowdy Hall and most recently, the 1770 House. Menser cooks with a European sensibility, keeping flavors exciting and clean and working with as local a product as possible. This philosophy aligns with Fresno’s tradition to offer a spectrum of new American fare and local bounty emphasizing simple yet sophisticated preparation. The dining area has a long banquette and zinc-topped bar while outside, on the terrace, revelers will find an outdoor fountain. Fresno seats 75, and is open seven days a week.
Nolan was once the owner and general manager of the Miracle Bar & Grill in New York City, the restaurant where celebrity chef, Bobby Flay, got his start. Loewenberg, widely regarded as one of the East End’s top restaurateurs, is co-owner of red/bar brasserie in Southampton and sole-owner of The Beacon in Sag Harbor, two long-standing and popular East End restaurants.
Why am I talking about a restaurant in East Hampton, NY?
Because Fresno is my home town, and where I currently live.
I was painting a bit when I was was watching IFC. That cute character actor, Bob Balaban ( Yes, I have a nerd thing) mentioned FRESNO as a favorite restaurant. I had to rewind, a beat, and yes, he said FRESNO.
If you know Fresno, in California, you would know the reputation for a confused, conservative, wildly liberal , mess of a city. The fight against the urban sprawl, the influence of the big box churches and homelessness makes you want to run away. The biggest mention, of late, was in a Michael Moore film. Our Mayor is Alan Autry, or BUBBA from In the Heat of the Night.
We are usually the butt of jokes in TV sitcoms, too. Thanks TV. ( you know who you are).
Oh forget all of that. Lets see what Fresno has to offer.
You can have a delish dinner of FRESNO CATAPLANA W/ LOCAL LITTLENECK CLAMS, SHRIMP, MUSSELS & FLUKE IN A SPICY TOMATO BROTHW/ GRILLED CROSTINI & SAFFRON ROUILLE for $29,
or
a FRESNO BURGER* W/ LETTUCE, TOMATO, RED ONION & POMMES FRITES for $17, you know its more up your alley. Something about French Fries, being written in French, makes you want to pay that extra $10. They could at least say its a Kobe blend burger.
We dont have local littleneck clams. If we did, they would be found in an irrigation canal, which do hold crawdads. Weehaw.
The funny thing about East Hampton's Fresno, is that most of my Fresno wouldnt even bother to set foot inside of it, then bitch about the lack of good restaurants, when it went under. Yet, put up a Chick-fil-a and they will line up for days.
Thanks Fresno.
